Good morning from the mountain. A beautiful sun rise was enjoyed. The weather is FINALLY warming up and the snow is finally melting.
What a long cold drawn out winter. I didn't think it was ever going to end.
The flower along side the house have peaked thru the ground. Yippee spring..
Water still frozen to the barn,,,but as of yesterday it was at least dripping,,so maybe today will be the day.
Seeds will be started today as spring has arrived, didn't dare to plant them to early, they would be full grown by the time the ground thawed.
Working on the barn today for the little goats, cant wait to bring them home. Anthony is excited to be able to bring his little goats home.
Looking to get the farm back up and farming full time , after the tornado went thru here and tore up the place. Slowly building farm back up.
Excited ,, 75 baby chicks will arrive next Monday. 50 meat breeds and 25 new layers. Be nice to hear the peep peeps again.
Off to plant my rose bushes in just a bit. Have 4 raspberry bushes to plant today also.
Lots of raking and yard pick up to do while the sun is shining.
Have a couple grand children here today for a while so there will be play time also..
Well off to play in the sun, Hope you all have an awesome day
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Thursday, January 16, 2014
January 16,2014
Good morning from the mountain. A joyous day is about. I have gotten to visit with my daughter, and grand daughter, and my daughter in law. Was so very nice to see them. My Miss Lilianna is so special, such a gorgeous little chatter box.
Chores have been done, it is snowing out again. I think winter has returned to the mountain. The ground is covered again and the driveway is a little slippery.
Just received a phone call about another rabbit, all excited. I just love rabbits. Thinking about time to start breeding the goats. Didn't want babies in cold weather like last year. Thinking about what else we can grow for meat to help with less store purchasing.
I got to sit yesterday for a spell and go through Johnny Seeds from Maine and pick out vegetable seeds for the gardens this year, Quiet time for the simple farm girl. Coffee, seed catalogs, snowy day, does it get any better. Toasty warm and all comfy in the house.
My momma and I have been doing a lot of crocheting and knitting. I came up with my own fingerless mittens. No pattern ,, just stuff all in my head. I enjoyed making them and they take no time. Makes hauling water and chores so much easier, hands stay warm, but can still use fingers. Thinking maybe to do up a bunch to sell , I am sure there are other out there who need warm hands but need the use of their fingers.
I have received an order for donuts today so I ought to do a batch or two this afternoon. Made raised glazed donuts the other day, let me tell ya they weren't pretty but boy did they taste good. Maybe I will try again. A recipe I have never used before.
Having a wonderful time visiting with my Uncle Dave, he has come over for a month or so and staying with us. Some one should write a book with the stories he can tell, my favorite cowboy.
He loves to tell stories and he gathers a crowd where ever he goes. Just awesome.
I suppose I should get busy and get dishes finished up and do some baking. Need to figure out tonight supper. What cha all having?? Do you ever get tired of trying to figure out new stuff? I do..
Well you all have an awesome day. Stay safe stay warm..
God Bless
The Simple farm girl
Chores have been done, it is snowing out again. I think winter has returned to the mountain. The ground is covered again and the driveway is a little slippery.
Just received a phone call about another rabbit, all excited. I just love rabbits. Thinking about time to start breeding the goats. Didn't want babies in cold weather like last year. Thinking about what else we can grow for meat to help with less store purchasing.
I got to sit yesterday for a spell and go through Johnny Seeds from Maine and pick out vegetable seeds for the gardens this year, Quiet time for the simple farm girl. Coffee, seed catalogs, snowy day, does it get any better. Toasty warm and all comfy in the house.
My momma and I have been doing a lot of crocheting and knitting. I came up with my own fingerless mittens. No pattern ,, just stuff all in my head. I enjoyed making them and they take no time. Makes hauling water and chores so much easier, hands stay warm, but can still use fingers. Thinking maybe to do up a bunch to sell , I am sure there are other out there who need warm hands but need the use of their fingers.
I have received an order for donuts today so I ought to do a batch or two this afternoon. Made raised glazed donuts the other day, let me tell ya they weren't pretty but boy did they taste good. Maybe I will try again. A recipe I have never used before.
Having a wonderful time visiting with my Uncle Dave, he has come over for a month or so and staying with us. Some one should write a book with the stories he can tell, my favorite cowboy.
He loves to tell stories and he gathers a crowd where ever he goes. Just awesome.
I suppose I should get busy and get dishes finished up and do some baking. Need to figure out tonight supper. What cha all having?? Do you ever get tired of trying to figure out new stuff? I do..
Well you all have an awesome day. Stay safe stay warm..
God Bless
The Simple farm girl
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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
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
Sunday, November 17, 2013
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
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
Friday, October 25, 2013
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
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
Monday, August 26, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, August 9, 2013
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
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
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