Down at the Farm -- Winter is on it's way

     It's been a long week. Tommy has really been on my mind a lot. And seem like every time I turned around, there is something to remind me of him: a song on the radio, a note he has written, a saying he always said, ect. I have cried all week.  I do good most days but this past week has been very hard. ( I think it's because I'm starting to get ready for winter and doing things he used to do. And trying hard to remember everything that has to be done.) Please say an extra prayer for me this week. I have been sick too. It's in my chest and I'm coughing and sneezing all the time, I think it's sinuses. I hate feeling yucky. I have been using the silver water so much that someone could trade me in and get rich. :) I have tried to stay away from Gabby so as she does not get sick, in case it's something other than sinuses.  I was up all night coughing, and  overslept this morning, causing TommieLynn to have 8 minutes to get ready for school and to get to the bus stop. I have never seen her get dressed so fast. But I hated it that she had to rush this morning.

     Winter is getting closer everyday. In a way, I am ready for cooler weather. It has been really hot here this year.  I will be covering my windows with plastic this year from the inside as I do not do ladders well. :) The food barn is in good order and ready for winter.  I still need to stock up more on: bath paper, sugar, veg. oil, toothpaste, shampoo. For some reason these run out the fastest. Tommy used to tell me to buy stock in the bath paper company, and we'd be rich. :) I know I can make homemade bath paper, but time is not there yet. But I know how if I have too. I have to change out the water in the 425 gallon tank in the next few weeks for winter use. I clean it out every six months to keep the water fresh. I am so thankful Tommy brought that tank, even thou at the time I questioned him buying it. Tommy has so taken care of us, still now. I can now see all the things he has done over the years and the things he has taught me, that I am using now and they are making my life easier. Thank you Lord for my time with Tommy.  I need to get someone (who is not afraid of heights) to cover all the house's outside vents and close the chicken house window up with plywood.  I need to blow out the gas heaters with the air compressor and check the gas lines.  I have to get the chicken water heater out and cleaned and check to see if it's still working. I would like to get a few more blankets and make more cloth napkins. And hopefully find time to make everyone some wool house socks.  And I need someone to show me now to use a skill saw. I need to do a few small things around the farm before winter comes.

A few questions to you all or your husbands:

1. How do I prepare the push mower for winter so that it starts next spring? The car is ready for winter.

2. How do I prepare our generator for winter? change spark plug, oil, gas??? It has not been started in months. It has a push button start and pull cord start. And it has left my mind on how to start it. Tommy always did more than just pull the cord and I can't remember.

3. Is there anything else I am missing that needs to be done before winter sets in??

4. I need to get 5 gallons of back up gas for generator or car use. How long does gas stay good??

 

     School is still going great. I am learning so much and believe it or not, I'm loving it.  I have always loved learning new things.  And the writing papers thing is getting easier, but still not fully enjoyable yet. I am holding high A's in all three classes and we are now at the half way point. This fall I am going to try taking four classes instead of three. If I can pull it off, I will finish earlier.  Tommielynn is still enjoying school. I am so proud of her, she is going great.     

     Thank the Lord the tractor sold, and the truck had died about a month ago. But I found a car, an 1988 Olds. Cutlass Ciera, 4 doors with AC, and a sun roof for a great price. Thank you Lord. The girls and I can now get around easier. I feel like a princess now with AC and a sunroof. TommieLynn loves the sunroof. :) But I still feel like an ant in a car after so many years in a truck that's higher than most cars. The car is great on gas, 3 1/2 trips to town equals one trip in the truck. :) The only draw back to the car is, I can't haul the 100lb. gas tanks (they are about 5 ft long and it will not fit in the trunk) needed for our heat this winter.  So I am trying now to figure out a way to keep us in heat this coming winter. No one in my neighborhood has a truck.

 

Well I had better get back to the books. Thank you all for your comments and prayers, they have kept us going. I wish I could give each of you a hug.  Hope you all have a blessed day.

Becky

Still Rolling with the Flow - Aug. 14, 2009

     It's been a while and I am still here. Boy, I am getting old. I have been so busy that I am not sure if I am coming or going. Busy with what? Life. As you all know, things do not happen, one thing at a time. It all happens at once. And right now, I'm glad I did not plant a garden this year.  And at times, TommieLynn has to remind me to eat. Why, because I honestly forget too. You mom's should understand this very well. Often times there are more things to do, than time to do them.

       It's been very hot and sticky here for a while. One day, I went and sat in the food barn with the AC for about an hour. When I came out, my glasses fogged up and they started dipping water. And then I was hotter than when I went in. I am looking forward to fall weather. :)

     TommieLynn has started school and loves it. She is still not sure about  this thing they call "homework", and can't seem to figure out why she has to do it, when she did school work all day.  How do you explain homework, to a home schooler, who never had it before? But she has been doing it and doing a great job. She really likes all her teachers.

 

This is her first day of public school. Thank you S.S. from MI, for the clothes, shoes, book bag, and school supplies, they were a great blessing.

       A week ago today, TommieLynn was attacked by a red nose pit bull dog. A long story, main points being, for two weeks owners said it didn't bite, they called TommieLynn into their yard to pet the dog, dog attacked her. We spent 4 hours in ER, dog did not have current shots. The dog got her nose good. And she still loves dogs. But they all don't like her, as this is her second dog attack.

The dog also put a bite in her mouth, on the top of her gums.

      Gabby is growing as fast as the grass in my yard. She smiles all the time. But her days and nights are still mixed up. She is now over 9 pounds, and 24 inches long. And she's the house ham.

This is our drama queen and she knows it.

 

     Tasha had her gallbladder taken out earlier this week. She is now still sore and tired.

      My classes are still going great. As of today, I am holding high A's in all three classes. The last four papers I have written, I had gotten a 100% on. How that happened, I still do not know. And I'm waiting for the teachers to send me an e-mail to say they made a mistake. :)  Thank you all for your prayers.

      In my down moments, I'll say I just can't do it ( after 6 hours of just reading with more to do or one week to write a paper). TommieLynn will pipe up and say, " I know you can do it, mom", with a smile on her face. I will ask her to suspend me from school, and she'll just laugh and say "no, you have work to do." Boy, the Lord really blessed me with her. Now we will see what happens when I use her words on her, when she has homework. :)

     And boy am I going to get plenty of practice on writing papers, 4-6 papers due every two weeks. This is way out of my comfort zone. I know there will come a day in the future when this will no longer bother me. Maybe, just maybe, writing all those papers will help me write that book Tommy and you all wanted me to do. I am being stretched, remolded, and refined. What does the Lord have in store for me? And will He give me any hints along the way?

      Well it is time to hit the books again. Thank you all for your prayers.

Have a great day.

