Try to remember the days before headlamps.  I hate chewing on flashlights!

Thanks for the kraut recipe John. We will surely give it a go. I try anything once and this seems like a keeper.
While I hate headlamps, your right L-13. They work far better than trying to hold a mag light in your mouth. I just wish daylight lasted longer in fall and winter. So much to do.
Today is makin bacon day. Smokehouse is smoking 10 lb slab of cured bacon and 2 ham steaks.
Not sure how I'm going to tackle the actual hams. They will need about 36 hrs in smokehouse. Wish it was cooler out so they can rest in between.

One thing I'm finding out is its taking a tremendous amount of wood. Charcoal is not an option.
Ran through more than 1/2 of my Apple wood so far and will need more before I start the hams. My woodstove still had coals this morning .
Also, the woodstove is not really big enough, it gets full pretty fast and needs to be cleaned out every run , day.

Like said, lots to do today as I prepare for the carnage that will be coming through here .
The processing area needs to be better set up for better production.
Enjoy your day , mine will be filled with tunes and smoke ✌
P.S.:
Haven't even looked at my fishing gear yet.😶

Just finished dinner. Started chores at 5am.
Geesh, I need to retire to 80 hrs a week here instead of 160 humping.
All good and will continue until I'm not able.
Outdoor adventures soon.

I just finished another round of slicing and smokehouse bacon. Non stop since 4:30. Need to shower yet but think bleach killed everything so far.
Sliced 7lbs cured not smoked, smoked 8lbs for tomorrow slicing.
Getting closer now to the hog finish line.
Sorry Jack, fishing seems like a dim view right now.
I envy you and hope they pull a tight line .

If the chicken run is not too large you can try a mesh type cover.

4 hams down. 5 to go in smokehouse tomorrow.
Got these shrink wrap bags with a tube to release air. Dunk in 195 degrees canning pot for 5-10 seconds. Works awesome.
All chickens except cut will be going this route.
After tomorrow all my processing will be completed, until those brown 4 legged animals start in October.
Whew, a short break that will allow me some garden duities. Garlic, herbs , asparagus and preparing for wintering.

I'm tired already, but it's a good tired 😀.
Truly sorry to let folks down but I'm probably not making the SR fishing next week.
October is a possibility.
November is a probably because I have 3 full weeks vacation starting 11-9 until December 3rd

Yes it is . I couldn't hamdle much more .
For myself, it's a labor of love. Granted we are about sick of it about now but all things pass in time. Soon I'll be just focusing on hunting, that will pass and I'll be in ice mode until I burn out.

Looks like your meat birds did well. I hated the mess from them the last few weeks but will absolutely do them again... just cant beat the carcass quality. We had numerous in the 9# range after processing. They made tremendous smoker birds at camp. The heat shrink packaging is the way to go in our experience. Meat keeps over a year with no problem.

Catching farm aid Sat and outlaw festival yesterday was exhausting but well worth it. My legs are so sore 👣I'm taking today off to just chill.
The chickens came out awesome.
Nice and plump.

Sorry folks but fishing isn't really on my agenda this year. I'm glad you folks are getting out and having fun. While I started on the SR in 1980, I didn't try for salmon until 1986. If memory serves me, this will be the first no show for myself. I've had my up and down feelings of the fishery- fishers, none of those are the reason this year.

Reason for this post is about the garden and farming folks. Granted I totally got it backwards as farm and garden but it's become a passion. I started out my life this way and hope to retire in the future of the past. My children now in their 30's are showing their families about raising and growing food to eat. This in itself is promising as well as rewarding to me knowing I've done something right in my life.
We are not true farmers by any means of feeding others but just homegrown people that enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Moral of the story is ,farm aid started in 1985, I've watched every single show either in person (3) or via that wicked thing called television.
Willie, Neil and John have been the directors. Dave was added as well .
My source says, at 85 years young, Willie will be stepping down. Sadly to me.
I hope his children Micha and Lukas are able to be directors and continue the vision.
The messages I've learned is
Dirt is ok. Keep it clean and it will support life in growth. The people that work hard supporting their families and communities struggle . They need support from us the consumer.
In closing, a new ( er) song we really like and is moving to us by Lukas Nelson is " turn off the news " plant a garden.
Share what you can and have fun doing it.
Peace and tuna

Agreed Clint.
I also missed on the carpenter's and everyone who makes things instead of a machine.
My hats are off to the hardworking people and those who deserve a reward for their efforts

Garlic festival was awesome yesterday. You certainly needed to bring lots of $$$.
This morning I put in 75 garlic cloves. 25 red , 25 white and 25 music.
I got a batch here as well for dehydration and daily usage . We use a LOT of garlic in my family.
Also did 30 lbs pulled pork. 15 smoked, 15 not.
Just got a major score.
150 feet great condition chain link fence. All accessories included.
A friend wanted it gone and it was FREE..
Gotta go back and get the rest.

Busy day here.
Pool needs winterizing, camper and boat as well. 30 chickens yet to package.
Loving this weather and can't wait to start woodstove.

If there is anyone in the Syracuse- Mexico- Pulaski area that is willing to help me out id be very grateful.
I'm looking for grandma browns bean SOUP.
Must be the SOUP, not baked beans.
It's made at factory in Mexico, N.Y.. It's very hard to acquire. It's outrageous to go through a 2nd or third-party mail order.
Typically, it's $2.00 or less a large can in p&c up there. I clean their shelves when I'm in town.

I'm willing to compensate all shipping and handling as well as time spent. Please contact me.
Thanks.

24, of the biggest cans they stock.
If they are small cans then probably 48 cans.

Thanks for the shout out on bean SOUP.
I actually found a direct order website. I ordered 24 -15oz cans at $36.00. Shipping was another 20 but I cant drive there for less. My buddy who turned me on to the SOUP has before, lol.
All good and peace in the valley.
More jalapenos on dehydrator tonight..
Pork ribs roast, fresh cauliflower, applesauce, potatoes with chives and sour cream on the menu tonight