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Showing posts from 2010

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year! January Newsletter Read our Heritage Home~Place Newsletter and find out what's happening!

Build a Life

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Life is like a Quilt. There are so many quilt styles and colors! There are so many ways to put together a quilt...by machine stitching or by hand stitching. I heard a message today by a minister that was encouraging us to 'Build a Life'. Sometimes we get so involved with building a business or struggling with life that we forget to 'Build a life' one stitch at a time. In the New Year, I choose to build a life with family, friends and co-workers.

Jesus: The Reason for the Season

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Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Celebrate Him! ***CHRISTMAS PASSAGE: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:8-12) Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.We give a mass in his honor.When he was born, three kings bought him gifts.Christ is a gift himself. God gave him to us. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that h

Christmas Gift

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May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. ~Author Unknown We hope your Holiday Season if filled with joy as you are spending time with family and friends!

Aunt Mona's Sugar Cookies

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Sugar Cookie Recipe By: Aunt Mona Cream: 1 1/3 Cup Shortening (Use Butter Flavor), 1 ½ Cup Sugar Add: 1 Teaspoon Vanilla (real) , 2 Eggs, 8 Teaspoons Milk Sift together then add to creamed mixture: 4 Cups Flour (Start with ½ cup less testing for stickiness), 3 Teaspoons Baking Powder, ½ Teaspoon Salt. Roll to ¼ inch thicknesss, cut with favorite cookie cutter. Bake at 375* for 8-10 minutes. Edges should be light brown. You have never had such wonderful sugar cookies until you have had Aunt Mona's cookies! Enjoy! (By the way, Aunt Mona is my sister!)

Local Harvest

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The best organic food is what's grown closest to you . Use our website to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies. Local Harvest is an awesome website! Here is one of our friends at: 'Heritage Farms'

Gratitude

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Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

Burning Wood

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I absolutely love burning wood on a cold day! I love the smell! I love the coziness of a warm fire! I even enjoy helping with the wood cutting! Being out in the woods on a crisp day, cutting firewood is a great way to get in touch with nature....and hard work. :-) I even have my own chainsaw! We had a storm a year ago that left many downed trees on the property. We cut a ton of wood for last winter and still have plenty of wood for this winter. Here is a poem about the Fireside: Fireside Lore Hickory makes the hottest coals in stoves when winter's bleak, Apple wood like incense burning through the hall both fragrance seek, Elm wood fires have little smoke and warm both serf and lord, Oak logs split and dried this year make good next winters hoard, Beech burns bright and fill a the room with warmth and dancing light, Maple sweet, not white or red will burn throughout the night,

Country Life

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Country Life is an awesome experience! We love the 'quietness' of our country home! After spending the day in the city, we all enjoy the peace that our country life gives to us! :-) I love the story about the 'Country Mouse and the City Mouse'. I relate to both. I am a 'country mouse' at heart. I live the simple life as a 'country girl'. I work as a 'city mouse' in our Shoppe in the city. I enjoy both worlds. Here is a portion from a version of the story that I enjoy: "I don’t mind admitting that I’m a simple sort of mouse. I live inside a nice cozy log by the side of a field. My needs are not great. A few sunflower seeds or wheat stalks will do me for a meal. For a special treat, the farmer sometimes leaves me a some crumbs of bread and cheese from his lunch. When I am thirsty, I drink from the bubbling stream. And I swear that that pure cold water is the freshest, most delicious taste in the world." Oh, to liv

Gone Missing...

Long time 'no see'...I've been missing from my blog for several weeks! Things are super busy here on our little 'farmette' and with life in general! We are getting ready to open a Shoppe in Liberty, MO. We will have many vendors with products such as: Primitives, Antiques, Soaps & Lotions, Candles, Teas, Gifts, Furniture....much more! We are excited about our new venture! On a farm note...we are selling all of our goats. We have had dairy goats for many years. We have thoroughly enjoyed them and their milk! As we near hubby's retirement we will be 'downsizing' here on our little farm. We have a few years before the actual 'retirement celebration', but are starting our retirement plans. :-) The rain here in Missouri has been a bit much. Mud is still the topic of conversation! The cow is still producing much milk. We have gained several milk customers to help with the excess. I have been experimenting with adding herbs and spices

Gone Fishin'

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Gotta love it! Our grandson, Kobe 3 yr, caught his first fish in our small pond. Actually, he caught three fish! He likes to count that he caught four fish...the one daddy reeled in. Grandchildren are so wonderful. They make me laugh!