Becky

Update: 7/20/09

   Well, I now have one week's worth of school work under my belt. Boy, I forgot how much work you have to do. I am learning so much. I'm taking 3 classes and they keep me on my toes, along with Gabby. I got an e-mail from my school saying they would transfer 4-classes = 16 credits, and I needed 96 for my degree. Starting out with the 16 is great. Boy, I was doing the happy dance all over the place. The 4 classes were the hardest for me, two of which were Composition 1 &2. Writing is not my strongest area, term papers are not like writing here. The Lord answered prayers again, thank you Lord and thank you all for praying. But don't worry, I still get to practice writing those term papers. I have three due this Saturday. I printed off a ream of paper, on how to write a term paper as it's been 12 plus years. As soon as I get these three wrote , I'll be fine and breath a little easier.

   This week at school has made me leave my comfort zone more than once. Most times I took a step with shaky knees, and others with a lot of prayer. That comfort zone of ours is a nice place, the only thing is,  you don't grow much there. I believe it's just a resting place.  And I really like it there. :) But I want and need more in my life, so I have step out. The Lord must have big things planned for me as I have not been able to stay in that comfort zone of mine much this year. And that at times has been scary. Like most people I want to grow, but I don't want to leave my comfort zone to do so. So I'm taking steps of faith, one day at a time.

   The girls have been a great help this passed week, fixing dinner and cleaning house, letting me study, etc. As I try and fit my schooling into the day, along with everything else. Thank you girls. :)

   My truck is on it's last leg. I no longer take it to town, just a corner store that is less than a mile away. That way when it dies, I'll be close to home and the auto repair shop. So I have been borrowing a car and shop for two weeks worth at a time. So please pray that I'll sell the tractor, so I can buy a small car. My neighbors have been great. ( another step out of my comfort zone) You don't see having a car as being in a comfort zone, well hopefully you will never find out it is. Sometimes being an independent person has it's draw backs. (yet another lesson I'm learning). Boy, it's great I enjoy learning new thing, or this year would of really, really been hard on me.

   Gabby is 3 weeks old today. She is such a joy to have in the house. Tasha is a great mommy ,too.  Gabby is getting her fill of love, while she gives us her smiles and funny faces.

   The youth group came out for two days, last week. Oh what a wonderful blessing they were.  My yard got mowed, weed eated, garden weeded, some things moved around. What a blessing the Lord sent. As the yard was getting high, and first week of school, He was watching out for us yet again, Thank you Lord.

There are blessings in everyday, you just have to find/look for them, they are not all big blessing. And at times the smallest blessing are really the biggest.

   Well it's time to hit the books. I pray you all find at least one blessing today.

Becky

  

Gabby - Winter - Preparing

  Well, I love being a Nana. Gabby is doing great. She sleeps at times up to 5 hours. And only really cries when it’s time to eat or we change her diaper. She has kept us on our toes. :)

  I need your help. I am looking for a knitted soaker pattern ( cloth diaper cover). A friend gave us some all in one cloth diapers, but I have a lot of the old cloth diapers so I need the soakers for them. And I’m getting ready to start knitting my first sweater (baby sweater). For some reason I have a fear of knitting a sweater. So someone said to start with a baby sweater. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

  The farm is doing good. The house is ok, I rather spend time with Gabby than clean. :) TommieLynn and I are getting ready for school to start, and looking forward to something new. So we have been busy.

I am still looking for new ways to stretch money and make more things at home. More people are cutting back on extras ( turning off: cable, phones-home and cell, internet, etc.) and winter is not here yet. And I have just started preparing for winter. Having put so much information on stocking up and preparing last year on this blog, I am not sure what else is need. So if you don’t tell me what you need, I  will just write about what I am doing now and about things that come to mind.

 Things I need to make/do before winter:

*knit: soakers, baby sweater, house socks for all

*cut and sew more napkins/tissues/baby wipes

*keep a check at thrift stores for wool sweaters on sale, to take a part to make wool socks and soakers. Most times I can get a wool sweater for $1 and it will make 2 pairs of socks plus. And flannel sheets to turn into  napkins/tissues/baby wipes.

*look for ideas/items for Christmas gifts ( that time of year again)

*looking for sales at the grocery stores to keep stocked up. I only buy items on sale. I need to get stocked up on bath paper(not using homemade yet, but can use the flannel napkins if needed).

*need more fire wood. I have a small stock from downed trees in yard. I’ll use for an outdoor fire for cooking if needed, power goes out and I’m out of gas. If not needed, will use for fun fires( roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the summer).

*I am sure there is more to do but I’ll start here.

 Ways I save money:

*I try really hard to go to town no more than once a week, it was every two weeks. But with Gabby doctor appointments it’s once a week now.

*Hang clothes outside to dry. Wash in cold water. Wash only full loads of clothes..

*Turn off everything not being used. TV’s, computers, etc. Lower hot water temperature. This has dropped my power bill by over $70 a month.

*When we do go out to eat- have to have a coupon.

*Only buy on sale items.

*See if I can make it before buying it. Even better, can I do without it.

I’m off to see what I can get into today.

Happy 4th of July. Have a great weekend.

Becky 

Helping Each Other In These Hard Times

  The last few days I have gotten an insight into those around me. At times when we are going through our own hard times, we don’t look around and see. And we all are bad for this, even me.  I live in a small neighborhood were most are on fixed incomes or are low income; older people, families with children. The Lord has opened my eyes to those around me. One family has 10 kids, 3 grandbabies, and 3 adults (only one car that holds 4); another an older blind man with his older sister living together (just to make ends meet, both their cars are in need of repair). These families are having car troubles too, along with me. So I have put together kind of a neighborhood car help. We  have agreed to call each other when we HAVE to go to town, to see if the others need anything or a ride to town. We all live about 20-30 minutes from town, and no one goes to town for fun. I am praying this will work for us all. All the cars are on their last legs and some have stopped working.  Hopefully taking turns going to town will save gas money along with car wear and tear. We as a neighborhood, have been trading things around with each other. We have become a closer people. We all have a way to help others along. Look around you, really look, who can you help today. It does not have to cost money, most times it’s just your time. Can you pick up something in town for them? If you don’t have something they need, do you know someone who might? Sometimes they just need an ear, someone to listen without judging them. How can you help?

  This winter is going to be harder than last winter. People have by now used up all the saving they did have. Some may have gotten jobs by now, but now they are trying to pay off back bills and the new bills are still coming in. More and more people rich and poor are having a hard time just with life's have too (rent, power, food). They have already given up the extras, and still have a hard time with the musts.

So this week coming see if you can help at least one person/ family with something? The Lord does not aloud us to help ourselves but help others. May you all have a great week.

God bless you all,

Becky

 

Answering Your Questions :) & Updates

Most of these have to do with Canning Potatoes post. This post is the most read/looked up/searched for post on this blog. Which to me is a little funny as I have canned potatoes for 10 plus years. Now more and more people are canning more than just jellies and  vegs.

