2014 Homestead Goals

What a s-l-o-w start to spring 2014 in the uppermost parts of New York! I figure this is good time as any to get my goals for this "homestead" out there for the world to see! If nothing else, I am hoping having it "out there" will keep me motivated - and give me a place to keep track of my progress! 

So, Here goes...not necessarily in any specific order! 

• Plant something, anything, in the ground to count for a garden! This includes actually deciding where I want the garden to be! (Stay tuned for an upcoming post- I will be asking for your opinions!)
• Install the "Kid Fence" to keep the toddlers in a safe area when need be. 
• Install the Middle fence - to keep dogs, livestock, and children away from the driveway and road. 
• Install Permanent and Semi-Permanent Horse/Livestock fencing
• Finish the "Big Barn" - roof, doors, flooring, stalls. 
• Build Chicken coop to semi-contain the chicken poop! 
• Construct/Repair Hay Storage
• Begin Complete Perimeter Fence/Trail line
• Plant at least 5 trees.

There - that is a basic start of my list. Lots and lots of fencing, and some construction. I do not think Hubster knows whats he is in for this year! Ha ha ha :) Stay tuned for some pictures from around the homestead next time as I plan the future location of the garden!

Wow, It's been a while!

I apologize for my absence! It has been a whirlwind 6 weeks I tell ya! 

October 19, 2012, we lost an incredible man in our lives. My husbands father passed away after a near 5 year battle with cancer. Started in his lungs, went into remission for a bit, then came back with a vengeance and no chance at beating it. He came home from the hospital, and passed two days later surrounded by the family who loved him. He will be sorely missed, and has left a huge hole in our hearts. I have plans of a memorial post for him soon... when I can grit back the tears long enough to do him justice. May he Rest in Peace.. 

OK, Before I think too much, I have much more exciting news for y'all! We have two new additions here at Greenwood Acres! 

Rusty and Cookie, Our "rescue" Miniature Horses! I previously owned Rusty, but decided to sell him when my newborn ate all my time ;) I was recently offered Rusty and his "girl friend" Cookie from his buyer. I couldn't say No! Rusty is in good shape... Cookie can use a few groceries. I have a sneaking suspicion - from my observations since they have been here - That Rusty has been a food hoard and has pushed Cookie away from a lot of the food. I cannot wait until Spring for them to shed out, and to show you their transformation!

 

In other news, It is here... That dreaded word for many... SNOW! 

My Backyard view the other day when it started... Stay tuned for the updated photo ;)

 

 

It's Inevitable.....

Snow is coming, and it is coming fast! The other day we had our first spittin' of the white stuff! Much to the dismay of my co-workers, I was joyful... 

This is what my co-workers think of me.

It's not that I like shoveling the driveway and cleaning off the car, or having to run the car for 20 minutes just to see out of the windshield (at almost $4.25 a gallon!!)... No. I am happy to have a few months of weather far far away from the 80+degrees of summer. I despise summer only because of the heat and humidity. Everything else I love. If only it would stay 70 or below. To be technical, Spring and Fall are my ultimate favorite seasons. Perfect temperatures!

And with that cold (no pun intended), hard fact- it's time to get things buttoned up for our first winter in our new forever home. Many things to get picked up and put away for a few months. A few things to repair or do maintenance work to. One last lawn mowing to save some work (hopefully) this spring. Window's to get a plastic layer on. Carports and Sheds to tidy up. The list goes on an on. 

And to think, this time next year, the list should be even longer if my plans come to fruition. There will be some produce to preserve in one fashion or the other. A few meat animals to butcher and process. Chicken coops to winterize. Just to name a few. 

So, how are your winterizing lists coming? I haven't gotten a single thing checked off on mine (I'm a horrible procrastinator), but hoping to change some of that starting tomorrow and into the weekend.Have a great night everyone! Friday (for those like me with the weekends off) is coming soon!

Inspiration Sunday

Photo that I had saved on my computer. If you know it origin, feel free to let me know so I can give proper credit.

This is what I would like to see sitting in my back yard next spring. This is a 3 stall horse/livestock barn. Simple, yet efficient. 

Miniature Horses, a Riding horse, and some cows & pigs will be joining the homestead within the next couple of years, and this is what I would love to start off with. We can always add later. 

I was looking for an example of the chicken coop/roosts; but I wasn't able to find one that resembled what Ive got in my head. 

Hope y'all have had a great weekend!

