Growing the little things

I guess I can't stay busy enough.

I've been experimenting with different stuff around the house.One is this celery and another is an avocado.Well the avocado has been planted in a pot now.

I've been looking around to see what's next.

A pomegrate seedling.

Don't  know if it will do much but I have some more in the pot with this one.

Wow What a Year!

Well I didn't think it was going to happen but it has.What a year uh.I appreciate all the encouragement and patience with us this year.It was tough going there for a while.We didn't know if hubstead could find a job and he did.I didn't know if I could get a starter garden in nor grow plants and I did.Orion fell so homesick for his old place but now he is fine and thinks he owns everything around here.Getting back on our feet took awhile and we made it.


Now next year,going to do it again but with a bigger garden more trees and do some landscaping.Getting  chickens and putting in a smokehouse.I am almost out of breath thinking about it. I know it will get done with pride and a new profound affect on both of our mental states.I am sorry to see the first year go but am looking forward to the next. Anytime you feel down just remember there's is only one other way to go and that's up. I would of never in my wildest dreams thought that I would end up here.And now I'm here I am happy.God has blessed us to unbelievable grace. I thank him daily for this.


YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU WANT,SEE WHAT YOU WANT,MAKE IT HAPPEN.




HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas from Misty Pines Homestead

Even though we didn't do a whole lot today,we talked about the next Christmas how it will be better.Nor did we give each other anything,it's just simple,when you don't have to to give.Just being with each other for the week hubstead is off is enough.We did give my brother his quiver and he liked it and my sister-in-law loved the basket I made her.Next year will be better just like the garden,it will grow and bloom and we will harvest what's there,kinda like life uh?


MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wintertime Crafts

During the winter is when I like doing crafts more.The weather being cold and rainy (like today) is a good time to sit with something warm and pull out the pine straws or beads. Depend on which one will tickle my fancy.I still don't have a place in the house to do crafts yet.I like sitting and watching-listening to the t.v. It seems to make the time go by faster than silence.I have two particular movies I watch when I do stuff,Hatfields and McCoys for the pine straw baskets,and Lord of the Rings for the beads,don't ask  me why, I have no clue but when I put these movies in I'm off and running! Sounds weird eh?

But it gets done pretty fast


This morning ran up to the little local store and coming back was beautiful.We have alot of fog in our state and this morning,you couldn't even see the hills.It was misting rain too and I thought yep Misty Pines is definitely living up to it's name.I hope everyone is ready for Christmas,it sure got here fast enough.Hubsteads stuff should be here before long,he's making my brother his quiver and I already got my stuff done.It's been better this year and will be even better next year.I am actually looking forward to it! I think we are getting settled down more,the house is coming along and almost ful of furniture(wow) and Orion has gained his weight back and seems to be settling down too.

To twomenandalittlefarm,I can't wait to use the infuser I won.That was a good giveaway and I thankyou!

The chicken coop plans are still in the works and hubstead will start getting his smokehouse stuff together soon.I'll keep everyone updated on that.I finally planted my avocado plant into a big pot,we'll see how that's going to go,so far the leaves are trying to come out and grow.I may not write anymore until after Christmas so to everyone out there.

                                    MERRY CHRISTMAS
    AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

No more buying Commercial Christmas

Yes I said it,no more running here and there for Christmas gifts,no more paying high prices.Instead this year hubstead and I decided to "MAKE"our own presents.I made my sister-in-law and larger basket made of pine straw,and my brother is getting a all leather quiver handmade by my man.I've tried to understand all this stuff over the years and watched as it's torn families up during the holidays.All the stress people put theirselves through doesn't seem too happy to me. I cook and visit and give the presents,no stress cause I like to  cook.Like to give presents.If you listen to what people really want you can usually have the whole year to get something.Some of you do the after Christmas shopping which to me would be less dtessful.I make stuff during the year,then close to the holiday start collecting my meal items and walla I'm all set,easy peasy.I have more time to spend with family.


I got this in the mail today and I can't wait to use it.It was a giveaway by twomenandalittlefarm,thankyou!!!!the pics a little fuzzy sorry.

I love it!

Orion decided to be silly but it is his birthday month so he's allowed.

He's my little furryman!

He's 7 years old now and still acts like a brat sometimes.I can't believe what a wonderful and beautiful dog he is.

We didn't put up a tree or trimmings,not this year.I'm going to sit and make my own Christmas ornaments for next year.Make  homemade presents again.Then we'll be set!

Merry Christmas  Everyone!

Two more down

Just a couple of more baskets I did.The bottom one is more of a saucer shape.I have enjoyed doing these.So far I have five.But one has been sold.

These are all the loofahs I have left.I can't wait till spring to get started on more.

