How Can I Learn New Homestead Skills?

 

With homesteading, there is always something new to learn or do and with that comes the question of, "How do I learn these new skills?" Very few people in today's world are brought up in a family or with a mentor who can teach one how to homestead, however there are several ways in which you can learn new homestead skills:

1. Take classes: Look for local classes or workshops that teach homesteading skills such as gardening, animal husbandry, and food preservation. Many agricultural extension offices and community colleges offer classes on homesteading topics.

2. Attend conferences: Homesteading conferences and events can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with other homesteaders. Look for events in your area or consider traveling to attend larger events.

3. Read books and articles: There are many books and articles available on homesteading topics. Look for books and articles written by experienced homesteaders who have successfully implemented the skills you want to learn. Books like the Foxfire Series
   

4. Watch videos: There are many instructional videos available online that can teach you homesteading skills. Look for videos on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.

5. Join a homesteading group: Joining a homesteading group or organization can be a great way to connect with other homesteaders and learn new skills. Look for local groups or join online communities.

6. Seek guidance from experienced homesteaders: Reach out to experienced homesteaders in your area or online and ask for their guidance and advice. Many homesteaders are happy to share their knowledge and help others get started.

Remember that homesteading skills take time to learn and master, so be patient and persistent. Focus on one skill at a time and practice consistently to improve your skills over time.

Homemade Bread

Some of the earliest memories that I have are of going down our family friend, Mamie's house. Mamie and her husband Jim lived a simple life. She cooked everything fresh from scratch and he hunted. I remember going out back and looking at all of the hunting dogs who always seemed to be incessantly barking.

Mamie used to sit with me on her front porch and tell me stories and share some old wives tales as well.

One of the things that I really liked was going over her house and smelling fresh homemade bread being baked with the scent filling the whole house and even drifting outside. Even going inside and seeing bread pans covered with dish clothes was enough to make my mouth water.

Since then, I've been hooked on homemade bread. The recipe below is not Mamie's recipe, but is a basic one for homemade white bread.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup warm water
• 1½ T yeast
• 1 T sugar

• 1 cup boiling water
• ⅓ cup oil
• ⅙ cup sugar
• 2 t. salt

• 1¼ cups cold water
• 6½ cups flour

  

Instructions:

---

Step1

In a small bowl mix the ½ cup warm water, 1½ T yeast, and 1 T. sugar.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes or so.

---

Step 2



In a mixer or in another bowl mix the 1 cup of boiling water, ⅓ cup oil, ⅙ cup sugar, and 2 t salt.

Stir until it dissolves.

---

Step 3


Add in the cold water and mix and then add in the yeast mixture. (You want the mixture temp to be lukewarm before you add the yeast and thats why do you do this.)

---

Step 4



Add in 3 cups of flour and stir.
Let this mixture rise for 30 minutes.

---

Step 5


After 30 minutes, the mixture should have some bubbles from the yeast.

Add in 3 cups of flour. It should form a nice not sticky dough. Let this rest for about 30 minutes.

---

Step 6



Add in remaining 3 to 3½ cups of flour. It should form a nice not sticky dough.

Let this rest for about 30 minutes.

---

Step 7



Grease (with butter) and lightly flour the bread pans. This will help the bread to release from the pan and to come out easier.

---

Step 8


Separate dough into bread pans.

Cover with a dish towel and let these rise for about an hour (or until the dough has doubled in size) in a warm place.

Bake bread at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.

---

Step 9



Remove the loaves from the oven and brush the tops with butter.

---

Step 10


 Enjoy with butter or your favorite jam or jelly spread!

299 Days: The Community - BOOK REVIEW

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing 299 Days: The Community, which is book three in the ten book series, 299 Days by Glen Tate.  After reading books one and two in this series, I could not wait for the third installment and 299 Days: The Community doesn't disappoint.

This book contains the continuing story of Grant Matson, his family and his close group of friends ans associates. We see  "The Community" organize and develop during this, the first part of the collapse as we have  front row seats to the importance of communities in general and to how diverse skills and hobbies can come into play.

Throughout this book, one sees a high level of realism woven into the storyline that brings events to life without specifically dating them. While reading this, one wonders if a similar possible future is in store for this country.
The book, 299 Days: The Community is entertaining yet has applicable truths that we can apply to our
everyday lives.

One of the truths that shines through is that one person can't possibly know it all or do it all, especially all of the time. The value of community; a diverse group of people with valuable life skills, is seen throughout. From metal workers, to doctors and nurses to electricians to farmers, everyone has valuable skills to contribute.

Also, the book with it's well-developed characters, showcases a group of people that show the innate good that is present in some people. There are those people who are good and  trustworthy and who see events coming. It's because they are able to supplement their natural caring tendencies with the planning, skills, knowledge/training and equipment necessary, that they now fall into the role of sheepdogs, essentially guardians of the people.

For those in the "prepper" community or mindset, this book will help you to look at your preps (including knowledge and relationships) and the different areas of prepping more carefully and from a different angles that you have previously. At the same time, people who are not "preppers" and who simply love a good story won't be disappointed either as this story continues, but doesn't get mired down in the weeds and the jargon of preppers.

This is developing into an excellent series! For a self-published, first time author, "Mr. Tate" really delivers. I find it a pleasure to read his writings and look forward to the rest of the series.