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Beekeeping and the promise of sweet honey had intrigued us for months. Initially daunting, it transformed into a thrilling adventure when we finally harvested our first batch using the innovative Flow Hive system . Imagine this: a bright sunny day, surrounded by the gentle hum of bees, and the sweet golden treasure of honey ready to be collected... and a cover from the sun! Lord, it was hot that day LOL In this blog post, we'll share the excitement of our experience, the surprises along the way, and the sweet joy of tasting our first homemade honey! The Flow Hive Experience When we first came across the Flow Hive, we were captivated by its unique design. This revolutionary beekeeping tool allows bees to fill hexagonal frames with honey. Best of all, harvesting becomes an easy task - just turn a tap, and the honey flows out. Gone are the strenuous battles with heavy equipment! And while the Honey Harvesting process is a breeze, everything else remains the same. You still have to do regular hive maintenance and inspections, something we didn't want to lose out on. As beginners, we appreciated the idea of a more straightforward, less messy approach though. The Flow Hive seemed perfect for folks like us who wanted to enjoy beekeeping without feeling overwhelmed. Watching the bees at work while having an easier time collecting honey was a tempting prospect! Setting Up the Flow Hive Setting up the Flow Hive turned into an adventure itself. We built it (Thank you to the Flow Hive team for actually creating an easy-to-follow instruction book) and began by picking a sunny spot in our backyard, ensuring it was shielded from wind and high foot traffic. The assembly process was surprisingly easy, even for a novice. Once we added our bees, we gave them time to settle into their new home. Watching the bees was mesmerizing - like observing a bustling city! They quickly got to work exploring, foraging, and building brood combs. Each day brought new discoveries. For instance, we noted how a single bee can visit over 2,000 flowers in a day, demonstrating their incredible productivity and forage roughly up to 3 miles away from their hives. Waiting for the Harvest After months of nurturing our bees and overcoming initial challenges with Mother Nature, we finally saw the honey-filled frames. The excitement and anticipation were palpable! We often imagined the taste of our home-harvested honey. One burning question hung in everyone’s mind: Would it taste as good as the jars we saw at the store? As the time approached for our first harvest, we prepared ourselves for the task. Gathering supplies and learning the harvesting process felt thrilling yet slightly nerve-wracking. But we were ready for this step thanks to endless hours of YouTube and online class taking! A brood comb is being built The Harvest Day On the day of the harvest, we were debating whether to suit up in our beekeeper outfits (you always end up feeling like a character right out of a sci-fi movie, LOL ), but knowing our bee hive, we felt comfortable going in without attire! Thankfully, the bees were calm. With the frames filled to the brim, we turned the key, attached the tab and, to our sheer delight, the golden honey began to flow. Watching it pour into jars was a sweet surprise - literally! The honey looked vibrant and smelled wonderful, far surpassing anything we had bought before. The moment was both satisfying and surreal. Our first honey flowing into the jar Seeing our efforts materialize into golden jars was rewarding. The honey had a smooth texture, and the flavor was thrillingly rich and floral, unlike anything we ever imagined. The Flavor Profile After filling our jars, we dedicated a delightful afternoon to tasting our honey. We were astounded by the different flavor profiles! Each jar contained a unique blend of floral notes based on the nectar our bees collected. For instance, one jar had hints of clover, while another carried a distinct wildflower essence. Did you know that honey can vary in flavor depending on the flower types - bringing in elements as diverse as fruit to herbal notes? The variety was a sweet surprise! It felt like capturing a piece of happiness in a jar. Valuable Lessons Learned Our first honey harvest taught me invaluable lessons about beekeeping. Patience is Key : Whether we was waiting for the bees to settle or for the honey to mature, this journey emphasized the importance of being patient. Embrace the Unexpected : Nature can be surprising. We learned to appreciate the unexpected twists and delightful variances in my honey’s flavor and quality. We also learned all about things that can cause issues for your bees, such as Varroa Mites and Hive Beetles. Research how to combat those because it's important for your bees' health! Connection to Nature : This experience heightened our appreciation for the natural world. Realizing the effort required to produce just a jar of honey made every bit of work worthwhile. Chris harvesting our first few Jars Wrapping Up the Adventure Our first Flow Hive honey harvest adventure exceeded our expectations in many delightful ways. We discovered a new hobby that connected us deeply to nature. We also produced delicious honey with a unique taste and character. From setting up the hive to nurturing the bees and savoring the flavor of our homemade honey, this journey was filled with joy and learning. We eagerly anticipate our next harvest and everything that comes with the continuous adventure of beekeeping. So much in fact, that the following day we went ahead and orders a second flow hive! If you’re considering starting your own Flow Hive journey, we wholeheartedly encourage you. You never know what sweet surprises await you!

