Black and White Scenes from the Homestead
Confession - These aren’t all photos from my homestead. I was challenged to share 5 black and white photos on Facebook by a friend. My reaction? Challenge accepted…and then some…. Read more »
Category: Homestead Life
A Patchwork of Autumn
Alpaca Dryer Balls, Patchwork Table Runner, and Chicken Mug I am fortunate to have very thoughtful friends and family! They made my (recent) birthday special with their kind words and… Read more »
Yes, We Have No Chickens
Chicken Free Homestead? I recently updated the blogosphere with my not-so-self-sufficient homesteading news…I am having hip replacement surgery in December. In preparation for the surgery, and also because I’m having… Read more »
Choosing Poultry for Your Homestead & A Not-So-Self-Sufficient Update
Choosing the Best Poultry for Your Homestead Thinking about raising poultry? Wondering whether you want chickens, ducks, or turkeys? Maybe I can help you narrow down your choices! Homestead.org published an… Read more »
Hatching, Brooding, and Raising Baby Poultry
Getting Ready for Chick Season! If you live in a mild climate, you may already be gearing up for baby poultry. In my area the feed stores are taking orders for… Read more »
5 Best Articles for Getting Ready to Garden
Getting Ready for the New Gardening Season Maybe you can’t start gardening for several months (like me) but you’re not content with just flipping through seed catalogs. How about brushing… Read more »
The End of Summer on Our Homestead
The End of Summer on Our Homestead Autumn is on its way and the nights are getting chilly. Our garden harvests are tapering off. The last batch of tomato sauce… Read more »
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Homesteaders on Vacation! Tom and I visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan early in August. We saw some really cool sights and I hope to share more of them with… Read more »
Lazy Scrubbies
Lazy Scrubbies I have several scrubby pads that work great for washing dishes and cleaning. My Mom gave me some and I purchased several at a farmers market. They last… Read more »
Scruffy Chicks, Sprouting Seeds, & Turkey Troubles
Scruffy Chicks Our 23 mixed breed chicks hatched 3 weeks ago and they’re at that in-between stage…past being cute fluffballs but their feathers aren’t completely grown in. So they look pretty… Read more »
‘Rosette: A Novel of Pioneer Michigan’ ~ Interview with the Author
Rosette: A Novel of Pioneer Michigan Interview with Author Cindy Rinaman Marsch I’ve always loved historical fiction, especially from the pioneer days. So, to say that this new book by… Read more »
Getting Your Homestead Ready for Spring
Preparing for Spring on Your Homestead Depending on where you live, you might already be enjoying spring-like weather, or maybe you have several months of winter left to deal with…. Read more »
Apparently, I’m a big fat turkey…
If Turkeys Could Talk… I’m guessing it wouldn’t very a very exciting conversation. Perhaps you’ve had enough turkey talk to last you until next Thanksgiving. To be honest, I fully expected… Read more »
Planning For a ‘Self Sufficient’ Thanksgiving
A Homegrown & Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner It might be difficult to raise everything you need to serve a completely self sufficient Thanksgiving dinner. However, what you can’t raise on your own, you may… Read more »
Meet Pa Mac From The Farm Hand’s Companion Show!
The Farm Hand’s Companion Show & Pa Mac Every now then someone comes along and makes education fun and entertaining. That’s exactly what you get from Gary “Pa Mac” McWilliams… Read more »
First Frost
First Frost of the Season We normally have a frost in late September or early October in Northern Illinois. This year we were treated to a much later freeze overnight Friday, October… Read more »
A Very Pretty Chicken Quilt
A Very Pretty Chicken Quilt Not too long ago I was contacted by a lady named Rebecca who found one of my chicken photos online and wanted to use the… Read more »
Scenes From The Pioneer Fest
Scenes From The Pioneer Fest The Boone County Autumn Pioneer Festival gives visitors a glimpse of early settler life in Northern Illinois each September. I thoroughly enjoy spending an afternoon… Read more »
Cast Iron Envy
Cast Iron Cookware at the Autumn Pioneer Fest Last weekend was the annual Autumn Pioneer Festival in Belvidere, Illinois. I try to make it there every year to see all… Read more »
Autumn on Our Homestead
Autumn on Our Homestead Our weather is gorgeous, with sunny days and crisp nights. Jack Frost has yet to visit and my tomatoes, beans, peppers, eggplants, and squash are still filling our… Read more »