Friday, October 20, 2017

Getting Off The Grid - A Scattered Week

fresh Kale 
October 20, 2017


I usually call life like this past week bouncing but scattered suits it better because while I did not finish anything I did make a few accomplishments, when bouncing you do not see very much of anything.

I have began the bartering with a friend, greens for pecans. Although I would give her greens for nothing in return and I know she would for me, I still feel better to give something for what I get. I dropped off a medium size mess of greens and I will pick up pecans next week and if the greens are big enough take another mess of greens with me that day.


Progress  Around the Homestead :

unfinished greenhouse


I did not have to take the plastic off the greenhouse because the unexpected rain and wind of last Sunday night did that for me, so I straightened out the wet plastic and turned it the right way so that two pieces could be put up. Tony came down to the field and helped, a bit mouthy but I made do with the help. Although its not done yet its well on its way. 

I have a few odd and end shelves to put inside until I can make shelves. I still have to get the heat source bought. I will try to buy those cheaper if I can possibly get the man to go down on his prices. 

I did very little work on the back yard for the dogs, I left Harley tied to a chain stake and he escaped! Broke his collar and took off into the neighbors field. Tony got the truck and Roscoe hopped on the back as I got in the front, off to find Harley. We rode down the rode and not in sight through the waist high grass, so Tony heard him, I got out opened the tailgate for Roscoe and said " Go get Harley," I watched Roscoe go straight to him, I had to tote Harley across the field and Roscoe ran back home. This is why I will use the electric fence. This was the reason I did not get much accomplished in the back, chasing Harley the beagle.


I did get a few of the basil babies transplanted, this is for my in home use, the rest will be potted up and hopefully sold next year, if its Gods will.



What`s In The Garden :




This is just a repeat of last week, a little more okra and new greens.


And the lemons are turning yellow and I will soon use them, maybe I will make a sugar free lemon cheese pie. 

I must remember to check and see if I have Swiss chard aka beets coming up, I forgot all about them.

The Stock Pile :

This week I did not put anything from the garden into jars. However, I did put to use the carrots and potatoes that needed to be eaten or canned and I used the dry beans, making meals. 

I have canned meats, vegetables and fruits but not so many meals in a jar and that is what I need. That quick homemade soup or chili. 

I made 14 pints of chili, seven with pinto beans and hamburger and seven with red beans, to suit the taste of everyone in the house.


I also made a Seven pints vegetable soup loaded with vegetables so one pint will fill you up! 

Learning :

This week was a working week, for both jobs. The landlady job and the caregiver job. I did not learn much and I am waiting on the new mushroom book I ordered last week. 


How is life going on your homestead?

By Andria Perry
Photos By Andria Perry

16 comments:

  1. I'd love to visit your pantry Andria! Everything looks so good and what a way to stock up for the winter. Also sounds like you both did great on the bartering, I love pecans!

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  2. I'm afraid that our growing season is over for good this year. Nightly temperatures are at freezing or below and even our chard and cabbage have stopped growing.

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    1. I cut the heat on today to burn off the first time stink, its been cold here at night.

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  3. Persimmons are ripening...I'm looking forward to a long weekend of puttering.

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    1. I would like to make persimmon jam, ever made any?

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  4. Sometimes, I just want to visit your pantry and try all those goodies that you made yourself Andria. Happy weekend to you.

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  5. Lets all visit Andrias pantry...What a party we could have :) It always looks so good whatever she makes :)

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    1. LOL! Come on down! Lets do it in the Spring so I can start all over again.

      Thank you.

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  6. Love the update!!!! Do you ever make chili with Chicken?

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    1. Thank you. No I have not, I Do not know why I have not tried, maybe I am stuck, maybe I should.

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  7. Bartering to give and receive needful things is a win/win situation. I understand the need to contain some dogs. My hound is pretty much always on a leash with my hand attached!

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    1. Beagles are natural roamers and that is dangerous around here.

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  8. I feel so guilty about neglecting my garden when I read your posts. My garden herbs have been replanting themselves, but I still should plant some lettuce and basil. I can't find any decent lettuce in the stores.

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    1. Don`t feel guilty! Get out and pick those herbs and dry them so you will have them inside and at hand when cooking. Yes plant it.

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