Farm Life - 9/29 - Photos

My son is coming over today to cover the roof vents up for the winter.  This is a blessing as Tommy can't get up on the roof anymore and I really don't like heights. My son will help do a few other things around here, to help us get ready for winter. But I think he just wants some of my cooking, you know he is still a growing boy.  

We here, are still out of gas (GA,TN,NC). And no one is sure when we will get some more.  We have a half a tank of gas, which should get us to town about 5-6 times. But I do not need to go to town for about a week. I really feel for those here, trying just to get to work. Tommy and I feel some place might close down for a while here, because of the gas. According to the News, it is just the southeast, USA. Ok, winter is not even here yet.  Lord, help us all.

 

 This truck gets 25+ miles to the gallon, while only on a good day did this truck get 10.

 

 

 My strawberry  patch/ raised beds garden is almost ready for winter. There are still a few more tomatoes, and the birds are almost done with the sunflowers. I covered the beds in straw for the winter. Strawberry plants will get covered after the first frost.

   

  My garlic is drying and I'm going to try braiding it this year.

 

 Our T-Bone steaks come out to about $.50 a pound. All the beef cuts and hamburger is about $.50 a pound. This prices includes all the feed we give them and the butchers prices to cut, wrap and freeze. Is it worth having a beef cow? YES. I know what my cows eat, and who they are bred to. We have had our own meat so long that when we eat out/ someone else house, their meat taste so bland and tough and no flavor. This is most likely why they come here to eat. Would you like to come to dinner, too?

  

 

We are not getting the building, a long story. But I thanked the Lord with tears in my eyes, for He knows what's best for us.  1 Thess. 5:18 says "In everything give thanks...". This is sometimes hard to do without tears. But I know He knows what's best and does everything for our good.  I will not lean on my own understanding, but lean on Him.

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. Becky

Technorati Tags: beef cow,farm life,garden,garlic,gas prices,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

Love the pictures! Keep them coming! I get so many ideas when I see them! Love how you did your strawberries! Comment by Pamspride | September 29, 2008 |

So sorry you are not getting your building. We too, have been wanting/waiting for a small building to use as a summer kitchen. We’ve “almost” been able to get 3 but each one fell through - I guess God has something else in kind for us - maybe learning the gift of patience!! Your garden pictures are wonderful! We are almost done digging up potatoes, carrots and beets then we will till and mulch. Minnesota winters can be tough - glad our garden prospered well (as yours did) and we have plenty of food put away for those long winter months! God Bless. Comment by Becky S. | September 29, 2008 |

Why do you cover your beds with straw for the winter? My wife & i love your blog and have learned a lot from you. Comment by Rick | October 1, 2008 |

Rick, In raised beds it’s hard to get a tiller in to loosen the soil. I have found that if I cover it with straw, the soil stays loose and does not get hard. Over the winter, I will spread used coffee grounds on top of the straw. This feeds the worms and keeps my soil even looser. Then in the spring, I pull the straw between the beds, in the walk ways, and use it as mulch in the walk ways.
All the straw I use is free, well almost, I just have to pick it up off the ground. Our feed store has a big truck that bring them straw. They let me clean up the mess on the ground and in the trailers bed. To me this is the best straw, because its all the small straw, and not the long straw. The small short straw works best in beds. Then once my spring plant are up, I mulch them with this straw. At the end of harvest, the bed straw goes in the walk ways.
Hope this helps. And thank you for stopping in. Have a great day. Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | October 1, 2008 |

Your website is so helpful and motivating! I have started stocking up and canning because we recently moved out to the country with our 3 boys and i am trying to learn all i can about homesteading. We home school and money is tight. My hubby wants to buy in on half a beef cow. What cuts do you like to get and how long does one cow supply last? Thank you for all you do, you are a great teacher. God is blessing what you do. Comment by kate | October 1, 2008 |

Kate, We have our beef cut: into steaks and 30% hamburger meat. I have no roast as we can’t eat that much. And with the steak cuts: I cut steaks up for beef stew meat, or in strips, and with the big steak I cook them like a roast. Type of steak cuts we get are: T-bones, cubed steaks, shoulder steaks, round steaks.etc. We have them cut the ribs in half, then in half again.
When there was 5 of us at home, we used 1 whole cow and 2 pigs,1 deer a year. Now with just the 3 of us the cow will last 1 1/2 to 2 years, if I have other meat I can cook. This year we didn’t raise any pigs, so I only have a little bit of pork left from last years pigs. And I only have a little bit of chicken and deer meat in the freezer. So for now, we are eating more beef than we usually do.
You could stretch your beef out better. For when there was 5 of us, I would put 3-5 pounds of meat on the table at night, and this was back in to easier times. Here lately I have cut back on our meat.
With the way things are now, it would be best if you can get even a half a cow. Hope this helps some. If you have any more questions just let me know.
Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | October 2, 2008 |

My first time with Gourds - Drying - Photos

Ok, I try to do something new every year on the farm. This year it was gourds. We want to make different things, to try and sell them. They would sell good in this area. Well, I picked them yesterday. I think they turned out so neat, they are dipper gourds. I got a few that will be dippers, bowls, bird houses.

 

Well, being it was my first time with gourds, I called a friends to see now to dry them. She said I could put them in the hay barn, on the hay, and turn them daily. I really don't have time for that. So I hit the Internet looking for how to dry.

I found that most people tied a string around the top stem and hang from the porch. I thought that easy, no turning. So I started getting them ready to put out. Tommy came in and said," Dear they will not stay on that string, they will fall off as them dry and the stem gets smaller." I said, "But that's how they are doing it on the Internet." And I got them all hung on the porch.

Right as I put the last one up, I heard a crash on the front porch. I went to see, one of my best looking gourds on the ground busted. As I was going in the house , an other one fell. So I took them all down and put them back in the house.

The ones that broke.

I told Tommy he was right.And this is his, " I told you",smile.

Boy,I just thought he was hard headed.

So Tommy made a little sling like thing for the gourds to hang in safely. But it would have taken us hours to make a sling for each one. Here on the farm, there never seems to be enough time for everything. So I put on my ," What do I have that I can use to hang them safely with". After looking at Tommy's homemade sling, I remembered I had a lot of the mesh potatoes sacks. ( as Tommy says I never throw away any thing). So I ran and got one to see if it would work. IT DID! So I got them all hung on the porch, and no turning daily. Thank you Lord. 

 

 

The next step is to let them dry 3-4 weeks, they will get a black type mold on them, that is washed off and they are dried and get hung back up to finish drying.

