Our Monday

Warning; a few of the photos at the end are considered graphic.

Husband pieced together a smoke stack. It won't last all season, but will give us time to get something else.

Medium took this picture as we drove into town for Doctor appointments, and then off to school.

Photos not in order of happenings. 

After dropping the boys off at school, I returned home to find Husband lounging outside. All three sheep hanging from the trees. We can't afford meat this week (long story and hope to share with you all soon, it isn't bad even though it sounds like it right now. Sacrifices must be made! Giggle)

Now the story turns into "My Monday"

Husband went a little psycho on the throat, but the head will come off anyhow. The picture is deceptive. The creek is further away than what it looks like. All three gutted and skinned as darkness fell. 

Unfortunately the ram; getting his revenge, perforated bowel, fun times. Though I made really good friends with our new hay guy's dogs.

The boys got home and Small asked if he could help skin.

He is pretty good at it, though there was a small knick in the hide, and he got upset. I told him not to worry about it. He is so fascinated about animal anatomy. I think Small will be a wonderful vet. He is deeply caring for all the animals, he tends to wounds, helps us with any bigger wounds. He is careful, fascinated, and sympathetic. Hopefully I can get him some books on barnyard animal anatomy, and simple vetting books. 

As the night wore on, I had to finish butcher by truck lamp. Between all the posts I put in the day before, and butchering out all three sheep, my hands hurt. My fingers so swollen that I could barely remove my rings (just telling you this so you will feel sorry for me. Am I too old to do the teenager eye roll?)

 

Looking Back 2009 (picture heavy)

This is the year I first met local homestead bloggers, started butchering larger animals, and Murrial came to live with us. It is also the year I discovered that you must get everything in writing. Even with family. And I attempt to get crafty.

Very Flattered

On the right side of this blog, there is a column that says "link love". It's there to share links that come into this blog easier. Most I know about, Bacon and Eggs, American Preppers, Hermit Jim, Mother Earth News. . . But once in a while a new one will come in. Those are fun, because you can see what nasty, I mean, what people are saying and why they are linking to you. It shows me what you are interested in. Most of you seem to like butchering. Hmmmm. . .

A new one came through the other day, so I thought I would click over and see what is was about. To my surprise, it wasn't Pinterest, it was a band's website. And an even bigger surprised was this blog was listed under their inspirations. I am unbelievably flattered. To be honest the only thing I ever thought capable of inspiring was that clumsy people could homestead without actually dying or losing a finger. Truthfully I just talk.

Yet this was pretty cool. I looked around their site, read up on them and listened to some of their music. I always love finding new music. But this one found me.


They are called Faun Fables, and seem to be Travelers Folk music. I hope they don't mind me snagging their about page photo. I am digging their music, and since they gave me a shout out, I thought I would return the favor. Enjoy.

Passing along our skills: knife throwing

I have always been a firm believer that knife skills are important to know. Heck I have written 4 different articles on other websites about it. Not necessarily having the Vaudeville knife throwing talents, but basic knife skills for cutting, butchering, cooking, and self defense. You might be surprised at the number of people that use knives so incorrectly that they risk injury to themselves and others.

I have been vigilant on teaching all three of my boys proper knife handling, at this point they all have their own pocket knives, size depending on age, skill level and what they are legally allowed to carry on their person. They do not take them to school, and follow our rules (or so it seems), as they know there are consequences if they don't.

Yesterday I felt it was time to teach them to throw knives. It isn't that hard, yet I remembered why I don't practice as often as I use to. After having both shoulders dislocated several times, throwing hurts. But I sucked it up so that I could teach my boys a skill that I possess.

To properly handle a throwing knife; with your dominate hand palm up, curl your pinkie and ring fingers. Now your index and middle finger should be pointed out. Lay the blade of the knife on those two fingers, almost to the tip. Then firmly grasp it with your thumb. You can grab it by the handle in the same manner if this makes you more comfortable.

When it comes to throwing, remember that it is not a ball. Point your arm straight in front of you, and curl it by the elbow so the knife is next to your head. Keep your elbow in, not letting it wonder out and away from you like you would a ball. Without flicking your wrist (this can be difficult but comes with proper practice) throw the knife at your target. More than likely it will bounce your first few times. Knives are weighted differently, your target has different thickness, and you need to find that happy medium of throw strength to stick it.