Local Harvest

We are now a Member of 'Local Harvest': http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M36748 Check us out! It is a great place to find other local 'growers and producers'!

'Cheese Workshop News from Heritage Home~Place'

'Cheese Workshop News from Heritage Home~Place' It's not too late to sign up for the Cheese Making Workshop! You won't be disappointed!

Milking Time

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Here comes 'Babe'. She's ready to be milked this evening. The weather today was awesome! It is so nice to be out of the winter gear at milking time. Check out the new 'spring time rubber boots'! Now that's stylin'! Babe is an awesome cow. Very gentle. We have really enjoyed the milk! She is giving almost four gallons a day. We sell milk, which helps with feed/hay costs. I make kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream and mozzarella cheese with the cow milk. Oh...and of course, ice cream! We will be hosting a Cheese Making Workshop on April 10 th here at Heritage Home~Place. Then we can make more types of cheeses with Babe's milk! Our 'Milk Barn' is all set up nicely. Babe and I spend morning and night together. I sing to her throughout the milking process. She will moo in disapproval if I stop singing. :-)

Hunter

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It is always hard to lose a 'pet'. Hunter was a yearling here on the farm. He did not fair well through the harsh winter. He passed away this morning in Anna's arms. A sad day. We will miss you Hunter.

'Cheese Workshop News from Heritage Home~Place'

'Cheese Workshop News from Heritage Home~Place' Join us for the Cheese Class! Check it out!

Muddy Days are Here Again

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Hank and I are trying to get the mud moved around. I had to dig a trench on the outside of the milk barn to release trapped water. Hank laid a perforated tube and covored it up. Hopefully this will help keep the water drained out of the milk barn. Mud pies anyone? We moved Babe into the Goat pasture while I moved old hay into the Goat enclosure pen. It was so muddy. This is our 'glamour shot'.

Missouri Mud

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I've been 'playing' in the mud this past week. No pics available though...not a very 'glamorous' look! With all of the snow we had this winter...record breaking snow amounts...and now rain...we've got mud! My milk barn had a good 4-6inches of water in it. I had to be the ditch digger and dig trenches on the outer wall of my milk barn to release the trapped water. I discovered about 6-8 inches down, we had frozen ground. No wonder the water couldn't drain. It's that way in the yard, in the driveway, in the animal lots....mud. And now, more rain. :-) I'm thinking 'sunny days and wildflowers'.

Milk Machine

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I am really enjoying the milk machine. What used to take me a 'strong' thirty minutes to milk now takes me ten minutes. It holds 7 gallons of milk. Babe gives two gallons a milking. I milk her twice a day. I would like to get a second Jersey milk cow next year. We have lots of customers and more would like to be added to the list.

'Lights Out'

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We get so used to the 'conveniences' that electricity brings...lights, hot water, heat, computer... Our electricity went out yesterday morning around 5am while I was updating projects on-line. Fooey...I didn't save my work! I stumbled through the darkness trying to get to the flashlight. I could hear my husband 'somewhere' in the house trying to get to the matches to light the lanterns. The main thought that was going through my mind was...hope the electricity comes on soon... I'm not milking the cow by hand! :-) We got the oil lamps lit all through the house...it was cozy really. Hank had to go to the barn and milk the goat by lantern light. 'Farmer Boy'. The electricity finally did come back on an hour later. I was actually enjoying the lamplights and the warm cozy woodstove. :-) Well, back to the computer to re-do my project. But, I didn't have to milk the cow by hand!