I will post as I do them. Have a great day. Becky

Technorati Tags: gourds,creativity,ideas,making do,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. Oh that internet eh? I also do my share of research of various things on this wide world web…and I too have experienced hit & misses. It reminded me how I learned to be so “smart” on things & had answers. When I failed at something I learned and then I had the answer. While I am thinking back, I figured out that my mom really didn’t have eyes in the back of her head and that she really didn’t know what I had been up too. Her “eyes” in the back of her head was from her own experiences and it was the neighbor you told on me! So I kept up the tradition (as a mom) and kept the eyes in the back of “my” head and a nosy neighbor around. It worked for awhile till my kids figured it out…now they are keeping up the tradition. I don’t know why I said all this…probably cause my mom’s b’day was on the 25th…and was just thinking back to those years!
   Blessings from Oregon. Comment by Sage White Owl | September 28, 2008 | 

2. Do you paint? They sell for a lot here at festivals. A lot of people paint all sorts of things on them. I can’t wait to see what you create. Comment by ~Country Lady~ | September 28, 2008 |

3. Sage White Owl, Nice to hear from you again. How are things up your way? --Country Lady, Not really, but I’m willing to try. I am looking forward to playing around with them. Thanks for stopping in. Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | September 29, 2008 |

Chickens Tips & Saving Money

Hint on Chickens:

If you want them to lay in the (all) winter, put a 40-60 watt light bulb in their house, and it needs to be on 14 hrs a day, or the chicken will stop laying as daylight lessen. I know this works because I have done it for years, and I'm one of the few in my area that has eggs in the winter. We put our chicken light on a timer, the ones you can hook to lamps in your house, and it works great. With the amount of power the light uses is still cheaper than buying yucky store eggs.

Saving Money:

Hot water heaters: we flip the braker off at bed time, so as it does not heat water all night, when no one is using it. And at times I flip it off during the day. In the morning, the water is still warm just not hot. They make a heavy duty timer (like above for the hot water heater), which we hope to some day get. But flipping the braker did make a difference in our power bill.
Have a great day.
Becky

Technorati Tags: eggs,ideas,saving money,winter

Comments:

We just bought a timer for our hot water tank this past Saturday to see if it would cut down on our electric bill. We have it set for it to go on at a little before 4am in the morning…DH gets up at 4 to get ready for work. That seems to be enough hot water for the kids to get a shower when they get up at a little after 8 or so. Then I just turn it on about 15 minutes before I am ready to get a shower or dishes need to be done. The timer was $40 at Home Depot. Comment by Pamspride | September 25, 2008 |

This and That on the Farm - 9/24

This comment was left on " I have a Friend" and it's great and I wanted everyone to see it. Thank you Linda J.

“…if all things are in His hand, if the very hairs of our head are numbered; if every event, great and small, is under the direction of His Providence and purpose; and if He has a wise, holy and gracious end in view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient;–then we have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and cheerfully to expect a happy issue….How happy are they who can resign all to Him, see His hand in every dispensation, and believe that He chooses better for them than they possibly could for themselves!” ~John Newton, who wrote the hymn, “Amazing Grace”

A friend of ours let us borrow his living weed eater, goat. We are trying to clear out an area, so the cows can have a little more room. This area used to be the goat pen,  then was a pig pen. Well, at about dusk the goat was running around the yard.  Our friend had always keep him on a chain and just moved him around as needed. So the goat does not really like people, he runs from them. Yet, all my animals run to me, which makes catching them so easy, except it gets a little hairy when you have a 900 lb.+ cow coming at you. OK, back to this goat on the run. He had broke his collar, no fixing it. We got him , and used a rope to hold him. While
I tried to find another collar. Ok, I live on a farm and have animal bottles of all sizes and shapes, and I thought every thing needed to run a farm.

But there was no collar on the farm. I had think of something as the goat would go through the fence with the cows in it, and it's getting dark. Here is what I did, and goat was not to happy. I found a calf halter and put in on him. And yes it was big on him, Tommy had to cut another hole in it to get it as tight as we could. And let me tell you that goats can dance. He tried for over an hour to get it off.

Now for gas here. A friend called yesterday and said that our area was very low, or out of gas. One gas tanker was splitting the gas between 4 stations. For about 40 miles around us there is no gas. They are not sure when it'll come in. When Tommy came home Monday, he said the gas station , less than a mile from home was out of gas, and the next station 6 miles up the road had a 10 gallon limit. So he filled up the truck. Which now I am thankful he did. With the new little truck, we can go to town 3 1/2 times in gas for what we only got 1 trip with the other truck. Thank you Lord. And thank you Lord the worry and fear bug had no hold this time, I had Your peace! And last nights News was not much better, but I got my peace.

I am having to get more creative. Here are some more of my new ways of saving money:

1. I use freezer bags, but have not been washing them out and reusing them. ( don't reuse the ones that have held meat in them. I use freezer paper for my meats.) But now I'm washing them out. I have seen those little bag drier stands, costing about $20+. I will not pay that. So at the thrift store I found a small set of Tinker toys for a $.25, and got them. And made my own bag drier and it sits on top of the drier. I'll post a photo in a day or two.
2. The AC was turned off in the food barn. And the windows were opened and a fan turned on. This will really drop the bill.
3. I willing be making my own clothes soap this week.( will post photos later).
4. Will start back making our own bread as a store loaf here is over $2.50.
5. Even my 11 yr old daughter is getting creative, she has 3-4 new grilled cheese ways.
6. Tommy is getting up some fire wood. Not knowing what this winter will bring, we are preparing for the worse and praying for the best. We do not have a wood heater but I will be able to cook. The cooking/heating gas has already gone way up and winter is not here yet.
7. I am making everyone wool house socks. Our floors are so cold in the winter. And the heat this year will be keep on low. I guess I will not be able to wear shorts in the house this winter. And I'm looking into getting my daughter sweat suits to wear to bed this winter, as she does not like to cover up or likes to kick them off.
8. Water- We have a 425 gallon tank in our back yard. ( I need to change the water below winter) You can save any bottles you have and fill with water. The bottles that had soaps of some kind in it, fill with water, they can be used to wash dishes, hands, etc. Other bottles for drinking/ cooking water. And the bottles can be stuck anywhere it does not freeze. Fill bottles almost full and let freeze, to put in coolers for when power out.

We were blessed this week, when a family up the road was moving out. Tommy trade a few ladders, transit, air compressor for a 12' X 16' building. They could not move it on the highway, but can be moved to our house. It is dried in, has a roof, a small loft in it, cedar siding almost done on the outside. It is so nice, looks like a little cabin. Well Tommy said I could have it. He had a  trailer frame  here in which to make me one, but this one is so close to done and the trade was good for both of us. The family could not take it, but needed the tools. The Lord is so good. It will be a sewing/ guest house. I can't wait to get it here so as I can fix it up the way I want. You see, we rent so I can't fix up much here. But the new little house is mine, oh what fun I am going to have. We'll put the bunk bed set we just got ( twin on top and full on bottom, which slides up to make like a couch.) The loft will be great for all the kids to sleep. They are pulling it down here this coming Saturday.

