Winter is a good time for small projects and personal growth. My favorite winter things are genealogy and writing – which I have still been doing. But, this year I decided to work on bread. One of the things I most looked forward to when we moved to the farm was trying to learn to make a good loaf of bread. It might be the only farmy thing that actually draws me completely in. So, I have been working.
I have figured out how to grind the wheat berries and make a loaf of bread. I can make a loaf completely out of fresh ground wheat, but I find that it is a little better textured if I mix it half and half with bread flour. From what I understand, flour loses its protein content quickly after it is milled. So, to have higher protein bread, it is beneficial to grind your own wheat. Whatever gets me a larger slice of bread with less guilt.
Trying to improve my over all kitchen game – we all know the kitchen is not my favorite place!
Making candy with the church ladies for the first time ever 
cutting candy, what fun!
We FINALLY got a few day stretch without rain, so we had a little work day. I do love it when the family shows up! We just gathered and burned piles of brush the Farmer Man has been cutting down over the last several months. I don’t think anyone else can see the difference really, but when we come down the hill on our way home, we see a considerable difference. It’s hard to capture as a before and after, but I will try to add photos later.
ever helpful goats 
the grandkids testing their outdoor skills
We have taken another step toward becoming real farmers. We sold two goats for people to eat. As much as we care for our goats, and we treat them so very well, they are farm animals. I made it a point to ask details about the process to be sure there was no suffering involved. We decided to send a couple of the bigger boys who were knocking the littles out of the food bowls. I have been told that goat is healthier than chicken, beef, or pork, and that properly prepared it tastes like really good venison. At some point soon, I plan to taste some. I’ll let you know. This isn’t the main purpose in our goat farming, but it is a part of farming.
A few things going on in the background right now:
1.We have begun the process of ordering a high-tunnel. (like a greenhouse, but no heater) It will be interesting to see how much it impacts our food growing and preserving. I’ll have photos when that process starts.
2. We are awaiting an estimate from a contractor to get the house a bit prettier, fix a leaking roof, and replace the windows – maybe that will help reduce the obnoxious number of lady bugs and stink bugs that are making their way inside!
3. After 33 years of marriage, Farmer Man and I are taking a class and working on our budget together! We are obnoxious and talk about it often, but our kids are impressed that there has been no bloodshed in the monthly budget meetings so far!
Til Next time . . .
brandnewfarmers 