tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25921579914130828442024-02-19T04:03:18.023-08:00Starlan FarmA family's journey from house to organic homestead.biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-1841474862331338982015-01-15T20:27:00.000-08:002015-01-15T20:27:15.230-08:00The Orange Peel Experiment<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As I have mentioned, my kids will put down fruit like nobody’s
business. They may spend an hour and half
on a ham sandwich, but will inhale fruit as fast as we let them. It’s great for the compost pile, of course,
but for the sake of science (and possibly save some money) we tried two experiments
for re-purposing our orange peels. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-7SHSCgk8eD6e1xMX2kT4QCbnL3SyKe6jJ0iS3_-Z6FpKcOAIK_v17Q_776x1jNXXKmH1Iuh-qkhCQNYGsLmxqv6Xa2TFTeILdPXCKzs80NqloK7VvBeQK_MCoUhuT6p-W2NjMeNBqCu/s1600/orangecleaner.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-7SHSCgk8eD6e1xMX2kT4QCbnL3SyKe6jJ0iS3_-Z6FpKcOAIK_v17Q_776x1jNXXKmH1Iuh-qkhCQNYGsLmxqv6Xa2TFTeILdPXCKzs80NqloK7VvBeQK_MCoUhuT6p-W2NjMeNBqCu/s1600/orangecleaner.jpg.jpg" height="400" title="Homemade Orange Peel Household Cleaner" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Orange Peel Cleaner</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Process: For this, we just dropped
all of our peels into a quart mason jar. It
was full in about two days, then we filled it right to the top with white vinegar. The vinegar pulls the oils from peeling,
boosting the inherent cleaning power of the vinegar. After about 10 days, we poured the orange
infused vinegar through a strainer and into an old spray bottle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Verdict:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It works great for light duty cleaning. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Smells great!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I know EXACTLY what is in it. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Incredibly easy!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Orange Peel Seed Starter</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyk5CoZnvW_oiTwmof5_LNoo_Xaz8hBpoXY-Nqr7evNhyphenhyphen0Rm-1Stcg_bnWwA7j6OXA5v1pIM5uHkAFNUXM7OyNKICkNfGqc5e155H0WyAYYez2W_dU9l8abAI-m9jakQhMZtpE1UTqkPL/s1600/orangeseedstart.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyk5CoZnvW_oiTwmof5_LNoo_Xaz8hBpoXY-Nqr7evNhyphenhyphen0Rm-1Stcg_bnWwA7j6OXA5v1pIM5uHkAFNUXM7OyNKICkNfGqc5e155H0WyAYYez2W_dU9l8abAI-m9jakQhMZtpE1UTqkPL/s1600/orangeseedstart.jpg.jpg" height="400" title="Orange Peel Seed Starter" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Process: For this one, we used halved oranges leftover from
hand juicing. Little preparation was needed, but to poke a drainage hole with a pocket
knife in the bottom of each half. We filled them with
potting mix, dropped three seeds in each and covered with more potting mix to achieve
appropriate seed depth. Our experimental seeds included Basil, Lemon Balm, and Stevia. We
kept them in a tray with a clear plastic lid to keep in heat and moisture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Verdict:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">Seeds sprouted. They
were not fast, it was about eight days before any sign of life.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Oranges molded. At
this point, we terminated the experiment.
If they could have survived outdoors, I would have transplanted (but if
that were the case I would not be doing indoor seed experiments). There was just too much fuzzy mystery mold for my wife to get a warm fuzzy.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Summary</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I will definitely do
the orange cleaning solution again and would recommend it to anyone who likes natural citrus
scented cleaner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For future seed-starts, I would forgo orange peels in lieu
of other methods. While this may work
great for some, I consider our experiment to be a failure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I look forward to hearing about your experiences with these
or other orange peel re-use ideas.
