Looking back at what we accomplished this year and what we learned.

Looking back at 2017 it was a challenging year for us but a good one. 

We paid off  a big chunk of debt. It wasn't  easy and it wasn't  fun. We did without a lot and sometimes we had to sell animals we love. We missed out on trips but we kept focus on our goals. 

We finished the cooper roof with help from family members but Dude did much on his own.

The front porch was built. 

We got a new furnace and air condition in case we ever need it in our old age. 

Bought a horse. Raised two horses. 

Went on a quilting retreat... I  am saving to go again this year. I had a blast. 

Started building the two back rooms and the bird/milking house. 

Dude had his back operated on. 

Bought a spinning wheel. 

Planted, harvested, canned and dehydrated  produce this year. 

Raised turkeys and 25 chickens to eat. 

Raised 15 hens for eggs, butchered and canned 7 roosters, raised 4 guineas, and 2 geese.  

Peppy gave us two new kid goats.  

We lost Maggie, our dog and Ginger our cat.   We have our new dog, Norman. 

We enjoyed grandchildren staying with us for a few weeks this year.

Wilbur our ram got his first shearing this year and I leaned to card and spin wool.

We learned this year which animals work for us.   We realized don't get every animal you can think of just to have everything. We sold the goats but found we like the larger Nubian goats for milk, cheese and yogurt rather than the smaller dwarf goats. The Nubians produce almost twice as much milk.  One goat is more than enough for us.

What grew well this year?  Whoa... we had cantaloupe and spaghetti squash coming out of our ears.  Peppers did well too. Lettuces, all kinds, greens - collards and mustard, spinach all do in the do well in the spring and fall. We had carrots, radishes, beets, onions (3 types), tomatoes (3 kinds) and pumpkins.

The greenhouse was definitely worth it this year. The thing I like about this greenhouse better than other hoop houses I have had, is, it has is the double layer of plastic with a fan that blows between the two to create a bubble. It keeps it warmer.  The inner layer is clear and the outer layer is white. It helps bounce the hail off it in the spring.  Right now we have two kinds of lettuce, spinach, cilantro, spinach and carrots growing.  We have to be very watchful of everything growing in it during the winter. 

Thank you for joining us in 2017!  May 2018 bring you all the best for you and yours. Tomorrow we let you know what we are dreaming of for 2018!

peace