Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

Today, we are back on track with an episode about homesteading life. I will talk a little bit about going off grid, when it does and does not make sense, as well as share with you the analysis that my friend Shawn over at HackMySolar did here at the Holler Homestead. And no, he isn't paying me to talk about this. But if you have not checked out his website HackMySolar.com and you are interested in solar and other off-grid things, check out his site. I will share with you some of the chaos of raising both chickens and ducks and what happens when the duck hatches baby chickens. I've got a good question in about coffee roasters and what to consider when upgrading. Samantha the Savings Ninja has a special message you may want to listen to before Father's Day. And finally, I'll share a personal story of pain that ended well because my animal first aid kit and human first aid kits were well stocked. Support me on Patreon Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry Green beans, chard from the market, cabbages, green tomatoes, fresh basil, squash blossoms What we are preserving this week Garlic Green Beans Drying Herbs Garden Economics project: I spent $15 on Beets and ended up with 15 jars (22 pints) of pickled beets. Total out of pocket was $20 with the vinegar, lids, etc. That's $.90 per pint. This is between $.50 and $4 per jar cheaper than we can buy them, and I know what is in the jar and I get to use my aunt Helen's recipe. Show Links HackMySolar.com King Coffee in Olympia Washington: Ask me for an introduction. Make it a great week! Song: Special by Sauce

Happy Birthday to LivingFreeInTennessee.com. LFTN launched on May 21, 2016 with our first ever episode: http://livingfreeintennessee.com/2016/05/20/episode-1-living-free-in-tennessee/ With the pig roast, Holler Roast Kickstarter, and sudden influx of awesome visitors who descended and started knocking out our new coffee roasting room, I missed it! Today, we will go over the third canning project just in time for Tennessee Berry Picking Season: How to make and can jam, and I will give you all an update on the Holler Roast Project. Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Zucchini!!! YESSSSSS! Green beans Cabbage Lettuce Radishes Green onions New potatoes Green tomatoes On the wild side: Day lily blossoms, honeysuckle blossoms, elderberry blossoms (fritters)What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Beets - Pickling recipes here: http://livingfreeintennessee.com/2016/06/12/episode-4-making-and-preserving-pickled-beets/ Bee balm and blackberry leaves Black raspberry or blackberry jam Strawberry Jam Learn canning in 8 projects, project 3 Jams and Jellies Pectin Making Recipe Link: http://www.pickyourown.org/makeyourownpectin.htm An update on Holler Roast. Check out some of the videos we are making over on YouTube - Ive set up a playlist called "Coffee Manic" where I will be documenting the mobile roaster unit progress, as well as other coffee related things, including the process for this year's tasting. Starting, and growing a business is some of the most exciting energy to be involved with. And this spring is not disappointing. And somehow, we got our garden planted, albeit a bit behind schedule. This episode isn't really about homestead life, it is more about lifestyle design of a homesteader. Thanks for listening and Make it a great week! Song: Dr Feeley, Dr. Skinner by Sauce

Today we have an interview with some folks who I have known for a long time, but who I never met until this past weekend. We talk about building resilience into your life on LFTN, but we don't examine very closely how communities, real communities work. Communities of people willing to put aside small differences of opinion to help one another. Self reliance and taking care of yourself is important. So we will talk about how a scrappy group of independent people who love homesteading, learning new things, and increase stability in their lives and in the lives of those around them found each other, built trust, and became a tight community despite having never really met. I'll also give you an update on how the pig roast went and tell you how the Holler Roast Kickstarter went! Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. The first beets are upon us! Root bake recipe New Potato Salad Green onion, kale and beet green fry Squash is at the farmers market, but I just have squash blossoms. Day lillies are blooming and the flowers taste great on salads And of course we have 9 toms of cabbage. Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. Germination is looking great, particularly under that peach tree. Its noticeably cooler under there and we have a set of carrots, radishes, spinach and other plants, alongside squashes. Planting another round of butternuts and green beans. Link to the "CB" channel that we talk about on the show: https://zello.com/channels/k/dZ8O Make it a great week! Song: Calling My Name, Sauce