'A Note from Heritage Home~Place'

'A Note from Heritage Home~Place'

Chores

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This has been a hard winter. Chores can be tough in the cold and snow. But, we 'farm chicks' have devised ways to make our work alittle simpler. For instance, our 'choo choo train'. We have to haul out the milk machine and equipment morning and night. So, we strap on everything possible and 'push & pull' together to get our 'choo choo train' out to the barn. I even had to make a 'warmer' for the claws of the milker. When the weather is below freezing, the claws won't work well. So, I made some 'corn bags' that I heat up in the microwave and put them in the bucket and covor with a blanket. Keeps them warm and cozy and working! Plus, I can warm my hands with the corn bags while the cow is being milked. I couldn't work our little farmette with out my 'farm chicks' Leah & Anna. http://www.heritagehomeplace.com/

Bread Baking

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Don't you just love the taste of fresh baked bread? mmmm...so good! I bake bread for family and customers on a weekly basis. We use whole wheat grain that I mill into flour. I learned how to make wonderful whole wheat bread in a Bread Class taught by Lori Viets. You can join Lori's online Bread Class here: http://breadclass.com We sell our Honey Whole Wheat Bread for $4.00 a loaf. It is truly delicious!

Farm Girl Anna

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Anna takes care of the chickens. She has a special one that likes to rider on her shoulder. He lost his mate, so I guess he befriended Anna instead. Anna wants to get more laying hens and sell farm fresh eggs.

Making Cheese

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Cheesemaking! I'm curious about who first started the process of making cheese. It is a 'science' really. I've been making Chevre Goat Cheese....mmmm so good. I've now started making Mozzerella....mmmm so great on pizza & lasagna! I have made cheddar in the past. I am ready to start making cheddars again when my new cheese press arrives. When you drop in at Heritage Home~Place, let me give you a sample taste...there's nothing like fresh cheese!

"Lifestyle of Living ~ Health & Wellness Ed."

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'Lifestyle of Learning ~ Health & Wellness Education' Do you love to Garden? Let's talk Spring! Let's chase away the snow and get ready to plan the garden plot! This month's special speaker is Mike and Lori Jones. Their business is called "Patio Gardens". Mike and Lori will get us headed in the right direction as we plan our Spring planting season! Where : Heritage Home~Place/Cameron, MO When : Monday, February 22, 6pm Fee : Free (freewill offering accepted) Delicious Meal Provided Gift Basket Drawing

Goat Cheese

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There's nothing like fresh Goat Cheese! We are milking one goat at this time. Her name is Karlie. We have had her for several years now. She had twins a couple of weeks ago. One did not make it. The other, a buckling, is being fed by bottle. We get the milk...and I make the cheese! It is delicious! I love it on my salads. It is also very good on crackers. Add fresh herbs and wow! :-)

Winter Days

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Brrr...the cold winter days are still bringing snow and ice here in the midwest. It makes 'choring' a bit more challenging. But, I have awesome help...my 'farm girls'...Rebekah, Leah and Anna. Up at the crack of dawn...they put on their not so 'styling' winter wear and head out to the barns to feed and water goats, chickens, cow, cats and dogs. They are outstanding help to their parents in every way. Just felt the need to 'brag'. :-) "Leisure is a beautiful garment, but it will not do for constant wear"

Grandpa's Tractor

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Grandpa's tractor rests for the winter. Actually, it has been 'resting' for many years. It was brought on the homeplace over 30 years ago. It is a reminder of days gone by and of the hard work that went into making this 35 acres a lovely piece of property. When the Harps bought this property it was buckbrush and timber. They built a cabin and started the task of clearing the land. They lived in Kansas City through the week and stayed in the Cabin on week-ends. The tractor is a reminder of Grandpa Harp. He is also 'at rest' now. I plant holly-hocks by the tractor for Grandpa each year. He loved holly-hocks. Mine has never grown as tall as his...yet. Grandpa Harp loved to write poetry. Here is a special poem from him. Be Thankful for What You Have There was Mom and Dad and seven kids, A family of mine. We ate a lot of potatoes cooked with onions, When we didn't have a dime. Lord, You said You would never leave or forsake us. And I know this is true. B

Rodeo

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Rodeo the calf. He's our first 'tame' calf. We have only had 'beef' cattle in the past. You could never get close to the calves. Rodeo has been fun. But, we constantly remind ourselves that he is not a pet. He will be weaned at the end of the month and moved to a bigger lot. He will enjoy the freedom to run.

