Homesteading, family and just a touch of wistful longing...

So, in addition to having the hobby farm, we both work full time. Sometimes more than full time. While we are not much different than many other people trying their hand at homesteading, what is sometimes hard for us is not having any family around. Family to help us for big jobs, family to invite over for big dinners and to share this wonderful place with. Sometimes in fact, we really grieve it. Me being from the east coast and M being from the west coast means we are in a bit of a familial no man's land. Building community is slow, but happening and we of course still have friends just up the road in Ottawa. But every once and a while we are really struck by how much our family would love to share this with us and how we would love to share it with them. We feel the twinge of sadness, maybe even shed a few tears, and carry on.

Here is the short video on ethical butchering of turkeys that I promised last week. Be warned, it may be hard to watch for some as it does show the butchering. But I like this woman's approach to farming and think more people should give thanks for the animals that nourish us. Comments are very welcome. 

http://vimeo.com/17087945

Phyllis Diller, we hardly knew you!

Last night we had another turtle friend stop by. We have a creek running behind our property which must be the source of the turtles. Since the land in the area is clay based soil, they must be seeking out our property to lay their eggs because of all the sand the previous owners put down for their horses.

This turtle was much larger and looked to be much older. I named her Phyllis
Diller.

I went inside to finish cooking dinner, thinking that she was moving so slowly I couldn't miss her. Then I could see where she was going to bury her eggs and protect them like I had the other nest. Sadly, I did lose track of her in the half hour I was gone. I searched the entire field but came up with nothing. I really hope her eggs survive.

It's kind of awesome that these turtles are finding their way to us. We have almost officially decided to name property Turtle Creek Farm! Thanks turtles, for choosing us!

Foraging for dinner

Finances are a little tight these days so I'm always looking for ways to live off the land. I am no foraging expert but hope to be some day with the range of edible plants native to this area. I would never need to buy lettuce again! In summer at least. Last night's treat: Lambs Quarters. You will find them in most fields and along paths and roadways. Watch out for red tipped leaves as this indicates that larvae are present. Cook it like spinach and enjoy!

The Big Sacrifice

I have been thinking a lot about what killing the turkeys we are raising will demand of me. I love the idea of raising my own food, of caring for these creatures, making sure they are clean and safe and feeding them the best things possible. When I got the poults, I decided not to get attached, knowing that it would be more difficult the more I got to know their little personalities. Everyone told me that turkeys would be the easiest to start with because they are the least lovable of fowl. The kraken of the animal world as one friend put it. Stinky, carnivorous and not intelligent. Yet, I find them to be charming creatures and fascinating to watch grow as their combs come in, their heads redden and legs thicken every day. Every time I check on them they seem to be different.

So, in observing my 4 little ladies so closely every day, I think about how their lives will end. I can't convince myself that it won't hurt them or it will somehow be better because I am doing it. They will still be scared, there will still be pain. Do I commit to doing the deed and risk the emotional pain it will cause me, knowing that I'm Not ready to take the life of an animal? Do I find someone else to do it and hope that it is done quickly and professionally? I don't know but i have time to figure it out.

Any thoughts from those of you who have been through this dilemma would be appreciated. I know I will have to kill one of my animals eventually, but how do I move toward doing it with a clean conscience? Is it possible?

We shall see how the story unfolds. I have a video on the humane killing of turkeys. Will post tonight. Be warned, it is graphic but the words of the woman in the video are wise.

I have neglected you...

I have been consumed by workplace stressors (those of you in Ottawa-Gatineau likely know what I mean) and have neglected this blog. Yet, activities on the farm have continued! Some pics to update and more writing soon!

Farm update!

Delicious friends are getting bigger by the day!

Transplants are now in the ground. The weeding begins!

A Turtle Story

Earlier this week I was in the garden when i heard my pup Lucy going berserk behind the barn. This not being typical behavior for her, I went to go see what was up. To my surprise I found madam turtle! I had never seen a turtle this large up close and it was a fascinating sight to see. This beautiful creature choosing to lay her eggs behind our barn! We have a swamp not far from the property so this is likely her home... And she wandered a fair distance to find a nice sandy spot to dig. A friend of mine told me that she is a Blanding's Turtle... A species at risk in Ontario and Quebec. So she gave me instructions to keep her eggs safe from predators... And now we wait (68-118 days is the incubation period...I hope I get to witness this amazing thing). Check out pictures of the lovely mama below! We have video of her hard at work digging so will try to upload from home.