Summer on the homestead is in full swing, and if there’s one thing we know all too well, it’s that there’s always another project waiting to be tackled.
This week was full of progress around the property, plenty of sunshine, overflowing garden beds, and a reminder that summer isn’t all picture-perfect; it also comes with heat waves and wildfire smoke.
More Painting… and We’re Finally Seeing the Finish Line
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know we’ve spent what feels like half the summer painting.
Thankfully, with the help of my in-laws while they were in town, we made huge progress this week.
Together we got the garage painted along with several of our outbuildings, including the chicken coop, duck coop, and our little garden shed. Seeing everything freshened up and matching has made such a difference around the property.
Now all that’s left is adding the trim, and then we can officially call this project finished.
Checking this job off the list is going to feel pretty good.
A New Grain Feeder for the Pigs
My husband also finished building a grain feeder for our pigs using a water tote.
It wasn’t a huge project, but it’s one of those simple improvements that will make daily chores so much easier. We love finding practical ways to make life on the homestead a little more efficient, especially when it saves time and keeps things running smoothly.
Knowing him, he’ll probably already be thinking about the next project before I even finish writing this.
The Garden Is Officially in Full Production
The garden has absolutely exploded this week.
Everything is green, thriving, and full of life. Every morning seems to bring something new that’s ready to harvest.
The biggest harvest this week?
Pickling cucumbers.
They’ve decided to all ripen at once, and I’m already overflowing with them. That means one thing: this weekend will be dedicated to canning pickles!
If all goes according to plan, I’ll be sharing our favorite pickle recipe soon, so stay tuned.
Summer Heat and Smoky Skies
While the garden has been loving the hot weather, we humans haven’t been enjoying it quite as much.
Temperatures have been soaring, and unfortunately, we’ve also been dealing with a lot of wildfire smoke in the air.
We don’t have air conditioning in our house, so the evenings have been, let’s just say, less than comfortable.
There have been plenty of fans running, windows open whenever the smoke allows, and lots of wishing for cooler nights.
Looking Ahead
This weekend will be filled with pickle jars, boiling water baths, and hopefully crossing another preservation project off the list.
Every painted building, every harvested cucumber, every completed project, and every evening spent outside reminds me just how grateful I am for this life.
It’s busy, it’s messy, it’s hot, but it’s ours!
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza