Happy New Year. Animals certainly find their routines. Our three dogs all have their own personalities, although I know all three are liberal democrats, I’m sure of it. I am constantly saying to them “what a life”. Free food, free housing, free healthcare, they even get free haircuts, free pedicures and or grooming, what a life I’ll tell ya. The big yellow lab we have is spoiled as can be. Every morning at 430am he starts. He’ll drive me crazy until I get up, take them out, get them breakfast, go for a walk and finally come home. Then he has a cigarette and can finally relax, usually with a big smile on his face he then takes a nap. At about 5 in the afternoon the whole process starts again. He’s a beautiful boy, follows me around and lays on my feet wherever I sit. I love all three so much. They’re my favorite democrats in this whole world. J.Goodrich
That's funny, I always suspected my big dog was a democrat, but she never admitted it. She lied a lot too, especially about dumping over the kitchen trash can and other big messes she left for me to clean up. Happy New Year to you and yours James. Those dogs sound great!
Thank you Jill! I love the homesteading stories - especially the videos. They always make me smile. I can’t express how much gratitude I have to you and Robert for all you do to try to keep us safe from tyranny! Much love from Canada.
I love reading your homesteading newsletters. They do a great job of capturing the work, challenges, pleasures and humor of your life on the property and the nuances of the animals’ needs . I think it’s adorable that you have a goose who needs to be tucked in and that Robert agrees to do it.
Hope you get some moments to rest and chill before your travel schedule starts making demands again.
I so enjoy your homesteading journey and that you share it with us all! I love the video of Robert and ‘his’ goose 🪿
My grandparents had a pair of geese as pets and the only one who could approach them was my grandfather. Once the female was ill, and my grandmother went into the barn to see how she could help. The male went after her and knocked her over in the barn and she couldn’t get up. My grandfather was very hard of hearing and had no clue what was going on… until my grandmother didn’t have supper ready! He went looking for her and got the male into a stall and got my grandmother up! She was black and blue all over!
Your writings bring back memories of them both! Thank you for sharing your stories and many wishes for you both in the coming New Year!💕
Love, love, love your homesteading posts! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to write for us! Goose pleases me to no end! I live on a lake and have flocks of Canada Geese that are here year round. I feed them morning and night when I am home. I walk out the back gate with my red bucket of corn and they start honking and running to me. There is also a flock of Mallards that have taken up residence here around my boat dock and they come up with the geese and munch! I love the way they inter mingle - no fighting over who gets to eat. This is my little bit of heaven and I can see where your farm is your heaven! Nature is wonderful and although you have quite the responsibility with your animals, I know they bring you so much pleasure. Continue to enjoy your homesteading and please continue to share with us!
Our son has a Kubota tractor that had the same problem with the hydraulic lines. Fortunately, we have a local hose shop that can make up the hoses while you wait and they charge a fraction of what would happen at the dealer. And they're great guys to boot, a fun place to visit.
Let's hope so, parts, time, travel all included. Andrew was complaining about just the parts markup the dealer has, not to mention a site visit, or the hassle of a haul on the trailer.
Love all the posts and the Homesteading posts are a great relief from the darkness of politics, WEF Resets, etc. That said, we appreciate you both and all your like-minded and like-hearted warriors who are working for a new dawn in the world of health care, common sense, liberty and transparency, etc. We have a "cottage" farm in Southern California, much easier living in many ways, as long as we avoid the governing class. No animals, miss them, been there done that. Orchards and gardens. Keeps us humble and sane! Many blessings and joy in the New Year to you and your families, friends, fellow subscribers and loved ones.
It looks like Gonzo has her humans trained well. I love those Fairytale pumpkins. It looks like Cinderella’s coach.
Our fall into winter has been extra warm and dry. We had 65 degrees in December. That is very unusual. It is usually 29 -30 degrees. It is 30 right now but it is supposed to go get up to 46 by Saturday. We had about and inch of snow drop on Saturday. But none sense. Our ski resort has very little snow and has not opened yet .
Have a great time in Hawaii. We were there in early November to give a day of talks at a vet conference. Had a farm meeting here a few days before and cross-training would have definitely helped.
Btw, if you want some true horse colic medicine on hand, give a holler. It's right out of the old text books: tincture of Nux vomica, ginger, gentian and fennel. Best wishes for a great New Year!
I received a delivery of 6 dining room chairs from Amazon this morning; they came 2 to a box. I've assembled the first one, and the finished product looks nice and makes a nice seat. The wooden innards are a tad rough, though, and the front left leg was just a bit thick for the socket. Lucky for me there's a trained beaver named Dremel nearby; I asked him to take about 0.010" off two faces, and the leg then fit in nicely. He does good work.
