Apr. 5, 2006 - Another Ramble
The morning started at 6 am with buttermilk pancakes for 5 adults and 9 children.
Dave and friend Bruce headed out then to place the last ridge pole support
beam in the center of the new house. They had it almost in place yesterday
when a strap slipped and they had to start all over. Thankfully yesterday's
rain is gone and we woke to a beautiful blue sky. The logs may be a little
slick from the frost but it should warm up soon. They are using a genie
boom and a fork lift to move logs so things are progressing fairly quickly.
The house is only 30 x 30 but very tall and massive looking with such sturdy
walls. It will get 2 dormers and a big wrap-around porch.
Baby #7 is due 4 weeks from yesterday...between the house-building, the
pregnancy, the homestead and the major meal preps around here Dave and I
fall into bed exhausted at night. These are surely days we will never
forget...the cabin floor is wall-to-wall children with 4 of our own and 3 of
our friend's. Bruce has the peace and quiet of a borrowed rv while another
friend, Becky, and her baby have a room next door at mom and dad's. I only
got through half my grocery list yesterday and must go back today for the rest,
the store was way too crowded and I was way too tired. I got the tea but
forgot the coffee so must go finish up today. Half the crowd is vegetarian
so I have some flexible meals planned out. Last night was spaghetti with
homegrown lamb sausage or vegetarian. Tonight will be cheeseburgers with
homegrown beef or veggie patty. I think I'll put a pot of baked beans in to
go with it. Becky left to take her mom to the airport for a midwifery class
in Philadephia until Saturday. She will be back to stay the week and will be
a huge help.
Kidding starts in a week, lambing in 4, and Isabelle the milk cow is due at
the the end of the month. The 2 pigs will go in the freezer in another 4
weeks or so. We will raise one more for our house-warming party this fall.
Bruce is going to roast it on an outdoor spit. I need to decide when to
start the meat birds. Either now or after our trip to Kansas the end of
May. I've never left the farm for more than a few days and we will be gone
for 2 weeks. I'm thinking to wait on the birds. Less for someone else to
take care of. All the milkers will be nursing babies so no milking chores
for our caretaker.
Farmer's market has been open for a month and things are picking up. My
first bed of greens should be ready to harvest in a week or so. I sell
mixed baby greens along with my bread, soap, wool, etc. I'm trying a new
mill to process my shetland wool into bulky weight yarn for me so need to
find some big boxes today and send it off. I have about 60# from shearing
on Wednesday. I'm going to have gray, brown and cream yarn to sell in 8 oz
skeins. I plan to try my hand at dying some of the cream.
Time to run 2 kids to art and drama. Here's to another blessed day on the
farm....
Molly
Comments
Apr. 9, 2006 - hi
Posted by Cathy
Molly,
I always love reading about your family and homestead. Sounds like such an exciting life. Soon...your baby girl will be born, I know you all are excited. What a blessing this will be.
Take care my friend and talk soon on the Homestead.
Blessings,
Cathy
Apr. 22, 2006 - checking on you
Posted by Cathy
Molly,
Just wanted to check on you....any baby yet? Thinking of you and hope to hear from you on the Homestead soon.
Blessings to you all,
Cathy
May. 4, 2006 - welcome baby Maggie
Posted by Cathy
Molly,
Just a little note to let you know I'm thinking of you all. How is precious baby Maggie? I know you all are enjoying her...what a blessing.
Love and blessings to you my friend,
Cathy
Jun. 27, 2006 - It's too bad
Posted by authorDonna
How sad that we live so far apart. My sister has a farm of 1000 head of sheep and goats. She and mom do the spinning and my daughter does the weaving. I make the kilts. Your collection of animals sounds like what we had until two years ago. We're now down to the cats, the dog and three horses. We are gearing up for birds though. My sister also does the soap making. I do the herbal remedies and grow the veggies. It's hard work but very rewarding. Your children will someday be grateful that they know how to do all this stuff. (Believe me on that one) Hey try using onion skins for dying your wool. It gives a soft yellow/brown. My sister swears by kool-aid too for the really bright colours. Once she's dyed the wool though, she sets it in a salt water bath and then a vinegar water bath to set the dye. Have a great day.
