North Carolina

[NewHomesteader2010]

See what happens when you turn your back for a minute!

And yes, without CSB and RF, it would be far less fun. Must have them there!

If you're really up for this ('cause we were sorta joking and hoping at the same time, I think, so don't let us bully you into it!) and anyone wants to learn basic soapmaking or learn to spin wool (after they learn to make a drop spindle) or knit the wool (or crochet), I'm up for teaching those that day! I can provide the wool for learning, and tell you what you'll need to bring to make a drop spindle. (And bring two of my spinning wheels, in case anyone wants to try one out.) And I can provide the stuff to make a couple batches of soap, and you'd just bring something to mold it in, so you could take it home. (And goggles would be good, or some type of eye protection, when you're working with lye.) A batch makes about eight bars. I can also teach making coiled baskets out of rope and fabric, but I'd really need a head count for it, because I'd have more to prep.

There's my donation. Along with baked goodies for all. Bread and muffins and cookies and cake. I love baking. Any excuse......

LOOK WHAT WE STARTED!! WOOHOO!! I am all about learning sheep "stuff" (but you already knew that!!)!! I can contribute too...although my "craftiness" tends to be mundane things like quilting, sewing, embroidering, candy making & cake decorating...so I guess I will just have to do a bunch of baking too!! I second the: "any excuse to bake" notion!! Hmm...now to decide what to bake!!

Definately count me in... since you at least know about it now... LoL
I will some fresh veggies... some cooked ones and maybe some other goodies.
And yes we must wait for CSB & RF.

This is exciting...I'd get to meet the notorious Mary/CSB/RF/Hollow/Beth (although I've already met Beth!!

) COOL!!
Mmmm....veggies!! I may have potatoes (assuming they're still growing in their box) to share!! I doubt I will have much of anything else produce in the garden, but if it does...I'll share too!! I DO have a blackberry bush actually bearing fruit, but this is the first year for it, so I am doubtful I'll get much out of it.... Hmm...I may just have to make some blackberry cobbler or blackberry sorbet!! My wheels are turning!! Any requests?? My question: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR GARDEN to be so clean?? I don't see a HINT of a weed at all.

I am so ashamed of my garden now!!

PARTY AT THE CHICKEN RANCH

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Beth - we were only teasing about converging on your home. With that said, you know I am ALWAYS up for ANY excuse to get out of the house and actually socialize with REAL PEOPLE!!

Real people...what a concept!! If you are sincere, please make me a list of goodies/anything that I can bring!! Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Scottish Shortbread cookies, whole wheat honey bread, pudgy pies, "Reindeer droppings", you name it and I will bring a big BIG batch (or two...or three...or....). I'd offer my place, but I honestly don't think I am "close by" to anyone. Hmm...do I want any of you gardeners actually SEEING my horrid excuse for a garden?!?

Maybe by then DH will have scrapped it!?! You are always so sweet Beth...

CONGRATULATIONS LukesCity!! Can't wait to hear about all the details on the new house!!

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

I don't know how to do any great craft... but would definately be interested in learning some. I have some french angora rabbits (the ones that the hair is used for sweaters)... I need to shave for summer... I don't suppose you'd be interested in their fur???

To all you noobies!

I used to raise French angoras for their fiber and meat, since they're dual purpose rabbits. I've still got lots of wool. I'd never turn it down, but I could teach you to use it. Or link you in to potential markets for it. There's a fair number of spinners around here.

X2 to all the noobies! I was one not very long ago. This place will make you feel at home really fast! Kick off your shoes, grab a cold drink and make yourself at home!

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

SO....my phone rang this morning and it was my realestate agent!!!!! WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!! so I will be moving all my belongings and chickens to the new home with my broken hand!!!
here's the downside =( I must downsize some.....I will go home after work and come up with a list of things that MUST GO =( I'll post here before I go to craigslist.
Great news and not so good news all in one day....but I am ONE HAPPY CAMPER RIGHT NOW!!!!

Congratulations!

Are you downsizing "stuff" or chickens?

 

[vfem]

PARTY AT THE CHICKEN RANCH

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I have no problem converging on your place and bringing LOTS of yummy goods Hehehehe

So... are we still having a processing day at Alex's?! I haven't heard from her and got so busy last week I forget to check with you guys.


