Polyface Farm Tour Part 1 - Broilers & Chicken Tractors

Spent Saturday, July 19th at a Field Day at Polyface Farm in Swoope, VA.  this series will talk about some of the different parts of the farm i learned about, and how they all work together.

Part 1 - Broilers live in Chicken Tractors

75 cornish cross broilers are kept in each tractor. there is a handle on each side - on the back side, they pull it up just a bit and slip a dolly-like thing under it that has wheels.  they go around to the front side and DAILY move it forward the length of the tractor to a fresh plot of grass.  half of the tractor is covered with corrugated siding - the rest is just wire.  this helps both keep them cool in the summer and keep them warm in the winter.    there is a food tray under the covered side (to keep it dry, their feed is locally milled and GMO free).  there is a wire that runs like a "+" through the middle to keep the sides from bowing out.  it is otherwise made from wood and the size is 10' x 12' x 2'.

that red tray is a waterer - gravity fed from a bucket via tubing sitting on top of the tractor.

the back of the tractor has a spot for wire (can be covered with siding) for ventilation/cooling in the summer.

 moving the daily helps with sanitation.  it also is only 1 day-s worth of nitrogen/manure on each square of grass.

one would have to be committed to a regular moving schedule.  if you weren't as concerned with using no-gas, then it'd be cool to have an attachment on the front of the tractor that could make hook-up and moving quick and easy with a 4-wheeler.

polyface's fields are pretty even (not a lot of holes) and the ground is sloping.  so, i think you'd need relatively even terraine with slope for drainage. 

the salatins have dogs for pray control - hawks wouldn't be a real issue because the tractors are covered.  however, i'm not sure if they'd keep out a determined raccoon.  if one had to add a portable electric fence to the daily chore of moving, then that'd make it even more work.  

still, though, it's a cool idea.  and, it works at polyface.

Been a while and Vollmer Farms Blackberries

can't believe it's been so long since I blogged.  been both a lot and nothing going on all at the same time.

so let me start with something I've been doing over the past few weeks.  making jam.  blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, mixed berry.  first, though, I had to pick the berries.  blackberries are by far the easiest (when they come from a local organic farm).  tried picking wild ones but i'm going to say a big no to that one - I don't like briars!)

here are some of my shots. 

 

 

 

Obsessing, Thinking, Wishing...

Obsessing over…Planning. Dates.  What if.  When? How? Why can't we find a church that keeps us coming back for more? Retiring. Homeschool preparations. Joining a pool for the summer.
Working on…
Staying focused (clearly not succeeding right now). Reading the Bible.
Thinking about…
Why my clothes don't fit anymore.  They are shrinking.  (perspective, right?) How to help people who need it.  How to give more than I have.
Anticipating…
Surprising my mom with a trip to somewhere special from her childhood.  Hope the rain goes away for it!
Listening to…
You're already there by Casting Crowns
Eating/Drinking…
Just finished a coke and a sesame bar - and a relpax.  front coming through today = migraine.
Wishing…
money grew on trees.  less war and more peace.  people understood how important sustainable farming is!

Photo Book

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Stationery card

Joyful Moments Religious Christmas Card

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roasted caulifower with bacon, mushrooms, and white cheddar cheese

this is TO DIE FOR! and pretty easy, too,

got the recipe from http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/10/roasted-cauliflower-and-aged-white.html and made my own changes.  if you don't follow closet cooking, you should.  emails go directly to your inbox about once a week or so - and his recipes are always delicious (and usually easy and with regular ingredients, too!)

start by cutting up 1 large head cauliflower - cut into florets - toss with 1 - 2 T of oil and roast at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes (they start turning brown - and stinking a little.  cauliflower is in the cabbage family so it has that smell.)

 

bechemel sauce: in a medium saucepan, add 3T butter and let it start to brown.  then add 3T of some kind of flour (i used rice flour).  mix with a fork or an egg beater and when that starts to brown, slowly add 1-1/2 cups of milk (i used 1 cup 1% milk and 1/2 cup half-and-half) using the egg beater to wisk away any lumps.  the first 1/2 cup will thicken what you already have in the pan, the last cup will become liquidey but will soon thicken.  add 1/4 tsp nutmeg, salt and pepper (i didn't measure), a dash of thyme, and a dash of onion powder - and then 4 oz of aged white cheddar cheese.  i did not shred mine, i just cut it into small squares.   i actually bought an 8 oz block and the conversion is 1 cup shredded = 4 oz on the block.  i did shred the last 4 oz and use it later... mix the sauce well and turn off the heat once the cheese is melted. it'll be pretty thick.

