Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

Today we will talk to Vin Armani about declaring independence. What struck me about his talk at Liberty Forum was that it was not a tired lecture on the the historical relevance of our Declaration of Independence here, it was an evaluation of what sparks people to choose to be free, and what character elements one needs to have to do it. We also have a crypto tip from our friend Kurt. Show Resources Find Vin Armani Online Membership Sign Up Episode 8: Five Uses for Summer Squash Purse.io What Mother Nature is providing Poke Weed, Tiger lillies - Lilium lancifolium, Basil Cabbage Broccoli Yellow squash begins Raspberries are ripe Garlic is coming out of the ground this week And we've still got elderberry blooms to fritter up, as well as red clover flowers to harvest and dry for tea Tales from the Prepper Pantry We got our first round of beets to pickle Harvest Bounty Letting Tomato Suckers get about 6-8 inches long them putting them in the ebb and flow bed to root for future transplant Starting to plan which plants will leave the system and go to Kurt's where the Middle TN GSD crew is planning to do an aquaponics installation this weekend Questions from Listeners From Amy on FB: "I've been enjoying your podcasts for quite a while. I enjoy them bc I'm homesteading not far in N. Alabama and our climates are very similar. I'm wondering if you or your TN audience would like to share what counties in TN you think are great for finding good homesteading land for a good price. I'm planning to look for some land on the other side of the state line. Also any reasons TN is so awesome in general to homestead in?" Operation Independence Something has been added to the Independence fund - we just don't know what Community and self reliance Thanks Knighthawk Kurt's segment on Purse.io Declaring Independence with Vin Armani A conversation about Satyagraha, crypto, declaring independence for yourself, what is none of your business, self ownership and more. Make it a great week! Song:

Today we talk about animals on the homestead, and more particularly training animals on the homestead. This is not the all-successful animal trainer's view of getting your animals in line telling you how to achieve impossible results with just one week of practice when they have spent a lifetime learning. This will be a discussion of the benefits of training your livestock and some ideas on how to do that, as well as stories and examples of things I have done well here at the Holler Homestead === and not so well. Direct Download What Mother Nature is providing Poke Weed Tiger lilies - Lilium lancifolium Lettuce Garlic flowers Chard Dill Basil Tales from the Prepper Pantry Using up non-pickled beets Drying last year's garlic to make garlic powder Harvest Bounty The 5 foot tomato was really 4 feet. NOW it is 5 feet and the blight begins Trellising Sweet potato greens are ready Questions from Listeners: What exactly do 'you' do with dandelions. Do you roast the root, dry the leaves for tea, etc. How do you best use the 'weed'? What do 'you' do with mullein. Do you simply dry the leaves and then use it for hot tea? How do you make your comfrey salve? Do you get the bees wax from your bees or do you buy it? Compostable toilets--can it really be as easy as a 5 gallon bucket and sawdust? Operation Independence $50 in the independence fund - rental property faucet and why basic skills are important The hack saw that saved the day Topic of the day: Training Animals on the Homestead Learn the animal's perspective. Observe - every day. Find out what motivates them Figure out what you need to train them to do, or not to do Schedule your time to train them Membership Portal And with that, go out and Make it a great week! Song: Mr. Clammy by Sauce

Today, we walk through all the endeavors here at the Holler Homestead and assess if we are in track, where to focus and how to move forward. Assessing your progress along the year is important to developing the lifestyle you want, building independence and stability and staying focused. What Mother Nature is providing Poke Weed Elderflower Fritters Watercress is done until it cools down Seeing unripe wild raspberries on the vines Tales from the Prepper Pantry Corn is used up! Celebrating Strawberry Geranium Jam Harvest Bounty Lettuce and chard The 5 foot tall tomato Vining plants are ready for trellising Operation Independence $50 in on the replaced plug Make it a great week! Song: Mr. Clammy Resources Membership Sign Up

Today, I want to circle back on community, self-reliance, and side hustles. You see, we had a great Spring Workshop here in late April, and some pretty cool relationships came from that. And not just the - oh hey I met you at a workshop kind, but some real relationships. My next door neighbor has worked two days at another participant's farm, there is another gathering coming up this weekend that has coordinated itself, and so much more. What Mother Nature is providing Hemlock is flowering The usuals for salad: hairy vetch, watercress, dandelion Garlic scapes!! Salad Sprouts are back up and running since I am home Tales from the Prepper Pantry Farmers market update: All salads all the time - things are waaay behind this season Staying the course on using things up Harvest Bounty We lost about 5 of the 20 fish Operation Independence Update on the new schedule: Today has been the first day I was able to really follow it. The AirbnB is open for the season and we are getting lots of rent Song: Wolf by Sauce

Today, we explore why adding creative pursuits into your life helps you succeed in other areas, even if you are not the best in show in whatever creative thing you choose to learn. You may be wondering what this has to do with designing a successful and happy life, homesteading, freedom, or side hustles. Here's the thing. It's hard to justify it in a pithy soundbite. But creative pursuits result in physical, mental and emotional benefits. So hang with me on this and I hope you will find ways to reprogram yourself through creative pursuits as you design the life you love. This episode is dedicated to Puff --- our kitty that was with us for too short a time. What Mother Nature is providing Asparagus Goldenseal, a plant rife with medicinal uses Salve season is here with the comfrey and jewelweed right at perfect harvest size for this purpose. Aquaponics update: Another salad has resulted from the system, which is crankin out some growth. We added 20 goldfish last night and have lost one so far. And I did plant all the seeds in advance of what was supposed to be a rainy day. It's sunny. And blazing hot. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Still getting set up to dry teas for the winter Hoping to see beets at the farmers market soon. Operation Independence 13 hours in the car with Mama Sauce has helped me restructure time in a way that I think will leave more room for creative pursuits - guys - if you can't afford a consultant to help you deconstruct your choices as you build your life the way you want it, find some close friends and ask for coaching from them. The outside view is instrumental in helping you get more effective and this long talk with mama sauce really helped me adjust some priorities that were more oriented toward urgent rather than important. Five benefits of building creative pursuits into your life. Song: Feed My Hunger by Sauce Make it a great week!

