tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9390813516039322082012-01-16T16:10:51.321-07:00A blog about our family and our homesteading efforts.WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-28953945324090226312012-01-10T00:13:00.000-07:002012-01-10T00:13:43.415-07:00

I have had complaints about this blog needing serious updating.. and you're right!  I have neglected it.  I am slowly going back through my photos and updating the blog.  So stay tuned for more content :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-48125777050087313832011-09-28T18:02:00.000-06:002012-01-10T18:03:23.237-07:00

17 years ago, such a sweet little baby girl. If I could go back in time and hold you and rock you in my arms and sing lullabies to you again, I would. ... but I know that instead I have to let you go so you can become your own independent person... and I will... but I will also pray for God's guidance for each step you take, and I am confident that you will become the amazing woman I

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-69837931249132610952011-09-09T19:30:00.000-06:002012-01-10T01:31:43.377-07:00

I don't remember when the ducks started laying, but their eggs are coming in steadily now.  Really nice sized and they're good layers too!  Egg is in my DD10's hand, so not as big as it looks in the picture.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-13699646394555390162011-09-03T18:53:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:59:30.309-07:00

Towards the end of August we placed a new order for meat chickens (Cornish X).  They were to arrive at the beginning of September. At the end of August we were very surprised to find one of our Buff Orpingtons had been setting a clutch of eggs under our old horse trailer.  We left her alone and on September 3rd we found the eggs had hatched.  Out of the lot she was sitting on, she hatched out 5

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-88981880874984310012011-08-25T18:42:00.010-06:002012-01-09T18:46:57.226-07:00

We found this old kitchen cabinet (?) in the basement.  It may have been original to the house.  We're planning to restore it and then use it as a kitchen island.  I think it will look really nice once it's done. Beautiful wood hiding under all that paint Always willing to help when it comes to power tools!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-64747464601190452972011-08-24T18:29:00.001-06:002012-01-09T18:39:52.579-07:00

The boys worked hard in their watermelon/melon garden this year, they got a lot of watermelons and we froze a lot of melons for eating later. Team work! Slicing open that first watermelon Pure yumminess!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-63037363439983412512011-08-18T16:45:00.003-06:002012-01-09T17:19:41.754-07:00

2nd place in a photo contest! Such a proud moment for our daughter! We walked around enjoying all the various exhibits, and then it was time for the rides! A wonderful end to a wonderful day :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-51435377993874835382011-08-13T18:10:00.004-06:002012-01-09T18:23:37.298-07:00

Do you know how beautiful you are to me? Do you know the hopes and dreams I have for your life? Flowers picked by her brother to decorate the table Not birthday cake.. rather a milk tart :) Fruit salad at her request.. I fancied it up a little ;) Happy birthday sweetheart, I love watching you turn into a wonderful Godly young woman.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-85705153706837871682011-08-01T17:22:00.001-06:002012-01-09T17:44:25.163-07:00

Growing up, my mom used to make a macaroni, egg, tomato and cheese casserole.  I have no idea exactly how to make it, only that the cheese went on over the tomatoes and it made a good dinner. I can't find the exact recipe I used, but it was good and my family all gave it a thumbs up! Yum!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-20583613938072767422011-07-25T15:50:00.001-06:002012-01-09T15:53:30.428-07:00

This year I tracked down a source for silkworms so my kids could experience raising them.  DH and I had them when we were kids, and it was always interesting to watch them grow and then see the cycle of their lives.  If you have an abundance of mulberry trees, you should try some yourself :)  The cocoons from these little guys is where silk comes from.. yes, really. Munching on mulberry leaves

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-49203760730735867332011-07-20T16:11:00.001-06:002012-01-10T00:12:08.147-07:00

 The flowers are growing beautifully.... The corn is growing, thirsty work keeping them weeded....  Bandit is growing, as are the weeds.... The collection of farm junk is growing... (but this WILL be a nice little trailer someday!)  and... the piglets are growing! I love this life.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-4362247757591458042011-07-19T15:58:00.001-06:002012-01-09T16:02:20.642-07:00

A friend was nice enough to invite us over for a morning of blackberry picking.  We picked.. and picked... and picked. And made 7 lovely jars of blackberry jam :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-60468342235913055792011-06-18T15:43:00.000-06:002012-01-09T15:47:26.330-07:00

My hubby built this goat milking stand for a friend.  She needed one a little sturdier than ours though, since she wanted it for boer goats, and for doing hooves, worming, etc.  So DH put sides on it, and used 4 x 4 posts for the legs.  That should hold them nicely!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-58072332129644851222011-06-16T15:14:00.001-06:002012-01-09T15:26:32.342-07:00

