Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Category: Our story
“Lord, Deliver Us from Commercials.”
Our greenhouses are in the process of being swallowed by snow. Most of the surrounding area is under hip deep drifts, we have been snowed-in for the better part of a month but I am at my wits end with the commercials that interrupt our… Continue Reading ““Lord, Deliver Us from Commercials.””
I Lied. The Digging-Out Is The Hardest Part.
It is another sunny day! Only now the ground is under a couple more feet of snow. The wind was INTENSE as promised but overall it was far from Armageddon. Our power only flickered once and aside from Luna acting more homicidal than normal;… Continue Reading “I Lied. The Digging-Out Is The Hardest Part.”
“The W a i t i n g Is The Hardest Part”
It is such a beautiful day today, it’s hard to believe that tomorrow we will be in the middle of THE BLIZZARD OF 2015. “DUH-DUNT-DUH-DUNT” Right now, outside it looks like this.
How To Tell If You Are ‘The Crazy Chicken Lady.’
When two of your FB friends (who don’t know each other and live thousands of miles apart) post pictures on your wall of chicken sweaters; you know you might be a ‘crazy chicken lady.’ Before, I could say that those are “very cool and… Continue Reading “How To Tell If You Are ‘The Crazy Chicken Lady.’”
Candy Boards And Frostbite. Ah, January In Maine.
Since the bees had such a hard time storing honey this summer and given the collapse of last year’s supper strong hive in February I think it is safe to say that I am dubious about these new hives making it to spring. We had to… Continue Reading “Candy Boards And Frostbite. Ah, January In Maine.”
“Oh Christmas Wall, Oh Christmas Wall…”
Growing up a tree hugging, dirt worshiping-California hippy, my family never cut down trees for Christmas. Instead we had a small tree growing in a wine barrel that we brought in for a few days each year with the help of my dad’s old Santa Cruz skate… Continue Reading ““Oh Christmas Wall, Oh Christmas Wall…””
Eastward Ho Part IV-Yellowstone
The day after our mining adventure in Helena Montana, we heeded for the North entrance of Yellowstone. We had planned our route cross country based mostly on national parks, geology and a vow to wander as much as possible. Having set out at the very brink of spring;… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho Part IV-Yellowstone”
Parenting With Eggs and Snow Forts.
I don’t claim any kind of special parenting proficiency but every once in a while I make a point that sticks. Hey, even a blind squirl occasionally finds a nut. “Sorry” is a concept that we all try to teach our kids from a… Continue Reading “Parenting With Eggs and Snow Forts.”
Pyramids- The Snowman’s Angular Cousins.
Last week’s pre-Thansgiving snow storm left us with over a foot of frozen clouds in our yard. I thought to myself- “self, I bet we could make a snow pyramid. WAIT!!! I bet I could get the boys to help me make the whole… Continue Reading “Pyramids- The Snowman’s Angular Cousins.”
How Train Your Humans By- The Dogs
I think we can safely say that as dog owners we have fallen short more than a couple times. Since we are have three female dogs (all with aspirations of alphadom) it has not always been easy to manage our little pack. Isis’s birthday has just… Continue Reading “How Train Your Humans By- The Dogs”
Down By The Trading Post.
I could be wrong, but I think that our little Maine town has exactly one of everything- a town hall, fire station, school (grades k-8,) post office, two church and a trading post. The trading post is the only store IN Acton. The closest grocery store to… Continue Reading “Down By The Trading Post.”
(A LONG Over Due) Apiary Update.
Talking with my mom a few days ago she asked how the bees were doing and I realized I had not written about them in a great while. This does not mean that our hive life has been uneventful only that I have not gotten… Continue Reading “(A LONG Over Due) Apiary Update.”
Keeping our Forrest Healthy and the House Warm
I have always loved trees, when I was a little kid I was always climbing them. I distinctly remember at the Casville house a tree that we would climb to the second story roof much to my moms dismay. It had to be at… Continue Reading “Keeping our Forrest Healthy and the House Warm”
Pictures From Acton In Autumn
I have not really been taking too many pictures of the fall foliage here, mostly because I am too busy gawking at it. My commute takes me along the back roads and past some of the most amazing views from my car window. Everyday… Continue Reading “Pictures From Acton In Autumn”
And Now, A Word From My Husband- “Giving In To Realizing Your Abilities.” (Written By Ryan)
I am not a person who needs attention. I actually enjoy anonymity. I don’t like to toot my own horn or say “I am the best!” But I feel like I have achieved something and am proud to have done so. I also don’t like putting myself out there- especially… Continue Reading “And Now, A Word From My Husband- “Giving In To Realizing Your Abilities.” (Written By Ryan)”
Lessons From The Garden
Patience is one of those things I am going to spend the rest of my life learning (or trying to learn, as the case may be.) Growing anything from a seed teaches you a lot- if you are willing to listen. The good thing… Continue Reading “Lessons From The Garden”
Pumpkins, Beans and Porcupine Chickens.
