Sunshine in November

The sun is out, its shinning wonderfully. Its lying, its cold out there.
The sky is bright blue with very few clouds, (that's because the wind blows them away).
All the animals are cuddled up to what ever they can find that holds heat. Yes its cold out there. 22  with wind is cold, I don't care how beautiful the sun looks.

We have been hard at work today, 7 qts of sausage canned, 5 qts of hamburger and so fat 7 qts of nice white lard. There will be more lard coming, I did 12 qts the other day. Stuff makes awesome donuts and nice pie crust.
 So thankful the snow hasn't arrived yet and the water line to the barn is still thawed. My day is coming when I awake to inches of snow and a froze line. Which really stinks because we bought a backhoe to do a lot of work and it really hasn't earned its keep yet.

Sold all my rabbits and ducks the other day, at least cutting back for the winter months. With hauling water it makes it quite a chore to keeping bottles thawed and  ponds open.

I do still have my wonderful goats and now 22 piglets under 5mos old, I did cut back to a few dozen chickens and will start fresh in the spring with more layer and put these older one in the pot..
Looking out the window at everyone I can see the horses standing tall watching over all the animals.

Hoping to get back to sewing this week. Also dug out the yarn and knitting needles, its that time of the year. I cant work with yarn while its hot out,, makes my hands sweat.

I suppose the canners have been turned off and now the jars are cooling down, I should go make meat balls for supper and get some bread rising.

I hope you have an awesome day.

God Bless

Donna
The Simple Farm Girl

Middle of November-- ever have one of those days------

The middle of November finds us with no snow. Can you hear my heart jumping for joy. Two years ago in October we were blessed with a blizzard that dumped 2 feet in one storm and melted in a week or so and we had very little the rest of the winter season. Today is  raining drizzly day, not much work will be done out side.
Still trying to batten down the hatches so to speak for winter. It has been a beautiful week a few days were up in the 50's.
Yesterday I sold all my rabbits and ducks. Not that I want to but I guess I am getting tired of doing all the chores myself while others just sit and watch or complain about having to pick up a little of the slack. I have an offer on my goats, but am so torn about selling all of them a few of them or none of them.  Confused and heart broken to think I always give in and give up on my dreams and animals I want. Sometimes I wonder why I try so hard to  make a working farm work.  People that live here are mainly concerned with just the horses who do nothing,, very expensive pasture pets.. Don't get me wrong I think the world of the horses but ya know,, they eat hay and grain year round and they don't earn one penny ,, at least not in the past 4 years. My goats have at least have made money this year. Selling the babies then selling  2/3 of my herd brought in more money than the horses have  since we have had them in 7 years.  I know I sound like I am venting but I cant be the only farmer  around that goes thru this. Some one else must be able to relate. Now we have 22 piglets 3 months old and 5 mos old,, . They cost way more money than they will ever bring in. Big idea,, raise them thru the winter and sell then in the spring.. Great Idea,, but I don't see it happening the way  some think it is going to,, cause aint no one  going to step out and help with chores and help feed, clean and water them all winter but me. Attitude abound today terribly,, so no outside work will be finished at all. I guess I should not be surprised, I don't think one project has really ever been totally finished that  others have started around here. Guess I am getting fed up with the work load, stress load and the anger that other bring with them. Not sure how people can go to bed mad, and wake up angry all the time.
So in my mind I have been mulling over some big changes and I am sure some will have their 2 cents to add, but no manual ambition to go with it.
 I am going to cut back  to just the animals I need to feed my family with, raise just the chickens I need to provide eggs for my family, chickens 4 pigs, I can buy a side of beef every year. Everything else from now on will be gardens for food.  I need to change  how things work around here,cost fo grain is going thru the roof, money is becoming very tight, property taxes have gone up again, my income hasn't. So I am going to start living as they did on little house on the prairie raising what they needed to eat, sold what  was extra,,garden and  put up what I can.
Does any one else have any of these issues,, cant be just me.
I suppose its time for me to go set up the sewing machine and start working on one of the quilts I need to finish for another family who ordered it.

I hope you have a blessed Sunday and sorry for the venting,, sometimes just getting it out of my head makes things a bit easier.