After losing some piglets which were possibly squished or otherwise abused by our boar, we decided to give our two sows each their own secure quarters.  The pig shed got split down the middle and we built two pens for them.  Bubbles (the boar) got to free roam in the larger pasture. Little Miss, down to only one little piglet

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-46690221122749509032011-06-16T13:45:00.012-06:002012-01-09T14:30:29.350-07:00

Sweet Ping A couple of hours after milking Two days later, right before milking She stands quite nicely for us Although her udder is lopsided, she is giving us about a gallon a day, so we're not perturbed.  We asked some "experts" about it, and they assure us that all is well and there's no issue.  She just won't win any udder beauty contests, ha!  But for the FF that she is, it's a

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-67460860719591336202011-06-15T14:39:00.001-06:002012-01-09T14:55:54.386-07:00

Hills with watermelons and summer squash  We're trying hills for our squash this year.  Our sons have planted a large watermelon/melon garden this year, it involved a lot of hilling, but they cheerfully got the work done. Various crops coming along nicely Sharing a cool drink of water Sheer beauty Very protective!  We found they had nested inside a hole in the fence pole.  So sweet.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-11560922702393994602011-06-15T14:32:00.002-06:002012-01-09T14:36:54.714-07:00

 They just go together, don't they?

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-44387197888588711052011-06-14T19:42:00.003-06:002012-01-06T20:37:45.690-07:00

We went out this morning to milk the goats, and look what sight greeted us!  Butterbelle had her calf all on her own, without any help.  Mom was doing well and baby was nursing well.  We're going to leave them for a few days before trying to milk. So beautiful!!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-68878149484078361362011-06-13T18:50:00.022-06:002012-01-06T19:40:57.446-07:00

Time to butcher!  Our Cornish X chickens were ready to be processed.  We set up some stations beforehand to make things go a little smoother.  We had a slaughter area (not pictured), then a dunking station, defeathering station, gutting station, cleaning station and then the cooler boxes to put the final product in.  Our family is pretty good at working together. Everyone helps - even the

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-34207462371529452252011-06-06T19:55:00.004-06:002011-06-15T21:07:45.838-06:00

Never-ending projects! Our "to do" list is a mile long! DH and our oldest son started the concrete work in the milk stanchion. We ran out of concrete and had to stop for the night. In the meantime, I realized I was off on Butterbelle's due date.  I re-calculated and realized she is due anytime between June 6th and `12th.  She looks uncomfortable and spends a good deal of time just laying down.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-57433553200775772072011-06-03T19:16:00.002-06:002011-06-15T19:51:20.306-06:00

Well, to say Poppet did not enjoy being crated every evening would be an understatement!  So we set to work building a shed (Senz style!) and pen so we could have her penned up 24/7 to wean her off Ping and milk her morning and evening. Building the pen Of course the goats all had to inspect it Happy helpers :) Lilly loves me.  Dearly.  I'm going to miss her when she has to go back to

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-15729781109446950142011-05-30T20:00:00.004-06:002011-06-15T15:35:44.158-06:00

What I love most about fishing:  watching my hubby help the kids with their fishing poles :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-34496932086899895512011-05-30T13:34:00.000-06:002011-06-15T13:38:13.465-06:00

Butterbelle has to be tied up while we milk or she tries to eat the goat feed! Piggies enjoying breakfast Awww.. say hello to the piglets! So cute and perfect! After-milking mayhem!  Poppet is balanced atop the milk stand! Pretty flowers :)  My clematis that was supposed to grow on that support died :( Bounce sharing his basket with a kitten

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-46044351012389250622011-05-29T13:02:00.002-06:002011-06-15T13:04:29.254-06:00

This morning when we went to milk Dan noticed Little Miss making odd grunting noises and he was wondering what was going on when lo and behold three little piglets came running to their mama!  So cute!  Photos soon.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-42897764641677952412011-05-21T23:20:00.001-06:002011-06-15T13:05:02.539-06:00

That's what we've been busy with this weekend.  Relatively easy, it's not finished yet, we want to concrete the floor. Ping decided to model it for us: She's quite photogenic don't you think?  (Seriously, who thought I'd love goats so much!?) Poor Poppet.  She has to be locked up for the night and doesn't enjoy it.  Working on a pen for her so she can be separated from mom 24/7. The

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-36898166968813700722011-05-16T10:42:00.045-06:002011-06-15T11:20:49.787-06:00

It took us a while to figure out the whole milking thing with Ping. When we first got her, her milk tasted AWFUL! A really bitter, chemically kind of taste. I contacted the breeder we bought her from who was very puzzled about that, but later she contacted me and said she had tried the milk from her remaining goats and found their milk to have the same bad taste. So she walked her pasture and

