Homesteading…what does it mean? The dictionary defines a homestead as the home and adjoining land occupied by a family.
To us it means a place where our family can call home, a place where we live in harmony with nature, providing for ourselves and the animals that depend upon us. Blessing all that sustains us, while we attempt to live as self-sufficiently as we know how.
But is it even more than that? Does it represent something else as well? For me when I am out with the animals or working in the gardens, it is a time to reflect and moments of stillness just sweep over me. Does it become another form of meditation? As I stroke the neck of my Nubian Buck with intention to convey the love I have for him he stands on the fence laying his head on my shoulder. Is he reciprocating that love? Does he really understand? I believe so and a connection is felt. Then one of the does or kids jump up and the wonderful moment is broken while the rest of the herd demands attention as well. And mayhem breaks lose as each one attempts to get their share. And I laugh.
And then you take on the one chicken in your flock that refuses to go into the hen house at night. You chase her around and around, and in exasperation you threaten her that she is going to become dinner and she runs in. She is so bad we have nicknamed her Ginger, from the movie Chicken Run. Even the grandkids call her Ginger as she can be such a pain. But we talk to the hens and pet them. Yes you can pet chickens. And when I clap my hands and call the ladies to come, they come running and follow me to wherever. My husband tells me it is a hilarious scene to watch. But yet, there is a trust that I am taking them somewhere they want to go, that it is safe and of course there is always a special treat when we get there.
These are the moments that call to me on the homestead and is what I define as homesteading. Yes there are always the chores to do and the shelters to clean. But that is not what makes up homesteading.
Spring is always a blur of activity, cleaning, birthings, building, planting and all that goes to maintaining a homestead/hobby farm. But it is only work if you want to be somewhere else, and I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be. After a long day on the homestead we are weary to the bone, but do we sleep! And we are in better shape now without the expense of a gym membership.
To us homesteading is not about a place but it is about a way of life, living intentionally and with purpose. I do not believe it is the where, how much land, how many animals, how large the garden is. But more about living intentionally and at peace.
The Greenhorn Homesteader
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
You Know it's Spring When...
You know Spring is in the air on the Homestead when…
…mud is beginning to form every where.
…it takes two days to remove the lasagna layers of bedding from the stales.
…the does are getting heavy with kids and kits and finding it much harder to move around.
…you check livestock vaccinations & realize it is that time of year again.
…and of course a new snow storm passes through –getting its last winter blow in.
…and the hobby farm becomes more farm than hobby.
And the most important symbol of Spring…when the first mating pair of robins is spotted on the homestead.
Soon the air will loose its nip, tiny buds will begin to form on the fruit trees and the crocuses will burst forth though the last fallen snow with persistence. And we all are reminded that the cycle continues.
From winters dark bleak days will burst forth new life and new growth. The days are lengthening; the sun is chasing the gray clouds from the sky and soon new life will be transforming the homestead into a blur of activity.
The rest of winter will soon be ore’ and the hustle of spring sprung upon us. Oh what joy awaits us on the Homestead. But even then with weary bones & aching muscles, you know you are exactly where you want to be-Homesteading.
The Greenhorn Homesteader
…mud is beginning to form every where.
…it takes two days to remove the lasagna layers of bedding from the stales.
…the does are getting heavy with kids and kits and finding it much harder to move around.
…you check livestock vaccinations & realize it is that time of year again.
…and of course a new snow storm passes through –getting its last winter blow in.
…and the hobby farm becomes more farm than hobby.
And the most important symbol of Spring…when the first mating pair of robins is spotted on the homestead.
Soon the air will loose its nip, tiny buds will begin to form on the fruit trees and the crocuses will burst forth though the last fallen snow with persistence. And we all are reminded that the cycle continues.
From winters dark bleak days will burst forth new life and new growth. The days are lengthening; the sun is chasing the gray clouds from the sky and soon new life will be transforming the homestead into a blur of activity.
The rest of winter will soon be ore’ and the hustle of spring sprung upon us. Oh what joy awaits us on the Homestead. But even then with weary bones & aching muscles, you know you are exactly where you want to be-Homesteading.
The Greenhorn Homesteader
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Heartbreak on the Homestead
Just when you think you are ready to let go you find out that you are not and there is heartbreak on the homestead.
I had a totally different post which I was going to share with you. But today I really need to share from my heart, for me. Sometimes homesteading can be very difficult financially, time and work intensive and emotionally exhausting. Today is one of those very emotional days.
We had made the “Wise” homesteading financial decision to sell two of our main goats. They were part of the original trio that started the goat herd. So this decision was not made half heartedly, but with much thought, consideration and anguish. We had quickly found out that milking one goat like our dear Sylvia’ gave us more milk than we could drink. And I haven’t quite got the cheese making process conquered yet. So we had lots of milk at over a half gallon a day milking her only once a day.
