Rambling: The Overly Affectionate Dog

The other day I read an article about a woman who was dropping her dog off at the animal shelter because he 'constantly wanted to be near her'. Yes, you read that right. Pet owner, dog shelter- reason given: overly affectionate. I was dumbfounded. Was affection not the reason most of us take in a dog?

Admittedly, the livestock on my homestead live here for a purpose. They provide a purpose, meet a need, or serve as protection: goats are milk and meat, poultry are meat and eggs, while the donkey is the herd keeper and the puppy (Ben) is guardian. Despite how cold this may sound, they also serve as companions, comedians, and comfort- distractions from the world around me. Never has one of them been sent away or put down because of their affection.

This article came across my news feed shortly after my own Ben was attacked in our own property by two aggressive pit bulls. In reality, my dog's 'affection' for us nearly cost him his life; he was protecting us because he loves us.

Before we jump to condemn this woman, let us consider her lack of understanding. True- a dog can be inconvenient when they jump on your cleanly pressed work clothes; when you trip over them every time you turn around in the kitchen- or when they bark at the 'shady intentions' of every leaf in the yard. Did she not realize that, in turn, the dog's affection also meant his loyal protection? He would, most likely, defend her against any unsavory intruder (human or otherwise)? Warn her of danger- natural or devised (snakes? coons? even a 'dark personality')?

The take away from all this rambling? Animals of any type are a responsibility we must consider before we bring them home; sometimes people just don't know how to handle them; and, finally, if we put the work into them, the benefits out weigh the irritation.

Now if you will excuse me, my giant lug and I have a snuggle routine to complete before bedtime rounds start. 

Poultry Apocalypse 2015

Every year chicks are ordered. They arrive fairly unscathed despite their journey. This year, unfortunately, that was not so. It seems this is the year of the poultry apocalypse and it isn't pretty.

Admittedly, my order was placed a little later than normal. The busy-ness of our home has me running a bit behind tradition. The confirmation came stating our chicks were shipped, but the pick up call did not. Four days passed before we received a late night call, after postal hours, that the chicks were in. By morning the results were dreadful. Nearly half our birds were DOA. Those that remained didn't last long.

Contact with our hatchery confirmed the error had occurred in transit; the birds seem to have sat in shipping between there place and ours. Rising temperatures and enclosed trucks led them to their fate. Graciously our hatchery re-ordered.

Confirmation came, but the call did not. Again, though one day earlier than the last, our birds were still not here until three days past their scheduled pick up. Again, the results were fatal. With dread and remorse I contacted the hatchery seeking a solution to the mix up. They were on top of the error and eager to resolve as well. Bless them.

As of right now, half the birds we anticipated are alive and seem to be holding their own. We decided to accept credit to the account and not attempt further shipments right now. The hatchery is working to reach out to the postal offices regarding care of live animal transports. It has been a tough season, but it is a blessing to work with a wonderful company.

A few lessons learned:

*stay on top of the anticipated arrival date- it would not have helped this time, since the birds truly were not arriving on time- it does help you prepare

*be open and honest with the post office and your hatchery- both sets of employees were helpful and ready to answer questions.

*know your hatchery- we have a long excellent history with our hatchery and it really helped during this mess.

*accept what you can not change and move on- I hate losing them, but I can't fix it. Focusing on what is truly helps.

*be ready for disaster- have electrolytes, incubators, isolation areas, and even a hair dryer available for emergencies.

The hatchery we have used for many of our homesteading years is Murray McMurray Hatchery; excellent company with very considerate and helpful staff. I highly recommend them.
 

Spring Promise- Daffodils are Here!

It is miserably cold outside. Like the rest of you, I am bundled in my layers with a steaming cup of hot tea. Just when it seemed the dreary gray of winter might be here for good a sign of hope appeared. Daffodils.

