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"The Clucking Chronicles"
Welcome to "The Clucking Chronicles" – your go-to source for all things homesteading, where we turn dirt into gold and chicken poop into...well, fertilizer! Join us on this wild ride through the highs and lows of rural living, where every day is an adventure and every chicken has a name (trust us, it's easier to keep track that way).
From the triumphs of our victory garden to the epic battles against the invasive army of Seminole pumpkins, we've got stories that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even rethink your city slicker lifestyle. Learn the ancient art of Turkey wrangling, discover the zen of composting, and witness the heart-stopping drama of chicken coop renovations – all from the comfort of your screen.
So grab your pitchfork and your sense of humor, because things are about to get clucking crazy up in here. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just dreaming of trading your high heels for a pair of muddy boots, "The Clucking Chronicles" is your home on the range. Welcome to the flock - let the adventure begin!
Mels Guide to Building a Homestead
Building a homestead in Florida Zone 9b is equal parts hard work, survival skills, duct tape engineering, and arguing with squirrels that think your property belongs to them. From fighting sand, heat, humidity, hurricanes, and runaway chickens to learning why shade trees are basically currency, Mel’s funny guide to homestead life covers the beautiful chaos of raising animals, growing food, and building a life with your own two hands.
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May 83 min read
Common Herbal Remedies on the Homestead: What actually works and what’s worth growing
These days, it seems like everyone is selling an herbal book, but not all of them are worth your time or trust. Some sound convincing while saying very little. On a homestead, where herbs may be used for people or animals, accuracy matters. This guide walks through simple ways to spot AI-generated fluff and recognize the signs of books written by folks who actually know their plants.
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Apr 88 min read
Herbal Support for Dogs
We grow herbs for ourselves, so why not for our animals too? In this homestead guide to herbal medicine for pets, we share simple, safe remedies for dogs, cats, and chickens, including a skin-healing salve, a gentle calming tea, and a coop immune boost blend. No guesswork, no hype. Just practical plant support that fits real homestead life.
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Feb 123 min read
Muntingia calabura: The Cotton Candy Tree We’re Obsessed With
This plant has more nicknames than a mischievous cousin: Jamaican Cherry, Panama Berry, Cotton Candy Berry,Strawberry Tree and thats just the ones we know about! Native to Central and South America, it’s a fast grower that can hit 20 to 30 feet tall before you can say “who’s got the ladder.” It blooms almost year-round, covering itself with cute little white flowers that quickly become bright red berries. And the flavor? Pure cotton candy bliss.
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Sep 4, 20253 min read
It’s Finally Fall-ish, Florida-Style: Planting Season is Here!
Well y’all, we made it. The air isn’t quite so heavy, the mosquitoes aren’t trying to carry us away (as much), and when you step outside in the morning, you can almost smell fall in the breeze. While the rest of the country is pulling up the last of their summer gardens and settling in for frost, here in Florida Zone 9a/9b we’re just getting started. That’s right... it’s planting season, baby!
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Sep 3, 20252 min read
Passionfruit Overload: When the Vine Decides to Go Full Rockstar
This season, our Passiflora edulis vine has officially entered its diva era. It’s climbing like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil and dropping fruit like confetti... sweet, tart, and gloriously wrinkled (which, fun fact, means it’s ripe and ready).
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Jul 28, 20253 min read
How to Build a Life Focused on Self-Sustainability
Let’s be honest... today’s world feels a little bonkers! Between rising prices, constant noise, and mystery ingredients in store-bought food, more folks are craving a lifestyle that’s slower, more grounded, and built on their own terms. That’s where self-sustainability steps in.
It’s not about living in a hut with no Wi-Fi (unless that’s your jam). It’s about taking practical steps toward providing for yourself, reducing reliance on unstable systems, and aligning daily life
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Jul 20, 20253 min read
Quail, Feathers, and Respectful Death: The Unfiltered Truth About Homesteading
This morning, we had the chance to attend a hands-on quail processing class at Sweet Baby Farm, right here in Flagler Estates and it was an unforgettable experience. Jamie at Sweet Baby Farm poured her heart and knowledge into this class, walking us through each step with kindness, transparency, and the kind of real-life wisdom that only comes from doing this work day in and day out.
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Jul 12, 20253 min read
When the Dashboard Closes, the Chicken Coop Opens: Starting Over After 30 Years in Tech
After 30 years in the Tech World, AI replaced my job, prompting an unexpected leap into full time homesteading. This blog chronicles my transition from spreadsheets to soil, revealing how nurturing gardens and managing bees teaches tangible rewards, patience, and adaptability. It's a journey of starting over, finding new purpose beyond titles, and embracing the messy, beautiful reality of growing a new life.
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Jun 28, 20254 min read
Building a Life of Self-Sufficiency and Resourcefulness
Ah, homesteading - the noble pursuit of independence, where you trade grocery store convenience for the thrill of chasing escaped livestock through a muddy field.
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May 27, 20253 min read
Upgrading Our Security System: A Wild Adventure with a Bobcat
So, we finally decided to upgrade our security system, thinking, “Hey, let’s keep an eye on things, maybe catch some sneaky raccoons raiding the feed.” Day Two, folks. DAY TWOOOOO. The universe took this as a personal challenge and delivered us a surprise guest: A BOBCAT.
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May 21, 20252 min read
The Great Bobcat Incident: A Survivor’s Tale
Darkness had fallen, and with it came an unease that settled deep in our feathers. The air was thick with something unseen. A presence. We had felt it all evening—a silent watcher, lurking beyond the fence line.
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May 21, 20252 min read
How to Start Your Homesteading Adventure
Starting a homesteading adventure can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The concept of transforming a piece of land into a self-sufficient paradise appeals to many.
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May 19, 20255 min read
Weekend Surprises: From First Bananas to the Surprise Hatchlings on Our Homestead
What a weekend it has been! As a homesteader, every day on our little piece of land brings new lessons and excitement. This past weekend, however, was particularly special, filled with delightful surprises that will surely become cherished memories.
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Apr 22, 20254 min read
Unleashing Sunshine: The Secret to Growing Juicy Everglade Tomatoes in Florida
Among the many varieties of tomatoes, Everglade tomatoes stand out for their sweet flavor and bite-sized perfection...
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Apr 1, 20254 min read
Will your plants make it through Florida's Arctic blast?
Florida usually experiences mild winter temperatures but can face the threat of frost, although I bet no one had snow on their bingo card...
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Jan 24, 20254 min read
This week on our Homestead - June 11, 2024
I am already over summer, and it has barely started! The heat and humidity have been brutal, the Gnats are relentless...
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Jun 13, 20243 min read
This week on our Homestead - June 3, 2024
YAY, we got a break in the weather for a few days, and what better time to add more projects than when you're already overflowing with...
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Jun 13, 20242 min read
This week on our Homestead - May 27, 2024
Yuck! We're officially done "pre-heating" in Florida, and the heat has arrived! The last two were 95F and the humidity was so high...
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May 30, 20242 min read
How to Stay Productive on a Busy Saturday!
As I took my bounty back inside, I spotted black mulberries that were begging me to eat them. Who am I to argue with a Mulberry bush?
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Apr 13, 20242 min read
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