Tanya: love your web site…I too am into canning and have gotten a friend of mine into it but she came across a problem that I have never had so wondering if you have…She canned potatoes and at least half of them the lid actually popped up..later when they cooled off they went back down but left wrinkles in the lid..do you think they are safe and has this ever happened to you…thanks for any help are suggestions///

Tanya,

Sometimes this happens to me too, at least one time a canning season. I think it’s the lids (weak). If the jars have sealed, they are still good. But I do use those with the wrinkled tops first. If they didn’t seal put in the icebox and use as soon as you can.

Katye Birdsong:  Becky, Do you have a recipe for canning peppers? chili and banana peppers?

Katye,

No, I don’t. I usually freeze mine.

 

Oscar:  Good afternoon Ms. Becky I hope you and your family are well. I would like to can the makings of a potato soup/stew. Can potatoes be canned along with other vegetables such as onions and carrots….or beef?
Take care. O.W.

Oscar:

Yes, you can can potatoes with all you listed above. But I have found it easier here at our home to can them all by them selves, as you can do more with them not mixed. When I make Beef stew- in a pot put a jar of: potatoes, carrots, beef(meat), and any thing else you like in there, cook to warm up and eat. But if you want to mix them look in a canning book and see which takes the longest and can for that time for mixed things. This goes for all things you mix to can, use the longest time. Hope this helps, if not let me know and I’ll try again. ok

Yvon:  Becky, I just got a pressure canner and was very eager to try it. Mom has done her veggies all her life in a water bath but thought I would do the safer thing and get a pressure canner. I just tried to can to qts of potato for my first try. One didn’t seal so I thought I would taste them. I’m a potato lover and I have to say I have never tasted worse potatoes in my life. They almost had a burnt taste without being burnt or over cooked. What did I do wrong. I followed the Bernadin book. It’s early June and used old potatoes, could that be the problem? Thanks   Yvon, a newbie at canning.

Yvon:

It is best to pressure can most vegs, some are safe to hot water bath, but not many. Old potatoes are your problem for sure.  I have at times used store bought potatoes on sale but they must be hard still, with no eye growth. Most times I can the potatoes out of the garden, dig up one day and can them the next. Good luck and let me know how it goes canning this year please.

 

Katye Birdsong:  Becky, Have you ever thought of writing a book? Your website is so interesting! I’m sure it would sell! My husband came up with that idea.

Katye:

Ok Lord, I get the hint. Katye you see, you and your husband are not the first to say that. My late husband being the first( 2 1/2 years ago.) and then other readers here.  But that would be stepping out of my comfort zone. And second, I have not the faintest clue were to start, or how to put it in a book form.  So for now you all get it free here. :) But as this writing a book thing keeps come up all around me, I will look more into. But please pray for me in this area, that the Lord’s will be done, as this is why I started the blog here.

 

Updates:

  Tasha’s baby, Gabby, is now about 6 1/2 lbs as of today, and is due in under 3 weeks. We are ready and trying hard to wait on her. Tasha had an ultra sound today, the last one. Little Miss Gabby is head up and feet down. Please pray that she will turn the right way soon. Thank you for all your prayers for me and my family.

    I’m doing good most days, more so than a month ago. Thank you Lord. I really miss my better half, a lot. And I’m learning to live again, one day at a time. I’m finding me. (Only moms and wives will understand this.) Some how we lose ourselves over the years. The girls are doing great. We are waiting for our blessing from above, Miss Gabby.

   The farm is doing good. I have made bigger chicken pens. I need to make 2 more different pens. We are chicken sitting for about 8 weeks. Now that’s a true farm, chicken sitting (watching for a out of town friend). Really starting to miss the fresh cows milk. I have a few gallons in the freezer for when I get the withdraw shakes for fresh raw cow’s milk.  :) :)

   I have not found any new tips, hints, money savers lately. I only planted tomatoes and strawberries this year. Our food barn is full ( only 3 girls eating and no men, should last us way longer than a year), and it’s been a long time since I/we have enjoyed a summer, more than 10 years. So the girls and I are going to see what we can do besides hoe and weed all summer. I think Tommy knew this too, when he had me start stocking foods 3 years ago. But next year will be garden time again. This will be a easy summer for us because of Tommy’s insight.

   Well I better go for now. Thank you all very much for reading my blog. May God bless you all. Have a great day.

Becky

Becky’s Farm Life

Down at the Farm

It’s been very lively here at the farm. 

   Well those two push mowers would not start again. But I traded the tiller for a newer push mower. They needed a tiller and had a push mower they didn’t need. Thank you Lord.  The yard looks good again.

   Dogs got after my Silky chickens, killing all but 2. I was not a happy camper. A rooster and hen ( sitting on 14 eggs) were left. So I moved them to another pen, and now have baby silky chicks. Thank you Lord.  My nephew, Matt, came by yesterday and helped me make the chicken pen bigger, and reinforce it to keep the dogs out.  Matt also did weed eating, and moved some things around for me. Thank you Matt. I worked his city boy muscles. But he said he liked working on the farm.

   Miss Jenny blessed me with enough homemade clothes soap to last a year. Thank you Miss Jenny.

   The landlords came and fixed the bathroom. I have a new bathroom now and it looks great. They were also kind enough to climb on the roof to open all the vents for me. Thank you Lord.

   Then Tasha’s laptop got attacked by Trojans.  But my step son fixed in a hurry. So if you need computer help for home or business, His company is the best, with great prices. He can fix your computer on line. Please go check them out.  http://twistednetworx.com/

 

Here are some photos from Tasha’s Baby Shower yesterday.

Tasha and Becky( my first grandbaby almost here, Boy I’m getting old)

Ok, Miss Gabby, we are ready for you to come on, 4-5 week wait.

   Well hot weather is on the way, time to dig out the fans and make sure they work. And put the attic fans in the ceilings in kitchen and food barn.

   My days are getting better. The girls have been a great help to me. Thank you girls. The Lord always sends me people and blessing right on time. Thank you Lord.

   My power bill has dropped to it’s lowest in 10 years, dropped by $90, and I did two happy dances. :)  :)  I could not believe my eyes, I almost called the power company to see if it was a mistake.

  Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

 

Technorati Tags: Twisted Networks,Trojans,Farm life,making do,self sufficiency,chickens

  

A deep breathe-some tears-a lot of Prayers

Well it’s been a long week. This is what’s been going on:

*Took my truck in, it was not acting right. Well I now need a new engine. The engine will last 2 days – or 6 months or maybe a year. Cost if they can find a used engine $1,800.00. Ok Lord, let’s watch and see what You do. I need to sell the tractor to pay for the engine.

