As this year comes to a close and I am beginning to ponder all things spring.... I am thinking seeds, gardening, critters and changes...The longer we homestead(been at this 16 years now) the more I realize there is no end to improvement, changes, and trying new things...We have always been the kind of folks that are always up for a new adventure...this year will be no different...So what are we thinking?
Chickens and Turkeys--I am thinking maybe one huge hatch of turkeys and chickens this spring and not constantly having my incubator going...Might do 2 turkey hatches....the rest of my eggs will be sold for hatching...
Rabbits...Our freezer is full so thinking we will either do away with all the rabbits or only keep a couple for breeding....
Pigs--Definitly keepers...hoping for piglets early spring...
Goats---Sigh....I love me some goats! We sold my entire herd last spring due to my health and just not having the dedication to care for them with my health issues....This year is better...thinking about adding a few back to the homestead....We are looking into Sannens or LaManchas...Closer to spring we will make the decision...We have 18 acres for them to browse and eat thats a definite plus....means no feed bill in the spring/summer and early fall months...winter would be all they would need commercial feed...
Cows--Looking at adding a calf or 2 to the homestead this spring....again...time will tell...Cattle are down in price in our area we will see what prices are like come spring when the grass greens up...
On the gardening front...We are making some changes this year to our gardening....Last year we did the eden method and loved it...however being in the subtropical climate we are in the weeds eventually took over...This year we will do lots of container gardening....Maybe even a few raised beds....Looking at maybe having a hoop house as well...
I made my list....checked it twice...Seed list that is...and I am very happy with my order...While it is pretty good sized order the seeds will provide food for us for years to come...I will be making that order in the next week or so....
This way of life is amazing....hard work and never ending...but amazing...I love the simplicity in it...I love how here at Rocky Oak its like a whole different world....When I venture into our nearest town, albeit very small I cannot wait to get back to the comforts of the homestead...its quiet, serene and feels safe...Other things on the agenda this spring are to add a couple more security features, a hand pump for a deep well(ours is 480 feet) so in the event we don't have power, rather than using our generator we have hand pump...We will also add to our rain catchment system....
I am resolving to keep our goals simple and attainable so that at the end of the year we don't feel like we 'failed'...We have also resolved to do what is right for us and our situation and not listen to everyone else...All of us have unique needs and goals...We need to meet those goals based our familys needs...
This year I just want to do what makes us happy....we want things that bring joy,contentment & enrichment to our life...Just to enjoy each and everyday for what it is and not worry so much about what the future holds...Tomorrow will take of itself....
The Homestead Lady