I have to go to town today to get food and feed. Boy, I sure hate going to town. I don't need much, but I really need the animal feed. So I'll get the few other things I can't make. Like bath paper, sugar, oil, goat collar. I have been reading others post about the prices of everything going up, so I'm glad my list is short. Anyone know how to make bath paper? I'm willing to try it.

Well I better get going and see what great deals can be found in town today.

May you all have a blessed day, Becky

Technorati Tags: blessings,creativity,farming,food prices,gas prices,ideas,making do,recession,saving money,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

here is a good tutorial on making your own flannel bath tissue. http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/?s=bath+tissue  Comment by Caroline | September 24, 2008 |

It looks like you already got a good link. I was going to suggest the same thing….taking receiving blankets or fleece and cutting them to size and then surge ring the edges. I have asked my DH about doing this and he is not keen on the idea to say the least….but he did like my napkins (I posted a picture on my blog. Thanks for the idea!) I do like the idea of everyone having their own color scheme though!  http://pamspride.blogspot.com/2008/08/napkins.html  Comment by Pamspride | September 24, 2008 |

Becky - If you are getting sweats for your daughter to sleep in, consider getting her a hooded sweatshirt. The difference having her head and neck covered will make is enormous. I have a hooded sweatshirt that I got at the end of season a few years back. I found it in the young men’s department, some sports team that had played particularly badly and was no longer popular was on the front. They were practically giving them away as no teen male would be caught dead wearing that team’s logo, lol. I didn’t care what it looked like, as long as it was warm. I wear it over my flannel jammies. It is so nice and warm!  I am so happy for you trading your unused tools for a sewing/guest room that you will get TONS of use out of! Smart lady! Sorry to hear you are still having gas problems in your area. I have REALLY been trying to conserve as my car only gets 15 mpg. I have cut my driving so that I am now getting two full weeks out of a tank of gas. Thank you Lord, the cost to refill weekly was really hurting! I have been trying to follow your lead and prepare for the winter and hard times to come. I was so proud of myself when this past week or two I took a free towel and cut it down into six much needed dishrags. I am finding ways to substitute or stretch all over my home! Thank you. You are truly an inspiration!!! Linda  Comment by Linda | September 24, 2008 |

1. Thank you for sharing that quote at the top. I really needed that tonight. I may copy it and print it out. Gas is still in shortage here too. Makes us nervous. We will not be turning the heat up much this winter either. And from what I’ve heard, everyone is expecting this to be a hard winter weather-wise. There is much to plan for. Comment by D. | September 24, 2008 |

2. Caroline,  Thank you so much for the link.

3. Pamspride, When clicking on your name, we can not get to your blog. Would you copy and paste it in a comment? I would really like to see your napkins. And my hubby is not much for the idea of flannel bath tissue, but I am doing everything to prepare for the long winter ahead. We might not need them, but it’s good to have on hand if needed. Only the Lord knows what it will bring.

   Linda,
   My daughter does not like the hooded ones. She’ll wear her knitted wool hat out to help with chores.At town yesterday, I passed more than 10 gas stations, all with the pumps covered, no gas. Well I’m set to stay home now for about two weeks.
   I am proud of you too, homemade dish rags, great.
   And your welcome, I am just wanting to share what I know, to help others along the way.

   D.,
   Was is not great. I too, am printing it out.And yes, there is a hard, long winter coming. All the fruit and nut trees were overflowing this year. God’s way of helping wild life prepare. By watching the animals, we can get a good idea of whats to come. My cows are starting to get their winter coat. And yes, we all have a lot to plan for, for this winter. Thank you all, Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | September 25, 2008 |

4. Becky, I’m so excited to find your blog. I’ve just started reading through and I can’t wait to learn more. We’re fighting hard to keep our cars gassed up, too. The last fill up for my husbands vehicle (which gets poorer gas mileage, but we need the 4 wheel drive filled during hurricane season just for safety reasons) was over $70. I don’t have room to keep a cow, but I do have room for a milking goat. Do you know anything about them? God bless, Country Lady Comment by ~Country Lady~ | September 26, 2008 |

5. Country Lady, We started out with a milk goat. They give a little under a 1/2 gallon a day, if milked twice a day. But for us, my son was the only one who like the goats milk. If I were you, I would try and taste someone's fresh raw goats milk first. Before you spend money on a goat and everything that goes with keeping a goat. There is a big difference in goat and cow milk. Some people like one and not the other. Looking back, I wish we had tasted it first. Well, it’s just a lesson learned. Please let me know what you think. Have a blessed day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 27, 2008 |

 

I Have A Friend

When all these things started happening this year, my faith got weak. Why? because I was trying to change things I had no control over.( Tommy’s cancer back, no work, food and gas prices going up, etc.) I took my eyes off my Father and put them on what was going on around me.
Earlier this year, our family faith was well like on the back burner. There seem to be so much that had to be done, now. We had stopped going to church, we said because of gas prices, and just being tired. The Lord still looked out for us, but there were few blessing. I really missed having Him close to me and feeling Him near. We stilled prayed and honor Him in our home, but our fellowship with Him was gone. This pasted weekend, we went to a singing on Saturday night, and church Sunday morning. I felt like I was going home after a long trip. And the Lord was waiting for me there, Sunday, with His arms wide open. Oh, It felt so good to be back in His arms. Tommy did the same thing. We left church with a renewed faith, a brighter smile, and a overall peace. We still have our problems, and our fires to go through, but now we are walking hand and hand with our Father. ( I e-mailed this, this morning to a friend, and He told me to add it here, too.)
Then I remembered: When you have done all you can do , take your eyes off your self and help someone else with their problems and their needs. The Lord did not give us the ability to help ourselves but to help others. The Lord made us to help one another: to carry one others burdens, to pray for each other,to love one another.
In hard times, which all of us are in, sometimes it takes someone to remind us, that we need to take our eyes off ourselves. Someone reminded me.
I look daily for the Lord blessing, all around me. He’s still in control. When the worry or fear bug tries to bite me, I remember what the Lord has done all around me. I’m so glad the Lord never gives up on us.
The Lord is always amazing me: the ways He chooses to bless everyone, the people He uses to bless others( some of which do not belong to Him , yet.) Thank you Lord for looking after Your children and loving us so much.
I’m human and at times my faith grows weak. But then here comes Jesus right on time. I have grown in Him so much this year, through all the hard times and all the fires. I am thankful He has walked me through them all. As there was only one set of foot prints in the sand.
Do I have all the answers ? No, but my friend does. And no, I’m not asking for anything but your prayers for our family.
And thank you to all who have left comments and are praying for us. You all have blessed me so much. Thank you again.
Do you know my friend?
He is looking for you and waiting for you to come home and His arms are wide open.
Please read comment #6 ,it’s great!!!!!
Becky
Technorati Tags: blessings
September 22, 2008 - Posted by Becky blessings blessings 8 Comments
8 Comments »
Becky, this is so touching. I am in complete agreement with everything you said from your heart. When my Dh lost his job a few years ago, we went through a very hard time, especially emotionally and spiritually. It was the biggest time of spiritual growth for both of us and we are so thankful for it now. When I let it all go and gave it to Jesus, all the problems were still there…but they were no longer ours. We felt such peace and knew without a doubt that the Lord was holding us in His loving arms and would take care of us in EVERY situation. I am so happy for you! The Lord is always there, we just need to reach out and take His hand.Bless you!Joyce
Comment by Joyce September 22, 2008