Today, I want to share with you a beginner's perspective on Aquaponics. At the LFTN Spring Workshop, two awesome guys installed an Aquaponics system here, so I got to witness first hand how to install something right the first time, AND we have been using it for a week now. One of the things that has kept me from doing aquaponics here has been how hard it sounds to set something up, so having this in place is a big deal. So for those of you out there thinking about aquaponics, or even those who are not sure it is a good idea, I want to let you know what it is like as a beginner to launch and learn about Aquaponics. Direct Download Membership Portal What Mother Nature is providing Watercress is winding up Hairy vetch, chickweed and deadnettle Stinging nettle is blooming here and will die back until fall, unless we get rainy/cooling in the next month or so Asparagus Goldenseal, a plant rife with medicinal uses Tea time: lemon balm, blackberry and raspberry leaves. There should be bee balm, but I must have managed to kill my patch of it. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Putting up dried herbs and tea makings - both for flavor and medicinal. Creek mint is ready to harvest. Beeswax Story: the swarming bees - when 2 hives become 4, plus 2 off site Harvest Bounty Aquaponics are in and we are setting strategies for where/how we will run vines. Garlic should scape out in the next few weeks. Stretching meals Workshop leftovers Operation Independence Mama Sauce came and helped do another round of get rid of the clutter - which frees us to focus on the important rather than the urgent Spring Workshop ROCKED and is a foundation in our walk toward independence. Taxes are back on the todo list right after carnegie hall. Speaking of Carnegie: May 12th, 2pm meet up in New York at a pub near Carnegie Hall. The Irish Pub: 837 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019. DO check on our Facebook page and website though because if it is full, we will adjust our plans. Just look for the chick with the cowboy hat. Why Aquaponics: Things grow too well in Tennessee - by which I mean the wrong things grow too well and with the coffee business, I wanted to have time to devote to coffee. Project goal: Aquaponics that looks great in front of the house so Mark does not make me remove it, pays for itself or even earns money, runs itself when I am away in case Mark is out working on the paper. Lesson 1: Aquaponic is much easier than it seems when you start learning about it. Lesson 2: Installation can be cheap and hard work, or more expensive and quick and easy Lesson 3: It is frightening how fast things grow Lesson 4: You can plant things closer together - and kill things fast. Lesson 5: It's not about the fish Make it a great week! Song: Special by Sauce

Today, we review the good, the bad, the ugly from the Living Free in Tennessee Spring Workshop with The Tactical Redneck, one of our participants. All in all, things went well, folks got to learn from each other about homesteading things, a surprise session on how to capture bee swarms happened, and we even got to be intimately involved with a real aquaponics installation. It was a good time, and we hope that the relationships forged at this event will serve all those who were here well for years to come. Make it a great week! Song; Cilly Song, by Sauce

Today we talk through 7 steps to take to deescalate tense situations, talk about bees and bee swarms, and share stores of what has gone on at the Holler Homestead over the past week or so. This spring has run away and we had snowflakes this morning, as well as some fun goaty antics.

Today we talk about 10 tips for coordinating a workshop on your own property. Want to know why? Well, selfishly, this is in part because ALL I am thinking about right now is workshop details. And also because I know lots of you are on your own side hustle or entrepreneurial adventure. It is so cool when you send me emails about what you are up to. And you guys have neat skills that not everyone has. When you are in this situation, it becomes tempting to host a workshop and share the knowledge. So today, we will go over some early lessons I have learned getting the LFTN18 Spring Workshop up and running. What Mother Nature is providing Dryad's Saddle Watercress is getting long in the tooth, deadnettle and wild mustard flower Raspberry leaves for tea Mint is starting to come on Tales from the Prepper Pantry Play a little help from our friends The snakes were tamed by a very special set of visitors who reminded me to have fun no matter what - and fun we did have. The sweet potato slips Using up the canned goods: Weekend stew Making pickled quail eggs for the spring workshop. Getting the gardens ready Seedling update - Houston we had a problem Getting materials for the Aquaponics system - and also getting excited Operation Independence Metal scrap pays for gas tomorrow Outdoor composting toilet is ready to go Last week's trip to Houston will knock out one of my debts The 10 tips for hosting a workshop on your homestead Organize your schedule around a foundational speaker. Organize your schedule around a foundational speaker. Give yourself at least 6 months or a year to get this right: Marketing, mechanics of web sign up, overview emails, getting your grounds read, all take a ton of time. Events a bloody expensive. Infrastructure need to have vs nice to have list - then cut the need to have list in half and set realistic participant expectations. When someone offers to help, find a way to let them help. Your community helping you go toward the same mission is what will make or break you. Hire help. You may be really good at catering these things. You dont actually have time to do that. Know the roles, write them down, have some backups ready to go. Empower the participants to make things better. (Slack) Organize early and often. Remember the little things are the most important. Inform your neighbors Do a run of show two weeks in advance And remember this tip from one of our friends: You will always wish you had 2 more weeks to get ready (from David at Cider Hollow) And with that, go out, and make it a great week! Song: Thanks Dave, Sauce

It's been awhile since we explored a freedom topic, and as most of you know, the ability to live life as freely as possible is one reason that Mark and I have chosen to go on this homesteading journey. So today, I thought that it might be fun to examine something about freedom that most people don't talk much about: building the ability to know what is none of your business. You've all heard the term "Nimby" right? Well today we will walk through that, along with our usual segments and a few tales from the Holler. Direct Download What Mother Nature is providing • Dryad's Saddle • Watercress, deadnettle and wild mustard flowers • Poke and hairy vetch should be coming out soon Tales from the Prepper Pantry • The blue bins and resulting can of snakes • Pickled beets in deviled eggs • Three final squashes to be buried in the garden • Onions still hanging in there • 8 jars of turkey stock put up Getting the gardens ready • Seedlings are in place • Need to trim the raspberries and thin out the wood chips • Hoping to see asparagus soon Stretching meals • Turkey: Cooked on Sunday and lasted the whole week, yielding 8 jars of stock put up, 2 cans of stock in the fridge, 1 large stew, turkey tacos, and turkey scramble. Even the pigs got in on the scramble because I made too much. The turkey cost $11, carrots and other ingredients cost about $8 and we hardly had anything but turkey related items all week. >>Surprise savings ninja segment Operation Independence • The pump replacement store • Workshop preparations o Composting toilet o House of cards cleanup project o Outdoor shower redo Questions to ask yourself as you explore the question: What is None of your Business? Song: Feed My Hunger by Sauce

A friend asked me, while looking at a carcass to cut up on his butchering table, how I would butcher a lamb if I had one here for Mark and me. So today, we will talk about how to process your spring lamb - or goat - for two. What mother nature is providing Watercress season is here Wild mustard flowers - as usual in time for Easter Dead nettle and chickweed Dandelion greens and flowers Tales from the prepper pantry The tools are organized! The last onions have landed in my kitchen - I kept finding more Avocado quinoa salad. Butternut squash bisque this week Stretching Meals Turkey cycle again this time, but with new recipes - we will share some next week. Operation Independence The trout conundrum as they relate to operation independence. Help please. What is the Independence Fund anyway? Great resource for cutting up a lamb from the Guardian of all places: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2008/nov/19/foodanddrink Make it a great week! Song: Cilly Song, by Sauce

Today, we are going to talk about some fun projects we did over the last week here at the Holler Homestead. There were some changes that needed to be done because of the pig, some fun wild plants popping up, goat hijinks and more. And yes, as usual, nothing went as planned but a bunch of stuff got done. This really makes me think the most important skill you can develop if you plan to integrate homesteading practices into your life is troubleshooting and keeping things flexible. Rainbowcrawlers.com What mother nature is providing More rain Stinging nettle Dead nettle (for salad) Watercress Egg recipe of the week: Tuna egg salad Getting the Gardens Ready Story: Farmers market meeting Tales from the prepper pantry Cleared out everything but the last 7 onions and 2 butternut squashes in the root cellar. Reorganizing it for the summer months Using up green beans and beets at a fast clip now that the new crops are about to be upon us BBQ story Stretching Meals The Boston Butt Project Operation Independence Pig shelter story Make it a great week! Song: Dr Feeley, Dr. Skinner by Sauce

