An Update

Its been a busy time... lots of new stuff... some disappointment... and everything in between:

1) The sheep are on permanent hold. After a major communication fiasco, the sheep were sold right out from under us the day before we were to (again) pick them up. Then we got a scathing e-mail in which it became clear that the seller either had us confused with someone else or really isn't dealing with a full deck. After drying my eyes over having to mow the lawn and comforting Gloria who was really excited about "Oonice" (Eunice), I've decided to let sheep come to us for now. Besides, the gas can for the mower is full.

2) We're beginning the expansion of the "orchard garden" (the garden that surrounds several of our young fruit trees) which will add about 50% more bed space to that garden. I'll plant some tomato and pepper seeds next week. About 2 weeks later I'll start some watermelon seeds. By then the new beds should be ready for transplanting.

3) We came home heavy laden from a visit with the Central Florida Gardener. Lots of fabulous things to try: malanga, cassava, bananas, okinawa spinach, sweet potatoes, and some others also. My brain is bursting with things to do... just wish the rain would hold off to let me get some done!

4) We ditched the rabbit hide from that little garden pest. The skin was so thin you could see through it. It tore several times as Randy was stretching it (a necessary step in the tanning process). I decided Sundae slippers are good enough for the boy... he doesn't need bunny slippers too. Also learned (from my very knowledgable midwife) that the worm that had burrowed into its neck was a "botts fly" and probably the very reason it had ventured so far from its home in the woods to come and feast in the garden. A botts fly will make them virtually insane and will eventually kill them.

5) I used maybe about a third of my basil last night for some fresh pesto sauce... and had such a heeping pile of basil leaves that I ended up making enough for 3-4 pounds of pasta! It was great! Thanks to my uncle for a yummy recipe and freezing tips! I've discovered I've got quite the knack with herbs... still working on the cucurbits... gonna put brassicas to the test this fall!

6) For anyone who read the "Say NO to Shoestring Farms" blog before I removed it, those facts are still very much true. I removed it at the behest of my husband who said I was too harsh. Forgive me please. He has rewritten it and I'll re-post it later with the changes. Until then, keep spreading the word to give Ron Price a clear berth. His "business" is not an upstanding one.

7) I'm in the process of building a new blog, one that's more informative for all those out there really trying to figure out how to do this florida homesteading thing... which means its also one that doesn't highlight cute pictures of my beautiful children. I know many of you read this blog for that purpose only. If that's you, e-mail me and I'll include you on family update e-mails. They won't be frequent, once or twice a month or so, but it will keep you in touch with the abounding antics here at the Pinedale Palace. I'll post a final blog to this one when I'm ready to make the switch... which could be a while so keep checking in here!