Beautifully Busy Days

What a most excellent week it's been. Very busy but all good things. Such a simply life and yet so rich and full :)

We have been going through things in preparation for a Trade Gathering and decided to have a yard sale so we worked on the most of the week. We didn't do great but did sell enough to help out a little. The money was much needed but the other great thing is that we got to meet several of our neighbors. And, made a horse connection too. A nice man who says he has way to many and will give me a great deal on one when I'm ready. I don't know that he would have what I need, he mentioned gaited horses which are not what I'll be looking for, but we'll see. It was mighty good of him to offer regardless :)

I got all the tomato seeds I want started, except the Romas and I'll start those soon. The Romas are mainly for us, the rest are for us and to sell or trade at Market.

Gypsy
Tennessee Surprise
English Rose
Tumbling Toms
Marglobe
Italian Market

I'm really hoping I'll be able to get a good amount canned this year! But first we also need to prepare the garden, which is a little worrisome since it's not prepared. The tiller string broke the first day we tried it, that's fixed only to discover that our fuel cans are empty. I'm hoping I can find someone with a tractor to plow it up for me this first year. I can and have started from scratch with only a shovel and hoe but it very hard work and this is the largest garden space i've ever had.

I'm also looking into carefully burning off the garden spot and the pond field. very careful so nothing else gets burned but it would make quick work of the things I don't want in the garden or that field and the ash will help fertilize the soil. Burning large things freaks me out tho so i want to be sure we can do it properly and keep it under control.

Just last night there was a huge blaze a few miles down the road. We drove down to see if we could help but they thought it was a controlled fire. I guess it was but it's the biggest I've ever seen. Today there was only smoke and it has rained off and on.

We also got a good portion of an outdoor shower made. I ended up having to give the water trough back to the goats because they broke the larger water bucket I gave them instead. So no bathtub. The shower is made from Nik's old bunk bed. I used it at the old place for water storage but it's best use is a shower (cause I REALLY need one!).

I think we have it set up pretty well and in a spot that it can be permanent. This is just the frame and main part, it will be enclosed well for modesty & privacy and the floor will be rocks, then pallet, then rubber mat. I considered a system for being able to collect the water for re-use, like I've done with the wash and dish water for ages. But i think I've come up with an easer plan. Plant food and medicinals all around the shower that will benefit from the water without having to haul it to them. The water will be filtered through the earth and then water the plants. We'll see. A clawfoot tub is still on The List :)

I also been enjoying some most excellent gifts.

My friend Rose sent me a flash drive with information on herbal and natural household cleaners. A lot of them i already use but there are also a lot I hadn't thought of or knew about. It's great information! And I'll share what I learn here as well :)

The my friend Joyce sent me a wonderful box of seeds and things. Tons of lettuces (My Precious) and garlics, some violet plants and! some Violet Jelly.

Many thanks to both !

I will now be adding to my garden planting list ..
Heirloom Acres Lettuce mix
Romaine Paris White lettuce
Paprika peppers
Pimiento peppers
Spaghetti squash
Tall Mammoth Sunflowers
Italian red garlic
Susanville garlic
Violets
And, speaking of bounty .... The hens are starting to lay very well. We're at an average of 3 eggs a day, some days 4, for 5 laying hens. And next weekend we should be getting our Buff Orpington pullets! Soon we'll have enough eggs to share and make breakfast quiche :)

Thistle is also giving a little more milk now. Not a lot more and it's still not enough but any extra is a very good thing. I got her back up to 2/3 of a cup after she went dry because of the stress of the move. For the last few nights she's given a little over that, just under a full cup. Still no milk for cereal but some milk for cooking and baking, which can be watered down to go further. Like for the chocolate cake I made this evening.