Hidden Haven Homestead

New Blog Up And Running

2011-01-27T19:29:00.000-05:00

Finally got the new blog going. So please follow me on over and see what's been going on around the homestead: Hidden Haven Homestead Too

Andy

2011-01-26T22:35:00.000-05:00

I loved all the names everyone suggested but have decided to choose "Andy". Mildred suggested it after his Grandma Mandy that lived here for so long. And Andy just seems to suit him though I have thought about changing it to Trouble today. It has been a rainy, windy day so Andy has spent most of it inside. He loves napping and eating in his cage but after awhile gets tired of being penned up and lets it be known. I let him out and he walks around trying to head butt Rusty and Kuma. They go hide from him so Andy decides to play King of the mountain on the sofa. Up and down, up and down till that gets boring. Next he tried to sample my dried flower arrangement and getting scolded for that decided to see what I was up to. He jumped up on the sofa, walked over to the end table and then walked on the desk and actually tried to walk across the laptop until I picked him up and sat him back on the floor. I decided it was time to put his sweater on and take him for a walk outside. Andy sees his reflection in the glass of the door and stands there talking to himself like he has found a new friend. Finally get him out the door and he takes off down the steps running to the goat pen. He thinks its time to feed the goats and he helps by sampling everyone's feed. Gets upset at me when I walk the other direction and tries to scold me into going his way. Doesn't work so he runs back to the porch and talks to the pretty goat in the door. That tired him out enough to take a nap until feeding time. Yes, Andy is going to keep me on my toes till he is outside fulltime. I thought sure Hayley would have her kid or kids last night but so far no baby goats. I am still doing the butt check several times a day and several times a night. The girls have gotten use to it now and just stand still and let me shine the flashlight and check. Well, except Blackie. She puts her tail down and turns to face me no matter which direction I walk to check her backside. She thinks of it as a game and seems to actually smile at me while she is turning. It is really a adventure around here everyday. I am trying to set up a new blog as I am running out of room for photos on this one. I don't want to delete ones from past posts so decided to continue the adventures on a new one. When I have it ready I will put the link here so you can follow me on over. Hopefully you will follow! Wishing each of you a very blessed night and a wonderful blessed tomorrow. Night everyone.

I Need A Name

2011-01-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

I am new to Hidden Haven. My daddy Louie was born here. He was a triplet of three brothers(Huey,Dewey, and Louie) to my grandma Mandy and grandpa Billy. Daddy was sold to a nice lady in White Oak where he met my mom and I was born. I am one of a quad. I have 2 brothers and a sister who went to other new homes. I am a 3 month old buckling. I really like it here. Since I am so small ( I was the runt) my new human mom keeps me inside her house at night and during the day I go out with the other goats. They sure are big! Sometimes I get tired of being outside and if I stand by the gate and cry "Maaaaaaaaaa" she comes and takes me back inside. Today I got to take a ride to Tractor Supply. I had to walk on a leash but didn't mind it as everyone scratched my head and told me how cute I am. I really, really love my home here at Hidden Haven but they haven't named me yet. Maaaaa says she can't think of a name that suits me and Paaaaaaa just calls me Little Bit. I want a name so will you help me please.

I am sure somebody can give me a name that suits (whatever that means). Thank you very much and I promise to give Maaaa lots of things to write about cause she says I am a noisy little fellow and get into things I shouldn't.

Remember I am a 3 month old buckling so please do give me a girly name. I am a Nigerian Dwarf and won't get very big but I still say I am big enough to not get a girly name don't you?

Is Winter Over?????

2011-01-20T21:15:00.000-05:00

Where is winter? The past couple of days has found me out cleaning rabbit cages and chicken pens in a tee shirt and jeans. This is January and I should be bundle up in a coat and gloves. Kinda disappointed in Old Man Winter this year. I have been working out a breeding schedule for the bunnies so their babies will be ready to go to at Easter time. I never seem to have enough baby bunnies but this year hope to have plenty to sell. The hens are still laying everyday. Usually in the winter they slow down a little but so far we have more than enough for us and our customers. I have 2 extra goats for a little while. A friend is having to move and with work, looking for a place and packing they aren't able to keep a eye on Sissy who is expecting. She is staying here so I can keep an eye on her and her boyfriend Buckwheat came to keep her company. They are part Nigerian Dwarf and part Nubian. Very friendly and loving so I am enjoying having them here. I finally know Blackie (my Nigerian Dwarf) is pregnant for sure. Her udder has filled up with milk and she is not wanting to stay around the other goats. She goes off by herself a lot. Those are a couple of signs that she is getting close to delivery day. I still for some reason have a feeling Hayley will be the first to kid. Don't know why, just a gut feeling so we shall have to wait and see. The duck is still sitting on eggs. Not sure if any will hatch as she is young and first time she has tried to hatch. She keeps moving the eggs around and rearranging her nest. Not just once in a while but all the time. Another wait and see. There is alot of wait and see around the homestead these days. And for someone that has no patience it makes for some long rough days.
Here is a recipe for Apple Pie that was my mother's recipe. She made this for my daughter Melody who rather have apple pie than birthday cake. She used a can of store bought pie filling but since I have lots of apples I make my own.

Bonnie's Apple Pie
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 can apple pie filling
Mix sugar, egg, vanilla, and softened cream cheese. Pour into a unbaked pie shell. Pour apple pie filling over top and bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350. Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

My homemade apple pie filling

6 apples (peeled and sliced)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups water
Put everything into a saucepan and cook over medium heat 20 to 25 minutes or until apples are tender. Let this mixture cool before you use it in your pie. It will make enough for 2 pies.

My Pie Crust recipe

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening, cold
3 Tablespoons ice water

Combine flour and salt in medium bowl, cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, over flour mixture, tossing lightly with a fork until mixture forms an even dough. Form dough into ball and refrigerate, wrapped in plastic, for 1 hour.
Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface into circle about 12 to 14 inches round.
Carefully fold in quarters, lift gently and unfold into 9-inch pie pan.Gently press pastry against bottom and sides of pan. Trim overhang to 1/2 inch, then fold the edge under. Pinch edges to flute.

Now its off to a good book, a cup of hot chocolate, and a nice warm fire. Have a wonderful evening and don't forget to count those blessings!

My Bags Are Pack

2011-01-17T21:52:00.000-05:00

No I am not going anywhere unless its to spend the night in a goat stall. The bags I am referring to are the birthing kit, animal medicine kit,and the diaper bag with sweaters for the baby goats and soft baby receiving blankets to help clean them off. I am such a bad mom to my goats this go round. I have always planned and had the birthing date for all my goats. I only missed a few days with Diva and that was my first time dealing with pregnant goats. This year a lady gave us 2 beautiful Nigerian Dwarf doelings, a Nigerian Dwarf buck, and a Nigerian Dwarf weather (male that has been fixed). They weren't related to each other but when she purchased them she raised them together so dumb me kept them together and in with Buttons our Alpine/Nubian milk goat and with Precious our mini Nubian. Even though Buttons stands way taller than Little Man he found a way around it and she is pregnant. I felt bad that she had to tell me by starting to dry herself off but now its VERY obvious. She is really big to be carry half Nigerian Dwarf babies and I am going crazy since I don't have a due date. I make about 50 trips each day (and night) out to check the goats and each time they roll their eyes and whisper about the crazy lady looking at their backside and their udders. I know all the signs to look for a few weeks, a few days, before and the day of delivery but it still drives me crazy not having a known due date for Buttons and a for sure if Haley and Blackie are bred. My bet is they are as they both are starting to get milk bag where before you couldn't even see their udders. So I got my bags out, cleaned them out and restock them. Got the baby monitors out and ready. Cleaned out all the goat stalls and rebedded them with fresh bedding. Wormed and vaccinated each goat, which I always do each season anyway. I am all ready for goat babies if I could just get the girls to let me in on when I would be very happy. So if you need me I will be the weird lady bent over in the goat pen checking out goats bottoms and udders. Enjoy your evening and count those blessings!

Pugs, Wood, Birds, and Snow

2011-01-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

We still have snow and ice though the main roads are clear and dry. I am enjoying slipping and sliding each time I go out to care for the animals or fill the bird feeders. I am filling the feeders twice a day now. Where it seemed all the birds had disappeared they are all back and brought their friends and family with them. It looks like a waiting line for a table at a restaurant the way all those birds were acting around the feeders. Pugs is doing great. She doesn't seem affected from her mom not wanting her. Her siblings are doing really well with their mom so guess there was a reason she didn't want Pugs.Pugs meets me at the door to her cage and starts climbing all over my hand. She loves to be played with but doesn't like to be held and given her bottle. I think she is trying to wean herself but I want her to keep nursing a little longer. She is eating rabbit pellets, alfalfa, whole wheat bread crumbs, and all types of green veggies. Her name should really be bottomless pit as she is never full! I let her walk around and explore some after she has her bottle. For such a tiny 3 week old bunny she sure can get into a lot.

I think Pugs is going to grow up not knowing she is a rabbit.

I have been looking and dreaming my way through all the seed catalogs. That is one of the best parts of winter. You can sit by the fire with plans and dreams of spring gardens and change them a thousand times before its time to order the seeds. I am going to be growing and hopefully selling herb plants this year. I did well on what I grew for myself so want to add more herbs and see how the plants sell. Planning more gardens this year also. I get tired just planning them! Think that's why I love winter so much. The cold winds and snow make everything so peaceful and also slow the pace down abit around the homestead. I have a little more time to sit and enjoy things where the other seasons seem to have me hopping. We have been busy the past week splitting and delivering firewood. With all the bad weather selling firewood has kept me from sitting too long.. We are very blessed to have the extra wood to sell and I have been very blessed with a few beautiful, peaceful snow days. Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to count those blessings!

Beautiful Snowy Day!

2011-01-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

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.

A Quiet Night on the Homestead

2011-01-05T00:14:00.000-05:00

Enjoying another quiet night. H was out like a light by 6:30PM. He played outside all day today while I worked more on the chicken pens and feed room. Sure going to miss the little guy when he goes home Saturday. Speaking of feed room, we have been having to set traps to catch field mice. They are getting in the feed room and eating on the bread for the animals. We have the animal feed and the bread in metal trash cans. The feed cans have lids but the bread is stack so high in the cans because of not enough room that the mice are going to town nibbling on it. We set 4 traps each night and have 4 mice each morning. We have caught 21 mice!! We have cats so what is wrong with this picture? Bet we are the only farm that catches mice to feed to their cats. Hopefully we have caught them all. Little Pug Face (orphaned baby bunny) is doing wonderfully. He got out of his mom's nest and for some reason she wouldn't let him or her (not sure yet) back in. I tried putting it back after she pushed him out when he went back on his own but she did the same. She lets me handle and put the others back but not this one so it is in a cage in the diningroom. I have been giving it a bottle 4 times a day. It's a bottle for kittens so is just the right size. Today it found the water bottle attached to the cage and has been drinking from that several times. He is also nibbling at rabbit food and whole wheat bread crumbs. He is only 2 weeks old so am surprised. Will try to take a picture of Pug Face (He has a pug nose) and post it tomorrow. The parakeets are all settled and happy. Bobbie (the male) will sit on my finger and sing. Meoka (female) will bite if I try to get her to sit on my finger but I pick her up and hold her anyway. One day she should get use to me and stop biting. I was so happy I got the kitchen and diningroom cleaned and mopped today until William decided to bring a work bench, tools and a chainsaw inside to work on tonight. Now my diningroom looks like a toolshed or workshop. Life on a farm, what can I say. Last night for supper I fixed baked barbecue chicken, german potato salad, cucumber salad, blackeyed peas, and collard greens. The only thing bought was the chicken and I got a bag of leg and thighs for $5.98. After dividing the bag I ended up with enough for 5 meals.The potato and cucumber salad came from Gerda. Leftovers from a meal at her home. The blackeyed peas were from peas dried 2 years ago and the collards are some we had in the freezer. Tonight I cleaned out the fridge so we had a lot of leftovers. The last of the potato and cucumber salad. The rest of the hopping john from New Years. The rest of the collards and the last of the cabbage and polish sausage along with the last little bit of stir fried squash,onion, potatoes and garlic. Am trying to see how many meals I can fix with mostly things from the freezer or pantry. The grocery bill for this month was only $103. That's down from $150 last month but we had the family for a weekend and several friends that ate with us a few times. We shop once a month and that amount is for food and household items. It doesn't include animal feed or supplies. We have to purchase animal feed every two weeks and we spend way more on their food than ours! The prices have sky rocketed over the past couple months. I find it fun to see how much I can cut cost and still eat very well. Leftover nights may be a weird mixture of items but heck its saving money and weird still taste good! Well I am off to check the fire in the stove and head to bed. Tomorrow is another day of outside chores. These 50 and 60 degree days won't last and we are suppose to get snow tomorrow night! I sure hope so.Don't forget to count those blessings.

Just a Simple Farm House

2011-01-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

Sitting here at the desk enjoying the quietness of the house. H was so busy loading sticks of wood in and out of his wagon today that he fell asleep before 6PM. William spent the day splitting wood and working on saws while I cleaned off the back porch. It seems that everything ends up on the back porch until someone finds time to put it where it really goes. For some reason after I put things away, sweep the porch, wash the railings, and shake the rugs I feel relaxed. The yard may still be filled with projects or things William needs to put away. The house may still need to be straightened and the floors swept. But the back porch is clean and inviting! Only strangers come to our front door. Everyone else comes in the back door off the back porch so I get antsy when its cluttered or dirty. At least before they see the baby bunny in the diningroom, the parakeets in the kitchen, Kuma sleeping on the sofa, Rusty stretched out in front of the woodstove , seed catalogs scattered on the diningroom table they will see a clean back porch. The 2 hens I had inside for a few days are back in the pen at least. I use to love having my home look like a picture out of a country magazine. I was constantly rearranging and decorating every room. Now my home is lucky to get the floors swept and a little straightening up each day. I rather be getting a orphaned baby bunny to nurse from a tiny bottle, encourage 2 scared parakeets that had to leave their home because the owner couldn't afford them anymore to perch on my finger and sing. I'd rather sit in my rocker by the wood stove and carry a conversation with Rusty (yes, dogs can talk) or sit on the floor with H and play with his blocks and trucks.I'd rather be taking a walk with Baby (our pet turkey that doesn't know she is a turkey) or do the million chores that always need doing outside. I don't care about having a beautiful magazine home anymore. I just enjoy having a home that is a haven for anyone (2 or 4 legged) to feel welcome, safe, and happy. Guess in my old age I finally figured out what really matters to me. Just remember when you visit to use the back door, make sure you check for a animal before you sit down and there is always a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate waiting and don't wear your good clothes or shoes cause we can always use a extra set of hands on the farm.

Child Labor

2011-01-02T00:25:00.000-05:00

I stayed up to watch the ball drop before calling it a night. William and H were asleep long before then. We got up bright and early to make the most of this wonderful warm spring like day. I got chicken pens raked, rabbit cages cleaned, feeding table washed and straightened. Raked the area between feed room, hay barn, and rabbit cages. Got all the outside Christmas decorations down except the lights across the roof of the house. That will be William's job. While I was doing all these things William and H were busy splitting wood. H ran the splitter all by himself. Pop Pop just had to keep the wood going to and from the splitter.

After chores and supper we went to take eggs to my friend Gerda. Always enjoy visiting with her. Then it was home where 2 guys were very tired and asleep before their head hit the pillow. H told me he had to get some sleep as he had work to do tomorrow. I wonder how old he will be before that changes. Have a very blessed weekend and may your 2011 be filled with love, laughter, and overflowing with blessings.

The Sun Is Going Down

2010-12-29T16:44:00.001-05:00

Things are winding down around the homestead. This morning while we were feeding and watering "H" was playing in what snow is left and pulling the wagon around. Every once in a bit he would get it stuck. The neighborhood could tell when that happened by the big loud scream for Pop Pop. Pop Pop will stop whatever he is doing to help H in his adventures. I am a more firm grandma. Don't get me wrong. We sit in the floor and play cars, read books, etc but if I am busy I don't stop unless something is really wrong. I tell him I am busy and he will have to wait or try to figure whatever it is himself. It didn't take H long to know this and also know Pop Pop will come so he gets his wagon stuck and without trying to get it unstuck he screams for help. When its just H and I he somehow figures out what to do on his own. This afternoon I was feeding and H was pulling the wagon around. I heard him arguing with himself. First he would say "No you can't , then he would say "yes, you can". I got a chuckle out of that. He got the wagon going and was off on his adventure. He likes to help dust and help in the kitchen but doesn't like picking up his toys. I just had to tell him that unless he picked up his toys he couldn't help me and off he went. All toys put away and eager hands ready to help wash silverware. H is very creative and can play by himself with no problem. He will tell me all about his games as if they were real life adventures. When I sit down to do paperwork or get on the computer H usually sits in the little rocking chair in the livingroom with me. He will watch a movie ( he has yet to see one all the way through) or he will play on his toy laptop. I may get tired trying to keep up with all his energy but I am really enjoying having him visit. His favorite chore is opening the door to let Rusty and Kuma in or out of the house. He always makes sure to tell me he is making them go potty or letting them back in cause they were good and went potty.
The inside Christmas decorations are all taken down and put away. I still have the outside ones to take care of but with such warm temps this weekend it will be the perfect time for H and I to tackle that chore. Working on my grocery list. We grocery shop once a month and I love to try to see how low I can get the total cost. With all the canning and freezing I did this summer and fall and the produce my friend gives us its not too hard to lower it each month. Also with the new year arriving there are projects we are working on we want to finish and projects we haven't started yet that we want to get going. Each morning I wake up I give thanks for the blessings of a new day and then my feet hit the floor and the day starts. Some days never go according to plans and other days find me surprised at how much was accomplished. The to do list will never, ever be completed but I enjoy seeing things marked off as the day comes to a close. I love to settle down by the fire with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and think over the day and plan in my mind for tomorrow. Whatever was or wasn't done, whatever plans for tomorrow are I am just thankful for being able to relax and think about it. Have a very blessed evening!

