Adventures in Raising Turkeys and Thanksgiving in New York City

Did the title make you turn your head and say "what?!?!?"

It guess it proves that my husband is right... You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

While recently traveling home from New York City, I received an e-mail pertaining to my 2015 article about raising turkeys for our holiday meal.  I had to chuckle when I thought about what I had just experienced...Thanksgiving dinner at Hard Rock cafe in New York City!

For the first time in my life, I didn't celebrate Thanksgiving at a family table.  This year we were in New York for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  No homemade food, and certainly no homegrown turkey this year.

We did however have a traditional American Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pie.

It was delicious!  And fun!  YOLO! (You Only Live Once)

You can read about our turkey experience HERE.  It was a challenge, to say the least, raising that turkey for a true farm to table experience.  An adventure that included a crazy turkey and a cow friend.

Life is an adventure...do something today that makes you laugh!

Farm Shenangians

What a week!  Full of farm shenanigans.

It has been raining off and on for days.  The wind has been howling.  A few snowflakes fell.

The fireplace has been going strong...in April.

Our dog cornered a raccoon...onto our roof...where it slept all day!

One of the chickens has become an egg eater...in the coop!

The cows got out of the pasture!  I calmly coaxed them back in with food, then put my heart back in my chest.

Four adorable barn kittens have been born.

I rearranged the living room for the 149th time, only to put it back the exact same way.

I think I need a nap.

And this photo bomber?  Her name is Hermione.  She's not the one that cornered the raccoon.  But, she is the one that had to go outside, which is how I say the cows near the driveway.

The First Snow of the Season at LL Farm

The first snow of the season has come and gone.

It was beautiful!

The cold (single digits) and wind delayed school for a couple days.

I knew this round of snow would not last for long, so I snapped some pictures.

I hope you find them mesmerizing!

Gatherings From The Woods

It was a beautiful brisk day to take a walk in the woods.

Carrying scissors in my gloved hands, I was on an adventure...

Visions danced in my head for decorating the front porch for Christmas.

Won't you come along?

Let's search for evergreen branches and vibrant red berries, shall we.

Ready to turn my visions into reality...

I'll share the front porch soon.

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Today I thought we would take a walk through the Circleville Pumpkin Show, 'the greatest free show on earth'.

A community coming together to celebrate agriculture, homemade, handmade, and of course all things pumpkins.

Our Lives Are The Dash

Our lives are the dash ( - )

The dash on the tombstone nestled between our date of birth and our date of death.

Years ago a Pastor gave a sermon about making the most of our dash.

Something I ponder often...

(These pictures were taken from an airplane window last week.)

Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania

The Mother Earth News Fair (MENF) is coming up!  Held in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania this upcoming weekend,  the Mother Earth News Fair is a fun-filled, hands-on sustainable lifestyle event.  The fair is offered throughout the year at different locations in the US.  This will be my first time attending!

As a contributor to Community Chickens, I will get to put a face to the names of many.  As a spectator, I am excited to observe.  With over 150 workshops to choose from, I plan on being educated and entertained.  Topics such as homesteading, gardening, natural health, chickens, and so much more interest me.

Vendors will be offering books, tools, accessories, and lots more.  I think I should pack a notebook and pen for note taking and an extra bag for the goodies I find.  Have you attended a MENF?  What was your favorite part?

For more information, including a schedule of events, click HERE.

Country Living Fair 2016

Yesterday I attended the Country Living Fair!

As you can tell from the sky, it was a beautiful day.

How cute is that chicken picture hanging on a blue building?
You know I had to take a picture and share it with you!

The Country Living Fair was located at the Ohio Village in Columbus, Ohio.  It was a quaint little setting.

BLT Pizza With Homemade Dough

This BLT pizza with homemade dough is rustically gorgeous and so very delicious!

It definitely deserves to have its picture taken (and a round of applause).

Because it is so good, I have to tell you how it all came together...

A Morning Walk

In the mornings as I go about feeding the animals I take a little extra time to walk around our property and enjoy the splendor that nature has to offer.

Summer has been crazy busy for us, so I revel in this time.

During my mornings walks, I can get lost in time as I am amazed at the simple, everyday beauty that surrounds me.

This morning was very foggy which created an extra layer of elegance. 

Everything glistened in a magical way.

As I started out, the chickens were still sleeping and the sun was desperately trying to peak through.

I captured some pictures with my phone and reflected on life a bit...