Once you get the knives to stick, then you can work on targeting.

Small just came to me to complain that the muscle in his forearm was sore. I explained that the knife throwing yesterday caused it. He is using muscles that he normally doesn't. They enjoyed themselves yesterday,However Small says he will stick to the bow, and Large would like to try the bullwhip. Yes, we are circus freaks in disguise.

Now Medium is a natural. He stuck both his blades on his first try. After that, he stuck 80% of his throws in his first day. He of course loves it. Pardon the mess in the video, we were throwing near a clean out area.

PETA kills (healthy) kittens

I know many of you, myself included, have been verbally (? Typingly?) attacked on our blogs by self professed PETA members because of our livestock butchering. A writer at the Huffington post has a few things to let us in on. In the past I have informed you of the way they allowed cattle to starve to death during a blizzard in Colorado a few years ago, citing that it would be better for the cattle to die in the valley then end up on a dinner plate.

If you click over to the article, there are graphic pictures of dead pets.

PETA's secret slaughter of kittens, puppies

By Nathan Wingrad


People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an organization that publicly claims to represent the best interest of animals -- indeed their "ethical treatment." Yet approximately 2,000 animals pass through PETA's front door every year and very few make it out alive. The vast majority -- 96 percent in 2011 -- exit the facility out the back door after they have been killed, when Pet Cremation Services of Tidewater stops by on their regular visits to pick up their remains. Between these visits, the bodies are stored in the giant walk-in freezer PETA installed for this very purpose. It is a freezer that cost $9,370 and, like the company which incinerates the bodies of PETA's victims, was paid for with the donations of animal lovers who could never have imagined that the money they donated to help animals would be used to end their lives instead. In fact, in the last 11 years, PETA has killed 29,426 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other domestic animals.

Continue to read the article here >>>

And now I know that we treat our animals, pets and livestock, much better than those that proclaim themselves to be representatives of Animal Rights. (Always knew)

Before the links start coming, yes I have read PETA's reasonings. However this isn't about sick animals, this is about deceit, and neglect on their part. This is about killing healthy, adoptable animals. I have known for years that they euthanize, however I didn't realize how hypocritical they truly were. I am glad for people out there that expose the horrors of how factory farms, puppy mills, and now PETA, run.

$*It Happens, now find the joy

Life wasn't foggy for me yesterday. Gave me a chance to think. I even woke clear headed this morning. To clarify my last post, I have not been formally diagnosed with anything, and my symptoms come and go, not a daily occurrence. I exhausted my insurance before I even left the hospital, yet I have a friendly doc that doesn't charge me for a phone chat. I do for the most part fit the PTSD diagnosis, with a few exceptions. But this isn't what I wanted to write about today.

I wanted to remind myself of the joys. There are many times in our lives that we have the doldrums, usually midwinter and right before true spring sets in. And then there are times we have to deal with death, and/ or illnesses, sometimes injuries, and not just with the human population on a homestead. Remember two years ago when I felt everything I touched would die? I had to remind myself of the joys of homesteading.

Not being a romantic writer, it is easy to be sucked into the horrors of this lifestyle. And I am not the only one. I see you, I wish I could hug you, and remind you of your joys. But I am not you, and your real happiness is hidden from me. It's difficult sometimes to find that joy, it gets buried in the mundane, the blood, the tears. But it is there just under the surface of everything we do.

One thing I adore about homesteaders is we are able to find the thrill in the mundane. Throwing bales or butchering an animal, doesn't only bring up the physical toll we take on our bodies, but reminds us why we are doing it. And if you are unable to find simple pleasures in your life, then maybe homesteading isn't for you. If you get sucked into the horrors and failures, you may never find that self reliant happiness you need to survive.

So I am going to show you my joys. Unfortunately I can not put them in an order that I like, nor post under them, as I am still posting via mobile. But I will tell you about the first photo. The split on the left with Grizzly and Morticia Adams is of Husband and I in 1997. (Red cheeked guy is Large) on the right is us last summer. I simply adore this photo, does it not only show that we are and will forever be dorky and not care, but it shows us. Usually I wouldn't post something like this until our anniversary.