Thanks for reading.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-70386468251922975782015-01-08T20:58:00.002-08:002015-01-09T17:37:01.301-08:00Best Kale Chips Ever!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm probably way out of loop here, but up until a few years ago, I had never even heard of Kale. My first experience was when I was tricked into trying it in a smoothie. Since it was actually good (was not expecting that), I tried the kale chips that soon followed. They were great, just too darn labor intensive. My mother-in-law came up with her own method that is much easier, and they rock! The hardest part is keeping it away from the kiddos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMfAvOlVZ7A1Bmei7h7EoUt2UIS7hGKPg6cXmm3-gsY7rR4Eqr-WeASgKasFwlnQLToeOZB2mVX_fvCXbU6qiagcA3eQ2vpuNZnk2SbVmXAYz2Te93S3YZQEEkBUdNuooQQAQA9MThCVW/s1600/kale1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMfAvOlVZ7A1Bmei7h7EoUt2UIS7hGKPg6cXmm3-gsY7rR4Eqr-WeASgKasFwlnQLToeOZB2mVX_fvCXbU6qiagcA3eQ2vpuNZnk2SbVmXAYz2Te93S3YZQEEkBUdNuooQQAQA9MThCVW/s1600/kale1.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Trim stem, wash, and ice down one bunch of Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale)</li>
<li>Cut minimally, only to remove main vein and any bad spots you may have</li>
<li>After drying on towel, coat with coconut oil and a squirt of lemon juice</li>
<li>Place in oven to dehydrate on baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 10-15 min @350</li>
<li>Top with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper</li>
<li>Devour</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuk_WawTXC6JdscA6bjw-lKacIoZoHVE8iSw8hpbBoGmlTsBWp6UUvbavT9CZVvU53gqgOAWb177AuhsEtOvlaaHgOyXdnPoN5DzAWk3MxCRHl8gm_Q5KaPb59e93YuWVQRXftYV0J67h/s1600/kale2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuk_WawTXC6JdscA6bjw-lKacIoZoHVE8iSw8hpbBoGmlTsBWp6UUvbavT9CZVvU53gqgOAWb177AuhsEtOvlaaHgOyXdnPoN5DzAWk3MxCRHl8gm_Q5KaPb59e93YuWVQRXftYV0J67h/s1600/kale2.jpg.jpg" height="640" title="Lacinato kale chips recipe" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As far as storage goes, it has never been an issue because ours disappear within an hour or two on the counter. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let us know what you think if you try our recipe, and feel free to share any seasoning suggestions or your own recipes. Happy baking!</div>
</div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-54523590483921826802014-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:002014-12-14T19:22:01.811-08:00A Hard Nut to Crack: Breaking Florida's Coconuts<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Friends of
ours from North Carolina have recently moved to Miami, and are starting to take
advantage of the local harvest on their property.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They are pretty reluctant to call it a
homestead, but hey, any time you can pick something up and eat it off your own
property, that is one step closer to self-sufficiency.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUSb7HupB6LRcEk7CschbjAxYHrjuayfgsoG_j0AumA8NSnb2xzPIwdO8cb0QlLOKHh2dNPBgZIVt0lMIYGh9d5IgcyIAxOlcIXMPGwbDZBipIgcmQ-IbQS8qGqwI1StyUALshSwJfpsc/s1600/florida.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUSb7HupB6LRcEk7CschbjAxYHrjuayfgsoG_j0AumA8NSnb2xzPIwdO8cb0QlLOKHh2dNPBgZIVt0lMIYGh9d5IgcyIAxOlcIXMPGwbDZBipIgcmQ-IbQS8qGqwI1StyUALshSwJfpsc/s1600/florida.jpg.jpg" height="395" title="breaking coconut Florida palm tree" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They have more coconuts then they can handle. They weren't opening them fast enough, so they had a volunteer (Jen’s father) head down to Key Largo to learn the fine art of coconut cracking from the professionals. Now, you may have read somewhere on Pinterest
that this can be done daintily in your kitchen using your potato masher and
paring knife. A coconut would crack your head if it had the chance, so theres no room for nice on this job. Anything worth doing is
worth doing right, and in this case that means you need a machete and claw hammer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8mv4t36iklbAgwdX6hJqUuyPSjADJcmpwwuYjG_k2EegyYYakWYaMd0tqG2Dfde6zHHnpmNYC4MWE2Quyl9OTAjMl78mweyFaYBa2BhCrbgyxHOwlqM6ELPZk8kkZc9Y6fOCyMCf2gog/s1600/cocotools.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8mv4t36iklbAgwdX6hJqUuyPSjADJcmpwwuYjG_k2EegyYYakWYaMd0tqG2Dfde6zHHnpmNYC4MWE2Quyl9OTAjMl78mweyFaYBa2BhCrbgyxHOwlqM6ELPZk8kkZc9Y6fOCyMCf2gog/s1600/cocotools.jpg.jpg" height="320" title="Cracking coconut machete " width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most store-bought
coconuts will have the husk removed already. If locally foraged, this
will need to be removed by taking repeated low angle hacks with a machete. A claw hammer may be necessary separate husk fibers and to loosen
coconut from remaining husk material.