What a weekend it has been! From the first bananas to the surprise hatchlings on our homestead, it has not been a dull moment! 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. From our first crop of bananas to the unexpected hatchlings of turkeys and chickens, I invite you to join me as I share the magic that unfolded right here at our homestead. Celebrating Our First Bananas The excitement began when I strolled through our garden on Saturday morning. I was on a mission to check on our fruit trees when something bright and red caught my eye. Could it be? I rushed over only to be greeted by a delightful sight: bananas! Growing Bananas After two years of nurturing, one of our banana plants had finally borne fruit! The little green bananas are still developing, and they'll take a few months to ripen before begging to be picked. I stood there in awe of Mother Nature, but my mind raced with ideas. Imagine this: homemade banana bread, creamy smoothies, or fluffy banana pancakes! The possibilities seem endless, and knowing these fruits come from our own garden makes them taste even sweeter. Discovering Forgotten Onions The banana excitement didn’t stop there. As I moved through the garden, making a diagram for Chris so he'd know which beds to clear, I stumbled upon a garden bed where I had planted onions earlier in the season. Life had gotten busy, and I had forgotten all about them. When I finally made my way over, I was pleasantly surprised to see onions peeking through the soil. With a little digging, I unearthed a generous harvest of vibrant onions! Granex Hybrid Onions These onions ranged from medium-sized to big and were bursting with flavor. They served as a reminder of how rewarding it is to grow your own food. I could already picture caramelized onions sizzling in a pan, enhancing a comforting soup, or adding a crunchy twist to fresh salads. I hung them up to cure on our deck, knowing they will taste much better than any store-bought variety. This experience highlighted the priceless connection we have with our food and nature. It is always a rush to harvest something we grew ourselves! The Surprise Hatchling Bonanza The weekend surprises were still unfolding. While enjoying my banana and onion discoveries, our morning was not over yet. While walking over to show a friend our Jersey Giant flock, they were considering buying from us, we heard unexpected peeping sounds coming from the run. Intrigued, we looked down and saw our turkey hen, Romulus, with two newly hatched turkey chicks and two newly hatched Jersey Giant chicks. The chickens loved the turkey nest so much that they had squeezed in there with the turkeys to lay some eggs. Romulus simply accepted them into her own brood. What I found was heartwarming. Our turkey hen, who had been patiently sitting on her nest, had finally hatched her eggs. Not just turkeys, but also a few adorable little chicks! Turkey Hen with Turkey and Chicken Chicks There they were, fluffy little bodies covered in soft down, peeping and wobbling around their mother. It was a delightful sight that reminded me why I love being a homesteader. Seeing life emerge from our hard work makes every late night and early morning worth it. With joy, I soaked in the moment as Romulus lovingly guided her hatchlings. These curious little creatures were exploring their new world—a reminder of life's beauty. Sadly, the next morning, we discovered that one of the Jersey chicks had not survived. Unfortunately, as much as new life is part of homesteading, so is death. Embracing the Nature of Homesteading With my harvest of onions and new bananas, I felt energized and inspired. This is the essence of homesteading; it is about embracing little surprises and moments of joy. The satisfaction of growing your own food, caring for animals, and watching nature thrive is unmatched. By the end of the weekend, we had accomplished quite a bit outdoors. As for the hatchlings, I look forward to witnessing their growth and integration into our farm life. A Weekend of Gratitude Weekends on our homestead are always full of adventure, and this past one beautifully reminded me of that. From our first bananas to a bountiful onion harvest and the adorable hatchlings, I felt a wave of gratitude. Each surprise brought smiles and renewed my passion for homesteading. If you are a fellow homesteader, I encourage you to enjoy the simple pleasures and surprises that come your way. From planting to harvesting, remember that every step of this journey is as enriching as the food we grow. Cheers to more weekend surprises and the joy of living close to the land! I cannot wait to see what the next weekend has in store for us!

