Wednesday, March 15, 2017

To Be? We are.....

I'm always thinking I'm going to be a homesteader, farmer, whatever this lifestyle is I'm striving for, but never stop to think where I am in this journey.  Today I am a homesteader, farmer, whatever!  I had to really think about what that means to me.  This isn't the dream that I have had about the old white farmhouse, wrap around porch with a swing on it.  It isn't perfect by any means, but it's mine.  I'm further now than I was a few weeks ago, few months ago, few years ago.

This year I have canned food from my garden, and from what we have foraged.  I have raised chickens and added goats.  Our trio of ladies is providing more milk than I know what to do with some days.  With that I've learned to make yogurt (sort of), cheese, and soap.  I've had to start with a new flock of chickens, so eventually we will have eggs again.

Coming into spring I'm excited to think about the growth that has taken place and what will be taking place.  Not just with animals or gardening but with me in skills and moving forward towards my dream.  I will be able to make bread without really thinking about it, same for biscuits.  (That is a huge deal to me my biscuits never wanted to rise....and I've found a recipe that works for me.) I will be more thrifty, frugal, cheapskate, recycler, whatever you want to call me....I am learning more and more every day and I want to do better. 

It's been over a year since I've been on here and there has been many changes.  The biggest one has been me and my mindset.  My little homestead has grown to 4 dogs, 2 cats, 1 parakeet, 1 guinea pig, 1 rabbit, 1 bearded dragon, goldfish, 2 toggenberg goats, 10 hens, 1 turkey, and a new son in law! (saved the best for last) 

On top of growing my skills as a homesteader I am adventuring into a craft business to help supplement the needs of a growing farm.  Learning all of the thrifty, frugal ways will help as well as learning to create an income as well.

Hopefully I will be more consistent in checking in.  The sun is out longer and the days are getting warmer.  Spring is in a few days buried under snow.  I'm anxious for it to get here to see all of the new things sprout.