What's Up with Farmstead?
Hey everyone! It's been a while, and I hope you all are doing well! I've been missing Steemit and my regular activities.
Man, it's been hard trying to get back into the swing of things since our friends left on Saturday. Whenever I get a big interruption in my routine, it's always a real struggle for me to get back into my routine. It is hard to explain but, it is something I fight with all the time. Maybe it's due to my depression among other things. I have been missing it here, but I also hadn't the urge to write. I haven't even been very active in my SteemitHomesteader's Chat Group. :( Sorry guys.
Kind of a let down for you all, I apologize for that! Especially since reaching my 500 Followers AND 500 Steem Power goals! I'll be upfront with you and say that I am not back into routine, but I need to write, to get back into it, somehow!
This weekend is the Solar Eclipse and I live in Madras, Oregon where there are 3 festivals happening here, and many more in Central Oregon. Traffic is backed up, there's travelers everywhere, stores have some empty shelves, gas stations are running out of fuel, and many more crazy things are happening. All of which we predicted as a community.
Husband and I have been working on stocking up on food, fuel, water, animal feed, and more in preparations for these inconveniences due to the million people estimated to visit Oregon, and the 200,000+ people estimated to visit and more to travel through Central Oregon specifically for the eclipse.
I cannot wait for this to be over! Ha. It's not something Central Oregonians have been looking forward to, poor Prineville has been backed up for days now already due to a large week-long music festival happening about 30 miles out. One road in, one road out.
We did end up traveling out into town today due to Husband's work summer party, and thank goodness there was a lull in craziness for us! Traffic wasn't bad (there was more than usual, but it was flowing), we stopped in WalMart real quick and it wasn't even busy in there. We got lucky with that.
However, now I am hunkering down, I am not planning to leave the house until next week. Haha.
Farmstead Update
Now that's out of the way, what else has been going on?! Well, not a whole lot really! It's been kind of a down-time here around the farmstead, no real projects, it's been terribly hot, and life's just been kind of crazy inconvenient.
Chickens
Chicken egg production seems to be on the low side. I believe I've had as many as 6 or 8 in one day and lately, I've been getting 3-5, today only 4. Boo. Well the youngest bunch, the blue langshans, will be 20 weeks by August 29th, so hopefully everything should pick up by then. The second youngest bunch, the Salmon Faverolles, turned 20 weeks this week. I hope to be rollin' in eggs! I plan hope to sell them at least!
Gucks
The geese and ducks (gucks) are only 13 weeks this week. Oh my gosh, it feels like the slowest thing, them getting to mature age. I am thankful the geese are still really friendly. I cannot believe I still have like, 10 weeks to go before I might get an egg. I doubt it will happen this year. Haha.
Quail
Quail are doing well. I did have to separate one of the males because he was getting pecked, and the back of his head was all scabbed up. Poor thing. His head feathers are starting to grow back now, and he's pretty spunky!
Quail Eggs
Well 7 out of 8 eggs in the incubator seem to be good! They should hatch any time now! Tomorrow is "the day" but sometimes they can take a little longer. I will leave them in there until Monday or Tuesday if they don't hatch tomorrow. Hopefully they hatch, but, I half way expect them not to. I've started collecting eggs for another incubation session. The female has been laying pretty well!
Garden
Some things are growing!! I've gotten a few cherry tomatoes! Something finally got to one of my ripening tomatoes. More tomatoes are growing. A plant that I thought was an english cucumbers (got for free from a garden buddy) looks more like a mini pumpkin plant. But each squash plant has something developing! Please cross your fingers for me that stuff keeps growing. And take a silent moment for the third plant in the last picture... I believe something ate the roots of it as it just totally wilted and died one day. Stupid critters...
BUT, some things are growing. Next year will be better.
Nature
Been finding some pretty cool bugs and stuff lately! Of course, I've taken pictures, with you all in mind!
I have no idea what this is. I believe it's a nymph of some kind, but I don't know what, haven't had the time to look it up - really just wanted to share it with you! I love this little guy. Found it on one of the flowers of my chocolate mint plant.
And some bumblebees! They LOVE the echinacea! Gonna leave this at it's full size! Hehe.
There's so many wildfires happening around here. And with the huge influx of visitors to the area, I am real worried about more happening. I hope it doesn't, but it's definitely something I've really been nervous about.
But, sadly (upside?), the smoke makes gorgeous sunsets.