I planted these bulbs years ago- so long ago, I no longer remember when. They border the daylilies which bloom much later- and are right near the summer gardenia bush. Just in front of a small pasture, used only in early summer, and right near my son's parking spot- these little beauties are a bit out of sight unless you are purposely going there.

Today I was walking after chores, trying to get some fresh air, when these sweet little sunny faces seemed to just pop right out at me. Cheerful and bright, they seemed to shout- don't worry, spring is almost here!

I picked a few to brighten my desk. Just as the day started to end a small glimmer of light peeked through the clouds; perfect timing for a picture.

Today I will savor the daffodils and the promise they bring- spring is almost here!

Meet the Truffle Chickens

 

We have a few new arrivals on the farm. They arrived in much warmer weather than this (just saying). Let me introduce you to "the truffles".

All the way from Tomball, Texas, a little band of fluffy misfit cochin banties traveled- arriving at the Scaife Family Farm. These little bundles of fluff and feather now reside in brooder pasture with Lucy the goose and the family of ducks. Unlike our regular flock, they serve no great purpose other than entertainment (and a few tiny novelty eggs).



Miss K visited the new flock; treat in hand (if you look closely you can see the bread crumb in her grasp). Can you read the skepticism in her face? Those are chickens? I am still not sure she believes me.

Either way, they are here to stay. Awkward and unusual, these little puff balls are my mother's favorite afternoon entertainment. I have to admit, they are kind of growing on me, too.

So, join me in welcoming some new and odd members to the farm flock- the truffle chickens.

We Say Goodbye

     It has been a long, trying week and weekend. Without much warning, and without obvious reason our dear Hadassah has passed on. Low activity and an upset tummy are all we have to go on; she was alert and responsive seeming only to be rather slow moving. We awoke Sunday morning to realize she was gone- looking only as if she had gone to sleep.
     Good dogs are hard to come by; she was a good dog and a great blessing. Herding, catching, protecting and befriending, Hadassah will be terribly missed and equally hard to replace.

Goodbye, Hadassah Rose. 

Frost Cloth, Frozen Water and Back at It

      While the nation wraps itself in warm woolens huddled close by the fire I, too, sit near the warmth of burning embers- extra socks on my feet and a sweater over my jammies. Our temp only teased itself above the freezing point, never really getting the ice out of water buckets- needless to say, the livestock is not amused.

 

       Our homestead gardens are nestled beneath frost cloth and tucked safely inside the greenhouse while heat lamps and extra tarps cover stall and coop vents. My first day back in the office found me bundled up in the school gardens with the last bit of frost cloth found; an attempt to save the last remaining bits of the fall garden.

         Back to work also meant back to the gym. I won't lie- it was tough getting out there and working up a good sweat, but the farm boy and I really needed it. Cold as it was, we managed. Thankfully warm, nourishing soup was waiting for us at home. We curled by the heat for a hot bowl- he read literature lessons while I studied my herbalism lessons.

         I longed to be cuddled in my chair next to a roaring fire with a quilt in hand working in rhythm to the crackling embers. Since my right hand middle finger was jammed last week, hand work has been out of the question (not to mention the living room is a disaster- we are laying new floor). Going through an old dresser drawer I pulled this pretty blue tea cup quilt. I remember working the design with my daughter and stitching it for my mother; this sweet thing has been tucked away too long. Off to find a place to display it- I can't bear to put it back in the drawer- and maybe one more cup of hot tea before bed.  

