Rain

So, no solar clothes dryer today. It is rainy and seems to have settle in for the day. So, I'll keep decluttering inside the house. I can make a run to Good Will and the library to unload books and clothes we don't need. I also plan to make bread today. I think breadmaking is a learned skill. My first loaf, 17 years ago, could have been used as a brick. I doubt there has ever been a bread so dense. I hope I have better luck today!

Today on the homestead...

Busted! I caught the youngsters peering at me through the French doors! This is the first time I have seen them on the deck, the little stinkers. They have been out enjoying bugs all morning. They should be close to needing nesting boxes. I'll have to look around to see if I can throw something together for them to lay in. I did warn Chris that I would be using his power tools! Run, chickies, run! Scout looks like she is about to take off as she flees to "safety!"

Randy the Magnificent. This bird is so full of himself. My friend Jeanna begged for his life. That and my soft heart are the only reasons he has been spared the stew pot. He was not attractive as a chick, but he has become much prettier the last few weeks.

Marigolds, Dragon carrots, heirloom tomatoes. So pretty! This raised bed has done so well this year!

My Black-eyed Susans have gone crazy again this year. It is so amazing to look out and see this lovely yellow field every day. The pollinators have been buzzing like crazy around these gorgeous flowers.

My acorn squash has made an appearance. I can't wait to cook with these! I love winter squash and it is so good for you, too!

On a stroll around the woodsrow, I found the sumac looking good. I have never tried to pick any. I am told it can make an excellent drink, rather like lemonade. I have never tested that theory. There isn't very much of it and I know the wildlife enjoys it in the winter. So, I'll leave it be.

Hidden treasure! I found more blackberries that look lucious. There aren't very many, but I think I could make a vinaigrette dressing with these.

Just peachy! These pretty peaches are just starting to ripen. Not very many, but it is the first fruiting for this tree. I want to order some bare root dwarf variety fruit trees this fall to expand our orchard. If you can call three fruit trees an "orchard!"

On my own...

I am now unemployed, for the most part. I will be home for the next two weeks, working on improving the homestead. It is my intention to make a living from out land, getting out of the stress and rat race of a "job." I am scared to death but excited by the possibility of supporting us with our homestead. So, I have started with the basics. I am cleaning and decluttering, weeding and planning. It is good to be home...

I have issues

I don't have any photos to post this time, but I do have a lot to say. Although I have been busy the last many months with school and work, I still have causes and issues that are near and dear to my heart.

I truly believe that our corporate system and our farming system is in need of serious change. These large-scale industrial systems undermine our diversity, our healthy eco-system, and our healthy people.

I believe in a sustainable model for living. This doesn't mean you have to do without, it means you must make mindful choices. I know that the processed food in our supermarkets makes a negative impact on our planet and our health. People have lost the connection to their food. Food-borne illness seems more common and our food all tastes the same.

I am trying to make a small difference by growing some of my own food and raising chickens for eggs and rabbits for wool and fertilizer. I intend to add goats in the next year, to increase the fertilizer production, perhaps even to use for weed control.

I recently purchased a more fuel-efficient car. It isn't the hybrid I have been dreaming about, but I recently got 50 mpg on a short trip to Oklahoma. I would like to start using a bike to get around town on the weekends. This would also make a small difference. It would certainly save gas and reduce wear on my car, which has to last me ten years.

I want to increase my community connections with others who are interested in sustainable and organic living. These human connections are what it is all about. We need to help each other achieve the healthy lifestyle that will benefit our community.

I want the food that is in the grocery store to be labeled so the consumer will know exactly what they are getting. That means everything. There shouldn't be anything hidden in our food.

So, I will keep joining campaigns to let my government officials know how I feel. I will pay close attention to what I buy at the store. And I will keep my little homestead going to give me the most wonderful heirloom produce.

I will also try to educate anyone who will listen. So, thanks for listening.