In 2021, we needed to start a new laying flock. Living off-grid with only a small amount of solar power, we needed to learn how to brood chicks with very little- or preferably zero- electricity. We saw kerosene set-ups to provide heat. In pondering over it though, for one thing, Krystal is highly sensitive to [...]
On March 20, 2021, a batch of new chicks arrived on the ranch! Being that we have yet to find a breed that fits what we’re looking for in a sustainable homestead flock, we decided to try two new heritage breeds: Delaware and Australorp (the blue variety.) We are also using some techniques to brood [...]
As mentioned in an earlier post, we love eggs. And one of our favorite ways to enjoy them is hard cooked- for snacks, as a quick light meal, in egg salad, etc. So for us one of the main selling points of the All American Sun Oven is the ability to hard cook eggs without [...]
We’re starting a new blog theme called “Homestead Tools”. This is where we will periodically share with you the tools that are must-haves on our off-grid homestead. To kick it off, we introduce the All American Sun Oven, considered the ultimate solar appliance with good reason! Those who know me know that I am a [...]
Progress often comes more slowly than we’d like, but like the rings of a tree reveal, slow growth is sometimes better than fast. When the growth rings are spaced far apart it means growth took place quite fast. This could mean a weak tree; lumber milled from such timber might mean it is not as [...]
I love cooking on a simple wood stove! Whether it is cowboy coffee (boiled), pancakes (hot cakes, griddle cakes… whatever you call them!), fried eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches or what have you, the final result always seems to taste so much better! Recall the old saying that one has “slaved all day over a hot [...]