Small Space Homesteading: Contentment

     One of my biggest struggles with regard to my homesteading is contentment. It seems my heart is always reaching toward a bigger, grander plot- but it shouldn't be. There isn't any reason why my heart can't thrive right where I am with the blessings I have been given.
      A great bit help in this area is to occasionally take stock of how far I have come. Sometimes we just need a reminder of the path we have been traveling. From the balcony of a tiny apartment to the lot of a subdivision, our family made strides and steps that each brought us closer to where we are now. Remembering the journey strengthens me for the road ahead or the tough day I may be having at the time.
      Sadly, though I live a larger homesteading life now than I did back then, I still struggle with contentment. The world has grown up around my homestead and that feeds the desire to move to a larger set up. Homesteading isn't about size or grandeur, I believe it is about doing what we can, with what we have, where we are- and that means staying within our budget in doing so.
      Another issue with contentment is remembering that we have to have a unified homesteading vision. This journey should not tear my family apart or cause division- and it can. While I am a dive right in and do it all right now personality that grew up with large family farm visions, my husband has a completely different personality and outlook. Sometimes this rages into a discontentment bringing me a need for perspective. His outlook balances my wild fancy- without each other this homestead would never work. I dream it, he plans it and eventually determine whether we do it.
      In the end, a walk through the gardens, a breathed prayer and a bit of perspective often restores my soul and sets my mind back in order. Grow where you are planted and enjoy the blossoms along the way!

Next week we take a look at broadening our horizons as we move into larger homesteading!

 

August Planning

     The month of August tends to slow us down driving us to stop and consider where we go from here. It is time to reevaluate our homestead routines, curriculum plans, and even take stock of our 'things'. Hot afternoons give us the best opportunity to take a seat by the fan with a tall glass of iced tea and take stock of how things have been and how they need to be.
      For the first time, we find ourselves with only one teen here at home. The quiet has been a strange thing to get use to. The farm boy and I have been working through curriculum evaluations pulling books and planning the year's educational activities. A junior in high school, he has a voice in his course of study, offering the freedom to pursue extra activities as long as he maintains the core studies.
     Gardens are pulled and planned out. With my household getting smaller we are trying to determine if garden space should be adjusted or simply organized with the intent to share. Maintaining three large gardens might prove to be a challenge for the two of us.
     The herd needs thinned- I never maintain more than three or four goats at a time and right now we have eight. Three babies are up for new homes, but no new homes have been found. After this busy week, we intend to post them more publicly.
      Chickens have been wonderfully productive and quite hearty this year. Spring will find me adding some new ones to the flock, as usual. I am playing with the notion of some more ducks. They generally house in one of my gardens offering a relief from pests and plenty of good manure.
       My schedule has changed and my husband's is set to change as well. This will make things even more interesting as we determine how and who gets what done where. The goal is for all the chores not to fall on one person. That can be difficult when routines shift drastically.
        As of today, my plan is to catch up on some house work, make some feta cheese, and just plain detox from this crazy busy week. Happy weekend!

Busy, Busy Work Days

   It has been a crazy busy week already and we aren't even half way through. Regular farm chores were done with haste as storms loomed in the distance. The farm critters don't like rainy days stuck in their stalls, but having a fresh clean bed to stay in helps. These two boys are getting mighty frisky these days.

   The brooders are set and ready; baby broilers are coming this week. In the past I have used one large brooder for the chicks, but that can be difficult to warm adequately. On the advice of the A&M poultry department, we are testing out smaller brood set ups with only 25 birds per pen. We'll see if this maintains the warmth better than one big pen.

    Garden rows are gently tucked under floating row covers keeping hungry nibblers away from tender sprouts. Cole crops and greens are under cover; potatoes and onions are now under the soil as well. It was a long weekend of planting for me and I can hardly wait to snip kale and onions for evening meals.

      Our herb garden clean up is underway. Plenty of weeding and trimming to be done in the raised rows here. Mulch is on the way to make this garden a little more manageable and a bit less frustrating to upkeep. New additions here are fruit canes and a few dwarf citrus trees. Nestled among the rosemary and mints, these will make a wonderful new element to the roses and herbs.

        While my tasks were many this week, the men folk had their projects as well. Recently downed pines needed some many attention and my guys are always hyped up about burning things- the bigger the better, right?

