Monday, January 10, 2011

Beautiful Snowy Day!

We were only suppose to get a couple of inches but have 6 inches of snow and now its sleeting like crazy so will have ice on top of that tomorrow. Spent the day giving all the animals warm water to drink and clearing snow away so they could get out of their stalls, houses, etc. None of them wanted to walk in the snow for some reason. Made sure to feed extra grain, hay, greens, and extra bedding so they would stay warm tonight. Also helped William split and load 2 loads of wood. People afraid their power might go off with this ice and wanted wood for their fireplaces. I have kept the woodstove here humming along and the house is nice and toasty. Made vegetable beef soup, toss salad, and zucchini patties for supper. The zucchini patties are made like a potato cake but instead of using mashed potatoes I used shredded zukes. They were yummy. I have had several questions about my grocery bill and shopping once a month so will try to answer. Our bill can be kept so low because there is only two of us. We had 3 big gardens this past summer that gave me plenty to can, freeze and dehydrate. I also have a friend that gives me things all the time from the produce stand. So I don't ever have to purchase veggies or fruit. We also don't have to buy eggs or milk since we have chickens and goats.  Yes, we still get fresh fruit and veggies in our diet (friend with produce stand) and  we have 3 meals a day plus a snack when we feel like it. The pantry, freezers, and cabinets are filled to where if we had to we could eat just from them for at least 6 months. I would love to have a years supply just incase but have to work on it. A couple of you have ask for menus and recipes. I will try over the next few days to work on a post with those listed.  Thank you for your interest and concerns that we might not be getting balanced diets. Believe me, we aren't doing without just because the grocery bill is low. Like I said we eat 3 hot meals a day which includes veggies, meat, and bread. There is always a bowl on the table filled with oranges, apples, tangerines, grapes, and bananas that I seemed to snack on more than I should. I am very blessed to have the friend with the produce and with having the gardens last summer. Would love to put my own beef and pork in the freezer. Hopefully by next fall is the plan.
H went home Saturday evening and it sure has been quiet around here! Seems strange not to have a toddler on a stool by me helping wash dishes or little feet running along beside me while I am feeding or a little voice talking a mile a minute about such important little boy things. I didn't realize how much energy it took having a child around 24-7 until he left and I sat down to rest. Looking forward to summertime and more visits from grands!
I hope each of you are warm and enjoying the beautiful winter weather wherever you are. I wish each of you a very blessed evening and hope you take time to count those blessings.... no matter how small. Night everyone.

16 comments:

small farm girl said...

I'm so glad you are going to post some of your recipes and such. I am really trying to grow all of our food. And, with the new goats, I am hoping for our own milk and cheese. I will take a while, but it keeps us busy. lol

Michelle said...

Hi, Such a blessing to be self reliant with those gardens and animals. Good for you. I envy you!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Peggy,
Just checking on you. I was thinking you might be snowed in.
It is cold here too as the front blows through.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Hi Peggy, I know how you love Winter and snow! I bet it is quiet with little H not there chatting away with you. Hope you are staying warm and enjoying the woodstove and hot tea!

Granny said...

When I heard about the snow in your area I knew you'd be loving it. I can only imagine all the stories H is telling his parents now that he's gone home. That was such a great opportunity for you and William to spend time and bond with little H.

Glad all the critters are doing fine. I love your new header.

Take care and stay warm.

FarmHouse Style said...

We got about 6 inches of snow here as well. I had to clear the chicken run area so that my chickens would come out of the coop:-)

I intend to start working on a food reserve supply this summer, my goal will be 6 months at first, then hopefully a full year.

Stay warm,
Rhonda

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

Peggy,

I am glad you are getting some lovely snow. Freezing rain is nasty business. I hope it is not bad enough to bring down the electrical lines and damage trees.

Marx was correct when he wrote that "Money is alienated labour." You can work for your food and shelter or you can work for money and then pay for your food and shelter. One can live cheaper if you are willing to work for things directly (grow food, preserve food, heat with wood you cut and collect, barter services and product with others.) You in your thrifty efforts work directly for the things you need rather that turning your labour into money so you can have the things you need. An additional benefit is that government has not found a way to tax you for the items to work for directly.

The increasing interest in urban farming may bring better food to people in the inner city, who may not even have a well stocked grocery store in their neighbourhood, in exchange for some labour in a community garden.
In post industrial cities like Detroit, Lansing etc, this is a sign of home as whole neighbourhoods may become agricultural again.

amelia said...

I'm looking forward to some of your recipes but I know how busy you are so don't do what you can't do!!!
I'm glad you're enjoying the snow, it's very cold here but at the moment, it's bright and sunny. That's always good!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Peggy, Again, like I said in my last post, I am proud of you for keeping your grocery bill so low. You and William do such a great job on your farm. But--I also know that both of you work very hard.

We got snow also---and woke up to a little more this morning. This stuff is supposed to continue here for a couple more days. Don't think we have seen the ground since Christmas.

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

stay warm my friend!

Kelly said...

I'm so happy you got the snow. Sorry that the sleet and rain came. I know it is beautiful there. I bet you and William have a better diet than most of the people around. So many go out to eat 3-5 times a night. They are the ones who should be worried about getting a balanced diet. Much Love.

Lib said...

Glad you got your snow!
I fully understand eating well from the harvest! :o) We try to keep a yr. supply .We eat well! Too well lol
Stay warm and enjoy the snow!
Blessins',Lib

Denise said...

Peggy, Love reading your blog and you sure work hard, don't know how you do it......I love having my two girls to provide me with eggs, this spring I would like to work on a garden.....I'll start small and go from there I have also thought of possibly checking with one of the local farmers about a side of beef. I just don't have the land to raise my own and with hubby's disability I would be on my own. Well gotta go and get the "girls" prepared for the nasty day we are expected to have tomorrow. Blessings, Denise

JoyceAnn said...

Hi Peggy ~ We got a trace of snow , more sleet and freezing rain. I wasn't so thrilled with it , the yard is a sheet of ice. I told hubby yesterday afternoon as we were watching the news and saw that it was snowing there , that you would be happy about the snow.

~ Blessings ~

Anonymous said...

We got a couple inches of snow here! I know Atlanta got 6 inches of snow since that is where my brother, sis-in-law, and their 2 children live now.

Amy

DayPhoto said...

That Turkey is a hoot! Great post again and a wonderful header!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com