Cows and Polka Dot Pajamas

I had planned a Farm Photo Friday for today's post, but I have something better for you...a true story about our cows.  A story that unfolded this morning.

First, let me start with the back story...

The cows were eating and rubbing against the pine trees!  Uugghh...those precious trees that we paid good money for and precious money to have them planted.  Now, keep in mind there are larger, established pine trees that they have access to...those the cows are 'allowed' to mess with.  But, nooooo - they prefer the new, delicate ones.

As a quick fix, Hubby and youngest put up t-posts and a couple strands of barbed wire to keep them away from the trees.

It worked for a while, but in time the cows got back over to the trees.

Of all the pasture...

                and the sweet mix...
            
                                and the hay...

                                             they prefer pine trees...

??????????????????????

                                                                   

So...hubby and daughter split the pasture in half with fence.  The cows were in the section that did not have the line of pine trees.

In time the cows made it over one section and strolled over to the pine trees yet again.

So...hubby put up barbed wire on top of the strung fence.

It has been working...

                     but, the grass was really getting high in the section of the pasture that they weren't on...

We have planned to install electric fence to protect the pine trees, but have not had time to do so yet.

So, me, the brilliant cow farmer that I am (HA!) decided yesterday to open the middle gate and let them eat down some of the pasture that was getting high.

I said to myself  "they won't go near those pine trees, they have all that good grass to eat to stay occupied."

And here is where today's story begins...

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

May all our hearts be filled with thanks and giving as we spend time with our loved ones today, and always.

~ Lori Leigh

Blogger Award

One of the best things about blogging is the people that I have met!

I have 'met' some amazing bloggers and readers of blogs.

I would not have had the opportunity to meet you if it were not for my little blog that I started a little over a year ago.  Reading comments and emails from you truly brighten my day!

I was recently nominated for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award from Susan at the blog Of Every Moment.  Susan writes on a variety of topics while making the most of every moment!  What a statement, huh?  I have learned a lot from her and hope you visit her, if you've not had the pleasure to do so yet.

The goal of this award is to learn a little more about our fellow bloggers.  I enjoyed reading Susan's answers and learning more tid bits about her. The nominator asks ten question to which the nominee responds.  The award is then passed on to other bloggers with ten questions.

Pumpkin Time

Pumpkin time is Fall time.  The cooler weather calls me outside to enjoy the crisp air.

I prefer the weather of Fall over Summer.

It's time for warm sweaters and a cozy scarves.

Baby Chick Cards available and a GIVE AWAY

I am so egg-cited!

The printing of the Baby Chick cards are done and available at my new Etsy store (LLFarmPhotos).

Sold in sets of 4 cards (with envelopes) for $12.00

This is my first time with Etsy.

Click HERE to see my 'store'.

The photos are printed on card stock with a white border, making them ideal to frame also.

Also available are prints and enlargements to use as art.
(I'm working on a way display an 8 x 10 and will share with you soon ;-))

The cards are blank, allowing you to personalize them.

Imagine the smile on the birthday person's face when they see those chicks driving a convertible!

Someone sick or need cheering up?

I hope receiving one of these baby chick cards will help them feel better.

**************************************************

The other thing that I am super egg-cited about is I am doing my very first GIVE AWAY!

Because YOU inspired me to make these photos into cards, I want to give one set away to YOU!
I am giving away one set (4 cards with envelopes) of the two chicks in the convertible (a favorite of many).

To enter, please leave a comment.

Open until 9 p.m. May 13, 2015.

The winner will be announced on May 15.

Have an eggs-ordinary day!

Earth Day is April 22 - Spread the Word!

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to make people aware of the importance of keeping our planet healthy.

Anything that we do to help our planet supports Earth Day (or any day of the year).  A few examples are:

• walk instead of driving, when possible
• clean up litter from a park or along a road
• recycle and use recycled items
• donate things instead of throwing them away

Do some homesteading, no matter where you live.

• plant a tree
• plant some herbs
• plant and grow your own vegetable garden (containers work if you don't have ground space)
• collect rain water to use on gardens and flowers

Part of Earth Day is also educating others about threats and dangers that are still prevalent in our society.

I was recently approached by Emily from Community Outreach for Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance to help spread the word about the ongoing dangers of asbestos.  Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that can cause a cancer called Mesothelioma.

Some things to know about asbestos:

• It can exist in buildings that were built prior to 1980, including homes, schools, and commercial buildings.
• It is commonly found in floor and ceiling tiles, roofs, adhesives, and insulation.
• It is still dangerous after being disposed of in landfills because it is an airborne toxin.

