Jun 30, 2006

Storms of Life

Sitting here this afternoon the air is heavy.  I'm hoping for a good storm.  It sure feels like one coming.  Even my computer is sluggish.  I'm glad I live in Minnesota.  When it gets above 80 and the humidity is above 70 percent I don't function well.  Thankfully, this doesn't happen often in Northern Minnesota.  My fingers swell and just hanging a load of clothes leaves me exhausted.  Yep, I think I'm a Minnesota girl.  Now if we'd just have that storm so I can get on with my life.


I found a helpful site.  It has information on building plans, gardening, kids safety, etc.  www.mwps.org

Jun 27, 2006

Little Foxes

We have a fox problem.  I'm thinkin' it's a female that's been coming in-in broad daylight and picking off our chickens one by one.  It's hard to know how to fight this.  Traps might get our dogs or our chickens. (they're free range)  I'm not a good shot and that fox is awfully sly.  Just like them to live up to their reputation.  First one she took out was Plankton, the attack rooster.  But while I didn't mind it, I failed to realize he was the best protector of our flock.  I have the chickens closed up in the coop and moved a dog on a chain down to be near it.  I can't leave it like that forever.  Anyone have any advice on how to outsmart a fox?  Don't ask me to pick up a rifle, we'd only lose more chickens. 

Name Change

Well, our move is well underway.  We got some of the fenceline put up yesterday. 


Since we're moving from our "Sonshine Acres" and have named our new place "Glory Farm"  I thought it was appropriate for me to change this title as well.  I'm excited.  God's hand has been in this move and my hope is that He'll use our new place and us in a whole new way, and strictly for His glory.  Lots left to do....

Jun 24, 2006

Favorite Soap Recipes

I have some favorite recipes that I use.  I'm always experimenting with new ones, so if anyone has a favorite, let me know.


1.  Pure Soap


This is what I use for laundry soap, cleanser, floor wash, stain remover, etc.  It cuts grease really well.


16 oz. coconut oil


2.9 oz. lye


1/2 cup cold water


Fat temp. 90 degrees


Lye temp. 180 degrees


Tracing time:  1hr. 50 minutes


  .


Age:  3 weeks


(Taken from the book Soap Recipes)


 


2.  Castille Soap


 


Thiis is what I use for shampoo and beauty products.  Also for kitchen cleaners.


16 oz olive oil


2.2 oz. lye


3/4 cup cold water


 


Fragrances:  (optional, I usually make it without frangrance)


1 t. lavender oil


1/4 t. artificial bergamot oil


1/4 t. jasmine oil


 


Fat temp.   150 degrees


Lye-water temp. 150 degrees


Tracing time 2 days


Time in molds:  6 days


Age:  8 weeks


 


 (Soap Recipes)


 


3.  Carrot Soap


This is great for your skin.  It contains vitamin A and it makes a creamy. orange soap.


10 oz. palm oil


4 oz. coconut oil


2 oz. olive oil


2 oz. lye


f oz. water


4 oz. carrot juice


Oil temp.:  110 degrees


Lye temp:  100 degrees


After mixing add carrot juice.


Age 2-3 weeks


 

Jun 23, 2006

Organizing

I just thought I'd let you know about a website I found.  It's  http://largefamilylogistics.net/

There are alot of great ideas on here.  I've just started reading it.  I'm going back for more.


Have a great day.

Jun 22, 2006

Fly spray

This time of year the horseflies are getting thick.  I buy the sprays at the farm supply store, but I don't like using all of those chemicals on the animals.  This is my favorite fly spray recipe.  I try to buy the Skin So Soft when Avon has their two for one specials.


1 cup water

1 cup Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil

2 cups vinegar

1 tbs. Eucalyptus oil (found in health food stores)

Optional: few tablespoons of citronella oil.



Shake spray bottle well before spraying on horse, human or dog!


 


If I run out of Skin So Soft, I use a mixture of 1/2 PineSol and 1/2 Water.  I just started using this one, it doesn't seem to work as well, but it does work enough to give the animals some relief.

Jun 18, 2006

My "Mother" Nature

I'm having another birthday.  It happens every year.  I don't mind.  I sure don't feel as old as I'm told I am.  But there are the telltale signs.  No I won't go into it right now.


My parents are real supportive when it comes to the "back to basics" stuff.  My mom was probably one of the originals.  She raised us to eat as healthy and as natural as possible.  She was always trying something new.  Making butter, cheese, bread.  And her gardens always put mine to shame.   Anyways, her and Dad got me a wonderful birthday gift.  A flour grinder.  How cool is that?  I've been buying all of my whole wheat flour, but it's not as finely ground as I'd like it.  Now I can do it myself.  My parents are pretty cool.