I Need A Nap

2010-12-28T20:50:00.000-05:00

Still have some snow but its slowly melting. I cannot believe that this weekend is bringing 65 and 70F degree weather! This is winter for goodness sakes. Having a 3 yr old around has really keep me going. I have never child proofed my home for my children or grands. If their little hands reach for something the hand gets a little smack and a firm no, do not touch. I wouldn't let my parents or inlaws put up things either. I wanted the children to grow up understanding there are things in this world you can't touch instead of everyone changing things for them. So far so good until today. William was gone splitting wood when someone came to pick up a rabbit. H was watching a movie and playing with his truck so I stepped outside to talk to them gentleman and came back inside to get H. In 1 to 2 minutes he left his truck and movie, went to the bathroom and unrolled a whole roll of toilet paper and stuffed it in the toilet. That had to wait until we got the rabbits (yes ended up selling 4) and gentleman had left. Got the toilet mess cleaned up and took a young man outside to run out some of that energy. Tonight he said he wasn't ready for bed so I got him to rest on the pullout bed in the livingroom and watch a movie while I was on computer. That lasted all of 3 minutes. Such a angel in his sleep but wondering what tomorrow brings for this old grandma.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2010-12-26T18:29:00.000-05:00

It's only about 5 inches but this snowfall is beautiful. This morning about 4:30AM I woke up to hear Tinker barking like something was really wrong in the goat lot. Got William to go out and check only to find that Tinker didn't know what to think of her first snowfall so was barking at it. Once she found out it was okay she went crazy playing and running around in it. The goats and pigs could have cared less about the snow, The chickens refused to come out in it so I fed them inside. The rabbits loved it. Rusty decided it was too cold on his feet and had to be carried to a dry spot to do his business. Kuma enjoyed going outside for a few minutes but was ready to go back to her nap on the sofa real quick. It was so peaceful and quiet as I fed this morning and afternoon. The birds were going crazy around the birdfeeders. I had filled them yesterday but will have to refill them again tomorrow. We are under another winter storm warning tonight from midnight until noon tomorrow. All I can say is bring it on! The more snow the better. No pictures as I have just been enjoying the day but will take and post some tomorrow. We have our grandson Harvey spending a couple weeks with us. He is 3 years old so am sure I am going to be kept on my toes. Hope each of you are having a very blessed evening. Stay warm and just enjoy the beauty of the night.

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-12-24T20:43:00.002-05:00

May each of us enjoy the gift of love this little babe in a manger has given to us. Have a very blessed Christmas from all of us at Hidden Haven.

I Can't Wait

2010-12-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

Please hurry Christmas! I can only be nice for so long before the naughty kicks in.

Hidden Haven Christmas...Part Two

2010-12-17T17:34:00.001-05:00

(Part one below this post)
With a little fear of Santa, Buttons ate the tree quick,
What can we do? It's almost time for St. Nick!
Then as quick as a flash a plan to Wizard came.

So he whistled and gobbled and called them by name,
Now Rusty, now Kuma, now Porky,

Now Tessa and Baby

On Killer,

On Gertrude, On Whiskers

And Haylie.

Run to the porch, hop on the shelf
Push the tree down, I'll catch it myself.

Kuma is to keep everyone's attention inside of the house,
But ended up falling asleep on the couch.

So up to the porch the chickens flew,
with the rabbits, and turkeys, geese, and pigs too!
Then in a twinkling Cinnamon was up on the shelf.
I'll save Christmas she said to herself.

As she turned her head and was turning around,
Down the Christmas tree came with a bound.

The tree was all decorated from its head to its foot,
but now it was all covered in dirt and in soot.
The clock was ticking and the animals were worried,
If they didn't get a tree for the barn all their Christmas dreams would be buried.
Rusty's eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples how merry.
He had a plan he told them
But we all needed to hurry.
His droll little mouth was drawn in a bow,
as the garden cart he started to tow.

The cart held the tree in a tight little spot,
and all the animals pushed so hard they got hot!

But Wizard with his big round belly,
Was laughing so hard it shook like a bowl for of jelly.

He was chubby and plump and looked like a elf.
So we all laughed too in spite of ourself.
Rusty was still very determined to haul,
That little Christmas tree to the goat stall.

He spoke not a word and went straight to his work,
He pulled that garden cart without one jerk.
Then bumping the tree with his nose,
Up on the block the Christmas tree rose.

He jumped up from the dirt,
to the others he did say,
Thanks to all our hard work,
Christmas was saved today.
As Rusty started walking out of sight,
He turned to say,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT

Hidden Haven Christmas : Part One

2010-12-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

Twas 12 days before Christmas when all thru the homestead,
All the creatures were stirring,too excited for bed.

Their stockings were hung on every spare nail.

The bunnies were hoping theirs would be filled with kale.

Dottie wouldn't nestle all snug in her bed.
She had her shopping list still dancing in her head.

Baby in her kerchief standing out in the wind,
Thinking of gifts she still had to send

When out in the goat yard there arose such a clatter,
That everyone ran to see what was the matter!

The hens, they all flew to the fence in a flash,
In so much of a hurry they forgot their hot mash.

The moon in the sky was shimmering so bright,
none of the animals could believe it was night.

When what to the surprise of Wizard's eyes he did see

But naughty ole Buttons was eating her tree!

To be continued........

Just For You Megan

2010-12-12T20:49:00.000-05:00

My daughter Megan is bored. They have snow and ice which makes them stuck at home and she wants me to post so she has something to read. I gave her a ton of magazines when she was here so you would think she would have them to keep her busy. Anyway Megan since you won't share your snow I will still be nice and share my weekend.
Lisa and her sons;Will and Harvey spent the weekend with us. We had a small Christmas celebration and just enjoyed having them here. Harvey just turned 3 and kept us all entertained. Lisa took us all out for breakfast this morning which was really nice We seemed to stay busy doing things or just chatting that I didn't take a single picture while they were here. Harvey will be coming back to stay with us for 2 weeks after Christmas so am sure I will get lots of photos then. I am finally getting over my cold but William is getting it. He has gone to Pinehurst to help a friend that has no water. The pipes froze and then the pump messed up. William fixed the pump and is now helping him put it back on. Hopefully he will have water tonight. They are like us and have lots of animals to care for.
The grands are all excited that there is no school tomorrow since they live in the mountains and are getting snow. Gabby posted on facebook to let us know school was canceled. She took a bunny home from here and already has it spoiled. She is dressing Snowball up for Christmas. I think that bunny is very happy with its new home.
Megan, there isn't really alot to write about but I promise a nice post tomorrow with pics. The animals and I have a little Christmas post all planned out. So go drink some hot chocolate and watch it snow for me. Just think you get the morning off work and can stay up late to watch it snow. If you get the chance hit Q with a snowball and tell him its from me. Hope everyone has a warm and blessed evening!

A Letter To Santa

2010-12-07T23:50:00.004-05:00

Dear Santa,
As you know I have been very blessed this year. Instead of stopping in at Hidden Haven this year would you visit some of my very special friends and leave a few gifts under their tree?
My friends over at BooneDocks are having a cold rough winter already Santa. Could you give them a few warm, sunny days so they can get out and enjoy it and the goats can get out of the barn? The goats love to run and play but it has been too cold for their little feet and they are having to stay in the barn. Thanks Santa, and I know the goats will thank you too!
Melissa has been a very good but busy girl this year. Could you leave her a few hours of alone time? Time for just her so she can take a nap, read a book, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. I bet she would have some of her yummy cookies waiting for your.
Wendy is so wanting to take a trip south. Could you leave her a gas card to help with expenses and a couple of treats for Zeke and Aleka?
My friend SciFiChick over at Bacon and Eggs would really be surprised but so happy to find a map to their perfect piece of property for their homestead. If you could, make sure it has plenty of gardening space.
When you leave Wendy's place would you stop by Phil's and leave a giant stock pot under his tree? Don't worry he knows exactly what to do with it. Oh, and leave Jonathan a nice book under the tree if you don't mind.
Philip and Heidi have been extra good this year Santa. Would you leave Heidi a nice HUGE bone to chew on and a king size bed for Philip so he and Heidi can both have room to sleep.
For my very special, sweet friends at Mainely Ewes Farm I have a special request Santa. Please leave them a contract under the tree that will help them be able to continue working as the great nurses they are and give that special care they give to their patients. They are truly angels in our eyes.
For my friend Linda I would like a book of all her photos wrapped and placed under her tree. I think once she sees how talented she is she will publish her photos to share with the rest of the world.
My friend Marci loves children, so this year Santa could you fill her home with loved ones and lots of children? Oh, and make it a beautiful white Christmas for her if you don't mind.
For my friend Tracy if you left her a nice remodeled hen house and closed in carport for the bunnies you would have one happy lady. She is always working and trying new things Santa so I bet she would have a nice new treat for you under her tree.
Santa Ang is one lady that has it all. She has a big farm, big family, loves living without electric or indoor potty. Her family truly love living the simple life and set examples for all of us. The one thing I would like for you to leave under her tree if you could would be a weekend get away just for her and Gentle Giant. They love their children so know they won't want to leave them behind, but one weekend get away would be something I think they would enjoy.
Over at the Modern Day Redneck Farm they run out of time and material to do all the projects they planned for the winter. Do you think you could find a little more daylight time for them in your magic gift bag? I know you have plenty of materials you could leave them under the tree. Santa you are the best!
When you stop by Mary's please leave her some extra Christmas cheer. She is having a little bit of a problem finding all hers. She has had a rough year Santa so if you happen to have a very special someone in that bag that would be perfect for her please leave him under the tree too!
GrannyJ has been sewing up a storm Santa. She is a very talented lady and I would love for you to leave her some quilt scraps, threads, and crochet yarn under the tree. If you have some magic to take her pain away that would be super!
My sweet friend JoyceAnn is always helping her daughters by caring for the grands. Could you leave some craft projects for them to work on together? I would really love it if you could leave her some extra special seeds for her herb garden.
Now Santa, my friends Betsy and George love to travel to waterfalls, go hiking, sightseeing, etc. What I really, really want is for you to leave them a trip package under their tree. I would like the trip to be filled with all the things they love to do but would also like for you to have the trip include a stop by Hidden Haven. I just know you will figure this all out as you are one smart cookie!
Now Santa you know Pea is my dearest, sweetest, adopted sister so her gift needs to be extra special. I was thinking that since you have such magical things happening that you could leave her a card under the tree telling her next year she will magically appear at our annual family Christmas weekend. That she won't have to fly(since she is afraid) and that after the weekend she will magically be back home. Please Santa, can you do this? Please?
My sweet friend Lib has been a blessing to her family and friends this year. If you will Santa, leave a beautiful tea set under her tree with some special teas and cookies for her and Little Shadow. They love to have tea parties and this would be a perfect gift.
Santa, my friend Denise has been busy helping her husband get in firewood for the winter. Do you think you could get the elves to cut, split, and stack enough wood for the whole winter for them? That would give Denise time to make more of those beautiful quilts and I know her husband would be very appreciative .
Barbara has been wanting some Comfry Plants Santa. Could you find her the biggest, healthiest ones and leave them under her tree? Also a couple of nice nesting boxes too if you have room. Thanks Santa!
Now Santa, this next wish might be a little hard but I just know you can do it. My very, very, special friend Amelia lives on very rocky, shady land. I would really love for you to leave her some raised garden beds. I know you can work your magic and move some trees outta the way for sunshine and make just the perfect spot for those raised beds. Oh, and don't forget to leave her some seed catalogs to look through to help pass the winter. Santa, you are such a sweetie!
For my friend GA. Farmwoman could you leave them a huge order for laying boxes? Give them customers from all over the USA because they are the most honest, hardworking, people anyone could want to purchase from.
Santa for my very sweet and dear friend Mildred could you please help John's medication work so that they can have a happy, healthy Christmas? And please Santa leave a cute little outfit under the tree for Harriet from Rusty. He is kinda sweet on her ya know.
Elizabeth and her husband have been getting into a more simple lifestyle in their new home Santa. They really don't need anything material but I just know they would love to have perfect weather for their family Christmas this year.Could you make sure they both are feeling healthy so they can enjoy all the love and laughter that will be filling their home on Christmas day?
For my funny but wonderful friend Kent Island Red I just have to see a paid month off from work so she can just enjoy her home, family, and animals. She is the kindest person you will find Santa so I know you will want this for her as much as I do. Oh, you could always add a indoor pool near the barn for her too if you really want to be nice.
Santa, Sheri and her family have had the worse year possible for any family. They don't care if there aren't any wrapped presents under the tree if you will just promise them a year of good health and a quiet peaceful year in their new home on their new land. Santa, please be a dear and give this family this special gift. It would truly mean a lot.
Ann has a blog all about you Santa! She has written some wonderful posts that has taught us so much. Could you take time from your busy night to sit down with her for a interview? I know you would really enjoy talking to her and we all would really enjoy reading about it.
For my friend Sandra could you leave all her horses and sheep extra treats in their stockings? She just loves her animals and farm so much. If you would Santa leave a nice little basket with teas and cookies for her under the tree. She needs to take time to put her feet up and have a little rest.

Now Santa, my friend Juli has had a bad year. Things are starting to turn around for her and her son. I would really be thankful Santa if you could leave her a nice new shiny little wood stove under her tree.
My dear sweet, jolly, old man thank you for reading my letter and taking care of my wishes. As you know Santa good friends are very hard to find and I have been blessed with very special ones indeed. For all my blog friends and neighbors Santa I hope you will fill their stockings with peace, love, and happiness for the coming year. Thank you again Santa, you are the best!
Your always believing in you friend,
Peggy

Not A Creature Was Stirring

2010-12-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

The house is all quiet. No toys, shoes, jackets, laying around. No kids running in and out the door. No one sitting around the table eating, laughing and talking. No babies to hold. No teenagers to tease. No kids to play scrabble or watch movies with. Our family Christmas weekend was lots of fun. The only bad thing is its all over. I sure do miss the noise and excitement. Hopefully one day we will all live closer together so we can visit each other more often. Maggie and her family were unable to come this weekend because Brannon (her husband had to work). Lisa had her son's birthday party on Saturday so will be down next weekend. Ray and family had their son's wrestling tournament and weren't able to make it. Next year everyone voted to have family Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend. That way we will have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday together. That will give us lots of time together and also means a bigger, harder treasure hunt to plan! It was still a very wonderful weekend. I enjoyed every minute.. even the teasing, bickering, and craziness at times. I will take family time anyway I can get it. Having Baby E and Brother J made it even more fun. Nothing makes Christmas magical more than little ones. Joseph and Melody are blessed to have them back with them indefinitely. Joseph and William cooked a big country breakfast Saturday morning. William and I set up the treasure hunt while everyone watched a movie. The treasure hunt was a blast. I loved seeing the big kids getting help from the younger ones when they were stumped. I loved seeing them not read the whole clue and end up at the wrong spot wondering why they couldn't find the next clue. The bonfire was awesome. Sitting around laughing and talking even when it started sleeting. Having our friend Gerda share the day with us was very special. The HUGE Christmas dinner was good. I have plenty of leftovers even after sharing lots. Our dirty Santa was fun with plans on some changes for next year. Our traditional red and green pancake breakfast was made by Megan and William. It was yummy. I had lots of grands helping with the feeding and watering of animals. The animals loved the extra attention and I loved the helping hands. As I find little things left behind my heart aches for my wonderful crazy family. God truly blessed me with the perfect family. Sharing some photos of Baby E finding grandma's snack box.

Dirty Santa

2010-12-06T10:22:00.001-05:00

After our big Christmas dinner we relaxed in the livingroom and played dirty Santa. Each person brought a small gift to put under the tree. The first person picked a gift and opened it. The second person could either take the gift opened or pick a new one. We had a blast! Needless to say there was alot of trading going on. We so enjoyed having Gerda be part of our Christmas this year.

We were kinder to Baby E and Brother J. Melody and I gave them gifts to open and keep. Didn't think they would understand or appreciate having their gift taken away.

Treasure Hunt Was A Hit Again This Year

2010-12-05T18:31:00.000-05:00

Baby E was excited to take part in her first treasure hunt. She even wore her pirate bandanna proudly.