100 Views!

Granted, it's not much, but it feels like an accomplishment to me! We hit 100 total views today! And NO that isn't counting my daily view LOL! Thank goodness for that button! 

Not bad for only having 17 (this will be # 18) posts and 4 followers! And for those who have came back more than once, THANK YOU!!!

I know, I know, I've been slacking the last week or so, and haven't hardly gotten a post up. For that, I apologize! Life got busy and kinda got away from me! But, after a deeeeeeep reflection today, that is going to change! 

What I'd like to ask YOU (yes, YOU!) is, what would make this blog more visitor friendly? What would make you come back day, after day (even if not in a row ;) ), to check us out? 

What have you liked so far? Not liked so much? Anything I've mentioned that you would like me to expand upon in future posts? ANYTHING??

 

Thinking about the future...

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking about what the future holds for me and my family. What is important to me. What I can and cannot live without. In today's world, material/unessential things are rated high on peoples' priority list. To high. And I can't say I've been guilty of some materialistic/unessential indulgences. Air conditioning is probably my biggest indulgence. 

Sure, Northern NY temps are no where near as severe as say, Texas or Florida, but this chick simply does not tolerate the heat. Whether its a "dry" heat or a "humid" heat. It doesn't matter. If it's over 70 degrees, I'm sweating like I'm in a sauna. Its gross and uncomfortable. As soon as temps start reaching 80+ in the summer, my two air conditioners come on, and seldom go off until about this time of year when temps resume the perfect temperature range of 60-70 degrees.

With that said, and with all the thinking I've been doing... Can I live without the comfort of an air conditioner? Sure, I could live... but do I want to live without one?  That is a HUGE question that anyone thinking about becoming a self sufficient homestead has to ask themselves about a multitude of materialistic/unessential products that so many people today seem to not be able to live without. 

Another one for me... International Delight French Vanilla Creamer. Now let me tell you this - I am a caffeine addict. I generally drink coffee from the time I wake up in the morning, until the time my head hits the pillow at night. Summer, Winter - it doesn't matter. If I don't have my creamer (and only French Vanilla please), I don't drink coffee... and me without coffee is not a pretty sight, not to mention I am utterly useless!

Now, since my eyes have been opened by so many fellow bloggers, I know this creamer is laden with a bunch of crap I don't need, and isn't good for me. I shouldn't be drinking it. In my thoughts about my future, I've been thinking of giving up my 'beloved' creamer. As just one of many, many steps to becoming more self reliant. Anyone know of some good homemade, flavored creamer? Plans for the livestock in our future include a milking goat and/or cow. Any tips on using their milk for coffee creamer (if thats even possible??) is much appreciated! 

And with my caffeine/creamer addiction comes Tobacco. I am a smoker, and honestly don't think I can give it up. I've tried numerous times with not even a hint of luck. In my thoughts these last several days, I've thought of growing my own tobacco. A fellow blogger (MM @ Self Sustained Living!) mentions she grows her own, and smokes it. No chemicals added by the big wig tobacco companies, no outrageous taxes imposed by the governments. (GREAT post here that hit close to home with how I feel about the way our society is going, and exactly what I want to avoid!)

Now this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as things I was thinking about giving up as I enter the world of self sufficiency. Many things will be "trimmed" out of our lives. Hubster may not like some of it; but he will learn to live with it, or hit the road ;-)

No Monday Morning Blues...

For me today! Today is the last of the two Mondays this year I get to skip the Monday Morning Blues! The first Monday I get to skip is the week I get for Vacations. The second Monday (will not always be a monday, but I lucked out this year) is a paid day off for my Birthday! 

Now I've never worked for a company that gives you a paid day off for your Birthday, so this is pretty cool! I could have picked ANY day around the general vicinity of my Birthday; but since it happened to fall on a Monday this year, I jumped on the chance to skip the Monday Morning Blues! 

Hubster let me sleep in the best he could with two rambunctious toddlers. When I strolled out of the bedroom, I put on my much needed cup of coffee. Even when sleeping, my body KNOWS it should have had a few cups in me by 11am! As I'm making that, Trout, my 3 yr old, wished me a Happy Birthday (with a little help from Daddy)... Tell ya it brought tears to my eyes then, and again now as I am recalling it. Absolutely precious. 