Thank you Becky, for taking the time to remind me that we are always “welcome home” …..I count finding you as one of my blessings
Comment by Amanda September 22, 2008

Becky, isn’t it wonderful when you have those moments of absolute clarity and absolute certainty that you are NEVER alone?
Comment by Linda September 22, 2008

I lost my job 4 months ago, I had medical bills and pressure from a debt collection agency. I was scared enough to make me sick. Well I still have the bills but I also realize there was nothing I could do. When you have no money & no way of getting any…what else could you do but keep moving forward one step at a time. Out of all of this I have learned to live simple and to be thankful for what I do have. It has been a test for me to put into action to live the life I was “suppose” to be living all along, by FAITH. The Lord knew what I needed and I am learning with HIS GRACE. The “fear” of what will I do if this or that happens still pops up…but it does not last long. Why? Because like this song says…I’m living by faith in Jesus aboveTrusting confiding in HIS great loveSafe from all harm in HIS sheltering armsCause I’m living by faith and I feel no alarm.Prayers to you & your family from Oregon
Comment by Sage WhiteOwl September 23, 2008

Joyce,This has been our over all toughest times both emotionally and spiritually. But our Lord is taking us on one day at a time. Thank you.
Amanda,Please let me know how Sunday goes. And may God Bless you to overflowing.
Linda,Yes, It is. Thank you.
Sage White Owl,Isn’t His GRACE awsome!! Thank you for your comment as I know it will help others. God bless you and keep you in His arms. Thank you for your prayers too.
You all are a wonderful blessing to me. Thank you.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

In my reading today, I came across this quote. In my fears for our country’s future and concern for how I will take care of the family, it was a great comfort…also, a realization that I need to repent of my worry! Here’s the quote: “…if all things are in His hand, if the very hairs of our head are numbered; if every event, great and small, is under the direction of His Providence and purpose; and if He has a wise, holy and gracious end in view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient;–then we have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and cheerfully to expect a happy issue….How happy are they who can resign all to Him, see His hand in every dispensation, and believe that He chooses better for them than they possibly could for themselves!” ~John Newton, who wrote the hymn, “Amazing Grace”
Comment by Linda J September 23, 2008

Linda J,That is so great!!! Thank you very much. I went in and made it bold to be sure it stands out.Thank you again, I really like it. I am going to type it out and print it.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese with photos

This is my big pot with 4 gallons of milk in it. I had extra milk, I usually only do a gallon at a time.

I can not give you the recipe as it has a copy write, but will list the link below for you to get it.

This is what the cheese looks like when done cooking.

Getting ready to heat it, so as to get the rest of the whey out.

Draining the whey (above), kneading the whey out (below). You keep doing this until all the whey is out.

Now I am pulling and stretching the cheese to get the rest of the whey out.

stretching some more

stretching some more

stretching some more

This can get a bit messy.

When the cheese is glossy and smooth, it's time to rinse and cool it.

Rinse until the water runs clear.

Leave in ice water about 20 -30 minutes.

Then it's into ice box for another 30 minutes to drain.

Then I shred it and pack into freezer bags.

This homemade cheese is so much better than the store bought.

The New England Cheese making Supply Company has a starter kit. Which I bought and love. You only need to buy the kit once. It's great and makes more +/- 40 pounds of cheese, and you get everything in the kit but your milk. The kit tells you all the different kinds of milk you can use. The kit is called: 30 Minute Mozzarella & Ricotta Kit , $24.95 ( click on name and it'll take you to it).

For their recipe( click on name) Ricki's 30 minute Mozzarella Magic. It will take you step by step, at the end of the page.

Recipes on other cheeses: Making cheeses.

Questions answered about Mozzarella cheese.

I really like this company. I order my supplies from them.

Now if you happen to run out of the Citric Acid, which is called for in the recipe as I did. I found a way to still make the cheese.

I tried lemon juice instead of the citric acid and it worked. The milk does not curdle as much as with the citric acid. But the finished cheese is the same.

Citric Acid	Milk	bottled lemon juice
1 1/2 level tsp.	1 gallon	3 oz.
3 level tsp.	2 gallons	6 oz.
6 level tsp.	4 gallons	12 oz.

Keep your whey ( drain it into a big bowl) as it is great to cook with. And it makes the best breads. I keep small juice bottles in the freezer with the whey in it.

Have a cheesy Day.

Becky

Comments:

This is so interesting! I thought making our own cheese was out of the question. I was under the impression that it was difficult and required a lot of special equipment. Thanks for opening my eyes, Becky! Joyce Comment by Joyce September 21, 2008

Wow - that is so cool! I would *love* to try making cheese. This is wonderful information, Becky. As always, you are such an inspiration. ) Stacie Comment by arksoaper September 21, 2008

I’ve made mozzarella with the cheese making kit (but only with one gallon of milk) and it’s so easy and so much fun, and you’re right, it’s so much better than store bought. Comment by bermudaonion September 21, 2008

You are an amazing person! I have just found your blog and I am fascinated by it- I thought I was frugal using coupons- you are the Queen of this stuff!!!! Thanks for such a wonderful Blog!!!!! I wish I could help you in someway? Do you have a PayPal addy? I left my email so you can email me- I would love to even send you a copy of More with Less cookbook - I think you would love it! Please email me- …. Amanda Comment by Amanda September 21, 2008

Amanda, I am glad you like my blog. And thank you again for stopping in. And thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot to me. I do have a copy of More with Less cookbook, I picked it up at a thrift store for $.50, and love it. Thank you for being thoughtful enough to send one. Hope you have a wonderful day. And may God bless you to overflowing.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 22, 2008

Becky, This is something I have always wanted to try and it’s just been one of those projects that always seems to get put off. I’m going to go check out the link to that kit you posted. Also, what type of shredder/grinder is that in the picture? It shredded all your cheese so perfectly. Comment by D. September 22, 2008

Oh, one more thing. I’ve heard that some people save the whey because drinking it is a good cure for an upset stomach. I’ve never done it so I can’t vouch for it, but I’ve seen that in several places in blog land. Just thought I’d pass that along. Comment by D. September 22, 2008

Would this be a good project to do as a family? We are currently reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” books and my little girl is fascinated at how Laura’s family made food. Wondering if a 6 year old could help make this cheese. Comment by Becky S. September 23, 2008

