Last Month On The Homestead: September 2024

 September was, for the most part, a true extension of summer in our area.  Most days the temperatures remained warm, and the evenings did not cool down as much as we anticipated. 

three mini white gourds carved as ghosts on a metal tiered rack in a country dining room

september night sky full of pinks, purples and blues

In The Garden
The garden winded down throughout September leaving us with a nice selection remaining by the end of the month: kale, arugula, dill, cilantro, oregano, celery, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and one zucchini plant that the (many) wild bunnies left alone.  While the bunnies ate most of the carrot greens before the carrots had developed, I was able to get more planted in the beds I wrapped with fencing that are ready for fall harvesting.  Not the large harvest I had hoped for, but at least we get some.

five backyard chickens staring into the camera lens on a sunny september day
(the barred rock to the left is the one who looks pretty rough while molting, and the chicken to the far right is one of the New Hampshire's)

In The Coop
The coop girls are doing well!  They began their molt early in the month, which also meant a decrease in egg production, and by the end of the month we were down to 1-3 eggs per week.  Our flock numbers have decreased this year, which we anticipated based on their ages, so we now have 15 girls.  

The New Hampshire's, which are the youngest, continue to crack me up.  They are OBSESSED with food and are very curious.  They must always know what I have, what I'm doing and where I'm going.  They track me in a stalkery way but are so cute and friendly that it's no bother.  If I have something in my hands that they can't see they jump up over and over trying to get enough height to see what I've got.  I don't know if their personality is part of the breed or just these specific girls, but I really enjoy them.

We have a Barred Rock who is one of the oldest and is looking pretty rough during this year's molt.  Hoping, of course, that she makes it through the molt and winter.

A fall clean-out of the coop was completed on a warm day.  I removed all of their litter, Jay vacuumed the coop floors and walls, and then we put fresh litter down.  There were so many feathers!  I tried waiting a little longer for the cleaning because I wanted to also get the majority of the feathers, but it was definitely time for a clean-out, so we went with it.  I may do a small additional clean-out before winter hits if there's too many feathers in there.

pumpkin muffin with cream cheese center cut open on a plate to reveal the center

In The Kitchen
I've been working with some sourdough recipes that I'll continue to share as they are developed, as well as all types of other recipes.  I'm making changes to my lentil loaf recipe right now.  It was pretty good, but I thought I would try a few adjustments, just to see if it made it even better.  

A vendor friend at our farmers market who makes and sells maple products gifted me 4 bags of the most delicious crunchy topping!  One of the products he makes is maple covered walnuts and pecans, so he ends up with small pieces of nuts and hardened maple syrup that he hates to throw away.  I am so glad he doesn't throw it!  I used some to make the most delicious streusel topping for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.  It also works nicely as a topping for a fruit crisp.  I think I'll try it as part of a Dutch Apple Pie topping too.  So many ideas!


a maine coon mix cat in a box
another month, another box

Jackson
For those of you who enjoy the Jackson update you'll be happy to know that he is doing well!  Not much has changed for him so he's still funny, immature, and all in our business.  Whatever makes him happy.  He continually thinks we're in a race when walking from room-to-room and he MUST win the race (even though it's not a race).  

I have honestly never seen a cat so thrilled to get in trouble.  He absolutely loves having his name yelled as a result of something naughty that he's done, after which he tears around the house all excited.  You have to laugh.  There is absolutely no way to stay upset with him, regardless of what he's gotten into, dumped onto the floor, or broken.   He chatters happily when his name is said in a joyful way but boy oh boy having his name said in a stern way sure brings out the jubilance.


a stack of books from the library next to a lit candle on a dining room table

What I've Been Reading
Well, this should actually be titled "what I haven't been reading".  This is the stack I thought I would get through in September and, well, I didn't read any books in September.  I've started The Lost For Words Bookshop though, so I'm hopeful I will read them before they are due back.  

The Louise Penny book is part of the Inspector Gamache series.  I absolutely love her writing style, but I do find I must take breaks every 2 or 3 books.  It's so interesting to me that this is the case.  Usually when I read a series, I feel the need to read only the books in the series until completed.  But not in this one.  I'm not sure if it's because each book could be a lone book and not necessarily a series or if there's just so much detail and thought that goes into each book that I need to change up the style of book for a bit and then go back.

The Gladys Taber book will be the third of her books I will have read.  Have you read any of her books?  I believe they are all from the 70's (not entirely sure that's correct).  I enjoy her writing style as well in addition to her quite apparent love of nature.

The other two books were recommendations.  I wasn't sure about The Lost For Words Bookshop when I first started reading it, but I forced myself to continue and now I'm happy that I did.  The main characters family history hasn't fully revealed itself yet, but it's apparent something tragic happened in childhood and the book revolves around her life as a young adult and how she's coping with (and learning to live with) the impact of it. 

If you have any good books that you've read lately, I'd love to know what they are.  I'm always looking for ideas!


bright yellow fall trees on a tree with a crisp blue sky and white puffy clouds

The Business
We are staying quite busy with the soap business as many people have started their holiday shopping.  Making and packaging products are pretty much what I'm immersed in most days.  And keeping up with the bookkeeping.  I didn't do such a good job keeping ahead with it the last 6 months last year, so I am determined to make time for all things paperwork/computer work weekly this year.  So far so good!

Our fall limited-edition soap sold out within 2 weeks and our holiday/winter limited edition soap and lotion will be out next week.  It's so strange to think it's that time, but it is!  Our farmers market stays outdoors through the last weekend in October and then moves inside for the remainder of fall and all of the winter months.  We love being outside but by the end of October the frigid temps make us grateful for the indoor space.


I hope this finds you doing well.  My heartfelt prayers go out to anyone affected by the last two hurricanes.  I can't even begin to imagine the true impact it has had on so many lives.  Wishing you a safe, cozy, and wonderful week ahead my friends!


4 comments

  1. The gourd ghosts are so cute! Our big rooster is looking pretty pitiful, with his molt. That nut and maple topping sounds so good. What a wonderful gift. It sounds perfect for cool weather desserts. That Jackson sounds like a funny boy, with a big personality! I've read a few Gladys Taber books, and always enjoyed them. Hope you have a lovely week!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Laurie. Yes, Jackson definitely has a big personality. 😊

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  2. Wow, that last shot is stunning! I so enjoy these updates.
    Our barred rocks (Betty and Wilma, who have since passed), always had the most severe molts. They looked so pitiful, but were hearty gals right up to the end.
    You have been diving into your bread making, how I wish I could sample your wares.
    I agree with Laurie, the gourd ghouls are adorable!

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