How are you doing moving toward your goals? These past few weeks have had me thinking pretty hard about how simple it is to set a set of priorities in your life and family, then use them as a filter through which to make choices. It is so simple, in fact, that it is hard. Then I got to reading a book I was helping someone right and one of their chapter titles was "Organized people who are wrong beat disorganized people who are right every time." What mother nature is providing Watercress Shagbark Stinging Nettle Mullein Wild Garlic Getting the Gardens Ready Wood chipping in the garden space Trimmed up the peach tree and elderberries Tales from the prepper pantry The Sweet potatoes have rotted Still have butternut squash - the powerhouse of the pantry Operation Independence Another load of pallets arrives this week New Well Pump Installation Slogging through the taxes one day at a time Make it a great week! Song: Belly Dancing Vamp Tune, Sauce

We are going to talk about life and more importantly life today, not yesterday, and not tomorrow. You hear people say all the time to live in the now but that seems kind of weird, right? I mean, if I just do what I want every day to be in the now, then when tomorrow comes, I will have used up all my cash and will end up out on the street. Well, maybe living in the now but being aware of the future is important. We will cover more of that in the main topic of the show. What mother nature is providing I don't really know, but Houston has chick weed Watercress and Mint It froze again so some of the early starts and the daffodils will be beaten back when I get home Crappie Getting the Gardens Ready All it does is rain...so nothing Tales from the prepper pantry There will be a pig in the freezer when I get back so we will be makin bacon Centering meals around the meat in the freezer that needs to go. Goal is to keep as healthy as possible. Really focused on using up the canned goods Sugar snap peas, radishes and tangerines Stretching Meals In a hotel: Tamales Sushi Rotisserie chicken and salad Uber eats Operation Independence We are not going to have to buy pork for awhile... Focusing on operation yearly income through facilitation projects at least once a month Song: Special by Sauce

Today we have a great interview with Chef Brett Corrieri, the instructor from Cider Hollow Farm's pork processing class. Brett walks us through the process to dry cure a ham, and describes why you would want to eat it a little too well. Also today, we have a roundup of sweet potato recipes from you, the listener. Goat Video Sweet Potato Recipes Oven baked sweet potato fries (or cubes) Peel and cut 2-3 lbs sweet potatoes Coat with olive oil, toss with 1 tsp paprika (sweet Hungarian paprika if you've got it) 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt. Bake 425F for about 30 minutes, stirring and turning after 15. Should be slightly crisp on the edges, soft in the middle. Yum! Josh's Roundup Sweet potato chili Sweet potato flatbread NC Sweet Potato Tortillas Squash Sweet Potato Chili Interesting recipe Sweet potato fritters Ginger Sweet Potato Cheesecake SP Garlic Mac N Cheese SP Hummus Soul SP From Tamlyn TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES Bake sweet potatoes like usual, cool, halve, and scoop out flesh (be gentle, the shells tear easily). Mix with minced garlic or shallot, beaten egg(s), salt, pepper (be generous), Brie (rind removed and diced small), fresh thyme and a little rosemary. Bake @400 on greased, foil-lined pan for ~25 minutes. Remove when tops are beginning to brown and allow to cool before serving. (Adapted from Barefoot Contessa's https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/twice-baked-sweet-potatoes) Make it a great week everyone! Song: Strange Child by Sauce

Today, we've got a good one with an exploration of how well goats work for weed control, as well as some tactics we have learned about over the past "almost year" of having these playful little devils -- and they are devils -- on our land. What mother nature is providing Shagbark Hickory Update Deadnettle is starting to spring up Bees legs are full of pollen Watercress may be big enough this week to harvest a round Bad mushroom year - all my best logs are gone Sprouts Eggapalooza - Getting the Gardens Ready Seedling trays - maybe - big trip to houston coming up and not sure if things will be in place Special replay this week: Growing your Own Seedlings. Mud farming - facial idea Tales from the prepper pantry Marty the pig will graduate in a few weeks - a confession Laying plans to eat more green beans - for some reason this year we've been finding lots of collard greens and not hitting the canned stores Still swimming in sweet potatoes - anyone got some fun recipes? Onions from last fall will be done in about two weeks, just as the wild garlic is coming on Operation Independence Duplex taxes are done - so much more to do on taxes Arranged for Marty to be processed Make it a great week!

Today, we are going to talk about something that several of you have brought up recently: How to navigate a big move. I have moved across the country several times, as well as overseas for a year and learned a thing or two along the way. As it turns out, some of you see your path toward standing on your own in another place from where you are. Places with lower property taxes, or no income tax, or less zoning restriction. Places where you are more free to just get a business started without filling out a million forms. And moving can be so costly! I will share with you some lessons learned in the trenches on this one. 5 NEW SPOTS OPEN: Spring Workshop Direct Download What mother nature is providing Trying out some shag bark tea this week (Hickory) Sprouts Wild garlic Sunchokes Getting the Gardens Ready Have seeds in hand and about ready to start the peppers Aquaponics changes everything Tales from the prepper pantry Lot's of sweet potatoes and here is a recipe shared by a listener Ryan from Homespun Magazine out of Oregon: http://homespunmagazine.com/articles/recipes/jamaican-grilled-sweet-potatoes/ Stretching Meals Sweet potato chili: $8, 14 meals - less than $1 a meal. Operation Independence Invested time at Liberty Forum in expanding the podcast reach - we will see how that goes. I developed a new speech that I can give anywhere now. Kept up on the weekly finance Really need to just do my taxes. 7 thinks to think about before making a big move. Make it a great week! Song: Learning What Leaving Is, by Sauce

Today, I am going to talk with you about opportunity and simplification. Simplification is the top of people's minds for so many right now as they declutter their closets, re-examine their priorities and see opportunities come to fruition. And opportunity is the name of the game. Here at the Holler Homestead, we have been on 18 months of growing side hustles as I transitioned to a different way of life, and, well, the opportunities just keep coming in. Direct Download What mother nature is providing Wild garlic is here - well it was always here, but it has made itself known. My favorite herb of the 2017/18 winter: Mullein Chicken eggs are back! Getting the Gardens Ready Setting my growing plans bit late this year - second tier priority Tales from the prepper pantry Elderberry syrup Hunting the rotting potato Almost through the salsa we canned I haven't bought Garlic in 10 years Stretching Meals Meatballs in stroganoff: $9+$2+$2=$13 (6 meals), Meatballs in lasagna: $1+$2=$3 (6 meals), Meatballs with rice and greens: $2+$1=$3 (4 meals). Total:$1.18 per meal. Operation Independence Caught up on the finance review, but not the declutter goal. Had to prepare to be gone for a week and precooked some things to make it easier on Mark and save money Cover over the camper *might* be done - no one can find my drill battery charger. 5 Ways to simplify your life Just Say NO. Every time you say yes, you a trading a bit of yourself. Is it worth it? Journal, meditate or pray each day - find your time - focus on whatever is in your way then let it go. Implement systems thinking: Declutter and organize and maintain Schedule time with your humans (Prioritize relationships) Schedule in time to grow your skills - books, new skills, expand your capability Of course there are many ways to simplify your life, but it is not simple to do them all. And when you make space for serenity, you also make space for opportunity. Next week, I am doing an episode on lessons learned from moving across the country. Do you have specific things you want to know about? Send your questions to me. Make it a great week! Song: Thanks Dave, Sauce

Today, I am going to talk with you about how to cure ham. This topic is robust enough that we could do several shows on it in fact. I even reached out to my buddy, Chef Brett, to get his take on the dry curing method alongside my brining approach to this conundrum. He and I will have a curing interview later this week.

