Lazy Doz Ranch

An introduction from Lazy Doz Ranch

Hello fellow homesteaders!  My name is Trish and I am living my life's dream in NE Florida.

After years of dreaming and planning, I finally convinced my hubbie to buy 10 acres so that I could produce our own food, let my 6 kids run wild and breath fresh air.  Within 2 months of the move, I had acquired two Nubian does, 20 Rhode Island Reds and a Yorkie Porkie. I was off.............

Today,  the farm is home to 5 does (1 had 2 female kids in December and 4 are due this coming March); 1 horse (a 3yr old paint mare- Beauty); 2 dogs (Willow-black Lab & Deisel-mini schnauzer); 5 cats (Mia, Prissy, Yoda, Princess Smug & Malachi), 25 chickens, 10 guinea pigs (ARG - multipying way to fast); 2 rabbits, a turtle (Ted) , a corn snake (Sniper).  We have raised broiler chickens, slaughtered and ate them and 3 pigs who met the same fate.

I homeschool my 6 children:  Ashley-17 yrs; Matthew-13yrs; Lauren-12yrs; Braydon-9yrs; Zachary-6yrs; Nathan- 4yrs.  Phew....I have been doing this for 8 yrs and it is a daily challenge to keep sane but all of the kids help tremendously around the house and barn which is the ONLY way I could possibly survive. .  My husband Allen works long hours which leaves 95% of the house/farm chores for us - my oldest son has proven to be quite handy and is learning very useful skills outside while my oldest daughter is the kitchen goddess who cleans up after every meal. 

I teach natural childbirth,  I am a doula and I have had my last 2 children at home.   I have been to several herbal classes and conferences and I make my own medicines.  I do not like to use doctors unless there is a medical emergency.  My kids eat well, exercise, play outdoors and stay healthy!  "Prevention is the best medicine" - who said that?   I love to run and do yoga too.

I make most of our meals from scratch, including bread.  I am a nutrition freak and strive to provide the healthiest diet possible.   I buy from organic food co-ops.  My biggest disappointment so far is my poor gardening skills.  I thought I would be able to grow tons of veggies but  I barely get a few meals from my meager garden.  I have made that top priority for this year. 

I milk my goats and sell milk & eggs to my co-op.   I started 3 bee hives last year but only 1 made it through the summer,  however, I have ordered 4 more swarms to be delivered this April.  I will not quit.  I have been selling my goats too.  I do not want a huge herd.  5 milking does is my current maximum for my family's needs. 

I hope to get inspiration and information from this site.  I have definately had many problems come up and I am blessed to have mentors in my life that put up with my questions.  I am interested now in other people's points of view.  I feel that is the only way to grow.  I hope to contribute this group too.  I have had done many things is life and maybe I can inspire somebody else too.   

HI

09:57, 2006-Feb-14 .. Posted by kayinpa

Welcome to HSB! Someday I would like to be where you are at, only a better gardener! :)

Welcome!

10:26, 2006-Feb-14 .. Posted by Fern

I love making our own herbal medicines too and we rarely if ever go to a medical doctor.
Shalom,
Fern

welcome

12:16, 2006-Feb-15 .. Posted by countrydreamn

can't wait to read more about your journey. We just moved from FL to AL, and are expecting our 6th son. Looking for the farm still but getting used to the area. Picking my Dad's brain, about cows.
See ya soon.
Debi

Untitled Comment

08:28, 2006-Feb-15 .. Posted by Anonymous

WELCOME To Homestead Blogger :)

Lisa

WELCOME!

11:21, 2006-Feb-15 .. Posted by ZooNana

Oh my goodness we have LOTS in common! I'm a homeschooling mom of 6 (with #7 on the way) I homebirth and I'm a childbirth educator and Doula. I look forward to reading your blog!

Wow!

10:13, 2006-Feb-24 .. Posted by Snowberryfarm

I am amazed! How do you do it? I am overwhelmed by my two kids, one rabbit, and 5 cats, and I don't even bake my own bread yet!

Michelle

Hi

07:59, 2006-Mar-25 .. Posted by MyThreeDaughters

I have children similar ages, 17, 15, 12, 9 and 4. Not sure if I am older I am 42, well done for all the things you get done with a husband that works long hours, I can relate to the long hours, although mine does get holidays even if he works through them a little.

garden

09:26, 2006-Apr-16 .. Posted by ThistleCoveFarminVA

Are you using the goat berries for the garden? Wonder why you're having such a difficult time...?

I was unfamiliar with the word "doula" but have researched it...sounds like a good thing. I've never been blessed with children but have often wondered at the whole birthing process...seems to be wrong, somehow, for the mother to be unconscious...glad we're moving away from that arena!

God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands,

Sandra