We cleared this land a few years back and now it's ready for it's next job.
2012 is brand new and already the wheels are turning. With so much accomplished last year and some of that to be repeated, I still love to set new goals.
We have a lot of work to do to maintain the status quo: planting, maintaining, harvesting and preserving our two main gardens is a top priority. As is, keeping the chickens healthy and producing. Mowing and keeping the farm in order is an ongoing challenge. Also, our two rental properties require maintenance.
Farmer Tom and I work full time, so finding time for everything and staying on track with projects can be tricky. And yet, we are still working toward a more sustainable lifestyle and therefore it is necessary to tweak and build what we have, in order to achieve that goal.
Here is my vision for 2012:
Streamline vehicle situation--the kids are grown and have their own vehicles, so we no longer have to keep the “car lot” open. Will reduce the herd by half.
Raise meat pigs-which also means fencing for pigs. Just another step toward producing our own food and eating well.
Acquire ducks-I’m looking for a few good ducks to combat the bug situation in the garden.
Hatch 3 broods of chicks-build our flock for egg and meat production.
Complete big coop-‘nuff said on this one. We need to get this bugger done!
Install irrigation to garden-we purchased the equipment last year and didn’t get it installed. It would be a great time saver during dry periods.
Grow feed corn- this requires another patch of land be tilled, planted and maintained. I’m not sure it would succeed with all of the deer we have, but it might work and we have the space, so I’d like to try it.
Install wood stove-we already have the stove, just need to put a big hole in the wall, put some pipe in, and get this baby running!
Chop firewood-see above.
Remodel kitchen- this is a biggie. In fact, I’m not sure I’m ready for this as I know it’ll be a LOT of work. We have a tiny kitchen space put together at least 30 years ago with homemade cabinets and not very many of them, at that. All of the cooking and canning I’m doing is with a third hand APARTMENT sized stove (which was the only size that would fit down the hallway) with an oven door that doesn’t shut all the way. Our last year remodeling project reconfigured the hallway and we can now import regular sized appliances into our kitchen space. Two years ago we purchased a dishwasher that is still waiting to be installed. And recently our overhead light mysteriously went out and I am now operating with a shop light clamped onto the cabinet door. Our kitchen is looking a bit rustic. Might take this one in baby steps, we’ll see.
Sell eggs-with the hens hitting full stride and new
chicks on the way, we’ll have way more than we need.
Might as well supplement the feed costs.
I’m a dreamer. This is all about moving forward. Having goals helps us achieve our dreams. It's a little unsettling to shine the light on our plans and let everyone hold us accountable. But I believe that we can do it and I don't mind a little prodding from the outside to make it happen.
How ‘bout you? Are you a dreamer too? Share with us some of your hopes and dreams for 2012. We can help each other stay motivated, and a year from now we all will be celebrating our successes!
Stop by our FB home to see how we are progressing at www.facebook.com/thepocketfarmer. I'd love to see you!
We have a lot of work to do to maintain the status quo: planting, maintaining, harvesting and preserving our two main gardens is a top priority. As is, keeping the chickens healthy and producing. Mowing and keeping the farm in order is an ongoing challenge. Also, our two rental properties require maintenance.
Farmer Tom and I work full time, so finding time for everything and staying on track with projects can be tricky. And yet, we are still working toward a more sustainable lifestyle and therefore it is necessary to tweak and build what we have, in order to achieve that goal.
Here is my vision for 2012:
Streamline vehicle situation--the kids are grown and have their own vehicles, so we no longer have to keep the “car lot” open. Will reduce the herd by half.
Raise meat pigs-which also means fencing for pigs. Just another step toward producing our own food and eating well.
Acquire ducks-I’m looking for a few good ducks to combat the bug situation in the garden.
Hatch 3 broods of chicks-build our flock for egg and meat production.
Complete big coop-‘nuff said on this one. We need to get this bugger done!
Install irrigation to garden-we purchased the equipment last year and didn’t get it installed. It would be a great time saver during dry periods.
Grow feed corn- this requires another patch of land be tilled, planted and maintained. I’m not sure it would succeed with all of the deer we have, but it might work and we have the space, so I’d like to try it.
Install wood stove-we already have the stove, just need to put a big hole in the wall, put some pipe in, and get this baby running!
Chop firewood-see above.
Remodel kitchen- this is a biggie. In fact, I’m not sure I’m ready for this as I know it’ll be a LOT of work. We have a tiny kitchen space put together at least 30 years ago with homemade cabinets and not very many of them, at that. All of the cooking and canning I’m doing is with a third hand APARTMENT sized stove (which was the only size that would fit down the hallway) with an oven door that doesn’t shut all the way. Our last year remodeling project reconfigured the hallway and we can now import regular sized appliances into our kitchen space. Two years ago we purchased a dishwasher that is still waiting to be installed. And recently our overhead light mysteriously went out and I am now operating with a shop light clamped onto the cabinet door. Our kitchen is looking a bit rustic. Might take this one in baby steps, we’ll see.
Sell eggs-with the hens hitting full stride and new
chicks on the way, we’ll have way more than we need.
Might as well supplement the feed costs.
I’m a dreamer. This is all about moving forward. Having goals helps us achieve our dreams. It's a little unsettling to shine the light on our plans and let everyone hold us accountable. But I believe that we can do it and I don't mind a little prodding from the outside to make it happen.
How ‘bout you? Are you a dreamer too? Share with us some of your hopes and dreams for 2012. We can help each other stay motivated, and a year from now we all will be celebrating our successes!
Stop by our FB home to see how we are progressing at www.facebook.com/thepocketfarmer. I'd love to see you!
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