This week was filled with many different things on the To Do List. This week started out like any other week. Except, this week we put in a field trip to Cape May, canning tomatoes, getting soap ready for a show. At first I began feeling very over whelmed with the activities I had to do. Then, as I was reading my book, Women Who Do Too Much, she states give it to God. Praying does many things for me, such as handling situations I thought were impossible.
Storing food for the winter can be a job. But, when you look in your pantry and see what you have achieved it is a wonderful feeling. My husband picked up a bushel of tomatoes for me on Saturday. I began doing one batch every night while I home educated during the day. Then, on Thursday I decided this is something I need to teach my children. My oldest, I gave the job of taking the skins off and chopping the tomatoes. My daughter washed jars and help with the laundry. As I saw them working quite well on thier own. I did the other part of processing, sterlizing jars and getting everything ready to can. This I felt was a valuable lesson for them and how families need to work together.
Saturday I will be displaying my works of Soap at a Blues Grass Festival. A local Organic Farm I buy from invited me to be part of the festival. The owner showed Mr. Jersey Homesteader and myself how to make brooms the traditional way. It is great when you meet people that have the same interest in preserving farming methods of the past. The day should prove to be quite interesting.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
The weekend, the teacher has a day off
Saturday to me is a day off from school. Yes, I am a teacher, but also a mother and a wife. First, I want to say us women have it easy that are born in this era. If women live the way God intended us to live. Being in the home everyday is where I love to be as I tend to my activities. The garden which provides food for my family, is where I love to be. Being outside with Gods creatures is another way for me to be at peace. Visit this website, maybe God will fill you with the Holy Spirit like he did with me.
Today started with my Bible in the hand as God spoke to me through his word. Then, my daughter and I went for our run. Well, I walk and she rides her bike to get our hearts pumping. Getting the laundry done today will have to take priorities. Since, the last couple of days its been very humid and no wash was done. Yes, it takes longer to hang laundry out, but it doesn't cost me anything but my time. I read a blog on someone who left a reply yesterday. She really inspired me to keep doing something I really enjoy. Making my own cleaning products is a passion of mine. It started out after I began making handmade soap, and then went to cleaning products. Being chemically sensitive was a wake up call, you might say. To my friend who also makes her own products, keep going.
In the earlier centuries of our time everyone made their own soap products. This is one more reason us housewives can be thrifty. I am not saying it is cheaper, but it is better for you and your family. My family will tell you their skin has never felt better. The winter is the true test, no more itchy skin.
Today started with my Bible in the hand as God spoke to me through his word. Then, my daughter and I went for our run. Well, I walk and she rides her bike to get our hearts pumping. Getting the laundry done today will have to take priorities. Since, the last couple of days its been very humid and no wash was done. Yes, it takes longer to hang laundry out, but it doesn't cost me anything but my time. I read a blog on someone who left a reply yesterday. She really inspired me to keep doing something I really enjoy. Making my own cleaning products is a passion of mine. It started out after I began making handmade soap, and then went to cleaning products. Being chemically sensitive was a wake up call, you might say. To my friend who also makes her own products, keep going.
In the earlier centuries of our time everyone made their own soap products. This is one more reason us housewives can be thrifty. I am not saying it is cheaper, but it is better for you and your family. My family will tell you their skin has never felt better. The winter is the true test, no more itchy skin.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Women who do too much
How much can you get done today? Sometimes, I wonder where I get my motivation to get things done. I know though God empowers me everyday of my life. It seems when I read the Bible before anything else the day goes smoothly. Reading some civil war books over the past couple of weeks has really changed my perspective. The woman of that time were expected to do twice what I do in a day. Then, they did not have the modern conviences of our time.