Mulberries are enchanting little fruits that can bring a burst of sweetness to your garden and your palate. Whether you're an experienced gardener or someone just starting out, growing mulberries can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this post, we'll explore the intriguing world of mulberries, covering how to cultivate them and when to pick them for the best flavor. The Beauty of Mulberries Mulberries are not just tasty; they are incredibly versatile. You can use them in pies, jams, or enjoy them fresh off the tree. Many people say their flavor is a delightful mix of blackberries and raspberries, although we find they are just sweet little juicy, seedless delights! These berries can thrive in a variety of climates, making them accessible for many gardeners. With their lovely heart-shaped leaves and dense branches, mulberry trees also enhance the beauty of your landscape, plus you can make Mulberry tea from the leaves! Additionally, the trees create shelters for birds and pollinators, enriching the biodiversity of your garden. Choosing the Right Variety Selecting the right type of mulberry tree is crucial for successful growth. Here are the three main varieties: Red Mulberries : Known for their rich and sweet flavor, red mulberries grow well in most areas and adapt to a variety of soil conditions. In regions with moderate climate, these trees can yield up to 40 pounds of fruit per tree annually. We just purchased a Pakistani Mulberry about 4 weeks ago so the jury is still out on how it produces for us. White Mulberries : Often grown for their leaves, which feed silkworms, white mulberries are also tasty when eaten fresh. These trees are drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soil. We have one white mulberry tree in our yard, but it is still young and is now just slowly starting to produce berries in year two. Black Mulberries : Black mulberries are particularly sweet and can be a great choice if you prefer intense, sweet flavors. On average, black mulberry trees can produce 30 to 50 pounds of fruit per year, depending on their environment. We have an everbearing mulberry that with some tips and tricks produces about 3 flushes of berries all year long. Consider your growing area and personal taste when choosing your variety and research what is best for your growing zone. Ideal Growing Conditions Mulberries are quite adaptable but thrive best under certain conditions. Here are some recommendations to ensure optimal growth: Sunlight : Mulberry trees need full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily, yep, even full-on Florida sun. Proper sunlight encourages healthy growth and abundant fruit. Water : While mature trees can be drought-tolerant, young trees need regular watering until they are established. Consistent moisture during dry spells helps them flourish. HINT : If you plant them right before the rainy season starts, you do not have to worry about watering them. Space : Mulberry trees can grow large, so planting them about 20 feet apart is ideal for allowing ample room for growth. Pruning : Regular pruning is essential, especially in the early years, to encourage air circulation and shape the trees for better growth. Unfortunately, we have not stayed on top of that and are now struggling to get to the tallest branches. I guess it's more for the birds, right? :) Everbearing Mulberry Tree Planting Mulberry Trees Planting mulberry trees is a simple process, making it perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Follow these steps for success: Select Your Location : Pick a sunny spot with good drainage, avoiding areas prone to pooling water because they do not like that much. Prepare the Soil : Enhance the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for better fertility. We opt to grow pretty much everything in compost, so compost is what we usually choose. Dig a Hole : Make a hole about twice the size of the root ball, ensuring that the depth matches the height of the root ball. This is solid advice if you plant an adult tree, but Mulberry propagation is so super simple because you can just cut a branch of a tree and stick it straight into the ground. 99% of the time it will take! Position the Tree : Place the tree in the hole, keeping the root flare level with the soil surface. Backfill the Hole : Fill in around the roots with the original soil, gently packing it to eliminate air pockets. This allows it to be sturdy. Water Well : After planting, give the tree a thorough watering to settle the soil. Mulch : Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture and control weeds. Here in Florida, that is just about a must-do for all things. Caring for Your Mulberry Trees Once planted, proper care is crucial for a fruitful harvest. Here are some care tips: Watering : Consistent watering is vital, especially during dry spells and in the first few years. Since we go through rainy season here in Florida we generally do not worry about it since we propagate right at the start of rainy season and so the