Pup, composting and getting ready for Halloween/fall

We have been having a lot of fun with our new puppy.  Taking him for a walk today, all four cats made sure he stayed in line.

But he does get into trouble...often. 

Started a new compost.  Moved and tilled under the old one and planted garlic for next year in that area. Last year I forgot where I planted it so I made a sign. For the compost we use our egg shells, kitchen scraps,  I use compostable paper plates, we have no leaves but do take any that friends want to get rid or and all our garden waste. We add the clean up from the hen house, let it cure all fall and winter and it will add nitrogen to your gardens.  I turn and water the compost about once a week.  As you can see I use two methods.  I like them both. 
                             kitchen scraps

We are having our annual Halloween Craft Party. I think this is year 5.  Each day (or every other day) I will try and post a craft we will be offering for our guest to make but we need to start with invitations.  Here is ours. I have a Cricut machine that will cut multiples of shapes but you can you stickers too. 

I love this time of year!

peace

Garden harvest, milking, canning and Italian Burgers for dinner

Our little pup started the day helping in the garden. 

He was reluctant to go out and help me milk.  He was so afraid of the goats. 

Peppy was so full she put herself in on the milking stand. 

My geese buddies wanted to help milk. 

After I got things set up Dude held Peppy's leg so she wouldn't kick. 

Almost a gallon today. Perfect for us. 

Not sure if you can see this but the smoke is so thick from the fires in California, Oregon, Washington and Montana.  I had to limit my time outside.  There is an ozone alert out. It caused me congestion and burning red eyes. 

Just an adorable pup picture. 

I pickled peppers and got them canned.  My son came over and I gave them a basket of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers. 

Perfect.

The turkeys got used to my son being here all week and did not want him to go. 

(see the smoke in the air?)

After he left they figured they could move in .... not!

My daughter-in-law was down in the San Luis Valley this week and brought home some goodies for us.  A nice trade. 

We put it to good use with our garden crop. 

Italian burgers for dinner.  Combined sausage and beef with garlic, salt, pepper, homegrown parsley mixed it all good. 

Topped with our goat cheese, homegrown onions and our pickled peppers... perfect.  Added mayo and Dijon mustard.

Ended the evening with a very red fiery sun. 

I didn't get to craft today but there is always tomorrow morning before work. 

peace 

Home again, garden update and new family member

We have returned from our trip to Boston. We have met amazing people. 

Saw amazing sights. 

And ate amazing food. 

But it is always great to be home again.  The geese honked with glee and begged for hugs. The horses neighed with joy when they saw Dude and rolled in the dirt.  In Boston it is fall, full of sweatshirts with hoods and a nip on the wind.  On the homestead it is in the 90's, hot and dusty dry but it is home. 

There is a lot to do this week.  Salsa to be made . 

Peppers to be pickled . 

And then this... someone was eating the cantaloupe!!!

And he was found!!  He was banished immediately. 

Next up I made dinner with many of the findings from the garden and our canned goods in the pantry. 

And this happened.  A wonderful friend, Lori - a sort of stork , brought a new family member to us. A wee black lab named Norman Finneous R.  His goal is to be a medicine man of sorts. He is to bring magic, ensure others see it, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and to protect us. 

He is love. 

peace