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-56371215881485939832011-05-07T16:53:00.000-06:002011-05-07T16:53:55.171-06:00

Well, we finally settled on Alpines as our goat of choice.  We've been watching available goats for quite a while now, and when Ping and her baby became available we were very interested.  We went to pick them up today and they are BEAUTIFUL!  As you can see above though, we definitely need a small livestock trailer.  Though the trip wasn't bad and both animals lay down most of the way.  I feel

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-38907740816623426512011-05-01T08:24:00.000-06:002011-05-02T08:24:55.755-06:00

We have spoken about getting a goat for quite a while now.  At first after we got Butterbelle I thought I didn't want goats anymore.  Then my oldest DD turned out to be lactose intolerant.  A friend has goats and offered us one of her goats on a loan until December so we've taken her up on the offer.  Lilly is an Alpine, and she is an incredibly patient and good natured goat.  So we Dan set to

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-34123721413922913032011-04-27T21:28:00.003-06:002011-04-28T08:59:14.971-06:00

All done!  We remembered we had an older canvas tarp lying around so we used that under the new one to make up the needed length.  The chicks were more interested in their food than the new housing, but that's okay.  And no more cleaning up chicken poop!!!  Yay!!!!!! We got a little bit of sunshine today after all the rain, rain, rain.  That was nice :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-14671455982365674972011-04-27T14:07:00.000-06:002011-04-27T14:07:02.030-06:00

Will this work for me?  I've tried various books.. tried FlyLady but got too sidetracked with all the emails that program entailed... though it did work.. for a while.  I'd like to get (and keep!) my house clean.  Not show home clean, just lived in clean. So the newest thing on the market is a new e-book called 31 Days to Clean.   In return for blogging about it today, I will get a free copy of

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-26244291959410243992011-04-25T20:28:00.003-06:002011-04-25T20:31:17.869-06:00

DH got the rest of the parts we needed for the hoop house today, so work could go on!  DH is a highly motivated man when there's a job to be done. The completed door with hinges and a really neat locking mechanism.  It's a simple lock, but DH has a hook attached to a chain to close it with.  No need for a key, and no lost lock! Close up of the lock, just because I think my hubby is a genius!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-8426706458239685012011-04-24T14:12:00.007-06:002011-04-26T07:03:46.204-06:00

Today we started work on the chicken hoop house for the meat birds who are starting to escape their garage quarters.. not to mention stinking the place up!  I wanted something movable, but chicken tractors weren't quite was I was looking for.  So I found a plan online for a chicken hoop house and gave it to my hubby and told him that was what I would like.  He took the plans, made some

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-40978759322239994372011-04-23T13:27:00.000-06:002011-04-25T13:33:15.270-06:00

When you go to feed and water the chicks and find this... you know it's time to make other housing plans!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-13712160039042794472011-04-23T13:18:00.002-06:002011-04-25T13:26:07.443-06:00

No, not really.  But my idea of putting a spot of green food coloring on each chicken that laid an egg often left the collected eggs somewhat green too, ha! As an update on that - all 13 chickens are laying.  Some are just not laying often enough!  The Buff Orpingtons are the best layers, with the Barred Rocks coming in a close second, then the Rhodies and then straggling behind is our white

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-48563572768753789762011-04-22T21:01:00.002-06:002011-04-25T13:27:07.248-06:00

On Good Friday morning we decided to do a major cleaning of the mudroom.  With the ducks and kittens living in there it was getting a little hectic.  When everything was all nice and clean smelling and neatly re-packed I decided I didn't want the ducks back in there.  They are getting so big and they are MESSY and STINKY, even though they spend the majority of the day outdoors. So when DH

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-35413375009018497432011-04-20T09:22:00.004-06:002011-04-25T13:34:15.814-06:00

Remember when I mentioned our little Daredevil broke one of the chick containers?  I had to think up something really quick.  Luckily we had some panels from a shower we removed that the previous owners had started installing in the mudroom.  Not a great install so we took it out.  I joined two of the panels together in a circle and this became a pretty awesome home for 33 chicks in the garage. 