*The man came and put a new glow bar in my gas stove. While he was testing it, the safety switch would not shut off. Now I’m not to use the stove at all until it’s fixed, this Tuesday or Wednesday. Cost $250.00 for safety switch, glow bar was $166. The Lord sent someone to buy a hand gun I have which will pay the the safety switch. Thank you Lord. Now I’ll have a new stove, which will cost more than a brand new one.

I am glad I have a grill and a two eye gas stove outside.

*Well I had the stove man check the washer and dishwasher while he was here, ( so I would not have to pay another service call fee). The washer needs the arms that hold the tub in place. And the dish washer needs a sprayer bar. But they are cheap and he’ll bring them out with the safety switch. Thank you Lord. I’m taking very deep breaths with a few tears.

*Then I go out to mow the grass, I have 2 push mowers. To start, the best one, I had to turn on it’s side to get a string that was around the blade. Well when I set it back up right there was oil on the ground. So this house wife went and got a quart of oil to refill it. Would you not do the same? Well it took the whole quart. I started it up and mowed for about 10 minutes and the thing started smoking really bad. So I shut it off and called a guy. Did you know a push mower is Not supports to have a whole quart of oil? I didn’t. So he tells me to drain it. I ask, How? He said there’s a plug, or tip it again to drain it out. Well I looked and looked, could not find a plug, so I tipped it again. I got the right amount of oil in it. And mowed for an hour, and it stopped working. Ok Lord thank you I have another mower. So I go get it going, and mow another hour when it dies. Ok Lord, this yard really needs mowing. So inside I go to rest and cry a bit. I go back out and try that mower again, it starts. Thank you Lord. I mow another hour and it stops yet again. Then it dawns on me, the mower stops when it’s hot.  Sure enough I go back out when it cools off and it starts. Thank you Lord. Then I have to turn it off to take a phone call. I go back out and I don’t have the strength now to pull the cord to start it. Ok Lord, no more mowing today. Will this mower or mowers start again today? I am praying hard they will.

*The closet that holds the hot water heater has a hole in the floor to the ground. The main bathroom floor has dropped 2 inches. The landlords just left and they said they’d fix it tomorrow. Thank you Lord. While they were here they treated all the ant hills in the yard. Thank you Lord. They said all their rentals were having the same problems with ants.

Things I learned:

*I have also learned I do not have enough hands to do all that needs doing. Yard is clean – house a mess or yard a mess and house clean. I have to find the middle ground somewhere. Please Lord.

*A push mower does not need a whole quart of oil. And you need  good arm muscles to keep starting them.

*The Lord always sends people to help you in His time.

*Prayer is so much better than worrying. Worrying never fix a thing, while prayer fixes everything.

*Tears are good, they clean your eyes and heart.

*There is always something good to be found in the bad things that happen. In ALL things give thanks. I forgot to do this with the mowers and stove. And the Lord will still work everything out for my good.

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and grace.

Well let’s see what happens today on the farm.

Have a great day and God bless you all.

Becky

Blessed !!

   I sold both the bull and the small truck. Thank you Lord, and you all for your prayers. We'll be able to pay rent, power, and phone bills this month. With the bull it took 5 men (2 with lassos) and 5 cattle dogs and half an hour to load that crazy bull.

   I have had a few bad days this week.  One was really hard. But the last two days have been easier, thank you Lord. I'm still stepping slowly in this new life's path I'm on. And only sure of one thing: God never fails you and never leaves you alone.

   Social Security widow benefits start in May. So selling the bull and truck was a great, wonderful blessing. The Lord took care of us yet again. At times I question the Lord if I'm doing Him any good, leading any to Him. Well today I read on another forum, where I had help someone in their walk. I cried and thank the Lord. I know we don't always get to know when we help people, but God knew I really needed it.  I was close to giving up this blog. How could a simple, house wife, on the Internet help anyone? Well the Lord showed me.  He has shown me many different things lately. Things that have always been there but I never really saw them, or the way He wanted me to see them. Does that make any sense to you? I hope so. The Lord is still working on my wings, getting me ready to soar. (for those who missed this post: type "my wings" into the search box on the right, under photo, to read it at the end of that post).

   The girls are doing good. They too have hard days but we just start talking about Tommy and let the tears roll. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all we ask. And He answers.

   Well I have to take TommieLynn to an Easter egg hunt down the road, so I have to go.

May you all have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

Becky

  

 

What a Day? Mad Bull

   The man came and tried to get the bull yesterday morning, he had brought an other man with him. Two hours of chasing the bull and almost getting him in the trailer but bull broke through them. The bull ran around the yard then broke the gate to get back into his field. Tommy always went out and helped load cows, while I stayed in the house. Boy, I sure wish he was here again. The men left without the bull and said they'd be back last night.

   The man came back by his self. The bull went into the stall and we used a rope to hold the gate closed so he could not get out. The man had me hold the rope to keep a 500lb  mad bull in there. I had no gloves on and no where to wrap the rope around but my hands. Well the bull didn't want to stay in there, and he pushed and rammed the gate. I kept losing my grip on the rope, which allowed the gate to open some. After 10 minutes of fighting with this mad bull, some thing popped in my chest and by now I have rope burn and now a big deep cut on my finger where the rope was. My nerves are shot now, and I'm shaking all over. I told the man I could not hold any longer and let go. He was not happy but he was also smart enough not to open his mouth. He did say he would be back today with a gun that would put the bull to sleep while they loaded it. I said good and walked away.

   I had wondered if my decision was right to get rid of the bull was right, NOW I have no doubts, none! The sooner that bull leaves the happier I'll be.

   The guy brought my truck back last night. He said that with the big trucks, it had extra oil lines for pulling large loads. And since I would no longer be pulling loads, he did away with the lines and plugged the holes. Total cost $2.00. Thank you Lord. The guy has worked on Tommy's and my trucks for years.  So I know he has blessed me when he fixed my truck the last two times. Please pray the Lord would bless this guy.

   My farm will now just be chickens and gardens.   That decision has been made very very clear. No more cows, I can't handle them by my self.

   It has rained here on and off now for more than two weeks. So getting into the garden to work has not happened.

   Yesterday was an eye opening day, and I'm so glad it's over. I know the Lord walked closely with me yesterday. And for that I'm thankful.

   Life was so much easier when there was two of us making decisions.  Now every time I make one, I wondered if it's right.

   Becky

"Forgive always, and show unconditional love to everyone you meet."

Technorati Tags: beef cow,blessings,farming,self sufficiency

My new life's journey

Well I can say I off to a rough start, but I am kicking hard. And by God's grace we will make it.

