Welcome to today's Survival Diary May 9.
Ever have one of those days on the homestead when you finally sit down at sunset and think, "Wow, how did I get all that done?"
That was today.
And even though my feet ache and my muscles are sore, I’m going to bed with a heart full of gratitude.
This morning started like so many others—early.
Before the sun had even peeked over the horizon, I was already out in the barn milking Darla, our sweet, reliable dairy goat.
The barn was quiet, the kind of quiet that only happens when the world is still waking up.
There’s something about those peaceful moments—the soft breathing of animals, the rhythmic sound of milk hitting the pail—that grounds me.
It’s a far cry from the chaos I grew up with, and every single morning I get to live this life, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come.
A Gentle Breakthrough With Beauty
After milking, I moved on to feed rounds.
Beauty, our newest addition, was waiting—her head peeking over the stall door, eager for breakfast.
She let me brush her saddle area a little longer than usual today.
It might sound like a small thing, but for me, it’s huge.
Building trust with animals, especially horses, takes time and consistency.
Just like the people in our lives, they don’t open up overnight.
I’ve learned the hard way not to take small moments like this for granted.
New Faces, New Energy
I also added a new female rabbit to our growing homestead today.
Prince, my Angora buck, has been needing a companion, and while she’s not an Angora herself, I could already see a change in his energy as they got acquainted.
Seeing him perk up reminded me that companionship matters—not just for people, but for animals too.
Speaking of growing flocks, the turkeys are doing great.
Hobbles and Goobles, my two current feathered comedians, keep me laughing with their constant curiosity.
I’m bringing in more turkeys later this week, and my goal is to raise about twenty.
I’ve had my heart set on this for a while, not just for meat or pest control, but because they add so much character to the homestead.
After losing birds last year, rebuilding this flock feels like healing.
The Garden, The Goats, and the Good Stuff
Darla’s milk production is increasing, which is wonderful—but also a nudge that we need more does soon.
We’re planning to grow the herd by June, and I’ve got a mental list of all the things I want to make: cheese, soap, maybe even lotion.
It’s funny how something as simple as fresh milk can offer such a sense of security.
Over in the garden, the dandelions have declared war.
Still, I pulled as many as I could and tossed them to the chickens, who devoured them like they were gourmet greens.
This is the beauty of homesteading—nothing goes to waste.
I may grumble about weeds, but even they serve a purpose here.
Looking Ahead
This Saturday is the native plant auction in Indianapolis, and I’m tempted to go.
I’ve been working hard on improving pollinator support on the homestead and adding native plants is a big part of that.
I love learning about each new plant and how it benefits the ecosystem I’m building.
Plus, I know I’m not just planting for me—I’m planting for the bees, the butterflies, and the future.
Closing Thoughts
As I sit here, jotting down these words in the fading light of the day, I feel a mix of pride, exhaustion, and hope.
Life hasn’t always been kind, but I’ve worked hard to carve out this space—this life—for myself.
It’s messy.
It’s full of setbacks.
But it’s also filled with tiny victories that remind me why I chose this path.
Thanks for joining me on this journey.
I’d love to hear about your day, too—what’s growing in your garden?
What little wins made you smile?
Let’s keep lifting each other up.
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