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-12347946184541343642011-04-19T11:03:00.004-06:002011-04-19T11:16:40.394-06:00

Photos around the farm taken by my DD16 :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-52519277324143154472011-04-18T15:44:00.005-06:002011-04-18T15:59:10.768-06:00

So I have decided that for the amount of chicken feed we go through (even with free ranging) that getting 6 to 8 eggs a day just isn't cutting it from 13 hens. So I'm on a mission. Every so often I went out there this morning to see who was in the nesting box. Now my kiddos can tell every chicken apart.. I can't.. so I've been putting a drop of green food coloring on each chicken who was

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-30425491003552553232011-04-16T21:24:00.004-06:002011-04-16T21:52:59.548-06:00

This is where they sleep at night, in our mudroom. They sure do go through their food and water FAST!In the morning we put them outside, which they love. Oldest DS cut off one side of a mouse chewed water container and turned it into a little mini pond which they love to swim around in. It is clean for about the first 5 seconds after getting filled. People are not exaggerating when they say

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-9282190114170904752011-04-16T18:44:00.009-06:002011-04-16T22:05:27.854-06:00

Today we managed to get the electric wiring done in Pasture 2 so we could move the pigs into that pasture. It took us all day, first moving the shed, then finishing the barbed wire fencing in one area and then putting in the electric. But it's done! I am so glad DH built the pig shed on skids so we could move it from area to area. The Farmall got put to work today!All we haven't done yet is

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-76372097835451735172011-04-15T14:55:00.004-06:002011-04-15T19:26:04.191-06:00

Pictured is a dog tick, also known as a wood tick, freshly removed from my youngest DD.I love spring, but I hate the ticks that come with it!Just a friendly reminder that the best way to remove ticks is with a pair of tweezers. Grasp tick as close to your skin as possible without squeezing the tick's body and gently pull out without twisting. DO NOT apply vaseline, nail polish or anything else

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-66977805789003475002011-04-15T14:04:00.006-06:002011-04-15T16:21:14.871-06:00

Today we finally received our tomato seed order from Seven Acre Seeds. I placed the order towards the end of March and they shipped in a timely manner, and I waited.. and waited... Finally after about 10 days from the shipment date I wrote and asked if I should be concerned that my order hadn't arrived yet. They very quickly shipped out a new order, which arrived today! I should add that we

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-90094707802198534432011-04-14T11:21:00.004-06:002011-04-14T11:25:32.116-06:00

We picked oodles of dandelion flowers and made this beautiful jelly. We loosely followed this recipe. The natural color is lovely and it tastes very similar to honey. Lots of work, but sooo good! The oldest two girls have already picked me another quart of blossoms to make another batch!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-61584089010172832722011-04-11T10:54:00.001-06:002011-04-14T11:20:26.897-06:00

This weekend we worked on getting our newest order of fruit trees planted. They all got planted in the "horseshoe field" that our driveway encircles. We ordered 2 peach trees, 2 pear trees, 1 cherry tree, 1 plum tree and a brown turkey fig tree from Stark Brothers. We also got a gooseberry bush from Henry Fields as part of their free $25 order promotion. The fig and gooseberry bush got

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-50359046368831481882011-04-11T10:46:00.001-06:002011-04-14T10:52:07.228-06:00

DD16 has been very busy with her crochet work. Here for your viewing pleasure is her latest creation, a dishcloth/hot pad/kitchen towel set. Beautiful work. If you would like to own this set, you can buy it in our Etsy store by clicking here.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-5851548484316747202011-04-11T10:42:00.001-06:002011-04-14T10:46:12.666-06:00

DD14 has been using her foraging book she got for her birthday and tried her hand at making Dandelion coffee. It came our really well, and tastes quite nice. It does have a bit of lingering bitter aftertaste though. Maybe we can work around that somehow.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-67157110059566161002011-04-08T10:37:00.001-06:002011-04-14T10:41:35.209-06:00

Bandit has joined our family. He belongs to three girls. He is about 8 weeks old and cute as a button. A Sheltie/Brittany mix. Cute what?!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-78364650471541915312011-04-05T10:28:00.002-06:002011-04-14T10:36:01.695-06:00

Meat chickens have come to the farm! 34 of them. Cornish cross.. not so happy about what I've read about this breed, it's just not very natural, but we're giving them a try. They were 99c each at our feed store. Ready to butcher by 6 weeks of age!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-19496441522612081432011-04-01T10:15:00.002-06:002011-04-14T10:24:43.204-06:00

The ducks got to enjoy their first swim... in our bathtub! They *loved* it! They sure do dirty up the water real fast though.And we took them outside for the first time in a little enclosure. I don't know what they enjoyed more.. the swim or the outside time?!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-53710703366161844122011-03-27T20:39:00.001-06:002011-03-31T21:13:29.469-06:00

On March 16th one of our dumped kitties gave birth to six little fuzzballs. School was pretty much canceled for the day as the birthing commenced and 5 excited children carefully observed and commented on each kitten's birth.Now they're eleven days old, have opened their eyes and they're just as cute as can be. Not a day goes by without someone asking "Can we keep one?" and the answers is