Hack, pry, repeat. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Once the coconut has been separated from the husk, locate its equator. This will be a horizontal ring around the coconut when the eyes are facing upward. Using the blunt edge of machete, take firm whacks along equator, rotating coconut in between each hit. After a few turns the coconut will magically split like a plastic Easter egg. Whack, rotate, repeat.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jen has been
making fresh macaroons, and has promised us a sample. They sound great, but I’m more interested in
swinging a machete, there just aren't enough excuses to pull out pirate weapons
this far inland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-60350898094456507822014-12-11T19:16:00.000-08:002014-12-11T19:18:29.787-08:00Homemade Hummingbird Nectar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">I have yet to see a hummingbird in the winter, but it is definitely a possibility. During the summer in North Carolina (and anywhere else east of the Mississippi) the primary hummingbird you will find will be the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. </span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">The Roufus Hummingbird, on the other hand, is a more cold hardy species that can also be found here throughout the winter.</span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">When I found this out, I cleaned up our feeder and started looking for the bottle of nectar.</span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">When it failed to turn up, I found a recipe instead.</span><span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYirlmtV0ODBlPn3NEf9ZmYEnBElwsugArv9qCEhjBRBJoerrLK61wvXYm_kHIlyyd7ko1mlUNX2C2HVEWw-JbCLMsYWW9MUI8wrv1VJD8ocpQsjGUdlecTjwa4ZdJoyefaneZoKykz4IY/s1600/Nectar.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYirlmtV0ODBlPn3NEf9ZmYEnBElwsugArv9qCEhjBRBJoerrLK61wvXYm_kHIlyyd7ko1mlUNX2C2HVEWw-JbCLMsYWW9MUI8wrv1VJD8ocpQsjGUdlecTjwa4ZdJoyefaneZoKykz4IY/s1600/Nectar.jpg.jpg" height="213" title="homemade hummingbird nectar" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As far as
recipes go, it does not get any easier than this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dissolve ¼ cup
of white sugar into 1 cup of boiling water.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Let cool, and add to clean feeder.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The batch size can easily be changed provided you maintain the 1:4 ratio. Additionally, it is recommended the nectar be rinsed and replaced regularly, as issues of mold and fermentation of nectar may arise.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked for
other recipes using alternatives to white sugar, in hopes of finding something
more natural.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It turns out white sugar
is more similar to the nectar they would feed on naturally than every other
sweetener I could think of.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even honey
is considered unsafe for hummingbirds.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
nectar that is available for purchase contains red dye to entice the birds to
the feeder, but since the feeder itself is red, I don’t see it as a necessary addition.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our feeder
is up, now we are just waiting on Roufus to show up. We will definitely let you know if we spot
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-11925319129485234602014-12-09T13:54:00.003-08:002014-12-09T14:17:42.105-08:00Starting the Family Apple Orchard<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When two
boys can eat their weight in organic apples in the course of a week, the
grocery store just doesn’t cut it. Good
food is only getting more expensive, so a home orchard was a no-brainer for our
family. We will, of course, have to wait
a few years to really start enjoying the “fruit of our labor”, but the return