D.
The shredder did not have a name on it. I have had it for over 18 yrs. Sorry. But it works great!! You should really try the cheese it’s easy and tastes wonderful.
Yes, some people drink the whey like a lemon aid type drink and add sugar. I use it in making breads. Becky S., This would be a great family project. My daughter loves to help make it, and eat it while it’s still hot. LOL Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

I have the same shredder/grinder that you have for the person asking about it. I can’t recall the name of it either and have been searching for my paperwork on it. I bought it at a home and garden show when I bought my cookware. The cookware is Kitchen Craft made by West Bend. I think the grinder was made by someone else, but I bought it from them and will continue to search for the name for you. It comes with six different cones, and they are Fantastic to have. Good Luck. Comment by Don September 26, 2008

Don, Mine has 6 different cones,too. And they are still as sharp as when I first got them. I love my shredder/ grinder.Hope you can find the name. Thank you for stopping in. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 27, 2008

Hello Becky, We found your site for making cheese, and we
love it, my friend has 3 cows, so we have plenty of milk.
It`s been a couple of months that we have been making cheese. You have a great site. If you find any new recipes for making different kind of cheese, you can email me. Again Thank`s for sharing your pride and joy. Norma Clarke & Camil Cyr Comment by Norma Clarke & Camil Cyr October 8, 2008

I made the Mozzarella this weekend. I had to use liquid rennet as the dry cubes were not available. I use 1 gallon of mike so I used 10 drops of liquid rennet in two teaspoons of water. Instead of getting the whey out like you suggested, I followed my fathers instructions (since he was standing there directing the operation) I put the cheese curds into a white handkerchief and twisted the ball until it was dry. The result was a dry glob. I kneaded the ball but never got to the glossy stretchy part. It tastes alright but it is not like yours. Do you suppose it was the liquid Rennet or the twisting that got me into trouble? Also, now that I am trying to store the balls in salted water in the fridge,the balls covered in a slimy melted cheese mess. When I wash the slim off, the cheese is fine. What should I do? This was my first attempt at cheese making. I love it. Comment by Andrea Young November 3, 2008

Andrea,
http://www.cheesemaking.com/store/pg/21.html here is the recipe I used. After draining the whey, did you reheat the cheese and knead again. This(heat up and knead) needs to be done a few times to get to the glossy stretchy look. I just store the cheese in fridge in a lidded bowl. And shred and freeze it. I have never used a salt water to store the cheese. Hope this helps some. Thanks for stopping in. Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 3, 2008

Can I use regular milk from the grocery store? And why do you have to buy the cheese making kit only once? I thought is was a bit much at $24.95 because I thought I would have to buy it every time I wanted to make a little bit of cheese made. Does the milk matter a whole bunch? Thanks, Donna Comment by Donna November 14, 2008

Donna,
Yes, you can use store brought milk. The kit tells you what kind of store milk to use,recipe for using powdered milk, other tips and ideas. That I can not list due to copyright. After you buy the kit once, all you will have to buy is the rennet, citric acid ( or use my recipe for lemon juice).I highly recommend the kit, it is worth it. You will not be sorry if you really want to make the cheese. If you really can’t afford the kit, read all the links I put in the above post. And look around the site for recipes. Then you will only need to buy the rennet. But really the kit is great and give you everything you will need. Hope this helps. Thank you for stopping in.
Have a great day, Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 15, 2008

Thank you so much for such an amazing blog! I made cheese 3 times in my life years ago, I bought a little box in the store of something I cannot remember the name right now…sorry! But you make it look so amazing! My question is: I am a gleaner and I get sometimes lots of milk, with dates of 1 to 5 days past or same day; sometimes we are lucky and we get milk with dates in the future. Is it OK to make the cheese with milk that is not ALL that fresh and already pasteurized? Do you have recipes for American cheese? thanks! Marcie Comment by Marcie November 16, 2008

Marcie,
As long as the milk does not smell and taste bad, it should be fine. It’s okay to make cheese with pasteurized as long as it’s not Ultra-pasteurized(which should be labeled on the jug.)The extra milk can be frozen in smaller bottles, to drink in the future. Or make ice cream with it and freeze it. You could can some to cook with. ( in my search box type in can milk, this will take you to the post here about how to.) I am sorry I do not have a American cheese recipe but I do have one for sharp cheddar cheese, which I have not tried yet as I am waiting in Tommy to make my cheese press. Hope this helps some. And you are blessed to get so much milk, almost like having your own milk cow, without all the work. lol
Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 16, 2008

-I have a question about the cheese salt. Can I use sea salt if it has no iodine? I use sea salt more than regular table salt. I’m really interested in making this Mozzarella being that I’m half Italian and would like to surprise my 97year old Italian Aunt with some fresh cheese. Thanks for any help or guidance. Matt Comment by MattyD. February 17, 2009

Matt,I am not sure about the salt. As I do not use salt at all. I know the recipe calls for it but the cheese is also wonderful without it. And I believe it’s only used (salt) if store in icebox for days, but here I’m lucky if it last to dinner. They eat it as soon as it’s cool enough to touch.Hope this helps.Becky Comment by Becky February 17, 2009

-So you can just use ReaLemon instead of citric acid from what I’ve read, correct? I can’t seem to find citric acid near me except for a pharmacy where it’s $15 for a 4 oz. bottle. I am lucky enough to live near arguably the largest Amish population in the world here in Ohio, so raw milk shouldn’t be a problem. Also even the local stores carry milk from a dairy that is only about an hour away. Their milk is pasteurized and homogenized, but not ultra pasteurized. And no growth hormones are used on the cows their milk comes from. Thanks for a wonderful site! Comment by MattyD. February 18, 2009

Is it worth it to have a milk cow? YES

863.5 gallons	from 12-1-07 to 9-26-08, just milk in gallons, 10 months.
x    $3.00	price of the cheapest store bought milk- by the gallon
= $ 2,590.50	total of milk if bought in store
-  $1,600.00	10 months of feed for cow, $160 a month
=$990.50	we saved just on milk in 10 months

 

But this is just milk prices. From this milk I have made: all the butter, whip cream, cheeses, sour cream, fed the cats and dogs and more, that we use.

So really our savings is more than above. But I use the number as a guide to make sure I am not losing money by feeding the cow.

Some people have wanted to know this as they are thinking of getting a milk cow.

Hope this helps.

Becky

Technorati Tags: food prices,homemade cheese,milking cow,saving money,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. Great breakdown on prices Becky. I always tell people that cow manure makes my garden grow sooo good. So that is even another benefit. Comment by throwback at trapper creek | September 21, 2008 |

2. I’ve been thinking about getting a few chickens, but now I’m thinking I may need to add a milk cow to my wish list.  ) Milk is $4 a gallon here - even the store brands. Ugh! Stacie Comment by arksoaper | September 21, 2008 |

God and i

Last week was a bad week. Tommy's health was not good. I really had a hard time just making it from hour to hour. But I made it, and Tommy is doing better. A friend called this past Saturday and said that the Lord had laid me on her heart all week and that she sent prayers up for me. I just started crying. I told her about the week and that I know I made it because of her prayers. I felt alone last week, but God had some one filling in the gap. God was there watching out for me.