There were 3 teams this year. The Red, Blue, and Yellow. Each team had different clues going in different directions so they all wouldn't be going in the same direction at the same time. There were 6 stations with something they had to do to get the next clue and there was a small loot bag for each person. There were puzzles to put together and then flip over to read the clue on the back. There was clues buried in the ground. They had to read a compass to find a couple of clues. Climb a crows nest to spot their crews colors. They had to count 100 steps into the woods to find a clue. The best one of all was having to hop in their car and drive to Tractor Supply to find their teams color and pirate flag in the store. Once they found it they had to sing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" to the manager to receive their next clue that was only part one of a 3 part clue. They had to wait on the other teams to arrive, sing, and put their clue together before all three teams combined their clues to find where the treasure was hidden. It was of course back at Hidden Haven waiting for them at the fire pit. My friend Gerda joined us for the day and had so much fun watching everyone race from one station to the other and trying to figure out clues. Poor Megan had a stressful time putting the puzzle together and got behind the other teams. Never under estimate the Red Team though as they come from behind and finished first. She may have drove like a mad woman down our driveway but her team finished first. Everyone seemed to enjoy their treasures and we had fun sitting around their fire talking about this years treasure hunt before going inside for a huge Christmas dinner.

Let The Treasure Hunt Begin

2010-12-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

It's That Time of Year

2010-11-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

Where we hustle and bustle to try and have the most wonderful Christmas of all. This year is going to be different. Yes, we are rushing a little to get things done for the kids and families that will be here in just a few days. But this year we are going simple. The decorations are up but pared down from years past. The treasure hunt prizes are ready but more simple than years past. We no longer do gifts since our family has grown so large but we do play the dirty Santa game. The kids love taking a gift from their sibling and this always makes us laugh as we watch and wait for our number to come up so we can grab someone elses gift. This year we are really cutting this game back and only allowing $5 spent on each gift. Its not the gift but the game of being able to tease someone by taking their gift only to have someone turn around and take it from you. We are having our big Christmas dinner but this year it is mostly from garden that I canned or froze. Megan is bringing the turkey and ham this year. One was a gift and the other she got free with store points so no money spent there. The hayride Christmas caroling won't happen this year but we have a fun surprise in the treasure hunt that will take its place. We will have our big ole country breakfast on Saturday and our annual red and green pancakes on Sunday. We will gather the grands around for the annual reading of the Christmas story. We will spend most of our time enjoying being all together. This year its not about rushing out, stressing over finding the perfect gift. This year its a simple homestead Christmas with our family making memories. After this weekend I can sit back, relax and enjoy watching others planning and getting ready for their Christmas. I can watch Christmas movies, sit by the fire and read. I can enjoy baking goodies for my neighbors and friends. I can spend more time talking to God and thanking him for my many blessings. I can spend more time reflecting on the reason for the season. This post gave me food for thought on how I wanted Christmas to be this year. Now on the other hand Rusty is having a problem. He is so excited all the kids are coming in a few days. He just can't decide which hat he should wear to greet them.

He is into snowmen hats this year. He didn't want to wear his santa hat. Said it made him look fat.
So how about you? What are you going to do this Christmas season? Do you have plans to make it less stress and more relaxing? Are you going to have a simple Christmas?

Thankful

2010-11-24T10:22:00.003-05:00

Here at Hidden Haven have so very much to be thankful for. God has blessed us in so many ways. May each of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and blessings.

Baby Face McGee

2010-11-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

Goes by the nickname Baby. She spent all of her life until a month ago on death row. She escaped when they came to take her and the others to be executed at the House of Raeford. Since she was smart enough to escape she was given a pardon and sent for rehab at the home of Kandace. Baby had never been outdoors or associated with anyone except her fellow inmates. She had to learn how to interact with others and enjoy life. After a month of rehab she was finally ready to go to a permanent home. Baby loves to talk, well as long as you let her do all the talking and you just listen with a few comments. She loves playing with cats. She loves strolling around the yard enjoying freedom. She does have one addiction. She craves pecans like a druggie on crack! It's not too bad of a habit to supply though so think we have that covered. Yes, I think Baby is going to like it here at Hidden Haven and we sure like having her as part of the family!

2010-11-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

This week has went by way too fast. I am trying to get Christmas decorations sorted and put up. I only have 2 weeks until our annual family Christmas weekend. Trying to get things together for the treasure hunt and work on the map and clues. I painted my bathroom today. Its the same color just freshened up. Moved things around differently on the walls and very happy with the results. Have 2 more litters of baby bunnies and they are adorable. Have one more litter due today so will be going out during the night to check on Prissy. Got the rabbit pens cleaned out and all the poop hauled to the mulch pile. Got 2 chicken pens raked out. The leaves are deep around here. The only bad thing about having so many oak trees is having so many leaves to rake in the fall. I don't mind raking but wish the leaves would all fall at the same time. Working on the menu for the Christmas weekend and getting my shopping list together. Am so excited to have the family all together for a few days. We have been cutting and splitting wood. I am really enjoying having a fire to sit by each evening and enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I get so warm and relaxed till I think of all the things left on my to do list. Then its up and back at it. I have already got some of the Christmas trees up. I have the memory tree up in the hall. It has ornaments with the names of family members no longer with us as well as tiny framed pictures among the branches. I also have the tree up that holds all the ornaments the kids and grandkids have made each year at our Christmas weekend. Have a tiny tree up in the bathroom, another tree in the dining room as well as a couple small ones in the kitchen. Still have the live tree to get and put up a few days before everyone gets here and the trees for the bedrooms. Have half of the decorations up outside. Am sure my neighbors think I have totally forgotten Thanksgiving but I had to start early to have everything ready in time. Will still be giving thanks and counting my blessings on Thanksgiving. Tomorrow I have more pens to rake and will start on my bedroom. Hopefully can finish the outside decorations over the weekend. I also will have produce to can, freeze, dehydrate. I love staying busy! Will also have some photos to post tomorrow evening of a new animal family member coming to Hidden Haven. Its not a goat, pig,rabbit, chicken, or dog but I think she is going to be very happy here. Wishing you a very blessed weekend!

2010-11-15T17:41:00.001-05:00

Gosh time has gotten away from me. My daughter Megan had to remind me to post on my blog. We have been working to get everything dried in for the rain coming in tonight and for the winter. I have been dragging out Christmas decorations. We are going to have our annual family Christmas weekend the first weekend in December so I want to have everything decorated. We are also working on the clues and bounty for PopPop's annual treasure hunt. Don't know about our treasure hunt? Well you can read about it Here , Here, and Here.
My friend Gerda gave us lots more produce so I have been dehydrating, freezing, cooking and going to be canning tomorrow. Could tell it was Monday as I haven't felt well today, got stung by a yellow jacket, had a acorn fall from a tree bounce off the porch rail and hit me smack in the eye. Gave the dogs a bath and got more water on me than them.For the last few nights I can't seem to sleep more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time before waking up so I am tired and grouchy during the day. Tonight I am drinking some chamomile tea and hopefully will sleep better. Hope each of you have a very blessed week!

Today would have been my sister's 61st birthday. She died from cancer at the age of 31, leaving behind a husband who died a few months later and 4 small children. Been thinking about her alot lately and how things were when we were growing up.

I've gotten used to missing you,

My grief's begun to ease;

I don't sit down to write you notes

Or phone to shoot the breeze

.When in a crowd someone may laugh

Or sound a lot like you;

And then the pain will grip my heart

And flood my soul anew.

I've gotten used to missing you,

I'm learning day by day

To focus on good memories

And put the rest away.

On strong days I scan photographs

Of happy times we knew;

I picture Jesus in my mind

And place Him next to you.

I've gotten used to missing you,

And though it's been 30 years;

I still am just a thought away

From aching and from tears

But my sorrow will have an end,

So let the teardrops pour;

Until I'm once again with you

And the One who loves you more.

2010-11-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

Husband, Dad, Daughter, Father in Law,Brothers, Son in Laws, Grandfather, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, Brother in Laws, friends, neighbors, and every Veteran....

THANK YOU

2010-11-09T17:00:00.001-05:00

California Dreamer (our California Giant rabbit) was due Monday. On Sunday she was pulling fur, lining her nest to get ready for the babies. It got down to 28F that night but since she had a nice warm nest made I made the mistake of not going out to check on her. Monday morning I found all 10 of her babies dead. Something had scared her during the night and she delivered outside the nesting box and the babies didn't make it. Poor Dreamer kept looking and looking for her babies.

I knew Porky our New Zeland was due today and decided I was going to take a couple of her babies for Dreamer. Well Porky decided to pull her fur and have her babies last night.

She had 5. I waited until this morning and took 2 of them. I rubbed them with the fur from Dreamers nest and I also rubbed them down her back so they would have her scent. I placed them in the nest and waited. Dreamer was very happy! She sniffed the babies, cleaned them, and then rearranged her nest and covered them with fur. I kept waiting to see if she would nurse them and she did! She has nursed them and accepted them as her own.

Porky doesn't seem to notice she only has 3 babies now and Dreamer is no longer sad and searching for her babies. Both momma bunnies seem very content which makes me very happy.

A Request

2010-11-07T07:50:00.001-05:00

Edited to add I fixed the link to Farmgirl Cyn

Today as you go about your day please keep FarmgirlCyn and her family in your thoughts and prayers. She will be saying goodbye to her tiny grandson Alex. The faith the family has has really carried them through a very rough time. Goodbye sweet baby Alex. You are a special unforgettable blessing to each of us.

2010-11-05T22:13:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy week. Along with having a stomach bug keeping me dragging we have been trying to get all the animals ready for old man winter. Making sure they have warm dry places to sleep and plenty of room to move around when its too wet or cold to be out in the open. Cleaning and filling the laying boxes with fresh straw, cleaning and filling the rabbit nesting boxes for the rabbits due to deliver next week.and getting hay for the goats to munch on. Getting the hay was a nice surprise. We went on Craigs list to see who had hay for sale close by and saw a ad for 8 bales of hay for free. William called and made arrangements for us to pick it up and when he googled the addess he told me it was the same lady (Rebbeca) that gave us the goats and bunnies. I thought it might be a neighbor or someone on the same road. but I was wrong. She and I were surprised and happy to see each other. I caught her up on all the goat and bunny stories and she told me about her horses and the new stable she is building. The hay was some the horses couldn't eat so we were very blessed to get free hay and to see Rebecca again to update about the goats.

We are finally getting a freeze tomorrow night so I picked all the things left in the gardens. Lots of green tomatoes, peppers, carrots, herbs, and even some okra. Time to put the garden to bed for the winter. As I rake the leaves I will dump them in the gardens to cover it for winter and then we can just till them into the garden next spring. We brought the house plants back inside today and stacked some wood. We have plenty of wood for winter we just need to split and stack it. I am trying to deep clean a room at a time and declutter even more. For some reason having lots of things sitting around make me feel overwhelmed. I want to get the house to be more open and comfortable. The girls will be coming the first weekend in December for our annual family Christmas weekend and I have boxes waiting for them to take home. Things I think they will enjoy and bring back memories and that way I get to declutter and they get to enjoy and can pass on to their children.

The hens are back to laying good. The hot then cold weather had them off somewhat and eggs were few and far between. But now things are back to normal with the cold weather finally here.
Hope you have a blessed weekend and stay warm!

Lay those eggs girls! Don't worry there is room for all of you!

Growing Up

2010-11-02T23:02:00.000-04:00

Sister's babies are growing up. The story about the loss of Sister and how her chicks hatched can be found HERE. There is one white chick that looks and acts just like her mom so I have named her "Sis" and since the other white one is a little rooster I have named him "Ter". Get it? Sis and Ter. Yeah, I need therapy. The other two chicks are from eggs Sister stole to sit on and both are little feather footed roosters. One is named Bugs after a chicken William raised years ago and the other is named Bully for a good reason. They are so much fun to watch. I leave the door to their pen open and they go out exploring until a leaf or acorn falls from the sky, then they are truly chicken and run back to the pen to hide. They scold me when I go out to feed and follow me around until I get to their food bowl. Sis is the sweet one except when it comes to messing with her brothers. She will fly in your face and peck at you to keep you from picking one of them up, yet she loves to be picked up. I sure miss Sister but its such a pleasure seeing her live on in her chicks. The sad things in life seem to somehow have some wonderful blessings come from it.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T17:05:00.001-04:00

From Hidden Haven to each of you a big BOOutiful and Spooktacular Halloween. May all your ghost and goblins be cute and sweet.

Off To Their Georgia Plantation

2010-10-26T16:11:00.000-04:00

Today Rhett and Scarlet left Hidden Haven. We had been caring for them for a friend in the military that is now ready for them at their new home. Rhett and Scarlet came here as piglets and are leaving with Rhett over 600lbs and Scarlet almost 500. They are going to beautiful southern GA where they will pass the days away under the sweet magnolia trees and skinny dipping in the pond. I hope Ms. Scarlet finds someone that knows something about birthing babies come January. I know I really enjoyed her letting me help deliver her last litter. They are very loving, gentle creatures that will be missed around here. I will miss feeding them a Little Debbie snack cake from my hand each afternoon and I know they will miss William's head scratches and back rubs. It was a sad day for us saying goodbye but frankly I don't think Rhett gave a d***. One last look goodbye from Scarlet and then they were gone with the wind.

Craigs List Find

2010-10-25T15:28:00.000-04:00

Saturday night I came across a ad in Craigs List for a outdoor concert at Lake Rim Park on Sunday afternoon. Didn't say what kind of concert but the park is less than 5 minutes from our house and it was free! Not only that but they were serving free hotdogs and sodas. We did the afternoon feeding a little early so we could clean up and head to the park. What a wonderful concert! Turns out this concert was put on by the young people of Bridge Community Church. It's a new church right just a couple miles from our house in the other direction. We thought we could sneak over by the trees and just listen before sneaking away. While we were enjoying the music (and it was fantastic) people would stop by and introduce themselves. No one was pushy, just very friendly and making us feel welcome. We met the pastor Brian Woodall who told us about the church and location. We have been looking for a church to attend that was close home because of our morning chores. We love Victory Baptist but its in Hope Mills and we never seem to get through chores in time to go. It just goes to prove you never know what you will find on Craigs List. We found a church!

Homemade Ginger Ale

2010-10-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

Thank you Tracy at Peaceful Acres for sharing your recipe and step by step directions on making ginger ale. I made 2 bottles and it is so good! I am going to be making more and sharing it with friends and family. It is delicious! So easy and so quick that I will be keeping some on hand all the time.

Thanks to my friend Gerda I had enough produce to can 3 quarts and 10 pints of dill pickles, 16 quarts of collard greens, 8 pints of pickled hot peppers, a quart jar of dehydrated mushrooms, a quart of dehydrated green onions, and a quart of dehydrated zucchini. I will be making and canning ketchup tomorrow along with canning a half bushel of green beans. Will be sharing some of the canned goods with the family when they come down to visit. What produce I don't use along with peelings, etc go to the animals so they are very happy too. Thank you Gerda! I am also enjoying the pumpkins, winter squash, mums, and gourds she passed on to me.

Buttons, our milk goat is in season. The only buck we have is Little Man who is a dwarf goat. He has been following Buttons around all day. She isn't happy. She keeps trying to let him know she wants him to leave her alone. She finally gave him a headache and he went off to rest.

Last night it was 38F and we had a nice fire. Tonight and all next week its suppose to be in the 80's during the day and 50's at night. Guess summer has decided to come back for another visit before hibernating for the winter. One day its long sleeves and a jacket to feed the animals and the next day its tee shirt time.

Grandson Q it was great talking to you last night! Glad you are starting to feel better. Prayers and love heading your way best bud.
Hope each of you have a wonderful weekend a very blessed evening!

2010-10-22T08:21:00.000-04:00

Will be back later today with a post and pics. Just wanted to pop on for Grandson Q.

Q I love you and hope you get to feeling better soon. Looking forward to you and the family coming down for our family Christmas weekend. PopPop is working on the treasure hunt so take care and know you are in my prayers. Love you my best bud!

2010-10-20T13:18:00.000-04:00

It is finally starting to rain just a little. The most important thing is the temps are dropping. It has been in the 80's for a while and not feeling like fall at all. Thanks to my produce friend I have been busy canning 12 more quarts of green beans, 6 quarts of collard greens, 6 more pints of plum jelly, and had all 3 dehydrators running drying apple slices. I am going to make and can applesauce today. Whatever old man winter brings our way( if he shows up at all) at least we will have plenty to eat.

The goat dog Tinker is getting into trouble lately. She is trying to be the guard dog she was born to be but the puppy keeps popping out. She will make sure the goats are eating, safe and all together, lay down and watch them for about 3 minutes. Up she jumps, running and chasing them across the pen till they hide behind something or get up on something she can't reach.

We hook her to a chain when she does this and she knows she was wrong. She lays down all sad. The goats start running and playing king of the mountain. Chasing each other having a wonderful time. Tinker just lays there. After their game is over and they are resting we unhook Tinker. She goes and checks each goat out to make sure they are okay then goes and lays down. For about 3 minutes and then she starts chasing them wanting them to play. They run hide or get back on something. We go back to the chain. We have tried every approach on correcting her but she just can't seem to understand the goats don't want to play chase with her. We finally got her trained with the chickens and ducks. She doesn't try to herd them or bother them anymore. She does try to get in Dotty's pen and herd the piglets but Dottie puts a stop to that.