Well for starters, the day Tommy went home, my truck broke- timing chain and water pump. So I got these fixed. But today the truck started spraying oil. Ok, Now I really want/need a horse and buggy.  But wait there is more. The Social Security Office said Friday that I would not get any widow benefits until May(a whole month and the first on the month is this week.) I am a little rattled to say the least. But then this morning I went to the food bank, and saw a family getting paper goods(plastic bowls, and silverware) so they could feed their kids as their power was turned off last week.  My heart broke, here I was getting upset because of money and my truck, when I do have so so much to be thankful for. And the lady that runs the food bank talk to me a while. Thank you Lord for her. I had had my eyes on myself and not others and God. So I got a spanking from God today. She asked about this blog, and I told I had not been here in a while. She said people needed it.  So I am back and now you all will see me start this new journey, my new life. Let me tell you it's scary at times, as I do not do change will.  But I am holding tight to God's hand as he walks me through each moment and each day. I am very thankful for my food storage. And everything I learned to make it through the hard times.

 

Thank you all for your prayers and comments here, they are such a blessing to me and the girls. Thank you again.

 

Ok, now I am trying to sell the small truck and the beef bull. Rent, power, phone bills have to be paid this week. So if you all we say a little prayer that someone would buy these. I was going to put the bull in the freezer, but we still have 1 1/2 cows meat in freezer and there is now only 3 of us. So that is a year plus in meat.

 

Some of you have asked questions that I have not gotten to, but I will this week, ok. 

Thank you all for reading my blog and may God bless you all.

Until in the morning,

Becky

Things Tommy Has Made

 

 

 

 

 

Not always easy being a women

Yesterday we got the first of Tommy’s ER and hospital bills — $5,246.25, $43.00, $220.00. That’s a lot of money, and I know that there are morning coming. Show us the way, Lord.

Tommy got up about 11 am. And I got ready to go to town. In town I got : 100lbs gas tank refilled $70 ( both were filled at the first of the month- one ran out in 7 days due to the cold weather, so I need another tank to make it the rest of the month.), picked up 4 of Tommy’s meds ( one was the cough pills and the pharmacist was a little up set that the new hospice was making us pay for breathing meds. So he dropped the price down to half - 60 pills- 15 days- $25. Thank you Lord. The other pill was for his sinus $11.52.); picked of meds for Tasha from our old drug store( she opened the bag when i got home and found on the bottle that they owed her 12 pills more, she was up set. Tommy and I told her that’s why we changed, it was costings we to much to go to town twice to get 1 whole med filled.) : at Family Dollar, I got 4- 2liters of sprite (which had a coupon saying “buy 3 sodas and oreo’s cookies and get $2.00 off.” you kids know my love for oreo’s, so I checked there price- $2.25. OK, I got my cookies for 25 cents, what a blessing and a treat.) : then went to the feed store and got 200 lbs of feed, ( the ladies working there know I buy seed potatoes this time every year, so they tell me they only have a few of my kind left and the next order they place the prices go up. So I paid for my feed and charged to my account 50lb bag of seed potatoes until the first of the month, the bag was $15.75, so at least I had one bag for now.) : At the thrift store I found 4 new looking bras for 25 cents each, 3- mine and 1 for Tommielynn: then picked up a few groceries.

When I got home, I called up the road to a friends house and asked if her husband could help me unload the 100lb tank off the truck. He came down and unloaded it for me. Another blessing.


Then while I was unloading feed and putting it up, a man (which was here days ago, wanting to buy my chickens, I said no then). While he asked me how much I wanted for my chickens. I told him again I was not selling my chickens. He said, well I talked to Tommy earlier today and he told me to come out this evening. ( Well Tommy had told me he talked to him while I was in town, and that he’d told him he’d have to talk to me about it. Tommy has always let me handle the buying and selling of farm things. Even if the older farmer men don’t like dealing with women that know what they are talking about. Some have just left the farm when Tommy tells them to talk to me.) Well back to this man, he then asks to buy my young roosters and again I tell him no. Then he asks to buy my yard wagon, no. Then he wants to buy my meat bull because he looks so good, NO. He said, you can’t take care of him with Tommy down. OK, now my blood is really starting to boil. As calmly as I could I said, I have been taking care of this farm and bull cows for many year now, and I’m the one that got that beef bull to look good. He just shook his head and started walking around the yard again. He came to the camper shell Tommy had made for the back of the big truck, and asked to buy it, NO> Then he wanted our blue small tractor/ mower, NO. He said, What are you going to do with it? Well I said my yard still needs to be mowed. He asked if I did it, to this he has gotten his first yes. Now he sees the big farm tractor and asks about it. I tell him it’s $2000 with everything. He asks how low I’ll go. i told him it was not leaving the yard for under $2000. He was not happy and thought a minute and said, You know that tractor will tip over easy with you driving it. I said no it would not because I didn’t drive it. So he says then let me have it for under $2000. My lady manners are starting to leave my body. I said no, it would sit under cover until someone had $2000. Then he walks right back to my young roosters and asks to buy them again as I don’t need 5 roosters– ANOTHER NO. I tell him Tommy’s up and watching TV, why not go in and say hi as you are his friend. He said , no I have to go. thank you Lord, he’s leaving. As he is getting in his car, he asks again to buy my silky chicken and buffs. I take a really deep breath and say no yet again.


I go into the house to tell Tommy. He just said I handle him well just like I always handle farm business with old men. I told Tommy I was so very close to losing it and so very mad. I asked him if I had a “dumb” sign on my chest. “No”, he said, “some old men are that way. And that they think you will sell things cheap now that they all know I’m dying.” I asked Tommy to pray for me to have wisdom to handle these men now and in the future. He said he would but I was doing a great job now. I don’t feel that way at all. I know I’m not the kind of women these old farmer men are used to, but I’m not dumb and stand my ground. Over the years now, a few have really gotten ticked off when I showed, I knew what I was talking about or how they were wrong about something they were selling, and me knowing the fair price. I have fought these kind of men for years now, but today’s takes the big prize. There really needs to be more women farmers. I’m praying this man does not come back — for his sake. Now I do have to give credit to a few old farmers, who once they found out I knew what I was talking about , we all became great friends.


The lady at the feed co-op said today that more and more young people, then ever before, are coming in to get garden supplies and asking about how to grow gardens.