Then for the last two weeks or so, everyone including my hubby, keep saying how strong I was. Well I felt anything but strong, and honestly I have never felt so weak. I want to be truthful with everyone and no pretending.  I started praying, "Lord, why are they saying these things when they are not true.  Lord, I am no where near strong, I am at my weakest times. "  I keep praying about this, as it really troubled me.

Well the Lord answered loud and clear this morning while I was milking. And all I could do was cry and thank Him.

Here is what he brought to my mind, loud and clear:

"And  he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor. 12: 9 - 10

What an eye opener. They are not seeing my strength but God's. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

I posted this for a few reasons.

1. When the Lord lays someone on your heart to pray for, please do it, and let that person know. It makes a big difference when you know someone is praying for you, and God is calling someone in to fill in the gaps.
2. I want others to see how God works, and that He never leaves His children.
3. Someone out there some where needs to read this. Is it you? He is sending it to you too.
4. And so I will never forget: For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

God loves each one of you.

Becky 

Technorati Tags: blessings,prayer

Comments:

1. Thanks for posting “God and I.” I am one who needed it!
   Blessings & Prayers to you and your family…from Oregon! Comment by Sage WhiteOwl | September 16, 2008 |

2. I did a wonderful study once on the scripture that talk about God’s strength. It was an eye opener to learn that our strength is given to us from God. Amazing! I’m thankful He gave you the strength you needed. I know you are facing some extremely painful and difficult days. May the Lord continue to be your constant companion.
   Blessings, Georgene Comment by Georgene | September 16, 2008 |

3. Becky,  You are such a blessing, and I appreciate your posts so much. When we are at our worst, He is at His best! I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.  God bless you!  Stacie Comment by arksoaper | September 16, 2008 |

4. Thank you, Becky  It’s good to be reminded of God’s eternal and never failing love. I was praying for you last week too. I have learned to never miss the opportunity to pray for another when the Lord places it on my heart. In fact, it is my privilege to pray for others. I will continue to pray for you and for Tommy, Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce | September 17, 2008 |

5. Thank you all for your prayers, and kinds words here. I know this blog has blessed me so much. All of you ladies are so wonderful, and a great blessing to me. Thank you all again. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 17, 2008 |

 

Farm Life - 9/15

We received a big box of apples, oh what a blessing, thank you Carol.  I did get all the onion sets planted.  Pulled up my garlic to dry. And the Lord sent a light rain last night. We have built a new chicken pen for the young chickens to go into.

We pulled up the hallway carpet (to many dog messes), and I scrubbed the tile that was under carpet. Now I looking for washable rugs to put down in the hallway. If I can't find what I want then I guess I'll start sewing them.

Our daughter came by yesterday and brought us lunch. This was a treat, thank you Sissy. Hamburgers and milk shakes, mmmmm.

I have also been weeding out the house. Throwing things away I no longer need or use. Tommy wants to take photos, as he says I never throw away any thing. But I'm tired of all this stuff getting in my way. We have an old school bus, that we use for storage. I have gone through things in there too. I already feel lighter. Some called it fall cleaning, I call it weeding the house.

I have frozen more eggs, canned more potatoes and milk.  I'm not sure how much longer the chicken will lay and the cow give milk??? And winter seem to be coming a lot faster this year.

I am working on knitted socks for this winter. And making gifts too. I think this would be a great year to start a nothing but homemade Christmas. With money so tight with everyone, maybe this will happen. And it's so much fun, even my 11 yr. old is thinking up things to make. But my job is to find her what she needs or come up with something else to use.

I have started cutting down on how much meat I put on the table for dinners. And this hit my 11yr. old hardest last night. As we had what she loves most, fried chicken. She usually eats 2-3 pieces, she really likes fried chicken. But I had to tell her it's 2 nights of chicken not 1 night.  I told her she could have more vegs.  She was not to happy, but she handled it pretty well.  Her dad and I tried again to tell her about hard times coming and making things stretch so they would last longer.  Our frozen chicken is very low and the chickens in the yard are not big enough yet to kill.  This is our first time of stretching food, as I use to put 3-5 lbs of meat on the table. We ate a lot of meat when the other 2 kids were home too. We always had enough, and even left over's.  We have always lived pay check to pay check.  But I have never before had to watch/cut back on meals.  All this mess with high prices and no jobs, how do you get your kids to understand??? She never gotten everything she wanted, but even a trip to the park in town cost more with gas prices up. She is use to the simple things in life, but now the simple things cost more too.  Yesterday, her little friend came over for the day. Do you know what they came up with, and had a blast doing? They filled up two 55 gallon steel drums with water, and played in them for hours. You could hear them laughing in the house.  I really love the simple life.

Becky 

Technorati Tags: food prices,food storage,ideas,making do,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. We are having to cut back in ways that the kids are feeling too. There’s a part of me that just hates that but the other half of me knows it’s just the way it has to be. As for meat, my husband was just talking tonight about saving up to get a cow for the freezer. But at the same time, that’s a lot of money. So we’ll just have to see how it goes. Hope you have a good week, Mrs.. D.D. Comment by D. | September 15, 2008 |

2. I think the “weeding” bug has hit me too! I’ve been purging through my house for the past several days, listing stuff on Craigslist, BluJay and Free cycle. I have also been trying to get through my “Fall To Do” list. Yesterday I finished making up the last of my mixes. I also recycled some towels that were given to me into dishrags. I just have to hem three more and I should be set for a while. I was down to just 3 dishrags…definitely needed more and instead of buying them I made them! I’m learning this self sufficient stuff one step at a time!  I have been trying to cut down on food at mealtime too. My DH and DS have noticed, but whatcha gonna do? Something has to give and the food budget is the easiest thing to stretch. I am really, really dreading this winter. Our winter gas/electric combined bill sometimes hits $400/mo. I can’t imagine what it is going to be now. Speaking of which, I have GOT to get that denim quilt finished for the family room! Hopefully we can all snuggled under blankets/quilts and keep the house a little cooler. Keep the posts coming…you are inspiring me and giving me the little “kick” I need to prepare! Thank you,Linda  Comment by Linda | September 16, 2008 |

3. Becky, have you seen the book, THE MAKERS DIET? We are have to stretch our meat too, I am able to get enough meat from the breast meat for hubby’s work lunch and then we get at least two other meals out of the remaining meat on the carcass. The most health giving thing about the way I cook the chicken is the broth. I detailed this method in a post on my blog titled PUPPY TRAINING. If you type that in the search box on my sidebar you can get the recipe. The gelatinous broth will help Tommy heal. Love your mozzarella post, and the milk cow post also, people always think we are crazy for having a cow, but I think they are crazy for not having a cow. Comment by matronofhusbandry | September 21, 2008 |

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just found out- a 10 gallon limit on GAS here

I just called around here GA/NC gas prices are now $4.99 a gallon with a limit of 10 gallons. This is only for the high grade as they can no longer get the 87 and 89 grades.  What's gas prices where your at? You better call and see.

