The Cole Homestead

New year update

I know that it is a little late for a New Year update but things have really been moving around here.  The wood cook stove has been working great.  It was another of those purchases that we wished we made years ago.  We thought the same thing when we bought the six foot tiller.  How did we manage without?  We have been cutting wood to fill the stove and hired a bit brought in.  That is still cheaper than LP or electricity.   They are talking of rasing our electric rates again.  I wonder how others in my area are managing.  My folks in our area are complaining of 800 dollar light bills.  That is about what my husband brings home in two weeks! 

If the electric bills being high aren't enough, ad to it the fact that our little town tried building an ethanol plant.  It was almost up and running when the shut down.  They had not been paying their bills and now claim the need 25 more million.  So many folks there left good jobs to come work closer to home.  People that put money into the plant have lost all of that money.  Farmers that brought corn will only get 85% back.  What a mess.

On a brighter note we are having a party tomorrow.  My little boy turned 2 on Wed. so we are going to have a little family get together. 

We also finished our once a year shopping trip.  Wed. I went to Wal mart and Krogers.  Today I went to Aldi and the Cattle drive.  I only ordered our meat today at the Cattle Drive.  That is a lot of meat to prepare besides there would have been no room in my car.  When I was loading all of that food I was wishing I had brought my mother in laws car.  She has a Surberban where we are drive a Explorer.  Anyway we made it home.  I have it all put away and we are ready for the party.

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01:56, Friday, January 11, 2008 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

Wow - how do you only shop once a year????? I have heard of once a week shopping or once a month..... but once a year? We have a large family and I don't know how we could just do it once a year! I admire that!

I am sorry to hear about the shut down with the ethanol plant - that is sad!

Tough times economically are hitting rural america....... we live in MO and my husband has had a hard time finding work - but thank the Lord he is finding some jobs - just not the big ones he is used to!

Bessings~
gloria

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02:54, Friday, January 11, 2008 .. Posted by maa

800. dollars!!!!!???!!!!
How can they afford it?

Once a year shopping is a great idea. I go to walmart for one item and end up with a cart full. I know that I could do without some of the stuff that I buy, but when I am in there I don't pay attention to what I really need and don't need.I tell the children to go get something and they come back with several things, telling me that we are out of this, so in the cart it goes.The temptation is just to much for me!!!!!!LOL I need walmart-aholics annonymous!!LOL
Not really, I can give it up on my own.This summer I went for three months without going into a store. I was sick so maybe that doesn't count as an effort on my part to stay out of the stores.LOL
Another place that gets me into trouble is our local quilt/fabric store, I love fabrics. They have almost any type of fabric a person could want.
My Grandma only went to town one to three times a year. It was a big event and the children got to take turns going.She was a true homesteader, like you, and she had a wonderful life that she loved very much. She also had a wood cook stove and loved it.When her children got older they bought her an electric stove, she only used it a couple of times.Her cook stove was the only thing she wanted to cook on.

It is sad to hear about the loss that so many had, with the closing of the plant.It is all in Gods hands, so it will work out for the better.
I hope you all have a wonderful time with your little one's party.
maa's mom

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07:52, Friday, January 11, 2008 .. Posted by homesteadinthemaking

I too want to know more about this 1 a year shopping. What all do you buy and how do you store it all? I am so glad your cookstove is working out.
Blessings,
Trixi

Love your Blog!

11:31, Saturday, January 12, 2008 .. Posted by mdonohue

I just found your blog and have been reading back through your entries. I just love it! Your family sure keeps busy. Congratulations on your wood cook stove - it is beautiful! I am looking forward to visiting your blog often! Happy New Year!
~ Michelle