on investment should be great as long as we can keep everything maintained.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tE4IExrjA1yHysI_VhqRYI5FTWLNEUG8uEanH6DsLDn6Y9BYsemc8SDXyRVyMnTH5TXuPY6gxJMf45c4sWrJt22JNHDrcioFiWlEaI7jIM0yMbf04V-rambNJ7wIUy6J6VReomONCMe2/s1600/ORCHARD+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Picture" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tE4IExrjA1yHysI_VhqRYI5FTWLNEUG8uEanH6DsLDn6Y9BYsemc8SDXyRVyMnTH5TXuPY6gxJMf45c4sWrJt22JNHDrcioFiWlEaI7jIM0yMbf04V-rambNJ7wIUy6J6VReomONCMe2/s1600/ORCHARD+1.jpg" height="544" title="Bare root Fruit trees" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The biggest
step for us was in the planning. The questions
we had to answer for ourselves included:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Where will
we get the trees?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We chose to order online from an established nursery with a large selection and a good reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What
varieties? And how many?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are so
many varieties of apples, the decision can be overwhelming. Apple trees need at least two varieties for pollination
purposes, so we decided to chose a few that we know well and enjoy, then pick
good pollinators for each (the nursery was a big help with this). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When will we
plant?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Planting is recommended
for late fall, once the trees have gone dormant. This was also the safe time for the nursery to
ship the trees, so things worked out well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Where will
we plant?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We chose an
area in our front yard since the site will get full sun most of the day, has a
slight slope for good drainage, and will be easy to keep an eye on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What special
consideration must be taken? </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since all of
ours are dwarf trees, spacing can be pretty tight. This is important to us given the small plot
we are on. We also wanted a good variety
because it will give us opportunity to see what works best on our land. We made sure to include some disease
resistant varieties, just in case that proves to be a problem. Taste preference, intended use, and hardiness
zone are definitely big factors in decision making. We expect ours to be picked and eaten on the
spot so we started with a few of our family’s favorites (Gala and Fuji). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcZzbMGtvkqwU9ItB6wWxmN13qJfmBAhUL3CS59hvFq4ajDG8TNaTAYQ5DAE0MJybMUeZLFwzgPRYY7Q697AxwZ20Vg_gt6zcswDm8lzKNsmdpfvpPv6qhHug1pcYdeh8WQZNjXwcLCbF/s1600/ORCHARD+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Picture" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcZzbMGtvkqwU9ItB6wWxmN13qJfmBAhUL3CS59hvFq4ajDG8TNaTAYQ5DAE0MJybMUeZLFwzgPRYY7Q697AxwZ20Vg_gt6zcswDm8lzKNsmdpfvpPv6qhHug1pcYdeh8WQZNjXwcLCbF/s1600/ORCHARD+2.jpg" height="536" title="Orchard Fruit trees planting bare-root dwarf apple " width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had never planted a bare-root tree before, so when it came
time to plant, I referred to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594869170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594869170&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwstarlanfar-20&linkId=X7D7Z4FQDRMFXEMT">Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Green Resource for Every Gardener</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwstarlanfar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1594869170" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. This is a great a resource, and being an encyclopedia, everything is alphabetic making information easy to find One important planting consideration for grafted trees is placement of bud union. Rodale's recommendation is to plant with the bud union 2" above to surface to maintain the trees' dwarf sizing. Pruning was done prior to shipment, but next year I fully intend to pull this book back out prior to making any cuts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We plan on
doubling and possibly tripling the number of trees in our yard.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once I can see the trees are growing well I
will order some more, and then when I see which varieties are most productive
for us I will definitely capitalize by adding a few more of those</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (great resource,