Min. Wage here is a little over $6. Just thought I let you know.

Becky

Technorati Tags: gas prices

Comments;

Holy Moly on the gas! I was out with my mom yesterday and we saw it for $3.48 a gallon…the highest we seen yesterday was $3.69. I live in NE Ohio and (I believe) minimum wage is $7 here. Comment by Pamspride | September 12, 2008 |

Wow! I’m in St. Paul, MN and just filled up at $3.49 a gallon! Minimum wage is a little over six dollars! I hope it doesn’t get to five dollars. I have to drive over 70 miles a day to get to school and back! Comment by Emily | September 12, 2008 |

That’s crazy! We just filled up today for $3.58/gallon and minimum wage is $6.90. I’m in northern Arizona. Comment by Darce | September 12, 2008 |

Gas has gone through the roof here in Arkansas today with Ike approaching. It was $3.59 this morning, by this evening it was $3.99 with reports that it will be $5.00 by morning. We also heard some gas stations in other towns farther south from us ran completely out of gas today. Everyone has been filling up gas cans for their generators in case we lose power. I don’t know how people are going to afford it and still live if it keeps up. Comment by arksoaper | September 12, 2008 |

First off, my prayers are going out for those in Ike’s path. Here are some other prices from my other blog:
MA- 3.37
SD- 3.55
KS- 3.32
KY- 3.99
AL- 4.25

I am not sure what this morning will bring yet, with Ike or gas prices. But I pray God will save us from both. Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 13, 2008 |

It was at 4.10 here in Tn. this afternoon. I don’t know how much it’s gone up since then. ((sigh)) Comment by D. | September 13, 2008 |

Another week on the Farm - Winter is Coming Fast

I have stayed busy. Tommy has had a bad week but thank God, I think he's getting better. I have canned more potatoes, froze more milk and cream and eggs, and made a big batch of mozzarella cheese for the freezer. The mozzarella cheese photos and recipe, I will post in a few days.

I have 3 lbs. of onion sets that need to be planted. I could not get any this past spring. So hopefully they will have enough time to grow this fall. I have never grown onions in the fall, so this is my something new this year. We eat a lot of them. And two weeks ago at the store they were $2.?? for 3 lbs., used to be less than a dollar.

I am at the point were I hate, hate going to the store (any store). The prices on everything are up to unbelievable. Enough to make all sick. Thank God for my food barn, milk cow and chickens. I know a lot of you don't have these things, and I am racking my brain on tips and hints for you. For right now, my tips are buy very wisely and learn to cook from scratch. I'll be posting some easy from scratch recipes soon.

The chicken are slowly slowing down on their eggs. But I'm freezing a lot too. The milk cow is down to 3 gallons a day, and should keep going down now. We have a cow in the freezer. Chickens to kill this fall when it cools off more.

Winter is on the way. And I'm almost ready, or should I say as ready as I can get. This summer has flown by. There are leaves all over the ground here. At times, I would love to put a hold on the winter coming, Saying I need a little more time to get ready. But the good Lord knows what's He's going, so I pray I'm putting up enough for the winter. And if not, He'll find a way to supply what we need, not want. I have felt like the ants in the Bible, more this year than ever before. And we have lived like this for years. Does anyone else feel like the ants this year?? I feel we all are in for the longest, hardest winter world wide.

I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and your prayers. These blogs have been such a blessing to me in more than one way. To be honest, I didn't think I would be able to help any one. But the overwhelming numbers are unbelievable. The canning potatoes post has reached 497 hits. Are there any potatoes left out there? Thank you all again. I am just here to help you all any way I can. There are so many people looking for ways to make it through all this mess. And my heart goes out to you all. I wish I could give you all a big hug.

Well it's time to start another day. May God bless you all to overflowing today.

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,eggs,food storage,food prices,freezing,homemade cheese,making do,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

1. Oh I am definitely feeling a push to “get my house in order”. I just don’t have enough hours or enough energy to do everything I want to get done. At the same time my job is getting very busy. Since I am self employed I really need to take advantage of the abundance of work and earnings right now. So time is my biggest problem. This weekend I really want to cook up all of the chicken leg quarters I have in the freezer and pull the meat off and freeze in portions that we use for “comfort food” in the winter like chicken n’ dumplings and casseroles. The next time I go to the butcher I will try to get even more chicken leg quarters. They sell them at $.19/lb with a $15 purchase. I will also use the bones to make a large supply of chicken stock for my freezer. I have never learned to can food and really wish I knew how. I did buy a water bath canner last year but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it. Now why am I so hesitant? I even have a bunch of strawberries in my freezer…just need to take the plunge. Thanks once again for your encouragement. Linda Comment by Linda September 12, 2008

2. Linda,
   What a great deal on chicken!! Here the cheapest leg quarters (on sale) is $1.09 a lbs. I might have to come and visit you. The water bath canner is easier then the pressure canner, you just can’t can as many things in the water bath. But it’s a great place to start. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 13, 2008

Amanda said... I had no idea you could freeze eggs. How do you use them after they've been frozen? Can you still scramble and fry them or only use them within recipes?

September 12, 2008 7:58 AM

Becky said... http://jordansfarm.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/freezing-eggs-farm-fresh-and-store-bought-with-photos/ here is were you can get answers September 12, 2008 10:53 AM

Has to be the HARDEST job in the world

I have the hardest job in the world, as only a few of you out there can do it. And you few, know who you are.

My hardest job: is the changing of the empty bath paper roll, every where I go, both at home and away.

I have done this for years, but it dawned on me, that you have to be born with this talent as it can't be taught even to the young.

This has to be the hardest job in the world as only the few that are called can do it.

And it seems only mothers are blessed with this job.

Add the hardest job to your list, moms. We have earned it.

I feel so blessed to be able to do something so hard.

Any one else blessed here, or do I need to start traveling ?

Becky

Technorati Tags: hardest job

Comments:

1. I guess we are not as rare a breed as I thought. I too was genetically blessed to have the ability to change the toilet paper roll. Unfortunately,…the rest of my family was not so blessed. You would truly think it was rocket science!
   Joyce Comment by Joyce September 9, 2008

2. Me, me, me, me…I’m the only one here who can do it. Occasionally my guys will have an inspired moment and figure it out. Too bad those moments don’t seem to last. However, they are good at getting the job half done…they can get the roll out of the cabinet. I guess they just need to leave the really intricate part for the expert…me. Linda Comment by Linda September 9, 2008

3. That’s great! Love your humor! Anything that makes me laugh out loud is great! Thanx! And, yes, I ,too, have the hardest job Comment by Darce September 9, 2008

4. OMG! I have that job too. Both at home and at work. We must be some talented ladies, don’t you think? Comment by kristen September 21, 2008

Things are a little tighter so far this month.