Everything has been quiet here.There were three does on the hill in the back yesterday morning.I'm glad to see they haven't been shot.They heard me in the kitchen but didn't seem to mind the noise I was making.They're usually in the yard but I guess they feel like keeping their distance during hunting season here. Looks like I need to get busy doing something else for awhile.But these baskets have been fun.I'm going to try to pick my beadwork back up and see how that goes. Seven days til Christmas.

What,snow?

Yeah they are saying we are going to get some snow this weekend.mmm oh boy there goes my weekend.
Am I ready,well lets see,got food,yep,got heat,yep,got coffee,yep got everything else to do with,yep,I'm ready bring it on!

At least it will be on the weekend,I really don't like it when it does that on a week day.In Texas we were snowed in for four days.Yeah that was joyous.Found things to do.Orion loved it to no end.Wanted to go out and then come back in,then back out and back in.8 inches and some nose plowing he was happy.It was his first snow too.

I got my turkey feathers in today.

Pretty uh?

I'm excited about getting these cause you can't get them here.The hunters don't keep them.Now I can get busy during those snow days and have something to make.

Well Christmas is almost here,are you ready?

Onion Rings are Good

I make onion rings at home.Here's the recipe

2 cups of self rising flour

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups of milk

2 tablespoons of onion powder

3 medium white onions

oil for frying

Slice onions into rings,set aside.

Mix ingredients in a bowl,take an onion ring and make sure batter sticks to it.Let your batter sit for 5 minutes,this will let the batter thicken up. Drop onions into batter and cook in hot oil until brown.Make sure your oil is hot. Drain on paper towel.

I use the onion powder because it gives the batter taste.

And this is how we roll at Misty Pines Homestead!

Anniversary today

Sooo.........hubstead and I have been together and married 29 years.Today was just a day to us,we don't do anything special.We ran up to the local Co Op and picked up a 50 lb. bag of lime.Time to dehair the deerskin.And I had to find something to scrape it with, along with a pair of gloves.Then we went and got pizzas and wings.It was great.Very easy going day and that's how we like it.

Now I'm sitting her,hubsteads' napping,I'm drinking coffee and watching a movie.I love days like this.
The deerskins are thawing out for tomorrows scrubbing and fixing.Frames have to be made and I get to stand out in the cold for awhile,oh well all in good fun.This will be my first time with deer hides but I've done rattlesnakes before.I know different kind of animal/reptile.Anyway I think I can do it.I just hope I can spend some time on my baskets and get some done.Still haven't finished the one I started yet,the sides are going up now.It's going to be different than the others.Had to go out this morning and gt fresh pines straws.


Yeah I stay busy,I love working with my hands. That's where the beadwork and leather and baskets come in.Of course besides cooking,I can't wait to try my hand at canning and soap making. I mean why pay for something when you can make it,right? That's my take on the economy now.Everyone is trying to cut a few corners so I try to see what's around the house I can do myself. That is what alot of people are doing now.When are these big companies going to catch on seriously.Don't they know that if they raise their prices,people are going to find other ways of making the same thing(almost) at home.mmmm.Especially with us retirees coming in.Oh Please!

The only thing I wish that was easy to grow is coffee,then we would be in heaven,but the coffee plant takes sooo long to grow.If you think about it there isn't hardly anything you can't make or grow at home.So lets look at my list of stuff  you would have to buy.

SALT
COFFEE
Ok I'm blank
I didn't put sugar because two things sugar comes from,stevia and cane.
Anybody got any more?


So why are we consuming so much? Our ancestors would be so dang mad at us,don't ya think?

Newest Edition to the Family

No it's not an animal,haha,it's an Avacado pit that I thought wouldn't do much but here it is!

Isn't it pretty,I think so.

My Crown of Thorns is putting out new leaves too.I have it setting next to the couch on a table.

The plant had almost no leaves when I brought it in,but I just water it and it loves the light coming off the lamp.

It's been kind of easy going around here today.I'm working on another basket that has turned into a little complicated. I'll post when I get through with it. I cut most of my hair off again.I'm getting to where I don't like it long anymore,too hard to take care of.Besides when the chickens come i don't want them to have something to grab hold of.

I went today and got my deer hides.My guy put a little extra in for me.Orion will have some leg bones in a few days to chew on.Hubstead will have to build my frames this weekend so we'll be pretty busy!.Yesterday we had deer chili,wow,it was really good.Today we had deer tenderloins and gravy.So tender you could cut them with a fork.They were good too.

Well evidently my meds are working.I'm more focused on what I'm doing and getting things done around here don't seem so bad.I have always needed to stay busy and doing stuff .

It's 4:14 a.m. and 27 degrees outside. Looks like we might have a some ice on stuff this morning.Well that's about it,I'm working on the basket today and doing small stuff around here today.Have a great Thursday everyone!

Another Basket done!

Finally got this one done.