by the way).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We plan on
doubling and possibly tripling the number of trees in our yard. Once I can see the trees are growing well I
will order some more, and then when I see which varieties are most productive
for us I will definitely capitalize by adding a few more of those.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If anyone has any suggestions or would like to tell us what has worked in your experience or what your favorite varieties are to grow, we are eager to hear it. Feel free to comment.</span></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-49905668911814100322014-11-28T22:40:00.003-08:002014-11-29T13:41:00.304-08:00First Homemade Kefir Experience<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Most
bloggers tend to portray themselves as true experts in the field. They
may be, but for those looking for the experiences and point of view of a first
timer, look no further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Everything
I know about Kefir (pronounced Kee-Fur) (also spelled keefir or kephir) has
been learned over the course of the past week through internet research and
culminating with one highly scientific project in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">What
is Kefir? A cultured milk
product, much like cheese, yogurt, or sour cream. It is a nutritious, probiotic-rich food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">How
do you make it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJeT6yu3gGmwuzvNdb1lxFXFgjhXYBZ7Isp3yyRCQ-OWSGM26SBnZEszibg_Tojb_iWnbx3XwnJtavJfhXecvwgnZukzVFNCzXY4eEJL5mm1rXQUQlFKRO_IAV8vfhDQ9lmcvWOqLQ2CW/s1600/20141126_195611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Purchase the mysterious
Kefir Grains (no seriously, its mysterious, no matter how much reading you do
on it)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Add grains to milk, store
at room temperature, and wait.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Strain cultured mystery
milk (Kefir) into new jar, straining the grains which have now grown, even
furthering the mystery</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Repeat (in larger quantity,
if desired)</span> </li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kd1Nrkrs24wnJoi9FHCl8slUJh5MN1wqrVV1k8-q0nBsWG86Y6J3Dy_OoTUDAKKstmo2NVaU6nZJiMBa-inLmPNk9jor_jRYqVtPvjtiX5ML-8PuI6O6O26nhGwwCOhBm9omRth54pjv/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kd1Nrkrs24wnJoi9FHCl8slUJh5MN1wqrVV1k8-q0nBsWG86Y6J3Dy_OoTUDAKKstmo2NVaU6nZJiMBa-inLmPNk9jor_jRYqVtPvjtiX5ML-8PuI6O6O26nhGwwCOhBm9omRth54pjv/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" title="Kefir Keefir Keefer Kephir" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAMCe9MxPKQBegNAF9TCinRvBAIQpksR5oLgBH7aBRrrIQDklaY9_uestLp1SoaFhn6reguKbKq05VO4YZrgABiJnBQvcqh-3856MrLxcdFFirG0je40pR3evuBHrIp8RbtuAe_UR-4Zc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAMCe9MxPKQBegNAF9TCinRvBAIQpksR5oLgBH7aBRrrIQDklaY9_uestLp1SoaFhn6reguKbKq05VO4YZrgABiJnBQvcqh-3856MrLxcdFFirG0je40pR3evuBHrIp8RbtuAe_UR-4Zc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" height="640" title="Kefir Keefir Keefer Kephir" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Is that all
there is to it? Metal kills it, so use a
glass jar, with plastic lid, spoon, and
strainer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are
numerous sources to purchase kefir grains on-line. We chose to get ours from Marilyn at <a href="http://www.kefirlady.com/">www.kefirlady.com</a>. She has been doing this for many years and is
very knowledgeable on the subject. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">For our first
run we used cheesecloth in lieu of a plastic strainer. The strainer we ordered (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042X9XA4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0042X9XA4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwstarlanfar-20&linkId=W5UEP6ZUXBOW4Y7J">HIC Nylon Mesh Strainer, 3-Inch</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwstarlanfar-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0042X9XA4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />)
came in from Amazon
today, so we will be using that next time.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Shannon and