You already may be aware of her, but if not, Jackie Clay-Atkinson in northern Minnesota grows, harvests, and sells heirloom seeds for all manner of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She’s had a homestead for several decades and is a very popular source of advice, having written many homesteading books and an advice column for Self Reliance Publications.
Thank you for this post, I enjoyed it very much. The video of RM walking the goose home at night was delightful and hilarious. I love the photos you share on this substack. Taking good photos is one of your many gifts, as is writing. I'm with you though, i'm thinking about trying to sell a piano but the thought of having to actually deal with people coming into look at it makes me nervous. I went beyond introvert and have been a happy hermit for so many years (while homebound with husband) and now I am very slowly working on re-entry. Best to you and RM in the New Year! You've inspired me to start planning what I will plant in 2026.
JG It was so cute, I just use that word, you capturing Goose being taken to bed. It made me smile and chuckle a bit inside. I was playing with our 2 year old granddaughter the other day and she brought me a pillow and told me it was time to sleep. She gave me this silly looking stuffed doll and told Papa, me, it was time to sleep. Very nice for sure Homesteader.
It's nice to see you writing here, Dr. Jill (hope I can call you that), altho I'm sure your time is precious and filled. Goose is funny. Told my husband he is lucky to just have a spoiled, small dog to deal with! We love our Stella, but she definitely has her very strict routine, which includes a bed in almost every room and certain schedule to sleep in each one!
Wondered if the HI trip will include public forum? Would encourage my son to attend, if so.
I've read of the mandate to include HI. I hope there is 1 on Oahu, most likely Honolulu? I'll certainly make them aware. Maybe if you have time, you might share more info. Thanks!!!
Happy New Year. Animals certainly find their routines. Our three dogs all have their own personalities, although I know all three are liberal democrats, I’m sure of it. I am constantly saying to them “what a life”. Free food, free housing, free healthcare, they even get free haircuts, free pedicures and or grooming, what a life I’ll tell ya. The big yellow lab we have is spoiled as can be. Every morning at 430am he starts. He’ll drive me crazy until I get up, take them out, get them breakfast, go for a walk and finally come home. Then he has a cigarette and can finally relax, usually with a big smile on his face he then takes a nap. At about 5 in the afternoon the whole process starts again. He’s a beautiful boy, follows me around and lays on my feet wherever I sit. I love all three so much. They’re my favorite democrats in this whole world. J.Goodrich
Do only Democrat dogs smoke, or do Republican dogs smoke too? You are too funny, King James!
That's funny, I always suspected my big dog was a democrat, but she never admitted it. She lied a lot too, especially about dumping over the kitchen trash can and other big messes she left for me to clean up. Happy New Year to you and yours James. Those dogs sound great!
Thanks MrsMc!! Same to you!!
Bad doggie...ciggies, no!! 😂
Ciggies for doggies will put them into an early coughin’ 🚬 🐾 ⚰️
Thanks Big E!! Happy New Year!!
You would probably like the song “My Dog’s a Democrat.” It’s hysterical.
P.S. my two Italian Greyhounds are also prime examples 😁
Great song thanks 4Freedom
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16e8M2VPMJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The well lived life often includes the Furriest of friends.
Like insiders say from the White House...
If you want a valued friend.....get a Dog.
Albeit W. Shakespeare probably said this first! Hahaaha
I read the post twice, ha ha to the cig. The only thing better would be a little sex...
Well I didn’t want to bring that up but….
😅😂😅🤣😆😁
Thank you Jill! I love the homesteading stories - especially the videos. They always make me smile. I can’t express how much gratitude I have to you and Robert for all you do to try to keep us safe from tyranny! Much love from Canada.
Ditto from California.
We have our own tiny tyrant here in Orlando, Florida. Anyone not so cursed is fortunate indeed.
12/30/25: Hear, hear!
I love reading your homesteading newsletters. They do a great job of capturing the work, challenges, pleasures and humor of your life on the property and the nuances of the animals’ needs . I think it’s adorable that you have a goose who needs to be tucked in and that Robert agrees to do it.
Hope you get some moments to rest and chill before your travel schedule starts making demands again.
I so enjoy your homesteading journey and that you share it with us all! I love the video of Robert and ‘his’ goose 🪿
My grandparents had a pair of geese as pets and the only one who could approach them was my grandfather. Once the female was ill, and my grandmother went into the barn to see how she could help. The male went after her and knocked her over in the barn and she couldn’t get up. My grandfather was very hard of hearing and had no clue what was going on… until my grandmother didn’t have supper ready! He went looking for her and got the male into a stall and got my grandmother up! She was black and blue all over!
Your writings bring back memories of them both! Thank you for sharing your stories and many wishes for you both in the coming New Year!💕
This is why no drakes for us!
And Gonzo has so much company - she really seems very content as an only goose.
