New Year Update

It’s about time I sat down and gave you all an update on our homestead, well overdue I know.

Firstly, we must apologize for no recent videos.  This is due to our computer going kaput due to a power surge and the computer is now FUBAR.  A replacement has been ordered, but, like all things coming to our island it takes time to arrive, especially over New Year.  Hopefully, it will be here by the end of the week - along with a decent surge protector.  Video output will resume!

We had to dispatch one of the turkeys as he had a sinus condition which affected his immune system.  We had hoped he would recover - but, eventually we needed to do the right thing for him. We have one turkey left who is quite happy playing big brother to the chickens - but, he will be for the pot before too long.  

We are not fans of turkey meat, we eat it of course, but, they do not make it onto our list of poultry that we want to raise.  Our chickens are doing well, not yet laying eggs but, that is due to the lack of light and them being cooped up under lock down.  Only 3 days until chicken liberation day - then they will be kicked out into their paddock to free range, and hopefully get some sun on their backs.  

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We have promises of sheep and lambs, as well as a lot of local advice on all things sheepish.  So come the spring, Dee will have her wish of 2 pet lawn mowers for wool called Izzy and Beth, and maybe a few lambs to raise for meat.

Island life is fantastic, the rugged and barren remoteness is offset by the warmth and friendliness of the locals.  The weather is not an issue providing you are prepared to get blown off of your feet, which is very invigorating!  

The next thing we want to get sorted is the raised / lowered beds for vegetables.  Our soil is very rocky and clay, so raised is the way to go - but, we will need to build up the sides and make windbreaks to help protect the plants.

We have ordered some sea buckthorn, which is a coastal plant that thrives in saline winds, grows tall and wide and has been used as windbreaks for generations.  They also give a very versatile berry for making jams, pies and wines.  We will have to see how they grow!


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