Christmas is coming.....and the goose is getting fat!

Yes, Christmas is coming....ready or not...we can't stop time. For the most part, we are right on track. I have purchased all of the gifts for the grand babies....the Christmas cards are sent...decorations and lights are up and now I need to settle in for a full day of wrapping gifts. Every year we try to change up the decorations in the front yard. This year, I personally think they turned out great! Even this little guy was getting " into" the spirit of decorating.

This Cedar tree was planted by our son and grandson about 5 years ago. It was less than a foot tall with hardly any root when they plopped it into the ground. It now stands over 20 feet tall! About 3 years ago I put Christmas lights on the tree, then never took them down. The tree has grown, the lights are now inside the tree. It is so pretty, hard to catch in a picture. I really dread if the lights ever burn out.

This big old moose has sat in our yard every Christmas for many years now. His head used to sway side to side, however over the years he got...tired. LOL Thats ok, He sure is grand...and I love seeing him stand guard beneath the cedar tree. This last week I have been working crazy hours so the inside of our home has been neglected a bit. Now that I have some time off...It is time for me to get busy tidying up a bit. " The goose is getting fat" and sassy! We have 3 geese here on the homestead. Mostly I like having them because they alert me of anything new going on outside. Of the 3, we have one Chinese goose. He is grand! He is also "full of himself" Every day, while I am outside, when I walk past them, he will come up behind me head down, wings spread out...acting as if he is going to nip at me. I spin around to face him and he changes his mind....He stands tall and walks away bellowing out what I think is "goose profanity" He is getting pretty fat and "juicy" looking, and I have told him on more than one occasion..... " If you ever make contact with me... We will have a Christmas goose for dinner." Thankfully this hasn't happened yet. I really do love to watch their antics. There is just a week before Christmas day is here...and I am hoping to finish the house cleaning so I can sit back and enjoy sitting by the wood stove, sipping my coffee, staring at the Christmas tree and relaxing.

The frogs are singing Christmas Carols?

So, we can't deny it....this weather is seriously out of whack! I mean, it is the middle of December, in Indiana....and the highs are in the mid to upper 60's. The other day I did chores in shorts and a T shirt! I was standing outside....looking at the Christmas lights...and I heard it..." It started in low, then it started to grow" ( yeah I know, I borrowed that from How The Grinch Stole Christmas) But it DID! First it was one little peep...then another joined in....and before I knew it there were several little frogs peeping out at the pond. I almost couldn't believe my ears. But, then again...as I looked around, I noticed there were little buds on several of the plants and trees here on the homestead. *sigh* I hope it gets cold soon, before the fruit trees decide to start blooming. Then, as if to confuse my weary brain even more...on December 9th, our sow gave birth to 4 little ones. Sadly, only 2 made it because I wasn't prepared for her. 2 weeks ago I had someone come out and looked at her and agreed with me that she did NOT look pregnant. So, the boar was still in with her and there was no deep clean bedding in the hut. She gave birth early in the morning, in the cold, wet mud. By the time I went out to do morning chores....she was finished giving birth....they were so cold that even the 2 live ones were stiffening up. I quickly scooped them up and brought them inside to warm them up. I ran them under super warm water and rubbed them vigorously. Then I made a small "tent" with a towel and ran the blow dryer on them. I set up the heating pad in the bath tub, with towels over it and laid the babies in the towels. A dear friend of mine had called and knew I had my hands full...so she drove down from Indianapolis, an hour and a half drive one way, to help me get things in order for the new momma. Her and I worked in the hog pen for 4 hours....moving the boar to the other pen, laying in wooden planks in the thick mud so we and the pig could get up out of the mud. We also put a new wood floor in the hut to keep the babies up off of the cold mud. I went to the barn and brought over 3 bales of hay since I didn't have straw, to fill the hog hut to keep them warm. After we were sure the babies would be safe and warm, I brought them back out to momma. She and they were happy to be reunited. I don't think I could have done all that we did, without the help of my dear friend. I will never be able to thank her enough. I took these pictures of them...they are now 5 days old and doing great! Day one....just a few hours old. This is them at 4 days old.... They will have a few more days to get stronger, before the weather starts getting colder. Momma is a great pig. She made a deep nest in the back of the hut for her and them then pushed the bedding up high in the door way to stop the winds from getting in. I think they have a great chance of survival as long as the temps don't plummet too soon. So...with the chirping frogs....flies buzzing inside and outside...buds on the trees and bushes, and baby pigs....I have to keep reminding myself....it is almost Christmas...Winter is just beginning.

Frosty mornings on the Homestead.