Today, I've got a whole bunch of stull lined up for you, some of which I meant to tell you last week, but ran out of time. We are going to go through some lessons learned on budgeting for the homestead - Ive collected them from various sources, most of whom are not natural budgeters and we will talk about something I learned this week: How to square a pole barn with a measuring tape, stakes and string. SPRING WORKSHOP INFO

Today I am joined by Brian Norton of Food Forest Farms as he talks about his trials and tribulations along the road toward starting a micro roasting business, breaking out of corporate America, and more! References: Food Forest Farms Brian's Kickstarter

Today, we talk about what we did to deal with the unusually long cold spell in Tennessee this year. This includes strategies for dealing with cold when your housing isn't built for it. We also announce the Spring workshop registration process and go over the membership portal.

It is amazing to me how adding music to a great poem can bring more life to it. This is the final in a series of four versions of the Night Before Christmas with a special song, performed live on Dec 3, 2017 in Cookeville, TN, by the Cookeville Mastersingers and the music wsa arranged by Simone. Merry Christmas all!

Today may be the night before the night before Christmas for us here in the US, but our friends in Australia are already there. For them, it IS the night before Christmas. A friend from down under recorded this version of the poem for us with a few adjustments made for her local environment. Thank you AussieRo.

Join us for the second in a series for 2017 of poems read from throughout the world. This version of The Night Before Christmas comes from me, recording from Tennessee. It is followed by a performance of Jingle Bells, recorded live on December 3, 2017 in the Wanntenbarger Auditorium by the Cookeville Mastersingers and arranged by Don Large.

Join us in the series in the first in a series for 2017 of poems read from throughout the world. This version of The Night Before Christmas comes from our friend "Jaggy Little Thistle" who listens from Scotland. Thanks for the recording Jaggy!

Today's show is the last one until next year! In this episode, we will take a look at 2017. The good, the bad, the sad. We will also cover holidays, navigating them, being with your family who you may love, may find frustrating, or may even find abusive. I'll share what this time means to all of us here in the Holler Homestead. Share some recipes we will try this year. Marvel at the bounty that surrounds us, talk about bitcoin and two-factor authentication, share some cool thoughts from listeners. Today, the show is about you, about us, and about the learning from the past, letting it go, and making our future. Direct Download What mother nature is providing Kale, Carrots, Radishes Stinging Nettles abound I saw mint in the creek - unbelievable Sprouts in the house: http://www.simplebites.net/how-to-grow-sprouts-at-home/ Tales from the prepper pantry The Turkey The potatoes are fished - we got a bushel in October and polished them off yesterday Facing our usual squash struggle Meatloaf recipe Dry stores: Flour, rice and oatmeal Put up lots of meat Thoughts on buying equipment for processing and preserving food Operation Independence Tomorrow we are doing a webinar called Crypto in Plain English. Sign up: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W7kB5iXuR7St0UBBW2umLw Roasted coffee like a mad woman - it has been great! Making hiking trails on the land with the goats Started journaling once a week Frugal Feasting - the turkey tale: Yesterday we served an $11 turkey with about $2 in potatoes and sweet potatoes, $1 in carrots, $.25 in onions, and $.10 in flour. Total meal cost is: $14.35. We fed four people. Fed them to beyond stuffed. ($3.60 a person) Today, I have the bones in a stock pot making stock, Plenty of leftover turkey for soup and other side dishes. I wonder how much we will spend on meals the rest of the week? Example: If I do turkey rissoto, it is $2 in specialty rice, $1 in wine, $.50 in ancillary veggies. I don't have to charge ourselves for garlic since we grow it... Everything else was covered in yesterday's fees. Total meal to feed 3-4 people: $3.50. Brunch for Mark and me ran us $.50 Ok, time to talk about 2017. Remember what I was talking about this time last year? Grandma A coming job change Gleaning value from our land How much change a year makes! She died, my job changed, and in nine short months, Holler Roast Coffee has gone from a hobby to a business that has operated in the black for the past two months! Steps along the way: Evaluated and reevaluated our strategic objectives for the family Evaluated and reevaluated what we love to do Worked really hard Underestimated how much money and time HRC would take Shipping Bean sourcing Bags, labels, etc Building a roasting room for the roaster Five billion failed roasts because the roaster was not working right Grew the podcast community to 1000 - and invited people into our peaceful retreat Took risks when we didn't really have the money to lost in order to forge new relationships Made great new friends - I mean really really great new friends Learned that selling ads in a very well targeted print publication that brings our advertisers better results than most other channels is still very hard. Went on some epic hikes with Mark Found new mushrooms and enjoyed them We lost an old cat We bought a few goats We found a stray pig - !! Holiday Recipes Roast Beast in the Roemertopf Gingerbread cookies Spiced Apple Cider Homemade Hot chocolate Bread pudding IF YOU HAVE COINBASE - turn on two factor authentication Looking forward to 2018 Grow Holler Roast Spring Workshop - sign up in January, cost will be $400, but we will just ask for a deposit at registration. Build a cold smoker in an hour for $80 or less Basics of lacto-fermentation Beyond Organic Hydroponics Charcuterie Project Accelerators More… Expand the Airbnb on site with agrotourism experiences Taking a very close look at the Center Hill Sun Growing the podcast, adding video and more. Expanding marketing facilitation and websites Thought for 2018 from a fried: I'm walking into 2018 with a clear heart and mind...If you owe me, don't worry about it - you're welcome...If you wronged me, it's all good - lesson learned...If you're angry with me, you've won...If we aren't speaking, its cool (I love you and I wish you well)...If you feel I wronged you, I apologize...Life is too short for all the penned up anger, holding grudges and extra pain!...Here's to 2018!!!...Spread the positive forgiveness! Love to all. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Make it a great week! Song: Grandpas Song, Sauce

