A Much Needed Break...

Well it's been months since my last post. I wasn't sure weather I should keep this blog up, but I could not imagine myself letting go of it either. I have been out of touch, there's so much that had to be done around the house...lots has changed too, I lost some furry companions. Sad times took the best of me and my motivation was lost. The best part of all this was family visiting me for a while. I sure miss them...

These days I find myself much more motivated since preparing my fall garden.. ahhh true therapy.
The weather is getting cooler in the evenings. It's been a very hot summer so this is a welcome change :)

These interesting times have also caused a setback in my plans,  frustrating to say the least. Loss of hours at work has made everything very difficult.
So being more creative with what I do have is key to keeping my sanity. lol. Also, learning to live off the grid is very eye-opening. We are so dependent on superficial things and  government handouts. It's actually sad.  I want to be ahead of things, be prepared.

I have been learning about old skills, cooking and baking from scratch, and loving spending time in the kitchen. This is probably what I enjoy doing best.
I have found great deals at various thrift shops and yard sales. One that comes to mind is my favorite; a Romertopf clay pot. This is a beauty. Countless recipes can be done with this piece. Made the best Artisan bread I have ever made. This one is a keeper, and tons more bread will be made in this great find  :)  

TaDa!  This bread just melted in my mouth. Delicious and simple. 
Other items I am hoping to come across is a Grain Mill and a Pasta Maker. All hand powered tools, just like our ancestors used. Being less dependant on electricity is something I am working on gradually.
The holidays are creeping up once more, and although I cannot see  family this year I still do plan on spending lots of time in my awesome tiny kitchen, throwing flour around and playing with new recipes. I really enjoy the gift of giving, especially homemade goods.
Pumpkin is everywhere these days. There's not one single place that doesn't offer some type of pumpkin treat. I am trying to decide which pumpkin recipe will be a winner this year...sigh so many to chose from.

Starter Trays

Here is my new Mini-Greenhouse! an unexpected expense but sure worth it! How nice to start my seeds in their proper place instead of having all my trays covering the coutertops in the house.
This will be a successful summer growing season I just know it. :)   The soil looks beautiful since I tilled the compost in. I've never seen such beautiful black soil in my garden. Now the only thing missing are the worms and soon everything will be transplanted and I will be able to enjoy my garden again. Now if it could only get nicer outside.....

New year Update

Well Happy New Year to all!,

It's been 2 months since I last posted. I suppose you can call it a break. The holidays were not busy but I spent lots of time in the kitchen doing what I love to do best  :)
Things are slow this new year, the garden is dormant and bare. The cold weeks past have left me unmotivated;feels like hibernation. The hens seem quieter too.

In my last post I mentioned having to make a decision on weather I should use my hens as food. Well that didn't happen. For some reason two of my four decided to start laying again....hmmmm wonder if they knew if something was up?
I decided on letting them just be. I have no problem running a nursing home for hens. Here they will grow old and die. This is where they are happy :) they do keep me smiling despite them getting old.

Chopping some leftover tree stumps, fixing the chicken coop fencing and painting the hallway is about all the projects that I have gotten done since the holidays. And with a new puppy in the house it has kept me on my toes.
The frost has finally passed much to my satisfaction. I can start working outdoors again.I have lost what was left in my garden. Lots of frost damage to some of my fruit trees too.
This weekend will be a busy one, trying to prune and save what is left.

Last week I got a free old dresser that had been painted grey. I couldn't wait to get started on it since I knew it had potential.
Well sure enough this old dresser is pine! A real gem. I intend to finish it over the weekend and give it a final gloss.

February is just around the corner, and almost that time again to pick out my summer seeds. Something I always look forward to  :) I can't wait to see a lush garden again to fill in the empty bare garden beds and walls.

This is it for now, until next time.....