the boys used to get kefir smoothies, so luckily she knew what to expect as far
as taste goes. We tasted it this morning
after chilling it in the fridge. With no
additional flavoring, it was a little tart, a little sour cream-ish. Since neither
of us gagged, we whipped it up with some frozen strawberries and served up
fresh kefir smoothies to the kids. I could not get a good descriptive comment from them, but they did ask for seconds and thirds. I liked it too. Next time we will be trying blueberry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">After we get
used to this we may be trying our hand at kombucha. This is of course, Shannon’s idea. Personally, I want to brew some beer, but we
can only take on so many projects.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-23262267914958203952014-11-26T08:17:00.000-08:002014-11-26T11:53:01.398-08:00Our Barn Raising<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">We
have had a slow patch, with some poor weather and no progress, but the past </span>two
days have made up for it. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygaETa8qN5ptAVwGDqmtws2B_rqxBsBNm1gvGRY1QKxTfRjTGXlR8-70YXylrM08rAU1eY8JJXcqX9xq58IXHr6krT0VyrpwIJ5qEO7XtspNxERCtI5lOAdmKy3T34uZl1iZhVk55LDkU/s1600/20141125_142310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO4fyh7B9SJOtr9lQWbctAaeReOrrxYQoNDwWcZtPGn1sDKZ_kXXiOct2lNGmgNYEyY-ZzVIrkY7eKu-FcbrkLTQGL4IL6yeQZjAacvCPDdOqSxtd9gsip1LVbv22UFzjvgDxze8bD7Kg/s1600/20141125_122010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO4fyh7B9SJOtr9lQWbctAaeReOrrxYQoNDwWcZtPGn1sDKZ_kXXiOct2lNGmgNYEyY-ZzVIrkY7eKu-FcbrkLTQGL4IL6yeQZjAacvCPDdOqSxtd9gsip1LVbv22UFzjvgDxze8bD7Kg/s1600/20141125_122010.jpg" height="320" title="metal building lean-to" width="192" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjYCKHTeeiaO8fVsFdI0Y7jKtEvdV8gOEx32i-jLQ3-jvgVUvjcoLYxUw3378R6ZLYrh7W4BFQJkdFArIAzJDAQMIqdZ4aOCZ4WoxSd-CldxBvKZq6ai1fpzOiZ3QAze13Yzpj0YNtLRI/s1600/20141125_121142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjYCKHTeeiaO8fVsFdI0Y7jKtEvdV8gOEx32i-jLQ3-jvgVUvjcoLYxUw3378R6ZLYrh7W4BFQJkdFArIAzJDAQMIqdZ4aOCZ4WoxSd-CldxBvKZq6ai1fpzOiZ3QAze13Yzpj0YNtLRI/s1600/20141125_121142.jpg" height="320" title="Metal building construction" width="192" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Our
“barn” is going up, and it is very exciting.
With the help of my Father-in-law and Brother-in-law, I got most of the
back and side panels up, and half the roof.
The rain may end up putting a halt on construction tomorrow, but at
least it doesn't look like a yard deck anymore.
My brother-in-law is a pro at this, so this might not qualify as a DIY
project. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">We
also got the chance to plan a portion of our fencing thanks to my
Father-in-law, who has loads of experience corralling farm animals. Our needs are not quite that serious but we
do need to keep our two “wild humans” contained, and of course keep hungry foragers
out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygaETa8qN5ptAVwGDqmtws2B_rqxBsBNm1gvGRY1QKxTfRjTGXlR8-70YXylrM08rAU1eY8JJXcqX9xq58IXHr6krT0VyrpwIJ5qEO7XtspNxERCtI5lOAdmKy3T34uZl1iZhVk55LDkU/s1600/20141125_142310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygaETa8qN5ptAVwGDqmtws2B_rqxBsBNm1gvGRY1QKxTfRjTGXlR8-70YXylrM08rAU1eY8JJXcqX9xq58IXHr6krT0VyrpwIJ5qEO7XtspNxERCtI5lOAdmKy3T34uZl1iZhVk55LDkU/s1600/20141125_142310.jpg" height="240" title="metal building metal roofing" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLBNNMTwAGQOagFsqXtKK-kcaDGl9-F3OLBFZGQdpJj4U7BvXo28hstgoloOwvqz4gflsnT6yPDnLyYWO1xQJXwgAeuVYZ3NJlxUmHg7JdacIDkoajR3LWCmGMFS9bwHDfqTe0kVeKAJ7/s1600/20141125_161554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLBNNMTwAGQOagFsqXtKK-kcaDGl9-F3OLBFZGQdpJj4U7BvXo28hstgoloOwvqz4gflsnT6yPDnLyYWO1xQJXwgAeuVYZ3NJlxUmHg7JdacIDkoajR3LWCmGMFS9bwHDfqTe0kVeKAJ7/s1600/20141125_161554.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">In
addition, we have added a few minor project items that we will be trying our hand
at in the next couple days. We have a
cool new seed starting kit, which we will be trying out. The next thing we will be attempting is
Kefir. This is way out of my comfort
zone. This is Shannon’s thing, I really don’t
even know what it is. I think we will be
growing yogurt smoothies in mason jars.