So Tinker lays at the door to the pen and just watches the piglets hoping they will come out so she can play with them. I know its the puppy in her and its slowly going away but its so frustrating. I want the goats to be able to play and do what they want without Tinker controlling every move. Tinker and I both need a dose of patience.
I have been going through sewing projects and planning items I want to make for Christmas. I also want to do some crochet and knitting projects. I love sitting by the fire working on projects so am hoping it will be cool enough soon and I can get started. I have a book review I need to do. Read the book and it was really good. Just need to find time to write about it. Have several books and magazines by my chair waiting on me. Seems like time just gets away from me and I haven't gotten anything done. Hope you are having a wonderful week and have a very blessed evening!

Weekly Words To Live By

2010-10-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

Time for Cottage Industry's Weekly Words to Live By. Feel free to join in.

Being a cheerful person doesn't mean that life does not share its occasional discontent; it just means you refuse to let it overwhelm you.

New Additions

2010-10-14T20:56:00.000-04:00

Day before yesterday I was looking at Craigs List when I found a lady wanting to find a good home for her goats and bunnies. I emailed her and yesterday she called, we went to visit her farm planning on bringing 3 bunnies home and ended up with 3 bunnies and 4 goats. Because of personal problems she wasn't able to keep them and really wanted to find a good home so they could all stay together. They are the cutest dwarf goats and are so sweet.

This is Jolly. He is a weather (a buck that has been fixed) and was raised on a bottle and spent a lot of time in the house. He loves having his head scratched and eating treats from my fingers.

Little Man is in front of Blackie (a doeling) and Haley (another doeling) None of them are related and all are almost 7 months old. We hope to breed Precious with Little Man in a couple months. The first night was hard on Tinker as she wanted to herd the little goats and they didn't want anything to do with her.

But now the little goats are all settled in and feel at home. Precious and Buttons don't have a problem with them except at meal time and they try to steal their feed. The little ones stand their ground though and back Buttons off.

Tinker still doesn't understand why the little ones won't let her herd them so goes and hangs out with Buttons. Precious spends most of her time up on the spools looking down on everything.

The bunnies are a couple months old. One is a dutch dwarf and the other 2 are part lionheads. They are sweet and lovable. They love eating slices of apple right out of my hand.

We are very happy with the new additions to our 4 legged family and I think they are happy here. Thank you so much to the sweet lady for picking us to be the new home for her animals. She really loved and cared for them. They are very, healthy, beautiful, and gentle. I know it broke your heart to have to part with them but please know they are loved and will be here anytime you want to visit. I am sure there are lots of adventures waiting to be written from the goat pen! Have a very blessed night.

Happy Birthday Pea!!!

2010-10-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

My "adopted" Sis is having a birthday today and throwing herself a huge sock hop party. Click HERE and join the fun. Hope you know how to jitterbug!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS.... LOVE YA!

Happy Birthday Dear Granddaughter "H"

2010-10-11T12:47:00.001-04:00

H is full of life and always has a smile on her face. She is the first to want to try something new. Never afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Never afraid to stand up for someone she thinks is being treated wrong no matter what others think of her for doing it. She is surrounded by friends or being texted by them. She never meets a stranger and loves talking and listening. She jumps in to give a helping hand without being asked. She takes the blonde kidding really well and even laughs at herself for her sometime silly thinking. She loves sports, cheering, playing the flute, hanging out at the fun factory with friends, texting, and yes, even spending time with her family. She is my beautiful, happy, wonderful granddaughter #2 that I love and am so very proud. Happy Birthday Hoppy!!!!!

Weekly Words To Live By

2010-10-11T04:05:00.001-04:00

Time to join in Notes From Cottage Industry's weekly words to live by.If you would like to take part just click on her site and join in!
My words this week:

A whisper of encouragement gains greater attention and pffers stronger possibilities for change than a shout of criticism.

Sunday Morning On The Homestead With Buttons

2010-10-10T10:06:00.001-04:00

Good Morning to you all! It's a nice warm day here and now that I have a full tummy and a empty udder I will show you around. Come on now and be sure and have some treats in your pockets as we can be extra friendly if you do.

This is Rhett Butler and Pork Chop. Rhett weighs over 500lbs and Pork Chop weighs 160lb. Rhett thinks he is the boss around here but everyone knows I am the Queen.

Rhett is in love with Scarlet but frankly my dear she couldn't give a dang about him.

Bonnie and Clyde are in trouble again. They are mean geese. They wouldn't let the ducks swim in any of the pools and would bite them if they came anywhere near them. The ducks are now in their own pen with their own pool. Bonnie and Clyde aren't very happy. They don't have anyone to be mean to now.

This is Dotty and her 5 babies. They are 5 weeks old and very fat.

Dotty is such a good mommy and she is even nice to me and Precious.

Henny Penny is a good mom to her chicks but she is mean to me if I come near.

Here is the baby bunny mom thinks is so adorable. I think I am much more adorable though.

Don't know why everyone wants to hold that little thing when they could scratch my head.

Sister's baby chicks have moved outside. They are now enjoying a nice house where they can enjoy the sunlight during the day and still have their heat light at night. I think they are afraid of the dark cause I don't get a night light.

It's hard to get one on one time around here. Every time I get some one to pet or scratch me Tinkerbell comes and pushes herself in the way. She is getting too big in my opinion and mom says she is still a puppy with lots more growing to do.

Since you don't seem to have anymore treats left in your pockets I am going to follow Rhett's lead and take a nap. Come back again anytime and don't forget I love oatmeal raisin cookies.

Lost in a Sea of Produce

2010-10-07T23:20:00.000-04:00

I just thought canning and freezing was done. My wonderful friend sent William home with 9 boxes of produce from the produce stand. I have been cutting corn off the cob for cream corn (12 quarts). Canning tomatoes (6 quarts). Mashing grapes for jelly (6 pints) Cutting and dipping squash to make fried squash to freeze (3 quarts). Stringing and breaking beans (5 quarts). I still have cucumbers to make into pickles, bananas into bread, bell peppers to roast and freeze, and several cantaloupes to cut up to munch on. I never know what she is going to give us so its always fun when the boxes arrive. Don't mind the work now that the weather is cooler and its just that much more to enjoy this winter and to share with the family. The animals are loving the tomato peelings, corn husks and cobs, mashed grapes, and other peelings and scrapes. They think its Christmas. She also sent a box of lettuce leaves for the rabbits. A wonderful blessing and friend.

Still trying to get things cleaned up from pigs getting out. Also getting things together for another yardsale before cold weather. Looking forward to getting rid of more clutter.Melody and family are coming to visit for a 3 day weekend after Thanksgiving. I am getting lots of things together for her to take home. Love seeing things I enjoyed for so long being passed on to the next generation.

JoyceAnn, the baby bunnies are so fat! Smokey only had two and they are so adorable. The one I think you would like is spotted. It likes to cuddle while the other one likes to wiggle around.

Excuse William's greasy hands. He was working on his truck when I ask him to hold the bunnies for me. They are 10 days old today.
Well, I am off to bed so I can make pickles in the morning before feeding the animals. Hope each of you have a blessed night!

Just Another Crazy Day

2010-10-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

A busy but wonderfully cool weekend. Since it was so cool I worked in the kitchen a lot. Made fresh pear bread, pumpkin bread, and made some yummy ketchup. I only made a quart just to see how it turned out and it was so easy and so tasty I am going to make more and can it.

Smokey the Rex rabbit had 2 adorable babies. One is the cutest one we have had on the homestead. Joyce you should get this one for the grands when its old enough. Thought Porky the New Zeland rabbit was bred and due the same day as Smokey but guess she didn't let Rocky do his deed. Sandra is due the 10th. Have rabbits, quail, and roosters ready to butcher and put in the freezer. This is our first year on meat rabbits and quail so will see how it goes.

Today was crazy day on the homestead. Went out to do evening feed and as I was trying to feed the goats I almost got knocked down. Out of the corner of my eye I thought it was a horse. As I turned and looked it was Rhett the pig. He now weighs over 500lbs. The electric fence was turned off for minor repair and no one remembered to plug it back in. Rhett and Scarlett had gotten out of their pen and had a high ole time. Pork Chop was nice and stayed where he belonged. Dotty did too but the 5 babies got out. They rooted everywhere! Tore up the duck nest. Ate Tinkers food, knocked down a fence to the duck and geese pen. Trashed Tinkers water bucket. Really hurt her feelings by finding where she had buried her dog treats and ate them. Ate the goats food and trashed their sleeping stall. The whole goat pen looked like a tornado hit. William fixed the fence where they got out and led them back in with food. I closed the gate, plugged the fence in and tried to calm the goats and Tinker down so they could eat in peace. Then went to feed the chickens and found baby chicks out of their pen and mom hen going crazy. Caught and put them back where they belong. Caught the rooster that had gotten in there and put him back where he belongs only to have him fly back in. Clipped his wings and took him back to his pen. The pigs had upset the chickens so much that almost every pen had turned their water containers over and thats a hard thing to do. Cleaned and refilled them. Caught 2 bunnies that had gotten out and put them in a new cage. It was just a crazy animal day around here. After feeding I walked around to make sure all the animals were okay and found Rhett and Scarlett sleeping soundly. They must have had a very exhausting afternoon. Wonder how hard it would be getting them to clean up their mess?

Sister's chicks are doing wonderful. They are growing so fast! Have had all kinds of suggestions for names but haven't named them yet. Waiting until I can tell the sex of each. Tonight is going to be the first night for a fire in the woodstove. Since I worked in the kitchen all weekend it wasn't cool enough in the house to build a fire. Tonight is the night. Have my tea, book, and rocking chair all ready and waiting for me. Lets just hope the critters around here stay outta trouble tonight so I can enjoy it!

Weekly Words To Live By

2010-10-03T08:37:00.000-04:00

Notes From A Cottage Industry has weekly words to live by each week and has invited blog neighbors and friends to join in. When you have time check out her blog as she is one very talented and busy lady! You may also go there and check out other weekly words to live by.
My words for the week:

Friendship, like an heirloom pewter teapot or vintage walnut table, grows more lovely and valuable in the hands of daily use.
unknown

Fall Has Finally Arrived

2010-09-29T21:50:00.001-04:00

Fall came in with a thunderstorm and I have been enjoying every minute and raindrop. Well Rusty hasn't. He hates getting his feet wet! I have to carry him outside and find a dry spot under something so he can potty. Then I have to carry him back inside. Yeah, he has me trained very well. He comes and looks at me with those big brown eyes and I get up and take him to potty. The windows and doors are all open with the scent of rain filling the rooms. We may be having lots of rain and flooding but we also have cooler temps that feel wonderful. This weekend bring nighttime lows in the 40's which will be cool enough for a small fire. I just love sitting by the woodstove reading, drinking a cup of hot tea, and listening to the crackle of the fire. Winter will be here soon! Despite the rain we have been raking pens, cleaning cages, moving things around to get the animals all settled in for cold weather. I don't like to even think they might be chilled or wet so we made sure all the stalls, houses, cages, etc were draft free and dry. Have been finishing up with the herb garden. Got a few more to put in the dehydrator and then all the herbs will be done for the year. Have a few more peppers to pick from the garden along with the last of the cherry tomatoes. Still have carrots and leeks and that will be it for the summer garden. The broccoli, brussel sprouts, turnip greens, and green beans are doing good in the fall garden. This rain came at the right time for them. We have about 5 or 6 loads of wood to split and stack. Several loads of logs to cut up before splitting and stacking. I believe the old saying that firewood heats you twice. Once cutting and the other burning. I have one bucket of pears left to put up and ketchup to make. Since we will be having rain tomorrow will spend the day in the kitchen getting those done. The chores that seemed to drain my energy this summer are going smoothly and fast now. Fall just brings more energy when it arrives. I spent some time this afternoon mending. That has me back in the mood to stitch on my projects so I got out my needlework basket and will be stitching, knitting, and crocheting some each evening. The one thing about farm life is it does slow down a little bit in cold weather. Leaving more time and energy for fun projects. Been keeping several blog friends and their families in my prayers. My heart goes out to them. As you go about your evening count your blessings and say a prayer for your blog friend or neighbor. It really does help. Have a blessed evening!

Miracle at Hidden Haven

2010-09-27T08:02:00.001-04:00

For those that don't know the story of the Sister and her eggs you can go here. The two chicks have been doing great. They have been eating, drinking, chasing each other and just being adorable. The other three eggs just sat there for days doing nothing. I thought I had made a mistake in not putting them in the incubator. Saturday night we decided we would toss the eggs Sunday morning. Sunday morning we saw this

Another chick was hatching! I was so excited and glad we hadn't tossed the eggs earlier. One of the eggs was bad though. As we lifted each egg to listen for peeps and pecks you could tell by the smell. We made a tiny hole to be sure and it was just a rotten egg. But if this one was hatching we had hope for the last one.

And a mini me Sister was hatched!

Last night we saw this.

A tiny peck that soon turned into this

So all night we kept checking and so did its siblings

And this morning at 6:30AM it hatched!

Another mini me Sister! The first two chicks aren't from Sister's eggs. She took another hens but the last two are truly hers. I am so happy to have a part of her live on and hope at least one of them is going to be a hen like Sister. What a miracle! After losing Sister to have her eggs go on and hatch without her or the help of a incubator. A true blessing.

Breakfast At Hidden Haven

2010-09-26T14:25:00.000-04:00

Buttons eating breakfast while sharing her sweet delightful milk.

Tinker has her bowl of dogfood mixed with milk and egg every morning.

Precious waiting on Tinker and Butttons before eating her breakfast.

Chicken Little and the White gang chowing down.

Dudley Do Right and his hens having breakfast. Yes, that is a white rooster. He thought theirs looked better than his.

Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Ann Margret enjoying the morning. Demi and Dolly kinda stick to theirselves in the back lot.

Fred and Tessa sharing their meal.

John Henry Jr. watching over his ladies as they dine. The white rooster followed me on down to their pen and John Henry knows he doesn't belong.

The baby chicks eat so fast they don't even taste what they are eating.

Hickory Doo and his friends are very well mannered.

Tramp had his biscuit and is watching Wizard, Daniel, and the rose combs eat. He is happier with his feathered friends sharing his pen.

Polly has already buried her biscuit but is eating the slice of bread I gave her.

Smokey is pregnant and just nibbles in the mornings. She prefers eating around lunchtime.

Pandora prefers to eat her bread first then her rabbit food.

Porky is pregnant and think she is eating for 15 I guess as she always grabs the bread from my hand before I can place it in the cage. She eats the bread and her food in a matter of minutes.

Jack Sparrow likes his bread broken up for him and saves his rabbit food for later.

Oreo loves his bread and would eat it all day if given to him.

Rocky wants his morning head scratch before he dines.

What? you never seen a pig eat before? I get into my food.

Precious wondering whats so special about the pig food that makes everyone want to get into it.

Buttons stealing bread from my hand as I was trying to give it to a rabbit.

Dotty's baby piglets getting right into the food bowl as they eat breakfast. Dotty always saves them some of hers even though they have their own and still nurse.
That is some of what goes on around here at breakfast time. The noise is loud as each one calls to you to feed them first though they know the feed order and that it never changes. On the weekend its like they are more laid back and quiet. They wait patiently their turn without calling out to me. They seem to talk to me as I feed them and listen as I talk back to them. Breakfast for humans is more like a brunch since its so late but I love serving breakfast to my animal family and wouldn't have it any other way.

The Reason I Fill The Birdfeeders Everyday

2010-09-25T08:16:00.002-04:00

Look real close inside the blue feeder. Mr. Squirrel and his friends had already partied down on the other ones. Notice on the back of the center post is a squirrel feeder. They eat on that when the birdfeeders are empty. I have several of those around in different places along with ears of corn for them and even peanuts! As I eat breakfast I watch the feeders. The birds come early, then the squirrels, then I refill and the birds and the squirrels chase each other off the rest of the day. I now have 19 feeders to fill each day. I don't mind though as I sure get enjoyment out of watching.
Edited to add that all the bird and squirrel food was free. Tractor Supply had bags of outdated feed and found bugs in a couple bags so was going to throw all of it out. I asked the manager if I could have it and now I have plenty of food for the birds and squirrels.

