

The Bucket Trick - Part Two
We had underestimated two important factors: Hazel’s intelligence and strength. Up at 4:30am we attempted a revised plan. We moved the...


The Bucket Trick - Part One
In the spring of 2016, we decided to raise our first pig to fill our winter freezer. Part of our progression towards self-sustaining...


Vermont Mandala
Vermont Mandala Round and Round, defiant of the straight line I til the dirt with my orange hand, My strong arm, my iron spine White and...


The Harvest
For the past two years, I set aside a huge chunk of time in September and October for harvest and preparation for winter storage...


Designing Rennsli Farm - initial thoughts cont.....
Next, we need a cash crop. It seems like everyone in Vermont raises heirloom vegetables and the market is saturated from July through...


Designing Rennsli Farm - initial thoughts
Weeding is the perfect mental activity for farm planning. As I nimbly separate curly dock and bedstraw from acorn squash mounds and...


Tasks Left Undone - lessons in becoming self-sustaining
I'm a project person. I have the type of mind that only releases its anxiety after I make sure the checkboxes are filled in on my daily...


Localvores - Day Seven
DAY SEVEN - SUNDAY I love Sundays. Building a self-sustaining lifestyle while having to do 'off farm' work is a triple full time job. I...


Localvores - Day Six
DAY SIX - SATURDAY Two days left and little produce left in the house, I drove to work wondering about what to pull together for...


Localvores - Day Five
DAY FIVE - FRIDAY Friday is usually pizza day here at the Kirby compound. When I have time, I make pizza dough and sauce in advance and...