Becky

Commenst:

Becky,I’ve been following your site for about six months now. I stumbled on it via Hillbilly Housewife. I,like many,have been gleaning how to stretch our dollars. Your honesty,creativity, passion,and willingness to share your life…joys, struggles, etc. have drawn me to make your site my home page….to learn from, and pray for you and your family daily.Many days I’m amazed (God is so Good!)at what you have shared and how it has ministered to me, in what I may be struggling with and learning about. Today was another of those days and I felt the need to let you know. It started today with your title “not always easy being a women”. Right now I’m doing a study on Esther by Beth Moore…it’s title “Esther: it’s tough being a woman. I felt lead to share some of it with you.1) its tought being a woman in another woman’s shadow (Esther 1). Without Vashti, we’d have no Esther, sometimes, in the hiddeness(of life struggles), God builds a woman she’d never otherwise become.2)it’s tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment (Esther 2). Praise God for a King who gives a woman dignity instead of taking it. Our God views women with purity, not sensuality..Isaiah 61:103)it’s tough being a woman in a mean world (Esther3).Meaness always has a history (ie. the Amalekite and the jews) Meaness perceives a threat. (2Cor.10:12). Meaness catches like a virus (passed down and around -generation to generation).Dear One, He who delivered you from a Pharoah can deliver you from any Haman. Remember who you are.I have a good friend, who whenever I share the not so good things that take place, she says “That sucks!” She’s right some things just suck, but it’s how we handle those things that set us apart, and today you were set apart and handled things well.
Deborah Comment by Deborah February 19, 2009


Sounds like you handled things well! Bless your heart! Just hold your ground and they will soon learn you mean what you say! God Bless! Comment by Wendy February 19, 2009

A Jordan’s Homestead Journals starting in 8/21/04

This is the new blog:

Title Page: Becky’s Life Journey

As a Wife, Mother, Friend, farm life, home life, a Child of God. Life as it’s seen and felt through my eyes and heart. Honest and truthful, good and bad, right and wrong. My life and what I’ve learned over the years. Hopefully this will help and bless others along their own journeys.

About blog posts here:
I am starting with the first written journals, the post titles will be the date it was written. And will be typed just as I wrote them. Some days short, while others long, some boring and some not. I am doing this for my children to look back on our lives: to see the way the Lord works, what we did in years past, and the different things we have done and learned.

As this blog is very personal, and about kids, it is closed to the public. Those of you who would like you read it, please leave a comment here, with your e-mail. As I am choosing who is allowed in. Thank you all.
Becky

Comments:

Becky,I admire you for starting a new blog! I have learned so much and have been so inspired by this blog that I would love to be able to access the new one. God Bless you on this new journey! Comment by Wendy February 17, 2009

Becky, I would be honored if you would allow me to have access to your new blog. I love checking everyday to see if there are any new posts. I find you to be a fascinating, determined and strong woman. God Bless! Comment by Shannon February 17, 2009

Becky, I love your blog. I check it daily to see what is happening in your life. And see how Tommy is doing. I can’t remember where I found your site…maybe Hillbilly Housewife…not sure.
I don’t blog, but e-mail friends & family any frugal any ideas I may have. I don’t have a blog since I don’t want to see any of the negative comments despite my cousin telling me I really need to do one!
I love your “Making Do In Hard Times” folder idea & have been working on getting condiment recipes together right now. (I love recipes.)
Debbie Comment by Debbie February 17, 2009

I would be honored to be included in your new blog venture if you would consider adding me. I have truly gleaned so much and your family is in our prayers daily here. Either way, may The Lord richly bless your lives as the days continue.Deanna
Comment by Deanna February 17, 2009

Becky
If possible i would love to have access to your blog. If you choose to limit the number of people gaining access, i certainly understand.Linda
Comment by Linda February 17, 2009

You all have been added. The first few books are kind of boring as I looked through them today. But I was not use to writing. The journals slowly turn into prayer journals, and my personal feeling for the day about life, family, etc. More or less I really start to open up. So the more I wrote, the longer and more in depth they become. So you will see the real me, good, bad, up and down days, little faith to great faith. Thank you all. And you may comment or ask questions there too.God bless you all,Becky
Comment by Becky February 17, 2009

Becky,
I have enjoyed your blog so much, and would love to be part of the new one. I continue to lift you and Tommy up in prayer.
Because He lives,Stacie Comment by arksoaper February 18, 2009

Becky, I would love to be able to read on your private blog. In case you don’t still have my email it’s ddevalcoatyahoodotcom.
About the post above this one - oh I got mad just reading it! I’m not so sure I could have been as nice as you were to that man. That was some nerve right there. Oh my, even if I wanted to get rid of my chickens in the future I’m not sure I could bring myself to sell a one of them to him,lol!
Comment by D. February 21, 2009

Just Tommy and I this Weekend & Farm Update

Shawn and Cindy came and got TommieLynn for the weekend, Friday night. TommieLynn was overly happy to spend the weekend with her brother. Thank you Shawn and Cindy. Tasha went to Carl’s for most of the weekend. So it was just Tommy and I. Oh, what a treat. It has been many years since we have had a weekend alone together.

I took him out to eat Saturday night to his favorite restaurant to get his favorite meal. The restaurant had 4 men walking around singing to those of us eating. The restaurant had candles and flowers on the table. It was a wonderful evening, which we both really enjoyed. Thank you Lord, for blessing our evening and time together. I did have to give Tommy a dose of morphine while we were there but he said he had a great time with a smile. When we got home he did put on his oxygen and rested with a full belly and a smile in his face. His smile on his face so very much blessed me. I have found that the smaller things bless my heart so much more now than ever before. Thank you Lord again for a wonderful evening.

It is now time to cut down my chickens. We have 25+ chickens. And their feed bill is getting to high. People are no longer buying eggs. So I am giving away 2-3 flats of eggs a week. Don’t get me wrong, I do not mind giving eggs away, but their feed bill is about $30 a week. We no longer eat a lot of eggs a week, maybe 1-2 dozen. So we are down sizing the chickens. More than like, we will give the extra chickens away, to those who need them for food. Tommy is no longer able to butcher them,and I just can’t bring myself to do it. Now I could if I had too, but right now I don’t have too. Thank you Lord. So we will get the chickens down to 8-12 hens and a rooster, that way we will still be able to bless others with some eggs without over spending on feed. The beef cow is getting fatter, and will go into the freezer hopeful by late spring/early summer. And then all the pasture fences will come down.

Looking to spring: We will not have the big garden down in the field this year. The strawberry & tomato patch (were I have many raised beds and is fenced in) will be used again this year. And I have to fence in an area for potatoes and some corn, up closer to the house but away from the strawberry patch. So I have been scouting the yard for the right place to put it. It will not be real big as there is only 4 of us now. I will only plant 50 lbs. of potatoes instead of 200 lbs. We love potatoes. Our potatoes did not do very well last year, maybe a new spot will help. I have really missed our potatoes this winter. And just enough corn to eat fresh and a little to freeze, not 8 rows 150 ft. long. All other veg’s will go into the raised beds. So this will be our first year with a small garden.

The only seeds/plants I have to buy this spring are: potatoes, tomatoes, onions sets. I have enough seeds for the other things we grow for about 3 years. Which is a great blessing. We were blessed last year with a really big box of seed packets: veg’s. , flowers, herbs seeds. Yes, not all of them will come up due to being last years seeds, but more than 80% will. So I just replant seeds that don’t come up, and have done so for years. Every fall when our feed store marks that years seeds to half price, I buy the seeds I need to plant the following spring. I save money on seeds. As the seeds get older the percentage of the ones that will come up goes down some. I have planted some seeds that were over 3 years old, and had a good crop.

