Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
Do you like Concord grapes? I do…they remind me of being a kid and picking them from the old vines that grew in my backyard. The plump globes burst when bitten into, the skin slightly tart but balanced by the delightful sweetness of the flesh inside. Concord grapes evoke memories of summer, even when it’s not…and a wine that could capture the flavor would have to be amazing!
It may be difficult to believe, but the pineapple peel wine is ready…and nearly a month has gone by. And one of the most fun aspects of winemaking is sampling your creation!
The older two goslings are now 7 weeks old, and the younger group of four is 5 weeks old. The older goslings have replaced most of their yellow baby down with snow-white feathers, including wing feathers! The younger ones still look downy, but their wings are longer and less “stub”-like, and their legs have elongated to the point that they look a bit gawky…especially when they run.
Continue reading “Growing Goslings: Real Feathers and Big Feet”
There seem to be new flowers blooming daily – we usually catch the first hint of scent wafting over to us during morning chores. With the hot, sticky weather we’ve been having, the fragrance may even hang over an area like a perfumed cloud, like it did with the black locust flowers. Anything that smells that great merits further investigation!
Continue reading “Farm Foraging: Black Locust Flower Syrup & Infused Oil”
It’s looking very lush and verdant here, thanks to the heat, humidity, and periodic precipitation. Everything is green, the pastures are growing before our eyes, and plants are blooming. While not every bloom smells appealing, most of them are wonderful…and some are surprising! Continue reading “Flowers Everywhere: Blooms Around The Farm”
The bumper crop of dandelions on the farm has inspired me to look for new ways to use these delicious and nutritious gems. My most recent find was a recipe from Mother Earth News (by Roger Phillips, April 2015) for dandelion beer. In his article, the author provides some interesting history behind the drink: it was apparently a very popular brew among iron foundry and pottery workers in England. No tiny paper umbrella with this one!
Continue reading “More Dandelion Delights: Refreshing Herbal Beer”