Not much on the agenda for today. No different than any other Monday, except I wasn't up at 6am and heading to work by 6:45am. There is still laundry to wash and hang, dishes to wash, floors to vacuum... the list is never ending as I am sure you all know. The weather should be perfect for drying the clothes fairly quickly- so hopefully I can catch up from the weekend that wasn't so conductive to clothes drying.

For now, I hope everyone is having a good Monday, and had a great weekend! I'm off for a fresh cup of java then getting back to work!

Inspiration Sunday

Fencing. That is my inspiration today! On our 16 acres, we don't have a lick of fence. And that is something that needs to be fixed. Not just one stye of fence is going to be used - we need a few different styles.

The photo at right is one version of the Split-Rail style of fence. I have loved split rail fencing for as long as I can remember. It brings back memories of the old farms, which I love so much. I plan to use this as more of a permanent cross fencing of the interior of the property. This will keep the livestock in the rear portions of the property. Next, we look at a privacy fence.

I love this style mainly for it's rustic, simple look. It is extremely functional in blocking the view. Which is what we want to have across the front of the property. It will dual serve as a last barrier for any escapee livestock, and keeping the dogs from entering the roadway. Also keeps unwanted eyes from looking in. We are a very "private" family. We don't like nosy neighbors seeing everything we do. Nothing to hide, just the principle of the matter. That's why we refuse to live "in town". WAY to close for comfort! I prefer to keep my PJ's and Nightgowns in the privacy of my own home... but dern I don't mind hanging a load of clothes or doing chores in them... especially if it is before my coffee! 

And one more style of privacy fence that still allows a slight view when looked at from an angle. While I wouldn't use this as my primary solid fence, it would be nice closer to the house, say around the kids' play yard. Or around a pool. Something of that nature. 

Well folks, that's My inspiration post for today! Fencing. I've put a lot of thought into it, and am chomping at the bit to get one started. Lack of materials and tools are slowing me down, but I know they will be up in a matter of time. Even if I have to do it myself :-) 

I hope you all have had a GREAT weekend! I get to skip the typical Monday Morning Blues this week. Thankfully, my place of work gives you a day off for your birthday. Mine happened to fall on a Monday... and better believe I'll take the opportunity to skip the Monday Morning Blues! Have a Great, Peaceful Sunday Everyone!

Whew! What a week!

I can't believe it's ALREADY SATURDAY! Wow, where the heck did the week go? Almost time for another Inspiration Sunday already! This week will feature a fence design I LOVE! But you'll have to stay tuned- no more details from me! 

Overall the week was just very busy with a lack of computer time. Had family over on Tuesday. Spent the remainder of the week catching up on sleep from the late night Tuesday.

I am sure y'all are wondering about the dogs and their raw feed diet. I had to put it on hold after day 3. All dogs take time when adjusting to a new food (of any sort) and of coarse, with the adjusting, comes a few messes. Thankfully my dogs only had messes from the front half of their body. But, none the less, hubby was the fortunate one to clean them. In all fairness to him, I decided to put off switching to was until I could be available for the mess cleanup. I figure it's only fair since I know I wouldn't be too happy if I were the one home with the dogs cleaning the messes, and it was his idea ;) 

Well, considering I was supposed to post this last night, and hit save instead, I better get it out there before I do the Sunday Inspiration post! Hope y'all have had a great week and weekend!!

Inspiration Sunday

My first 'Inspiration Sunday' Post is possibly going to be my favorite. I almost started off small, with a fencing look I fell in love with... but I decided for my first Inspiration post, it was going to be my biggest and favorite one. 

The photo is of a log cabin with a very nature based look. I love everything about it from the surrounding area, to the little patio, to the logs, to the roof, to... well you get the idea. I am just in love. THIS is what I hope to have by the time my children are leaving the nest. The day my youngest moves out, is the day I WILL be moving towards living in my little shack in the woods behind my house. It's not built yet, but over the years, I can only hope to have something resembling the above picture. Hubby has already been informed I will be living "in the woods" as soon as my children leave the nest. No more TV, No more power, no more running water. Just Me, My Dogs, My Livestock, and the Land. That is my dream. He's more than welcome to join me, but I know that will not happen. He is too attached to the 'luxuries' of today.  

Thats A-OK by me :-) I like the peace and quiet! 

Hope y'all have had a great weekend!

Today was the Day!

