I’ve had a bit of writer’s block already in this new blogging journey. We have not been working on any new projects lately. We have been doing a lot of mowing and trying to keep animals cool and free of flies. All of this has kind of been a lost cause, but that is a normal summer here in North Carolina. It also makes it more challenging to think of blog topics. So get ready for a hodgepodge of what’s going on around The Three 10s.

I’m still getting to ride almost daily which fills my cup. I’ve started riding our Mustang. We adopted her THREE years ago!! Whoa. Time flies. She was started last fall but not ridden again after November. I did some ground work with her early this spring, but decided I had to swallow the butterflies and get on her. I started taking her to Richard’s for help at the end of June and have now put 11 rides on her! She is such a clean slate, which is refreshing and intimidating. I am trying to focus on “the little things” and keeping her light. So much responsibility! One of my biggest challenges to myself with her is to not beg. In other words, do not micromanage! I find myself falling into this trap all the time, but thankfully there is no end to this horsemanship journey.

Our garden is pitiful to look at but we have been getting zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers. There are a few melons that look like they will do okay, and while we are down to only three okra plants, they are starting to produce fruit! I do not think the corn will do great this year. We will have to see how to remedy that next year.

We submitted soil samples about a week ago. We did them for our pastures, but we sent one in for the garden area as well so we can make some amendments to improve that area. Soil sampling is crucial to adding the correct nutrients to your soil without waste or over-fertilization. Your county extension office is a great resource for more information. 

Total side-note and how random my thoughts are: I was letting my instagram stories play the other day in some down time and the topic of “preppers” or “survivalists” came up. This particular family had several years’ supplies saved and she was going through the process of organizing everything. This is a topic I often laugh or roll my eyes at, but it did make me think…how many people are “prepping” or stocking up on essential supplies?? We have several gallons of water saved for a power outage, but that is the extent of our doomsday preparation. Ha! But seriously, having a few non-perishable items does not seem like a bad idea. And being able to “live off the land”…just a little…does not seem awful. Until you think about how much work goes into it. If we had to live off our garden, we would be out of luck. And if things have to last several years, does that include food for animals? And where do you store it? And if you’re going to have food, you should probably consider first-aid supplies. And protection? So much to think about. And so random hahaha. But I would be curious to hear how people plan and prep these things. If they do. Let me know! 

Oh! And we finally have a brand! After several weeks of brainstorming, nothing stuck. Womp womp. So I asked one of my super creative students and she came up with our official brand in less than an afternoon. We are excited to get it on some hats! Stay tuned. 

Thank you for following along our homesteading on the side journey! Please subscribe to our blog if you are enjoying! 🙂

“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18