So, back to my emotional breakdown today. Today the two goats were sold. I was away at the time, and as soon as I heard the bittersweet news that they had a new home, my heart broke. It was as though a part of my very soul was ripped away from me. If I had been where I could have, I would have just broken down in tears. And I am barely hanging on now. We hear about buyer remorse, well how about seller remorse?
I know in my head we made the sound logical decision based on our homesteading goals and direction, but my heart says I sold part of the family! Goats have a devious way of working themselves into your very heart and the fabric of you family.
Just the other day with treats in my pockets I entered the goat coral. And all five of those silly marvelous goats were jumping on me begging for their treats, as well as bestowing many kisses on my cheeks and chin. So picture this, lil’ 5’ 3’’ me totally surrounded by 5 goats, two of which when standing on their hindquarters are much taller than I. Quite the scene isn’t it? And standing there with my self braced against the wall I laughed so hard I cried. It had to be a sight to behold. But to think they simply were delighted to see me. Yes the treats help. But even without treats those girls come to me and basically knock me over just for attention. I guess only goat people really know how much a goat can love.
What even makes it harder is that one of the does was exceptional. One of the prettiest goats I’ve seen and so even tempered. She was so mild and as well behaved as goats go. She was even a wonderful playmate for my small grandchildren. So why sell her? Because on the homestead pets are a luxury and she was a very large hay burning luxury. Everyone has a purpose and other than as a pet she had none. If there was money to burn she would have never left. So my heart breaks as I say a silent farewell to a dear friend and family member. And the tears come as I agonize over the finality of our decision.
I feel like a Judas and I have betrayed my very loyal friends. What is it like for you there? Are you confused and lonely? In this strange place, with strange sounds and strange smells, will you settle in and be able to sleep tonight? Is anyone loving you and helping you adjust to your new home? Are you being loved? Are you safe?
So a mournful and regrettable goodbye I say to you Elsie’ and Fawne’, may your new home be as warm, as loving, as caring and as comfortable as you have come to know here. May your new family appreciate your loving and playful nature as much as I have. And know that you are missed so very much and it hasn’t even been a day. The goat corral will never be the same without you there. I miss you!
The Greenhorn Homesteader
I had a totally different post which I was going to share with you. But today I really need to share from my heart, for me. Sometimes homesteading can be very difficult financially, time and work intensive and emotionally exhausting. Today is one of those very emotional days.
We had made the “Wise” homesteading financial decision to sell two of our main goats. They were part of the original trio that started the goat herd. So this decision was not made half heartedly, but with much thought, consideration and anguish. We had quickly found out that milking one goat like our dear Sylvia’ gave us more milk than we could drink. And I haven’t quite got the cheese making process conquered yet. So we had lots of milk at over a half gallon a day milking her only once a day.
So, back to my emotional breakdown today. Today the two goats were sold. I was away at the time, and as soon as I heard the bittersweet news that they had a new home, my heart broke. It was as though a part of my very soul was ripped away from me. If I had been where I could have, I would have just broken down in tears. And I am barely hanging on now. We hear about buyer remorse, well how about seller remorse?
I know in my head we made the sound logical decision based on our homesteading goals and direction, but my heart says I sold part of the family! Goats have a devious way of working themselves into your very heart and the fabric of you family.
Just the other day with treats in my pockets I entered the goat coral. And all five of those silly marvelous goats were jumping on me begging for their treats, as well as bestowing many kisses on my cheeks and chin. So picture this, lil’ 5’ 3’’ me totally surrounded by 5 goats, two of which when standing on their hindquarters are much taller than I. Quite the scene isn’t it? And standing there with my self braced against the wall I laughed so hard I cried. It had to be a sight to behold. But to think they simply were delighted to see me. Yes the treats help. But even without treats those girls come to me and basically knock me over just for attention. I guess only goat people really know how much a goat can love.
What even makes it harder is that one of the does was exceptional. One of the prettiest goats I’ve seen and so even tempered. She was so mild and as well behaved as goats go. She was even a wonderful playmate for my small grandchildren. So why sell her? Because on the homestead pets are a luxury and she was a very large hay burning luxury. Everyone has a purpose and other than as a pet she had none. If there was money to burn she would have never left. So my heart breaks as I say a silent farewell to a dear friend and family member. And the tears come as I agonize over the finality of our decision.
I feel like a Judas and I have betrayed my very loyal friends. What is it like for you there? Are you confused and lonely? In this strange place, with strange sounds and strange smells, will you settle in and be able to sleep tonight? Is anyone loving you and helping you adjust to your new home? Are you being loved? Are you safe?