 

heat a skillet and add 1 T of oil and 8 oz chopped mushrooms (i buy mine pre-sliced, i just chopped them up a little more).   i added one of those 2 oz containers of real bacon bits (to skip the step of cooking bacon) to the skillet once the mushrooms wilted.  when it gets hot and all is sauted, then i added that to the bechemel sauce. 

 

when the cauliflower gets roasted, add that to the bechemel sauce too and stir gently to coat.  pour it in a baking dish (i used a medium sized one). i topped it with the remaining 4oz (shredded) aged white cheddar. 

 

bake in the oven for about 30 minutes on 350 degrees.  my cheese did not brown but it was all really bubbly.  it was DELICIOUS! 

 

Family Photos, Photographer included.

When it comes to family photos - whole family photos - it is hard to do it when you're the one holding the camera.  Honestly, I am rarely in photos.  Not only do I hate my photo being taken (it is so awkward - yes, I feel like you do), I also rarely like the outcome (too fat?  too white?  too me.).  I'm not a big fan of editing-to-the-point-you-change-the-appearance so making myself skinny on photoshop is out of the question.  However, my kids need to remember me right now as much as I need to remember them.  I wanted a photographer that could capture how much we love and care for each other, as well as make me look like a model. 

Like most folks seeking a service, I got online and started browsing through some local photographer's webpages.  I had two requirements - that it not be too expensive and that I recieve digital files so I can print myself.  Most folks want that these days anyway, right?  As a photographer, I really want people to print because in 30 years, you won't be able to see your images on a DVD (our kids may not even remember what they are).  I will print my photos for sure.  Even plan to make Christmas Cards with them!

This all reminded me of how important your website is - because that is how someone gets to know you and first impressions count!  From this, I plan to make some changes to my own (this) webpage. 

I also have a goal of using our in-closet clothes to make coordinating (not matching) outfits for our shoot.  OK, so maybe  can buy one or two things, but I want the majority of it to be in-house.  That is one thing I try to tell customers is to pull from what you have first.  Pick one or two things and then go from there.  We'll see what I come up with!

Last, I love photojournalistic style of photography.  I used to love posed shots.  However, when Holly was almost 1 and we were as broke as broke can get, my friend, Gretchen, graciously took of our family-of-four portraits for free.  I was hooked on the way she captured natural poses... interactions rather than poses.  I still treasure those photos.

I chose Sara Davis Photography to do our 2012 family photos.  She is out of Durham and I loved all the images she had on her website.  She was recommended by one of my biggest local inspirations, Ginny  Corbett Photography (who only does weddings).  I simply cannot wait. 

And, so my diet begins today. 30 day shred, here I come!

i'm his biggest fan

hello.  thanks for calling.  please listen carefully as the menu options have changed.  the old menu was 1 for snappy, 2 for bossy, and 3 for what-do-you-mean-you-can't-read-my-mind... the new menu is 1 for forgiving, 2 for supportive, and 3 for i'm-so-proud-of-you-i-could-just-explode.  press 0 at anytime for the bottom line.

1. though my husband has always been a good man as long as i have know him (and he was good before that too, i just can't site specific instances), he has not always been active in church.  i haven't either.  but... this summer when my sister visited, we started going to church at her old church (we went our first time as a family-of-four with her).  i can't even begin to explain how life-changing something so simple has been.  i suppose that people that are inherently good may not realize why they are that way.  and, by going to church, my husband has seen the light inside of him - and it has only grown brighter.  where he was kind before, now he is even kinder because he knows that his God wants him to be that way.  where he was gentle before, he is now even gentlier because he knows that God wants him to be that way.  this has also helped him (and us) handle one small situation that has burdened us for years.  that'd be an issue of forgiveness.  i know things don't just happen instantly (for the most part), but over the last month i think the meaning of forgiveness - and the fact that we must forgive because God wants us to - has really sunk in.  praying about burdens such as this has really become a release.  (reminds me of that book about baggage - melissa, what is it called?  i still have it but it is at home so i can't think of the name right now.)  so anyway, it is so refreshing to have God at the forefront of our lives in our lives 7 days a week now.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

