Spring turns into Summer

Gabe decided he wanted to learn blacksmithing so a forge was born. We took the opportunity to make it large enough for an outdoor canning/primitive  kitchen. I love it and am thrilled with the results. 

The garden is completely in and growing at mock speed. We've had a decent mix of sunny days and rain. 

Our chicks are now in with the other hens , or I should say out with the hens. We now have 9 rabbits in the grow out cage to be processed the end of June and a new litter in with another rabbit. I just bred another female to our buck so we will have another litter soon after we process the grow outs. 

A couple months ago I began taking fermented cod liver oil and magnesium supplements in an attempt to deal with some skin issues. The results have been amazing and I am quite pleased. 

My sweet caboose is definitely not a baby anymore. He turned two May 1st and is an absolute joy. 

As with any homestead it's easy to get caught up in projects and chores. We are hoping to have some time to watch the garden grow :-) 

Babies, fences and garden work

The garden is progressing and major clean up has continued. Seedlings are in the greenhouse and we are ready for planting. We had a freeze last week so we are waiting until we have hot two weeks from that freeze to plant. 

We have babies in the bunny hutch. Haven't counted the litter because she has them tucked into a corner but there are several. 

Fencing in an acre and a half with privacy fence is not easy or inexpensive but after a lot of effort it's coming together. 

This crazy guy supervises:

The chicks are almost 5 weeks old and feathered up nicely. They are ready to be put in with the other hens as soon as we secure the chicken yard. Out hens free range but we limit their space when we have new arrivals for a few weeks. 

We've done some turkey hunting, fished and went to a market fair at the state park depicting life in the 18th century. The boys learned to crack corn and had a good time. 

Gabe is interested in learning blacksmithing so we've been collecting the necessities and planning a forge for the backyard. 

Vermicomposting

I took a class at a nearby ladies homestead gathering on vermicomposting and made a worm bin. I learned a lot and was excited to get my babies even if they are worms :-) 

March happenings

Changing the way we food shop has been a challenge. Trying to utilize azure, small farm stands and direct from the farm goods. We are doing well, eating better and definitely feeling better about the companies we support. 

I bought a bolga basket for using at a small market where we buy raw milk. I love it. 

This week the boys picked a basket of dandelions for dandelion jelly. It came out so good! 

I spent a day cleaning out part of a freezer to make room for this years garden harvest and made fig jam. 

Cats

I never wanted cats but on the homestead they are pretty important for rodent control. We have the best cat, Toby. He hunts, he hangs out with the hens a lot and is quality control for their food. 

I have always considered myself a dog person but Toby has definitely found a place in my heart for himself. A cool cat who keeps away rodents is definitely appreciated! 

Spring?

The An ice storm at the end of February had us all questioning if Spring would ever arrive but it has in the form of 75 degree and babies! 

The plan is to turn over much of our flock this fall when these littles are laying so we purchased 12 chicks. 4 each of aracaunas, leg horns and barred rock. 

We also added this (not so little) lady. A Great Pyrenees named remington to our family. 

So far she is inside and joins us for chores until she can be trusted more around the ducks and chickens. She spends her days keeping up with the boys.

We've been clearing garden beds and amending soil. Seed starting is in the near future. 

Pre-K

Little man is learning a lot and showing lots of reading readiness already! So very proud of this guy :-)

Cob Stove

A friend from my homesteading group invited me over to make cob stoves. Here is the finished product. Can't wait to use it! 

Seeds

 I am looking forward to warm weather and gardening.

Spring Fever

Winter has been filled with hunting, 2 deer fill our freezer and we culled a pig in January. That started the thought process and plans of building a smoker. With all reclaimed materials we did it!

Our temps have been a lot colder than usual so a almost 70 degree weekend was all it took :-)

The greenhouse has been cleaned out and set up but without a heat source in there yet its still too early to start seeds.

Gardening dreams

Gardening definitely begins in January with the delivery of this: 

Tonight we will be planning and getting our order together :-) 

The rabbit who thinks it's a chicken

We have 5 american blue young rabbits in the grow out pen waiting for their trip to freezer camp. This one keeps escaping and we find it in the chicken coop. She free ranges with the chickens all day and sleeps in the coop at night. Even the rooster with a bad attitude seems to tolerate her. She will probably stay :-) 

The boys outdoor kitchen

I had it all planned out in my head. This past weekend it came together and they love it <3