Just A Simple Homesteader

2010-09-23T23:03:00.000-04:00

Years ago I lived in Florida for 5 years. I was a city girl and the only gardens I had were flower ones. I didn't have a single pet believe it or not. I was too busy. I had the perfect job. I traveled around Brevard County doing labwork for the nursing homes and drug treatment centers. I was driving down the highways at 4:30AM to get all my early morning labs done and was back home by 9AM or 10AM at the latest. Unless I was paged I was done for the day. The pay was fantastic. The job wonderful and I got to spend most of my free time on a boat or in the water scuba diving. During this time I had 15 different foreign exchange students stay with me. Sometimes there was only one and others as many as 3. I traveled to Cancun with my dive club. I was either at West Palm Beach diving or spending the weekend on a houseboat relaxing down one of Florida's many rivers. I had a beautiful home, a convertible, and lots of fun hobbies. It was a good 5 years. Now I am a country girl with a few flower gardens, lots of veggie and herb gardens. I have way too many animals though I am still too busy. I don't have a job per say but I work way more hours and every weekend. I don't do much traveling. I don't spend anytime on a boat except for the occasional canoe ride. I haven't been scuba diving in forever. Haven't had any exchange students though we do have Kuma staying with us till her owners come back from Germany. My home is now a small 3 bedroom farm cottage. The convertible is now a pickup truck and my hobbies are down to sewing and reading. Yes, I liked my life in Florida but I love my homesteading life. There are days when one of my animal family is sick, hurt, or even dies. It breaks my heart and makes me feel like I failed in someway. There are days when I wish I could sleep in and not take care of the animals or anything relating to homesteading for the day. Those days are far and few between and all I have to do is get out of bed. The dogs are ready to greet me. The cats are waiting on the porch for their breakfast and time with me. The other animals are calling good morning to me. With the sad or bad days that happen I still wouldn't trade this life for city fun life ever. There are far too many good days. Never being caught up on chores around here is just something to look forward to the next day.I'll take raking and shoveling animal poo over scuba diving any day. I am a homesteader and proud of it!

Sister

2010-09-22T19:34:00.001-04:00

The day started out sadly.Sister decided to lay and sit on eggs in the goat stall. I fixed a little house over her nest so Tinker, Buttons and Precious wouldn't bother her. They never even seemed to know she was there. That is until this morning when one of the chicks hatched and started peeping. Tinker heard and knocked the house over to get to the hen that was trespassing on goat property. Before we could get to her she had Sister by the neck trying to take her back to where she thought she belonged. Sister is a tiny little hen that I have had for years because she loves hatching eggs and was such a good mom. Tinker didn't mean to hurt her but she did and Sister died. We brought the newly hatched chick and the other 4 eggs into the house. We put them in a box with a heat lamp over them and thermometer in the box to keep temp regulated. I didn't want to put them in the incubator as I wanted to keep them all together. (yeah, I am overly sensitive like that). A couple hours later another egg started to hatch and by lunchtime we had another baby chick. Rusty is wanting to mother them so badly. He made a good mommy for one of our baby pigs.

We shall see if the other ones hatch or not in a few days. The two are doing very well right now.

I am so sad about Sister. I had her, Sister Sister, and Sister Sister Sister that I could always count on to hatch and care for chicks. I let a FFA student have Sister Sister so he could hatch eggs and I sold Sister Sister Sister to a farmer that needed a broody hen. Sister was my favorite of the 3 and was the sweetest little hen. she would sit on and hatch anything for me.

Tinker spent the day away from her beloved goats and in a pen with some chickens. We want to teach her they are part of her family too. She never bothered them at all but then again they weren't around the goats. This evening I am going to bring a hen in the goat pen and watch to see what Tinker does. Somehow we have to train her not to hurt the other animals while guarding the goats. Goodbye Sweet Sister and I am so sorry I wasn't able to save you so you could hatch and raise your chicks.

Fall Babies

2010-09-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

Henny Penny has a habit of getting out of her pen after breakfast. She spends the day roaming around the farm and meeting me back at the gate to the pen to be let in for supper. I noticed she stopped meeting me and figured she had decided to stay out with the hens that rather roam around the farm then be in the chicken pens. Well yesterday she greeted me with 9 baby chicks following along behind her. Seems she had been secretly laying and sitting on eggs. Now she and babies are happy to be safely in a pen just for them.

Dotty's baby piglets are fat and fun to watch. That is when they aren't napping. They love to stir up dust running in circles chasing each other.

Frugal Livingroom Redo

2010-09-21T22:11:00.000-04:00

For those that don't know we live in a small home made from a 1940's Army building. The livingroom use to be pale yellow with green and rose slip covers.

It was a cozy but cluttered livingroom. Now the walls are a goldish tan color, painted with paint William's daughter didn't want to use on her house. The sofa and love seat are blue/white and tiny bits of gold plaid. They are the reason we went to Raleigh. They were given to William because his friend was getting new furniture. They are lazy boy with the sofa having a queen size hidden bed and the love seat having a double. I had white shears already. Kept my braided room size rug. Painted the old plank floor with some of the paint given to us by a lawn care customer. Kept my flower pictures but rearranged. I collected them over the years from yardsales, thriftstores, and flea markets. They are all part of a set but none were bought at the same time. Moved my mother's quilt to the corner behind the recliner which was given to us by a friend. My lamps I purchased several years ago at a auction. The computer desk is one of our old office desks. The antique secretary desk I use alot was purchased at a estate sale 5 years ago. The bookshelf is a yardsale purchase from 2 years ago and everything else in the room has been here for years. Just fresh paint and a rearrange and tada!

Sorry the photos are dark. I was so busy today I didn't get a chance to take pictures till tonight.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love You Tomorrow

2010-09-20T19:31:00.000-04:00

It's only a day away. Now you can thank me for keeping that song going round and round your mind all night. I am in the middle of painting and redoing my livingroom. Almost done and promise to post tomorrow with pictures.Loving this redo as the only money I have invested is new roller brushes for my paint roller. Will tell you all about tomorrow but now I must try to get some of the paint off me and feed the dogs before they think I look tasty! Have a very blessed night.

Checking My Stats

2010-09-18T19:03:00.001-04:00

Every once in awhile I will check my stats to see where visitors to my blog come from. I also enjoy checking to see what they google that lands them on my blog. I am not sure what a granny hidden is but guess they were surprised their search brought them to me and that granny hidden was googled several times. Nice to see my lavender candle was a favorite response to google but am puzzled over a search for lap rug motorcycle. How do you keep a lap rug on on a motorcycle and how on earth does Rusty being my lap rug bring them to my blog? As for a formal dinner in Fayetteville, not going to happen here at the homestead so know they were disappointed in landing here during that search. Like I said it is fun checking the stats and guess I should do it more often. I have my favorite blog friends and neighbors you can click on at the top of my page if you are looking for new blogs to read or just want to skip through blogs for ideas. Have a blessed evening!

				Query	Landing Page
				granny hidden	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				homesteading blog	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homesteading blog	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				how to make a lavender candle	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				hidden haven homestead	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homesteading blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homesteading blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				red cupboards	2007/12/kitchen-photos.html
				how to make lavender candles	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				how to make lavender candles	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				how to make lavender candles	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				making lavender candels	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				making lavender candels	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				hidden granny	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				how to make lavender candles	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				hidden granny	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/

				homesteading bloggers	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				christmasstockingexchange	2008/11/annual-christmas-stocking-exchange.html
				hiddenhaven blog	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				how to make lavender candles	2007/01/make-your-own-lavender-candle.html
				Hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homesteading blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				"lap rug" motorcycle	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				grannys favorites	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				hidden granny	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homestead blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				formal dinner place fayetteville nc	2005/08/fayetteville-nc.html
				jacob bowman blog	2007/01/journal-of-jacob-bowman.html
				hidden granny	2010/06/grannys-favorite.html
				HIDDEN HAVEN HOMESTEAD	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				homesteading blogs	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				"SWAP ideas" + "clothes pins"	2006/04/my-swap-package-has-arrived.html
				hidden haven homestead blogspot	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/
				hiddin haven blog	http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/

Where The Heck Is Fall?

2010-09-17T20:47:00.000-04:00

We have broken records for having the most days in the 90's. The last time it was this hot for this long was in 2007 and we broke that record. We are suppose to be having 80's during the day and low 50's at night. Suppose to but NOT. I am so ready to go back to the mountains where it was nice and cool and I slept under a blanket and quilt. In case some of you didn't know by now I am not a summer person. The colder the better I say. You can always add more clothing to stay warm but you can only take so much off to get cooler before you get arrested! I rode with William to Raleigh today. He was going to see a guy that lived in a apartment right down town. I haven't been downtown Raleigh since the 70's and I haven't missed much. It is still bumper to bumper, accidents causing traffic to come to a standstill, everyone in a rush, and no open spaces. How do they breathe? Everyone and everything is on top of each other. Fayetteville is a large city but at least its spread out and more open. I guess besides not being a summer person I am not a city person either. We live right on the city limit and county line so I am not exactly out in the boonies. Feels like it though as there is a swamp behind me and woods all around. Have close neighbors but still plenty of room between us to breathe and enjoy homesteading. So Raleigh you may be my state capital but there is no reason for me to visit you again for another 40 years (well at least the downtown part as you have some nice neighborhoods on the outskirts).

One good and funny thing happened on the way home. I was telling William we needed to get hay for the goats and he said he would pick some up on the way home. About 5 minutes later on the side of the interstate was a bale of hay. It had fell off someones truck. Of course we went down the road a couple of miles, turned around and went back the other way a couple of miles and turned back in the right direction and picked it up.

I told William I didn't think he meant he was going to pick up hay for the goats that way! So a free bale of nice hay was worth a trip to the big city but next time I think I will just go buy hay. You have a blessed night!

Tinkerbell

2010-09-16T20:39:00.001-04:00

When we first got Tinker she sat in my lap on the way home and I carried her to the pen in my arms.

She was a cute little thing weighing around 15 lbs.

In just a couple of months she has grown! Tinker now weighs 45lbs! She is still in the puppy stage and gets into everything. She is almost as tall as Buttons the goat.She still herds the goats into their stall for reasons known only to her. She will not allow the geese or ducks anywhere near the goats. She loves her squeaky toys and will play with them for hours much to our neighbors dismay. She is slowly becoming mature and responsible. Very slowly but she is getting there. Hopefully the goats and I can survive till then.

Happy Belated Birthday J

2010-09-14T22:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was grandson J's birthday. We celebrated his, Q's and H's birthday Saturday with a cookout. I still wanted to wish him a very happy birthday yesterday but this grandma got busy and forgot. Sorry J but it was good talking to you this evening on the phone. Can't believe how tall you are getting for 9 years old! J is the quiet one in the family. He is so quiet that the rest of the kids didn't realize he wasn't up, eating breakfast, or on the school bus one day last week. Melody was checking the house before leaving for work and found him still asleep in bed. She stays downstairs out of the way while they all get ready for school before going up to get ready for work so she didn't know he wasn't on the bus. LOL J is also on a wrestling team and does really well.He loves to fish, ride dirt bikes and of course play video games. I love it when I can get him to sit and talk about anything because he usually just listens and lets everyone else do the talking. Happy Birthday J!

The picture below is all of Melody's children. Z is 13, W is 15, J is 12, H is 14, and J turned 9 Monday.

My Short Trip To The Mountains

2010-09-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

We left home around 4:45AM Saturday. Rusty thought that was way too early and spent 90% of the trip sleeping in my arms. The other time was taking his potty breaks or eating his snacks. Was a nice drive until we got about 2 hours away and the rain started. Rained heavy most of the rest of the way and of course Q's football game was canceled. He was so disappointed. He had friends over the night before for his birthday. Saturday was a family cookout and everyone made it except Maggie and family. She got called into work so wasn't able to make it. Though the game was canceled we got to watch a dvd of Q's last week game when he ran out of his shoes. It was exciting getting to watch it though I so miss seeing his games in person. I did get to see one football player. Brother J got Q's helmet and football and spent the afternoon throwing the ball at anyone that would catch it. He sure has grown!

Baby E is crawling everywhere now. She can pitch a fit to get her way too. G was a big help with her. She would hold and play with her while we got everything ready for the indoor cookout. (thanks to the heavy rain)

Granddaughter H was so bored without her cellphone. Seems she doesn't get it back till the end of the month. Grandma felt sorry for her and let her use mine. The smile never left her face after that nor did she talk much as her fingers went like lighting across the keypad as she text.

Melody and I wore everyone out taking pictures. We even took pictures of each other taking pictures. We are crazy like that.

Joseph and William spent most of the afternoon talking farming and woodcutting. Oh, and motorcycles. That was a long topic between them that we couldn't interrupt to tell them to eat.

Megan spent a lot of time in the kitchen but boy was the food good! Hamburgers and hotdogs ended up being cooked inside but they were still yummy. Baked beans, mac n cheese, several kinds of chips, chili, slaw and brownies made everyone have a full tummy.

Z has grown so tall! He is only 13 but way taller than me. Love his sense of humor. He has the best comeback answers that sometimes land him in a little trouble with his parents but still make you laugh.

All of us girls sat around and talked after we ate. Pop Pop took the boys fishing and Megan and I took the girls to Fun Factory. The fishing went well for an hour then a big storm came in and fishing was done for the evening. Since I hadn't seen the grands in a long time they all stayed the night with me at Megan's except W. He went home with Melody and Joseph, Baby E and Brother J. We were going to stay up watching movies all night but this grandma bailed out at 10:30 and they stayed up till 4:30AM! We got everyone up Sunday morning and I took the grands to Melody's and picked up Rusty. He had spent the weekend with W and Z's cat and baby kittens. Visited with Melody for a little while then it was time to hit the road. We hope to go back next month so we can see Q play in one of his games.

But I got to see my family and my beautiful NC mountains! I was very blessed. The weather was so nice and cool that I wore long sleeves all day. I slept so peaceful under a blanket and quilt. Just love that mountain air.

Going home the temps got hotter and the humidity came back. Every mile home reminded me of the wonderful mountains I left behind. Even though it was hot I had a lap "rug" keeping me warm all the way home.

Prayer Request

2010-09-12T19:40:00.001-04:00

Back home and will post about my wonderful weekend tomorrow. Tonight I would like to ask everyone to say a prayer for my grandson W and his best friend C. W. and C. have been best friends since 3rd grade (in 10th now). They are always together. Either at C's or W's house and both homes treated the other's child like their own. Not going into a lot of details but this weekend was C's birthday and he had W and some other friends over for the night. A very tragic thing happened and C's mom died. W and C found her and needless to say they both are devastated. Please say a prayer for these boys that they can get through the shock, stress, hurt, and sadness. Please say a special prayer for C. Losing his mom has left him with no parents. He is with his grandfather right now but will be staying a lot with W. after the services. His mom was a beautiful, happy, full of life lady that everyone loved when they met her. She was a fantastic mom and super friend to my daughter Melody.

Almost Time

2010-09-09T21:42:00.000-04:00

Only one more day to get through before heading to the mountains! Our neighbor is feeding the animals for us and another neighbors DIL is milking Buttons.All the neighbors are going to take turns checking on the house and animals while we are gone. Tramp, Tinker and Kuma will be guarding the place with neighbor Chuck looking over whenever they bark. Every instruction has been written down on paper, put in water proof baggies, taped to the feeding table. I didn't stop there, oh no. I wrote how to feed each animal on a index card and attached it to their cage, pen, stall, etc. This isn't needed as the neighbor has been helping feed with us so he knows how when we leave and the DIL has milked goats and cows all her life and works for a Vet. I am just wanting to make sure each animal gets their special attention and treats. I know there will be phone calls made but I will try not to be too big of a pest. I have been boxing up things to take to the girls and their families. I am giving my santa collection to Megan and her daughter. Maggie and her daughters are getting my nutcracker collection and Melody is getting the birdhouse collection. These are things I don't decorate with any longer but they can add them to their own collection. Also dish sets, household items, things that I decluttered and packed away. Didn't want to sell them because of memories so will pass them on for more memory making. They will enjoy the things and I have gotten more things out of the way. Looking forward to a family cookout at Megan's. Q's 13th birthday is Saturday, as well as 3 other grands in the next few weeks so we are celebrating them all together before going to the football game. I have packed my red sweatshirt ( team colors are red and white) as the nights are cool in the mountains. I have my goat bell packed to ring at the game and my sign cheering the Franklin Panthers is ready. Have my camera batteries all charged and ready to take lots of pictures. Cooler sitting ready to pack, suitcase packed, dogs had their baths though Rusty is the only one going with us. Kuma will stay home this trip since we will be on the go alot and she hasn't been there before. Rusty will love it as he is going back where he came from. Everything that can be done is done. Things that can't be done till tomorrow are on my list just itching to be marked off. Tomorrow night will bring little sleep as I plan on getting up way before daylight and going to my beautiful mountains and family. If laptop is ready tomorrow I will be taking it along and check in but if not I will be back Sunday night with lots of pics and stories. Have a blessed weekend!

Hard Hat Season

2010-09-08T09:12:00.002-04:00

It's a blessing having so many big beautiful oak trees. They give a cooling canopy of shade during the summer's heat that has been really needed. Now that fall is near the leaves are falling but so are the acorns from all the these trees. Sounds like rocks hitting the roofs of the house and outbuildings around here. The noise doesn't bother me so much but getting hit in the head, shoulder or back with those acorns while doing chores is a pain! Our neighbors don't have these trees in their yards so I wonder what they think when they keep hearing us yell ouch, oh, that hurt, dang it that one got me on the top of the head?

We have been collecting and saving windows to build a green house this fall. We found some at the dump, some at curbs, and friends gave us some but we really lucked up on Craigs List. A kind gentleman listed 17 brand new windows still wrapped for free. We emailed and he called and the windows are now here waiting to be part of our greenhouse. I just love Craigs List!

Have a very blessed day!!

