Compost and Gardening

Tracy / January 18, 2011

It’s that time of year! We’re planning to expand our garden again this year. What are your plans for the coming season? Compost bins Joshua made for our family last year. These were built from pallets given by family friends. The new issue of Hobby Farm Home arrives!! Hurray!! Do you think the chickens know they will be getting new…

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Internet Tower…

Tracy / January 12, 2011

Paul’s brother delivered, to our home, the tower Paul owned as a teenager. As it turns out, this old rusted thing might be one BIG clue to our internet problems here in our new home. (Now I’m feeling a little guilty over the hard time I gave him about it 20 some odd years ago….) We’ve been working to sand…

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Opossum in the Basement!

Tracy / January 10, 2011

Last week, Paul heard a huge crash in the basement. He and the older boys went down to find out what was happening and were met with this little guy having just eaten a little group of eggs and now going after a hen that was sitting on them. I guess we’ll call this their first “homestead defense” experience! Joshua,…

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September 28, 2010

Tracy / September 28, 2010

It has been a long, long weekend. I feel like an egg that has been cracked and fried to a crisp. It seemed this last weekend, every time Paul and I turned around, something else strange or horrible was happening. I’m thankful for the friends who have sent me little notes to tell me they are sorry for one event,…

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September 10, 2010

Tracy / September 13, 2010

It has been a long, long week. Paul was away for a full seven days, home for one and gone for another four. His work is quite busy sometimes, but we’re happy to have work. I know there are many out there without jobs right now. Our little homestead is changing with the seasons, I think. We’re preparing to build…

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Quilt Thoughts…

Tracy / September 8, 2010

I have a couple of quilt projects I need to work. Here are a few I’m considering: Which ones do you like? Do any seem too “trendy”? I really want to stick to classic patterns and designs so they will not look too dated. I think my favorites are the first and last, but the pinwheels have a certain appeal…

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September 6, 2010

Tracy / September 6, 2010

The first week of September is always a sweet time in our area. A few of the leaves are beginning to change and fall. The temperatures aren’t horrible during the day and the evening is becoming cool and crisp. On this day, we’ve opened our windows to allow the breeze to flow through our home. This morning, that seemed like…

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August 25, 2010

Tracy / August 25, 2010

Life is just hard sometimes. Last evening, we found these: Ben has been keeping them- a “momento” from his personal chicken. I knew he loved her- his big brothers said that he had been out earlier in the day to place a flower pot with some flowers he had picked where she had died. *sigh* He just seems so young…

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On Chickens and Blessings

Tracy / August 23, 2010

It’s an odd thing to see your sons becoming men. It seems as little boys, you catch a glimpse here and there from time to time. As they age, you see more and more until one day, you realize they ARE men. My, my, how the time has passed. This weekend, was full of precious visitors and sweet memories. We…

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Jacob’s New Pet

Tracy / August 18, 2010

This little guy landed on Jacob’s shoulder while he was outside yesterday: We have a new love for hummingbirds now…my little ones were fascinated! This is one more reason why I love homeschooling…this is where real teaching happens.

When the Chicken is Dirty….

Tracy / August 18, 2010

What else do you do?? I walked into my guest bathroom to find this yesterday: *sigh* Boys. Boys. Boys. What more is there to say?? Jacob decided his rooster was dirty and needed a bath. Amazingly, the chicken didn’t peck him. He stayed very still…who knows maybe he enjoyed the whole thing. Jacob was proud afterward– the chicken now smells…

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