No pic today. I don't know if I am going to keep up with that. Maybe, maybe not... are you heartbroken? Sorry.
Photos by me using my iPhone 6s, unless stated otherwise!
Badges by @daddykirbs and @allforthegood!
Wow you struggle with depression even living out on the land? Do you also work a job or live at the homestead full time?
I am sure I have many remedies that could help you if your interested.
Blessings~*~
Yup that's what depression does, hangs out where and when it's least wanted. I give it strong hints at not being welcome but, I guess it's pretty daft. Lol
I spent years in depression a long time back. I almost committed suicide. I know what its like and I know what its like to transcend∞§∞
Thanks for the update, was wondering where you'd gone! Keep up the good work, homesteading really starts to pay off in later years.
So true!
Thanks for stopping by! It's been a long while! I hope you're well! :)
You've got what it takes.
I'm speechless.
I know what you mean about getting knocked out of routine. Hope things get back on track for you soon.
Let us know what that alien bug thing is when you find out. It's pretty amazing looking!
It was so cute! It reminded me of something but I couldn't put a finger on what it was that it reminded me of? Maybe a movie? Like A Bug's Life or something. Haha
Oh man, some people don't understand the routine thing, I'm glad someone does. Is there anything that helps you get back on track?
I wish I could say there was something that helps me get back on track. Its usually just will power, because I know if I don't get myself sorted sooner rather than later things will spiral and then it'll be harder to get back on track.
Haha, yes A Bugs Life in real life!
Oh yeah, I figured! Haha it's the same for me. Soooo tiring using all that willpower! Lol
I can identify. With the construction on the homestead, it seems that my plans and routines get side tracked daily. It's been so long since we had "normal" (over 18 months) I kind of forget what it is like...
Oh man! That's a long time! Do you have a post up about what kind of construction is happening?
I am new to steemit so a little slow on the uptake. I am collecting photos of the construction projects and hope to post them soon. Our homestead was a clear slate when we bought it six years ago. We said then that it would be a 10-15 year project nd it looks like that's going to be pretty acurate.
I live in Portland and don't plan on driving anywhere the next 3 days. I work at a grocery store and there were a lot of folks stocking up and heading down to those festivals in your area... Sorry. It will be over soon. :)
Hello fellow Oregonian!! You're only the second I've ran into! Thanks for stopping by!
I used to live over there! :) I hope it's not as crazy for you as it will be do us! You'll have to let me know!
Yeah we moved out here to get away from people! Hahahah joke's on us! ;) lmao
Can you believe they are saying there will be over a million tourists in Oregon for this?!!? WOW.
I figure, I can just step outside for a couple of minutes to see the eclipse.
Yeah, it's crazy! I'm surprised the weather is cooperating on your side of the cascades! Haha I mean I get it for this side, we generally have clear, sunny skies, and 360 degrees of view! But still! It's gonna be insane! Look up how Prineville is doing right now. So much traffic there! Haha
It definitely wasn't as exciting as I thought it might be... but I guess it was cool? How did you Fair over there?! Traffic has been nuts since totality happened! Hahha
Man, I forgot about how all that would affect everyone on the path of the eclipse! Hang in there! and don't worry about taking time off Steemit. I see it as a necessary step to finding balance on this addicting platform. Plus with everything going on inside everyone now and around the world, a bit of retreat and recharge is good for everybody. Personally, I usually take it as a good sign when people are off Social Media.... for ANY length of time haha! You have NO obligation to followers. They follow you, wherever you go or don't go, as you are. Or they go live their lives. At least that's the idea I think... Plus you are beyond the point of no return with 500+ followers anyway... a school of fish will always be attracted to your welcoming harbor. Oh yeah, you might remember me as @ecoknowme.... I've mostly been resteeming, lurking and scheming with my new fancy dance personal account here. Good on you for getting supplies! Watched all kinds of weird stuff recently, but long and short of it... it's always good to be prepared. Cheers! @wuji /eco
All of that social media withdraw is true, but with the huge downside of not making any $ on Steemit when you don't post! Haha
I feel a little guilty, but only a tiny bit. Nothing to write home about! Haha
Why did you make a second account? Are you gonna post different stuff with this one? I wanna know about the weird stuff you watched!!
Ok, but maybe watch Radiohead's 'just' first.