Just remember your joys and things tend to get better.

oh and Sundance, and anyone else interested. We picked up vintage Big Dog tanks and have a 1979 shovel frame coming from a client. Looks like we can still use the gut of the bike, engine and tranny, but need new casings. We should be back up and riding late this summer~joy~

I also have some wonderful friends up in the Kansas City area, whose music and their love of it brings me great joy. If you get a chance (folk not death metal) click to watch Olassa.

Butchering with Wounded Knee

No worries, no butchering pics this round.

Being down for four months can really set you back. A quick update, I can bend my knee 95 degrees now. The things I did before, not including standing and walking, feel like I am physically doing them for the first time.

The bull calf wasn't that big. Yet it was Husband that had to swing the half over his shoulder. I have yet to even attempt a bag of feed. And it does make me feel bad, almost worthless at times. I am getting stronger, and doing more things as I feel comfortable with. Skinning the calf was troublesome as my squatting powers are a bit fatigued as of now. Today we broke down what usable beef there was. The temperatures got too warm to allow it to hang any longer.

The meat on his ribs were too bruised to be used. We did manage to salvage 14 lbs of hamburger. I woke this morning sore. It didn't take hours to deal with the meat, yet it feels like it had. I am a big whiner, aren't I? Don't answer that.

It is amazing though, well interesting, the changes you experience. Before, I was physically able to preform feats that are normally portrayed on tv by teen boys. Now. . . I had a impromptu race with an elderly woman, her and her walker beat me hands down! I will challenge her to a rematch soon.

As Weldrbrat said in comments, things will change for me. I am accepting that, but it doesn't stop from me pushing myself. I am stubbornly hardheaded. But back to baby bull.

We were unable to hang the meat for the full five days. Unfortunately that means that the meat was still a bit wet. It isn't too big of a problem, an annoyance and a bit messy, sloshy. Very slippery when trying to hold onto a strip of meat and cutting it from the bone. A few minutes in the freezer helps greatly when pushing it through the grinder. Plus with an electric grinder, it reduces the chances of "cooking" the meat. As the machines tend to warm up when in use. The meat will change to an awful grey color when heated up through an electric grinder. And will give it a microwaved cooked texture. I personally suggest avoiding that at all cost.

I weighed the meat out to two lbs bags, sucked the air out and sealed. Into the freezer with you! I have the liver, ground pork and pork fat thawed out and waiting for me today. Oh the things we can create. Wry grin.

It takes all kinds

I know I shouldn't feel this way. I mean being surprised by this seems a bit silly, yet I still am flabbergasted by the sheer amount of misinformation that people spread as gospel.

Ok, yes, once upon a time, in a new frontier, these things came in handy to know. Rules to live by to help you stay safe and sane. But things changed. New pioneers challenged the status quo and proved that these rules were not always the full truth.

Remember when tomatoes were a poison? Of course not, you had people that proved that little ditty wrong. The leaves can make you sick, and the plant itself is a night shade. But the fruit is edible. So not the full truth.

Eggs, a floating egg doesn't mean it is rotten, it means that it is older, that the membrane has shrunk slightly allowing for more air, hence it's ability to float. Someone, somewhere decided to crack the "bad" egg open and decide for themselves. They found that it wasn't the full truth when it came to eggs. Yet people still practice this. All one needs to do is crack the egg open in a small dish. It will tell you instantly that the egg is edible or not. What is that old adage, waste not want not?

Corn has no nutritional value. . .
Grass has no benefits, better to replace it with edibles. . .
Brown or green eggs have more cholesterol. . .
Nitrates are unnatural. . .
Sugar causes hyperactivity. . .