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-5766385631604886492011-03-24T20:25:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:31:13.758-06:00

Ducks have joined the WildernesFamily Farm! We have two Mallard/Rouen (not sure yet) three Pekin, three possibly Ancona and two which we have no idea.. but they may be runner ducks! We'd like to have them for meat and eggs, excited to see what the future holds for us in our duck endeavors.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-76522678410477848432011-03-20T20:18:00.002-06:002011-04-05T15:35:28.711-06:00

We've been working for a while now to get our pigs out of their small enclosure and into the big pasture. We had to run electric fence first though to keep them in. We finally got it done and released the pigs. Can you say PIG HEAVEN? They were running all over the place and squealing for joy. It was very funny :)Butterbelle is not quite sure what to make of them yet, but seems to be

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-38097731007365175732011-03-17T17:29:00.002-06:002011-03-31T20:12:04.818-06:00

Happy birthday you wonderful little boy, thank you for being such a blessing to us.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-53825214094841020932011-01-30T16:43:00.003-07:002011-04-05T15:26:56.390-06:00

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-15636555836597365212010-12-30T14:29:00.006-07:002011-04-05T15:45:49.258-06:00

Just a few photos from December. Not much going on farm-wise, but we're keeping very busy!Finally enough snow to play in!After riding slowly over the horseshoe field we compacted the snow enough that the tractor could ride on a path without bogging down. Great sledding fun!And our DS turned 12 years old. What a wonderful age!Our Jesse tree. A new Christmas tradition.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-18215742156516674972010-11-27T16:22:00.003-07:002011-04-05T15:38:01.559-06:00

The piggies are moving to the big pasture!We hooked the shed up to the Farmall with chains. Dan built it on skids so we could move it easily.And in its new home next to Butterbelle's shed.We made a makeshift livestock trailer. Getting the pigs in was tricky, but we managed! Five kids went along for the ride :)Re-homed and happy. Butterbelle is very curious about her new neighbors!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-74620700241715428962010-11-22T14:06:00.004-07:002011-04-05T15:38:16.834-06:00

Or about as complete as it's going to be for now. We were going to put a door on.. not too sure about that now.From the back.Just in time for that incoming storm?!We are feeding Butterbelle in the shed now so she can be used to that. We'll milk her in here, right where she's standing. We still have to build a milk stanchion.She seems happy enough :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-78186538176935528392010-11-12T14:02:00.001-07:002011-02-28T14:05:55.677-07:00

It seems that when temperatures get nice and crisp the fall colors become beautifully vivid.So pretty.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-10098798258139682752010-11-12T13:48:00.003-07:002011-04-05T15:47:47.185-06:00

Butterbelle thinks it's pretty neat!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-35901589005987258712010-11-06T20:39:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:38:53.784-06:00

Today we put the roof on the milk shed. Our two oldest DDs were at a Bible quiz meet, so we were four hands short, but still managed quite well :)Our cow tried to help, but was more annoying than helpful!DS distracted her by feeding her pears, that worked for a short while.My hubby is an amazing man... I don't think there's anything he *can't* do.The sun is sinking and the shed has a beautiful

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-29316567636851592172010-10-30T20:30:00.002-06:002011-04-05T15:44:47.259-06:00

Two of our children went on their first hunt today.DS was first up and shot a 14 point buck.DD was next and shot an 8 point buck.Good job to both kids! They shot them both at 55 yards at exactly the same hunting spot, the one in the morning, the other in the later afternoon. Thank you for the venison for our freezer :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-58386751590533055422010-10-18T08:36:00.001-06:002010-11-11T08:38:15.643-07:00

Today our kefir milk grains arrived in the mail.Admittedly, they don't look like very much, do they?But they're going to make some very yummy kefir milk!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-57083626069783609502010-10-16T08:21:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:36:14.994-06:00

Today we picked up our mulefoot boar. He is SO cute!Since the very first thing he did when we got him was to go over to his water trough and blow bubbles in the water, we have named him Mr. Bubbles.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-50470451366446894032010-10-15T08:18:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:39:06.606-06:00

It's coming along nicely :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-21050278330433224442010-10-11T08:05:00.000-06:002010-11-11T08:17:08.812-07:00

Dan got the tractor to run after changing the battery and the fuel strainer (filter). Go Dan!!! Of course everybody had to get a ride to celebrate :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-63470912730512590162010-10-03T07:24:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:39:20.495-06:00

Butterbelle needs a shed to take shelter from the winter weather.We need a shed to store hay and to milk Butterbelle in comfort. So we're starting to build our cow shed/milking shed. It's going to be great!!!