The day to start the new Raw Feed Diet for Thor & Teddy! This was their meal: 

Rock Cornish Game Hen - Halved

 Let me just say - they LOVED it! Teddy dug right in. Thor wasn't too far behind after he took the time to sniff and lick the chicken dry :) The boys will be eating plain jane chicken for the next few weeks so their bodies can adjust to their new diet. Next on the list to introduce will be either beer or pork, depending what I can find a decent supply of. 

Teddy and his first RF meal

Thor and his first RF meal

I have a feeling this is going to be the best decision I've made in my life as far as raising a dog to be healthy. Stay tuned for other updates on how my boys are adjusting to living and eating closer to their roots! 

Inspiration Sunday Post to follow soon! 

Does anyone here....

feed their dogs a Raw Food Diet? 

 I have been doing some research, and believe I am ready to make the step into the Raw Food Diet for my boys. I've made a few connections with people who are cleaning out their freezers soon, and know of a few places to buy some good, un-altered meat products. I am thinking within the next two days, my boys will be having their first Raw meal! 

I have heard nothing but good things. And it makes sense. Look at the things listed on those dog food bags. Just as bad, if not more so, that what they are putting into food for human consumption! If I am going to be feeding my family REAL food, I had better do the same for my fur-kids! I am planning chicken for the first week, with introduction to beer and pork following.

I'll forewarn ya, When I take their first meal photos, some will surely make it here on the blog :-) 

Have a GREAT weekend everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for our first ever "Inspiration Sunday" post! All thanks to 1st Man for the idea, and permission to copy it! Wonderful blog! If you haven't checked it out yet, you don't know what you're missing! 

And the Fur-Kid Family is Complete!

Friends, Meet Thor! 

 

Thor is a coming 3 year old Purebred Boxer. He came to us as a result of his family making a move to CA. Their new condo wouldn't allow a large dog. His family answered a wanted ad I had posted. They happened to be in NJ for the holiday weekend, and live in Vermont. I'm in WAY Upstate NY. His family decided they would drive the looooong way home to VT, and come to meet us and us, them. Everyone hit it off great, and Thor found himself a great home! Almost the same way we happened to be blessed with Cash. 

Sleeping

Thor is great with the kids, and good with Teddy. I think it helps that he has already been neutered :-) He is pretty mellow in the house, and expends his energy when we go outside. It is hilarious to watch him and Teddy run! Teddy is so quick and agile, and Thor is, well, not so fast and agile. I'll have to record them one day for y'all! 

 

Runnin' Runnin' Runnin'!

The boys at dinner time

And to show you how well Teddy is coming, healing wise from his booboo's, here is the handsome fella! Pics were all taken today for y'all! 

My Teddy Bear!

Well my friends, the dishes are calling, and they sure won't wash themselves! I've tried to teach them, but it is fruitless ;) I hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Not much to tell...

On the Homestead front this week. We DID finally get a little bit of rain. Not nearly enough to make the grass green again - but some is better than none I suppose! Hey, it was enough to make the beans produce another handful or so of beans :-) No pictures to show y'all though- Trout ate them as she picked them! 

Teddy, aka BearBear is settling in great! He is such a mellow fella! We are looking to add another dog to our family. As nice as Teddy is, he is a big ole chicken. Should anyone decide to break in, he would be the first one to silently hide! We miss the "security blanket" feeling of our boy Cash... so we are on the lookout. Unfortunetly, we will be unable to own another Pit Bull, or Pit Mix for another 7 1/2 years. Once the house is paid off and I can say LATA to the Liability Insurance.  So, we are keeping our eyes out for a Boxer, or Mastiff. Trying to stay away from the Shepherds, and other heavy double coated shedders. Hubby is at his limit with Teddy's hair LOL

So, thats about the story since my last post. I hope everyone has had a GREAT Labor Day Weekend, and enjoys tomorrow! Have a great night everyone!

The Harvest

Sorry friends, sleep got the better of me, and I never made it back to upload the pictures of my grand harvest!

Handful of Green Beans and a solitary onion

Not enough for a full meal by any means, but enough to give me the inspiration to get an even GREATER harvest next year!

Beautiful Evening View here at Greenwood Acres

Teddy snoozing peacefully.

And we are whole again!

We have a new addition to our family! Teddy, aka Bear Bear. Teddy is a 3 yr old Shiba Inu. He is not altered yet, but will be as soon as the finances allow it. Poor feller was getting beat up by the other family dog, so his mom decided it was best to rehome him for his own safety. And, thats how he came to us today! 

 

Isn't he handsome?