Today we get to have some fun with lots of different topics. We've had quite a few questions in the last two weeks, and with a looming weekend pig roast in the offing, I thought today would be the perfect time for a Listener Q&A show. So we will talk about grinding your own wheat for flour and the pros and cons of that, give a shout out to a small craftsman who made me something extraordinary - sounds mysterious I know but it will make sense when we get there, talk about hindsight on my homestead, talk about my favorite itchy rash a bit more, cover raised beds in year one when you are using commercial dirt, and then wrap it up with a question about a doggie first aid kit. Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Lambs quarter should be coming on but I haven't gone searching for it Cabbage everything and the first squash is at the farmers market Radishes and spinach Last garlic scapes Salad dressing recipe of the week: Mustart, bbq sauce, balsamic, honey, water, salt, smoked cayenne, mainnaise Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. The garden is in and one of our chickens is in danger of being processed - she killed SIX cucumber plants! Putting in the okra seeds and sweet potato slips - why not earlier? Seeding tomato trays for the fall garden Grinding your own flour Cost Flavor Health Time Equipment Pros Less per pound Tastes better Makes me feel better Cons You still need to buy flour for very fine applications unless your equipment is expensive It's another appliance you have to buy - unless you have a vitamix Relearning to bake Overall: two thumbs up The belt: A shout-out to OMG Leather Works: http://www.omgleatherworks.com/ Poison Ivy Feedback Neosporin plus jewelweed is a winner The poke weed root rub method did not work (But there is the boiled poke root bath method I have not tried) The Poison Ivy Guy From Ford in TN: If you could change one thing about your homestead what would it be? Frank in Wisconsin: Raised garden beds and how to make the dirt good? As a bald man when you wash your face, where do you stop Willow in east TN: What are some items you would keep in a homemade first aid kit for animals? Tailored for your animals - learn a bit about what they need. Know where to go before you have the emergency and write it down on actual paper Look for crossover with human first aid needs That said, this is what I have gauze and animal wrap tape - in fact I use the horse leg wrap for humans too Clippers Sharp scissors Clamps Tweezers gloves Peroxide - spray bottle Povidone-iodine Sani wipes bleach Neosporin Bluekote Probiotics Kickin Chicken vitamin mix Antibiotics and a syringe Benedryl aspirin Extras of medication if you have animals that require them (My dog has congestive heart failure) I wish i had suture thread and needles but I dont yet Cayenne pepper, ground Topic herbals like comfrey/plantain/etc Our kickstarter is LIVE! We've almost broken the $600 mark! Also, on Wednesday I am being interviewed by Jack Spirko over at The Survival Podcast if you want to hear more about the coffee business! With that - get out there and Make it a great week! Song: Sauce, Every Way

Today we are going to take on a topic that many of my fellow homesteaders are having right now: How to use an abundance of eggs. I will share with you how storing food has put us on a much more stable footing as we have navigated my recent professional transition. Plus, there will be a big announcement about Holler Roast at the end of the show that I hope you will like. Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. New Potato Salad RecipeSalads are winding down, but we hope for an uptick again in a week or so Kale, cabbage, broccoli, green onions On the wild side: not much happening aside from the hairy vetch and honey suckle blossoms. EGGS - the topic of today's show Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. Stuff Garden Economics project: Added $3 for pepper plants and now I know why my plants have not sold! Using and Storing an abundance of eggs Egg storage Unwashed at cool room temperature for 90 days if they are uncracked Washed eggs in the fridge for 30 days (they say) Hard boiled eggs 1 day at a cool room temperature, but they can last longer or go bad sooner after boiled Canning eggs (Pickled) Freezing eggs (water expands) Scrambled Whole in ice cube trays, then in a bag Dehydrating eggs Egg Recipes 8 eggs - Crepes 12 eggs - Deviled eggs 4 eggs - Flan (Ive never made this): 12 eggs - Angel Foodcake: 2 eggs - spinach brownies (11 oz greens, flour, 1 cup milk, ½ cup onion, 2 stick butter, mix it, 1 tsp bk powd, 1.5 cups grated cheese, bake it in the for about 45 minutes at 350) (8 eggs - Quiche Like Substance with No crust) 8 eggs - Spatzle Stories from the Holler Brooding Ducks Food storage TSP Episode Holler Roast Kickstarter With that - get out there and Make it a great week! Song: Grandpa's Song, Sauce