I DID NOT KNOW that asbestos is still being mined and used today!  For more information, read this article  found on mesothelioma.com/blog.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Do something for our earth day today.

Help spread the word about asbestos.

Sharing at Homestead Blog Hop

Meet Ginger

 

All of our animals here at LL Farm are special, but there is one who is my side kick.

Her name is Ginger.

Ginger is the first animal that I got once we finished building our home two years ago.

A farmhouse nearby had a sign in their yard for 'free kittens'.  She was the last one available.  

After the short ride home, I couldn't find Ginger at first.  She was hiding under the back seat of my SUV.  Once inside the house, she hid behind a drawer of an armoire for most of the first evening.  She slowly warmed up to us, her new family.

But, to this day, she is not a cuddly lap cat.  She wants to be near me, but not on me.  

She runs and hides when the doorbell rings.  If she comes out at all, it is slowly and shyly.

Her name.

I decided to name her Ginger because she looks like a bunch of spices mixed together.

She is a tortoise shell cat.

She has beautiful markings of black, orange and white.
The line down her nose is almost perfectly straight!

We also call her Ginger Beer.  That name derives from the movie "Nanny McPhee Returns".  There is a part where the young boy gets so excited because they are going to have a special treat on their picnic...Ginger Beer.  

When I am cooking, Ginger loves to sit on a bar stool at the island and watch.

When we are eating at the table, she is usually perched in the window near us.

She also likes to sit there and watch me through the window as I feed the chickens.
I've wondered lately if I fell on the ice/snow if she would call 911 for me.?.?

She lays on the office sofa while I am working at my desk.

She rests behind my head on the couch or chair.

Ginger likes to help me work on this blog.

One of her favorite spots to relax is this basket.  I try to keep it clear of clutter or decor.
She especially likes relaxing in the basket in front of the fireplace.

Another favorite spot for her is to lay in the sun that is streaming in through the window.

Oh how I love my Ginger Beer!

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Vintage Clock For The Mantel

Handy Hubby has wanted an antique clock for our mantel for some time now.

We love to go antiquing.
We almost always see antique or vintage clocks but they are...

the wrong size

the wrong color
and almost always, the wrong price!
(Meaning, more than we could spend on a clock.)

On our Valentine's date of antiquing, we found this clock at an antique store that is only about 30 minutes from where we live.  Isn't it great when you find treasures close to home? ;-)

It has the curved shape that Hubby admires.
The size is perfect for our mantel.
It chimes once on the half hour, and it chimes once for every hour on the hour.
(Something we all are still getting used to.)

The name on the face of the clock says Linden.
We did a little research, but haven't found much.
If you know anything about this clock, we would greatly appreciate hearing about it.

The color is a dark tone, a nice compliment to the mirror hanging above the mantel.
And a nice contrast to the white pieces gave to me from my Mom.
Best of all...it was priced right!

We have a new found treasure and proudly have it displayed on the mantel.
Welcome home clock!

Sharing at:

Metamorphosis Monday
The Scoop
Inspire Me Tuesday
Tweak It Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays
Wake Up Wednesday
Home and Garden Thursday
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Thursday Favorite Things
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Foodie Friday and Everything Else
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Share Your Style

Antiquing Date Scores a Great Find - A Gentelmen's Cabinet

I had the perfect Valentine's date.  I went antiquing with my husband!

Shane and I both love to go to antique stores and auctions.
Many times we are looking for something with a purpose and we enjoy the hunt.
I also enjoy the bargaining process.

We went shopping that day with the measurements wrote down that would fit the space we were shopping for.
Handy Hubby had his tape measure and we both had the vision in our heads.
We also had a price point that we would not go over.

We were searching for something to re-purpose into a coffee station.

This is what we got.  It was labeled a Gentlemen's Cabinet.

It is very well made, featuring solid wood with dove tail joints.
The top has a scalloped back board.
It has two small drawers located at the top.

A set of doors that open up to disclose three shelves that slide out.
Two more drawers on the bottom.

It has a dark stain and shows some wear and tear.
It definitely needs a good cleaning.
The hardware seems to be in good shape.

It only needs a bit of carpentry work so the doors will close properly.

The cabinet is actually 2 inches taller than we need for the space (because of a light switch).
Handy Hubby will cut off the wheels, making it the right height and making it more stable.

I will be cleaning it up, doing a light sanding and painting.
I'm super excited about the storage possibilities!