January 20, 2024

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Admin

Despite it being -30 outside still, I have managed to get a fair amount done this week.

Today’s reading: Matthew 13:1-30 and Genesis 49-50

The air is cool and crisp, the sun is bright, there is beautiful hoarfrost on the trees still. It truly feels magical out here.

I have started planning the layout and building of all my garden hot boxes. Just on my end of the property I plan to have a dozen of these 6ft. X 9ft. Raised beds. They will contain manure and compost in the bottom and topsoil above to plant in. This will not only fertilize the plants growing in them but also generate heat. Hopefully allowing me to start planting a month early. On my parents’ side I will have four boxes made for them. My goal for this year is “abundance”

Also this week for the garden. I picked up a 1000L tote for storing rain water and snow melt from the roof of my chicken coop. This tote had biodegradable soaps in it, but since has been washed out.

I was able to get the rabbit cages finished as well! The rabbits arrive on Sunday! 2 females and one male. They will be kept separate except for breeding time. Friends, if you want rabbit meat please let me know. The earliest litter of kits will be ready in about 14 weeks.

As with every week, I stock pile wood for the next week. I have another order of wood coming for the next month or so of winter. Next week I will be visiting a friend’s acreage to cut and harvest trees that they want cleared. The stockpile grows. The plan is to have after 1 year of stock piling, about 3 -4 winters of wood piled and drying. From then on my monthly “bill” for wood drops to less than $100/month for heating, as I will only replace what I use.

Fire starter is super important to have on hand at all times. So I made some more cells from egg cartons, used paper towels(from when I wiped out my cast iron pans from cooking). These little cells work wonderfully when the logs of wood are dried properly. A maximum of two cells will light 4 full logs in a matter of minutes from a totally dead stove. Usually I haven’t needed even these as the coals are sufficient even after a full day of being away in the city there are enough coals to start up the fire again.

Finally, I was able to sit down and enjoy a classic favorite in my home, Lord of the rings – on the big screen. Thanks to my friend Keats, who has allowed me to borrow his projector for the winter. This has been a real treat this year.

Thank you for tuning in! Be safe, and love first.

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