Now what?

We went to visit my parents last night to celebrate Fathers' Day.  Came home and started laundry right away because dd1 and dd2 were leaving for bible camp this morning and needed some clothes.  About half an hour after we got here I turned on the faucet to start the dishes and-no water.  Now you know what a sinking feeling that gives you.  First check the breaker.  That was on.  What next?  Pray. Okay, now what?  Go outside and check the electric line from the pump to the house.  I bet those phone line chewing goats got the pump line now.  Flashlight in hand I checked it out.  Can't see what could be wrong.  Then I see the headlights of my dh's big truck.  The calvary's on the way.  Once in the house, he took the cover off of the pressure switch for the pump and what do you suppose he found?  One poor little black beetle with his leg wedged between the contact points.  He was keeping the pump from turning on!  Dh took him out of there and the pump started right up.  Bet we never see that happen again.  Anyways, just wanted to share that with you.  Another tale to add to my strange but true collection.


Have a blessed night.

Jun 15, 2006

Starting the Move

Two trailers full of machinery so far.  We've got quite a bit more to go, but it's a start.  It'd be nice to be moved in there in time to get the hay in while it's still high in nutrition.  Things do get a bit stressful.  But I guess that's to be expected.  I am looking forward to getting everything over there and to be done with it.  Once there, the work is continual, but at least we'll be there to do it.  My dh said that we'll have a great big sale as soon as we get moved in. 


God is good and hears the prayers of His saints.


Rhonda

Jun 13, 2006

Slowly but Surely

Because we're getting packed up and ready to move, I've been trying to not spend too much time on the computer.  It's raining out this morning, so I can't go and get the tack shed packed or the garage, so I'm squeezing in as many entries as I can think of before I go and try to get something done.


It's going to be a lovely day.  The sun is out, but it insists on raining every half hour or so.  One of those days. 


Our garden is producing spinach and radishes.  I've never had things get done so early.  I'm waiting for wild strawberries.  They should be done in about a week. Our peas are blooming and the swiss chard is up.  That's all I planted this year because of the move. 


Well, time to go and see what else I can box up. 

Bottle Jaw

This buck that we have has been so sickly.  He was a gift.  I could have picked out a healthy buck, but I felt sorry for him and thought maybe we could help him.  Now he has bottle jaw.  I read up on it a bit and it can be caused by parasites, and mineral defficiency.  They suggested I give him Red Cell, a horse nutrient.  I have wormed the poor guy five times already with different wormers.  I'll try again.  He is getting healthier, but...  I guess this is a good experience.  Last time I had goats, I never had anything go wrong except a mild case of mastitis.  Now I'm learning. :)  Anyone else had any experience with this?  Thanks.

The Final Saga of that Infamous Rooster?

Awhile back I wrote of an ornery old rooster we have named Plankton and how ds knocked him out cold.  We also have a fox family living in the vicinity.  I figure things happened like so:


Both of our dogs had an agility demo to do in town last week-end and they ended up spending Saturday night elsewhere.  Sunday afternoon a neighbor stopped by and told us she'd seen one of the foxes trotting through the horse pasture.  No big deal, we see them all the time-but thought we'd better count the chickens anyways.  Ds went down to the chicken coop and came back up.  I can't tell you for sure that he was smiling, but..."only one I can't find is Plankton."  Haven't seen him since.  No dogs on Saturday night probably made the difference.  But no one is too heart broken.  Things have a way of working out.

Jun 8, 2006

We Done Did it

Closing went very smoothly yesterday.  We even got chocolate bars and coffee mugs out of the deal.  So now we get to start moving.  We have over a month to move, so it shouldn't be too hectic.


I'll check in later, we have VBS all this week and I'd better get going.


 

Jun 6, 2006

Closing on the Farm

Tomorrow we're supposed to close on the farm.  yes, we're excited.  As I said before, the house needs alot of work and so does the barn, but the land is gorgeous, and good for growing.  The price was great too.  It's a God thing. 


Isn't it fun to think about all of the possibilities?  We will have enough land to do anything the Lord leads us to do.  I don't know yet, where to start.  More goats or more cows or more of both?  What kinds of crops should we put in or should we just keep the land in hay?


Well it's getting late.  I'll write more tomorrow and let you know how it went.

Ten On Tuesday

 


 


Pre-summer festivals and fairs are so much fun!  All the fire departments, churches, and county fairs light the night sky with neon fun from the midway rides and fill the sky with fireworks, and food and good times are had by all. 