Today, we have a special episode with Kurt Dugger to discuss bitcoin and crypto currency basics. In Simple terms. This is a beginner's intro to bitcoin starting with "What it bitcoin anyway?" Resources Webinar Sigh Up: Bitcoin in Plain English - Dec 19, 5:30pm (FREE!!) https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W7kB5iXuR7St0UBBW2umLw Coinbase Affiliate Link: https://www.coinbase.com/join/55c39991371c072c7000016a Jaxx Wallet: https://jaxx.io/ Make it a great week! Song: Learning What Leaving Is by Sauce

Today, we have a fun one cued up. We will review the pig processing workshop over at Cider Hollow Farm and I will describe for you some of the things that David Oswalt built that made the whole day go a bit easier, we will dive a bit further in the the independence fund assessment for the year and what that has meant for all of us here at the Holler Homestead, and I will walk give you a much-needed goat update! What mother nature is providing Kale - more kale plants are popping up Carrots that I planted last spring Radishes Oyster Mushrooms finally showed up: Chowder Recipe (the egg yoke thickening method) Stinging Nettles are still around Mullein: https://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/herb-to-know-mullein-verbascum-thapsus Tales from the prepper pantry THE PIGGGGG - makin' Bacon this week Baked collards Homemade Dressing This Week: grated horseradish root (or powder), mayo, balsamic infused with fig, honey, salt, olive oil Acorn Squash Recipe we plan to try: Roasted with olive oil and garlic, topped with venison/pork sausage Venison pork sausage: S, P, garlic powder, sage, oregano, a touch of cumin, dill Operation Independence Crypto in English - a special episode on Thursday, followed by a webinar as Kurt's schedule lines up with mine. Installed my own light fixture at our rental unit, followed by a new one at home - no electrician required YTD Independence fund update: Winter electrical wiring Firewood Frequent flier miles for hardware, christmas gifts, household goods, and more Painted the duplex on our own instead of hiring it out We also hired some things out - the coffee business needed to go faster than I could Vacation rental trade Smoked meat trade Piggie trade Pig Processing Workshop Walkthrough Infrastructure that David installed over at Cider Hollow Farm Scalding tank with pulley Hanging pulley by the "shooting" pen Lots of tables for processing (wood vs temporary tables) The cold smoker Upshot: Hope the charcuterie workshop is scheduled soon. Goat Update No longer escaping - I think because they are kind of fat and can't climb the fence as well Mark's new project Tethering on the bramble Upshot: things are starting to look much different around here Find coffee at LivingFreeInTennessee.com Make it a great week! Song: Burned by Sauce

Today, I want to go back to our core mission with this podcast and talk about building independence into your life. It all started with an article I read aimed at this new tax bill that congress is considering. It left me wondering when we all became so spineless and unable to take care of ourselves, quite frankly! We will examine the totally missed point of the author of the article, and learn from that for use in our own lives. Also today, I am bringing back an old segment while we can: What mother nature is providing for us. Resources: The new merch page: http://livingfreeintennessee.com/merchandise/ Food saving process podcast from TSP: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/1613-food-storage What mother nature is providing Kale Radishes I am sure there are persimmons, but… Mushrooms are NOT flowering this year very much yet AND OMG IT MIGHT SNOW Tales from the prepper pantry The New Cow that we share with families. (Which means there is cow available) Baked Home Fries The New York Strip Steak Homemade Dressing This Week: mustard, mayo, balsamic infused with fig, honey, salt, olive oil Time to get serious about eating squash Operation Independence Pig processing workshop - ciderhollow.com Crypto in English for God's Sake Winter is Coming Biltong Update Announcement: spring workshop in the HOLLER!! (April 27 & 28) $100,000 income stories by NPR https://www.npr.org/2017/12/03/567602293/what-living-on-100-000-a-year-looks-like Two consistent things I saw that the author did not: Couples already Established debt Couples had To high of a tax burden Took time to look at my 2017 and how much I actually earned. And the number is a little sad. 15k (will be 20 by Dec 31) How did I make it? (Budgeting (spreadsheets don't lie), food stores and other stores, Savings, bartering, some help, and persistence with an end goal in mind. So why do I go on about this? Because the NPR article made it seem like it was not in the control of the people who earn 100k to change their lives - that it was something that needed to be fixed from outside. To which I call bullshit. Bull. Shit. Yes. Sometimes you are in a position where you need to earn more. And you need to find ways to do it. And yes, earning more helps you become more financially independent. But that can be done at 40k, 50k and 60k if you look for opportunities, keep control of your wild spending - and realize that you ARE in control. So do me a favor? If you haven't looked in a long time, take a little extra time this month to write it all out. Track where your money goes. Look at your tax burden, your cost of living where you are. And take control. Shed the things that are less important to your lifestyle. Do you really need that new car each year? Can you push down on the cell bill a bit? Is there a better health coverage plan for you? Did you ask the doctor to go down in price. Can you make room for a side hustle without spending more on the side hustle than you earn back from it? Look at your life and ask: How can I take control? And if the answer is that you need a new job, well, go get it! If it is that you need to get the hell out of Seattle - figure out a way to do it with a soft landing. If you just need to stop the instant gratification for a bit - go for it - start practicing now. In December. When other people spend beyond their means to keep up with the joneses. Because when you find the end of your life, will you really care what kind of car you have? With that my friends, I want to remind you that you can support the show while enjoying a luxurious, but not too pricey, cup of coffee. Just go to livingfreeintennessee.com and click on "Coffee." Make it a great week! Song: Anonymous by Sauce

Today, I address a number of questions about turkey, stock, try a new coffee from Australia, talk about freedom, and much more as we head into a rural American winter. Holler Roast is growing and we are finding new pathways to standing on our own, without steady employer oversight. There is still a pig here who wandered onto the land. And, while the goats do not make an appearance in the podcast, I do say the word goat at least one time. Also, I didn't burn the house down on Sunday, so ...

It's Thanksgiving week and you all know what that means. We are in full holiday season mode. It's time to buy the children of all your friends some cheap plastic toys, go into debt buying that heirloom ham, and run frantically around attending all the parties and gatherings, including a thing called "Friendsgiving" so that by January 3rd you are broke, sick, and surrounded by clutter. This is one of my favorite times of year because if you get it under control, there is so much fun to be had. We will talk about that and all of the fun recipes we will be trying, along with a ridiculous list of things that have been going on since we last spoke in today's show. Because, what is a Thanksgiving show without hunger pains in your stomach, as well as a bit of recipe inspiration. References: CiderHollow.com

Today we replay an important episode, "Why Build Resilience in Your Life," from the past, but there are a few new announcements. Cider Hollow Pig Processing Event Direct Download Why Build Resilience in Your Life Part of our lifestyle here on the homestead is about building resilience into our day to day activities. Because no matter what happens, we only know one thing: change is coming. This idea that you work one job your whole life and retire to play golf – and that this is the norm – was a nice dream, but it is really a fiction. First and foremost: flexibility Secondly: responsibility – no excuses Finally: more control of the things you can control Four ways to get started: Simplify and frugalify Grow some of your own food Find ways to build ongoing income from your local area that you control Develop a real community around yourself Holler Homestead Business Progress Center Hill Sun Update And with that, remember, if like the show you can support us while drinking a marvelous cup of hand-roasted coffee – order here. Youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-PX-bHfC3AEOUPWgJ5d40g/playlists Well my friends, next week it is a 50-50 chance that the podcast will be skipped – sorry about that. I will be down at Jack Spirko's not getting enough sleep for five days, giving a presentation and learning a TON from other homesteaders. And in two weeks, we may have a very special interview lines up with one of our listeners who is this very moment one her brand new pice of land. That should be fun. Anyway – go out and make it a great week! Song: Sauce, Tripped Out.

