On the Farm

We are very busy at Roses Ridge, trying to get projects going, since the heat seems to have abated somewhat. The fall and spring are always the busiest times; I'm sure that is true for anyone in agriculture. Time to start and then hurry up and finish all those projects before the freezing weather returns. In my mind the winter returns far too quickly.
Each season is a learning experience for us.
This fall we will be stocking up on wood for the woodstove, learning  canning, and trying to weatherproof the oldest part of the house that has no ac or heat.(If you wonder why that is and what the history of the  farm is all about check out our old blog at rosesridgefarm@wordpress.com. The history of our 200+ year old plantation farmhouse is under the top tag "Warden Plantation".)
In addition to our Dexter cow, 2 goats, dog , cat, African grey parrot, and chickens, we will also have quail...which will need a new home built. The chicken coop needs a serious overhaul as well as the pasture fence. Our business is growing. Pete has also started investigating building solar panels...
These are just things that need to be done now. Nevermind the 101 things that we would like to do.(actually finish a knitting project!) Time and money are of short supply, the latter being critical.  In this economy it is essential to learn how to be self sufficient. People need to learn how to take care of themselves, as well as help others. The Virginia Urban Homesteaders League,www.VaUHL.com, is trying to help bring people together, to share skills and help others with "back to basics" living.  Please consider joining if you are in the Hampton Roads area. We all need to come together and help each other. And if I sound like a 70's throwback song, you are right.