 


1)  Corn Dogs or BBQ Ribs?   Corn Dogs.


2)  Funnel Cakes or Cotton Candy?   Cotton Candy


3)  What kind of popcorn is your favorite?  Irish Kettle, Caramel, Plain ole' salt and buttah?   Kettle corn is my favorite.  By the bagful.


4)  Are you a thrillseeker?  Do you get on the rides?  We are not talking about the Thomas the Tank Engine ride......  The Octopus-my favorite ever since I got sick on it at 12 years old.


 5)  For all you shore go'ers (like me!)... name your favorite flavor salt water taffy...  Don't care for taffy.


6)  What is the biggest prize you have ever won on the midway games, or that someone has won for you?   A stuffed SpongeBob Square Pants.  A wonderful prize.


7)  French fries... ummmm... what's your poison?  Ketchup, malt vinegar, Old Bay?  Ketchup


 


8)  Caramel apple (with or without nuts) or Candy Apple?  Caramel apple, no nuts.  They just fall all over the ground.


 


9)  Do you like fireworks?   They're alright.  I like watching the faces of the children watching the fireworks.


10)  Name your favorite fair or carnival.  If you are competing or demonstrating, sound off and brag.  Let's hear about some state and country fairs...  The Northern St. Louis County Fair.  We're a 4-h family and exhibit every year.  Our main focus is dog obedience and agility.  It's great fun.  It's amazing what the average dog with a great kid, can do.


 

Jun 4, 2006

More Good Books

My honey came home Friday from work with books for me.  He stopped off at a couple of rummage sales on the way home and found some treasures.


1.  Fences, Gates and Bridges A Practical Manual -Looks good


2.  10,000 Garden Questions Vol II-Wow they found enough questions for 2 volumes!


3. How to Grow Vegetables and Fruits by the Organic Method- This one I dove into right away.  I'd like to get certified as an organic farm.


4. Wilderness Survival-This one is for dd1.  She loves being in the woods and any information she can find about plants and shelters, etc.


 


Now I hope to find time to get through these.  If I can retain even a bit of this info, it'll be worth the dollar he paid for all of them.


 


Hope your Sunday is spent in God's presence.  He is most awesome.

Jun 30, 2006

Storms of Life

Sitting here this afternoon the air is heavy.  I'm hoping for a good storm.  It sure feels like one coming.  Even my computer is sluggish.  I'm glad I live in Minnesota.  When it gets above 80 and the humidity is above 70 percent I don't function well.  Thankfully, this doesn't happen often in Northern Minnesota.  My fingers swell and just hanging a load of clothes leaves me exhausted.  Yep, I think I'm a Minnesota girl.  Now if we'd just have that storm so I can get on with my life.


I found a helpful site.  It has information on building plans, gardening, kids safety, etc.  www.mwps.org

Jun 27, 2006

Little Foxes

We have a fox problem.  I'm thinkin' it's a female that's been coming in-in broad daylight and picking off our chickens one by one.  It's hard to know how to fight this.  Traps might get our dogs or our chickens. (they're free range)  I'm not a good shot and that fox is awfully sly.  Just like them to live up to their reputation.  First one she took out was Plankton, the attack rooster.  But while I didn't mind it, I failed to realize he was the best protector of our flock.  I have the chickens closed up in the coop and moved a dog on a chain down to be near it.  I can't leave it like that forever.  Anyone have any advice on how to outsmart a fox?  Don't ask me to pick up a rifle, we'd only lose more chickens. 

Name Change

Well, our move is well underway.  We got some of the fenceline put up yesterday. 


Since we're moving from our "Sonshine Acres" and have named our new place "Glory Farm"  I thought it was appropriate for me to change this title as well.  I'm excited.  God's hand has been in this move and my hope is that He'll use our new place and us in a whole new way, and strictly for His glory.  Lots left to do....

Jun 24, 2006

Favorite Soap Recipes

I have some favorite recipes that I use.  I'm always experimenting with new ones, so if anyone has a favorite, let me know.


1.  Pure Soap


This is what I use for laundry soap, cleanser, floor wash, stain remover, etc.  It cuts grease really well.


16 oz. coconut oil


2.9 oz. lye


1/2 cup cold water


Fat temp. 90 degrees


Lye temp. 180 degrees


Tracing time:  1hr. 50 minutes


  .


Age:  3 weeks


(Taken from the book Soap Recipes)


 


2.  Castille Soap


 


Thiis is what I use for shampoo and beauty products.  Also for kitchen cleaners.


