Suburban Homesteading – Frugal Living

There is a storm on its way. Not a big one, but you never know how storms will change, weaken or become stronger. We need it desperately and I am thankful for it. I am also worried. Wildfires that burned and charred the hillsides just a few weeks ago left the ground barren of any vegetation. If the rain comes too hard that will mean mudslides and road closures. Not ideal for the first week back to work after a long Christmas holiday. I will pray for a gentle, steady rain as much as I send prayers of thanks for a break in the drought.

The news of the storm got us scurrying around the farm to batten things down before it hits.

Chicken feeders were topped off, as was the water trough, and more bedding was layered in the coop to provide warmth and give the hens something to do if the storm keeps them indoors.

Plants were fed and fertilized, and a few seeds were planted in the water trough garden to provide a salad greens in a month or so. A sprouted sweet potato I had been saving was planted in the potato tub as an experiment for an early crop. We’ll see how it does.

Citrus trees were covered to protect the crop from winds and losing fruit.

Rain barrels line the edge of the house, waiting to capture as much free water as they can, which will then be used to water in between future storms.

A load of firewood was picked up, hauled and stacked behind the garage, close enough to the back door to replenish the inside stack without getting drenched.

Lamps are strategically placed on night stands, on kitchen counters and in the living room in case we lose power. The generator has been pulled out and tested as back-up power for the freezer and fridge.

I think we are ready. We will know soon enough.