So much to say so little time....

We are on our lifestyle block!  Have been here about 8 weeks and that time has been a blur of packing boxes, garden trimming and bonfires.

A week after we shifted in one of our ewes had twins.  They are VERY early but that's what happens when ones father leaves the ram running with the ewes! 

3 weeks later another 2 lambs appeared.  Fortunately the weather has been kind to them and they are all doing well.

Thursday saw the arrival of two black Kunekune pigs.  Along with a friend we are raising them for the freezer.  I've nicknamed them Chops and Bacon.  They are helping to clean up the excess Blackboy peaches and figs that have been frosted.

The chooks are now free ranging in the orchard area, although their numbers are decreasing with another one falling off the perch tonight.  They were old hens, bought with the place, and most of them are past it to be honest.

I have a goat on the way but she is running with a buck at the moment so fingers crossed for kids in spring.  Hubby has been busy building the shelter for the goat and it was moved into the paddock today.

Plans for the next few weeks;
Clear area for workshop
Cut back more trees/shrubs in the garden
Get rid of more ivy.......
Tidy up vege garden and rest for winter
Finish and paint goat shelter
Tidy up herb garden

Blown no spend Feb but still smiling........

It's true February is stacking up as a big spend month now, however, March will be bigger.
We've bought a 7 acre lifestyle block and went unconditional today.  So it is  definately an investment for the long term.
Has about 15 fruit and nut trees, 12 hens, glasshouse, vege garden which will be more than enough to keep me busy.
I can't wait to move in but I have to wait 5 weeks so lots of packing ahead of me.

All things soap!

After much dithering I have decided 2012 will be the year I will make my first soap.

I found a great recipe for a basic Lux flakes soap at Down to Earth.  This contains no caustic soda so safe to make with children.  Might have to give this one a go to start with I think.

Anyone got some great beginners recipes?

Update. 11/2/12
I've made a batch.  Works out at $3.70 for a batch.  Not sure I added enough milk, and it was getting very hard to mix at the end.  Definately way too hard for Miss A. I'll upload photos once I have cut it.  I put Lavender Oil in but all I can smell is the lux flakes.

Just me and the coal range

We have just returned from 6 days at the family crib where the only cooking facilities are non electric - a coal range and a kerosene cooker.  (I'm too much of a novice to use 'Beatrice" so hubby gets to deal with her and I use the coal range).
Normally hubby's grandparents are at  the crib too so I can ask Grandma for help but not this time.

Got to crib about 3pm on Wednesday.  Opened fire to light as the rule is to always leave it set for the next person.  Not done!  Locate paper and kindling.  Set fire and light, all the while dying for a cuppa.Fill jug, sit on top and wait.  Hot drink before 4pm so quite pleased with that.
Pasta and custard for tea.
6:30am Thursday awoken by small person so up and lighting fire.  Hot water in half an hour.  Feeling pretty cocky!
By Saturday I thought I really had it mastered, even though the roast chicken had to be served as a second course to veges on Thursday night!

Mission: Bread.
Get recipe book.  4 1/2Tbsp yeast.  Yikes that sounds heaps but it's in "the book" so it must be right.  Just so you know it wasn't and the bread tasted awful.  See No spend Feb comments re bread.
Sunday second attempt at bread was more successful although going from 80C to 220C quickly in coal range not easy.  Especially as the thermometer was Fahrenheit.

So al things considered I would still love a house with a coal range, and despite hubby's reservations I would use it lots.