Welcome to Dana's blog!

Homesteading questions

Stole this from Kitty's Corner (who stole it from Karen!LOL). I love these things, it helps us find out things about each other.

1.Do you pasturize your milk?

   We don't drink milk.;)

2. Are your hens laying?

   I don't currently have chickens, but the lady I buy my farm fresh eggs does.;)

3. Do you still use your clothesline in winter?

    I hang them inside--we need the moisture! Dh has a nice set up for me down in the basement.

4.When is the last time you left your homestead?

   Last Thursday to leave for my ILs.

5.How many dairy animals do you have?

    None, but I am getting a nanny goat when the boys are older.

6.Laundry soap-homemade or store bought?

    Homemade  and I love the money it saves me.

7.How much canning did you do this year?

  Too much to document! Altho I'm going to get a sidebar in my blog next year and try.;)

8.What type of meat is in your winter store? Home grown or store bought?

    Pork! We raise our own pigs. We also have lots of beef, but this last batch came from a specific butcher in IL (4.5 hours away!LOL).

9.Plumbing- outdoor or indoor?

    Indoor!

10.How often do you tend to the animals each day?

     Personally? Zero!LOL Dh takes care of them.

11.Chickens-free range or chicken house?

     Again, I have none.

12.Chickens- butcher yourself or have it done?

      We are going to be invited when some friends of our butcher--I CAN"T WAIT! I grew up w/doing it!

 13.How big was your garden this year? 

      Last time I measured, it was 30/50, but I have a whole herb garden that stretches half of the back of the house.

14.How many acres is your homestead?

      4

15.Do you rise with the chickens?

    No.

16.Last time you made a new quilt?

      I haven't yet, but I will one day.

17.Last time you did any sewing?

     A couple of  weeks back, I made 3 skirts and a pair of pants.

18.How many wild berries did you pick this summer?

       wild? None. But my neighbor lets me raid her strawberry patch.

19.What kind of jelly or jam did you make this year?

      rhubarb strawberry and strawberry

20.What wild animals did you kill this year(for food)?

      none

21.Washing laundry- by hand or machine?

      Machine! I have a front loader and LOVE IT!

22.Is using the computer a waste of time for you?

      NO! I gain so much knowledge and friendships and support from it!

23.Most hated chore on your homestead?

     I'd say weeding or dusting!

24. Favorite chore on your homestead?

       I love to cook.

25.How do you plow your garden?

      We have a 3 bottom plow and 2 rototillers.

26.How often do you hoe your garden?

      At first I try to get into it at least once a week, then after things are growing more, I tend not to do it.

27.Do wild animals raid your garden?

      Yes! We've deer prints in it and I'm pretty sure rabbits as well. But we've outsmarted them for a few years now.;)

28.Favorite homestead pastime?

    Cooking and just learning in general.

29.Do you like being a homesteader?

    Yes, I don't think I would want to live any other way.

30.When was the last time you purchase any food item from outside of your homestead?

   Dec 23rd--I had to buy ketchup. I make my own, but it was for some meatball sauce and I knew my family would not eat it if I didn't use commercial. And I will throw the rest of the commercial stuff out sometime next year as we are not big ketchup eaters!LOL
31.How close is your nearest neighbor?

     .5 mile maybe??? In the summer when I am surrounded by corn stalks I see no one.;)

32. What color is your barn?

     One is white and one is gray.

33.How many of your animals are bred at this time?

      None, but I think Dh is going to breed the horse soon.

34.What were the last three animal births on your homestead?

     Barn cats and our colt, lily.

35.How much TV do you watch at your homestead?

     too much.

36.Can you make good bread from scratch?

      So I"ve been told.

37.Are you afraid to go  outside at night?

       No. It's safe where we live.

38. How do you define homesteader?

       Someone who lives a simple life, growing their own food, raising their own animals.

39.Were you raised in the city or country?

      In the country! So was Dh. I think that's why looking in town was never very appealing to us.;) We both would be claustrophobic.