2. i had an opportunity a few weeks ago that would have meant big changes in our life.  rather than doing what i usually do - which is whatever i want to do, even if it involves our family - i solicited my husband for guidance and leadership on the matter.   “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15).   this is probably my first time making an effort to not "lead myself" but to let nathaniel do what God intended of a husband, which is be the head of household.  he is a kind and gentle leader, just like God says for him to be - he does not rule me (for anyone with their mouths on the floor right about now).  so, after he thought about it - his response was the opposite of what i wanted to do.  but, i let him make the decision because it was truly a family decision and, honestly, he was right.  i prayed for myself to "get over it" so to speak.  as hard as it was (ok, so i did feel a little bit ruled when i didn't get my way), i swallowed that pill and just let it go.   in the end, everything turned out better than i could have ever imagined regarding that opportunity.   Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Phil. 2:3-4).

3.  nathaniel has been reading the kids bible stories + a devotion every night.  interestingly, the devotion he read always seemed to have something to do with an issue we had that day (fighting, not listening, being kind to animals, etc.)  last night, he didn't feel well so i was going to read them their devotion.  i looked for the index... there wasn't one!  i just KNEW nathaniel was picking out certian stories to read based on their meaning.  interesting that he was not... God was present and in control!  I can't say i have as good of an eye (or hand) for picking out devotionals, though.  or maybe there just wasn't a bible devotion about why you should not get in trouble playing in the bathroom.  lol.

0.  i want to be my husband's biggest fan. it will be a tough competetion (being the biggest) because kendal sure loves him a lot.  

First Day of Preschool 2012!

My poor neglected blog. After seeing some other folks post a daily log of their kids' clothes, i thought i'd try it.  not committing though.

Kendal is wearing a gymboree shirt from the early spring (may have been the first like out 2012).  his shorts are children's place, and his shoes are stride rite.  socks are gymbo too!

Holly here is wearing gymboree shirt and skort from the fall 2012 "smart and sweet" collection. Hairbow was purchased on sweetiepiehairbow on etsy.  Her boots are from target.

Trike Fun at Mamaws

God knows the truth

From today's devotion - Had to post it so I wouldn't forget it!

The Bible says that when we love someone, we won't want to advertise his or her sins, but keep quiet about them.

Q. There were probably many people who passed judgment on Joseph and Mary when they saw that Mary was pregnant but not yet married to Joseph. It must have really hurt them. Have you ever had someone believe something bad about you that wasn't true? What should you do when that happens?

A. You should try to explain the truth to those who have passed judgment on you, hoping that they'll realize their error. But, even if they don't, you can be thankful that God knows the truth and trust that He will eventually clear you, just as He did Mary.

into the uncomfort zone

it sure has been a while since i've been to blogger.  however, i had to write about this in case it helps anyone else and also so i won't forget the feelings i have right now.

ok.  how to make a long story short and non-specific...

well, first off, nathaniel and i have been going to church now for a month and a half.  we feel like we've found one we really like and thus far they have not even come close to having a sermon that pushes us away.  in fact, the sermon this past sunday was so moving, it took us all the way into church to meet with the pastor.

last week, the sermon was about forgiveness.  the pastor gave a personal account of how truly forgive someone very close to him (his dad) - the hurt (for him) began in childhood and moved into adulthood.  it was just an amazing story.  when we left church that day,  we both agreed that we needed to talk to him.  no one is an expert in forgiveness, but when one so openly discusses personal trials and triumph about something so profound in his life, then i felt like he could provide us some help in a way to move into our own triumph:  forgiveness.  not sure exactly how to explain our issue, and i don't think WHAT it is is relevant, but just trust me, time has not healed our pain and it has definitely hindered things we've wanted to do.

so - we made an appointment to talk with the pastor.  we sat for 1 hour and talked about our honest and innermost feelings with him, without shame (it was uncomfortable at times, but we got through that).  it was such a release.  i can only speak for myself when i say that several times, i felt like i was going to run over with emotions.  several times i could feel tears wanting to build (i suppressed them).  after that hour was over, i was a SO proud of my husband (for talking - you know, communication isn't easy for all men!).  i really feel like we have hit the road to recovery.  recovery meaning TRUE and COMPLETE forgiveness.

i'm shaking right now writing this!  this is so emotional.

here are some key points that i want to remember:  talking to the person/people with whom caused you pain and hurt (laying it all out on the table) is the best **and probably easiest** path to forgiveness.  sometimes, though, that doesn't work - and it is ok.   there is another way.  you have to look deep inside your heart and truly and honestly forgive - without the acknowledgement from anyone else.  closure is not always possible - and should not stop you from achieving your goal.

