The largest sunflower, a volunteer that defiantly sprouted from a seed that the chickens either missed or couldn’t reach because it bounced outside their run, has reached the point where it’s ready for harvest. While I’m always delighted to find these kinds of volunteers, I also discovered a surprise growing amidst the other sunflowers that I had intentionally planted. What kind of surprise? Read on to find out.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: A Small Harvest…And A Surprise”Category: Homesteading / Farming
Around The Farm: First Day Of Fall
The Autumnal Equinox occurs today in the Northern Hemisphere. And it’s raining. It’s been raining for the past couple of days, and I’m not going to even pretend that it’s not a bit…dreary. The oppressive gray clouds, thick and unrelenting, filter the sunlight so that it’s unusually dark, even during the day. In spite of the inclement conditions though, beauty is just waiting to be found.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: First Day Of Fall”Poultry Tales: The Magic Of Optimism (Lavender Ameraucana Hatch #1)
When you artificially incubate eggs as often as I do, you understand that bad things can happen. That’s why I think of hatching as bittersweet: the joy brought by new hatchlings is tempered by the sadness of those that die or have problems that may adversely impact their quality of life. Despite the inevitable lows, I find that there will be experiences that profoundly affect me, and that keep me going…like the immense strength in a tiny chick’s will to live.
Continue reading “Poultry Tales: The Magic Of Optimism (Lavender Ameraucana Hatch #1)”Winecraft: Honeysuckle Mead (Metheglin)
On hot summer days, the fragrance of honeysuckle fills the air, reminding me that it’s time to get out in the midday heat – when the blooms are at their peak – and harvest enough for wine. While I made wine, I also decided to try making a honeysuckle mead (metheglin). I’m pleased to say that it came out so good, I’m planning to make it every season!
Continue reading “Winecraft: Honeysuckle Mead (Metheglin)”Podcast: Pasturing Geese & Ducks
Like podcasts? Check out the podcast I did recently on pasturing waterfowl with Mother Earth News and Friends editor Jessica Mitchell. It was a lot of fun to do and I hope you enjoy it!
Musings: Reality Check – Small Farming As A Living (Long Read)
I recently saw a post from an individual who was looking for information about starting a small farm, with the intent of “making a living” off it. Ah, dreams are grand (and we should all have them) but the reality is that it is very difficult to make money running a small farm…for a number of reasons.
Continue reading “Musings: Reality Check – Small Farming As A Living (Long Read)”