So a mournful and regrettable goodbye I say to you Elsie’ and Fawne’, may your new home be as warm, as loving, as caring and as comfortable as you have come to know here. May your new family appreciate your loving and playful nature as much as I have. And know that you are missed so very much and it hasn’t even been a day. The goat corral will never be the same without you there. I miss you!
The Greenhorn Homesteader
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The rush of the holidays is over. Whew! Homesteading keeps you busy, with all of the animals to care for. The feeding, milking , collecting eggs and simply being aware of what is going on in the goat coral, the Rabbitry and the hen house everyday. Then throw in decorating inside and out, gift shopping and wrapping, parties and family gatherings and life becomes a whirlwind. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is my favorite holiday but to stay ahead of the game a few things, like this blog, get put on the back burner.
I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and that this New Year will be bring blessings beyond your wildest dreams.
The Homestead is never stagnant; change is the name of the game. At this time we need to reduce our goat milking herd. Being new to that part of homesteading we found out that we don’t need several gallons of milk a day to supply our needs. So we have two lovely does for sale. A lovely tan doe, Fawne is bred and our gorgeous black and silver, Elsie may or may not be bred at this time. If you are interested in either of these lovely animals just email us and we can talk specifics.
The Angora rabbits have decided to molt in the dead of winter, go figure. What fun…not, but the wool is incredible. I’ll be spinning for days. We will be breeding three French Angora does this spring along with the Silver Fox rabbits. I just love the kits…what excitement they bring. If you are interested, just email us.
Oh spring, where art thou? Spring will bring upon so much for us here on the Homestead, new kits and kids and planting. There is nothing so wonderful to watch those kids being born and holding them and giving them their first bottle, watching them first wobble on their new found legs and then to jump around in pure joy. And top that off with peering into a nest box and seeing a litter of kits, all pink and warm with full bellies. Then watching everyone grow and develop into the lovely animals we love so much.
Oh to be able to dig into the dirt again, planting the seeds for the summer garden. The anticipation of fresh greens and vegetables simply makes my mouth water. To see the leaves in the trees, the spring blossoms and the perennial flower gardens unfurl. Oh, I am so anxious for spring…and yet there are three months of winter still to endure.
We must remind ourselves that this is the time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of last summer and to rest for the coming spring. It is the time to plan the new garden, the new buildings and what wonderful livestock we want to add to the homestead. Will it be a new breed of chicken? Will I finally be able to start my Angora goat herd this year? A new henhouse is on the horizon for sure and the goat coral for our most fantastic Nubian buck, time he was on his own and away from all the females that will be ready to kid this spring. Will this be the year we actually are able to fence off the back forty? We can dream and plan now. That is the natural rhythm of life. This is the time of renewal, planning and anticipation. What more can you do when the temp outside is in single digits and the livestock is cared for? So I’m off to plan.
The Greenhorn Homesteader
I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and that this New Year will be bring blessings beyond your wildest dreams.
The Homestead is never stagnant; change is the name of the game. At this time we need to reduce our goat milking herd. Being new to that part of homesteading we found out that we don’t need several gallons of milk a day to supply our needs. So we have two lovely does for sale. A lovely tan doe, Fawne is bred and our gorgeous black and silver, Elsie may or may not be bred at this time. If you are interested in either of these lovely animals just email us and we can talk specifics.
The Angora rabbits have decided to molt in the dead of winter, go figure. What fun…not, but the wool is incredible. I’ll be spinning for days. We will be breeding three French Angora does this spring along with the Silver Fox rabbits. I just love the kits…what excitement they bring. If you are interested, just email us.
Oh spring, where art thou? Spring will bring upon so much for us here on the Homestead, new kits and kids and planting. There is nothing so wonderful to watch those kids being born and holding them and giving them their first bottle, watching them first wobble on their new found legs and then to jump around in pure joy. And top that off with peering into a nest box and seeing a litter of kits, all pink and warm with full bellies. Then watching everyone grow and develop into the lovely animals we love so much.
Oh to be able to dig into the dirt again, planting the seeds for the summer garden. The anticipation of fresh greens and vegetables simply makes my mouth water. To see the leaves in the trees, the spring blossoms and the perennial flower gardens unfurl. Oh, I am so anxious for spring…and yet there are three months of winter still to endure.
We must remind ourselves that this is the time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of last summer and to rest for the coming spring. It is the time to plan the new garden, the new buildings and what wonderful livestock we want to add to the homestead. Will it be a new breed of chicken? Will I finally be able to start my Angora goat herd this year? A new henhouse is on the horizon for sure and the goat coral for our most fantastic Nubian buck, time he was on his own and away from all the females that will be ready to kid this spring. Will this be the year we actually are able to fence off the back forty? We can dream and plan now. That is the natural rhythm of life. This is the time of renewal, planning and anticipation. What more can you do when the temp outside is in single digits and the livestock is cared for? So I’m off to plan.
The Greenhorn Homesteader
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