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-33684345608893201152010-09-29T19:25:00.006-06:002011-04-05T15:22:41.229-06:00

With the temperatures dropping we headed out to the garden to pick all the ripe tomatoes and summer squash we could find. As you can see, we still had a LOT of squash out there, the yellow crooked neck squashes are really only good for Fall decorations now. The patty pan squashes will be cut in half and baked in the oven, pulp removed and frozen. The zucchini will be turned into various

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-78592384517991497922010-09-28T18:49:00.002-06:002010-09-30T20:27:30.332-06:00

Our oldest DD recently turned 16. What a wonderful age, and a wonderful young woman she has turned out to be.She received a lot of really neat gifts for her birthday, the highlight though was an antique hope chest. It took quite some searching to find one, and all the antique stores we asked about it were surprised to hear of a 16 year old wanting one for her birthday. I guess we don't have "run

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-13127623956487414132010-09-19T18:31:00.003-06:002011-04-05T15:39:37.041-06:00

When we got home from church today we found a trailer with an auger sitting in our yard. Our friend who is loaning us his tractor dropped it off after we left for church. After church he came out to help drill the holes for the milk shed. We are so very thankful we don't have to dig those holes by hand!No pictures sadly... I think there is a video somewhere, but I'll need to upload it.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-12597250688071160432010-09-18T19:26:00.002-06:002010-09-18T19:31:09.334-06:00

Welcome home Little Red :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-65551484017806674472010-09-16T21:27:00.006-06:002011-04-05T15:33:45.691-06:00

We've had a busy last couple of days. We got the part for the tractor that needed welded, so Dan could get out there and bush hog. Of course everybody had to have a turn sitting on dad's lap :)Our pasture looks so much nicer now and we can actually find Butterbelle when we go look for her.We also got the electric fence fixed, so now the piggies can't root near the fence anymore. They're not very

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-53300029857998879202010-09-06T21:08:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:32:21.549-06:00

The last step to our haymaking was collecting and baling the hay. It was a pretty windy day so we collected the hay using big black construction bags. We split up into two teams with everybody helping.Then we took the hay over to the hay baler and made hay bales :) It was actually quite easy and even fun.Compressing the hayOpen the door, and voila, a haybale!Group effort to remove the bale from

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-83224589457226624702010-09-06T16:23:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:37:32.970-06:00

The pig shed is complete, with the exception of a second coat of paint and first and second coat for the door.And the piggies love their new home :)We sectioned off part of it for their bedding area, the other part will be for their feed/general area. The bedding area will be filled with straw.If you look at the first picture you can see Dan's ingenious idea of using a rubber mudflap as a smaller

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-54937519059178406692010-09-06T15:52:00.002-06:002011-04-05T15:34:05.706-06:00

One of our friends from church noticed that we had been cutting the grass in the horseshoe section and offered his tractor and bush hog to cut the rest of our overgrown pastures. On Monday night we were invited out to other friends for dinner, and when we got home, this was waiting for us by the pasture:So Dan called up our friend the next day (we got home very late the day before) and said: "Man

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-708297097376045702010-09-04T11:32:00.006-06:002011-04-05T15:50:13.971-06:00

Dan has been keeping the "horseshoe" part of our circular driveway growing so we could try our hand at making hay. It was nice quality grass, with very few weeds. Since we don't have a scythe yet, he cut it with the JD garden tractor and then we let it dry for a bit and then raked it into windrows. We don't have hay rakes, so used regular leaf rakes. The three eldest helped.Had to add a picture

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-33273854558734383682010-09-03T21:30:00.001-06:002010-09-16T11:08:59.861-06:00

Butterbelle came into heat again and our AI guy had the correct semen so she's finally been artificially inseminated! If she took then we can expect a calf at the end of May.I've been halter training her, which was really helpful. I could hook on her lead rope and lead her to the old wooden fence where the old barn used to stand. Then we tied her to the post and Dan pushed her against the fence

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-42131343455894623532010-09-03T21:08:00.000-06:002010-09-12T21:42:42.595-06:00

Thankfully not together! Ha.KJ found this huge caterpillar outside. We took photos and measured it, then let it go in an area safe from the chickens. We hope to see the beautiful moth it will turn into someday.Our oldest son baked bread for the first time today, it came out great! That's what happens when you criticize your sister's breadmaking skills... you get to bake the next loaves!He did a

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-68145705294630280462010-08-30T21:02:00.003-06:002011-04-05T15:40:13.373-06:00