My Play House

2010-09-06T22:18:00.002-04:00

A week ago a nice lady was giving away a play house on Craigs list. I emailed her and ask her if no one with children wanted it I would love to have it. My first intention was to make a goat house out of it. She emailed a few days later to say the people that wanted it never showed up to get it and it was mine! Once we got it home I knew it would not be a goat house. It is going to be a part of my flower garden in front of the house. We tilled up the ground where I wanted the house to sit. We put down a old torn up tarp so it would kill the grass and weeds. The tarp should rot and go back into the soil in a year or so. We put the house where I wanted it and tomorrow will start putting down soil and mulch to make a wild flower garden on each side and in back of the play house. My wonderful blog friend Melissa has the most beautiful flowers growing in her front yard that I love and she has offered me some seeds from her flower garden! Melissa has been a friend for several years and such a inspiration. By next spring I hope to have the flower garden of my dreams. I am making a wooden fence to put along the front and have stepping stones for a walking path to the front door. The play house has windows that open, a little porch on the side with built in benches, a cute little door, a mailbox that we have to put back up by the door, and the cute little wooden outdoor chair set. I didn't have a real play house growing up. I always made mine under the trees or under the porch but now I have my very own! I might even let the neighborhood kids play in it sometime.LOL

Will post pictures of this project as I go along. The best part is it was free!

Congrats To Grandson

2010-09-05T15:17:00.000-04:00

Grandson "Q" 's team played Cherokee last night. Cherokee has always won as they are a big strong team. Everyone dreads playing them because they come home from the game injured, wore out, few points, and defeated. Q's team lost last night BUT... The score was 22 to 20! A very close game. Q got switched to receiver and made the first touchdown for his team. The other team did all their scoring in the first half with score 22 to 0 at halftime. Q's team held them the last half and did their scoring. Q also scored the last points of the game by running a two point conversion. He told me when he saw the big guys waiting to pounce on him he just put his helmet down and ran as hard as he could. He ran so hard he ran out of his shoes! Everyone had a good laugh afterwards when he went back to get them but he was so happy he didn't care. I am so looking forward to next weekend when I can be there in person to cheer him and his team on.

Buttons

2010-09-04T07:58:00.002-04:00

Boy am I thirsty!

In a past post I wrote about Buttons getting into the pig mash. William mixes it up each evening for the next day using pig feed, sweet feed, corn, bread, and water. It sits overnight so am sure with the heat it ferments a little. Buttons loves it! William can't sit the bucket down without her sticking her head in for a drink. Yes, a drink. She only likes the liquid from the mash.

Why don't I get this stuff in my water bucket?

Needless to say Buttons always goes off and has a wonderful nap after drinking her "mash" or if she sneaks a drink in evening feed she sleeps like a baby all night. In fact she didn't wake up when we went through her pen to hang a light when Dotty was having her babies. She usually cries when she hears us talking until we give her some attention. She never knew we were even around.

Tipsy? Not me!

Thanks Kelly for telling me how to get my pictures where I want them.

Dotty's Five Babies

2010-09-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

Finally figured out how to get the milk out!

Waiting to go back to mommy

Falling asleep with a full tummy

Putting them with Dotty to nurse for the first time

Runt Rudy being born

Dotty had a very easy labor and delivery of 5 beautiful black babies. She let me sit and rub her back during contractions and then let me take each piglet, clean it up and place it in a blanket till she was finished having babies. Dotty is a wonderful mom even though its her first time. After all the piglets were born she was so good about being still so I could place them on her teats to nurse. Congratulations Dotty and Pork Chop!

Let it be know I hate the new way blogger does photos! I cannot get them to stay where I put them in the post so they are all out of order! Sorry

A Little Bit of Earl and A Lot of Rambling

2010-09-02T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today has been nice and windy. Earl is giving us wind but no rain. Can't complain as its nice and cool. Tomorrow is suppose to 100F before turning back to more fall like weather. I took a photo of the outdoor eating area with the lights on but forgot William was working on a friends 4 wheeler and had his toolbox and tools sitting everywhere. The dehydrator has pineapple sage in it today. I am loving drying all my own herbs. I cook with them alot so this will save me lots of money and they will be fresher.My friend Amelia that sent me the box of beautiful linens sent me another package! This one contained her mom's Red Cross apron and hat. I remember when I was a little girl mother and her friend Lucy being Red Cross workers at the hospital. I was so proud to see her in her uniform. Mother didn't drive so her friend Lucy would drive from her home in Rosman, NC to Brevard, NC to pick up mother. They would work for a few hours then Lucy would bring mother home. There is a photo somewhere of mother in her Red Cross uniform. I want to find it and make a shadow box using Amelia's mom's apron and hat with mother's photo in her uniform. Thank you Amelia for sharing something so special with me. I will cherish them. We have 13 baby chicks. Some are Rhode Island Reds and the rest are Black Giants. Tractor Supply gave them to us. They sell chicks for a certain amount of time and any that are left at the end of their sale get to come to Hidden Haven. They even send customers our way if they are looking for a chick or bunny. Love our Tractor Supply! Made more grape jelly today so that finishes up our grapes for the year. Our beans are all gone as well as tomatoes only have a few left to pick. The fall garden is doing really well though we have to water it for now. With all the storms out in the Atlantic I think some rain will eventually find its way here. Have a couple more free things from Craigs list and curb finds to post about. Really hitting the jackpot lately and making some nice things from them. Will try to get pics of those up tomorrow. Right now Dotty our pot belly pig is in labor so I am off to play midwife. Dotty started out being someone else's pig that we were taking care of but somewhere along the way a deal was made by William and his friend to make Dotty part of Hidden Haven family. Have a blessed night!

Trash Day

2010-09-01T16:36:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was take the garbage off day. As soon as we start carrying the trash bags to the truck Kuma and Rusty are right there waiting for the truck door to open. Kuma always starts out in the back seat for about 5 minutes before deciding to join the rest of us in the front. Rusty starts out with his head hanging out the window barking at the neighbors dogs before watching to make sure Kuma is getting more rubs and scratches than him. Kuma's mom calls Rusty Kuma's mini me and I have to agree. They are together all the time and look a lot alike. I did remember to take the leash this time. On the way home we have to put a leash on Kuma to get her out of the truck. No leash means she sits in the seat of the truck and growls at you if you try to get her out. A leash means you just have to give it a tiny tug and say come Kuma and she hops right out. A lesson I will never forget again. LOL

On My Soap Box

2010-08-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

Two of my daughters had a disagreement with feelings getting hurt and some things done wrong. One backed away from the other and wouldn't talk to her or answer voicemails. It wasn't too long though and things were forgiven and forgotten. Though they learned and grew from the problem, its in the past where it belongs. Each one of us have a past. Each one of us have wronged or hurt someone. Each one of us have been forgiven and the problem forgotten. It made us stronger and hopefully we never make that mistake again. What bothers me is how some people seem to flame the embers of others mistakes. They don't want them to die down. They don't want to see that person move on and be a stronger better person. They seem to forget their own past and all their mistakes. They seem to forget the forgiving and forgetting others did for them. I use to be guilty of that. Use to feel like I almost hated this person at times. Thought she was a spoiled brat that was trying her best to create problems for me at every turn. We both did wrong and we both hurt each other. But that is in the past. She has grown from her mistakes. I have grown from mine and though we aren't best buddies we are letting the past be the past. We are taking each day as it comes without worrying what the other is going to say or do. It sure feels good to not have hate in my heart. It sure feels good to let the past be the past and enjoy each day God gives me to the fullest. If you find yourself giving someone a hard time about their past mistakes. Or just ignoring them because of their past mistakes take a good look in the mirror. Remember you have a past and remember how good it felt it was forgiven and forgotten. Can't you do the same?

A Little of This and That

2010-08-30T20:17:00.001-04:00

It was so nice to get chilly this morning while feeding. Love, love, love these cool nights and mornings. That just means winter is right around the corner! I can't wait to sit by a nice warm fire with a nice hot cup of tea listening to the cold winter winds blowing outside.

Today was a busy but productive one. There are 6 racks of cinnamon sage in the dehydrator, 5 pints of pear preserves and 8 pints of pear butter cooling on the kitchen counter. Broccoli, collards, cucumbers, and turnip greens are all coming up in the fall garden nicely. I picked tomatoes, peppers, okra, and a watermelon out of one of the summer gardens. Gave Kuma and Rusty a much needed bath, vacuumed the rugs, swept and mopped the floors, raked the chicken pens, cleaned the rabbit cages and raked all the poop and carried to the mulch pile. Yes, it was a nice busy but hot day. I am hoping the hot days will be over after this week. Am hoping Hurricane Earl blows in the fall weather.

Had nice phone chats with Maggie and Megan today. Maggie is absolutely loving her new job. The girls are loving school, well except for some reason "K" doesn't like home ec. Who doesn't like home ec????? They were going to the library after school till Maggie picked them up but seems they got into a little trouble and now go to the Boys and Girls club. Maggie can relax and not worry about them while she finishes up at work.
Megan is loving her new apartment, still loving working at the doctors office and still walking the track and losing weight. I got to talk to G and Q. G had a slumber party for her birthday. She had 5 girls sleep over or should I say stay over as I doubt there was much sleeping going on. Q is playing football again this year. He is running back on offense and quarterback on defense or at least I think that's the positions he told me. He made 3 first downs when he had the ball. He made 7 tackles, blocked a field goal and something else this bad grandma forgot. I went to every game last year but this year am only getting to go to one. Q asked me to come to his game on Sept. 11th. Its his birthday but he has a home game that night. I am going to be there with my cowbell, signs, and my screaming voice. I can't wait to see him play. He is very excited this year and told me his name and number were announced over the speaker after more plays the first game than it was the whole time last year. I think he has finally found his niche in football.
Didn't talk to Melody today but she had college classes as well as work. She had a awesome weekend though (read her facebook page). They went to a family reunion and then spent the afternoon watching old movies as a family. Sounds pretty relaxing to me.

Today is my oldest brother Marshall's 69th birthday. He lives in beautiful Sapphire Valley, NC. I don't see him very often or even talk often on the phone but know he is always there for me. I am the baby of the family so he and my other brother Don always looked out for me. They may have been mean to me sometimes and teased me all the time growing up but no one else could ever mess with me or they had my brothers to deal with. Marshall is loving retirement. He hardly ever goes off his mountain. He doesn't like or have answering machine, computer, microwave, toaster, or most small appliances. He loves to fly fish and tie his on flies. He loves having his grandkids spend the summer with him. They help in his garden and go fishing with him. His wife died years ago but he enjoys cooking for grands and the rest of the family. He was blonde headed, blue eyed and tall growing up. The rest of us were short, brown or black headed with brown eyes. He took after my grandpa while the rest of us took after daddy and mother. The picture is of mother, Marshall and Don. Taken before I was even a twinkle in daddy's eye. LOL Happy Birthday Big Brother! Hope I catch you by the phone later.

Cool Weather and a Drunk Goat

2010-08-27T02:12:00.001-04:00

The doors and windows have been opened for the past couple of days. The cooler weather is suppose to continue through the weekend. I am enjoying every second and so are the animals. The chickens are running around scratching and taking dust baths instead of sleeping the day away. The turkeys are strutting proudly with their feathers all spread out instead of sticking their head under their wings. The ducks have came back out of the woods and enjoying sunbathing. The pigs are rooting around instead of spending the day sleeping in their mud holes. The goats are back to seeing what all they can find to get into before Tinker catches them and herds them to their room for punishment. Tinker is enjoying her squeaky toy almost all day long much to our and I am sure the neighbors dislike. Tramp and Daniel have come out of the hole Tramp dug for them to nap in and are actually stretched out in the sun napping their days away. Kuma and Rusty are enjoying having the doors open as its easy for them to push the screen door and go outside on their own. They just need lessons from Whiskers and Troubles how to use their paw to open it so they can come back in on their own. I have enjoyed raking all the chicken pens, restrawing the nesting boxes and just tidying the animals homes. Feels good to work outside and not be dripping wet with sweat after 5 minutes. Love listening to the birds singing and the animals talking to each other. For some strange reason we are covered up with black birds. If you ever saw the movie "The Birds" with all the trees filled with birds just sitting there. Well the trees here are loaded with black birds. You go outside and hear their loud chirping and look up to see them sitting on all the limbs just looking at you. Kinda creepy in a way but also nice seeing so many. Had a nice laugh over Buttons the milk goat today. William mixes up cracked corn, hog feed, sweet feed, bread and water in a barrel each evening. He feeds the pigs with it the next morning and evening. By sitting overnight the corn ferments a little but the pigs love it. So does Buttons. She somehow found a way to get to the barrel and help herself to some before Tinker found her and sounded the alarm. The fermenting corn made Buttons a bit shall we say tipsy. She tried her best to get back to the hog feed and when William fed the pigs she followed him around waiting on him to set the bucket down so she could have another swig, I mean taste of the mash. It made her feel so happy she was running and playing tag with Precious. Playing king of the mountain on a stump with Tinker, and being loving and sweet with me. She usually tries to steal rabbit and chicken feed from me while I am feeding. She gave all of us including the other animals a good chuckle before she decided to take a early bedtime. I went out a couple times tonight to check on everyone and she was snoring away. Poor Precious and Tinker are having a rough night of it. Besides the snoring Buttons is passing some pretty strong gas!

Frugal and Free Projects

2010-08-23T19:13:00.000-04:00

I got the glider and chair sanded and first coat of paint on. I need one more coat and this project will be finished. The glider and chair were free. The paint was in the box of paints given to me. The 2 throw pillows were in a box of items at the curb in front of a house in one of our lawn customers neighborhood. So this project cost me zero! I found some brick stepping stones on craigslist for free. We had to go to Ft. Bragg and carry them from the backyard to the pickup. There were 80 of them and 40 bricks but it was worth the backaches. We took the wooden floor with outdoor carpet up and put the stones down. Now its a much nicer outdoor kitchen and eating area. We already had the patio set and canopy. We also had a nice hanging light that we put above the table. I did spend $5 at a yardsale for 3 sets of string patio lights. The original price was $12.99 a set and none of the boxes had even been opened so I got a great bargain. For the frugal cost of $5 I now have a very relaxing and enjoyable ourdoor dining area. 2 projects down and a bunch more to go!

New House On The Homestead

2010-08-20T18:30:00.001-04:00

Last week I found a mailbox still attached to the post in the dumpster when we took our trash. Of course it had to come home with me. I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. Painted it with paints given to me when a lady cleaned out her garage. Cut a hole in the door of the mailbox and bent the metal up to make a roof over the doorway so the birds wouldn't get wet. I had a wooden swing bird feeder that I hung close by so they wouldn't have far to go for food. Hopefully the birds will spread the word and next spring Bird Haven Cottage will be rented!

It Rained!

2010-08-19T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hearing the raindrops on the roof with thunder booms in the background was music to my ears. The animals, gardens, and yard were showing the toll of the many days of heat and humidity. Today everything looks so fresh and alive and the air just smells wonderful! Rain is called for again today and I will enjoy every drop.

Tinker, our livestock guard dog (puppy) is doing a good job with the goats. Doing her job so well we need to figure out a way to get her not to do such a good job. She is with Buttons and Precious every minute. If they go off to nibble grass or leaves she is right there watching over them. If the neighbor's dogs come up to the fence Tinker herds the goats and makes them go back to their stall. The dogs don't bark at the goats or even seem to notice them but Tinker is doing her job. The goats want to go take a nap in the sunshine, Tinker is standing over them keeping guard. A duck or goose makes the mistake of walking anywhere near them on its way to somewhere and Tinker chases the poor bird to where Tinker has decided the ducks and geese should stay and then she goes and makes Buttons and Precious get up from their nap and go back to their stall. We put a leash on Buttons each morning and lead her out of the pen and to the milk stanchion. Tinker has a fit. She rounds up Precious and makes her stand at the gate with her to watch Buttons being milked and being brought back to the pen. As soon as we take the leash off Buttons Tinker herds Buttons and Precious into their stall. If someone comes to visit Tinker herds the goats into the.... stall. The poor goats think they are being punished and sent to their rooms! I can only imagine what Tinker will be like when she is out of the puppy stage.

I have canned pickled peppers, made jams and jellies, canned the last of the green beans, cut off and froze creamed corn. I have been dehydrating herbs, peppers, and even some fruits. Now all I need is the cold winter winds and snow so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Megan is doing wonderfully. She and the children have moved into a really nice apartment close to her job and their school. They also have several friends there in the complex so are happy. She has lost 35lbs and still working on more. She walks the track every day at lunchtime and while Q has football practice. G will be having a big slumber party this weekend for her birthday bash.

Melody still has a overflowing plate. She is still working fulltime, going to school, teaching a class and is now taking a class to help abused women and men that go to the emergency room. With all that she still does a great job being there for hubby, 5 kids, and 2 foster babies. I would be in a padded room somewhere.

Maggie is very happy. She left the stress of her job and is now enjoying going to work each day in a new office with a fantastic boss. Her girls are happy they didn't have to change schools and her hubby is happy to have the smile back on his wife's face and the stress gone from her days.

