Oralia Redmon

As you contemplate your plan for bugging out in case of an emergency, have you given due consideration to the logistics of getting to your chosen safe haven? While selecting a bug-out location and deciding whether to bug in or out may be crucial considerations, it’s equally important to think about how you’ll reach that … Read more

It was an autumn morning when reality hit home. My husband strolled in, his expression grim, and delivered the devastating news: ‘Something’s taken our beloved rabbit.’ The stark reminder served as a poignant wake-up call – we’re not just keeping pets; we’re running a homestead where threats lurk on four legs. While I may not … Read more

When I embarked on my homesteading journey, I envisioned a daily milking routine and creating my own cheese. Although I do practice these activities, they don’t quite align with my initial expectations. I had assumed that having a cow would be essential to achieving this goal, but as we transitioned to farming on a smaller … Read more

While it may come as a surprise, female mosquitoes are responsible for most of our summertime misery. As we swat at itchy bites and curse the pesky insects, we’re largely dealing with the wrath of females only. The sheer scale of their impact is staggering – imagine an army of tiny terrors feasting on your … Read more

While carrots, beets, turnips, and potatoes are familiar staples in many edible gardens, other root vegetables like jicama, sunchokes, and scorzonera may be less well-known. For those who haven’t encountered them before, these unusual roots offer a chance to discover new flavors and textures. If you’re eager to diversify your garden and culinary horizons, keep … Read more

In today’s society, food purchases at the grocery store are often taken for granted. My personal journey into homesteading began with a passion for creating delicious meals from scratch. The simplicity and satisfaction of making marshmallows from scratch still excite me to this day. This experience got me thinking – what other everyday foods can … Read more

I’m utterly enamored with cheese – it’s an essential component of my life. When I embarked on building my homestead, a herd of dairy goats was at the top of my list. Today, I have the privilege of hand-milking 8 Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats to create a diverse range of cheeses. However, great milk is … Read more

Creating a herb garden is an accessible and rewarding endeavor for any gardener, novice or experienced. The best part? You can grow a year’s supply of your favorite herbs for the same cost as buying them at the store – a true gardening ‘paycheck’. However, it’s essential to be aware that herbs have their own … Read more

There’s an undeniable charm to moss in landscape design, reminiscent of whimsical tales featuring hobbits and fairies. Unlike grass or other ground covers, moss has a unique ability to evoke feelings of serenity and tranquility. For me, this fascination with moss was limited to its natural habitats – shady, moist areas under trees and rocks. … Read more

I’ve had conversations with numerous individuals who express their desire to cultivate a garden, but are convinced they possess ‘black thumbs.’ They often share tales of their failed attempts at plant care, listing the various species they’ve inadvertently harmed. If you’re one of these people, and you believe yourself to be similarly afflicted, I’m here … Read more