Nature’s Goodness

Over 4 gallons of maple syrup put up for our consumption during the coming year.  Pancakes, waffles, warmed over ice cream, in smoothies, homemade pop, drizzled over yogurt or by the spoonful.

For my foodie friends that use cheesecloth right steady and are tired of buying it.  I recently discovered this washable filter material at the natural food store. It washes up easily and it is heat tolerant too.  It cost about $2.50 and I’ve already used it many times…for broth, syrup, and cheese making.  I wish I knew about this stuff long ago but I’m happy to have discovered it!

Jeb, our pesky pup.  He went out on his first hike last night with me a CB.  He walked 2.75 miles of our 3 mile hike. He’s definitely a keeper!

Making liquid hand soap

A sneak peak at out latest addition to the farm!

I don’t know about you but I am always looking to create new things.  Some stuff I stick with and other stuff I’m just happy I know how to do in case some day I need to know.

I have been wanting to make liquid hand soap for a long time now.  I will confess I have been saving the ends of old bars of soap since we bought the farm (6 years ago).  They were stashed away so that Maine Man would not throw them away.

You could also make this with a new bar of soap but I like being resourceful and recycle.  If I was to give it as a present I would do that and maybe even doctor it up with some essential oils.   Either way you are saving a TON of money in comparison to buying liquid soap from the stores.

Easy Peasy…I made a half gallon first time around in case I failed but amazingly it was a success!

1. Grate soap ends or bar with a cheese grater.  Approximately 1 cup
2. Bring 1/2 gallon of water to a light boil
3. Add soap and stir until shavings melt
4. Cool down a bit then add 1 Tablespoon of glycerin
5. Pour into container (I used a 1/2 gallon milk jug)

I found that the consistency was thinner then store bought liquid soap. But I do think it could be easily thickened by adding more glycerin if you felt it was necessary.  I am happy with the results especially the fact  that it cost almost NOTHING to make!

Guacamole

Before I loose the scrap of paper where I have my favorite all time recipe on.   I will take a moment and record it for future reference as well as sharing with my friends.

• 3 avocados mashed
• 1-2 limes juiced
• 1/2 onion chopped finely
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (may sub with smaller amt of dried herb)
• 2 minced garlic
• 1 tsp of salt
• (optional) 1 tomato dice finely

Mix & Serve!!!  I’ve made this several times over the last couple weeks.

Looking through my pictures I really do have lots of stuff I could post about…baby goats, soap making (bars & liquid), gymnastic competitions, dutch oven cooking, cotton candy and so much more. I will try to get on it…. Stay tuned

Brighter Days

Our baby made it!!!

We’ve named her Athena after the Greek Goddess Inspired by a book series Flower Girl is currently reading and loving….Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan.

We named her sister Chloe, another Greek Goddess…they have been reunited but Athena is not nursing well off her Momma so we are milking and bottle feeding her.  She’s one spoiled little goat!

We’re Back

So much for taking a break.  Maine Man was looking through my pictures last night and he said “don’t stop blogging, people like what you share.”  I gave it some thought and today I worked at our sister campus (hospital) and I ran into some nurses I worked with for many years in the ER.  They were saying they were recently on my blog….so here I am.

Above is the pigs first day out of the barn.  Yeah for us and them!

Last night when I came home from work Country Boy had cooked pecan pie in a dutch oven over an open fire.  It was delicious!!  Tonight he cooked up a deer stew.  I’m starting to really like his latest hobby!

Yesterday Dolly the goat had two kids. (girls) We were happy with that.  Last year she had 3 bucks.  This baby’s sister is sleeping in the house tonight after MM found her lifeless.  She was hypothermic and not feeding.  She has since perked up and already spoiled rotten bleating when she is not in someone's arms.  We hope to put her back with her Momma tomorrow.

Stepping Back

I’ve decided to step away from my blog for a bit.  I have seriously considered doing away with it for lack of time and energy.  Between work, our farm, homeschooling, and some personal goals my days are full.  I will leave it as is as I may have a change in heart and return.