         I think they made excellent progress on this section of grazing ground. The large remaining trunk will be cut to size and placed together for a goat play scape- they do love to jump and romp on stacked logs. Aside from completing my classroom portion of Master Gardener certification, there will be a final to take and a wedding to finalize the touches on. Off to keep my stress level down cutting some fabric and basting some quilt tops.

In the Winter Garden

   Our way down south weather has been anything but winter-like. Days peaking in the 70's and 80's break records every day; night time temps are no less surprising. With all this warmth, the winter garden has been challenging and surprising.
    Warm soil has kept our cold weather crops rather leafy yet unyielding; broccoli is buttoning and cabbage plants have yet to form a head. Leafy greens have quite a bite in their taste and have been riddled with pests. Problems like this in the winter garden leave me quite concerned about spring planting.

    Of course, I am unfettered. Regular weeding, watering and pest stomping still happens with the hope of saving some small harvest from the strangely warm season. The greenhouse sits vents wide open housing some citrus trees and a few tender herbs..which would have been fine had they remained in their beds. No tender greens planted there so far..way to warm for that.

   Crazy enough, the two main things still thriving and producing in my winter garden- onions and peppers. No pests, no frost lots of harvest here; one more sign the soil has not seen winter temps. Who would have thought December would find me testing more preserving recipes for habaneros and Tabasco peppers?

   Here we sit with the fans on high and a tall glass of iced tea chatting about hot pepper recipes only days before celebrating Christmas..who knew the winter garden would be producing summer crops? So as I swat another mosquito and read one more garden article about pest control, I will also..ironically, wrap gifts in snow flake printed paper to place under my tree.
   Actually..I am nixing the printed paper this year for something a little less frustrating, but that's a share for another day.

  

Event for the Day...

 

Here is where we will be,..come join us if you can!

Follow My Footsteps: As Day Begins

As day begins...

 

Faint sounds stir my mind as sunlight streams through the curtains; day begins. Warmth and comfort feed my desire to stay here, wrapped in the security of slumber. My husband gives me a nudge for he knows a day awaits ...a day filled with things that will vie for my attention.

Coaxed from the toasty covers, cold stings my feet as the creaking overhead tells me the farm boy has heard it too: the calls from the barn as the farm is waking.

Bundled and wrapped we slosh frigidly to the barn as the hungry noises urge us on. Near the stalls, familiar scents welcome us: sweet hay mingled with muck and mire. Feed is measured and poured while hay is thrown into it's trough...the gentle nuzzles of warm noses tickle our cheeks: a gentle thank you for the morning meal. Hens cackle and turkeys gobble, the roosters give their part...their turn now. Wings all a flutter as grain is poured and their busy scratching begins. The Hadassah will only stop barking once the farmboy sets her breakfast out.

Leaving the warmth of the barn we hurry across the wet farmyard to the warmth of the farm kitchen. The bold scent of coffee draws me to the stove as the farm boy scatter about to clean up and get ready. Soon the delicious aroma of warm eggs and toasty waffles lures him to the table where steaming plates await.

Our conversation begins with the "need to's" of the day. Discussions vary from fences that need work to gentle reminders of lessons and garden plans. Our plates empty with a quietness...chatter slows...with the opening of the Bible, day begins.

Garden Update...

   The trees are changing; shades of green shift into yellows and reds. This weekend a gentle cool front graced our area offering relief from the intense heat and humidity. With this trend, our feet carried us to the garden beds for some much needed maintenance.

   The flocks and herds have cleaned up the empty garden areas. Now relocated to their home base, the livestock are spending these cooler days frisking about snatching grasshoppers or nibbling prunings as they cross the fence.

   The tractor came out of hibernation for a bit of tilling..not the area in the picture..that's for the critters...but the garden soil was loosened up a bit and let sit a day. We made the investment in rye seed and crimson clover for some living mulch and soil nourishing. Once those seeds were cast, hearty layers of leaves and compost were spread in an attempt to retain some moisture in these dry days.