Today I want to talk with you about stress and more importantly letting it go because life is too precious to waste on worry and fussing. And this year has been a doozy of a year for stress in my personal life, as well as professionally. So many ups and downs, so many reasons to lose confidence, so many reasons to thank friends and family, and so much potential for new things to come. Direct Download Tales from the prepper pantry Sweet potatoes really should come out of the ground and be set aside to cure in the mud room. All squashes are dead and we just have radishes left in the the gardens The first venison infusion has arrived and we still have some from last year that we want to eat up We got a banana tree! It has to go in the tunnel I am starting to assess winter stores of animal food to ensure we have a month's worth extra at a time Oysters are coming on and the watercress looks about ready to harvest There is still wild mint! What we are preserving this week Loofah Preservation Support me on Patreon HollerRoast.com Song: Calling Your Name by Sauce

Today, I will give you a big goaty update - loosely organized around five things that the goats have taught me about fencing. I also have an update on the caramel recipe I covered last week, and someone asked me a question about vanilla extract. Remember folks, if you want to drop a comment or question to me, you can do so my emailing me at [email protected], or leave a comment over at livingfreeintennessee.com Tales from the prepper pantry We got all the pantry things moved into the pantry, the insulating done for winter! The first frost landed this week, so we have the last of the tomatoes from the garden, the peppers, and the squash. Looks like the radishes and peas made it so we will hopefully get some things Kale time is near Starting to eat through the last of last year's canned goods This week's Holler Stew What we are preserving this week Apples if the opportunity arises Fingers crossed for venison Caramel Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/24952/caramel-popcorn/ Vanilla Extract Ratio: 13 oz to 1 gallon booze

Today, we talk now about some homemade holiday gift ideas that you can start now so that they are fantastic by December! Also today, we have a coffee business update, and a special announcement! Tales from the prepper pantry The fall garden provided a yellow squash! (Remember the risk I took?) Pea shoots Radishes Tomatoes Chicken of the woods From a pantry perspective, we are still regrouping for winter storage. What we are preserving this week Apples if the opportunity arises Transitioning from canning to drying Venison could happen at any moment Drying Oyster mushrooms Stories from the Holler 7,000 ways you can improperly install electrical fencing Vocal performance with percussion Ducks thought it was daylight last night and would not go to bed Four Holiday Gift Ideas Kahlua 1 liter vodka, everclear or other 100 proof clear liquor 2 vanilla beans (where to get them) 4 cups strongly brewed coffee - i mean really strong man 8 cups brown sugar Homemade salve Comfrey, mint Coconut oil (where to get) Crockpot for 5 days Mix in beeswax (where to get) Pour into small jelly jars and make pretty labels Tea Mixes Roobius Mint Beebalm Teaball Knitted or crocheted washcloths a la Mamma Sauce: Pattern Homemade Caramels Holler Roast Coffee Update We have a new brew! Holiday gift packaging New website launches tomorrow: HollerRoast.com Patreon Link: patreon.com/livingfreeinTN Make it a Great Week! Song: Strange Child by Sauce Word

Lots of things happened in the last week, including my first time in a hurricane, more goat hijinks, and success in preserving food. But even more interesting is a new interview with Dori. Remember Dori? She reached out earlier this year because she had purchased a dreamy sounding property in Missouri complete with deteriorating cabins and a home built onto the side of a cliff and into a cave! We had a fun interview right after her first weekend at the property and talked about her plans for the land. Dori will be on after our regular segments to give us an update on how things have developed in the last six months. Support us on Patreon. Tales from the prepper pantry The fall garden provided a yellow squash! (Remember the risk I took?) Pea shoots Chestnuts Potato mania Cucumbers from the market Roasted butternut squash DUCK EGGS Radishes but no lettuce Kale Tomatoes 2.0 We've already eaten or given away half our salsa!\ Auditing the venison and our favorite processor went out of business. What we are preserving this week I made jewelweed/mint salve Comfrey plantain is next Hoping to do applesauce or dried apples Drying Oyster mushrooms Garden Economics Update Stories from the Holler Tempting Murphy Worked Driving INTO a Hurricane Holler Roast Bean is Changing The Goat Ladder Dori is a real go-getter and her family found what looked like it would be a great retirement property with the added benefit of being fun to visit now. 6 months ago, we heard from Dori after her first weekend on the property, talked a bit about priorities and infrastructure. Dori's First Interview with Living Free in Tennessee: New Land, New Adventure Song: Special, by Sauce

As we rutch into fall season, and to prepare you for the coming night where the screen between the world of the dead and the world of the living, I thought we could talk about the most important of homesteading plants to foster on your land: Garlic. Garlic is one of those cure-all vegetable with its antiseptic properties, bug deterring scent, sauce-flavor-boosting characteristics, and it even keeps vampires at bay! Resources Support me on patreon! Hog Processing Workshop Garlic Cayenne Tea Recipe for Pest PreventionHoller Roast Coffee Tales from the prepper pantry Holy mushrooms batman! Puffballs Cauliflower Oyster Dryads Saddle Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers Storing: sweet potatoes, potatoes, butternut squash What we are preserving this week Mint Elderberry Syrup Apple Cider Make it a great week! Song: Feed My Hunger by Sauce

Today we will take a look at what fall means on the homestead - or rather falling into winter. The sprint has started. Everything is ripe. Animals must have winter-ready food, water and shelter. Firewood must be cut and stored. Harvest festivals are in full swing. And this year, things are about a month early in Tennessee by my reckoning. I already have chestnuts. For those of you who do not live on a homestead, fall feels more busy than spring because each week, the weather gets a little colder. And the last two weeks have been zingers at the Holler Homestead, especially with a new coffee business this year, the need to sell more ads for the Center Hill Sun, and my being a bit behind on canning this year. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Watercress is holding strong Oyster mushrooms Chestnuts Storing potatoes now, but not in my root cellar yet Volunteer tomato plants doing very well - we will save seed from them Fermentation is perfect right now Reorganizing the shelves to handle winter storage. What we are preserving this week Salsa Hatch Green chilies Hot chili fermentation Chestnuts Black walnuts Goldenrod Seeking a good source for sumac berries Resources Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/livingfreeintn Armed Squirrel project interview Pork processing class at Cider Hollow Farm Giant roasting oven I like Stories Hot Sauce Story from Cat (Gary at The Pepper Bandit West Paducah. Fermented Hot Sauce ) Hatch Chili processing Weekend (Salsa Recipe) Pistol Training Class Canned Tomato Sauce and the methods to get it done Sauerkraut Project Irma refugees and the Hurricane party Goat Jumped off the Roof Coffee Roaster Problems New/old Day Planner Painting the Duplex Leg of Lamb With One Hour's Warning As you can see, sometimes things get pretty busy when you are living seasonally, working side hustles as your main gig, and generally living life. So it's head down, priorities straight, one thing at a time - one thing that is until everything falls apart - and remember to have fun. I hope you are all having a great slide into the fall season too. Make it a great week! Song: Every Way by Sauce

