| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 2:21:44 PM
Hello everyone!
I begged my husband to buy me Mary Jane's book for Yule and I got it! I won't gush here about how wonderful I find it or the tears that crawled down my cheeks when I began reading her words.
I've been living in rural Arkansas for three years. It's my first time living in a truly rural area. I grew up in Houston and have moved much in my life. I'm married to Brad, who is disabled, and we have four children. I'm taking one or two classes at the local college working my way up to an AA degree, 30 credits with most being art classes.
Not satisfied with just living in the country on five acres letting Nature take back what man wrought from her...I have a strong feeling for the land and if I don't have dirt under my nails in the spring I know it's going to be a bad year. Sometimes my husband shakes his head cause I get passionate about this land.
I started last year giving farming a try.
So far we have three goats, six chickens, dogs, cats, and a bunny. I don't have any farming equiptment for gardening and the ground is rock hard. Gardening will be done on a prayer!
I'm really excited about being here and if I didn't have other pressing things to deal with I'd be reading more of the BOOK. As soon as I'm done I'm going to start a sourdough starter for the first time.
So here's my Hello GALS!
Cynthia |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Julie R |
Posted - Jan 14 2006 : 6:55:39 PM
Hi Cynthia Good for you--and goats are about the easiest animals to care for I've ever had. Be sure to vaccinate the baby goat against tetanus as soon as it's born. Make sure the baby/babies nurse as soon as they can. The first milk is full of colostrum, and it's essential. There's a lot of good goat info out there--let me know if you can't find any. The baby goats will become very tame if you bottle feed them--and it's great fun!
I'm also lactose-intolerant, and I find I can drink goat milk without the bellyache--although I do still get some gas sometimes. I can't drink cow's milk without being miserable.
Have you tried getting the information you need from the state university Extension Agent? They are usually wonderful... Best of luck to you in getting your education--look into financial aid!!!!
I went back to school when Annie was eligible to enroll in the community college's pre-school. Do not worry about how old you are--I went back to school when Annie was old enough to attend the college's pre-school. After the first day, I pulled out a few (then!) grey hairs... but I went back on the second day! |
| junebug |
Posted - Jan 12 2006 : 11:33:00 AM
Yes, something with a lid, I used to keep my starter in a old tupperware container, crocks are good too, if you can find one with a lid. We get a kitchen mouse whenever the weather turns cold, he's my weather predictor!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Jan 12 2006 : 10:06:21 AM
Thank you Sue, I'll give it a try. Any suggestions on what to store it in? Does it need air for it to ferment or can it be in a closed container? With the use of yeast I'm thinking that it would build up air and pop any top. What do you think?
I have a kitchen mouse right now that our little tom cat hasn't caught yet. I'm putting lids on everything! I have to say mice in the kitchen will teach you how to properly store everything... I haven't found anything they won't eat!
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| junebug |
Posted - Jan 12 2006 : 04:29:52 AM
Another from Missouri!! Welcome Chasity, where is Catron? Never heard of it. Hope to get to know you, this forum is like a second home! Enjoy!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| goatgal |
Posted - Jan 11 2006 : 12:02:24 PM
welcome, and I hope you grow to love this sight like I have. I am also new here but have already began to fill the love from my new friends.. They have made me feel very welcome and have been very helpful. Hope to talk to you and everyone else for a long time to come.
Chasity |
| junebug |
Posted - Jan 11 2006 : 11:23:09 AM
Fear no more girls, here is my favorite quick recipe for a sourdough starter that works overnight! I also have a whole wheat sourdough starter if you want it? And a easy quick bread recipe that hasn't failed me yet! Just let me know and keep baking that bread!
Overnight Sourdough Starter
1 pkg. plus 1 Tbsp. dry yeast
4 c. lukewrm water
4 c. all purpose flour
Dissolve yeast in a small amount of lukewarm water. Stir in flour into remaining water and add yeast mixture. Mix well and cover. Let mixture stand in a draft free area that is near 85 degrees for at least 6 hours or overnight. Starter is now ready to use in your favorite recipe.
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Jan 10 2006 : 1:47:45 PM
Hello Stacy!
Thanks for the welcome! I love it here and I wish I had more time in the day to read all the interesting posts. Our goat hasn't started producing milk but I can't wait for her to start. My hubby has to make a milking table for me. I'm lactose intollerant, pretty badly, and I've read that goat milk has lactaid in it. I'm going to try the milk once it comes out to see if it tears me up or not. I'm hoping my kids will get use to it so I can stop buying milk from the store. At 3.50 a gallon and they go through about two or three gallons a week... it adds up.
