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.
Just shy of a month ago, we had snow on the ground. I was worried about how the budding trees and plants would fare, but the mulberry tree, at least, is looking none the worse for wear: it’s full of green berries!
Continue reading “Foraged: Mulberries This Year?”
Temperatures have been bouncing up and down here, and the last vestiges of snow have been shrinking from the approaching sun. This tiny pile of ice crystals was in a shaded alcove on the exterior of the chicken coop, looking as though it was doing its best to hide. Unfortunately, I don’t think it was successful.
We’re surrounded by the incredible beauty – arguably, mundane beauty – of wildflowers. Some belong to what we call “weeds” (undeservedly pejorative), but each has its charm, value, and/or use. While I truly do appreciate their aesthetic appeal, I also appreciate the range of wines that can be made from the edible flowers: some delicate, some bold, and all unique.
Continue reading “Winecraft: Working Wildflowers”
When seeking beauty, truth – and sadness – are often companions. While it’s a beautifully crisp fall day here, seemingly “normal”, the image of this leaf stirred feelings of deep sadness at the plight of the Earth…our Mother. She suffers, as others seek only to enrich themselves, plundering our home for their own selfish benefit. These bad actors have deliberately misled the public, pretending that the environmental nightmare known as plastic can actually be recycled, distracting people from the fact that the human-caused extinction of many animals continues and that climate change, with its many and devastating impacts, isn’t actually happening…and more. Wake up, people! Question what you’re hearing/reading/being told and seek information from many sources…our collective lives depend on it.
It’s a delightfully cool day here, with a playful breeze that rustles the leaves in the trees, making it sound – especially when you’re standing below – like breathy whispers. If only I could understand what they’re saying…but it’s a private conversation.
If you believe in the interconnectedness of living beings, it shouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that the trees know that their kind are burning…now on the west coast, earlier in Australia, and ongoing in the Amazon. What must they think of us?
Did you know that it’s estimated that nearly 3 billion animals were killed or displaced because of the Australian bush fires? It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss, and it will have lasting impacts – from the Reuters article, “researchers said the destruction will see some species become extinct before their existence is even recorded.” 😢
The sun hasn’t looked normal here for the past couple of days. While the forecast is for sunny skies, it appears overcast and the sun has glowed a pinkish-orange hue – like daylight harvest moon. It’s clear that the smoke from raging wildfires in the West has drifted here, 2,000+ miles away.
Continue reading “Haiku: Drifting Smoke”