If we got another, they would have to be penned - as we have too many people coming and going. JG
Love, love, love your homesteading posts! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to write for us! Goose pleases me to no end! I live on a lake and have flocks of Canada Geese that are here year round. I feed them morning and night when I am home. I walk out the back gate with my red bucket of corn and they start honking and running to me. There is also a flock of Mallards that have taken up residence here around my boat dock and they come up with the geese and munch! I love the way they inter mingle - no fighting over who gets to eat. This is my little bit of heaven and I can see where your farm is your heaven! Nature is wonderful and although you have quite the responsibility with your animals, I know they bring you so much pleasure. Continue to enjoy your homesteading and please continue to share with us!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Jill & Robert!
Our son has a Kubota tractor that had the same problem with the hydraulic lines. Fortunately, we have a local hose shop that can make up the hoses while you wait and they charge a fraction of what would happen at the dealer. And they're great guys to boot, a fun place to visit.
This one's pretty new. I assume it's still under warranty. But I would do what your son does after the warranty. Probably better hoses, as well.
Let's hope so, parts, time, travel all included. Andrew was complaining about just the parts markup the dealer has, not to mention a site visit, or the hassle of a haul on the trailer.
Love all the posts and the Homesteading posts are a great relief from the darkness of politics, WEF Resets, etc. That said, we appreciate you both and all your like-minded and like-hearted warriors who are working for a new dawn in the world of health care, common sense, liberty and transparency, etc. We have a "cottage" farm in Southern California, much easier living in many ways, as long as we avoid the governing class. No animals, miss them, been there done that. Orchards and gardens. Keeps us humble and sane! Many blessings and joy in the New Year to you and your families, friends, fellow subscribers and loved ones.
It looks like Gonzo has her humans trained well. I love those Fairytale pumpkins. It looks like Cinderella’s coach.
Our fall into winter has been extra warm and dry. We had 65 degrees in December. That is very unusual. It is usually 29 -30 degrees. It is 30 right now but it is supposed to go get up to 46 by Saturday. We had about and inch of snow drop on Saturday. But none sense. Our ski resort has very little snow and has not opened yet .
Have a great day!
Have a great time in Hawaii. We were there in early November to give a day of talks at a vet conference. Had a farm meeting here a few days before and cross-training would have definitely helped.
Btw, if you want some true horse colic medicine on hand, give a holler. It's right out of the old text books: tincture of Nux vomica, ginger, gentian and fennel. Best wishes for a great New Year!
I received a delivery of 6 dining room chairs from Amazon this morning; they came 2 to a box. I've assembled the first one, and the finished product looks nice and makes a nice seat. The wooden innards are a tad rough, though, and the front left leg was just a bit thick for the socket. Lucky for me there's a trained beaver named Dremel nearby; I asked him to take about 0.010" off two faces, and the leg then fit in nicely. He does good work.
You already may be aware of her, but if not, Jackie Clay-Atkinson in northern Minnesota grows, harvests, and sells heirloom seeds for all manner of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She’s had a homestead for several decades and is a very popular source of advice, having written many homesteading books and an advice column for Self Reliance Publications.
Thank you for this post, I enjoyed it very much. The video of RM walking the goose home at night was delightful and hilarious. I love the photos you share on this substack. Taking good photos is one of your many gifts, as is writing. I'm with you though, i'm thinking about trying to sell a piano but the thought of having to actually deal with people coming into look at it makes me nervous. I went beyond introvert and have been a happy hermit for so many years (while homebound with husband) and now I am very slowly working on re-entry. Best to you and RM in the New Year! You've inspired me to start planning what I will plant in 2026.
Nothing better than a cab tractor with heat and AC. I just picked up a Kubota Grand L 4060 and now enjoy plowing snow ⛄️
JG It was so cute, I just use that word, you capturing Goose being taken to bed. It made me smile and chuckle a bit inside. I was playing with our 2 year old granddaughter the other day and she brought me a pillow and told me it was time to sleep. She gave me this silly looking stuffed doll and told Papa, me, it was time to sleep. Very nice for sure Homesteader.
It's nice to see you writing here, Dr. Jill (hope I can call you that), altho I'm sure your time is precious and filled. Goose is funny. Told my husband he is lucky to just have a spoiled, small dog to deal with! We love our Stella, but she definitely has her very strict routine, which includes a bed in almost every room and certain schedule to sleep in each one!
Wondered if the HI trip will include public forum? Would encourage my son to attend, if so.
it is a series of public rallies to support a "stop the mandates" ballot initiative
I've read of the mandate to include HI. I hope there is 1 on Oahu, most likely Honolulu? I'll certainly make them aware. Maybe if you have time, you might share more info. Thanks!!!
Will do! I haven't seen the exact schedule yet - but will try to get a copy.