watering takes care of itself. Fertilizing : Mulberries don’t need heavy feeding, but applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost growth, in short you can just toss a cup of 10-10-10 at the base and that will do the job. Pest Control : Watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites. Using neem oil can be an effective natural solution, although the only thing we've ever had an issue with was Silkworms (Yep, the ones that spin actual Silk!). We tackle that by catching it early on and cutting off the effective branch, and feeding it to our chickens. They love a good Silkworm! Weed Control : Regularly pull weeds and grass around your trees to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Harvesting Mulberries After all your hard work, it’s time for the rewarding harvest! Mulberries typically ripen between late spring and early summer, depending on the variety and climate. Here’s how to determine when they are ready to pick: Color : Ripe black mulberries should be deep purple to black, while red ones should have a vibrant hue. Firmness : Ripe berries feel plump but slightly soft when squeezed. Drop Test : Gently shake the branches; ripe mulberries will easily fall. All over the Place. They will also turn everything purple so gloves are a solid choice! Mulberry harvest contraption As you can see above, this year, we are using 4 electric fence poles and a big queen-sized fitted sheet to catch all of the mulberries. We simply shake each branch (much like an Olive tree is harvested in Italy) and move the contraption around the tree to catch our harvest. It beats purple fingers and is much faster ;) Enjoying Your Harvest Once your mulberries are picked, the fun really begins! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them: Fresh Eating : They make a delicious and healthy snack straight from the tree. They are rather addicting as well but if you're going for healthy snacking, this one is golden! Baking : Use them in muffins, pies, or crumbles for a tasty treat that showcases their sweet flavor. You can make just about the same things with mulberries that you can make with Blueberries, Raspberries or any other type of berry. Preserves : Mulberries are perfect for making jams, allowing you to enjoy their flavor long after harvesting them. And if you've never had Mulberry jam, you're in for a treat! Smoothies : You can also blend them into smoothies or even turn them into ice cream. 3rd harvest of one of our trees A few hints and tricks! Two years ago, we came across a YouTube video (see below) which was about a Mulberry Farmer in the Phillipines. Every 3-4 months, he cuts back all of his branches by 50% and defoliates all of his trees. He provides the scientific reason for this about 4:30 minutes into the video. As you can imagine, the idea seems bizarre, and the first time we did this, we nearly choked at the idea but thought, let's do it and see what happens. So we did precisely that, and 2 months later, we had brand new leaves, brand new berries, a healthy tree, and most amazing, a whole new flush of Berries, and the tree was loaded again! Ever since, this is what we do every year and we enjoy three full flushes of Berries throughout the year! Thats'a LOT of Mulberries! So, don't wait! Get a mulberry tree or a cutting, plant it in your garden, and soon you will experience the sweet delight of your very own mulberries!

Discover natural, organic items at On Our Own Homestead. Find Herbal Skin Care Products, Natural Pet Care, and more. Homestead products for a better life. Welcome to our little slice of heaven, or as we like to call it, "The Plantation of Questionable Life Choices." We're humble homesteaders, attempting to turn this plot of land into a thriving ecosystem of chaos and veggies. Homesteading, where 'Crop rotation' becomes a fancy way of saying 'Musical Chairs for vegetables!' 2025 GOALS Every year we sit down and write our "Wishlist" of everything we want to accomplish throughout the year. Generally, we get very ambitious and realize later in the year that there are way too many items on our list to turn into reality. 2025 Will be an ambitious year for us as well as these are our goals for our Homestead: 1. Build a bigger greenhouse out of wood with PVC or glass panels. 2. Move all of the coops and runs and make it more accessible and modular for all three. 3. Build a bigger composting area that's fenced in (because while the chickens are excellent compost turners... they are also MESSY compost turners LOL) - DONE 1/6/2025 4. Focus on the Propagation of existing plants. 5. Get those damn Bananas to produce LOL 6. Plan out what we want to plant this coming year. (I always add a few plants that we've never tried before to see how they are doing on our property). 7. Concentrate on planting more flowers on our Homestead, an area I feel we really lack in! 2024 Goals (All have been completed) 1. Expand garden beds and add about 20 raised beds. 2. Pick out and plan Food Forrest. 3. Start buying Fruit trees and get them into the ground. 