As the girls and I will be doing all the yard work this year, I am looking for ways to cut back on as much as I can. One things I am going to do to cut down on weed eating is: put straw/mulch/hay around things and places that usually need to be weed eat-ed. I can get all the straw and hay from our feed store for free:I pick up the broken bales off the ground, there is always a lot. TommieLynn has been begging to use the push mower, oh little does she know what she’s asking for. She starts this year, we’ll see now long she’ll want to mow.

We have friends coming in this coming weekend, Scott and Ann. Then the following week, Tommy’s sister, Linda, is coming for a visit. He has not seen her in 6+ years. They both are really looking forward to this visit.

Well I am going to finish enjoying my quiet weekend. Hope you all have a great week.

Becky

From Becky's Farm Life: Ok, Blog Book

You will see the icon on the left side of the page here. Blog2Print icon.

When you click the icon, it will take you to a site to make your own book of Becky’s Farm Life and Jordan’s Farm. I have transferred posts and comments from Becky's Farm Life. 90% of that blog is there, they would not let me do tabs, but the recipes are there. I get 20% of sales on soft and hard cover books. You may print only a months worth of blog posts to them all, it’s up to you.
If you order a book: Would you please write a comment here to let me know. This is new to me and I would like to know who’s buying, and if the Blog2Print site will let me know.
Hopefully I can use this to bring more money into the house.
God Bless you all,
Becky

Me, Write a Book? From Becky's Farm Life

Tommy has asked me for many years to write a book about what we as a family have been through, the ways we live, the ways the Lord has worked in our lives, our up and downs, how I cook and canning , run a farm,etc. Something to leave the kids. And I have had a few comments asking me to write a book. I have been writing a daily paper journal about our family lives for years now, 12 + books are full.

Well I found a place that will turn your blog into a book for you at a reasonable price. So as a first step to please my husband, I am working so doing that. The only draw back is that the site only uses Blogger blogs. So I am transferring the post there and all the comments from here. It will take me a while to type in all my journals, to be able to get them in book form. And I will set up a different blog on blogger to do this. Am I trying to sell the books? I am not sure, this is new to me. So for now I’ll do them for the kids and see where the Lord leads. I would have never dreamed of writing a book. So I am not sure where this all will lead. Do any of you have any thoughts on this? I would really like to know your very honest answers. Would you want to buy a book about Jordan’s Farm and family life??
Becky

Comments:

I would buy one! I say go for it!!!!
Comment by Amanda February 13, 2009

When you set up the new blog would you please provide a link? I sure wouldn’t want to lose track of you, I SO look forward to your posts! Yes, I would buy one…I also say “Go for it!”
Linda Comment by Linda February 14, 2009


I am starting out with just the blog book for now. You can get an e-book style book for only $2.99. I don’t get any money for this, but I know this e-book will help and bless others. It will take me a while to get everything into a real book. Thank you both for your comments, as they really blessed my heart. Becky Comment by Becky February 15, 2009

Recipes From Becky's Farm Life

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
makes 14 cups (this makes a 28 cup batch)
2 cups instant non fat milk (1 cup)
1/2 cup cocoa (1 cup)
1 1/2 cup sugar ( 3 cups)
1/4 teaspoon salt ( 1/2 teaspoon)
Mix all together well, store in an air tight bowl. To use add 3 heaping tablespoons to a cup of hot water, not boiling water. If you have a coffee maker- run the water with no coffee, this is just the right temp. ( after making it with the hot water and stirring good, it can be put in the ice box and becomes choc. milk, this is good too.)

More Brownies Please
1 cup butter(2 sticks)
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3/4 cup cocoa
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup nuts optional ( but are great with walnuts)
Preheat oven to 350, grease 13 X 9 X 2 pan, melt butter in a pan then turn heat off and stir in sugar and vanilla, add eggs one at a time beating well with wooden spoon after each egg, add cocoa, beat until blended, add flour, baking powder, salt, beat well. stir in nuts. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 min. or until brownies pull away from the sides of pan. Enjoy!


Freezing Eggs
(Freezing eggs- Farm and store bought with photos)
You crack say 2 -3 eggs into a bowl, add 1/4 tsp. of sugar or salt 9 use sugar or salt depending on what the eggs will be used for), just pop the yoke, and pour into a freezer bag. label your bag sugar or salt and how many eggs inside. Check your most used recipes to find the number of eggs you use the most. I use 6 eggs in ice cream with 1/2 tsp of sugar. Eggs to eat, I pack in 3’s with 1/4 tsp salt. Eggs for cakes add sugar to eggs. The only thing you can’t do with these eggs is have them fried. I have found they last 6 -12 months in the freezer. The older they get, its best to use them in recipes than to eat plain. A lot of people don’t know you can freeze eggs. After the first year here of home grown eggs, the store bought eggs didn’t taste so good any more. So I found a way to keep us in eggs when the hens slow down. This does work with store eggs, too. Date your bags and always use the oldest first.


Freezing Milk:
I have found that best way to freeze milk is to use juice bottles or 2 liter bottles, WHY? the jugs that milk comes in is very thin and weak. And more times than not, when the milk thaws the jug leaks. In a 2 liter bottle put a 1/2 gallon of milk, this will leave room for it to freeze. Always date your bottles. And it will thaw over night in ice box. I have found it will last 6- 12 months in freezer, I know that is not what is said, but that’s what works here. Just always use the oldest first. We have done this for over 6 years now, and same with eggs.


Canning hard cheeses:
We love sharp cheddar cheese but don’t like it frozen. You can, can any hard cheese this way. So I found a way to can it. In jelly/ or pint jars, in a pan of water (put jars in water), put cheese in jars(slice into small pieces) , allow to melt down to 1 in. from top, then put lids on and hot water bath 40 min. for both pints and jelly jars.The longer it sit on shelf the sharp it gets. We just got plans to build a cheese press, so as I can make my own cheddar cheese. We have had to wait to make it because I had no way or place to allow cheese to ripen. So now I’ll make it and can it. The can cheese will last 2 plus years in a cool dark place.


Home canning Cheese sauce
6 lbs of velveeta cheese ( I used a off brand, which was half in price)
3 1/2 cups of heavy cream
1/4 lb butter
1 quart milk
( I used our fresh cows milk, our butter and cream. This cut the price of my sauce way down. I just had to buy the cheese. In case any of you have your own cows, I’m not sure if goats milk will work.)
*melt butter in a big sauce pot
*add milk and cream
*slice cheese into above mixture
*melt cheese slowly, if melted too fast it will burn on the bottom.
*put into hot jars
*seal and hot bath for 20 minutes.
Makes 20 jelly jars. ( mine made 22 jelly jars)
The cheese sauce is great. I found that a jelly jar is enough cheese for a batch of mac & cheese for 4 people. And here, they like to spread the cheese on crackers too ( it’s like a cheese whiz). The best part for me is that it stores on the shelf. If keep in a cool dry place, it should last at least 2 years. ( I got it at http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/getrecipe.zsp?id=82726 It’s called “home canned nacho cheese sauce”, But I just wanted the cheese sauce above.