Oh the list can go on. And daily the media tells us another half truth to scare the bejeebers out of us. Popcorn, apples, steak, fish. . .etc. . . Evil death!!!! Then social media and people we trust to be experts twist and spin, fit the half truth into their utopia (I don't care for onions so watch my Facebook page for misquotes and mislabeled scientific studies so I can get more people to shun the raw onion. It can only be cooked in this certain manner to be safe)

It all can get so confusing. Too many voices. It's hard to trust the info out there. Once upon a time I would receive hate mail, grossly out of context comments, and critical reviews of posts I would write. One thing was, I have certain rules to follow to keep my readers safe and keep legal liabilities at bay. So I would be attacked on saying things like, I do not recommend. . . And here is the case study. . . Warning potentially fatal. . . And I had so many people threatening to turn me in to PETA for my posts on butchering that I actually waited for them. I got into an argument with someone about beans being a fruit or vegetable. My view was a stance on cooking. But that is beside the point.

I guess my point being, take everything with a grain of salt (while salt is still legal). If something doesn't sound copacetic, do a bit of research on your own. You may find half truths.

Guess I am just getting cynical and frustrated with my old age.

Today I am the most popular non porn gal on the Internet!

Unless your porn is food, then I am a porn star!


So, why am I so popular today, tomorrow and Thursday morning? Because I am the butcher queen!

And why are you guys butchering your turkeys the morning of? Do it the day before, so that you can give it time to rest.

My turkey cooking recipe is as follows.

Soak your raw turkey in apple juice or cider, 24-48 hours in advance. Be sure to keep the turkey chilled with ice.

For a 40 lbs bird. Merely cut time In half for those of you with the more traditional 20 lbs bird.

Cook the bird breast down at 400 degrees for one hour. Reduce heat to 250 f for 4 hours. Remove the bird from the oven, flip it over and stuff. ( Here is my favorite stuffing)


Continue to bake at the slow temp for an addition 4 hours, the increase oven temp to 400F for 1hour.

I know, that is a long time! But well worth it. The turkey comes out incredibly moist, perfect coloring and tasty.

To my Vegan Friends, you can find some ideas from this article I wrote a few years ago.



Here are some more tradition recipes >>>





Husband forces me to make marshmallow topped "yams". I know it is super popular, but I love sweet potatoes. There is so much you can do with them. I have collected several of my favorite sweet potato casserole recipes here.


Devolved eggs are also a mainstay at most family gatherings. If you are a nonconformist, I have some great egg ideas here, it is also my most popular food article.

Lalapalooza of one legged butchers

We had some guests over this week, all hankering to kill something and learn to dress it out. Luckily for me, I had a young Ram that needed to be placed in my freezer. Most of the men over were hunters, however one of them needed a bit more fish in a barrel type hunt. And we were happy to accommodate.

Earlier this year, a new to us friend, had been diagnosed with a rare cancer in the bone of his right leg. He was given options, but the Doctors were unsure how the treatments would work, his best bet was amputation. And he said make it so. He seems to be a decent fellow, ornery but who among us isn't?

As I attempted to navigate a way out of my home, the men were attempting to round up the sheep. I have learned something from watching this, just because you're a hunter doesn't mean you know squat about domestic butchering. Oh and crutches can be dangerous once emerged in cow patties. Just an FYI if you ever find yourself in a one legged sheep chasing experience.

Husband, as he walks faster than me, went out into the field to help these five men locate the pre-approved ram. Husband doesn't hunt. He never has gone on a hunting trip, he knows domestic fish in a barrel hunting. He is a natural at it.

He walks out into the field, the other men have the sheep scattered, a melee of comedy. With folgers can in hand, husband had the sheep lined up and following him to a corral. As the sheep cautiously followed Husband, they would leap four feet off the ground as they walked past the men. They had never attempted to shoot something that can jump six feet straight up in the air, let alone something that slowly walks toward them and leaps in the manner. They were impressed.

Once in the barn, Husband and another man allowed all but the ram to spook and escape. The ram leapt into the air and head butted the other man straight in the chest. As they both started to fall over the man had the presence of mind to slip the rope over the ram's horns. Husband ran around to the other side and held the sheep.

Here is where I renew my impression that my Husband is insane. Oh, but I still love him. He grabs the ram by the horns and waits. Let the lalapalooza begin!

Our one legged friend takes a shot with our old school single shot pump action .22 rifle perfectly between the eyes. I had to move, so didn't see the kill, as my paranoia out weighs my Husband's and I had no want to be standing in the line of ricochet fire.