4. Add a second Flock of chickens with multipurpose breeds. (We chose Bielefelders and Jersey Giants) 5. Add 3 Turkeys. (We added 5!) 6. Get a Bee Hive and start with bees for Honey Production. OUR FURRY AND FEATHERED FRIENDS Our farm is home to a variety of chickens including Bielefelders, Jersey Giants, and a variety of Barnyard mixes. We've also just acquired Turkeys, and Bees. We believe in treating our animals with love and respect, and we know that happy animals make for better eggs, meat and honey. Click here to learn more about our animals. (Coming soon) Meet Our Animals FEATURED PRODUCTS New Arrival 8oz Jar of 100% Pure Raw Unfiltered Honey with wooden Honey Dipper Price $10.00 Add to Cart Ashwagandha Tincture 1 oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Ashwagandha Tincture 2 oz Price $14.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Bug Bite Balm 0.5 oz Price $4.50 Add to Cart New Arrival Bug Bite Balm 2oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Chronic Arthritis for Cats & Dogs - 1oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Drawing Salve 2oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Eczema Lotion Bar Price $7.50 Add to Cart New Arrival Leaf & Relief Balm 2oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Zap the Burn Balm 2oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Elector PSP 9ml (Makes one Gallon) Price $16.00 Out of Stock New Arrival Bamboo Wooden Soap Holder Price $2.50 Add to Cart New Arrival Pawesome Peace for Cats & Dogs - 2 oz Price $15.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Pawesome Peace for Cats & Dogs - 1oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Activated Charcoal with Bentonite Clay Soap & Tea Tree Oil Price $4.50 Add to Cart New Arrival Activated Charcoal with Bentonite Clay Soap Price $4.25 Add to Cart New Arrival "Neural Zen" Extract 2 oz Price $16.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Nose 'n' Toes Soother for Cats & Dogs Price $6.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Anti-microbial and Anti-parasitic Ear Oil for Cats & Dogs - 1oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Stomach Soother for Cats & Dogs - 2 oz Price $15.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Chronic Arthritis for Cats & Dogs - 2oz Price $15.00 Add to Cart New Arrival Valerian Root Tincture 1 oz Price $9.00 Add to Cart New Arrival "Four Thieves" Lotion Bar with Calendula Price $6.50 Add to Cart ABOUT "ON OUR OWN HOMESTEAD" We are Mel & Chris Adams, and this is our Journey to a more self-reliant life. It's filled with many clumsy, awkward, and funny moments. We love our life. We love our Smart house, technology, and our modern conveniences. But we also love growing things, being Chicken & Turkey owners, cooking from scratch, and aiming for a more self-sustaining life. On top of that we also create our own herbal products. (This was born out of necessity when Mel got diagnosed with what feels like a random assortment of Auto immune diseases over the course of a number of years). And we're doing all of that on 1.25 acres. Hang on, can we be a Micro Homestead? To keep life interesting we are also Insect Breeders and breed Discoid Roaches for Reptile feeders (5 successful years and counting) and ship those all over the United States daily. If you find yourself in need of Discoid Roaches please feel free to check out Luna Roaches ! Buckle in, promise that occasionally it'll get really weird! I mean we are Cockroach breeding Homesteaders... what could possibly be strange about our life? ;) Our Story Explore "The Clucking Chronicles" - Homesteading for a Self-Sustaining Lifestyle Sweet Surprises from our First Flow Hive Honey Harvest Adventure Beekeeping and the promise of sweet honey had intrigued us for months. Initially daunting, it transformed into a thrilling adventure when we finally harvested our first batch using the innovative Flow Hive system. 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. Let's talk about Mulberries Mulberries are enchanting little fruits that can bring a burst of sweetness to your garden and your palate. Whether you're an experienced gardener or someone just starting out, growing mulberries can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this post, we'll explore the intriguing world of mulberries, covering how to cultivate them and when to pick them for the best flavor. Read More