Umm the sourdough... lol. I like wheat bread but no one else is giddy about it so I was really the only one to eat it. Also I think I did something wrong with it. The starter, after I had taken out to make the bread, turned orangish color. I believe something nasty moved it. I kept it in my oven so the smell didn't bother everyone...and then my hubby turned the stove on without looking to see what was in it. I ended up throwing mine out.
I'm going to try again but this time using half unbleached white flour and whole grain wheat flour in the starter and see if I can find a container to put it in so the smell is better contained.
You should give it a go if you like wheat bread and let me know how it turns out... I'm sure I did something wrong!
Good luck!
Cynthia |
| rosebud74a |
Posted - Jan 09 2006 : 2:24:27 PM
this is so me.....i forgot to ask about the sourdough. i wanted to try it when I saw it in the book. How did it turn out for you? anxious to hear how yours was and to try my own!!
Peace
Stacy
How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.
Henry David Thoreau
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| rosebud74a |
Posted - Jan 09 2006 : 2:22:45 PM
Hi Cynthia,
i didn't realize that you were a "newbie" too when I read your response, the others are right you fit in so nicley I didn't even know you were new!! I don't have any good advice about the hard ground, I am sure am excited to hear about your goat! I can hardly wait to have a goat and some chickens. I assume you are using the milk ? I have to go the critter posts to read more about your animals. So sorry to hear of the trials that you have had to endure.....sounds like you are on the right path though.....Peace
Stacy
How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.
Henry David Thoreau
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| medievalcat |
Posted - Jan 04 2006 : 1:18:26 PM
Thank you Laura! I use to get worried about going out to town with dirt under my nails, I finally got to the point that I made it my FASHION statement! I don't have a real direction yet as to-what-I-want-to-be-when-I-growup... so I'm going for a Libral Arts degree, which means undecided. Spring semester I'll be taking Physical Science with lab and World Lit 1. This is my umteenth time trying to get through school. It took many tries to make it this far. I had my kids and gave up my education. And I have to pay my way through and with rising tuition (another peeve of mine) I don't know how far I'll be able to go. And honestly, is an AA degree really going to help me? I guess I'll find out when I get there. I know I won't be the only adult in my second year classes but I do feel like I let a lot slip by me. I don't have too many regrets overall but I do stress to my sons and daughters not to put off their education. I hope you try to go back to school one day, if that's something you want to try. Opps, hubby's home so that means I got to get.
This is a great place to meet like minded ladies! Have a great day!
Cynthia |
| CountryGirl85 |
Posted - Jan 03 2006 : 2:05:43 PM
Hey Cynthia!
Welcome! And on my welcome post you said I was busy? Look at you! Oh how I'd love to have a little bit of land and some critters. Someday! I know how you feel about getting passionate about the land. Everytime I see farmland being dug up or trees being cut down to make way for development, I just want to cry! And like you, I'm happiest with dirt under my nails and sweat on my brow. I just can't wait for Spring! I just want to let you know, I admire your optimism! Big hugs to you for everything you've had to deal with. What classes are you taking? I tried doing the college thing but it just didn't work out. I wish you the best of luck with it, though! And congrats on your goat! How exciting! Can't wait to hear more about you and your farming adventures!
Much love,
Laura |
| junebug |
Posted - Jan 01 2006 : 08:41:03 AM
Cynthia, you can vent here anytime, we won't think your crying, sounds like you've done enough of that. We are here for each other, to learn, to help and listen. Your so brave to take on a little farm that I have no doubt you will make it, and in time, your hubby will find ways to help out too. Use all the resourses you have in your area and I too know how hard it is to make friends out in the country, so join a local group of some sort, maybe a gardening club so you can find out first hand the tricks to your rocky soil. And there is always "our" bible, the Mary Jane book!! And it's nice to see another newbie, welcome Linda, we have many from Utah so your not alone there! And I agree, can't ever have enough land!!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Dec 31 2005 : 11:13:45 PM
Thank you Lolli... I know how you feel about wishing for more land. It never seems like enough does it? I have to say that getting on this forum is the highlight of my day. I've been just buzzing with happy springlike thoughts since joining... I'm so glad I have!
Thank you for making me feel so welcomed!
Cynthia |
| lolli |
Posted - Dec 31 2005 : 7:22:26 PM
Hi cynthia, I'm new here too. I live on 1.3 acres for 2 months now and I already wish we had 20 more acres! I have chickens too, aren't they fun, and great to have fresh eggs! I also have dogs, cats,and horses. My land is really rocky too, I'm wondering how my garden will be in the spring, maybe I'll do raised beds. Anyways, Welcome! And good luck with your goat, you sound like a very nice woman!