Today we worked on the shed during lunch time and after work. Not many photos since we were so busy. These past few days the older two girls have really helped out a lot by taking care of meals so we could continue with building the shed/pen. Thanks girls!Sides are up and the roof goes on! Lowes had clearance shingles, white in color. Good deal and it will be a good roof.The piggies have been

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-67689290094855024812010-08-28T19:39:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:40:46.343-06:00

This morning we picked up our pigs from the seller. They are so *cute*! We weren't finished with their pen yet, so they had to wait in a crate until we had the electric fencing done.We didn't really get any further with the shed because we had to run the electric wire and that took up a large part of our time.They were very happy to be released into their pen and immediately set to work sniffing

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-30084699546791951222010-08-27T20:34:00.003-06:002011-04-05T15:51:28.757-06:00

Today we started building our pig pen and shed in preparation for the arrival of our piggies. Dan planned out this awesome "little" shed. We are using four 16' x 34" pig panels for their pen. We'll also add electric fencing.Another family project!Done for the day. We got the floor done and then called it quits.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-69257807765153047702010-08-15T19:11:00.002-06:002011-04-05T15:51:51.974-06:00

We bought 1/2 bushel peaches and 1 bushel of apples for processing from a local orchard. We bought some for eating too, and they are so good!1 bushel of apples cost $10, a really good deal compared to grocery store prices.It took a lot of work, but we got 7 quarts of peach halves, 6 quarts applesauce and 7 quarts of quartered apples.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-55939070043273776892010-08-14T20:44:00.001-06:002011-04-05T15:52:22.264-06:00

birtTime really flies. It is such a joy to watch our children grow and mature and get a glimpse of the wonderful adults they will become.Little Miss Botanist has turned 14 and true to form planned a very unique birthday for herself. She requested a book about foraging and edible weeds, we chose to buy her Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants which

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-81847796839636080522010-08-14T13:32:00.006-06:002011-04-05T15:53:13.983-06:00

Butterbelle is now on heat and we contacted our AI guy so he could come out. Sadly he didn't get the Jersey bull semen from his supplier yet, so we'll wait until next time. Luckily it's only a three week wait. This probably works out better anyway, it gives us more time to work with Butterbelle and get her more used to being led with the halter/lead rope.Our beans are up and we had a nice

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-19735480606418802782010-08-11T21:20:00.008-06:002011-04-05T15:41:46.427-06:00

This week we've made:Zucchini bread (only a pic of grated zucchini, not the bread, sorry!)Dried zucchini in the dehydrator..... and Zucchini Relish. The relish is surprisingly good. I used the recipe from the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving. It's very watery though, so next time I'll be trying out a different recipe.Our mandolin comes in very handy with all this food prep. I have been very

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-64181849107020177592010-08-11T21:15:00.006-06:002011-04-05T15:36:43.569-06:00

So I felt bad that I didn't post a more recent picture of Butterbelle in her snazzy Amish-made halter. So here you go :) She has the lead rope attached since that's part of halter training.She's a sweet cow.

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-32803427094658297822010-08-09T16:17:00.005-06:002011-04-05T15:26:00.770-06:00

Squash, squash, and more squash! They're overflowing our house.Two bags of summers squash, one of potatoes. Yes, we re-use our empty feed bags.We've made everything imaginable with summer squash and still have so much more. In the next two days I will be making zucchini relish, zucchini pickles and zucchini bread and butter pickles. I'm also going to be drying some zucchini and will use my handy

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-25789721387870452112010-08-09T16:09:00.003-06:002011-04-05T15:33:02.887-06:00

DH and our oldest son built a hand hay baler the other day, following the plans at this website. They made this neat little bale of hay, the size of bales it makes will be bigger than this, but we didn't have enough cut and dried grass to make a bigger bale. It works really well. Our alternative to an expensive baler, and it should work well enough for our small acreage.Everybody helping stuff

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-29091589139285048752010-08-09T16:03:00.005-06:002011-04-05T15:56:23.731-06:00

I love how everybody helps out around our little farm. The children love driving the tractor and riding in the cart. This was the day we were digging out Pokeweed. Nasty, stinky weed. Poor Dan had all the hard work to do since they had to be dug out roots and all. There are many things I can do... swinging a pick axe is not one of them. The root systems on Pokeweed are HUGE. I know some people

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-66951200783903200702010-08-09T15:59:00.005-06:002011-04-05T15:57:46.435-06:00

Our apple trees are growing wonderfully and look nice and healthy. Unfortunately our peach tree didn't fare quite as well. The area we planted it (30 feet from the apple trees) turned out to be quite waterlogged and the peach tree died. I guess that's why they say you should first spend a year on your property before planting/planning. Live and learn. The two varieties of apple we have planted is