Basically been following the work of this guy on youtube Nikola TeslasGhost. He has been studying data regarding pole shift. Dunno much, but it is interesting in the least super scary at worse. Then there is this thing FEMA is doing 2 days after the eclipse called Dark Skies... which umm, should be fine... just don't know how much will be a drill or how much is already happening in places like where you are where everyone is starting to feel the pinch on food and fuel... if the power goes out on top of that..... hmmm
I started a separate account for the purpose of separating my imperfections and personal stuff from the broader vision of the EcoKnowme. I want the Ecoknowme to be a communal account (hence my Resteem proclivities) but for this one, I can write schmultzy poetry to my girl or get philosophical on unrelated topics without people wondering about what the hell this has to do with the other stuff I write. PLUS the ultimate idea is that that account can become an alternative economy in itself... I only get 20% of whatever that account earns and I can send it here. the rest, can go to the account SP, paying out people in contests, giveaways, purchase supplies to share etc etc... like if Oprah took her empire and shared the empire... but did so from the start. Instead of joining her for a book, you could be sent a copy that is in the community, for free. Stuff like that. IF for some reason it did get big, then helping new minnows and encouraging activities, content and projects I would like to see could be made more easy. Over half a dozen people were willing to write an essay for me to potentially win 2 STEEM. When I can ask people for business ideas, then give them the money to start them, that will be next level.....
I feel you on the posting for crypto vs resting for recharge conundrum. But I guess it is like a marathon. Sometimes you just need to sit under a tree and a take a break. We should encourage each other to exemplify healthy lives while recognizing that might mean online absence. Plus the best ideas come from the open ended, imagination indusing, downtime.
Hey girl! Welcome back...I missed you! That is cray about the invasion of all of those people. I wouldn't go anywhere either. Did any quail eggs hatch today? I am so excited to see them. Crossbeak looks so cute with Lady. Is that a common thing they do? That yellow bug sure is different but it is still a yucky bug to me! You have a chocolate mint plant? Please post a picture and explain it when you get a chance. I would love to know more about it. And your photos of the bees are amazing! I have some bee pictures that I want to post but yours put mine to shame. Mine are so tiny; even with my zoom lens. LOL! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that your garden keeps growing and for the wild fires to end. Hunker down and stay safe! : )
Darn, I thought I replied! Sorry about that!
I still have no idea what that buy is, I need to send pics to the extension office and see if they can ID it for me!
I get pretty darn close to the bugs and bees with my phone. They are much more interested in whatever they're doing to be bothered. Haha. :)
I'm so glad the eclipse is over and people have left my house. Traffic is still pretty insane, but, it is what it is. I don't have a need to leave the house, so I think I'll continue to stay hulled up for a couple more days. Haha
Glad you are back with us. To me this is the hardest part of the summer to get through. Maybe cause it is so hot and I can't wait to start on the fall garden. Stay clear of the crazies.... the party people. Thanks for the post. 🐓🐓
Thankfully I live in the middle of no where, basically!! Hahah. There shouldn't be any sort of party people... I hope... Haha.
Yeay, welcome back! Nice to hear from you, and good to see a farm update. Don't worry about taking a couple of days off from Steemit. I've found when it comes to practicing things (like foreign languages, musical instruments, and the like) an occasional few days pause actually gives you a bit of a boost. Well, at least for me. I know, it may just be my subjective perception, but I've always felt stronger, better, more accurate, etc. after coming back from a little break.
For me it's more of a habit I want to stay in. haha hopefully after all this craziness I will be able to!
looks awesome! You're doing so much, it's inspiring.
Regarding that cucumber pumpkin, it might be a lemon cucumber...
If so don't let it go too long. I worked on a farm there in oregon last summer and the old farmer said they were over ripe if they got to be as yellow/orange as this picture. They are better when they are white/yellow according to him. I don't know if i tested to see if there's a difference but Farmer Bill would know ( ;
It was supposed to be an english cucumber, however, those are the kind where if they get pollinated with something else they could change? What are those kind called? Hybrids? I dunno. So Looking at these "english cucumbers"... Hahahha I do not have one looking like it's supposed to! Hahah. I am not sure, but I think the ones on the plant are ready to be picked! I'll do that soon!! Maybe today... Ack! Hahaha.
oh gosh, you've got me there. I know here's heirlooms and hybrids and all those I just don't remember the exact differences. Wonder what they got crossed with... Maybe they're the new "best variety" of cucumber (;
I decided they weren't "ripe" to pic yet... mostly cause I've got no clue what they are... lol oh well. One of these days I'll grab em up and cut em open!