William's grandson W is spending the week with us. He has been a big help with our lawncare service and with the animals here on the homestead. The neighborhood kids have enjoyed coming over to play. The tire swing hasn't had very much rest the past few days.

I had a stomach virus over the weekend that wiped me out. Felt very much like a stomach flu but only lasted 48 hours. Strange thing is William didn't get it but Kuma and Rusty did. Kuma got sick on Monday and lets just say I spent Tuesday cleaning the floor and rugs in the livingroom because she couldn't make it to the door. Rusty thank goodness was small enough to pick up and run outside with so no accidents there. Kuma felt so bad she couldn't make it outside. She hung her head and looked so sad. We didn't scold her but she wasn't happy with herself. Thank goodness their bug only lasted 24 hours but they slept the next 24. We are all back to "normal" whatever that is and William hasn't gotten sick yet.

Have a couple of book reviews to do. I actually found time to do some reading in the evenings. I love to read but haven't been having time to really enjoy taking my time over each page. The past couple of weeks I have been taking my shower and heading to bed extra early so I can relax with a good book and a cup of herbal tea. Some peaceful me time before taking the dogs out and calling it a night.

Its been a crazy few days around Hidden Haven but its been a blessed crazy time and I look forward to each day.

Computer Is Back In Business

2010-08-18T01:17:00.000-04:00

Just got back online tonight. Seems William. a glass of ice water and a laptop just don't do well together. His laptop is still in the shop but my computer is back up and running after getting a new hardrive. William is not quite out of the doghouse yet. LOL Off to catch up on everyone in the blog neighborhood and will be back to posting in the morning. Missed you guys!!!

MIA

2010-08-13T13:08:00.002-04:00

This is Melody, Peggy's daughter it would appear that my step father William is in the dog house right now for having spilled water on the lap top. As soon as William earns his way out of the dog house by having the computer serviced the blog will be taking a break.

Curb Shopping

2010-08-10T17:57:00.000-04:00

With so many things going on around here I haven't had a change to hit any yardsales. I have though found some neat things on the side of the curb that I was able to grab before the trashman arrived. We were on our way home from a lawncare customer when I saw this big long shelf. It measured 12 feet long! I didn't need one that long but I had been wanting a shelf in a certain spot for a couple of months. Thought about making one when I got the chance but all I had to do was cut this one down to 10 feet and it worked perfectly. Didn't cost me a penny and I have a small shelf from the cut that I can use somewhere else. We were doing another customers yard while she was cleaning out her garage. She put this by the curb and I ask if I could have it. I saw it being used on another blog and wanted to make my own. GrannyJ maybe you can help me out with who's blog it was on. I remember seeing it on one of your friends blogs but can't find it again. Anyway this cost zero dollars as I already had the glasses and corkscrew. I have a few other things I have found that I am painting and using around the homestead. I will save those for later.

The heat and humidity is still with us. We are doing our best to keep the animals as cool as possible and plenty of fresh cold water to drink. I keep reminding myself that fall is right around the corner and hopefully will bring cooler weather.

William worked on redoing a lady's flowerbeds today and brought home 8 Russian sage bushes and some other flowers she didn't want. We hope to set them out tonight after it cools down a little. I have the spots all ready for them so its shouldn't take long.

Some of you wonderful bloggers have been posting some yummy recipes. I have been trying them all and I must say they are wonderful. Never mind I have to work outside a extra hour or two so I can sweat off the pounds. Thank you for giving me some new things to try. The gardens are almost dried up. I am still getting tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, beans, and carrots. I am trying to get things pulled up so we can till and plant our fall gardens. I sure hope fall brings more rain than we got this summer.

Tramp is doing pretty good. He has some days were he just lays in front of Lady's doghouse and looks so sad but those days are getting further apart. He and Daniel the rooster are best buds and hang out together. Its still sad going out to feed and not having Lady meet me at her gate barking for her treat but I too am less sad each day and enjoying spending time with the animals. They have a way that just brings peace and joy when you are with them.

Grands are all excited about school starting soon. With so much going on in their lives they didn't make it down for a visit this summer. We are shooting for Christmas break having all of them for a few days. William's grandson is coming Sunday for a week. I haven't seen him in awhile but he always enjoyed helping with the animals and going fishing with his PopPop. I taught him how to ride a bike years ago so maybe he and I can take a few bike rides while he is here.

Each day brings something different to keep me busy but each day also brings many blessings. I hope your days are filled with blessings too!

Happy Birthday Raigun!

2010-08-07T21:31:00.001-04:00


Our Elvis faces for Grandma

My first fish!

Love you Grandma

Why can't I wear this to school?

I can teach you karate even if I am smaller

what's wrong with this outfit?

Raigun and Big Sis Kristine

just chilling at the beach

Today my youngest granddaughter is celebrating her birthday. It's hard to believe that she will be going into 4th grade in a couple weeks. I called to wish her a happy birthday this morning and she was getting ready for her Toy Story 3D birthday party. Raigun told me she has a boyfriend now and that she is wearing a dress to her party for him. Raigun has always been my tomboy. She has her own fashion and doesn't mind what you think of it as long as she likes it and its comfortable. A couple of years ago everything had to be Tennessee orange even with her red hair. She loves karate,4 wheeling, swimming, skateboarding, video games, and making good grades in school. She has a tender heart and always has hugs and kisses to make a frown turn into a smile. Raigun and I have a lot of summer visits in our memory books. She has always been the first one up to help with chores. She baited her own hook for fishing, washed her own clothes in the washtubs, did dishes, made soaps, and helped cook. The animals all love her as well as everyone that meets her. She has a awesome sense of humor and will keep you laughing. Raigun sorry I didn't make it to Tennessee for your birthday but I know it was a blast!

New BFF's

2010-08-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

And that smile back on Tramp's face is worth a million! I think he is going to okay without Lady.

Never Say You Are Bored Around Here

2010-08-04T14:12:00.000-04:00

Life Goes On

2010-08-03T19:46:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for your love, concern and comments about Lady and Tramp. Tramp had a rough day yesterday and a bad night last night but he is finally calming down. He was abused and set out when my daughter in law found him in the middle of a highway years ago. He was so scared of people but for some reason came to me and let me pet him so of course he came home with me. Lady took over watching out for and caring for him. He was never away from her side in all the years they were together. I sat with him for awhile yesterday evening after spending most of the day with him. When I took him out of the pen for a bath Daniel a Buff rooster of ours went into the pen. Daniel had spent a couple of days sitting right outside the pen before Lady died. Daniel has taken it upon himself to be Tramp's new best friend. He walks around the dog pen with Tramp and sits beside him when Tramp is napping. Tramp doesn't seem to mind having a rooster for a friend so I am letting Daniel stay. When I put Tramp in with Polly she wanted to play and jump around but Tramp didn't. Polly is alot younger and still enjoys running and playing where Tramp is older and enjoys walks and naps. I think Tramp is still sad but will be alright staying in his pen. I did go look after getting a comment from a friend to see if he was sleeping in Lady's doghouse but he wasn't. He does lay in front of it to take his naps. I don't think getting another dog for him would work. He is old and set in his ways and Daniel the rooster seems to have the right speed and friendship at the moment.

The heat and humidity is back after a couple days of cooler weather. I am so looking forward to winter. The gardens are just about harvested out but now its time to plant the fall gardens. I have canned this year more than I have any other year so winter meals will be plentiful and good. I have been doing some decorating with curbside finds.GrannyJ and some of her blog friends have given me lots of ideas. Will post photos tomorrow. I also have been cooking new recipes thanks to Mildred and Barbara . Will post about them tomorrow also. Some days may be sad. Some days may be stressful. But overall the days here at Hidden Haven are very blessed and I am happy to have each and every day.

Goodbye Dear Lady

2010-08-01T18:32:00.001-04:00

Lady died this afternoon. (You can click on her name to read her story). She was getting old and arthritis was really giving her a hard time. The past few days the heat seem to take everything out of her. Lady just seemed to know it was her time. She struggled to get up this afternoon for her petting from William. Later she got up and came to me for her dog biscuit and treat. She went straight to lay down in front of her doghouse and just look up at me like she was so tired. I told William then she wouldn't make it through the night. She wasn't in pain. Just seemed like she was ready to go. A hour later she passed away. Our hearts are breaking over losing a loyal, loving,sweet member of our family but I am also worried about Tramp. He has never been away from Lady's side since the day we rescued him. He howled and howled when we removed Lady from the pen. I have him in with Polly right now but he just lays at the fence and looks over to his and Lady's pen. I know he is hurting and am afraid he will grieve himself to death. I don't know what to do for him. It's a very sad day here at Hidden Haven but we are very blessed to have had Lady in our lives for so many years. Lady you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

Not Always Happy Days at the Homestead

2010-07-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

Some days just seem to start off bad and go down hill from there. I got up and started a load of laundry before heading out to walk Kuma and Rusty. When we came back inside the kitchen floor was flooded. Seems William left a screw in his pocket and it punctured a hole in the outer tub of the washer. Using a ton of towels I got the water all cleaned up, leaving me with even more dirty wet laundry. I go out to feed and find that Tessa had gathered all her babies underneath her for the night. The night that the low was 89F! She lost ALL her sweet little baby turkey. They overheated underneath her. She was very upset and so was I. I go to feed Tinker and find that she is holding one of the ducks down with her front paws. She being that she is a livestock guard dog has decided the ducks are not allowed to come to the goat side of the pen. She keeps the goats on one end and the ducks on the other. Tinker didn't bite or try to hurt the duck she just stopped the duck from going near the goats. If she took her paw off the duck it ran toward the goats end to get away from her so she would sit down with her paws over the duck holding it down. I got the duck from her and took it to water to drink. Don't know how long she had it held down but the poor duck just drank like crazy. After breakfast we go see if we can find the special glue we need to repair the washer. The pickup decides not to crank when we come back outside the store. When we get home I find Whiskers carrying a squirrel he has caught up on the back porch. The poor thing didn't make it. Even though the washer broke I have my washtubs and wringer that I love so laundry got done and I had time to think and watch the birds while getting it done The glue is ordered to repair the washer and will be here in a few days Until then I will have the time to enjoy the birds and thinking while washing in the washtubs. Tessa lost her babies but we at least know now she and Fred can hatch babies. She also still has her 2 chicks she hatched and is mothering over them. Tinker may be a puppy but is turning out to be a good guard dog for our animals. The duck has learned where it needs to be to stay out of trouble and Tinker patrols her domain with pride. The pickup was a simple thing that was fixed in a matter of minutes.The squirrel didn't make it but Whiskers the cat has proven to be a very good hunter of snakes as well so can count on him to keep those pests away. Things go wrong. Things break. We stress. We worry. It's just part of life. God never promised us a perfect life here on earth. If everything was happy, healthy and perfect then why have heaven? What would we have to look forward to? Things that go wrong in our lives aren't God's doing. He gave each of us a mind and a heart for a reason. So we could think and do for ourselves. So even though things might go wrong and I stress out there were still blessings to count at the end of the day.

How Hot Is It?

2010-07-25T18:13:00.002-04:00

So hot the animals around here are doing whatever they can to stay cool. Fred, the Bourbon Red Turkey has taken over the fan in the turkey pen. He dares me to try and take it out. I think I will leave it in there tonight. LOL

Help I'm Melting

2010-07-23T12:49:00.000-04:00

I haven't melted yet though if this heat doesn't break I just might. The one good thing is I can eat anything anytime because I just sweat the pounds right off. This morning I wasn't outside 5 minutes before my clothes were soaking wet. The humidity is terrible. We lost some of Tessa and Fred's babies because of the heat. This morning after raking and tilling their pen I put a fan in there for them. Its all tied nice and secure so it can't fall on them. They love it and stand in front of it stretching and scratching the ground. The rabbits are still getting their frozen water bottles so seem to handle the heat. The chickens roll around in the dirt taking dirt baths and with the cold fresh water I give them every couple of hours are doing much better. At least we haven't lost anymore. The pigs are taking it easy in their mud holes. They come out long enough to get their water hose shower then plop back down in the mud. I clipped a lot of Lady's hair off so she could be cooler. She and Tramp will not get in the kiddy pool to cool off nor let me mist them with the hose. Kuma and Rusty have to be forced outside to potty. They rush through that in a hurry and beat me back to the door. I have been having to water the gardens as best I can because of no rain. So far still getting lots out of them as I am canning just about every evening. The goats and Tinker nap under the shade trees without a care in the world. The heat doesn't seem to bother them too much though I still make sure they have fresh cold water all the time. The ducks and geese are living in their pools. They have the right idea on how to beat the heat. I just keep dreaming of nice freezing cold winds, snow, and ice coming this winter. Soon, it will come. I just need to be patient and get through this hot, humid, summer.

I have been fixing lots of tuna salads, egg salads, potato salads, pasta salad, and of course lots of the cherry tomato salad for meals. That helps me feel cool when eating nice cold foods. Going to make a cucumber salad today to go with the green beans that have been cooking in the crockpot. Will make some salmon patties and also get out the leftover tomato salad and that will be supper. After supper I hope to weed my flower beds and weedeat. I cut the grass yesterday. I have herbs I need to gather and put in the dehydrator.

I have been enjoying the beautiful box of linens from Amelia. As I place different pieces around my home I think of her mom and all the beautiful detail in the ones she stitched and of her delightful choices in the ones she purchased. Am posting a few pictures of some of the pieces I am using. Will post more every few days. They just make the house seem so warm, loving and cozy. Thank you again Amelia! Granny J I added a few pieces to my graniteware collection and I am still trying to find where I put that piece I want to send you. As soon as it shows up I will get it on its way.

Harvest Time

2010-07-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

Harvest days have arrived at the homestead. When I am not caring for the animals or sneaking out to spend a little fun time with Tinker or Tinkerbell as I call her or helping William on yard or paint jobs I am in the kitchen. The gardens have given us a lot even with all the heat and not much rain. So much okra I pickled some of it. So many bell and banana peppers I made pepper jelly, pepper relish and roasted peppers. The cucumbers keep multiplying like rabbits so I have made dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, and sweet relish. The cherry tomato vines are loaded so I have been making sun dried tomatoes. I also found a absolutely yummy tomato salad recipe using cherry tomatoes. I can't stop eating it. If you are overloaded with tomatoes give it a try! Heck if you need cherry tomatoes stop by. Will be happy to give you some!

Cherry Tomato Salad
4 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
1/4 cup veg. oil
3 tablespoons of cider vinegar
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sugar
Mix all ingredients except the tomatoes together. Pour this over tomatoes, stir till they are all covered. Chill for 2 hours. Stir before serving.
Let me know when you make it and I will be over to help eat it.
Along with all the above veggies the green beans are coming in like crazy and a neighbor gave me 3 gallon of fresh figs. Tonight will find me making fig jam, a fig cake and canning more green beans. I am so looking forward to winter. Enjoy the nice COLD weather, a warm fire and all the harvest put up during this awful heatwave. Even with the heat and humidity life is blessed here on Hidden Haven. Hope yours is too!

A Week Of Many Blessings

2010-07-17T23:12:00.001-04:00

What a week filled with blessings! Wednesday when we came home for lunch we had visitors from North Myrtle Beach, SC. Steve Shepherd, his wife Carla, and their daughter Krysta stopped by. They are starting out homesteading and wanted to see Hidden Haven. We had a great visit. They already have a lot of things going toward and lots of plans for a simple self sustaining life. Check out his blog and follow them along their adventure of homesteading in an area where most people are just enjoying the beach life. Steve and Carla we really enjoyed meeting and talking with you. Look forward to more visits and conversation. Krysta when you are ready there will be a bunny waiting for you.

Thursday found us visiting a wonderful Mennonite farm. They raise mostly meat goats and sheep but have a few milk goats. That's where we found Buttons. She has settled right in at Hidden Haven and has Mandy finally seeing who the Queen is around here. I call them the 3 Musketeers though as Buttons, Mandy, and Precious are always together and always seeing what they can get into.

Friday had me helping William cut grass for one of his customers and the rest of the day was spent canning salsa, dill pickles, peaches, peach butter, and pepper jelly. Friday also brought a big package to my door. Amelia sent me a HUGE assortment of her mother's linens. Lots of vintage ones and some her mother hand stitched herself. I was drooling as I gentley handled each piece. I am in heaven! Thank you so very much Amelia. I am enjoying them and will be taking photos next week of how they are being used and displayed in my home.

Saturday found us feeding early so we could head to Moore County. We stopped in Southern Pines at their farmers market. Had a nice time walking around and have plans to set up there soon and sell soaps and herbs. After leaving there we headed out into the country to another goat farm. Only this time we weren't picking up a goat. Katie, the owner was giving us a Karakachans/Great Pyrenees puppy. The puppy is 4 months old and is named Tinker. She is our new goat and poultry guard dog. At first she was shy and scared but after about 30 minutes you would have thought she had always lived here. She runs to meet us at the gate and walks with us while we feed and water the animals. She then walks us back to the gate before going back to lay under the tree and keep an eye on the goats. She didn't like being petted at first but now loves it and even licked my ear. I think she is happy at her new home and job. All day she kept an eye on the goats and tonight when they went in their stable to sleep Tinker went in with them. She is laying in the entryway guarding them. For such a young one is already doing a wonderful job and I just love her! She is going to grow up to be a big dog but that just gives me more of her to love!
Yes, this has been a week of many blessings. You just never know who or what you will see here at Hidden Haven. Don't forget to count your blessings!

