Screech Owls

Our next door neighbors invited us to come over and check out a family of screech owls living in their tree.  They were so beautiful.  When we listened closely, we could hear them cooing softly to each other.  A beautiful family,  momma, daddy, and 4 fuzzy babies.

They blended into the branches of tree.  We could have easily overlooked them.  Another reminder to take the time to slow down and enjoy all of the small blessings.

Butchering Day

Summer break is finally here.  Now the business of summer begins.  We started off by harvesting the meat chickens.  A sad part of farm life.  The children handled it much better than I.  By the time we finally got a routine started we were finished.

It is very satisfying to see the end result in the freezer.

Meat Chickens

This year we embarked on a new adventure.....meat chickens.  It is so important to know where our food comes from.  We have 10 babies.  It is amazing how fast they are growing.  They are so heavy compared to our other girls.

I am sure there will be tears on butchering day.  My little farmers have been taking such good care of the chickens.  We all have a new respect from where our food comes from.

Buffalo and Goats

We have recently discovered how much we love buffalo meat.  It is so lean and has a great flavor.  Ground buffalo with a little onion, salt, and pepper..... topped with goat cheese.  Yum!

What a fun day we had!  We started off at Tuscarora Bison, where we met the sweetest 87 year young man.  He cheerfully answered all of my buffalo questions and shared a few stories.

I like to imagine us as a pioneer family seeing these magnificent creatures roaming the prairie.  They seemed so gentle, but I was quickly reminded that they are wild animals and are NOT affectionate to humans.

He was not a happy camper.  He is going to the butcher next week.

Next up was a visit to Wayside Goat Dairy.  We were met with many baby goats and some farm dogs who were looking for a belly rub. 

Then there was this crazy goat that looked like he was dancing.  He was actually eating pine limbs.

I can't wait to go again!

Simple Pleasures

The simple pleasures of life.  How many tiny wonders do I pass over in a day?  One of the simple pleasures is line dried clothing.  It forces me to stop, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the sounds of nature. 

A simple sewn project.  A clothing pin apron.  A quick little project that makes hanging out laundry, even more enjoyable.   This was one of many projects I have wanted to make in the MaryJane's Farm Ideabook.

 The simple pleasure of hearing the cackle of "the girls" as they lay another egg, or of Gladys' sweet head.

The beauty of the opening of the long-awaited tulips.

This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalms 118:24

She Really is a Princess

Oh, Princess............everyday you woof and poof, spin in circles like your tail is on fire, and bark from 3pm on because the alarm clock in your belly is telling you it is time for dinner!  Now it is payback time!

Down on the Farm

What a wonderful weekend!  Saturday was spent cleaning up the yard and burning brush in our campfire.  The children roasted hotdogs over the fire.

Today we went to church and grabbed a quick lunch.  Hubby cut firewood and the kiddos and I stacked it.  Stacking firewood is one my favorite things to do!  I cleaned up the flower beds and burnt more brush.  There was lots of time for cuddling Sammy and the chickens. 

The Big Old Rolling Turd is back in the driveway ready for our 1st camping adventure.  ( If you haven't seen the movie RV, it really is a "must see".  It will get you ready for camping!)

It sure smells like a farm here today!  In order to try to live an organic lifestyle, Hubby decided to try liquid fish as a fertilizer.  Well as the name implies, it stinks like rotten fish.  Oh well, this country air is part of country life! 

Hubs spreading the rotten fish!