Episode 60: Pig Processing, Earning Less Through More DIY, and Goat Weed Wackers

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