Today, I run through stories and do a debrief after having spent a week helping with logistics (from Tennessee) for bringing aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey. This was recorded from my car using the Zello app because with all the time needed to help with on the ground logistics, the only time I could carve out to record was in the car, driving someone to the airport. Some things we talk about: Tales from the prepper pantry What we are preserving this week Specific apps and websites that were most helpful to link people giving aid to those who needed it Stories from the field Lessons learned after a week of helping Resources zello.com glympse.com http://www.cacteam.com/resources/ https://www.waze.com/ Song: 9/11 by Sauce

Today, we will talk about one way you can help people in Houston immediately, as well as 2 things you should be prepared for in your own life in case a weather disaster ever strikes your home. So, before we jump into our regular segments, I want to share with you what I plan to do to help Texas recover from the terrible damage it received from Hurricane Harvey. Some people who I personally know started an organization with a very simple mission right after Hurricane Katrina. I well remember wishing I could just rent a bus, drive down to New Orleans, and start picking people up and getting them the hell out after that Hurricane, don't you? All the while, we heard about how long it was taking FEMA to get their resources to that part of the country. Heck. Walmart was able to move water in faster than the feds and George Bush took one heck of a beating over what seemed like a slow response to we the citizens, and seemed like a fast response to bureaucrats in Washington. What followed was horrifying. Anyone who knows me at all, knows that I don't believe that the government is better at doing things than people. And while I am open to discussions on this topic over the campfire - we don't have time for that right now. The developing crisis in Houston is something that can benefit from small efforts by individuals right now - not tomorrow - while the big, bulky machine that comes under the heading of "disaster relief" gets itself booted up, deployed, and providing aid. And it just so happens that there is a small organization looking for volunteers, supplies, and financial support so that they can send small teams into Texas armed with water, food, diapers, wet wipes, and cell phone charging stations. And the best part about the organization? 100% of all financial donations go to the supplies that are being distributed, and gas to get the supplies to Texas, and the delivery drivers back out for more supplies. It's called Citizens Assisting Citizens. They are a 501(c)3. And it just so happens that one of my local Tennessee friends, Jake Robinson, is heading out tomorrow or Wednesday to begin delivering supplies. Why am I supporting this charity over others? It's because they already have people there RIGHT NOW giving out water, food, and helping folks get in touch with their loved ones. They are basically serving as the bridge between the current crisis, and the time when other aid becomes possible -- all while local officials are focusing on getting people off roofs, into shelters and rescued and alive. These guys and gals are the first wave of help the some people will see between being physically safe, and physically comfortable. So here is an interview I did with Jake right before the show. Link to Citizens Assisting Citizens: http://www.cacteam.com/ Zello Channel: https://zello.com/cacteam Article about CAC from Jack Spirko: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/cac-teams-a-call-out-to-help-hurricane-refugees-in-texas 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. Watercress Cucumber Salad - the recipe of the week - Tomatoes gave a second wave, as did green beans Apples! Yay! This week's Holler Stew Have reorganized canned goods for the fall What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Apple Sauce Lemon balm Green beans Keeping an eye out for mushrooms Garden Economics project Where I share what the garden is bringing our way. Winter is Coming 17 Where we share what we are doing in the Holler to prepare for winter. Goat hay - now it is cheap - in a few months it will be expensive Rearranging the prepper pantry for winter storage Beginning putting growing beds to rest for the spring Must repair the damn greenhouse 2 ways to Prepare In Advance of a Disaster: A minimalist's list. Bug In Food Do you have enough and some to share How are you going to cook and serve it? Nice to have: spirits can raise spirits when times are hard Water Stored Filtration Heating and Cooling What if there is no power and it is too cold or hot? What is your plan Propane/kerosene/wood The Creek or a generator and window as in one room Animals Food for the animals Care/aid for the animals Nice to have: Extras for other people's animals First Aid Wounds, illnesses, medicines Hygene! Reference book Communications Cell phone Land line Radio Plan Ability to Charge Fuel Gas tanks full Extra credit: Some storage of fuel Bug Out Prepack Mobile supplies packed and ready to go that cover: food, water, communications, shelter, first aid. Plans for leaving Where you will go How you will get there Multiple ways to get there and places to go Meet up locations Transportation Access to money How you will communicate with your loved ones or way points

Today, we talk through a collection of stories from the Eclipse adventure that illustrate how sometimes spontaneous order is the best way to organize. Or said another way: How no organization at all can be the best organization if the folks involved have the same shared goal.

Today, I am joined by Whitney and John Athayde to tell us about a project they built together: HomesteadOji.com. This colorful set of emojis for iPhone tell the day to day story of a homesteader, from "Fox in my coop" to "goat kicked over the milk bucket." 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. Corn corn corn corn corn corn Round 2 of green beans is almost here Tomatoes still trickling in SWEET POTATO GREENS Watercress is back in force and other fall wild edibles should be coming on soon Recipe of the week will be Bacon Cinnamon rolls, and here is why What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Sauerkraut Elderberries Lemon Balm Might can corn Garden Economics project Seeds have germinated, so I pulled back the straw to let them get bigger Found two volunteer tomatoes - these are the best kind. Resources: HomesteadOji.com SfumatoFarm.com Next week we are at ground 0 here in the Holler for the Solar Eclipse, so the show will not be recorded until Tuesday. Why? Because I am going to don my eclipse glasses and check out this once in a lifetime experience! Make it a great week. Song: Strange Child

Today, I will share with you some ideas on what you can put in your fall garden - and share the fall mix of seeds that we are hoping will grow a nice fall garden here at the Holler Homestead. Along with this I will share the garden update - Because it is time to get that planted here in Tennessee. Indeed, I think I am a bit late, but usually these things work themselves out. Also today, we will hear from Samantha the Savings Ninja with a tip for all of us. And I will share with you a few recipes we are working on this week. 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 great freezer defrost project of '17 Watercress Cucumbers Mexican sour gherkens Hot peppers: Giardinair Holler Stew relies heavily on leftover thanksgiving turkey, fresh green beans, and fresh corn from the farmers market. What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Basil Green Beans Sauerkraut - made the deal Lemon Balm Sage Eight things to plant in August. Song: Feed My Hunger by Sauce

In today's episode, we replay a timely episode from last year. Because squash happens. And because Nicole Sauce is traveling. Make it a great week!