Home canned butter
I also found out you can, home can butter see here: http://frugalabundance.com/homecannedbutter.htm I have not tried this one yet as for time and it’s been to hot to make big batches of butter. I only make what we need, and all the extra cream I freeze for now. Then when it cools off, I’ll thaw the cream and make butter, then can it.
Canning raw cow’s milk
With our milk cow giving us 3 plus gallons a day ( it’s only her first calf). I have extra milk. So I freeze some (for when she is dry) and I can some( this canned milk makes the best white gravy you ever had. I use the canned milk for cooking only.We have been doing this for years. Can be used any where you would use milk or store can milk.)
Fill quarts and/ or pints with milk to with in 1/4 in. from rim. Then pressure can (cook) 10 minutes at 15 lbs pressure for both qt’s. and pt’s.
The milk will be a light tan color. I have canned the milk whole (without decreaming it, which will give you a thick cream like butter on top of the milk, which is good in cooking) and I have canned decreamed milk ( I take just the heavy cream off first, which gives you a little of the cream like butter on top). Both ways are good. And I have not used goats milk, but I think it would be the same but I’m not sure. If any one knows please let me know, Ok.
***************************************************************************

13 Comments »

I have canned goats’ milk and it turned out OK. I am looking for real recipes to do some now. I will try your suggestions as to time and pressure amounts. Thanks.
Comment by rebecca gring August 20, 2008

Rebecca,Have you tried your canned goats milk yet? If so, how did it turn out?Becky
Comment by jordansfarm August 24, 2008

Could you share your cinnamon roll recipe as well?
Comment by D. August 31, 2008

Becky - Have you tried canning butter yet? I just bought 14 pounds on sale, and would really like to can it. I’ve read the directions, got the jars, just haven’t gotten it done … yet!
For what it’s worth, most of my family thinks I’m crazy for stockpiling too, but this has been on my heart for months. I really believe the Lord is preparing us for something big. There are a couple of people at our church who feel the same way, but most just think the stores will always have food. I’m so glad to know that others share this conviction.
Your blog has been a *huge* help, and I can’t thank you enough.
Praying for you and your husband.
Comment by arksoaper September 5, 2008

arksoaper,No, I have not had time yet to even make butter. But I do have about 15-20 gallons of cream in the freezer just waiting on me to make butter. Please let me know how it turns out. I would start out with just a small batch of canned butter, and see how it works and if you like the taste. This canning butter, I have not tried, I want too. But I will make a small batch first. When I tried the canned cheese sauce and canned hard cheeses, I made small batches and let everyone try it, first.
And welcome to the crazy stockpiling group, the group is growing, and doing so fast.
Have a wonderful week.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 5, 2008

Hey Becky,
Just wanted to give you an update on the butter. I took your advice and canned one pound first to see how it turned out before I wound up ruining 14 pounds of it. ) I think overall it went well. The jar sealed with no problem, and I shook it several times as recommended while it was cooling. The consistency of the butter is grainier than normal, but it is beautiful in the jar! I think for now, I’m just going to freeze the butter, and if we have a major power outage, I at least have the option of canning it. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the canned for cooking, but just to eat on toast or something, it’s a little gritty for our taste (maybe because it’s the store brand?). I think it would be fine otherwise though.
Thanks for all of your help!
Have a great weekend,Stacie
Comment by arksoaper September 6, 2008

D.The cinnamon roll recipe is coming, I didn’t forget. I will post it next week.
Stacie,Thank you for letting me know about the butter. I found the “how to” for and if the power was out for to long. It’s my back up. Later this fall, I will try it with homemade butter and let you know. Thank you again.
Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 7, 2008

Hello Becky:just found your web site and wish you and your family all the best. I was wondering regarding the Parmesan cheese and Mock Mozzarella recipe it calls for 1 cup of powered milk and 3 cups of powdered milk. Is the milk already made up (from the powder) or is it in the powder form that you add altogether. I have never used powdered milk but have just acquired some for my food storage. Thanks in advance for your answer.Debbie
Comment by Debbie September 20, 2008

Hello again Becky: I forgot to ask if the powdered milk is instant or non instant. I do have both. ThanksDebbie
Comment by Debbie September 20, 2008

Debbie,Thank you for stopping in. As for the powdered milk: you are to add it in it’s dry form. Both say to blend all ingredients together. The recipes each have the water in them.Now for the instant or non instant: I am not sure as I have not tried these two yet, but the book just says powdered. i would think you can use either, or, as they both are cooked.Please let me know how it turns out. I posted these two because I know not everyone has a milk cow. And I’ll use it when mine is dry.Thank you again, and have a great weekend.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 21, 2008

Hi Becky ! New to canning and simply *love* your site (was looking for info on canning potatoes when I found). Have a question regarding home-made buttermilk. I found a recipe from USDA which said to take 1/2 cup commercial buttermilk, add to 1 1/3 cup powdered milk and 3 cups water. You shake in covered jar and let sit on counter to ‘clabber’ 5 to 10 hrs.
I tried this recipe and came up with very thick, goopy ’stringy’ stuff (my husband said it looked like white nasal extract) that smells vinegary. I repeated recipe in case I made an error and came up with same result. I’m scared to death to use it for fear of being brought up on homicide charges ( thats supposed to be a joke ) - have you ever tried this? is my end result SUPPOSED to look this way? comments from anyone else?
Comment by Robin November 12, 2008

Thanks for all the great recipes and tips. I’d like to share one with you that my family loves and is very quick meal on cold days.
CHEESEBURGER CASEROLE1 1/2 lbs of ground beef1 large can of Manwich1 med onion diced1 med green pepper dicedany kind of cheese you likecanned biscuts
Cook meat, onions, and peppers in large pot til brown and crumbled. Add your large can of manwich and simmer for about 5 min. Transfer your meet mixture to a caserole dish, spread evenly and top with cheese of your choice. I use American Deli slices. Take your canned biscuts or if you choose to make homemade and place on top of the cheese leaving no space uncovered. Follow the baking directions on can of biscuts or til the biscuts are light brown and serve. The whole dish only takes about 30-35 min start to finish and we never have leftovers. Hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Let me know. I look forward to seeing more recipes and tips in your blog in the future.
Comment by Candace January 28, 2009

Candace,Thank you for the recipe, it looks like it’ll be good. And thank you for stopping in. Have a great day.Becky
Comment by Becky January 29, 2009