'Love' Language

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It has always been a joy to receive flowers...but how much greater the pleasure if the flowers themselves carry a meaning. In the Victorian era the diverting Language of the giving and receiving of tussie-mussies became a craze. A tussie-mussie or "talking bouquet" or "word poesy," as it has been called, is a circular nosegay whose fragrant herbs and flowers carry a message in the Language of Flowers...love, condolence, good luck, or a viariety of other sentiments. Send someone you love a gift of flowers with a message especially from your heart! Here are a couple of websites to get you started: http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/23149 http://www.pioneerthinking.com/flowerlanguage.html

Milking the Cow

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Babe and I are up before dawn each morning. We have quite a routine. I sing and milk as she chews on her alfalfa. She lets me know if I stop singing. She will chime in with a soft 'moo' to get me started again. :-) I'm sure she's the only one that appreciates my early morning attempts to make a melody. I finally now have a milking machine. It took a couple of days and a good friend to help me get the gliches out. So now we have a new routine. The pulsator on the milking machine gets the 'rhythm' going and I sing....only louder now. I love the milking machine. What took me 30 min. to milk now takes only 10 min.! We have been selling alot of milk from the farm. But, what we don't sell, we make dairy products with. We made icecream the other day. mmmm...nothing like it! Here is our recipe: 2 1/2 C. Sugar 1/4 C. plus 2 T. Flour 1/2 tsp. Salt 5 C. Milk 4 Eggs, beaten 4 C. Cream 2 T. Vanilla Extract Combine sugar, flour and salt in saucepan. Gr

Heritage Home~Place Website!

We have a new website! It is a work in progress but we invite you to look at what we've got online so far! http://heritagehomeplace.com/
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Heritage Home~Place Lifestyle of Living Health & Wellness Education New Year's Resolutions Have you promised yourself to start living a healthier lifestyle in 2010 but not sure where to start? Join our "Lifestyle of Living ~ Health & Wellness" Education Group each month and you will learn health-ful tips to manage your goals to live a healthier life. January 2010 Meeting When : Monday, January 25 at 6pm Where : Heritage Home~Place 7770 N.E. Jones Rd Cameron, MO Special Speaker : Mary Probert/The Health Store Topic : Weight Loss Fee : Free Bring a friend and join us this month to learn how to "kick-start" your plan to live a healthier lifestyle in 2010! Gift Basket Drawing/Delicious Meal/Warm Fellowship The "Lifestyle of Living ~ Health & Wellness" Education Group Meets on the 4th Monday of each month! Sign up for our E-Mail Newsletter! steps-of-faith@centurytel.net

Special Thoughts for the New Year

Special Thoughts For the New Year! I have many people that I admire and learn from. One special person is the late Dr. Bernard Jensen. Dr. Jensen spent over 60 years as a pioneer in the holistic health field, helping to pave the way for the alternative health revolution that we are now experiencing. Following the path of the great nature cure practitioners, Dr. Jensen operated his own health sanitariums in Altadena and Escondido California for over 40 years. People in search of health and rejuvenation came from all over the world to his Hidden Valley Health Ranch in Escondido, to learn the principles he believed in and taught. Throughout his career, Dr. Jensen wrote and published over 40 books. After working with over 350,000 patients, Dr. Jensen firmly believed that nutrition is the greatest single therapy to be applied in the holistic healing arts and that “We must treat the patient, not just the disease.” http://www.bernardjensen.com/bernard.php I have read many of Dr. Jensen’s
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Here is a pic of our new farm baby!

Baby Calf!

Baby Calf! Our milk cow, Babe, finally had her calf yesterday morning! January 8, 2010. The temperature was below freezing! I went out to start my chores and there the cow was...delivering...or trying to deliver. I had to call my brother-in-law (part owner of the milk cow) to come and help the delivery. My son, Sam, also helped. It was a difficult birth. After delivery, my three daughters and I worked with the calf and cow. Both were very cold. We did what any 'farmgirls' would do...we brought out the quilts! :-) We covored both cow and calf with quilts and fresh straw. The cow lay for a couple of hours. She finally was able to get up. They both are doing well....for which we are thankful! Sam named the little bull 'Rodeo'.