The Dog Days of summer are upon us and winter is coming. Are you ready for it? Today, we will talk about what you should can do now to prepare for the winter, whether you are in the city or on a homestead like we are. Next week's show will be a replay of a former episode because I will be out of town for my grandmother's funeral. Become a Show Patron! 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. It got very very hot her: Tomatoes on hold but they will probably all ripen at once when I am at my grandma's funeral. Alas. So. Much. Squash. "Where is the fruit?" I think the mild winter paired with a late frost has left us mostly fruitless around here. What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Nothing - headed out of town :-) Handy summer checklist for winter preparation in the summer: Make a list of what you should be ready for Higher heat bills Snow Higher food bills Christmas Getting stuck in your home with no power Seasonal Affective Disorder Audit your list - and take care of the things now that are better done when it is light out, warm out, and important. Here is my list: Audit the food stored - pantry and freezers - because I am most likely to get iced in for a week or so Use up the old and plan to replenish the new The can of sauerkraut in the back Animal feed and bedding Medications Maintenance on winter technology Flashlights Batteries Backup heaters Winter equipment like snow shovels, blowers, etc Anti-freeze set up for animal's water Do the chores now that are rough in a snow storm Get your firewood going and stored Water filters in the pump house and general pipe maintenance Gutter check, paint, decks, etc Clean out the clutter Make it so you can easily access the important things Winter seems so far away right now, but it is coming faster than you think. A little care now will help your transition into the cold, dark part of the year. And in Winter is when we catch our breath on the Homestead. Make it a great week! Song: Grandpa's Song by Sauce

You're in for a good show today, it's a variety show! That's right, today I will roll through feedback and questions sent in by you, our listeners! A question on building a Wordpress business Getting a side hustle started Stinging Nettle uses and recipes How to make bacon Holler Roast Update Become a Show Patron! 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. Squash avalanche - episode 8 Tomatoes are finally ripe and with them a few recipes: Smoking ribs and other freezer meats Wishing I had started meat birds a month ago because grille chickens is sooooo good, and cooking outside is the best way to beat the heat in Tennessee Inventorying the pantry and I ended up with leftover corn, beans, jams, pickles, and peaches What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Green beans Garlic Dried bee balm Bacon Wow! Last week's podcast seemed to strike a nerve with many of you - You gave me lots of follow up questions and feedback on it. I suppose that's because most of us just want something that is ours to foster, to grow and to learn from. And with all the extra daylight right now it is a perfect time to jump in. Make it a great week! Song: Dr Feeley Dr Skinner, Sauce

Today, we will explore ideas of how to squeeze extra value out of things you already have. Because the old model of having a J O B for your whole life, then retiring into a time of RVs and margaritas on the beach is not necessarily what the future holds with the basis of how our society functions economically changing so quickly. Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/livingfreeinTN 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. Tomatoes, squash, beans, corn, cucumbers, peppers, blueberries, blackberries AND NO PEACHES YET - argggggg Salads have moved to more complexity with cucumber as a base and a sprinkling of nastirtium leaves and flowers. We've basically reached that part of summer where you have about too much of everything all at once, and you know what that means? Soon it will all die. What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage NOTHING - we had a bit of a production lull with all the cloud cover for the past week, though the grass is growing VERY well. Garden Economics project Nothing to report, except I am only spending $20-30 a week on groceries for two people. Because the garden is giving us food. 7 Principles of gleaning value from what you already have Take stock of what you have Take stock of what you can do Look at technological opportunities Look at your market opportunities Choose the easy/most fun ones first and systematize them Run the numbers regularly Add one at a time and leave time for recreation Make it a great week! Song: Thanks Dave by Sauce

In today's show, we will hear a bunch of reality checks for the homesteader. Summer has arrived, and there is lots to do. The animals can be grumpy when it is hot. My garden is in an interesting state. Plus we got two goats and they've been teaching me a ton, and, after years of offering, my sister trusted me with two nieces for Holler Homestead Summer Camp. Support the show on Patreon! 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. Tomatoes are slowly starting to come on. Brisket Story Corn is at the market so we got some Elephant garlic is coming out of the ground (Slow cooked with butter) Cucumbers are here and with them: Pickling season! What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Green Beans Blackberry Cordial and Jam No peaches yet, but it looks like elderberries will come on soon and this year I want to make some Elderberry wine! GOATS DAY 1 of goats illuminated 2 fencing issues Day 2 of goats illuminated how deeply you must set a tether Day 3 of goats illuminated what happens when you have a head goat - no need to tether the other one Day 5 of goats illuminated that if you tether the non-dominant goat, the dominant one runs off Day 14 of goats: things are under control - dogs and goats are working together again so I can leave my raccoon chasing dog back out in the yard, the yard is starting to show signs that something is eating the weeds - which is our goal, and we have discovered that goats LOVE apples. Conclusion: Don't get goats for the first time, even with Goat Knox built, unless you can be home for a few weeks until you get the hang of things. Summer is just now beginning but it feels like things are in full swing here in Tennessee. Everyone is busy so don't get too upset if you have weeds in your garden or fall behind on your canning. Snap back to your priorities, get real, and make a list. And remember - make it a great week! Song: Wolf by Sauce

Today we walk through the process of canning green beans along with tips on how NOT to contract botulism on accident, I'll share with you how the power of social capital is moving our coffee business along, and we will have an update on Hey Hey, the orphaned baby chick. But before we do that: I wanted to share with you a new experience I had: Swarm.City. What it is Why you might care The "Slack" Resources for today's show: Carey Electric Pressure Canner Gratuitous Goat Video 5 WAYS TO PREPARE SUMMER SQUASH 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. Swimming in Squash. Nasturtium are up and harvestable ALL THE VEGGIES, minus tomatoes, BUT GUESS WHAT?! Companion carrots are looking great What we are preserving this week Where we share what we are preserving for winter storage Green Beans Pickling Beets Ramping up for peach season! Should be making Jam but I am not Garden Economics project I was given a half bushel of beets in exchange for 4 jars of pickled ones I bought ½ bushel of green beans for $12 and it will yield 14-16 jars I spent $3 on pickling salt because we were getting low - I buy a bag about every 2 years Canning Green Beans What you need: All the stuff you always need: Jars, lids, jar lifter Canning salt Fresh greenbeans The process - cold pack Prepare the beans, while also sterilizing jars and making boiled water Fill jars loosely with beans that are de-stringed and broken into 1 inch long pieces. Dont cram them in Measure in your salt: Pour in boiling water with 1 inch head space Cap them Put them in your pressure canner Put the lid on and move stove heat to high Let steam vent for 10 minutes Then place the regulator on top of the steam exhaust pipe Watch as pressure comes up over 11, and adjust heat to keep it there Processing time 20/25 below 1,000 feet Turn off heat and let the canner cool until the pressure indicator drops and stays down for 5 minutes Be careful of steam upon opening the canner Remove jars and let cool overnight Any on-sealed lids either have to be reprocessed, or put in the fridge and eaten Well everyone, Make It A Great Week! Song: Tripped Out by Sauce