I almost forgot - I got my first HARVEST from my pitiful garden today! A handful of beans and one onion! I took pictures to show you all! Now I am REALLY excited for next spring to roll around! I've got big plans for a real garden next year! Before I can upload the pictures, I must put the littlest 'rug-rat' to bed :-) Stay tuned for a quick edit to add my harvest picture!

 

Have a GREAT Night y'all! 

 

Time to show you around!

Well, to further introduce myself, I'd like to use today post to show you around our little slice of heaven :)  Unless otherwise noted, the photos were taken about 10 minutes ago :-) Went out to take them just for you!

The Lilie Patch beside the Generator Shed in Early Summer. (I can take ZERO credit for this :) This was all the original homehowner

A view of the side-yard. The house (trailer) is to the right. Garden,Swing-set, Shed, and Clothesline is to the left.

A view out back. Clothesline is in the trees to the right (next pic) and the garden is to the left. 

View of my makeshift - turned - permanent Clothesline. I've got 7 Strands to use between all the trees. Enough for two good sized loads.

Our tree island out front. The road way lies on the other side. Driveway is running up the right side (way over from edge of pic) and the trailer is to the left. 

 Our lilac bush. Blooms oh-so-pretty deep purple blooms. I regretfully missed that photo-op!

And the moment you've all been waiting for....

The pityful garden spot! Beans in front, Corn in back, onions to the left (just out of frame)

My row of BEANS! 

See, there really is some beans growing!

Then, here is my row of corn. Pretty sad and no where near the size of the corn along the roadside. I'm not sure if it is mainly because I planted so late and haphazardly, or just the lack of water. I'm thinking a little of all three. I suspect the family won't be enjoying any home-grown corn this year :(

And what sprouted from the bean seeds. Needless to say, there wont be any bean harvest this year! 

There you have it! The quick tour! Look for more pictures from our trip out back this spring on my next post! 

Have a great night y'all!

Holy Drought!

Well, here in Northern New York, we haven't had much measurable rain ALL summer. Sure, we get a shower here or there... after two straight weeks of ridiculously high temps scorching all lawns and gardens in the area. So, needless to say, yesterdays rains showers were pretty much only good for getting the freshly hung clothes soaked enough to take a full day and a half to dry. *Sigh* Better than none I suppose... and can't say I mind the fresh rain smell on the clothes either. Just stinks when everything but the heaviest of heavy fleece pajama pants are the only thing left in the closet : /

My negelected garden is looking pitiful as ever. Corn and beans are the only thing growing. And even those are barely 8" tall. But I DO have a couple of beans forming! WooHoo!! Might give me the much needed ambition to be NICER to my garden next year :-) This year was pretty much a dig up a spot, and throw some seeds in to see how they do with no kindness, kinda year. Next year, I plan on putting more thought and time into it. For next year is when the REAL homesteading is going to begin!

Well, kids are ready for bed, so blog time is short for tonight. But I HAD to get a post on here. Gotta get things moving here and in reality.  Have a good week everyone!

To a New Beginning

Welcome

On March 7th, 2012, my husband and I signed the papers to buy a nice 16 acre piece of land, with a nice trailer and a couple of out buildings. Located in WAY upstate (yes, above Albany... only about 3 minutes from the Canadian Border). The first step to living my dream. A perfect home for my two young children to grow up in. To make priceless memories in, such as my husband and I did growing up in the country. A place where we can become more self sufficient. Live off the land, and give back to mother nature. That is my dream. 

Since this is our first year, things are going a little slow, but we at least managed to get a quick garden put in. This is the first time I've ever tried to grow my OWN garden. Sure, I helped Gram out when I was younger, but I can't say I retained much of what she taught me- so I'm a fresh slate. This year, we got some Beans, Carrots, Onions, Tomatoes, Corn, and Peas planted. Rather quickly, and without much thought process. Just tilled up a spot, and threw the seeds in. Not sure how well that will pan out; but only time can tell. So far, the onions, beans, and corn have sprouted and seem to be doing well; without much rain I might add. Hopefully after this evenings rain, I will find some more sproutlings tomorrow :) I will be sure to grab pictures then as well! 

Another hobby I want to pursue is flowers and shrubs. The former land owners had BEAUTIFUL Lillies, and a few other beautiful flowers planted. Thats where my inspiration is coming from. That, and my Grandparents yard - filled with lilacs, and flowers of all sorts. I remember loving it as a child! 

 Just a few of our beautiful lillies!