And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. AND THIS IS US In a bustling city where the rhythm of life never missed a beat, Chris and Mel found themselves navigating the bustling streets, unaware that destiny had its own romantic script in mind for them. Their story began on a rainy afternoon, with Chris, a perpetually cheerful optimist, darting through the downpour, determined to reach his destination without turning into a soggy mess. Meanwhile, Mel, a pragmatic realist with a penchant for overthinking, was quietly cursing her luck as she wrestled with an umbrella that seemed determined to defy the laws of physics. Their paths collided in a classic "umbrella bump" moment, reminiscent of a scene straight out of a romantic comedy. As they exchanged sheepish apologies and laughter over their shared predicament, little did they know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Over cups of steaming coffee and slices of decadent cheesecake at their favorite neighborhood cafe, Chris and Mel discovered a shared love for old movies, cheesy jokes, and late-night conversations about life, love, and everything in between. They became each other's confidants, sounding boards, and partners in crime, navigating the highs and lows of city life with a blend of humor and heart. As the seasons changed and the cityscape transformed, Chris and Mel's bond only grew stronger, evolving from friendship to something more. They laughed, they cried, they danced in the rain, and with each passing day, they found themselves falling deeper and deeper in love. In a city where millions of stories unfolded every day, Chris and Mel's love story stood out as a testament to the power of serendipity, friendship, and the magic of finding your perfect match in the most unexpected of places. And as they strolled hand in hand through the rain-soaked streets, they knew that their love story was just beginning, with every chapter yet to be written. Cute right? It's also utter nonsense and the plot of "How Harry met Sally" LOL To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Chris and I met each other in a weird way, two people who managed to find each other in a sea of 7 billion other Humans. We first collided in 2016 playing Neverwinter on Xbox, where we both belonged to the same Guild. As life will have it, we lived in different states but soon figured out we were two peas in the same pod. Chris loved Bugs, and Mel loved Bug Photography. We are both avid Gamers and Sci-Fi Lovers. Mel hates Pickles, and Chris loves them. Chris was bald, and Mel had enough hair for two people. You get what we mean ;) About a year into the relationship, we decided to do the strangest thing possible and became Roach breeders. Yep, you read that correctly. We breed Cockroaches. Discoid Roaches, to be exact, and it bloomed into a thriving business that is now in Year 6! You wouldn't believe how many people there are in Florida who also love Reptiles, and those Reptiles have to eat too. We ship Roaches all over the United States and have the most amazing Customers on the planet! Come check us out over on LUNA ROACHES ! Eventually, we had to expand, and so we moved right before COVID-19 at the end of May 2020. Away from the Beach and into Rural Florida onto 1.25 acres. Image this: A blank slate. An entire property with nothing but the new home on it. Nothing was planted, no landscaping, and about 60% of the Land was cleared. We were all in! You would think that would have been enough to wake up our Homesteading gene, but not so much. That didn’t happen until 2021 and it started slowly. We knew some about growing stuff, but not enough to be successful, and the first year, we failed. A LOT! In year two, we started to tackle this with all of the enthusiasm of newlyweds on their wedding night! We researched, we pivoted, we researched, and ended up with a bit of success but not enough to be self-sufficient. But we got smarter and experimented. Due to Mel’s Lupus, growing things that required a lot of maintenance in the garden were out. The Sun triggers Lupus flare-ups, so that was a no-go. (This also re-started the love for Herbalism, and we went all in with School, classes, learning, and research!) We decided to plant ten crops in all of the spirit of “May the odds be ever in your favor!” Seed in the ground, water until germination, and then you are on your own little Plant. We had a LOT of Success that way and had a great harvest of Seminole Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas, Cassava, Grapes, Mulberries, Cranberry Hibiscus, Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes. We also learned to bake everything from scratch, canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and adding a Freeze Dryer. Now, in Year three of our Homesteading Journey, we have five Turkeys, a flock of Barnyard mix egg layers that give us the prettiest eggs, and a newly raised flock of Bielefelders and Jersey Giants that will be our Dual-Purpose birds for Meat and Eggs. But that wasn’t enough, and we also decided to become Bee Keepers this year. On top of that, we expanded our growing garden, started our Food Forrest, and now have about triple the space to grow and become more self-sufficient because, after all, that is the goal! Chris and I are the kind of people who don’t mind being together 24/7. We work well together and have a ton of fun doing it, it just works in our marriage. There is rarely a day when we don’t have a belly-aching laugh over something or the other. We hope you come join us on our Journey, it’ll be weird because… weird is what we do best!

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