Today I will share a Holler Homestead update and coffee progress, talk a bit about the health care bill that passed last week, and what I have been able to find out it, then walk you through project two of the Learn Canning in 8 Projects series. Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Saladpalooza goes on and cabbages are beginning to hit the farmer's markets! Fresh lettuce from the garden (or my friend's garden, radishes, carrot greens, pea shoots) A NOTE ON TOMATOES - they aren't from here, or they are coming from a greenhouse and, frankly, don't taste as good as the real thing Kale, cabbage, broccoli, green onions On the wild side: dead nettle is gone, chickweed is too large, watercress is VERY peppery, poke weed is getting large, jerusalem artichokes are well into their leafing out. BUT - day lilies are still yummy, dandelions can be found young from time to time Theoretically, there are new potatoes but I haven't looked EGGS - just like last week, leading to lots of "sandwich salad" Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. The last of the garden planting for a bit will happen this week Attacking the bramble we should have handled Spraying the trees with garlic and pepper tea Operation shade creation Bee food Healthcare WTF Late last week, the House passed a bill to "fix" The ACA, or Obamacare. Since that time there has been so much spin that it is difficult to stand up I am so dizzy. Individual mandate is gone in this version Some taxes added by the ACA are gone Pre-existing conditions are mostly covered Medicaid cannot be expanded in any additional states, but will remain expanded in the states where it was expanded Republican spin that this reform is somehow different than the ACA is way off. This will ultimately hurt their credibility when the system continues to crash since they have not addressed any of the underlying flaws, they have simply managed to pass a bill that lets them claim a "victory." Democrats spin that rape is now a pre-existing condition is bull. The steps that would have to be gone through to make that a pre-existing condition are so convoluted that making claims like this only hurt their credibility. What should I the homesteader do about this? Nothing. Basically this process is out of our hands. They are using this topic to control us. The divide us to pit us against one another. So consider not being a jerk about the whole thing. Personally, I am going to do my best to support our innovative medical providers directly, with my business. I am going to also plant poppies. Holler Homestead Update Bees Garden is a mess - video tracking what can be done in a week a little at a time: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-PX-bHfC3AEOUPWgJ5d40g Coffee update - we are going to go for it: I found a roaster that will allow us to launch a subscription service and sell a ton more Holler Roast coffees - but we will need to add blends. Project 2 of canning in 8 projects: Canning Peaches Method: Waterbath, raw pack Risks: Low Why? Sugar Link to processing chart: http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/general/selecting_correct_process_time.html With that - get out there and Make it a great week! Song: Learning What Leaving Is, Sauce

The show content today is near and dear to my heart. I don't know why, but it seems like every year, no matter how careful I am, I get a bout of poison ivy. Mankind has had problems with poison ivy for a very long time. And that is why it is surprising that we only seem to know as much about it as we do the common cold. Become a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/livingfreeinTN Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Saladpalooza! Fresh lettuce from the garden (or my friend's garden, radishes, carrot greens, pea shoots) Dryads Saddle Mushroom Goats milk, which means cheese season is here EGGS Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. Progress report on the weed experiment Garden Economics project A store in Smithville is trying out my eggs Plant sale announcement: tomatoes for sale in a joint project between Purple Maize Farm and the Holler Homestead - click here to order. Poison Ivy Remedies Remedy 1: Scrape it until it bleeds Remedy 2: Jewel Weed Salve/ointment/juice Remedy 3: Poke Weed Roots Dig up the roots and smash them up than rub them into your outbreak. It will burn like the dickens, but then the poison ivy dries up. Never tried this and forgot to give it a go this time – will try it if I get another poison ivy gift this year. Remedy 4: Pramagel/ Calamine Oatmeal + Baking soda, etc The hot water scratch Remedy 5: Technu and related products ZanFel – (Mama Sauce says it is the only thing that ever worked for her) Remedy 6: Hydrocortisone cream Over the counter does not work The prescription also does not work But you know what works really really well? My prescription for chlobetasol. Prevention Get this friggin vine off your land Wash every night with a good lye based soap with activated charcoal – this also helps with chiggers and other lovely Tennessee bugs Don't re-wear the same clothing Think before you burn Watch your animals In sum – what works for me: Prevention The hot water scratch Pramagel (Pramaxin) Jewelweed salve plus Neosporin Stories from the Holler Rains and Bees I fired a client this week and here is why Support the show: Coffee Plants Patreon Make it a great week! Song: Calling My Name, Sauce

