Pigs on Pasture

Yesterday spelled freedom for our two pigs, who finally were put out on pasture. With early grazing from the ram the clovers and grasses had recovered enough to turn the pigs out. As you can see they were delighted to root their noses into soft dirt and greens. The pen next to this one was rooted up by the pigs we butchered this winter and turned over by my husband and planted with open pollinated field corn. Pigs do a wonderful job at ploughing and fertilizing as well as provide delicious meat. We feed an organic non-GMO feed consisting of barley, field peas and corn. No soybean meal. The feed is ground by the mill and then we soak it with leftover milk or whey from the goats and our nieces cows who are all on organic pastures.

Horticulture Happenings

Blossoms are everywhere and that includes the apple trees in the orchard. This year we are using an other approach to caring for our fruit trees. It is permaculture which uses a permanant mulch around our trees using composted hay and wood chips. We removed all the turf out to the drip line and applied the mulch to encourage bacteria and fungi in the soil around the trees, therefore feeding the soil which feeds the roots which feed the tree. The results are less mowing, we like that, healthier trees and fruit.

Apple trees with new mulch.

A new raspberry trellis with blue bird box. My berries will also get a mulch along with the blackberries. My new blueberry plants got a pine needle mulch. Lettuce started in Feb. and set out under the hoop house at the beginning of the month will be ready to eat very soon. This variety a butter crunch is called Tom Thumb.

Shetland Lambs

My first shetland mule lamb has arrived and it is a ewe. She appeared one morning(a little early) and mom was busy cleaning and caring for her new lamb. For the next 3 weeks I'm expecting more mule lambs. My dairy goats are all done kidding. I ended up with 4 does and 3 bucks, unfortunately one buck was still born or we would have 4. We have milk now. Goat milk is the only milk besides soy that is low acid, good for that body PH.

Maple syrup

Well the sap is flowing in SE Ohio so Winter is finally losing its' hold and Spring is just around the corner. We have already boiled 3 gallons of syrup down and this weekend looks like good sap weather. Sugar sand settles on the bottom of each jar even though we strain it through cheese cloth. I am sure this is just mineral deposits so I will probably just put it in some water and drink it. Did I mention it is wonderful on pancakes, cornbread, anything!

Stewing hens

Yes, those are featherless chickens. I am butchering my old hens(1 1/2 - 2 year olds) to get ready for a straight run of Delaware chicks this spring. I love to make a good stock from these chickens and Sally Fallon has a good one in her book. I scald my birds at a 160 degree temp and all those feathers  pull right out. Contrary to what most people think the skin is very nutritious when used in a stock pot.

Double Weave

With the winter settled in I have decided to learn double weave from Jean Scorgies' Weavers Craft. All is going well and is fairly simple to understand. Most of the yarn is store purchased except for the rust, dark green and peach which is a mill spun from my sheeps wool, dyed with natural dyes.  I just got a custom order for 7 hand woven rugs, one of which is 12ft. long. Guess what I'll be doing for the next few months. This also means a trip to Amish country to a wholesale fabric warehouse to pick out fabric, and to visit every trift store on my way. Poor me!

Christmas Festival

Tomorrow is the Woodsfield Christmas Festival and I've been busy finishing up items for sale, like this knitted Star garland. I've been weaving towels and knitting gloves and  all kinds of warm things. It is a fun time to see people I don't see often and get in the Christmas Spirit. My kids all want money so my shopping is done, or the biggest part. Might as well relax and enjoy the Season.