" Some days we paint with large bold strokes, like when someone finishes a book report or gets a piece of music ready for performing. Most of our days are softer in color. A little dab here a little dab there, following a rough draft, but allowing ourselves to paint outside the lines when we want too. "
~ Deborah Jean

Monday, February 21, 2011

Homestead Barn Hop #1


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011

Homestead Barn Hop


There seems to be a revolution going on! 



A Homestead Revolution! Today is the first Homestead Barn Hophosted by Amy of the fast growing Homestead Revival Blog.  

Her rules to play are: 

Write a post about any homesteading activity you do from keeping chickens, to making your own soap or becoming a Bee Keeper like Amy! 



Go for it Amy! As for us and our little suburban homestead, we keep chickens,  enjoy organic gardening and cooking,homeschooling, and creative re-purposing. We've been keeping back yard hens for 5 years. Our daughter fell in love with the idea of having " baby chicks" and being the curious homeschoolers we are, we decided to try it out. 
Keeping back yard chicken's is pretty easy once you get their housing in order. My husband built a hen house out of reclaimed materials. Once it was finished I couldn't wait to paint it Barn Red. 


My Simple Homemade Ham and Cheese Quiche with back yard fresh eggs. 


We've got a couple of cute little Barn Red out buildings that satisfy my big farmgirl heart! 






Our  girls are " old ladies" now so we'll be adding to the flock this spring. We love the  Araucana, Wyandotte and the Barred or Plymouth Rock laying hens. They have proven to be very hardy through New England winters. They're friendly and good layers too.




 It's just about time to select new baby chicks for this spring. We order ours from a local landscape and farm supply.




One of the first books I read on homesteading was the Self Sufficient Gardner by John Seymour. It's a wonderful guide for learning how to grow and preserve your own food. Of course with the Internet, and now blogs that information is available at the click of a button but I still find comfort having it on my book shelf and refer to it each spring and summer for new ideas and inspiration. 




When I discovered Mary Jane's Farm magazine a couple of years ago it added a whole new meaning to homesteading for me. Now I see it from a farmgirl perspective! It's more fun and every little thing I do different counts and is worth celebrating. 




Going organic and being more mindful of where our food comes from doesn't have to be so serious. It should be fun and a celebration of life! In fact, MJFfarmgirl chapters are sprouting up all over to share homesteading experiences. 




Besides the fact that homesteading is challenging, life giving and rewarding it's also American! 


Thanks for starting the Homestead Blog Hop Amy.  I'm looking forward to seeing how other  homesteading families are living healthier and closer to the land. 


Happy Homesteading!
Deborah Jean  

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Thanks for visiting today! Id love to hear about your home school happenings too. I read and enjoy each and every comment so leave one for us all if you have the time!
Happy Creative Homeschooling
Deborah Jean