Fall is the best time to plant grass, when the days are shorter and more rains. Today was the first day we have had rain since the beginning of September. I made sure I got the grass seed down this morning. Out by my sheep pen on the outskirts of our property I had an area all ready for planting. I was thinking how I was glad I rotilled that area earlier this summer. A couple of days ago I planted a row of bush beans. With todays rain I am sure it will be coming up in no time. Most of the garden got cleaned up over the weekend, my daughter helped do some weed pulling. Mr. Homesteader and our son got the pool covered. I spent some of the early hours on Saturday morning putting my fertilizer down. I have to say that is a very time consuming job. But when you look at the grass about 5 days later, it looks so happy.
Home educating has gotten off to a good start this year. I am very happy with what were getting done this year. I knew it was going to take some dedication of time. My son is in his junior year of high school, and my daughter is in 4 grade. We have been back to school since the first of August. Most of my day is dedicated to schooling. Then, the kids and I prepare meals, keep the house in an orderly fashion, and take care of animals.
Fall is the best time to plant grass, when the days are shorter and more rains. Today was the first day we have had rain since the beginning of September. I made sure I got the grass seed down this morning. Out by my sheep pen on the outskirts of our property I had an area all ready for planting. I was thinking how I was glad I rotilled that area earlier this summer. A couple of days ago I planted a row of bush beans. With todays rain I am sure it will be coming up in no time. Most of the garden got cleaned up over the weekend, my daughter helped do some weed pulling. Mr. Homesteader and our son got the pool covered. I spent some of the early hours on Saturday morning putting my fertilizer down. I have to say that is a very time consuming job. But when you look at the grass about 5 days later, it looks so happy.
Home educating has gotten off to a good start this year. I am very happy with what were getting done this year. I knew it was going to take some dedication of time. My son is in his junior year of high school, and my daughter is in 4 grade. We have been back to school since the first of August. Most of my day is dedicated to schooling. Then, the kids and I prepare meals, keep the house in an orderly fashion, and take care of animals.
My oldest son purchased a horse before he left for Air National guard training. Which I thought was a good idea. Not going out and purchasing a vehicle, was a nice diversion. Well, I decided the horse needs some attention, so the children and I would care for his horse while he is gone. While we washed and brushed the horse, memories began pouring in. I have some great memories of caring for horses back in Kansas. Monday and today we got out to see his horse and give it some attention and still got schooling done. Life as a Jersey homesteader can be a challenge.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Fertilizing
Learning to be a grass farmer this year has taught me many things. First, I have to thank God for everything he has given me. This year I bought a few new books, that I would like to mention. The first book is How To Make Your Small Farm Profitable has helped me with some ideas. The second book is Traditional Farming, this one I love. I began fertilizing the grass on my property this year and I am amazed with the differance in results. The hardest part is hauling the soil, usually after 4 loads I am off for a break. Never before would I go outside just to look at my grass and stare in amazement. I am in the process of creating a small area for my sheep.
In the books I have read this summer has given me great inspiration. Taking 6 weeks off of school was a great thing for me to do. Home education is not just about your kids, you also learn a lot of things. Agriculture and livestock raising go hand in hand with each other. When I began raising livestock I just fed them, but not understanding the whole picture. Raising grass for your animals to eat also fertilizes your soil for the following year. Raising meat chickens one year help me to see that. Where they were the following year the grass came in so well. I found that an amazing thing.
Learning to farm on a small scale has allowed me to learn things slowly. My family has learned to raise chickens and care for them. I have to say my job is learning to care for my little sheep, which means learning livestock neccesities. This year I had a little accident while clipping nails. The clippers went right into my hand. Then, everyone had to chip in as no use of my hand was a problem. My oldest son takes care of chopping wood which he does quite well. The younger children help with the garden and caring for the animals. Everyone has a job to do. Mr. Jersey Homesteader goes to work in the business world.