we naturally wanted to know how one could truly and honestly forgive.  one suggestion was to write down honest feelings about what hurt you, how you tried to work it out, what you wish could happen - everything related to said topic.  this could be an essay, a letter, something - but when you are done, throw it away/burn it/something (do not share it) and that is symbolic of releasing the pain that binds you to the issue.  and, you forgive.  this was such a wonderful idea.  though nathaniel doesn't write ME letters, he is a great writer and i know he gets much enjoyment from it.  we both thought this idea would help.

probably the most important thing the pastor said to us was to know that even in true forgiveness, your relationship with that person(s) may never change.

i think that is one place we had it all wrong.  previously we felt like our forgiveness (the one we would do in our hearts without involvement or knowledge from the other party) would mean we had to mend the relationship.   it is not required at all.  after forgiveness, you can't expect the other person to change - or for you to suddenly be involved in their life or they in your life.  that doesn't mean you haven't forgiven them.

so that is what we did for the first time.  talked about our pain, hurt, and how to get over it.

last bit - nathaniel said in the car after we left that that was the first time he'd ever heard anyone pray for him. (i laughed because i pray for him all the time, just not outloud) - so another thing we need to practice is OUT LOUD talks with God (prayers) as a family and including our kids.  i sure don't want them going through life not thinking anyone ever prayed for them!  and i don't want them to think praying is just for blessing food.

that's all.

Lincoln Memorial

I know i've mentioned how crowded DC was easter weekend.  The Lincoln Memorial was shoulder to shoulder packed.  We couldn't even get close enough to really see the statue.  Since we had walked so far, we thought we deserved a break.  so after viewing the grand statue, we walked around back in view of the river and the bridge and tried to sit down.  this is where kendal had a meltdown and thought the sky was falling (or something).  he wouldn't eat.  he wouldn't sit down.  we got a rest but he did not.  of coarse, he was getting to rest while we walked.  we did have to endure his screaming and whining.

and on the walk back there, holly decided that kathy was someone she really liked.  she preferred her hand over mine.  it just melted my heart and i'm sure it did kathy's too!  holly held kathy's hand more than just that time.  it was precious to watch!

 and of coarse we had time for silly shots.

Washington Monument and Korean Memorial

what i'll remember about the washington monument is that there were only 4 stalls in the women's restroom, and a really long line to get in there.

but i did snap a few good shots of it on the walk by it!  and, a view of it from the lincoln memorial.  they are redoing the reflecting pool as well as a lot of the mall so there is a lot of construction visible in the photo.  and people.  have i mentioned how many people there were?

we also breezed by the korean memorial.  kendal and holly had a screaming contest over there so we had to hurry away.  seemed a bit disrespectful to be screaming around a memorial. i did stop for a second to take a picture!

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

first of all, we went out and decided to get off at the l'enfant metro stop rather than smithsonian.  at that stop, there are three options for coming out of the ground.  we picked the l'enfant plaza choice because we did not know which to do.  it wasn't the right choice, but there was a starbucks at the top of the 1000 story escalator.  woohoo!  coffee.

here is one from the morning on the metro - taken by holly:

first thing to do:  find our way to the the air and space museum (which will now be called the AASM).  we picked this stop because according to online, there was a mcdonalds there (and there was).  with one really picky child, he sorta has to be accommodated when it comes to eating out - and mcd's is one place he will always eat.  so, air and space was first.  kathy was very patiently waiting for us!  i think we were about an hour later than we thought we'd be.  (starbucks only took 5 minutes.)  our lack of metro knowledge took the rest.  think "which way do we go?  which way do we go?"  we needed a compass.  and a map.  that would have been helpful.

ANYWAY, the kids sorta liked the AASM.  they liked the big planes but it was REALLY crowded so there were long lines to do anything.  there wasn't much to "touch" - and whatever was to touch again had long lines.  it was a really busy weekend in DC.  think NC fair on a friday!  like that. 

and i have this thing about taking pictures with strangers in the background.  so, i really didn't take too many.  but, i have a few.  here are the ones from the AASM.  i'd like to go back, maybe on a day that isn't so crowded.

The DC Metro

gosh, the most favorite part of washington dc to little kids (at least mine) is the "train" by far!