Then the two of us raced on our crutches to the hanging tree. He won, only because he has been on crutches longer than I.

Field dressing an animal is different than commercial dressing. My understanding was that they were there to learn the commercial way. My old farm hand was one of the men. He was determined to field dress. After I caused a bit of blushing, we came to an understanding.

Sheep dressing is the same as goat dressing. If you want the nitty gritty of dressing them out, my post How to butcher your meat goat .

As a woman surrounded by eager to learn, drinking, ornery men, one must be prepared for the uncouth comments about the anus cutting out part of the program. It's a world of twelve year old boys out there people.

Things went smoothly, until Husband brought out my knife to use instead of the duller one they were using. As soon as I heard the tell tale , pooft, I told him quickly to stop being nice about it, and cut it open very quickly. Oh the guts exploding onto the ground seemed a bit much for the guys. Nervous laughter erupted. I could only shake my head, hunters.

It was relatively uneventful. There are a couple of photos on phones out there with two gimpy individuals skinning a sheep. It will probably end up a decently funny meme on tumblr.

Once halved, and put away to rest for a couple of days, we went inside to discuss war wounds. We are still not sure whose is better.

Enthusiasm can be terrifying

Yes, I will readily admit that I like talking about my girls, and my bulls. I might get a bit excited about it. Top that with my word loss problem and I am a hyper rambling mess. People tend to run to the hills, and we live on the open plains, so you know how frightening I can get.

Let us do a run down of questions you should ask when looking for that dream cow.





1. Age
2. Kick the tires a bit, and ask for a test drive.
3. ask after the parents. If on property have them show you. This will give you an idea of not only their general health, but what you can expect in size and attitude.



4. Vaccines, antibiotics, worming regiments. deworming regiments can vary. Some are natural as in multiple types of stomachs gnashing in the same field, beetle managment, natural igestions as in diaclimaious earth, or a pesticide. Even if you don't like the unnatural, after eight weeks it will be completely through their systems.

5. Demeanor. This is super important ant if you plan on handling the cow on a daily basis.



6. Pure breed? Ask for paper work of linage. Even though my ladies are no longer registered with the association, I do have a list of who begot whom. All pure breeds, even if unregistered should have a number with an association at some point, even if it is a great grandmother. This is only important if you care for it to be. Blood and DNA testing is done with some herds, inquire about those as well. And ask why the breeder choose that breed themselves. You can find a lot out with that question, and it will pretty much cover all the other questions.

7. Training, what type of training has the cow had. How was it handled. If none, but the owner does milk, and you never had, ask if they would be willing to teach you to train. Some will charge you extra to get them milk ready.



8. Birthing. Has this cow had birthing issues in the past. Has the mother had birthing issues in the past? Some breeds are prone to birthing difficulties. That's the price you pay for breeding for weight. Most heritage breeds need no assistance when it comes to breeding.



9. Weather hardiness. If you have yet to do your own research, be sure to ask the breeder. Even if you have, go ahead and ask. Breeders love talking about their cows.



10. Butchering. Feed out ratios will differ greatly in the various breeds. Smaller breeds have smaller bones, the feed ratio to meat output is very good. You can see 60% to 80% live weights at butcher. Larger cows will yield smaller percentages 40% to 50% on more feed. But it comes down to what breed is your perfect breed.



Be sure to ask at what age is too old to butcher. Breeds will vary in this as well. Some get tough, and are only good for hamburger and jerky. While others stay more tender.

11. Health issues within the herd. Mama has a descended udder. Please ask me about it. It is not heritatary, and was an issue that came to be before I bought her. She has no problems rearing her own young and has three good teats. Ask what you should look for if you are not use to cattle. Pink eye and anthrax is sneaky in dry conditions (anthrax once the rains come after the droughts) mastitis, and lumps in the udders.

12. Feed. Ask after what their primary diet is. What the cows seem to prefer. Mine love fescue.

13. Offer straight up cash with no paper trail and see if you can get a price break.

Be sure to ask follow up questions. Ask them for clarifications if you need it. Most sellers are patient with neophytes and will take the time to tell you everything you want to know.


There are more questions of course, and many of those are breed specific, so be sure to do your research about what you should expect from your dream breed.