God Bless

The Simple Farm Girl
Donna

Winter is knocking

Yesterday  the first sight of snow flakes were seen..NOT ready.... Ok usually never ready and every year we say the same thing knowing every year at this time it gets colder..
Animals are all getting their winter coats. Leaves are falling off the trees and making the patch work colors that were seen on trees now make the ground a  beautiful rust and orange colors. I don't rake leaves,, I think they are beautiful.. Gardens have gone by, all plants are pulled up and vegetables stored, canned, dried and preserved. meat birds have been processed and tomatoes, carrots, eggs have all been canned.
So some things are ready,, wood pile isn't up to quota yet. But husband will bring  the next 8 cords shortly. We have plenty of wood for the kitchen cook stove. So no worries.

Looking out my front door the sun is shinning thru the glass  casting a warm glow across the floor. All the dogs are struggling  to lay in the warmest spot in the sun.

Heading out shortly do chores and check on the new kittens who are residing in the barn.
 Hoping to sell a few ducks today and more laying hens.. Cutting back on a few animals for winter, making  my chores a bit easier for winter.
My mom has moved in with us and resides in the basement. We have made a small apartment area for her so she has her own space.
We have been doing a lot of baking for the  farm stand and it has gone over wonderfully. We are making bread today and I am doing fudge and cup cakes.

I suppose I need to get busy and go wash eggs, do chores, get laundry started for Nicholas and get baking under way.
I hope you al have an awesome weekend

God Bless
Donna
The simple farm girl

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies


Makes 12-14

Ingredients
...

3 cups  Flour
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 - 15 oz. can of pumpkin
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
.
Beat together brown sugar, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Add eggs one at time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla. In a separate bowl, shift together the dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Using a pastry bag with a round tip, make a  circle of batter, starting from the middle and working outward until the circles are about 2 inches in diameter


Cream Cheese Filling
1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1 stick of unsalted butter, room temperature
1 - 16 oz. package of powdered sugar
 1 tsp vanilla
a pinch of cinnamon (to taste)

Beat together cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Frost flat side of half the pies and top with another piece.

August 9,2013 its Friday

Fridays are suppose to be exciting. I guess. Everyone is always saying TGIF.. But here Friday is just another day. Which is ok, no different than a Monday.

Yesterday was my oldest grandson birthday, he turned 18. I was there when he was born, he took his first steps, kindergarten pictures,, hard to believe 18. I have 10  more coming up behind him. I guess its bitter sweet. His life is what he makes it now,. Love him to pieces.  Ok enough sappy stuff.

It has been raining for most of the day. the humidity was so terrible this morning. Not bad right now.
The gardens are being watered and everything is growing. I just wished I could of gotten it all in a month earlier.  Hoping with all the work we did something comes of it.

Hay season is getting off to a very rough start middle and ending. More rain than sunny days.
2 of the big pigs leave today for a pig roast tomorrow and next week. That will cut down on the grain bill a little bit. The last 3 will get a bigger pen tomorrow, I will open the 2 pens and make it just one., Charlie the pet pig still hangs with the goats. I have a deposit on 5 more that were born a few weeks ago.

Meat birds will go to freezer camp this week also, 20 in the freezer is better than 20 in the pen eating food.
Layers are starting to come back around the heat last month really did a number on the egg production.

Mike and Bob the horses will come home tomorrow from summer fields for a few weeks to allow it to grow back. It will be nice to see them in the big pasture on the hill standing tall.

Tonight will be filled with a lot of baking. 8 dozen donuts for the church fair. Suppose to be an awesome day so farm stand will have goodies on it also.

Got to take my Aunt and Uncle out today and show them our little town today.
Tomorrow is the local church fair, lots of local crafters will be out displaying their wares.
. I do believe it is time for something warm to drink and  getting my hands into some flour of some sort and see what trouble I can get into,

I do hope you have a wonderful weekend

God Bless

Donna

July 31,2013 recipes for Wednesday

Kris Roup shared My Honeys Place's photo.

Pineapple Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

More Recipes: http://MyHoneysPlace.com/

Ingredients
... 2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs
20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Icing:
1 stick butter, softened
1 8oz cream cheese softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla

Direction

Cake: Mix the dry ingredients. Add in the eggs, pineapple along with its juice, and the pecans.Stir just until moistened. Pour into a buttered 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. Make Icing: Combine cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Frost cake using all the frosting.