The  disability check didn't go far this month and this month is not even half way over yet. Why? I'm not really sure. I have been trying to figure that out. And the only thing I can think of right off hand is more trips to doctors, GAS. No extra trips (fun,just to get out,etc.) to town. Ok,time to get more creative with what I have. We just trade one of our big trucks for a smaller stick shift truck, but will have to wait until next month to get it on the road. That will help a great deal on the gas. Our food supply is good, Thank you, Lord. We have a roof over our heads, power is on, clothes on our back, and we will make it through this month. God has never let us down, and He's never left us. So why am I posting all of this? Well this is my life on the farm and in this world. Just maybe it'll help someone else make  it another month, or they'll become more thankful for what they have. I know some of the blogs I read and keep up with, do that for me. I see that there are others out there like me or are in worse shape then me. I learn from others along the way and pray for those in need.  Sometimes something in some one else's blog- renews my strength and brightens my day, or just brings a needed smile to my face. So I am not sure what you, the reader, will get from this post, but I pray you are blessed in some  way.

I have been canning more potatoes, and milk, freezing cream. It really needs to cool off some here so as I can make butter. It's still in the 90's at 5pm here.  My freezer is almost full of cream. The garden is almost done for this year, I have two rows of potatoes left to dug up. But it's been really hot and we do not have a cellar, and I wanted to have some uncanned potatoes for the winter.  So I'll leave them in the ground just a little longer. 

Our friends had to move out of state to find work. So they blessed us with a new looking couch( Tommy lays here to take his breathing treatments, and our old one had him just about laying on the floor. We really needed a new one), a bunk bed set( twin on top and full on bottom. which I put in our other room, for when family comes), an outside glass top table with four chairs, a gliding rocker, and a few other things. All these things were a wonderful blessing. It felt like Christmas. Our friends will be greatly missed, but they said they'd be back. The Lord used them to bless us. He's still watching out for us.

On to a brighter note: 387 + people in the last 30 days have looked at the Canning Potatoes post. That's a blessing to me. I know here potatoes have went way, way up in price. So if you find them on sale, can some.  If you canned potatoes for the first time, please let me know how it went for you.

In the recipes tab at the top: Comment #7 from Stacie tells how canning butter turned out. I have not try it yet but she did and lets us know how it went. Thank you Stacie.

There are a lot of you who are first year canners, How is it going so far?

Well this was just on my mind and had to get it out. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Until next time, and God bless you all,

Becky

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the give away. Please allow me to bless one of you.   Click here to find out more. Drawing is tomorrow evening.

Technorati Tags: canning,disability check,low income,making do

Comments:

1. Thanks for the update, Becky
   I will keep your family in my prayers. I know from personal experience that the Lord will always provide. When my Dh lost his job a few years ago, we leaned on Him completely and He saw us through to this day.
   I am preparing our pantry for the winter right now. We need a lot more flour, so that is my priority right now. Tomorrow I will shop, today I’m making cottage cheese kuchen(old German recipe)and freezing some of the sweet bread dough base.
   Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce | September 8, 2008 |

2. I remember when I was younger going through those tight times, and I remember how stressed my parents were. We made it through, and I know you guys will too. I’ll send good thoughts your way. I’m always looking for new farming blogs to read, and I found yours through a search for Google. Now I’m off to look at your ‘canning potatoes’ page. Comment by Jen @ J&J Acres | September 8, 2008 |

3. Becky -  Your positive attitude when facing these things is the biggest blessing to me. Yes, I do know the Lord will watch over us and provide what we need…I just sometimes have difficulty staying positive and proactive in the face of (what are in reality)my LITTLE problems. To see you, and other blogs I visit, where people stay so proactive in the face of significant challenges humbles me and makes me realize that my life is GREAT and this too shall pass. You keep me positive, proactive and motivated. Thank you!  P.S. I’ve been working on my Fall To Do List and actually crossed one off this weekend…yippee! Linda Comment by Linda | September 8, 2008 |

4. I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope you can make it through the rest of the month without any trouble. I too have been dealing with tight times and I agree that a positive attitude and being thankful for what you have goes a long way. Comment by Jessi | September 8, 2008 |

5. Those were some wonderful blessing you got from your friends! Isn’t it wonderful when things work out like that?  Hope you have a wonderful day! Comment by D. | September 9, 2008 |

6. I was wondering if you have a solution for medical insurance on a small budget? Comment by Georgene | September 13, 2008 |

7. Georgene,
   Thank you for stopping in. I really don’t have a solution. But I do pray a lot. In GA, they have Peach Care for kids, TN has Ten Care for kids. Our family doctor, takes your income and works on a sliding scale. But for adults, there is nothing I know of. And oh how I searched and searched. I wish I did have the answer, because I know so many people really need it. I believe this area is where our government has failed the people. We have been fighting for months, trying to get anything for Tommy (my hubby). When he was approved for Disability for prostate cancer that moved to the bones and COPD, they took away his Medicaid. Here in GA you can only make $430 a month to get adult Medicaid, his check is $996 a month. Only thing for you to do is check and see what your state has. This is not much help I know, and I’m sorry. Have a good day.
   Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 13, 2008 |

8. Hi Becky,
   I’m stunned that they took away his medical insurance. We live in California and I know they offer different state insurances. I did some calling once and found a place that would help but I think we made too much, also. My husband is still working at this point but his health is declining so I’m checking out options ahead of time. God bless you! Thank you for responding. I’m amazed at what you are living on. It gives me hope. Comment by Georgene | September 13, 2008 |

9. Becky, I enjoyed reading some of the things that you have on your site. I feel for you and the problems that you are having. You mentioned that money was tight and I was wondering if you have ever tried to have some of your works published in magazines like Backwoods Home magazine? With money being tight, it might be a way to get a few extra dollars. Good luck and our prayers will be with you and your family. Robert Andrews and family. Comment by Robert | September 21, 2008 |

10. Robert,
    Thank you for stopping in. I started this blog to help others make it, in the hard times ahead and now. I am not much of a writer. I just write what I know and what I feel and think. The Lord has blessed this site, and I give Him all the glory. I don’t know were this blog is going from day to day, I leave it in His hands. If the Lord wants me to publish, He’ll have to open the doors. As I am just a simple housewife, servicing Him. Just knowing this blog is helping people and they are learning new things is a wonderful blessing to me. The Lord has always blessed us, and we have had all our need meet. Thank you for your prayers, as they help us from day to day.
    God bless you,  Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 22, 2008 |