Mid-Winter Break

My youngest and I are taking a mid-winter break at an indoor water park.

...... why it's indoors only...

Well at least our frozen food is keeping
quite well.......

Lot of interesting rides, most I'll even go on.  I do prefer the more smooth rides in my old age though - ok- middle age. This one is fun, nice and smooth and you don't get water all in your face.  Yes, I'm old when it comes to rides.  Oh, and the tube doesn't turn around.  I found out on a different ride, I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, do NOT like going down backwards.

They have an extra long lazy river here.  My daughter has decided to re-name the lazy river to Jungle River.  We are being lazy and floating around, but occasional we have to get out of the way for those who think it's a speedy way.  

Our favorite are the two indoor/outdoor hot tubs though.  It's pretty cool being in a hot tub while getting snowed on, especially at night.  It seems to be snowing or flurries every time we have gone in, much to my daughters delight.   

My son, who is back home, was kind enough to send us a video of our new puppy and my daughter's kitten playing together.  I think she misses her kitten, so it was nice to see him having fun with the new puppy.

Okay folks, don't forget to take your own mid-winter break, cheers .....

Introducing Nina the newest member of our homestead.

She is our little sweetheart Border Collie.  She is my husband's dog. He had one as a kid and has wanted one ever since.  Seeing how he let me have 3 Shelties first, I figured it was his turn.

.....and of course I couldn't stop taking pictures ..... enjoy


Long ride home.....

Food is good here, love my new bowl.

Sky "They're called chickens"

Checking out one of my future jobs.

I found a great hiding place.

 "You're a funny looking dog."  Actually I'm a kitten, lets be friends."  "O.K."

This stuff is called "grass" and you have how much of it??  I think I'm going to love it here.

Turkey Time

It's turkey time.  Normally said in the lateness of November, but that's not the only time around here.  Take a look at our 4 little baby turkey chicks.  

Two will be going to the 4-H fair the first part of July. Two will be dinner for us, assuming they all make it. They are babies and fragile at this point.  Much care is needed.  For example, they love hanging out in the red-light district.

"Baby it's hot in here."







They will need feed and water and you must clean their area every day at this age, or else.  They poop a lot.  I know you were wondering, you're welcome. 

Keeping it real folks, it's only their temporary home and they

 were only in there for an hour before I took this picture.

 They poop a lot.  Did I already say that?  Well, they do.

 So it does help keeping them in a smaller space for now,

  and it's helps the heat lamp do it's job.

This is the first time doing turkeys for us, should be exciting. 

BTW:  How can something that tiny make that loud of a noise?

P.S.  They are pretty cute right now aren't they?

Take Two

Lets try this again.  Obviously the first go around at blogging didn't take.  I've decided to give it another shot.  First you'll notice I've modified the title to be more descriptive of what you might expect to see here.  So the first thing we must discuss is what is a homestead.  First and foremost, a homestead is a life style.

It about growing your own food...

As much of it as you can....

          For eggs:
                       


For meat....

(the pigs not the dog)

For storage....

Baking and cooking from scratch .......  

Outside with cast iron over an open wood fire pit,

               ....in all kinds of weather

4-H fun  

 

competing 

volunteering

winning

Animals......

 

Even chickens can be pets

Homeschooling outside when the sun is shinning,

and camping in your yard.

Chores never ending no matter the cold....

and always building or planning the next project

just a little chicken palace

So what is the difference between homesteading and farming?  Glad you asked.  For me, homesteaders have a job elsewhere.  For us that's my husband who works full time + building up his solar company.  Farmers, well .... that is their full time job.  One day we would love to be farmers, but until then, join us on our journey as we build up our homestead.  What will we add next? Stay tuned.

The March Lion Cometh

Last day in March and it's not only going out like a lion, he brought a few friends.

You can tell it's a heavy snow by the pine trees weighted down.

Go chase that Lion away Sky!

I've seen enough...... I'm going back in.

Getting My Hands Dirty

Did you know gardening is therapeutic?  That's what the experts say. 

 I will have to agree.

I planted one big planter last week and have a few things up.

Their so cute!!

Yesterday the rest of my seeds came in the mail so I got busy playing in the dirt;

 .....and of course I soon found out I will need another big planter .  

I was able to find some organic seeds at Meijer, but the rest I had to order from Gardens Alive and The Sustainable Seed Company.  If you have trouble finding all organic, try heirloom seeds.

Important: use organic dirt! 

 Elise looked at me like I was crazy, but my dear, not all dirt is organic.

I used a toothpick to get the little seeds down.

  These were not the littlest.

....and a medicine cup for watering ..... use what you got.

Make sure to use water from the outside faucet if you have a water softener like we do.

 You may like a little salt on your veggies, but you're veggies, do not.

and now we wait.........

that and get another planter to finish this project up.