Paradise Girl |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Dec 30 2005 : 09:11:07 AM
Thank you Julia, Jenny, and Sue,
Pangburn is between Searcy and Heber Springs. It's located in White County and we are about fifteen miles away from Heber Springs. I love the country here but I miss living on the North Shore of Louisanna across the big pond from New Orleans. I have found that it's hard to really to get to know anyone here. My husband became disabled shortly after we moved here and I quit my job to be with him. I think he was cut from the same jeans as the Marlboro man! He is now almost completely disabled and has to deal with severe depression along with it. I've gotten past my own depression of loosing a very vital and extremely alive husband to someone who has to depend on me. Please don't think I'm crying... I did pleanty of that and now I'm trying to figure out how to do all the "manly" things on a farm and with everything else! So I am sooooo glad I'm here! I'll be asking all sorts of questions!
Like... now that my Nubian goat is pregnant (yeah!) when would I start to milk her? She's due around Valentines Day and I'm so excited and scared. I was going to start firing off the questions I have here but I think it would be better to post them under critters.
Thank you again everyone!
Hugs!
Cynthia |
| junebug |
Posted - Dec 30 2005 : 04:50:46 AM
A big welcome to you Cynthia, glad you found us, sounds like you'll fit in just fine! Where are you located? I'm your neighbor up here in Missouri, I also lived in Big Flat, Ar., Mt. Home and Gassville. I love Arkansas but sure don't miss the rock hard ground. You'll learn tons of good info. here as I still am! I just love the newbies to farmlife and it's always a thrill to know more woman are returning to the land, good luck and look forward to hearing more about your adventures.
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| jenny louise |
Posted - Dec 30 2005 : 03:19:47 AM
Welcome, Cynthia...your start at farming sounds great, are you milking your goats?
As for your rock hard ground, i absolutely love ruth stouts books on no till gardening and have used her methods with success. We have heavy clay/gravel in a few spots and that has worked well. Good luck, glad to see you here,
jenny |
| Julia |
Posted - Dec 29 2005 : 8:54:10 PM
HI cynthia! Welcome to the forum, ya'll! Where is Pangburn? My husband is from Hot Springs and we have lived in Conway and Hope. As a native Oregonian, the humdity, bugs, snakes and tornados were to much for me.
My prayer goes before you with school, hausband, kids and farm. You're plate is full! I remember that rock hard ground, hang in there, compost,compost,compost! Julia V.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Dec 29 2005 : 10:19:17 AM
Thank you everyone! I've already started calling the few friends I have here to start a Farmgirl Charter. I have found that when you move into a rural area it's hard to meet others since you don't really have folks living next to you. On my road there are more cows than people.
I'm so glad to be here and as time goes by I'll open up and share what I know. I'm still pretty new to farming and not sure what I'm doing most the time! I will be reading the book and the posts here daily to learn all I can. I'm so thankful to have found all of you and Mary Jane!
Hugs!
Cynthia
PS I'm saving my dollars to get a subscription to the magazine they look wonderful. |
| Lavender Cottage |
Posted - Dec 29 2005 : 08:37:12 AM
Welcome Cynthia-it is such a wonderful book and this is a wonderful place. Glad to have you here and looking forward to hearing more about your passion for the land. Enjoy!
Ellen in MI |
| owwlady |
Posted - Dec 29 2005 : 08:06:09 AM
Welcome Cynthia, I also got MJ's book for Christmas! I first found it last summer at my library and a whole new world opened up to me and I found these wonderful women. Glad to have you as a new friend. |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 8:28:24 PM
a big farmgirl 'howdy' cynthia .. you're gonna' love the farmgirls here .. so helpful and encouraging! and if you love mj's book .. oh do order her magazines!!!!!! they are such a delight! jump in and give us your ideas and stories! xo, frannie
True Friends, Frannie |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 7:46:33 PM
Cynthia welcome! Wow, you have quite a big farm full of animals already. Do you get fresh eggs? I have a coup but no chickens yet. Glad you found us.
Blessings-
Beth
May you achieve your full potential to excel intellectually, to live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly and to serve selflessly. Have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 7:14:22 PM
Welcome Cynthia..you sound just great. I am sure glad you found us...sounds like you have a great start. I am hoping to master sourdough bread this week too. I have baked bread since I was a teenager (a looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg time ago) and just never have done sourdough. Tried it a couple times and killed it. I am determined this time.
Anyway..welcome!!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 6:18:51 PM
Thank you Mumsie! So far I have the starter in a bowl doing it's thing. Your bread sounds wonderful! I bake a lot but I don't change it up. You might have just started a very fun trend in my cooking! Thank you for welcoming me!
Cynthia |