   Seeds are being harvested from the herb garden: basils, mints and all fragrant things are loaded with tiny seeds. This is our second year harvesting seed and regrowing from primary planting..exciting to see the process at work.

   Seedlings are being cared for in the greenhouse. This week succession sets are being put in. Cole crops and leafy greens are peeking through the soil. I can hardly wait to see big heads of broccoli or majestic rows of kale and chard.

   Aside from being a bit dry and droopy, the peppers have hardly slowed down their production. Buckets of them come in daily for cleaning and sharing.

   This lovely lady and her kindred are busy working their wonders on the mess of stink bugs plaguing our tomatoes. Orb weavers are garden wonders...so glad to see them making their place between the rows.

   With a good weekend of work behind us, time to focus on a few other homestead jobs..cheese is hanging in the kitchen and sewing is waiting on the table. Now, if the farm boy and I could just get Algebra done, we would be in good shape!

Week Ending...

This week has seen:

classes beginning

peppers cooking

quilt blocks coming together

teens eating

cheese pressing

 

I have been:

on my knees praying

in my kitchen stirring

at my table stitching

with my family living

 

With the week ending:

gardens we'll be weeding

goats we'll be hoof trimming

fences we'll be fixing

memories we will be making

 

See you next week, dear friends!

Are ya a Goat Mama?

Ya know, I was havin' a thunk the other day, sitting in the lil' goatie pen watching them play. I came to realize that there's certain qualifications to bein' a Goat Mama, and I qualify in every way a person can. Here's a few thing's I've noticed:

You might be a Goat Mama ( or Papa ) if:

1. You can communicate with your goats by bleating.

2. When you're in their pen, bending over for some reason or other, they decide to put their hooves up on your behiney, leaving hoof prints, and nibble the ends of your braids; or, decide to hop all the way on your back, because they think it's cute.

3. Your babies are so spoiled they suck your thumb, instead of their own.

4. Whenever you sit down they immediately fight for room on your lab and start giving you goatie kisses on your nose. (SWAK!)

5. Your babies hear your voice and immediately start sqallerin' as if they're gonna die because they haven't seen you for the last fifteen minutes.

6. Whenever one of the lil'ins is playing with the Big Wether On Campus (BWOC), and one is left all alone, they'll cry till you come and make it better and give her loves too.

7.Whenever your babies call, you immediately go make sure everything's all right because you're overly attached to your lil babies.

Here's just a few things I've thought of, and if you realize these "Guidelines" apply to you too, guess what?

YOU'RE A GOAT MAMA TOO!!!!

~Goat Mama (aka..Jen)

A Pint of Pickled Peppers

Picture of last year's canning

   With the pepper harvest still coming in..it is time for some canning today. We love delicious, tangy banana peppers and have been growing them for several years now. Banana peppers are great on salads and sandwiches as well as pizzas and fresh tomatoes. Since the canner is on the stove, let's share a recipe.

Peppers from last season

PICKLED BANANA PEPPERS

3 lbs. banana peppers

8 cloves garlic

4 Tablespoons sea salt

7 cups white vinegar

7 cups water

8 pint size canning jars

fresh canning lids and rings

water bath canner

Before we begin canning, our jars are washed in warm, soapy water and placed in a 100 degree oven to keep warm while the product is being prepared. The lids are placed in water and simmered over low heat to activate the rubber seal for optimum canning results. At this point, my water bath canner is filled 3/4 full and set to heat on medium high heat; I like it boiling before my jars are ready to immerse.

The water and vinegar are mixed together and set to simmer over low heat. While that heats, the peppers get a good washing before they are sliced into rings, leaving the seeds in tact.  Into warmed canning jars we place one garlic clove- then fill them with sliced peppers leaving one inch head space. One tablespoon of salt is added to each jar before the vinegar/water mix is poured over the peppers- again, leaving one inch head space. 

Warm lids and rings are placed on the jars which are then added to the water bath canner and processed for ten minutes.