Fall is in full effect and I am not going to lie, it is pretty epic. One of the only times of year I don’t miss the redwoods. The garden has browned and is going to seed quickly. We have learned a whole lot about… Continue Reading “Pumpkins, Beans and Porcupine Chickens.”
Spaz and Her Fortress of Spazatude
I have mentioned in a few posts that we have one chicken who has seceded from the flock. Even though she has no problem getting in and out of the fences. Exhibit A: Recently she has decided not to return at night to roost. The first… Continue Reading “Spaz and Her Fortress of Spazatude”
Beware of Squirrels
Anyone who knows my adorable little sister, knows that she is afraid of squirrels. She is not a squeamish person by any stretch of the imagination and it is not like she squeals anytime one crosses her path. Growing up in the redwoods we were constantly… Continue Reading “Beware of Squirrels”
Have You Ever Seen A Lobster Roll/Taxidermy Stall? I Have!
Look Closely At All The Ways Acton Town Fair ROCKED! Each picture is worth at least 1,000 words!
Homesteading Math 101: Counting Chickens.
Does anyone remember that old riddle about how to get a cabbage, a goat and a wolf across a river with one boat? That is what it feels like we have been trying to do recently. I have decided to call it homesteading math. With… Continue Reading “Homesteading Math 101: Counting Chickens.”
“Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.
Once uopn a time my husband and I went to the store. When we left our corn was tall and happy: While we were gone there was a pocket thunderstorm and when we returned to the homestead, we found this had happened: My husband had… Continue Reading ““Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.”
Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.
I was preparing a post on how much I hate money but I scrapped it. Writing it did not make me happy. Life is too short for that, so I stopped. We went for a walk instead. There is so much life in… Continue Reading “Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.”
Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’
What felt like the shortest week ever in California looks like it was the longest seven days back in Maine. We knew it would be fun to see how much our garden had grown while we were away but neither of us was ready… Continue Reading “Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’”
A Week On the Fog-line.
This trip has left me with such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness it is hard to articulate. Unfortunately, that is not going to stop me from trying. Here goes- I got to share the place I love, with those I love most. It that was one of… Continue Reading “A Week On the Fog-line.”
A Marmot’s Tale.
My sister requested I make her a rice crispy treat mountain for her wedding. Preferable, this confectionary mountain would have marmots fighting dragons on it. Fine. My little sister wants a breakfast cereal mountain adorned with rodents fighting mythical beings- whatever. This request resulted in… Continue Reading “A Marmot’s Tale.”
A Honey of a different type (Warning: contains some graphic material)
Honey, Honey Bee, Bear, Bearington, Hon. She answers to to all of them. Our dog Honey, came to us in the month after the boy’s unexpected move cross country. I guess technically this makes her my step-dog. I came to be her owner when… Continue Reading “A Honey of a different type (Warning: contains some graphic material)”
The garden today.
When we moved in, we became the proud owners of a beautiful lawn. A lawn we had no interest in maintaing. It surrounded the house. Far from being a blank canvas- this was canvas with someone else’s painting on it. I have mentioned before that I don’t… Continue Reading “The garden today.”
Long live the queen!
I have to admit I have been dreading looking in hive #2 for sometime now. After the last inspection reveled that they were in the process of re-queening I have been very worried that I might have to combine to two hives if the… Continue Reading “Long live the queen!”
The best dad in the world.
I have spent the last few days and the last half year processing my own dad’s death. Publicly and privately. Since November fatherhood has been constantly on my mind. His birthday was always around (and even some years ON) Father’s Day and so the… Continue Reading “The best dad in the world.”
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
Answer: Because, I was chasing it. Wait. I’m staring this story in the middle. Let’s rewind to last month. Apparently, every year the day after Mother’s Day my husband goes ‘chicken crazy’ and cannot rest until we have acquired MORE chickens. We have been… Continue Reading “Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?”
Weekend Mommy
Life now only matters two days a week. The remainder pass with anticipation and preparation like a dream. Sleep is hard to come by so full of thoughts of you both. Waiting, wishing, hoping, missing. Then your here smiling and laughing. Both so open… Continue Reading “Weekend Mommy “
When I Die I Want To Come Back As One Of My Dogs. Then I Might Get A Spot On The Couch.