Kidding everyone…I know what it is, but “growing” it will be a major
learning experience for both of us. We
will let you know what happens.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks for reading, and please stayed tuned for completion of building, and some smaller projects/ experiments we'll be starting in the days to come. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLBNNMTwAGQOagFsqXtKK-kcaDGl9-F3OLBFZGQdpJj4U7BvXo28hstgoloOwvqz4gflsnT6yPDnLyYWO1xQJXwgAeuVYZ3NJlxUmHg7JdacIDkoajR3LWCmGMFS9bwHDfqTe0kVeKAJ7/s1600/20141125_161554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi232HglKvbRmQIBQ8khBPyn5jzlkBHK-NqDnpwDIsOUwhsXilVKbFMleWGIUZgQcs0xKDXsQ7Joip3STRbCr2xAirETpfNDu3wV1FxeA5ZlB-0Q6XXit3MU0y4XGhv4v0_e-bCUVrlgwTW/s1600/20141125_144141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi232HglKvbRmQIBQ8khBPyn5jzlkBHK-NqDnpwDIsOUwhsXilVKbFMleWGIUZgQcs0xKDXsQ7Joip3STRbCr2xAirETpfNDu3wV1FxeA5ZlB-0Q6XXit3MU0y4XGhv4v0_e-bCUVrlgwTW/s1600/20141125_144141.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEFHe1xDqmiho2uHXpc7VvXz9SuPWqCHbs8HNK2q5QrrnM_cDbB2N5h2Xj9xv9hBGHQtrEcrzyeT48PKuFKH92-RTylY7XvEpyzsJrYo3VgaJlaLIwAc1m5C5AZmsGTNjO58x7EVyj8pu/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEFHe1xDqmiho2uHXpc7VvXz9SuPWqCHbs8HNK2q5QrrnM_cDbB2N5h2Xj9xv9hBGHQtrEcrzyeT48PKuFKH92-RTylY7XvEpyzsJrYo3VgaJlaLIwAc1m5C5AZmsGTNjO58x7EVyj8pu/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" height="320" title="Homestead Greenhouse" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz5bYBPa-iJxhuzf7O2LSBn9iBQJcGnBlCt0KF4MPQa5nKcpRhUehvFpgCWHfXdAkcbf5kCgYcxFp4vBVuqDbVVCsKIY2dg6nJsRvC-eLsewEL2KMj6lFbLXZKhVReJxjjGGg3ge3-dJ_/s1600/20141031_122212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz5bYBPa-iJxhuzf7O2LSBn9iBQJcGnBlCt0KF4MPQa5nKcpRhUehvFpgCWHfXdAkcbf5kCgYcxFp4vBVuqDbVVCsKIY2dg6nJsRvC-eLsewEL2KMj6lFbLXZKhVReJxjjGGg3ge3-dJ_/s1600/20141031_122212.jpg" height="400" title="Storage building floor " width="225" /></a><br />
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I have a rock solid wood floor for the storage building that eagerly awaits its walls roof and door. We hoped to have this completed by now, the timing just hasn't worked out. Our greenhouse changed from 12 foot long to 16 foot long. We were planning on using 12' clear panels, but got a great deal on 2' x 4' lexan panels, so we figured we go ought to go a little bigger. Now that we can see the size from the inside, its "clear" that it was a good decision. I'm sure once we move in a few plants and start a few more, we will wish that we could have gone even bigger. We have to start somewhere though, right? I still need to complete the end walls, build a door, add some trim. Once its all closed in I'll figure out a heating plan and ventilation plan and build some shelving. The plans for my greenhouse are courtesy of Ana White and can be found on her site here: <a href="http://ana-white.com/2012/05/plans/barn-greenhouse">http://ana-white.com/2012/05/plans/barn-greenhouse</a>. Thanks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior58j5np49fCjgZYUnzQqrEk7AI3PA8avLYfwD018Cf9hyiDBSBD5U3ljwcaeWn8_NBW1JBGPu8VrfBrCNXtp0QEXtfA-uVK24osd3lJb8_EP3FA6H5okGV32JQndxNE_bJ68w6sG0P2n/s1600/20141111_125736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior58j5np49fCjgZYUnzQqrEk7AI3PA8avLYfwD018Cf9hyiDBSBD5U3ljwcaeWn8_NBW1JBGPu8VrfBrCNXtp0QEXtfA-uVK24osd3lJb8_EP3FA6H5okGV32JQndxNE_bJ68w6sG0P2n/s1600/20141111_125736.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-37163986649092250912014-11-18T22:39:00.000-08:002014-11-22T20:24:37.449-08:00Let the Homestead Construction begin...