If you like Vermont, you might like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I grew up on the western end and all of your pictures made me remember watching huge black tadpoles swimming in mud puddles in the spring, catching frogs in the pond, and having hundreds of acres to tromp around in.
Reading this took me back in time 60 years ago when my two little brothers and I caught tadpoles in mudholes, made mud pies and brought our mother the bounty of an afternoon picking dandelions and other tiny flowers out in the pastures. Spent the afternoon in reflection and absolute joy Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Hey Ashley, that's a great looking spread you and your family have created. Love the pictures. I grew up on a farm and we also milked a cow. I remember my mother skimming off the cream next morning after it set in the fridge all night. That dandelion honey looks YUM!
Wow, starting on another farm just as the fruit trees are bearing! But I am not one to criticize-we started farming at a time when many people our age are selling their farms for easier living. Oh, well, always up for the challenge! BTW, the "western slope" in Colorado is a great place for organic farming, especially the North Fork(of the Gunnison River) Valley.
Congratulations on looking for a new homestead. If you land in south central PA (hint hint). I have learned so much and hope to continue learning with you. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing you on fb and instagram. I appreciate all you do. Thank you.
What an adventure! Love your updates. How I miss my growing up years in PA when anything would grow just about anywhere and spring peepers were such a treat. In the Southwest desert, the lettuce was done a month ago, the jalapenos are blossoming again and other than a few flowers, we're done until fall. I'll bet you hate to leave your home to start over, but what an adventure. Wishing you all the best. Praying God guides you every step of the way in your new endeavors. Stay safe.
I love reading the news from your farm, especially since we seem to have very similar conditions (despite being so far apart). I also LOVE your house, btw!
Dandelions are flowering here, too, and the trees are leafing (even the new trees we planted in fall. They made it through winter!). Meanwhile, we've been busy adding and repairing fencing, and I'm fighting thistles in the garden before I plant tomorrow. Raised beds sound so nice, but our garden seems okay for now. If the thistles win, we may be building beds after all...
I like that you're thinking of putting some "luxuries" on your list for your next location. Adding our trellis, screened porch and firepit meant taking time away from other chores, but it is nice to be able to enjoy a glass of wine under the stars by the fire after a long day. You need reminders of WHY you're doing all this, you know? Beauty soothes the soul. The other chores aren't going anywhere and there will ALWAYS be more chores!
If we had more than 6'' of top soil I definitely wouldn't have gone through the work of building these things. Thistles are nasty though, we have a huge problem with those too.
and yes, there will ALWAYS be more chores...It took me all this time to realize it, but it's so true.
I thought about your search for a new home and I wanted to mention one thing that has saved us here: our basement den. It stays a consistent 62 degrees year-round which is quite a relief when it's 100 here! Just something to consider as you house hunt... :-)
Always a great read from you
Thank you Joe!
If you like Vermont, you might like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I grew up on the western end and all of your pictures made me remember watching huge black tadpoles swimming in mud puddles in the spring, catching frogs in the pond, and having hundreds of acres to tromp around in.
Thanks Amy, that's one place we hadn't really considered. I'll look into it.
Reading this took me back in time 60 years ago when my two little brothers and I caught tadpoles in mudholes, made mud pies and brought our mother the bounty of an afternoon picking dandelions and other tiny flowers out in the pastures. Spent the afternoon in reflection and absolute joy Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
You're quite welcome!
Hey Ashley, that's a great looking spread you and your family have created. Love the pictures. I grew up on a farm and we also milked a cow. I remember my mother skimming off the cream next morning after it set in the fridge all night. That dandelion honey looks YUM!
Thank you Glenn!
I’m in love with these precious pictures!
Thank you Erin!
Cobb ovens?? Please tell us!
This year I just switched to raised beds also!!! Skipping the Spring weeding before planting was just glorious!!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I so enjoy your prose!
I'll definitely share our process as we get to it. This video has a great tutorial on cobb ovens for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0foHjPVbP4
Wow, starting on another farm just as the fruit trees are bearing! But I am not one to criticize-we started farming at a time when many people our age are selling their farms for easier living. Oh, well, always up for the challenge! BTW, the "western slope" in Colorado is a great place for organic farming, especially the North Fork(of the Gunnison River) Valley.
Nice!
Loved your new raised beds and your garlic!! I just made some lilac blossom almond scones from my lilac blossoms. Enjoyed your article.
Oh now that sounds delicious!
Lovely to read…absolutely lovely. I almost felt like I was you! Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations on looking for a new homestead. If you land in south central PA (hint hint). I have learned so much and hope to continue learning with you. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing you on fb and instagram. I appreciate all you do. Thank you.
Thank you Sue!
What an adventure! Love your updates. How I miss my growing up years in PA when anything would grow just about anywhere and spring peepers were such a treat. In the Southwest desert, the lettuce was done a month ago, the jalapenos are blossoming again and other than a few flowers, we're done until fall. I'll bet you hate to leave your home to start over, but what an adventure. Wishing you all the best. Praying God guides you every step of the way in your new endeavors. Stay safe.
Cissie Dee
Thank you Cissie!
I love reading the news from your farm, especially since we seem to have very similar conditions (despite being so far apart). I also LOVE your house, btw!
Dandelions are flowering here, too, and the trees are leafing (even the new trees we planted in fall. They made it through winter!). Meanwhile, we've been busy adding and repairing fencing, and I'm fighting thistles in the garden before I plant tomorrow. Raised beds sound so nice, but our garden seems okay for now. If the thistles win, we may be building beds after all...
I like that you're thinking of putting some "luxuries" on your list for your next location. Adding our trellis, screened porch and firepit meant taking time away from other chores, but it is nice to be able to enjoy a glass of wine under the stars by the fire after a long day. You need reminders of WHY you're doing all this, you know? Beauty soothes the soul. The other chores aren't going anywhere and there will ALWAYS be more chores!
If we had more than 6'' of top soil I definitely wouldn't have gone through the work of building these things. Thistles are nasty though, we have a huge problem with those too.
and yes, there will ALWAYS be more chores...It took me all this time to realize it, but it's so true.
I thought about your search for a new home and I wanted to mention one thing that has saved us here: our basement den. It stays a consistent 62 degrees year-round which is quite a relief when it's 100 here! Just something to consider as you house hunt... :-)
Your post makes me want to go out and get sweaty in the garden today! You’re absolutely inspiring!
Ha! I hope it succeeded and did get you out in the garden =)
Well said. All the best of luck in your new adventure.
Thank you Lee!
Great read. Thank you for sharing. P.S. Hindsight is always 20/20 🤗
Ain't that the truth!
What a big undertaking as you grow into a new space! We are rooting for you!☺️
Thank you so much!