I woke up this morning, I can feel the chill in the air because the wood stove had burned down. I stretched, still under the covers, not wanting to come out of my warm place...knowing it will only get colder in this house the longer I lay here. So, I get up and start getting the wood stove going again. It isn't long until there is a crackling fire, I can feel the warmth...it soothes my old bones. After my morning "rituals" of letting the dogs out, starting coffee, washing my face and dressing warm for the day, I finally settle in by the fire with my coffee to wake up. The Christmas tree lights twinkle, the warm coffee tickles my nose I smile to myself knowing that in a few weeks family will all be here celebrating the holiday sharing good food laughing, singing and dancing..making memories that will last a lifetime. I hear the roosters waking up their hens, and I snap out of the little walk down memory lane...time to get this day started, my empty coffee cup is a reminder too. We had weather warnings of " Frozen fog" If you have never experienced this type of weather, it can make everything it touches so beautiful. The moisture from the fog settles on branches and fence lines, electric wires and every blade of grass and weed. I bundle up and head out to do the morning chores.

First stop will be the barn...several of the kitties meet me half way and escort me to the barn. You know, in case I forget the way.

I reach for the gate and cringe a little remembering that I had left my gloves on the table.

I make my way inside to the "swarm" of cats winding around my ankles, crying or complaining that I am taking too long filling their bowls. The smells in the barn make me smile. I can feel the warmth from the animals...listening to them waking up as well...calling to me, everyone wanting to be first to be fed.

The cats are fed, now on to the others....our resident old grouchy, but beautiful pot belly pig, Tulip. She peeks from under her nest of bedding...sniffing the air looking for her breakfast.

Once I finish there, it is time to feed the rest of the residents here. Chickens, geese, and pigs, all waiting on their breakfast and wanting to be let out to get their busy day started. I have to admit, I was in no hurry getting to the other side of the homestead. I walk slowly, taking in the beautiful scene of how everything is covered in frost. Once I finish..I stop and look around...and smile. Yes, homesteading is a wonderful life. Oh, there are days when I ask myself why do I work so hard? Is this how I want to finish out my life? And I always answer with yes....this is the perfect place for me. No matter which road I take.... the road leading home is beautiful, because I am coming home.

Thanksgiving Eve, eve.....It's a thing.

So, yes...Thanksgiving Eve, eve.....Tuesday. I was sitting here thinking... a few years ago, I had this grandiose idea that by now our Thanksgiving would be something right out of Little House books. You know..... "Pa goes out and kills the turkey and prepares it while I put together a meal with the food I had labored over the summer months to grow and preserve." Aaaaand, exit stage left. Later today I will take the big turkey from the freezer, and set it in water to start thawing....while I get the ingredients from the pantry and cupboard, some from jars that I had canned....some from cans that I had purchased where I bought the turkey. The pumpkin pie will be made from canned pumpkin....NOT from a real pumpkin that I had grown, baked, and mashed myself. Why? Well partly because this past summer was a terrible year for the garden....we didn't get one pumpkin. There are several things in the pantry that I bought.....that had been canned in factories. 10 years ago, when we bought this homestead, I had a goal....a plan. We would work hard...to "step back in time" We would turn this small piece of land into a homestead. Now, maybe your idea and mine may differ. According to "Wikipedia..... Modern homesteaders often use renewable energy options including solar electricity and wind power and some even invent DIY cars. Many also choose to plant and grow heirloom vegetables and to raise heritage livestock. Homesteading is not defined by where someone lives, such as the city or the country, but by the lifestyle choices they make." So there ya have it....that is what society think's when they hear the word "homestead" Now....as for me...Homesteading is a little different. We don't use "renewable energy" Not because we don't want to but because it is so expensive! I do put out 2 different gardens, and grow most of what we need...green beans, Lima beans, tomato's, beets, onions, carrots, potato's, and a few herbs. We have planted several different fruits and berries as well. Apples, peaches, grapes and strawberries. Some are producing well...enough for not only us but enough to share, others (the peaches) are just getting their start and will be several years until they are producing well. When we bought this little piece of land there was no hint that there had ever been farm animals or food grown here...we have worked hard to build up fences and housing and worked the land to produce....well.....produce. We don't have the big fancy farm tools that some homesteaders have. The work we have done here, we have done by hand....with hand tools. Oh, we have a rototiller....and chainsaws...and....well...that's about it for "modern tools" OK, so now I am rambling....back to the main subject, Thanksgiving. Times have changed. The kids are grown, they have families of their own. A few of them still come home for Thanksgiving which makes that day one of my favorite days. Kids, grand kids, laughter and memories. Remembering the "old days" and making new memories with grand babies. I don't bake like I used too when the kids were still home. We had a six ft folding table that I would set up a few days before Thanksgiving and fill with goodies. Chocolate chip,iced butter cookies ( the kids and I would make an evening of decorating them) , and peanut butter cookies, little Russian Tea Cakes... brownies, Peanut brittle, buckeyes, Banana bread, pumpkin bread, and pies....Pumpkin, apple and chocolate creme. Now, we are all older. The kids are grown and have kids of their own. We no longer have that six foot table. The desserts are now down to chocolate chip cookies and a pumpkin pie....some years I still make the pumpkin bread and buckeyes but the kids and grand kids don't stay long enough to eat them and we don't "need" them. So I will make the chocolate chip cookies and the pumpkin pie today. And just maybe...if there is time, I will make Banana bread. It's funny...and sad...how time changes our lives. Oh, it's not a bad thing. Looking around, our kids have grown up and started families....and they are making their own traditions. Now is the time in my husbands and mine lives to sit back...and watch the show. To watch the kids create their own family traditions that they will hand down to their kids. I know the day will come when the big dinner will not be made here. Hubby and I will pack up and go to one of the kids homes....and share their Thanksgiving traditions. Such is the way of life. But for now, we are still having Thanksgiving here....on our Homestead....and I have SO MUCH to do! Cleaning, baking, and getting the living room ready for the Christmas tree, another great holiday...that is changing as years go by.

