The start of a new year always brings resolutions and ways to make changes for the better. Most people look to make changes in the realms of weight, finances, and relationships. Many people think about where they want to be by the end of the year, and put goals in sight, then plans in place … Continue reading Planning for the New Year
I came from a family that valued family time above all else. My dad was a dairy farmer and it made for long days that left little time for family. Sundays were honored and saved for family because dad was able to carve out more time for family. Because of the value of family, we … Continue reading Jellies for a Year
I've heard for a few years now, chickens are gateway livestock. Once you get a few layers you'll keep expanding into others. I can honestly say, we did not buy a different type of animal. We did, however, move into the realm of meat chickens. My husband spear headed this project, and I helped and … Continue reading Trials and Tribulations of Meat Chickens
I enjoy gardening. Personally, I deal with anxiety and depression, gardening has become a strong, stable point helping to keeping my anxiety at bay. Beyond that, gardening has also helped me to keep costs down for our groceries, while providing healthy food for my family. While gardening these last few years, I've watched and learned … Continue reading What Gardening Teaches Children
Hello from the HillTop! Every so often, I'd like to introduce you to our flock. For several reasons, one as mentioned this blog is more a stress reliever for myself then anything. With that, by telling you about each of the flock members I hope to have a way to remember them when they are … Continue reading HillTop Highlight – Rapunzel the Wyandotte
Spring has finally come and almost done. March, April and May have come and gone, and June is well underway. Our family hit our one year mark of our first year as chicken keepers in the middle of April and we excitedly accepted our next little chicks that arrived in late May. So much has … Continue reading Reflections of a First Time Chicken Keeper
Spring is here...unless you live in Western Pennsylvania! There are signs of it already. New grass trying to pop through the snow (yes, we have snow still at times), birds singing and warmer weather keeps making it's way into the weekly forecast. Springtime brings the itching want to begin one's garden. Flower gardens are great, … Continue reading Growing Community in Your Garden
Hello from the HillTop! Personally when I think of spring, I think of planning for my garden and prepping for planting. Now that we have chickens, I'm planning on new chicks to add to our flock for the spring. Possibly even planning for other animal additions...I'm starting to ponder sheep...but that's a different story. One … Continue reading A Spring Sweet: Chocolate Mint Zucchini Bread
Hello from the HillTop! As I have previously stated, I have become the crazy chicken lady. I'm embracing that title with pride. I want to introduce you to our flock. Being that we have nine chickens, that could take some time. I'm starting with what is the most logical order, I'd like you to meet … Continue reading HillTop Highlight – Sara the Welsummer
When you think of a farm, you think of the whole ordeal...you think of the sprawling fields, the big red barn, sounds of a tractor and of course each animal you sing about in "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Well, that was what I grew up with, but our barn was white and our farm … Continue reading Suburban Farm Girl
