Baby Steps on the Homestead

(vacuum sealing bulk pasta)

Sometimes baby steps, little things, are all you can get done. Being content with such small steps is often difficult to accept. 

There are times in which even the most simple tasks don't get completed, leaving me with such an unfulfilled feeling. 

(small batch broth canning)

I need to accomplish something and see the evidence of these things each day. Some days the very lack of that fruit is irritating despite the fact that something was done. I don't sit idle for much time in my day because it makes me anxious. 

I have a board by the front door which has lists of tasks that need to be done. Some jobs are for me, others need more than two hands. It is rewarding to see these jobs erased, but stressful to see the time sensitive ones remain. 

However, I am totally thankful for those completions that move me one step closer to the next job. 

(dehydrating eggs for days of few)

For instance, Al was able to get a few more shelves for the food pantry so I could organize a bit better. It feels good to get items off the floor.

 

Now I am tasked with bringing all the other empty canning jars from the canning kitchen in the garage to the pantry for storage. 

I also need to get my raised bed cleaned out for planting garlic. The compost is already waiting patiently next to the spot I plan to plant it. I am considering putting the ducks in the main garden to help clean up bugs. I would need to put a fence up around the bed though to prevent them from eating the garlic and chard. 

We also need to get more chickens and turkeys butchered. We did end up eating one of the ducks last week and it was actually quite delicious. We definitely want to raise more ducks in the future for meat.