My Newest Middle Name - Sidetracked

Sooooo, this morning I thought I would check out some of my new followers and their blogs. I clicked on my most recent new follower, "Nancy", and was disappointed to see there was no link back to a blog. But my oh my, does she have a long list of country/farm-type blogs that she follows. My guess would be that she either lives in the country or wants to -- badly. I clicked on the first blog she follows, as the name piqued my interest. Back to Basic Living - hey, that's what I've been trying to do for years now!

And so for about an hour I travelled all over this self-sustaining couple's website and blog, devouring how they got started down this road and how it's working out for them 2 years later. What an interesting read!! And it got my wheels to turning - we live on 26 acres and there's no reason why we can't be more self-sustaining than we are. Sure, time is always an issue since we both work (except I'm in-between jobs right now!) We wanted to put in a garden this past spring, but fence work took priority, and there was a TON of fence repairs needed on this property. So, NEXT year, FERSHUR, we are putting in a garden. That, I believe, is the first step to self-sustenance.

I was reminded by her dog food and dog treat post -- I used to home-make my own dog food years ago. Why am I spending all these dollars on organic dog foods for my girls, when I can make my own?? And so this gal has propelled me to get back to my homemade dog food basics. It really is so easy -- I would make a huge batch on Sunday afternoons, keep some fresh in the fridge and freeze additional batches in Glad food containers. I've always made my own dog treats, but I'm going to try to do it with more regularity now.

Someday down the road, I'd really like to have a few chickens. We have the coop already here, although it does need some repairs to one side where hubby burned it (you remember his spring pasture burn?! you can read about it and see pics here)

Bit by bit, piece by piece, I think we'll get there and be better at self-sustaining ourselves. One step at a time, right?!

Ohhh, and I'll get back to checking out my newest followers.... soon. After I stop allowing myself to be sidetracked so easily!

18 comments:

  1. How was your Ohio trip. Gonna miss S.M.B.

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  2. Welcome to the good life Miss Sidetracked. I bounce around from project to project like a ping-pong ball on steroids. This farm chick is happiest when all the balls are in the air.

    Have fun gettin' yourself farmifyied and have a super weekend!!!

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  3. Miss Sidetracked is my middle name! I try to do everything and get some of a little done and I have no outside job. I did manage to get a little canning done,a little painting, cleaning out one of the garages. Some gardening. So many sidetracking things.
    I believe you will get your garden next year because you are already planing it in your mind,
    chickens are great ask my sister,she loves her girls!

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  4. I'm the same way with getting sidetracked on the blog reading ... even if I try to give myself a time limit or a blog limit, it never quite works out that way, especially when you backtrack on someones blog to the beginning! I had just said in my last blog that I can't figure out why I can sit here at the computer and read for an hour (or two. or three...), but sit me down with a book and I'm asleep in five minutes!

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  5. I have the same dream! I will definitely check out that blog too. Have you ever read this one ...
    http://www.pathtofreedom.com/
    It's a great one for people who have the dream but not the land - and you have both!
    I hope all is well in your world - I'm so far behind! *hugs*

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  6. Wow. Thank you for the kind words on my website and blog - and leaving comments. I'm not sure I deserve such praise, but I do sincerely thank you! And now I'm off to check out Oz Land on your blog ;-)

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  7. Congrats on the 97 followers--great work!

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  8. Hey Miss Sidetracked..How was OHIO?? I know you posted the recipe for your dog treats..how about your recipe for dog food..is it just rice and hamburger..or rice and chicken.. Chance does the best on Lamb and Rice..so I buy two different kinds and mix them.
    You could definetely have some chickens..and a Garden next summer for sure. I worked more on freezing food this year and got us all set with raspberries, squash and sweet corn..it is a start..and we will appreciate it next winter:)

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  9. Thanks for the tip - will check it out.

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  10. nothing like growing and eating your own produce!

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  11. Hats off to you, my dear. I know how and am able to do nothing of the sort!

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  12. Sounds like a fun way to get sidetracked!

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  13. It's always good to be self-sufficient. Makes you feel good inside! :)

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  14. Getting sidetracked is very easy in this blog world. Also, I get frustrated when I can't get a link to a new follower. Makes me think they will not know how much I appreciate them.

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  15. First of all, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. How would I have found a girl who is [living what I hope to be my dream someday] if you didn't.

    My followers list has disappeared again..... it likes to do that, but I understand how interesting it is to see who reads you.

    Thanks for dropping by, and I look forward to visiting you again.

    Jen

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  16. We're going more and more self sustaining and hope to raise our own beef soon. I do make my dog food but if you do it correctly, it's really not cheaper than the good organic food. Mountain Man has calculated it time and time again and the numbers don't say we are saving anything but still it's good to know our dogs are eating homemade.
    By the way, the calendar on your sidebar, is it one of yours you are selling? I have to have it if it is.

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  17. we have the same midddle name...LOL

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  18. Definately get chickens! Sweet Pea, they are the neatest pets to have! Pets with benefits! Sooner the better, it takes 6 months for them to start laying unless you get pullets, I got mine at 3 months old in March and by July they were giving me presents!!!! Too much to do, huh?
    I am canning tomorrow, jalapeno jelly and then more peaches after they ripen! Wow life is good!

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