Mary Reese shared Welcome Home's photo.

My Mom made these with every kind of fruit you can imagine. Sometimes we had blueberry, raspberry, or peach... but my favorite was always strawberry. That's wha...t I am featuring today but feel free to change them to what you have on hand.

Strawberry Hand Pies

For the dough:
... 3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:
4 cups strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup sugar (or more, to taste)

Baking and Glazing:
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk

Pies: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and sugar and cream them together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat to combine, then add the cream cheese and vanilla. Beat until everything is incorporated, then scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl.

Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape the dough out onto a sheet of cling wrap and wrap it tightly into a flat disc. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. (Can be made several days ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.)

Filling: When you’re almost ready to assemble the pies, place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch and sugar over them and stir. Let them sit and get juicy.

When the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly flour your work surface, then roll the dough out until it is about 1/8” thick. Make sure to lift and rotate it occasionally to make sure it’s not sticking on the bottom. Use a round cutter between 5-6” across to cut out large circles. (You can also trace around a bowl using a paring knife if you don't have a cutter large enough.)

Transfer the circles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place several spoonfuls of strawberry mixture in the middle of each pie. Fold the dough in half and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them together. If your dough starts to get too soft, refrigerate it briefly until you can work with it again.

Brush the tops of the pies with egg white and a sprinkling of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut a few holes in the top to allow air to escape. Bake the pies at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Glaze: While the pies are cooling, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a glaze that flows but holds its body. Drizzle the cooled pies with the glaze.
 

Recipe of the Day End of July 2013

Kentucky Biscuits

INGREDIENTS
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
... 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
dash of salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup buttermilk Don't have buttermilk? No prob, just add 1 or 2 Tbls of vinegar to milk.
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix dry ingredients.
Cut in butter, add milk and knead into soft dough. Do not over knead!
Pat into a ungreased 6x6 pan. I use a pie pan myself so you can use whatever.
Cut into serving size portions before you cook.
Bake at 400' for 15 to 20 minutes or until done and golden brown.
Copyright © A Cowboy's Wife
SUPER EASY, HUH?! OH, so good:)

recipe of the day

Timeline Photos Pull Apart Bacon Bread Ingredients: Servings: ... 8 Units: US | Metric 1 lb bacon 3/4 cup chopped onion 3 (16 1/3 ounce) cans pillsbury buttermilk biscuits 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 3/4 cup chopped green pepper 1/2 cup margarine Directions: 1 Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble. 2 Place oil in skillet and sauté onions and peppers until tender. 3 Cut each biscuit into fourths and place in bowl. Mix in peppers, onions, bacon, cheese and margarine. 4 Put into 10 inch tube pan (sprayed). 5 Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. 6 Remove from pan immediately. Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/pull-apart-bacon-bread-221003?oc=linkback">http://www.food.com/recipe/pull-apart-bacon-bread-221003?oc=linkback

**********************************************
AND REMEMBER SHARING IS CARING AND YOU WILL HAVE IT FOR LATER!!!!
Join us here for more every day fun, tips, recipes, weight loss support & motivation
http://www.facebook.com/groups/healthyeatingwithStephanie/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK
I am always posting awesome stuff!
http://www.facebook.com/stephanie.spaltro
AND CHECK OUT MY DIY'S AT: http://www.facebook.com/groups/StephaniesHomeRemedies/See More

http://www.stephanies9.eatlessfeelfull.com/

By: Stephanie Spaltro

looks good

Good morning--July 24,2013

What a glorious morning on the mountain. The birds are singing praises and so happy its not raining. The sun is trying to break through a thick fog. Looks like a wonderful day is ahead of us.

The farm has a new member. Shirley my little pygmy goat gave birth yesterday afternoon to an adorable baby girl. Colors of white and black poke a dots and brown boots.
Just as precious as the day is long.
 I did loose a chicken (meat bird) this morning noticed he had past to a better place,, He got injured a mos or so back  so I placed him in his own cage so he could still eat and drink and not struggle. This morning he was called to the bigger chicken coop above.