In the books I have read this summer has given me great inspiration. Taking 6 weeks off of school was a great thing for me to do. Home education is not just about your kids, you also learn a lot of things. Agriculture and livestock raising go hand in hand with each other. When I began raising livestock I just fed them, but not understanding the whole picture. Raising grass for your animals to eat also fertilizes your soil for the following year. Raising meat chickens one year help me to see that. Where they were the following year the grass came in so well. I found that an amazing thing.
Learning to farm on a small scale has allowed me to learn things slowly. My family has learned to raise chickens and care for them. I have to say my job is learning to care for my little sheep, which means learning livestock neccesities. This year I had a little accident while clipping nails. The clippers went right into my hand. Then, everyone had to chip in as no use of my hand was a problem. My oldest son takes care of chopping wood which he does quite well. The younger children help with the garden and caring for the animals. Everyone has a job to do. Mr. Jersey Homesteader goes to work in the business world.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Harvest
My ancestors put away and stored potatoes for the winter months. I have longed to do the same in todays society. April was potato planting month, Yukon and Red Potatoes were what I had in mind to store away for the winter. Harvest time came quicker this year, the plants began to die by the beginning of the month. I am happy to say we now have a over flowing 5 gallon bucket filled with lucious potatoes. Now what midwestern doesn't like potatoes.
Potatoes can increase your yield from poor soil. Southern New Jersey has very sandy soil which can be good or bad depending on the things you plan on harvesting. In the last couple of years I have planted potatoes where nothing was planted before. I have to say you can use this as a soil improver. Planting pototoes this year was a great success thanks to Mr. Mole. Last year the potato harvest was not so great, with little chunks taken here and there from Mr.Mole. The chickens and sheep were the ones to benifit.
The second harvest is something my husband and have always wanted to try. The cool season plants, lettuce, spinach, and others. This is the year God has blessed me with the desire and the willingness. I will be planting mesculan mix and spinach where I grew the spring crop. Which I have to say was plentiful. Planting with the desire to give away and share with others. The tomatoes will be gone soon and that leaves space for something also. Garlic is also planted in the fall, which my household seems to use lots of. The potato space will be filled up with garlic, pole green beans,and beets. Well, thats about it for the garden.
The animals on the little farm are all doing well this year. Moma and Papa sheep had twins this year, one black and one white, both boys. They are the cutest little things to see. In the sheep world they are called olde english babydolls. When they are born they look like teddybear faces. The ladies or chicken hens are producing lots of eggs for us. We feed them organic grain, but grass fed is where I would like to go. With their help I am learning about being a grass farmer. I am fertilizing the grass with my own fertilizer, which is compost turned to soil. What a neat process, its not complicated but really simple minded.
Potatoes can increase your yield from poor soil. Southern New Jersey has very sandy soil which can be good or bad depending on the things you plan on harvesting. In the last couple of years I have planted potatoes where nothing was planted before. I have to say you can use this as a soil improver. Planting pototoes this year was a great success thanks to Mr. Mole. Last year the potato harvest was not so great, with little chunks taken here and there from Mr.Mole. The chickens and sheep were the ones to benifit.
The second harvest is something my husband and have always wanted to try. The cool season plants, lettuce, spinach, and others. This is the year God has blessed me with the desire and the willingness. I will be planting mesculan mix and spinach where I grew the spring crop. Which I have to say was plentiful. Planting with the desire to give away and share with others. The tomatoes will be gone soon and that leaves space for something also. Garlic is also planted in the fall, which my household seems to use lots of. The potato space will be filled up with garlic, pole green beans,and beets. Well, thats about it for the garden.
The animals on the little farm are all doing well this year. Moma and Papa sheep had twins this year, one black and one white, both boys. They are the cutest little things to see. In the sheep world they are called olde english babydolls. When they are born they look like teddybear faces. The ladies or chicken hens are producing lots of eggs for us. We feed them organic grain, but grass fed is where I would like to go. With their help I am learning about being a grass farmer. I am fertilizing the grass with my own fertilizer, which is compost turned to soil. What a neat process, its not complicated but really simple minded.
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