We SURVIVED!

Saturday was SURVIVOR'S DAY at Orange Hill Express Feed Store in Chipley, the first of a series of teachings on different aspects of  homestead and survival skills. This day focused on all aspects of raising and utilizing rabbits, goats and chickens. We brought both milk and meat goats, bottle fed and nursing babies, and pygmy goats for our petting zoo.We spent Friday afternoon setting up our area and rolled in early Saturday morning with 20 or so goats and more equipment. It was just Bob, Joel and I, and from the time we arrived until the end of the event at 3:00 we were busy giving out samples and literature, overseeing the animals and children, meeting a wonderful bunch of people, sharing our experiences and showcasing the arts of milking, cheesmaking and soapmaking. Unfortunately, in all the excitement and busyiness, my camera was left by the wayside and I neglected to document most of the day. I didn't even get a chance to visit the rabbit and chicken exhibits. Survivor Day for us, was very much like Goat Day, which you can read about HERE, without the vendors and much more intimate. We'll be having another teaching opportunity next month at Mid South Lumber Co. in Youngstown during their Chick Days Exhibition.

Other happenings on the Homestead of late include:

* HEIRLOOM PLANTS FOR SALE!

 I have a variety of differnt tomato plants including Al Kuffa. Homestead, Chadwick Cherry, Ingregnol, Woodle Orange, Beefsteak, Rutgers and Roma (and a few others)
Eggplant, Peppers, Cucumber and Squash - several varieties of each
$2.00 - 12 oz container
$3.00 - 24 oz container

* ANOTHER attempt to breed Buttercup

 more information to come.

*Planting Shiitake Mushrooms AGAIN!

This time we used a different technique. I'll tell you more about it soon.

* Red fox sighting outside her den in the pasture.

 Bob buried her den several times to try to deter her from taking up residence but each time she re-dug her hole. Since taking this picture at the end of February I have not seen her, but the weather has been crazy - nice and warm followed by freezing cold, and lots of rain - we had over 21 inches fall in a 4 day period several weeks ago! Perhaps she left, but it's also possible that she's down in her den with kits and I've just missed seeing her when she's out.  I'll be sure to let you know of any new developments.

*It's springtime and things are hectic around the farm. Lots of baby goats - our final count (for now) is 8 girls and 2 boys, three of which we're bottle feeding 4 times a day.

* Recently I began a part time job outside the home - 2 days a week, 10 hours a day so I'm in the process of trying to balance full time work at the farm, keeping house and earning extra income to continue our homesteading ventures.

* But I've saved the best for last.
On Wed, Feb 27, my daughter married the man of her dreams in a private ceremony in St Lucia and I gained a son.  I thought my heart would burst! We'll see them this summer and I can hardly wait!