Chili,Cold Weather,goes together

We like chili any time but during the winter ,it's even better.Today I have chili on in the slow cooker but it has ground deer meat in it.Yes poor Bambi,I like live deer but deer meat is lean and I 'd rather eat lean meat than what has alot of fat like regular cow meat. I think now the last of the kale is gone.I'll have to make a note for next year to plant alot more of it.It is looking alot like Christmas here in the south.I haven't decorated so far.I may just do collecting after Christmas stuff and wait til next year.I thought about just bringing some pine boughs in but still debating the idea.

It's 34 degrees outside and foggy.So far the weather people got it right.Just wet and cold is all it's going to do for the month of December.It's hard to believe this year went by so fast.But it has been a productive year around here.I have enjoyed this new country life tremendous

A few recaps here:

Got a small garden put in.
Bought rain barrels.
Put in a compost bin.
Got alot of seed catalogs.
Got the OSB boards laid in the floors.
Filled in the ruts in the front yard so we wouldn't trip in them.
I got my crafts going.
Got seeds put up for Spring.
Pots are put up for winter.
Got a heater for the winter.

Yep so far so good ahhh! There still is cosmetic work to do on the house but will have to wait til Spring or warm weather ,which ever comes first.

I can't wait to plant the seeds from this!!!

I got some hummingbird vine seeds from my sister-in-law.We trade stuff all the time(love her,she so sweet) and I designed a box planter for these with a trellis.We'll see how this is going to do. So something to look forward to.Hers' climb all over this lattice trellis my brother built and it's so pretty.Since we have alot of hummingbirds coming here,I figured why not give them something else to feed on.

For the love of Spagetti Squash

(from sweetlyvegan.com)

I could eat this stuff everytime! I had spagetti tonight and almost forgot I had one in the refrigerator.I got to where I can no stand to eat noodles now because I fix this.I saved the seeds to hopefully grow some next year.I got 145 seeds out of mine.That's alot of spagetti squash!You can freeze cooked S.Q. by putting it in a ziplock bag and it will freeze up to 6-8 months.mmm yeah!I'm going to try that.

Yes I'm still on a roll,I also got one started this morning.I'll post a picture when I'm done.I don't know why I'm getting so into this but it's been great.

Little Baskets

I'm on a basket roll!

Yeah I'm working on another too.Must be the meds,ya think? Anyways,I'm on a roll.I feel great for a change and that's good. Got  alot to do this month,oh hell who am I kidding,I really don't I just want to think I do to feel useful. It's raining with a little thunder and lightning.Been bagging seeds for spring and sitting around on my butt.I can not wait for spring I want to do something,grow something!AAHHHH! Got cabin fever I think.Oh well back to weaving my basket,I'll post a pic of the one I'm working on later.You'll love it.

Agony of no Sleep

What's up or should I say who's up,yeah that's right me.My sleep clock has took a freaking dive right out of bed. I get like this but I'm suspecting the culprit. My bipolar even though I am on new meds.Might even be that but I doubt it because these pills make me sleepy.I've been going to darn close to a week and I should be worn out by now. You should have seen me when I went almost 5 days without sleep ,yeah that was joyous.I slept for two days after that.Here it is at 4:00 in the morning and I'm sitting here still wide awake.Already I've been in the kitchen cleaning and scrubbing trying to wear myself down,nope didn't work. So what to do next? Orion keeps coming in here wanting me to go to bed.I tell him not yet bubba.Oh I planted some pomegrate seeds in a pot to see if they will grow.Experiment number one.


Today I picked up some more pallets. My next project is going to build a sliding shelf to go by the refrigerator. I already drew out the plans.I need space and I really thought I has enough in the kitchen but I don't. I will when I get thru. I kinda hoping somebody,no names mentioned here,will buy me a circular saw for Christmas. I go wild then!


You know donkey on Shrek when he clicks his eye and jerks his head,yep that me right about now.

Awww Kale is almost gone

I went out this morning and got just alittle bit of kale .I have so far munched my way thru the two rows I planted.The rows weren't long but now I know how many to plant next year.And by looking at the size of the leaves I do believe I got the dwarf kind.

Oh I can't wait to get into this batch!

Yep he was so sleepy last night.He's so goofy.

ok back to the kale part.I have alot of seeds to plant next year so most likely I'll have a bigger area to work in.I have so enjoyed doing this garden thing.I'm wondering whether or not to get the bigger kale and try it.The dwarf is pretty good and makes excellent kale chips.It was really easy to grow.They sprung right up and all I did was sow them in the ground.

Today is my busy day.Places to go, bills to pay,pick this up and pick that up,yuck I hate Mondays.But Orion likes to ride and he goes with me.It gets him out of the house for awhile.I know he goes stir crazy just like a human.He loves to ride in his truck and yeah its his truck when he's in it.I'm just the driver.