I am coming to you today from a place called Highland Rim Retreats near Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee! Today, I thought it would be fun to do something a little different. We will talk about the five elements of homemade salad dressing. Seasonal Eating and Tales From the Prepper Pantry Quarterly freezer re-organization Seasoning a pork belly for bacon: salt, rosemary, sage, turmeric, brown sugar Garden kale and lettuces, pea shoots, hairy vetch, redbud, baby bamboo shoots, poke weed The morels are out there my friends – IF you can find them What we are preserving this week Drying for tea Blackberry Raspberry Stinging nettle Bee balm The Five Elements of Homemade Salad Dressing Sour: Vinegar, Lemon Juice, lime juice, pickle brine, caper juice Spicy: Mustard, hot pepper sauce, peppers, onions, garlic Creamy: Mayonnaise, sour cream, whipped cream cheese, cream Sweet: Honey, sugar, jams and jellies, sorghum, maple syrup Emulsifier: Olive Oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, any infused oils, oil, oil, oil. The process: Define salad's core flavor Choose complimentary flavor elements from the five above Make your dressing recipe! Example: Watercress, kale based salad. Core flavor: spicy What will complement that? Sweet and sour Dressing recipe – Basic balsamic vinaigrette: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fig infused balsamic, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp salt. Example: Spinach salad Core flavor: nutty, flat What goes with that? Almost anything - try spicy and sweet Dressing Recipe – honey mustard: 1 tbsp, mustard, 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, salt, pepper and shake! (You can sneak in a tbsp. of balsamic on this one and it is really good) Example: Peppers, tomatoes, kale leaves, a little corn, spinach Core flavor: sweet and nutty What goes with that? Lemon and spice and everything nice! Dressing Recipe – basil lemon zest: 2 tbsp lemon, onions, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, sliced fresh basil, 2 tbsp water, shake and let sit overnight in the fridge. Remove from fridge 30 mins before using so that it reaches room temp. A Hack: soak the onions in the lemon for 30 minutes, then mix all the other ingredients directly into the salad if you are in a rush. Other recipe ideas from Zello: BDHutier: Oil, vinegar, favorite jelly Kirtus: Olive oil, anchovies - canned, Italian spice mix, leave for 24 hours in the fridge – likely added vinegar Stories from the holler Torrential downpours Did a walk through of a friend's new piece of land – and It has some interesting features, including a really cool run off area that many people would see as a problem but that we see as an asset – now it is just very important to properly identify zone one, which is an interesting amoeba shape because of how his outbuilding is situated. BEES ESCAPED We are setting up a page – soft launch – over at Patreon.com to share premium content to show supporters. Cider Hollow Farms – He's put the rest of his comfrey on sale at an extra $1.50 per plant for spring closeout and if you use the coupon code LFITN5 you will get an additional 5% of anything you order. Go to CiderHollow.com. This spring has been the usual whirlwind with lots of activity and shifting priorities, but things are going well because we have done a good job of always re-orienting toward our primary family goals of making time for recreation and fun, local stable income, and paying attention to our health. Get out there and make it a great week! Song: Sauce, The Flood

The past week has been full of strange misadventures. We've demo'd a new coffee bean for Holler Roast Coffee, run it by a friend, found someone willing to help me grow the business by loaning me a few extra roasters, opened the cabin rental for the season, out the newspaper to bed and even decided to put out tomatoes before May 1, my usual planting date. And it has made me think about how it is so easy to prepare for some things, but getting ahead in finances can be really tough. So today, I thought I would run through my thought process as I decide if I will grow the Holler Roast business beyond it's extremely limited market. Direct Download Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us - and talk about ways to use what we store. Wild Mustard, watercress, hairy vetch, last of the dead nettle, arugula (story of the Easter Salad) Crappie, fish stock Hitting the canned peaches because it is about to be canned peaches time again! Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. Trimming and chipping the pathways Planting the last of the fruit trees Beating the wineberries BACK Shade cloth is on the greenhouse and that made the tomatoes really happy 5 Questions to Ask When It's Time to Grow Do I love this enough to really do it? How does it pencil as I grow? (time, extra licensing, etc.) How am I going to expand sales, is my market growing or am I planning to increase market share in my existing market? Why am I better than my competition? Why are they better than I am? What are the do or die items that if they are not in place, I will pull the plug? Stories from the Holler Make it a great week! Song: Suicide, Sauce

The eight week time-pressure episode has arrived! That's right, Center Hill Sun goes to press this week – though there is still time to place an ad if you want to reach 20,000 people who love the outdoors, rural living and country fun. 🙂 Today we have a chat with Dori Mulder, the person who was getting ready to close on land and has written in a few times. She bought a fantastic 40 acre place with a house built unto a CAVE right on a RIVER. Middle TN Learning Opportunity: Mushroom Event April 22: https://www.facebook.com/events/791640000985966/ Eating Seasonally and Tales from the Prepper Pantry This is where we share what we are eating as it comes to us – and talk about ways to use what we store. Light this week because I didn't eat. Wild Mustard, watercress, hairy vetch, pokeweed is poking up! From the pantry: Sweet potato chili with wild garlic Baby lettuce is here! Asparagus Getting the Gardens Ready Where we share what we are doing to get our food growing operation up and running. Late bed preparation – with advice from Karley Potatoes up and a little burnt and some bugees are nibbling our radishes. Garden Economics project: no additional moneys have been spent New Land – New Adventure, and Interview with Dori MulderWhen you first get a piece of land, there is so much time to learn about your land. And Dori shares with us what her first days on her new property are like. She also takes some time to share her dreams for the property long term. Stories from the Holler The dying box elder tree by our guest cabin is no more Friends saved the day this week Support us while drinking a marvelous cup of hand-roasted coffee! Order here. Make it a great week! Song: Special, Sauce|