Ruth, I bet your garden is fab! Rule of thumb.... if your garden has anything edible coming out it, even if there are more weeds then tomatoes... it's a SUCCESS!!!

There are plenty of garden fails I have EVERY YEAR! In the end, if I eat anything or can any extra of anything I know I did the best I could and it was well worth it. So I am sure you are not giving yourself enough credit.


Luke, Congrats!!! That is such AWESOME news! A place of your very own is the best feeling in world... the little nitch where no one can tell you what to do or how.

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Thinking on the First Annual BYC Farm Day Party...when we've done big eclectic parties, it works fairly well for everyone to bring their own main dish...meat for the grill for example...and then side dishes and desserts to share, like veggies and chips and dips and drinks and all the proposed baked goods. That way the more expensive part...meat....is spread out and nobody is responsible for it. DS hosts parties like this all the time. He's the college man with his own grill.

Everyone wanted him to feed them, so he does parties this way. He supplies the grill and the chef skills. They bring the food.

If Beth is up to hosting this, she shouldn't get loaded with supplying for us all, too.

All gathers are built around the food, ya know.

 

[anbsmom]

What do you all do in regards to the Marek's vaccine? I have 2-day-old chicks. Can I still vaccinate them?

 

[LukesCityHens]

Congratulations!

Are you downsizing "stuff" or chickens?

Unfortunately having to downsize chicken population "for now" LOL....I gotta figure out how to tell the GF that some of her loves must be rehomed or cleaned for the freezer! I will look in the next few days and see what I need to get rid of.
So the brahma roo that I have still hasn't crowed but he is now "hooking up" with ALL the hens and they are begining to look a little rough!?! anything to help prevent this or is it just time to send him on his way?
HOLLOW: do you have any room in an incubator? since he is hooking up with everyone I bet I'd get some ODD looking birds!

in house news: appraised at 93.7, asked 65, offered 60 and they jumped on it! so I'll be reloacted by the end of the month. It's 3 br 1.5 bth. all fenced in yard. it's more in town but closer to work for me and the gf.... SUPER EXCITED!!!

 

[doubleatraining]

Yes the Chicken Killing Party/Lesson will be at my house this coming Saturday. Bring extra roosters, good mood, and plan on having fun. I'll be cooking up a storm on Friday for everyone. Beth's kids would kill me if I didn't cook for them.

We will be processing about 10 chickens and 2 ducks....along with whatever anyone else brings.

I'm in Franklinton, NC and welcome anyone that wants to come. Just send me a PM and I'll get you times and directions.



Mary, do you need a mixed OEG hen? My bantam RIR pair has a really nice RIR rooster and a crossed up hen. LOL

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Thinking on the First Annual BYC Farm Day Party...when we've done big eclectic parties, it works fairly well for everyone to bring their own main dish...meat for the grill for example...and then side dishes and desserts to share, like veggies and chips and dips and drinks and all the proposed baked goods. That way the more expensive part...meat....is spread out and nobody is responsible for it. DS hosts parties like this all the time. He's the college man with his own grill.

Everyone wanted him to feed them, so he does parties this way. He supplies the grill and the chef skills. They bring the food.

If Beth is up to hosting this, she shouldn't get loaded with supplying for us all, too.

All gathers are built around the food, ya know.

I agree and I'm sure none of us expect Beth to provide the food
......but you all can sure throw a get-together up quick

and we all have chicken to cook up but my grilling skills
consist of turning whatever it was into charcoal.

Ruthann.......I'll get the newspaper over to Beth asap so you
can maybe get in some mid-season veggies.......
some things like beans can be spread out through the summer.

Luke......congrats on the house......maybe you can let someone just
babysit the birds till you are ready for them that way you can keep them.

 

[ramirezframing]

NH you could also use the squash and other veggies in stir fry, my garden runs with weeds if I don't keep it weeded, which means it'll be a jungle when I get back

A farm day at Beth's sounds good, have to see what I have than to bring other than the kiddos. But its starting to sound like farm dayS lol

Alex, if CSB and I can get what we need to get done before going and aint dead from doing it, we might show up.