Button, Button,

2010-07-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

Who has the Buttons? I DO!!! Buttons is a 3 year old Alpine/Nubian that is now part of Hidden Homestead family. She and the dogs get along great but at the moment Buttons and Mandy are deciding who is Queen Goat here on the homestead. My money is on Buttons. She isn't pushy but she lets Mandy know she won't take anything off her. Life has just got a little more interesting around here and I just know there are going to be lots of stories to share.

I Will Be Back

2010-07-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

I am just in the middle of trying to help William with some painting and porch building projects he took on for a neighbor and I am trying to can all the garden stuff that decided to come in at once after finally getting a good rain. I was also given a box of peaches that I am canning and making preserves at the moment. Wanted to stop in and say I am still here and I will be back with lots of photos and farm stories. I also won't leave you without a good laugh. My dear friend SoccerMom came through for me again. Hope her post makes you laugh as much as it did me. What on earth was this guy drinking?????

When we are little we hear the message "Do not drink and drive". As we get closer to driving age we learn more about this message and why.

Then when we get our drivers license, we learn that we should not drink and drive in a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a golf cart or any other type of vehicle with wheels.

But now we need to start adding ~ You must not drink and drive a crock!

No, no you did not read that wrong. The new no drinking and driving rule will be ~ No Drinking and Driving Crocodiles!!

I know you are thinking why on earth do we need to add this rule. I am forced to share this new rule with you because of a drunk tourist who is lucky to be alive after he was bitten in the leg by an 18ft crocodile named Fatso while he was trying to ‘take it for a ride’.

Since Fatso, a saltwater crocodile, knows the "no drinking and crock riding" rule he was forced to remind the man by way of snapping at man. :o) Seems the man who had climbed over a fence and entered Fatso's enclosure was lucky to have escaped with pretty minor injuries. Oh and just in case you had not guessed by now, the man was drunk!

Just before this insane "mini-rodeo" took place it seems our hero here had been kicked out of a pub for drunken behavior.

I can't even imagine how drunk he was when he decided this was a good idea to ride a crock. ~ I'm guessing pretty!

Sustainability Through the Consumption of Things Conserved

2010-07-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

Dan Grifen contacted and ask me if he might submit a guest post. I gave him my simple easy rules and he sent the following post to me. It gave me food for thought and I am trying more herbs, spices and even grew a couple of new things in the garden. I am all for being green and saving our earth. But like everyone else being green does cost more. In today's economy when frugal and pinching pennies is a normal thing it's really hard to have the extra money. Maybe each grocery day find one new thing to replace one fruit or veggie could be a start. I hope you will share your comments on Dan's post and I will post any feedback of his..... Have a blessed day!

"In other environmental issues we tell people to stop something, reduce their impact, reduce their damage,"- US Ecologist Gary Nabhan

Since the beginning of the green movement, there has been a rise in the number of organizations and businesses that are doing their part in the promotion of sustainability through conservation. As human beings, we're told to reduce our carbon footprint, consume less unhealthy foods, and spend less time in the shower! But let's take a minute to step back and look at this from a different perspective; one that Gary Nabhan strongly suggests.
Gary Paul Nabhan,phD., is a Arab-American writer/conservationist whose extensive farming work in the U.S./Mexico borderlands region has made him word renowned. Specifically speaking, Nabhan is known for his work in biodiversity as an ethnobotanist. His uplifting messages and attitude towards life and culture has granted us access to mulitple beneficial theories including his latest of eat what you conserve.
According to The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization about three quarters of the genetic diversity of crops been vanishing over the last century and that a dozen species now gives 90% of the animal protein eaten globally. In accordance, just 4 crop species supply half of plant based calories in the human diet.

Nabhan claims that by eating the fruits and vegetables that we are attempting to conserve/save we're promoting the granular dissemination of various plant species. But this goes beyond what we typically buy in the supermarkets, particularly because of price and abundance. We must remember to try new things and immerse ourselves in the very concept of diversity. Keep in mind- the benefits of splurging for that costly fruit/vegetable supremely outweigh the cons. Not only are you promoting biodiversity and further eliminating the needs of farmers to remove rare, less purchased crops off their agenda, but you're also effectively encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Agriculturist Marco Contiero mentioned that "biodiversity is an essential characteristic of any sustainable agricultural system, especially in the context of climate change." With sustainable crop efforts being lead by the CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) and the IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) the duo plans to provide a more sustainable crop that can withstand natural disasters, avoiding food shortages like Haiti is experiencing. Contiero goes on to state "We need to ensure this is the basis for the future..." - This is exactly what Doug Band the CGI, and the IRRI ar doing by engaging in sustainability efforts.

So remember, next time you're in the supermarket picking out a common varietal of navel oranges or strawberries, turn your attention to something that's a bit more exotic in nature. The same goes for salads/salad ingredients; shop outside the norm, picking spices and vegetables that you wouldn't normall incorporate into your everyday diet. During such economic downtime it isn't always easy to maintain the same level of grocery shopping intrigue, but we must also not forget that in this sundry of foods we can find fun!

Dan Grifen- Supporter of all things green and progressive

Hello Cooler Weather!

2010-07-09T21:59:00.000-04:00

I sure hope the weathermen have this forecast right. We are suppose to have rain and temps in the 80's tomorrow. It sure will be nice to have a day not running out to the animals every couple hours giving them fresh water. William also agreed to paint a house for a couple and guess who his assistant is. Its going to take several days so I hope the triple digits don't come back until we are finished.

Henny Penny and her baby chick lost their freedom today. For several days I have let her have free run of the property with her chick. Today she decided to scratch all the mulch out of the flower beds and the pinestraw away from my blueberry bushes. She and baby chick are back in a pen and Henny Penny is not very happy.
Daniel the Rooster is still free to roam. The sore on one of his legs still has him hopping some. He loves to stand outside the pens of the other roosters. It's almost like he is smiling when he looks at them because he is on the outside. He also got upset with me when I put Henny Penny up. Think that was his new girlfriend. We have a couple of young turkeys that hopefully when grown one will become Wizard's girlfriend. He likes flirting with Tessa but with Fred in the picture that's not a good idea. They both are so big they couldn't hurt each other fighting but the heat would wear them down. I think its best to just wait a little longer and let Wizard have his own lady friend. He actually has claimed me. He meets me at the pen door every morning and afternoon. He walks with me as I feed the chickens. He talks to me and lets me rub his head and back. He eats from my hand and walks with me back to the door. I took him out of the pen a couple times but he won't do anything but stand at the door wanting back in. So he is in with white rock hens and Chicken Little the tiny rooster. Chicken Little is one of the very first roosters we got several years ago and always protected me from Speedy the mean rooster that liked to attack me. Chicken Little will get to live out his life here at Hidden Haven with no fear of being sold or going into a pot. He and Wizard are good buddies and hang out together. Other farms have animals with normal behavior. Here we have different but good behavior in our animals. Tessa the turkey is still being mommy to 2 baby chicks she hatched as well as her 13 baby turkey. Crackers the duck finally hatched baby ducks and being a great mommy to them though she hatched and raised a baby chick. The chick is now a hen and still hangs out with her. Crackers herself was hatched and raised by a chicken. We have a duck and goose that are best buds. We even have weddings for our animal family! Things may be different here at Hidden Haven but they are a good and happy different. If you haven't read the story about Nitro go back in my archives when you have some time. Its 7 parts but well worth reading as he was one very very special goat.

On a different note. If you see I am no longer on your friends list on facebook I have decided to just keep it family. My friends list got very big and a lot of time was spent reading and keeping up with everyone. Since most of my friends have blogs or read this one regular I felt it would be easier for me just to keep up with my girls and grands through facebook. Thanks for understanding. I hope each of you have a cool and blessed weekend!

Good Night Moon

2010-07-08T21:05:00.003-04:00

The day is coming to a close. The sun has gone to bed and the moon is making a appearance. There is a owl close by hooting and a whippoorwill is calling. I just love the sounds of night. Its so peaceful. Supper of cheeseburger pie, green beans from the garden, creamed corn made from corn from the garden, toss salad from garden veggies, rolls, and a tall glass of ice tea is finished. Dishes are washed and put away. Rusty and Kuma had their night time walk. I had my shower and am just relaxing to the sounds of the night. Today was 97F but the humidity was down which made it easier to handle. The animals did well today and didn't mind the heat. The rabbits even ran around their cages instead of cuddling their frozen bottles. I made curtains for the diningroom this afternoon. Cleaned out my closet, cleaned out my dresser drawers and have a bag of items to take to the thriftstore. All in all it was another simple but blessed day at the homestead. Going to turn in early to read and wonder what tomorrow will bring.

A Simple Day

2010-07-08T10:02:00.002-04:00

Started the day a little earlier than normal but that was a nice thing. Kuma needed to go potty so she walked back and forth in front of my bedroom door. She was sweet and didn't bark or come into the room. I could just hear her pacing. After her quick trip outside she settled back down for a nap. Since I was up Whiskers, Troubles and Rusty thought I should go ahead and feed them. After feeding the hungry gang I sat down with a tall glass of mint tea and read out of a couple of my devotional books and out of my bible. Megan and family gave me a beautiful pink and brown bible for Christmas last year and I just love it. Things were still quiet around the homestead so I got on the computer and caught up on some blog reading. You guys sure have been busy! And like me you all seem to be having this terrible heat. I keep telling myself that fall is right around the corner with winter on its heels. Our gardens are really hurting in this heat. I am able to water the small ones here and William is able to water parts of the big garden. Its so big its impossible to water all of it. We are getting tons of salad tomatoes and the big tomatoes are now turning a pretty red. Cucumbers and squash are doing well as is the egg plants. This has been a great year for them. I finally got the egg plant dishes made and in the freezer. I have 4 ready for this winter and will be making more next week. For those that ask. I don't bake them before freezing. The homestead starting stirring so it was out to do morning feeding and watering. The heat has been terrible on the animals here. We lost some chickens due to heat and others got so hot they wouldn't even walk to the water bowls for a drink and got dehydrated. We are blessed with wonderful oak trees that shade our home and animal pens but it was still very hot. I have been going out several times a day and giving fresh cold water and even misting the pens. We also put electrolytes in the water which seemed to help the animals. If there is one that seems to be just standing or sitting around looking hot or sick I pick them up and take them to the water bowls for a drink, make sure they cool down and then sit them on the roost for what little breeze they can get. Since doing this we haven't lost any more chickens so hopefully the heat will end soon. This morning while feeding Tessa was out away from her babies eating with her 2 baby chicks. When we moved her and the baby turkeys she kept calling and looking around like she was missing something. We moved the one egg that didn't hatch down to her and that seemed to make her feel better but then she called her baby chicks. When they came and she had all her babies and egg she sat down content. The next day she let us remove the egg. The baby chicks help her look after the baby turkey. They show them how to peck and scratch and talk to them. It is so cute to watch. We have a small pen inside the bigger turkey pen for the babies. The babies are so small they can get through the chicken wire and I don't want the hens in the next pen pecking them. Tessa hops in and out of the baby pen just fine as do the chicks. Fred is still strutting around showing his feathers. He is one proud poppa. The rabbits aren't into eating alot because of the heat. Though they gobble up the slices of apple and pears they get each morning. The rabbit food and whole wheat bread is nibbled on throughout the day but they prefer to snuggle with the frozen water jugs. Lady and Tramp have dug a huge hole in their dog pen under a oak tree. They seem to be staying cool laying in it. I do put frozen water bottles in their water bucket so the water will stay cold for them. Bud the iguana is loving this heat! He just picks the sunniest spot and naps with a smile on his face. Every once in a while he will take a dip in his pool. The ducks are spending the day in their pools. They come out to eat and hurry back to the water. We have 4 kid pools for them and the geese so there is room for everyone to swim. We have been having to empty and clean them every day because they are in them so much but at least they are staying cool. The pigs get their morning shower and then go lay in their mud hole till I go out at lunchtime to give them another shower and fresh water. They seem to be doing okay with the heat. After feeding and watering everyone its back inside for some breakfast, housework, laundry, and walk Rusty and Kuma. Then its back outside to do any chores or projects that are planned for the day. This morning we unloaded over 300 bricks that we got for free off Craigslist last night. They are new brick that someone just didn't use and wanted rid of. I am going to use some around flower beds and sure there will be projects in the future that will find a use for the rest. I am going to cut the grass and weedeat this morning before it gets too hot. After that I will pick the veggies that are ready from the gardens and spend the afternoon taking care of them. I found more flower pots at the thriftstore and with the ones I already had was able to make more tipping pots. I have to finish putting flowers in them but I sure enjoy them. Just simple things going on here at the homestead but what a blessing to be able to have the simple things to do. Have a blessed day and stay cool!

Weekly Guest Post

2010-07-07T16:30:00.002-04:00

Thank you SoccerMom for another funny post. With all this heat and humidity I might even be tempted to wear yellow shorts. LOL So people here is SoccerMom......

When The girl was little I would shop at a store called Please Mum, all the bright colours matched so if you had a little fashionista like The girl I could let her pick out her own super cute tops and bottoms and I never had to worry about the colours looking like she was trying to imitate a rainbow. It also helped her develop a sense of independence when it came to getting dressed.

So an important question popped into my head;

Who let the lady out of the house looking like a 5yr old who got dressed by Please Mum?

Why on this good green earth would a 50 something year old woman wear bright, bright, did I mention bright, yellow shorts in public??!! Now I am not talking sports wear I am talking bright shorts that one would put on their 3, 4, or 5 yr old straight from Please Mum only larger!

I am sure she thought she was all summery but I have to say the cars were confused as she stood near the corner do they follow the light at the top of the pole or the bottom?

I mean I know she probably meant well but; If you ever see me wearing bright yellow kid colour shorts please take me home immediately and make me change :o)

Livingthelifeofmagoo.wordpress.com

13 Babies!

2010-07-07T07:23:00.004-04:00

Fred and Tessa our Bourbon Red Turkey's have been trying for 2 years to have babies. Fred did his job and Tessa patiently sat on her eggs each time. The only problem is she picked places for her nest that flooded. This spring she picked a place up off the ground but none of the eggs hatched. I felt sorry for her when she kept sitting on her nest and gave her 2 chicken eggs. She hatched those and was a good mommy to them while still laying and sitting on eggs. One of the chicks would sit with her on the nest. Well finally yesterday all her love and patience paid off! Fred and Tessa are the proud parents of 13. Out of 14 eggs I think that is outstanding. Fred hasn't stopped strutting his stuff yet. We did move Tessa and the babies to a nesting house on the ground so her babies wouldn't fall from the nesting place she picked to hatch them.
Congratulations Fred and Tessa! Couldn't have happened to a more deserving couple and don't forget to let me know when you need a break. I am always open to babysit.

Happy Birthday Megan

2010-07-06T19:59:00.002-04:00

Today my baby turns 32. Megan is the creative one of the family. She gives the best parties and plans the best games for the whole family. When she isn't working as a nurse for a doctors office she is involved in her church and community. She also stays busy driving her kids to practice, games, concerts and is always there cheering them on, never missing a single game, practice or concert. She walks twice a day and in the past few weeks has lost over 25lbs! When any family member, friend or even stranger is having a problem Megan goes the extra mile trying to make things right. When she was working as a nurses assistant at a nursing home while going to school she would go pick up patients on her day off and take them shopping, out to lunch or just for a ride. She would take some that didn't have family home with her for a holiday meal. She has a heart of gold. She has gone through a lot of medical and stressful things these past few months but that hasn't stopped her from caring about everyone else. She gives 100% of herself 100% of the time. Megan is a wonderful, caring, on top of it mom. She has fun with her two children but isn't afraid to put her foot down and keep them on the right path. Megan I am so very proud of and love you so much. Happy Birthday!

End of the Day

2010-07-05T20:39:00.003-04:00

The day is coming to an end. All the animals have settled down for the night. Rusty and Kuma are alseep on the dinningroom floor. Supper was leftover grilled hamburgers, chips, and coleslaw. I spent most of the day cleaning and rearranging the livingroom. A friend gave me a really nice recliner that she no longer was using so needed to change things around to make it fit. Rusty thinks the recliner is his. If anyone sits in it he jumps in their lap and demands petting for payment for the use of his chair. He spent all afternoon napping in it. I didn't get to the egg plants today so they will be top on my to do list tomorrow. I cleaned and rearranged my bedroom, did several loads of laundry and cleaned the kitchen. The next few days are suppose to be really hot and humid with one day in the 100's. I want to finish cooking and freezing meals before it gets too hot. No rain is in our forecast so I will be watering the gardens tomorrow. The rabbits were happy to get their frozen water jugs back. I stopped for a few days while temps were in the 80's. They all wrapped theirselves around the jugs and took a nap. Granny J collects graniteware so I promised her a photo of some of my collection. I have collected for years and found most of it at yardsales and thriftstores. I collect way too many different things but this is one of my favorite collections. Have a blessed night!