Our dogs have been through a lot with us. Pele was raised on a boat. Honey has had over a hundred stitches in the past 5 years (from one big injury and one recent surgery.) Isis is a big fluffy-pain-in-the-butt. Our two oldest traveled across… Continue Reading “When I Die I Want To Come Back As One Of My Dogs. Then I Might Get A Spot On The Couch.”
Off With Her Head!
The dandelions and trees are in full bloom! As much as I dislike (and my husband down right HATES) the mock cherry tree in our front yard, its blooms are the first large source of nectar in our yard. So it gets a pass…for… Continue Reading “Off With Her Head!”
We Went To Mexico- No One Spoke Spanish And We Saw A Moose!
That is because we went to Mexico, Maine. We have been meaning to go gold panning since we moved. Yesterday we got our butts in-gear and headed north. We saw lots of nothingness; punctuated by small towns and tons of lakes and ponds. Some… Continue Reading “We Went To Mexico- No One Spoke Spanish And We Saw A Moose!”
Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!
I have never subscribed to the notation that I am the “mother” of our many animals. As I have written before our animals are not our children. Though they are our familiars. (Try saying that sentence five times fast.) They know you by your intimate… Continue Reading “Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!”
Home
I have spent a lot of time writing about what we left behind in Ca: Family Friends My hometown The redwoods Our lives as we knew them I feel it is time to move on and give thanks today for where I woke up… Continue Reading “Home”
Your Free Range Days Are Over!
Last year we learned an important homesteading math lesson. (Chickens + planting a garden) x (no fence)= fat chickens/no plants. The chickens have been contained! It was time. I constantly worried about predators and neighborhood dogs (not to mention Isis) having free access to… Continue Reading “Your Free Range Days Are Over!”
Once upon a time we lived on a boat.
A 27′ Hunter sail boat, I don’t count the bowsprit if you ask my love he will say it was a 30 footer- it. was. not. We lived in Santa Cruz harbor and life was…well, never boring (not that it is now) When he… Continue Reading “Once upon a time we lived on a boat.”
BASEBALL! GLORIOUS BASEBALL!
I was raised by a recovering Catholic and a Frisbetairan (my dad believed that when you die your soul goes up on the roof and no one can get it down. And if you bad you get chewed on by the Big Dog.) We… Continue Reading “BASEBALL! GLORIOUS BASEBALL!”
Oh the Bee-manity!
Well… The bees did not make it through the winter. I am not really surprised and neither are my bee mentors who have lost a few hive themselves this year. A bee can only preform cleansing flights when the outside temp is above 50 or… Continue Reading “Oh the Bee-manity!”
“Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…”
I posted that Facebook status four years go yesterday. My how things change. Well- not the debt part. And right now I am unemployed, so I guess the “more things change the more they stay the same”? OWW my head hurts… All I know… Continue Reading ““Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…””
Spring Time in Maine Part II- The Thawing
It’s happening, really happening! Even though in your head you know spring has got to come. For a long time this winter I didn’t quite believe it. Neither did my husband. When I told him that spring must arrive sometime- since it does it… Continue Reading “Spring Time in Maine Part II- The Thawing”
RUN Phil RUN!!!
It snowed. Again…. As I previously mentioned I am ok with this. My husband is not. Since he grew up on the East Coast he has had more than his share of winters, when he was 17 he thought he had escaped them for… Continue Reading “RUN Phil RUN!!!”
Sometimes the chocolate box of life gives you the best kids in the world.
We got married over an year and a half ago and it was perfect. Not because everything went the way we planned but because it didn’t. The only thing I really cared about was having the kids there with us. They dressed as they… Continue Reading “Sometimes the chocolate box of life gives you the best kids in the world.”
Eastward Ho! Part I
Almost four years ago now, my partner (now husband) and I found ourselves in the unenviable position of moving to the East Coast. For us, the timing of the move was not something we had expected. In fact it was years sooner than… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! Part I”
This isn’t a post. it is a cry for help.
Just in case I am found dead in our house, tied up with yarn and covered with small puncture wounds and scratches- you will know what happened. Luna did it. I am beginning to suspect that our cat, Luna blames me for winter. This… Continue Reading “This isn’t a post. it is a cry for help.”
Egg craft do’s and don’ts-how can even unborn chickens be such a pain the ass?
It’s has been a couple weeks since I started down the egg paved road of Pysanka and I am no saner now than when I started. But that train may be on a one way track no matter how I pass my time. I have… Continue Reading “Egg craft do’s and don’ts-how can even unborn chickens be such a pain the ass?”