16 oz olive oil


2.2 oz. lye


3/4 cup cold water


 


Fragrances:  (optional, I usually make it without frangrance)


1 t. lavender oil


1/4 t. artificial bergamot oil


1/4 t. jasmine oil


 


Fat temp.   150 degrees


Lye-water temp. 150 degrees


Tracing time 2 days


Time in molds:  6 days


Age:  8 weeks


 


 (Soap Recipes)


 


3.  Carrot Soap


This is great for your skin.  It contains vitamin A and it makes a creamy. orange soap.


10 oz. palm oil


4 oz. coconut oil


2 oz. olive oil


2 oz. lye


f oz. water


4 oz. carrot juice


Oil temp.:  110 degrees


Lye temp:  100 degrees


After mixing add carrot juice.


Age 2-3 weeks


 

Jun 23, 2006

Organizing

I just thought I'd let you know about a website I found.  It's  http://largefamilylogistics.net/

There are alot of great ideas on here.  I've just started reading it.  I'm going back for more.


Have a great day.

Jun 22, 2006

Fly spray

This time of year the horseflies are getting thick.  I buy the sprays at the farm supply store, but I don't like using all of those chemicals on the animals.  This is my favorite fly spray recipe.  I try to buy the Skin So Soft when Avon has their two for one specials.


1 cup water

1 cup Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil

2 cups vinegar

1 tbs. Eucalyptus oil (found in health food stores)

Optional: few tablespoons of citronella oil.



Shake spray bottle well before spraying on horse, human or dog!


 


If I run out of Skin So Soft, I use a mixture of 1/2 PineSol and 1/2 Water.  I just started using this one, it doesn't seem to work as well, but it does work enough to give the animals some relief.

Jun 18, 2006

My "Mother" Nature

I'm having another birthday.  It happens every year.  I don't mind.  I sure don't feel as old as I'm told I am.  But there are the telltale signs.  No I won't go into it right now.


My parents are real supportive when it comes to the "back to basics" stuff.  My mom was probably one of the originals.  She raised us to eat as healthy and as natural as possible.  She was always trying something new.  Making butter, cheese, bread.  And her gardens always put mine to shame.   Anyways, her and Dad got me a wonderful birthday gift.  A flour grinder.  How cool is that?  I've been buying all of my whole wheat flour, but it's not as finely ground as I'd like it.  Now I can do it myself.  My parents are pretty cool.

Now what?

We went to visit my parents last night to celebrate Fathers' Day.  Came home and started laundry right away because dd1 and dd2 were leaving for bible camp this morning and needed some clothes.  About half an hour after we got here I turned on the faucet to start the dishes and-no water.  Now you know what a sinking feeling that gives you.  First check the breaker.  That was on.  What next?  Pray. Okay, now what?  Go outside and check the electric line from the pump to the house.  I bet those phone line chewing goats got the pump line now.  Flashlight in hand I checked it out.  Can't see what could be wrong.  Then I see the headlights of my dh's big truck.  The calvary's on the way.  Once in the house, he took the cover off of the pressure switch for the pump and what do you suppose he found?  One poor little black beetle with his leg wedged between the contact points.  He was keeping the pump from turning on!  Dh took him out of there and the pump started right up.  Bet we never see that happen again.  Anyways, just wanted to share that with you.  Another tale to add to my strange but true collection.


Have a blessed night.

Jun 15, 2006

Starting the Move

Two trailers full of machinery so far.  We've got quite a bit more to go, but it's a start.  It'd be nice to be moved in there in time to get the hay in while it's still high in nutrition.  Things do get a bit stressful.  But I guess that's to be expected.  I am looking forward to getting everything over there and to be done with it.  Once there, the work is continual, but at least we'll be there to do it.  My dh said that we'll have a great big sale as soon as we get moved in. 


God is good and hears the prayers of His saints.


Rhonda

Jun 13, 2006

Slowly but Surely

Because we're getting packed up and ready to move, I've been trying to not spend too much time on the computer.  It's raining out this morning, so I can't go and get the tack shed packed or the garage, so I'm squeezing in as many entries as I can think of before I go and try to get something done.


It's going to be a lovely day.  The sun is out, but it insists on raining every half hour or so.  One of those days. 


Our garden is producing spinach and radishes.  I've never had things get done so early.  I'm waiting for wild strawberries.  They should be done in about a week. Our peas are blooming and the swiss chard is up.  That's all I planted this year because of the move. 


Well, time to go and see what else I can box up. 