   There you have it..healthy, happy, totally tasty banana peppers ready to shelf and store for delicious eating. I give my jars a few weeks to meld before eating them. What's in your canner this weekend?

Lessons From the Line

My time at the close line has been a time of loving and a time of learning. Some things were basic and easy to catch. Others, well, they were things I never dreamed. Join me for Ten Lessons from the Line.

1. It is rare. It never ceases to amaze me the people shocked by the fact we line dry our clothes.

2. You can hang anything. Whatever size, shape, or weight..where there's a will, there's a way.

3. It's a form of exercise. Three seconds into hanging up or taking down a load of wash a swarm of mosquitoes locates you body and turns your line time into an extreme workout. (and you thought I was going to say bending to your toes and reaching over your head..oh, honey, that's the warm up)

4. May cause blindness. Once a terry bath towel has dried on the line..those tiny terry loops become prongs of death...my advice..pat, don't rub..you'll poke your eye out!

5. Makes children disappear. Kids magically know how long a wash load runs; they vanish the minute it's time to hang the wash.

6. Requires logical thinking. You become a puzzle solving mathematical genius once you realize you only have so much line and three baskets of clean wash.

7. Creates an escape. Unpleasant conversation? Need to get off the phone? Out of a grueling task? Suddenly have to get the laundry on or off the line:)

8. Predicts the weather. If you ever find the pockets and sleeves of your line drying laundry filled with leaves and acorns...bad weather's coming..trust me..happened three times in one summer..tornado each time. 

9. Attracts livestock. Horses, donkeys and dogs truly believe you hung it there for them to pull to the ground and roll on. Goats find it quite a challenge to drag it around the yard and chew it half to death before you catch them.

10. It soothes. A good long session of laundry give you time to reflect, to pray, to solve the problems plaguing your soul. 

Spend some time today with your laundry..it just might teach you something! 

Working on Wednesday....

Here in the middle of the week we are working on:

 Garden produce: picking, putting up, and cleaning out. Weeds are waging a nasty war..so thankful for the tiller my husband has been walking up and down the paths.

A quilt: ironing, cutting and making it all work out. This week, patterns are sorted and set with their fabric motif in preparation for cutting. Hopefully today I can arrange for some quality time with this project.

This is my wind down project: in hand when soothing and setting of nerves is needed. Today, no doubt, nerves will need settling.

Last on my list: some farmhouse cheddar. My husband put together a new cheese press..today we set up a test run!

What's on your agenda today?

How the Garden Grows

   Let me start this garden update with a bracing moment in reality: it was 105 degrees today..yikes! Garden time is limited and done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Several plants are giving up to the heat: cucumbers and green beans are fairly done and showing signs of heat stress.

   However, the peppers and okra are kicking into full gear. Today several buckets of peppers and okra came in alongside the tasty cherry and yellow pear tomatoes. As for the tomato starts we clipped last week...

   ...all of the sudden the project is not looking so good. The cutters were looking green and healthy, but suddenly became yellow and sickly. I treated them with a weak fertilizer solution..we'll see if they improve. I am not hopeful. The good thing is, my spring tomato plants are alive..not producing, but alive. My intention is to mulch them well. Today the ones partly shaded had blossoms.

   We snagged a rather large pest from the okra bed: a grasshopper bigger than my farm boy's finger! Right after this picture was snapped, the grasshopper headed out the door..Hadassah chasing it with great leaps and bounds.

   Proudly, she caught it in her mouth..without killing it..and carried around..it's wings rattling around between her teeth. That girl..she's a nut:)

Today I Am:

Tending tomato cuttings..so far so good!

Training little ones to be led by leash..a challenge:)

Wondering where my teen gets her desire for wild socks..not from me.

Attempting to reclaim the gardens from weeds and pests..wish me luck..lots of it!

Preparing to cut fabric for this..worried about fabric portions...excited to start it up:)

Remembering why farm boy makes my day..

What are you up to today?