Homestead Happenings

 

Welcome to Homestead Happenings,

where we share what's been going on in our world.

This week has been cold, but clear and sunny,

lending itself to daily walks in the neighborhood.

I've been working on pushing myself a bit more,

venturing out in colder temperatures. 

For someone who spent over 40 years in Florida,

this is no small feat.

I have also committed to completing

between 6,000 and 8,000 steps every day.

One of the projects we continue to work on this fall,

is creating a large stash of leaf mulch,

to be used in the garden beds all year long.

This backpack mulcher takes time,

but gets the job done.

We've had our first frost (and second, and third),

and so far the garden has done well.

The row covers need to be replaced,

as there are tears which let the cold in,

but they are being held together with clothespins,

which is something that this homestead could not live without.

While the garden beds were watered yesterday,

these lovely broccoli heads were found.

I am looking forward to eating this treat,

as well as all of the shoots that will follow.

If the cold gets any worse,

I may just harvest them early, so that I don't miss out.

The chooks have been enjoying a few of the leaves.

garlic, strawberry and cover crops

We got a dusting of snow this week!

It was unexpected, but very welcome.

We have been lacking winter precipitation

for the past few years,

so I'll take what I can get.

The doves don't seem to mind the snow one bit,

as every morning they gather underneath 

the birdfeeder to see what scraps they can find.

We recently decided to feed the birds only in the colder months,

and provide birdseed and homemade suet to them.

Our chooks are still laying fairly well,

gifting us with over a dozen eggs each week.

It's enough for our needs,

but it would be nice to be able to share them with neighbors.

We may have to consider adding to the flock in the spring,

so that we can provide for others.

Saffron

Preparations have been made for the chooks,

so that they can be as comfortable as possible 

during this cold spell.

Our Omlet coops are insulated, which helps a lot,

but I've also added straw inside,

so that they will be toasty as they sleep.

We've also moved the tarps on the tops of the runs,

so that the sun shines on the coops all day,

warming them before bedtime.

 Cracked Corn is made available in the colder months

so that their body heat is maintained a little easier.

Living with four, distinct seasons is such a blessing.

How's the weather where you are?