Kombucha, Chickens, Home

Last week I decided to take a very long break from social media after reading a fairly compelling book Ten Argument for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. I have to agree with the reviews that find fault in his writing style as it will certainly turn some people off to reading and contemplating the insidious cultural and individual transformation wrought by social media. If you've kept up with my reading life over the last 2 years, you know I've been dabbling in the psychological, spiritual, and cultural effects of certain technologies. This book was the first one that 'clicked' where I really understood the level of manipulation social media corporations regularly subject us to. More than just custom ads. Down to using our own friend's post of joy or heartache to manipulate our emotions to make us more likely to click or buy. I'm going to try opting-out of such a system for now.

So, I've logged out and deactivated my accounts. So email, text, and phone are the ways to get ahold of me. And I plan to update my blog periodically with the photos I know many of my non-local relations appreciate seeing. So this month on the homestead...

So. Much. Kombucha.

Nathan has been brewing up a storm and trying so many crazy flavor combinations (and a few that turn out pretty awesome!) We have both come to love the extra fruity flavor using Earl Grey tea imparts to the finished product. I'm still trying to acquire a taste for kombucha, so far I like jamaica (hibiscus flower) and berry flavored ones.

Sourdough Adventures

I've been really enjoying the recipes from the Farmhouse on Boone blog for long-fermenting sourdough treats. I've discovered that if I'm able to ferment the gluten 12-ish hours, my gut is able to handle it. The English muffins are amazing!

Homemade Vinegar

On the theme of kitchen fun, I also make my first from scratch apple cider vinegar! It turned out great and even had the beginnings of a SCOBY-like mother forming on top. I placed the mother film on top of some leftover wine to see if we get some moscato vinegar. We also successfully infused blueberries into vinegar as well. So delicious!

Home Improvement

Nathan built new shutters, and I stained them. Nathan prepped the porch and brick and power-washed the house, and I painted the porch, and the brick underneath. Loving the shift in color and the lack of cracked paint! :-)

Broody and Sneaky Hens

The chickens are in fine form lately. Have a lady trying to hide eggs in my lemon balm plant. Elsie went broody and then 3 other ladies decided it was a great idea too. Lucky Elsie is getting some fertilized eggs from my sister-in-law, but the other 3 are in time out so that they will start laying again.

Daisy living the high life

Daisy has been in doggie heaven these last few weeks. Mommy home all the time, several days romping around the farm, catching mice, and long naps. She isn’t going to know what to do whenever the library opens back up again!

Movie Nights

We’ve been enjoying watching a movie on Sunday nights. We made with through all three extended editions of Lord of the Rings (with cast commentary) and have been catching up on Poldark the last week weeks. Loving the treat of a Mexican coke with our popcorn!