Homestead Happenings

 

Welcome to Homestead Happenings!

We've had some bitterly cold weather in the last couple of weeks,

but it looks like things are warming up.

Next week's forecast is looking downright mild!

Here are some things happening inside and

outside on our Piedmont homestead.

Some of the crops are a bit worse for wear.

The lemon balm finally succumbed to the freeze,

and the kale and broccoli aren't looking too good.

With the rain we got yesterday,

I'm hoping some of it will perk up.

The cabbage seems to have survived,

and I am still hoping for a harvest

sometime this winter.

Of course, it doesn't help that we have infiltrators

who help themselves to whatever they can find

under cover.

Matilda is one smart chook,

and has now taught her sisters to look for goodies

underneath the row covers.

We've been using the new Omlet waterers 

for a couple of weeks now.

I have to say, there are so many wonderful features

with these, including the "window" on the side

to indicate when they are running low.

I've been pleased with how well they keep the water clean,

as the top is completely closed.

However, when our temps reached 28 overnight,

the cups we had initially installed did freeze.

I prefer using the cups, as it seems to be

a more natural way for the chooks to drink.

We have since replaced them with the 

optional nipple waterers.

We'll probably go back to the cups in warmer weather.

We did a minimal amount of decorating outside,

including adding lights to the chicken runs.

After all, why shouldn't the girls enjoy some of the festivity?

Inside, we keep things very simple.

Our new curtains were added to the living room,

and I really enjoy the farm print.

We had these made by Stephanie at SewManyLinens on Etsy,

and plan to order another for our office window.

You can find her website here.

The curtains that used to hang in the living room

have been repurposed in our "spa" room that we did a

minor makeover on earlier in the year.

They hang just beautifully as is,

and I feel good being able to use them elsewhere.

Our refrigerator always gets the snowman 

treatment when the colder weather hits.

It's so easy to do, having a white fridge.

He always cheers me when I head for the kitchen.

This year, our mantle has the simplest of displays,

simply using what we have around the house

and adding tiny fairy lights.

The white illumination just adds a touch of magic to everything!

The annual Madeleine baking has been done

and they are already being enjoyed by my farmer friends

in Florida.

One more big batch to go for sister

and her peeps.

The Fresh Milled Flour is being incorporated into my

weekly baking routine now.

This bread may not look too pretty, (I'm still learning),

but it's absolutely my favorite sandwich/toasting bread so far.

Recipes may start showing up here in the new year.

The health benefits have been amazing!

This week, chocolate chip cookies were made,

using FMF and coconut sugar instead of the white stuff.

Coconut sugar and maple syrup do not seem to have

a negative effect on my health,

and so that is what I choose to use as a sweetener.

Recently, a bag of date sugar was purchased, and

that will be tried as well in the near future.

These cookies were soft, flavorful, and not too sweet.

Creature comforts are so centering.

The days are full, but not too busy,

and there is always time to slow down

and take in a holiday movie without leaving home.

Here's hoping you are making great memories

with those you love most.

~"God bless us, everyone!"