Charlie the little runt pig I had gotten from an educational farm in April is doing awesome,, he is quite the ham no pun intended. Loves to be scratched and played with. He is a hit of the visits from the campers that stop by.
The other 5 pigs are doing wonderfully and growing super. A few more months and they will go to freezer camp.
I have put a deposit on 5 more piglets to raise thru the winter for spring processing.
Would really like to get a milk cow,, but figure the goats can provide milk also and less space for them to be housed.d
My new bunnies should becoming home soon. I have two liters. One from my female and one from a bred doe I had bought but she was so close to birthing we didn't want to move her. Hoping to find a few meat rabbits to breed. between the chickens and pigs a few rabbits in the freezer would be a nice change. Would love to get out and do some fishing also. The more we can harvest, grow, and can and freeze the better we will be this winter. Now is I could grow salt and coffee.
Hoping next year to get set up with a few hives to have our own honey. One more step in self sufficiency. Taping some maple trees also will help in cutting back on the sugar we use.

This weekend some time we will be putting the last of the meat birds also in freezer camp. they have met their weight requirements and then some. Some have quite the waddle going on.

Since my last post I was given 2 more does. Beautiful 4 year old pygmies.  I do believe there are 2 more out there that will give birth this summer.

The garden has finally been completed and is growing. Things will be a little behind everyone else but that's ok as long it provides winter food.

The blueberry field just up the road a piece have now opened. I will visit them often as I would like to make jam and pie filling for winter use.

Speaking of winter July is almost over a few months to get ready. Not in any hurry that's for sure but you can never be to prepared for the winter months on the mountain.

I have decided to clean out the pantry this year and strip it down and start over, somethings have been in there forever it seems. Replacing bags and boxes with canning jars and storage containers is a must.
I have started my winter lists of things to have on hand in case of weather related issues up here.  We are due for some terrible weather. its been several years the cycle is coming full circle and we need to be ready. My lists of prepping have begun. I love to gaze at the pantry shelves and know I can provide for my family in case of emergencies and we dont have to run to the store every day for meals. We may not eat fancy but we sure wont starve.

Cant wait for the wood to come in. I know my husband works for a logging company and they have a wood processor,, but I totally love to split wood. Hoping to get some type of wood shed built this year where the whole winters wood wont have to be in the basement. Which is ok if my pantry and washer weren't down there makes walking around tricky. But anyways going to try to talk him to letting me have 1 load in log length so I can work it up. Lord knows I need the exercise. Since haying is becoming more difficult because we cant get 3 days in a row of nice weather to  be able to get it cut and baled before the next rain falls.

Well I suppose as the sun shines in on my back I am wasting time and should be getting laundry hung out and floors cleaned.

I pray you have an awesome day

God Bless each of you who read my postings and those who don't also

Donna

simple farm girl

Welcome July

Good morning from the mountain. A heavy dampness fills the air. Rain expected. What a wonderful long weekend. Got to spend the whole weekend with my husband. We took the time to just be together and have decided that one weekend a month will be just us. Not that we don't love having grandchildren around,, just need some us time in the busy schedules of summer.

We bought a new to us back hoe and Rob has been enjoying doing some dirt work here at the farm. He shouldn't have a problem finding things that need work,, the farm is always a work in progress. trying to get hay season started. Need 3 days  of nice weather no rain,, no 100% humidity also helps, nice breeze would be a plus.

 Going to spend this morning working in the garden. poor thing its hard to put in when your standing in ankle deep mud. Hoping to get more transplanted today so they can get rooted and start producing vegetables.

Meat birds don't have much longer before they go to freezer and canner camp. Some probably should of been killed already but in the heat not happening.

Goats are doing awesome, moved their pen over under the trees they seem to enjoy it there,, lots of shade. Will let them loose for a while today and they can graze. Pigs are growing, 2 will leave next month for a pig roast and the girls will be split  between 2 families.
So busy busy busy.

Havent really opened the farm stand yet as  it just keeps raining. Hard to keep baked goods fresh and  craft items dry.

Meeting tonight at fire dept,, getting things finalized for our 50 years of service celebration. Time is running out to get prep work done. July 20th will be here before we know it.

