While I wait

     While I wait to move. And wait. And wait. I do a lot of research and note taking. I watch a lot of YouTube videos, check out books, buy books, search the internet, and ask a lot of questions. I want to know as much as I can before I leave. I know that once I am there, I will still need to learn as I go. My hope is to find like minded people where we are moving.

     I am teaching myself canning right now. I did a BBQ sauce and a salsa already. Not to bad. I need more practice and more equipment. The BBQ sauce didn't start off great. The recipe I used had OJ in it. Daniel did not like the citrus flavor. He tweaked it with lots of spices and it wound up pretty good. The salsa was a "cold" recipe. It used can tomatoes and other fresh ingredients. I loved it but my son said the jalapenos were to hot. Next I want to make tomato sauce. I can only do acidic things since I only have a water boil method equipment.

     Of course I already have chickens, but am learning more about pigs and goats. I am learning about the kinds of pens the need or how long until I can butcher. Alicia, my 11 year old, wants to learn how to be a butcher. I have been learning that it is a dying art. Who knew?

     Mostly I have been researching money saving on the homestead. Buildings, paths, fences, and all sorts of homestead infrastructure. I am, as my husband says, a cheapskate. I like roadside finds, thrift stores, and an occasional dumpster dive.