Gardening on the Homestead... Growing Challenge update

Time goes by so very quickly!

The sunflower starts planted and growing nicely in front of the porch.

The birds will love them when they get nice and tall!

We are fortunate here... we can grow collards all year long

These are just a few Georgia collards, already harvested leaves for a great meal!

OMY! The Strawberries!

We have probably harvested (and eaten) 10 quarts already.

Tons of berries still ripening!

The ferns have gorgeous fronds this year!

If any one is interested, visit Ebay.Little bitty, teeny tiny, brand new grapes!

Thanks to who visit! I enjoy your comments and meeting you!

Simple Living....Is there such a thing?

I often wonder if there really is "simple living". I go off to work 45 hours a week. I did reduce the commute from 130 miles a day to 20. I use a fuel efficient car. We have always gardened. My sweetie tends the garden for us. Unfortunately, I really don't have time to do alot of food preservation (I am the breadwinner). I have in times past been able to do it all. I look forward to the time I can do it all again.

This year has been a year of growth toward more sustainability. We have started an aquaponics venture. (Just about ready to plant--the water has finished cycling) We have aquired our chicks... ( should start laying in September) I am building a coop out of mostly recycled materials.

One of these days, we will venture on the right project that will give us the income to live more sustainably without me in the brick and mortar workplace. We would love to produce enough to sell at the local farmers market. I would love to run a camp to teach our youth about sustainability. We are working on the journey.... as more people join the journey, the world will become a cleaner, nicer place. Thank you to Rhonda Jean at Down to Earth for her inspiration that touches so many. and thank you to Lacy at Razor Familiy Farms for leading me to so many wonderful, like minded peoples....

New Sugar Chick Pic!

Chicks Week 1

Well---Here we are!

Happy Birthday Chicks!

We have had the little peepers home for 1 week now.

All nine are still active and healthy!

Sugar is very protective when we go out on our daily "walk".



The New Hampshire Reds seem to be feathering up fastest. Their wings are totally feathered and the little tushes are fast feathering up. The Buff Orpingtons are next. The Barred Rocks are coming in last. But the feathers they do have are gorgeous! Still have no idea who is a boy and who is a girl. I am sure I will know soon enough! Happy Peeping!

If you have a minute, stop by my store for some coffee!

Homestead Chicks--Day 5

Well.... It is chick day five at the homestead!

My sweetie says he should have gotten me baby chicks along time ago.... I am so easily amused!

Sugar--keeping an eye on her babies!

My... how they have grown in such a short time!

Wing feathers are out. The NH Reds seem to have the most!

The tail feathers are beginning to peek out the back!

They are very active and observant. They can tell the difference between a hand coming in to grab them and a paw reaching in to pat them! They amaze me!

Here ... chick chick

Here... chick chick

Sugar and the Chicks - Day 2

Dem's my babies.

Come on babies--listen to mama!

Oh My--bein' a mama is hard work!

Settle down youngins!

Where's my mama?

I'll be good -- I promise!

Here I am!

She's gone--we can play now!

Shhhhhhhhh--I hear her comin'!