A wild week....NOT to be repeated...I hope.

This last week has been....Hmmmm...interesting. The emotional train has been on the fast track. It started with great weather, sunshine, warm...almost HOT. Mid 70's in November? *shakes head* I can't complain though....I was able to get quite a bit done. Then as the week went on...Things went south a little...or a lot. Thursday....I laid to rest one of my favorite barn cats. *Punkin* He was a 2 yr old, neutered orange tabby. He was big, and so full of love. Every day as I walked to the barn, he would meet me half way. We would stop there in the open field....greeting each other. We had a "thing" He would walk to me and "meow" I would stop and scratch his head. This always led to him rolling over and begging for tummy scratches. As I went in for the tummy tickles....he would grab my hand with all 4 paws and playfully bite my hand. Then he would jump up and we walked to the barn together. We had this routine for a long time now. Thursday morning...as I walked towards the barn...there was no Punkin. My heart raced. A lump filled my tummy. As I walked up to the barn, I see him, laying by the barn door. I can only surmise..he had been grazed by a car and he made it back to the pasture and laid down by the door. :( RIP my sweet Punkin. You will be missed.

Today....the idea of Fall has resurfaced. It was a "blustery" day. Mostly cloudy all day. Even though the sun was able to peek through a few times..with the winds, it stayed fairly cool...almost cold! I didn't let it bother me because I was at work most of the day, cleaning the building we work out of.... "The American Embassy" At least that's what they call it. Haha. We call it...building 12. Then...to make my night even better...I sign on to Facebook, and was greeted by a dear friends blog post. This woman really can tell a story. She will keep you on the edge of your seat.. http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2012/06/poetry-slam-ofg-style.html Today...she and another blogger put out a challenge.... POETRY...so...I thought I would give it a try....So I leave you this evening....with this.

You say Goose...I say HONK! You walk...I squawk You look away....I give chase. Head down, wings out...hissing. You turn to look at me.. I walk away.

Birthday and Lima Beans

It is hard to believe that we are already into the end of October. Yikes! This month has flown by so fast it seems. It feels like yesterday we were sweltering in the summer heat, and now we have the need for light jackets during the day, and a fire in the wood stove at night. This.....is my favorite season. Well, I guess I love all of the change of seasons. First there is Spring, the world is waking up from a long winter rest. Spring means new life. The plants are waking up, their roots stretching into the dirt and above ground they stretch towards the sky. Spring is generally a time when new life is born on the homesteads and farms. I just adore watching baby chicks run around, learning about life from their mothers, hearing the peeps,quacks and Baaahs, and soon the little Moooo's. Yes, I am hoping this next year will be the year we finally bring miniature cattle to our homestead. Then as Spring melts into summer with the warmer days, flowers start blooming, berries start ripening, the gardens are planted and it is such a thrill to watch row after row of our favorite vegetables fill in the barren ground.