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-65533188362821664362010-08-09T12:28:00.009-06:002011-04-05T15:59:44.377-06:00

Our chickens are laying almost up to speed, and we're getting about a dozen eggs a day. Not bad for 14 layers!We have moved their coop and run into the shade so they can laze about in the shade until 12 pm when we let them out. When we moved it we fixed up the fencing on the bottom so it looks nice instead of ramshackle.The two roosters are let out earlier so the girls don't have to be constantly

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-7973451628434135232010-08-09T12:25:00.002-06:002010-08-09T12:27:15.966-06:00

Many people have arrived at my blog in search of Gem squash seeds. Unfortunately I don't have any more to give away at this time, and we didn't plant any gems this year. I plan on planting next year though, so next year in the fall I'll have more seeds to share. Please stayed tuned until then.Thanks :)Also, if you look at the comments posted on the previous gem squash thread, there are other

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-31943799937195328222010-05-27T22:20:00.004-06:002011-04-05T16:00:07.868-06:00

15 months old and so sweet :)

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-78223815697995249522010-05-03T14:31:00.012-06:002011-04-05T16:01:00.484-06:00

It's very easy to make your own homemade laundry detergent. While not necessarily more environmentally friendly, it certainly is much cheaper and cleans just as well as store bought detergents. You only need four ingredients:1. 1 bar Fels Naptha Soap2. 1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax3. 1/2 cup Washing Soda4. WaterThe first three ingredients are usually stocked in the laundry aisle of your

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-89822568829008992232010-04-27T14:12:00.015-06:002011-04-05T16:02:14.506-06:00

Just a bunch of new photos today, put here especially for Mike Jr. :) Map of our planned outlay for our 5 acres.Pic of the kids playing "Stargate." You can see how GREEN everything is in these pics!One of our two grapevines. We planted Concord and Reliance.Dan tilling with our "new to us" garden tractor. These little tractor is FABULOUS! Love it.The cute little chicks have grown! We have also

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-15694511173762964802010-03-07T19:19:00.008-07:002011-04-06T14:25:07.286-06:00

Wow, what a process! But one 26' U-haul truck, plus the biggest U-haul trailer and three earlier trips with our own trailer and we have everything moved.Not everything UNpacked yet, ha! That will take a while.We have been here a week now and we're loving every minute. DH is working from home and we have started back with school. We are *considering* putting the children into public school here,

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-77606917724307929942009-12-27T14:45:00.009-07:002011-04-05T16:03:38.271-06:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted. Part of the reason for that is we were so busy finding homes for the rabbits and chickens and getting ourselves in order to do some farm searching in Missouri.And then searching for farms... and then offers... paperwork... agreements. Oy!After a lot of offers on different properties that didn't go through, we finally found a beauty of property in north

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-13421400381825720002008-08-31T18:33:00.002-06:002008-08-31T18:36:15.671-06:00

and the "old dude" is sleeping. Or so says my 4 year old son :)The rain is always so welcome here in Colorado. Tomorrow we will be cutting down a big tree in our backyard. We have just bought a Husky chainsaw for that purpose, it will be handy on the farm someday as well.Since our fireplace doesn't really heat the house (no fireplace insert) we will be giving away the firewood for free,

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-18167334245892774672008-08-30T20:56:00.005-06:002011-04-05T16:04:52.259-06:00

Want to try something new in your garden next year?Try get your hands on some gem squash seeds! If you can't find any drop me a line, I'd be happy to share a couple seeds with you :)Gem squash is grown in South Africa and very similar in taste and texture to acorn squash, but half a gem is a perfect serving size, unless you happen to be in my family, then you'll need one squash per person!Gems

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-68162515301995823052008-08-30T20:47:00.004-06:002011-04-05T16:05:44.226-06:00

Well, you're not alone! We're just about ready to start blanching ours and freezing it for the winter.I saw an ad on craigslist this week for free zukes. We shared some with our neighbors today. I spend a lot of time visiting recipe zaar for zuke recipes and trying out new dishes.Thankfully most of our family LOVES summer squash, so I can serve it in various ways and they will glady eat it -

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939081351603932208.post-15362484245228773712008-08-30T20:25:00.009-06:002011-04-05T16:06:51.932-06:00

We had family visiting again for three weeks in August and we've been busy this summer as usual.. we don't seem to spend enough time *inside* to update our blog.Our chicks have just starting laying and are proving to be extra noisy, I'm guessing they've learned well from our three older hens! We tried to put them in one area together but I had to break up a big fight so they are staying

WildernesFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233332050599564739noreply@blogger.com0