Bottle Jaw

This buck that we have has been so sickly.  He was a gift.  I could have picked out a healthy buck, but I felt sorry for him and thought maybe we could help him.  Now he has bottle jaw.  I read up on it a bit and it can be caused by parasites, and mineral defficiency.  They suggested I give him Red Cell, a horse nutrient.  I have wormed the poor guy five times already with different wormers.  I'll try again.  He is getting healthier, but...  I guess this is a good experience.  Last time I had goats, I never had anything go wrong except a mild case of mastitis.  Now I'm learning. :)  Anyone else had any experience with this?  Thanks.

The Final Saga of that Infamous Rooster?

Awhile back I wrote of an ornery old rooster we have named Plankton and how ds knocked him out cold.  We also have a fox family living in the vicinity.  I figure things happened like so:


Both of our dogs had an agility demo to do in town last week-end and they ended up spending Saturday night elsewhere.  Sunday afternoon a neighbor stopped by and told us she'd seen one of the foxes trotting through the horse pasture.  No big deal, we see them all the time-but thought we'd better count the chickens anyways.  Ds went down to the chicken coop and came back up.  I can't tell you for sure that he was smiling, but..."only one I can't find is Plankton."  Haven't seen him since.  No dogs on Saturday night probably made the difference.  But no one is too heart broken.  Things have a way of working out.

Jun 8, 2006

We Done Did it

Closing went very smoothly yesterday.  We even got chocolate bars and coffee mugs out of the deal.  So now we get to start moving.  We have over a month to move, so it shouldn't be too hectic.


I'll check in later, we have VBS all this week and I'd better get going.


 

Jun 6, 2006

Closing on the Farm

Tomorrow we're supposed to close on the farm.  yes, we're excited.  As I said before, the house needs alot of work and so does the barn, but the land is gorgeous, and good for growing.  The price was great too.  It's a God thing. 


Isn't it fun to think about all of the possibilities?  We will have enough land to do anything the Lord leads us to do.  I don't know yet, where to start.  More goats or more cows or more of both?  What kinds of crops should we put in or should we just keep the land in hay?


Well it's getting late.  I'll write more tomorrow and let you know how it went.

Ten On Tuesday

 


 


Pre-summer festivals and fairs are so much fun!  All the fire departments, churches, and county fairs light the night sky with neon fun from the midway rides and fill the sky with fireworks, and food and good times are had by all. 


 


1)  Corn Dogs or BBQ Ribs?   Corn Dogs.


2)  Funnel Cakes or Cotton Candy?   Cotton Candy


3)  What kind of popcorn is your favorite?  Irish Kettle, Caramel, Plain ole' salt and buttah?   Kettle corn is my favorite.  By the bagful.


4)  Are you a thrillseeker?  Do you get on the rides?  We are not talking about the Thomas the Tank Engine ride......  The Octopus-my favorite ever since I got sick on it at 12 years old.


 5)  For all you shore go'ers (like me!)... name your favorite flavor salt water taffy...  Don't care for taffy.


6)  What is the biggest prize you have ever won on the midway games, or that someone has won for you?   A stuffed SpongeBob Square Pants.  A wonderful prize.


7)  French fries... ummmm... what's your poison?  Ketchup, malt vinegar, Old Bay?  Ketchup


 


8)  Caramel apple (with or without nuts) or Candy Apple?  Caramel apple, no nuts.  They just fall all over the ground.


 


9)  Do you like fireworks?   They're alright.  I like watching the faces of the children watching the fireworks.


10)  Name your favorite fair or carnival.  If you are competing or demonstrating, sound off and brag.  Let's hear about some state and country fairs...  The Northern St. Louis County Fair.  We're a 4-h family and exhibit every year.  Our main focus is dog obedience and agility.  It's great fun.  It's amazing what the average dog with a great kid, can do.


 

Jun 4, 2006

More Good Books

My honey came home Friday from work with books for me.  He stopped off at a couple of rummage sales on the way home and found some treasures.


1.  Fences, Gates and Bridges A Practical Manual -Looks good


2.  10,000 Garden Questions Vol II-Wow they found enough questions for 2 volumes!


3. How to Grow Vegetables and Fruits by the Organic Method- This one I dove into right away.  I'd like to get certified as an organic farm.


4. Wilderness Survival-This one is for dd1.  She loves being in the woods and any information she can find about plants and shelters, etc.


 


Now I hope to find time to get through these.  If I can retain even a bit of this info, it'll be worth the dollar he paid for all of them.


 


Hope your Sunday is spent in God's presence.  He is most awesome.