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjW5_GU6w4DSQFzmKYz221-zRIDR5osOuPeqTVaRVLLROQZfINmXI1MXQ-kdPRsy8g7MT_tU6LnAVKR_BHUE13kODsEbuAdt-NXsDakkEhX7083bF1F-VElKQigAlmfv4KY4EJfW04ahF/s1600/20141028_162308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjW5_GU6w4DSQFzmKYz221-zRIDR5osOuPeqTVaRVLLROQZfINmXI1MXQ-kdPRsy8g7MT_tU6LnAVKR_BHUE13kODsEbuAdt-NXsDakkEhX7083bF1F-VElKQigAlmfv4KY4EJfW04ahF/s1600/20141028_162308.jpg" height="223" title="Garden project costruction" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G is not impressed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfZLX34ozM1KpNubV8xmPk32nzcxoRMQtqPtsy83yA74-8Hf3KtLhBN40yA1GAx4J3KxrtlUZyNL-HMk7e46AJCJx7dqH_RdWVrRYLoXxKNRKhiYBDncWT_oLf2MlzUC5DM_HFbSN-JR/s1600/20141030_113930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfZLX34ozM1KpNubV8xmPk32nzcxoRMQtqPtsy83yA74-8Hf3KtLhBN40yA1GAx4J3KxrtlUZyNL-HMk7e46AJCJx7dqH_RdWVrRYLoXxKNRKhiYBDncWT_oLf2MlzUC5DM_HFbSN-JR/s1600/20141030_113930.jpg" height="180" title="Garden project construction" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N on board stacking duty</td></tr>
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Our wood was delivered yesterday. This should cover the floor of the 12' x 20' storage building and complete framing for a 10' x 12' greenhouse. Just after we got it stacked in the yard, Shannon gave me a few more minor items we need wood for: fence, porch, garage, swing set, and grapevine trellis. I'll get right on that. Started building, but it was slow going. Setbacks included: couldn't decide where to actually build it; the sun set and it got dark and cold, just as scheduled. Most of the metal framing was prepared last week, so once the floor is good to go, I expect the rest to go up pretty quickly. In other news, we ordered our fruit trees a few days ago. Four apple varieties and two pear so far. We would like to have about 30 trees in front yard orchard when its all said and done. This will be my first experience with bare root trees. I understand they will look pretty sad when they arrive, essentially a big stick, ready for planting. We shall see.</div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2592157991413082844.post-57365125244053948542014-11-18T11:45:00.000-08:002014-11-30T20:10:47.447-08:00Welcome!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On October 2nd, 2014, I was notified that my position at work would no longer be available. This is my first layoff and although I've spent a lot of time stressing over the possibility of a layoff in the past, I'm actually pretty good with this. That day, I came home and began refreshing my resume, but eventually Shannon and I started talking about other things we like to do with our lives, many of the same things that have come up numerous times over our eight years of marriage. Most grand schemes are never very practical, with a traditional job and a growing family, but this day everything seemed much more in reach. High on the list was transforming our house into a self sufficient homestead, and even producing enough to sell enough to pay some bills. I'm not sure exactly when this idea became a bona fide decision; I suppose its when our homestead planning started taking a higher daily priority than the search for a "real job". Our plans include a greenhouse (or two), a storage building, bee hives, an orchard, lots of garden, and a home school academy. How prepared are we? Not at all of course! We will be learning a lot along the way, and documenting as much as we can so that maybe others can learn from our mistakes, and maybe even follow our example when things do go right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please note that we are not farmers. We are not doctors, lawyers, or professors. We are a man, a woman, and two young boys shooting from the hip, trying to do the best we can. We will let you know what does and doesn't work for us. Something that works for us may not work at your house, and something that works at yours might be a flop at ours. The best we can do is ask God for help, read up, and give it our best shot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for being a part of our journey!</span></div>
biggest buffalohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121250662688073246noreply@blogger.com0Alamance County, NC, USA36.0117388 -79.4253775999999935.6009078 -80.0708246 36.422569800000005 -78.779930599999986