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We started our small flock with four Katahdin/St. Croix ewes. The ewes were obtained in August 2023 and adapted well to our system of rotational grazing. They are happy, healthy and have been relatively easy to manage.  We decided to expand our flock of sheep. We could purchase more ewes or introduce a ram and wait for nature to assist in this expansion. We opted to add a ram to the mix.    Meet Buster! He has some dark spots in the color of his coat, but he has a longer body and good temperament. We chose body shape and temperament...

We have been homeschooling for many years and I sometimes forget that what we do isn't the same for others. So, I decided to try adding a monthly homeschool recap to this blog to demonstrate one way (there are so many methods out there!) that homeschooling can work.  We use an eclectic method of homeschooling that leans very heavily towards the Charlotte Mason method of teaching. Without going into too much detail about this method, it can be described as very literature-heavy. We read and discuss A LOT of books. We don't spend a lot of time on workbooks, worksheets, etc.,...

A freeze dryer is a machine that turns food into lightweight, shelf-stable snacks. It works by freezing your food really cold, almost like ice, and then it slowly warms it up. But here's the trick: as it warms, it doesn't turn into water again. Instead, it goes from a solid (frozen) directly to a gas (vapor) without becoming a messy liquid in between. This process removes all the water from the food, which is what causes most spoilage.  Here's a more scientific explanation of how it works: Freezing: The first step involves freezing the food or substance to a very low...

We have enjoyed raising our pigs on pasture, but the time arrived for the pigs to experience their one bad day and provide meat for our family and others. If you missed the blog describing how we raise our pigs, check out: Pigs For Sale! – Growing Roots Farm (thegrowingrootsfarm.com)   Now, that we have processed the pigs, it is time to discuss the money aspect of what happens when you purchase an entire pig. The upfront cost isn't cheap. Also, you need to have a proper way to store the meat to ensure that you don't waste your money. However,...

We have been homeschooling for many years and I sometimes forget that what we do isn't the same for others. So, I decided to try adding a monthly homeschool recap to this blog to demonstrate one way (there are so many methods out there!) that homeschooling can work.  We use an eclectic method of homeschooling that leans very heavily towards the Charlotte Mason method of teaching. Without going into too much detail about this method, it can be described as very literature-heavy. We read and discuss A LOT of books. We don't spend a lot of time on workbooks, worksheets, etc.,...