The fruit trees are filling in and we patiently wait for them to give us sweet treats. Before you know it the "Dog days of summer" are upon us. We have been working hard planting and weeding the gardens....cleaning the barns and coops, opening windows and doors to capture any breeze we can. Life seems to slow down a bit because of the heat. The animals get lazy and slowly graze the shaded areas of their pastures. This time of year we all slow down a bit. The fast pace of Spring when we are trying to get gardens cleaned and planted, barns and coops cleaned from the harsh winter with the animals spending a lot of time indoors, yes...that means a whole lot of...well...poop! The spring cleaning of our homes as well. Washing curtains, carpets, windows and bedding. If you are blessed to have air conditioning, this is the time to close the windows and relish the cool air, while the heat of summer beats down outside. This is the time of year when my mother and grandmother would drag all of the mattresses and box springs and area rugs outside to air out. They would spray everything with Lysol and let the sun and breeze "freshen up" everything for a few days, then taking a broom or carpet wand, they would beat them all good, getting out the dust mites and...well, whatever else might have settled into the fibers over the winter, before bringing it all back inside. During these few days when they are outside is the time to paint and do all of the deep cleaning. That first night sleeping on the freshened mattresses and pillows, with linen that has been hung on the line to dry....pure bliss. It is a few days of hard work...but so worth it. As summer moves along we ready for canning season. Pulling the pressure caners out of storage, always inspect the seals to be sure that your canning will be safe. Mid to late summer we start canning. Fruits, vegetables, meats, soups, stock, jellies and jams start lining the shelves of the pantry.

Seeing this makes me smile. I know that our family will eat well for the coming year. I know the work that has gone into filling these shelves. However, the work doesn't stop there on the homestead. We primarily use wood to heat our home. Because we have a split level home it takes quite a bit. This year we are ready with 15 ricks of good seasoned wood. We have gathered the smaller branches, cut them and put them in large crates for kindling. this brings us to current time. Mid to late Autumn. A few days ago I went to the garden and pulled the last of the Lima beans. The frost had gotten them so I needed to get the beans off the plants and throw the plants in the compost. I ended up with about a half of a bushel of bean pods. Yesterday I spent a good part of the morning opening the pods and getting the beans out so they can air dry. As I sat there in the edge of the porch, the chickens mulled around my feet waiting for me to throw them the smaller beans or the ones with "bad spots". After I finished getting them from the pods, I spread them out on cardboard to let air dry.

These, with the pint and a half I have already dried, should be enough to make a few meals this winter. Yesterday was my Birthday, so I decided I was going to take it easy. ( I know, laughable isn't it?) While I picked through the beans, the kittens were running about chasing the leaves blowing across the yard. This is great practice for our "mighty hunters" They were running and pouncing on the leaves, then occasionally they would bring their "catch" up on the porch and chew on the stem, until another fast blowing leaf caught their eye and they would be off and running. I couldn't help but smile as I sat there enjoying my lazy morning. Today is Sunday, a day of rest. Well, mostly rest. I will do laundry since I didn't do it yesterday. I just pulled some mixed berry muffins fro the oven. They smell wonderful and will go great with my morning coffee. With the cool weather I am thinking I will do a bit more baking today. Banana bread sounds good. I am hoping to make enough to put in the freezer for later this coming winter. Whatever you do today, whether it be working around the home....relaxing....or organizing your home, Stop and look around...enjoy the day, and give thanks for all you have.

Our first hard freeze of the season..... 28 degrees this morning

They warned us...and this time they were right. The weather man said we would have a freeze last night...and we did. Brrrr. It was 28 degrees this morning when I got up. Everything was covered in white. I actually wore gloves while doing morning chores. All of the animals were a little slower getting up and outside....just as I was. I had a fire going in the wood stove and really was not looking forward to stepping out in the brisk..no, COLD air. It never really warmed up today either. I believe our high was in the mid to upper 50's. Once I got to working, and was out of the wind, I had to take my jacket off....but it didn't take long until I needed to put it back on, that wind was cold! We are supposed to get another hard freeze tonight. I wasn't ready....I still have things in the garden I wanted to bring in. The carrots are fine I am sure....I will pull them tomorrow. The Brussels Sprouts...well..I will see what sort of shape they are in tomorrow. While I was doing the morning chores, I got a call from a friend that lives just across the highway from us. We had talked about going in halves on a calf and raising it to butcher and he was headed to one of the "local" auction houses. He wanted me to ride along, but I had way too much to do, so I told him to pick one out, I trusted his judgement. Well.....he found one...I would like you to meet.... T - Bone.

By next year this time we should be dining on some yummy beef! But....He....Sure....Is.....Cute! I am going to make sure to NOT spend too much time with him....I just know I will get attached. I went over and helped get T-Bone settled in the barn. I just know he is over there bawling. Its sad when you think about it. He is all alone...for now. I have to admit...this is the first cow we have raised....I know it will be hard when the time comes to send him off....for all of us. But, for now...we will love on him a little...feed him well....and hope he puts on weight quickly.