Have heard from Bucky Lewis he is fitting us in and preforming for us
Music being provided by several different groups and my father inlaw is doing the announcement and music in between groups.
Parade starts at 10, ceremony for charter members at 11, many events demonstrations, lots of food and vendors.

Hoping everyone comes out and joins the fun


I suppose while its not raining I best get out side and get some work done.

Have an awesome day

Donna

simplefarmgirl

Mid June afternoon

Thunder rolls around us,,ya know the crackling rolling across the sky kind.

The dogs are all hiding around the house out away from the sound as if it would hunt them  down and get them.
The morning was beautiful here on the farm,, the sun shone and the wind was just  a gentle breeze.
 i did mange to get floors scrub down pretty well before the rain got here. Now to actually have it dry with the humidity we have.

Guessing  a laundry will wait til after the storm passes,, now need to be struck by lighten hanging up under britches.
Trying to figure out what is going to be for supper.  Thought tonight would be a great night for fasting,, idea didnt go over well..lol

Many changes on the farm this spring. Many baby goats were born and all but 1 were sold. many adult does have new homes,, everyone is happy happy happy.

Next week is Lilianna birthday already,, a big #2

Almost time to start haying again,,cant wait. I do enjoy haying.

We are raising meat birds this year,, and lots of baby chicks to replace the older laying hens for next year.
One more effort to buy less at the store

Gardens have been an issue with all the rain we have had. Just might get it in these week,, little late is better  than never.

Trying my hand at making yogurt this year,, not working so well for me,,, guess i need some one to show me.  Better at hands on  than just reading.

I suppose i should figure out suppers issue and get busy,looks like my floors have dried enough to walk on.

Have an awesome day

God Bless

simple farm girl

January 17,2013

Good morning from the mountain. Feeling very happy that the snow has finally stopped. I wish we had last weeks weather.. 32+ degrees for several days can spoil you.  Back to the deep freeze this week. Yesterday snow storm of maybe 2 inches,,came in more as almost 6 inches.. You will not see a happy face. That just means more shoveling for me.

Last week our seeds came in from Johnnys seed from Maine. I love them. I actually got them ordered and received them before it was time to plant. So what are you planting this year? I am so jealous of those who are thinking of playing in the soil today. I have to wait several more months.

So hoping the flu that is going around is out of my home.. So far only baby Lilianna was really sick. Few snuffles here and there.. But my baby girl was real sick.

Nick is quite happy to have his practice IPad from ATECH. He has been working hard making sentences to learn to talk. This will be a communication device as his speech is getting tougher for him. Proud how hard he is working on this.

Quiet in the house this morning. I have been up since 2am since Rob needed to leave this morning by 3:30am. Would of been nice to have the log truck home, he wouldnt of had to leave so early. Sitting here yawning wishing the coffee that taste awesome would kick in and wake me up.
Going to be a very long day.

Recipes to go thru to see what will be on the baking list for the day. Someone on my face book posted a picture of a lemon pie yesterday and it made my mouth water just looking at it.. Ever had that happen,,just looking at something makes ya almost be able to taste it.
I do know supper will consist of meat loaf, mash potatoes and gravy. That was suppose to be last night, but I had a meeting so we just had subs..

Watching the goats close. My Hemmi is acting uncomfortable. Thinking she will be having twins. This will be her first births.
Next month will be a busy one. Abby and Daisy will be giving birth.After that the rest will be March and April. Shirley had Puddin a month ago already.. He is such a riot to watch. Be glad when there a a few more for him to play with.
Should  be getting our piglets this week. Nick has been asking to have a piglets he can raise, so we needed to get two. They are such social animals,, they need to have a buddy.

Alot of changes coming to the farm this year. More chickens and poultry and pigs.
Also considering a rustic camp ground. We are pondering putting a few small building up in the back pasture, no power, or running water,,pure off the grid. It would be like camping  with a tent but only have a solid building. Water would be available on the trailer lot and bath house built. Something we are considering.

So what are you doing differently this year on your farm. Are you planting this year things you have never tried? Have you added a new animal, or learned a new skill? Share it with me. I know there are several things I want to learn.  Spinning, out door cooking, would love an outside oven. Want a treddle sewing machine so badly.

Well I guess I have bored you enough for one day. I hope you have an awesome year.

God Bless  from the simple farm girl