Plans for 2012

I've never been big on resolutions so I never make any New Year ones. However, now that the two babies are a little older, we have some exciting plans for 2012. We have discussing doing some of these for a couple of years now, however, taking care of two babies took time and energy away from the proposed plans.

But I think we're now ready and I'm very excited to include our progress in this blog!

Plans for 2012 (in no particular order)

• Set up aquaponic system (we plan to start with tilapia and shrimp)

•  Get red wriggler and meal worms populating 

We've already ordered and housed some late 2011. Now we want to populate as many as we can   for livestock feed, compost tea, worm castings and for sale.

• Plan aquaponics and outdoor gardens

• Brew beer

• Try growing mushrooms 

• Purchase Kitchenaid flaker attachment to make corn and other flakes 

• Continue to not eat fast/junk food as well as try to eliminate as much processed food from our diet

• Add more beans into our diet. They're cheap and a great source of fiber and proteins. However, David doesn't like them so I have to find ways to 'hide' them!

• Make ethanol/water/essential oil distillers for personal use and for sale  

Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT illegal to own and operate a still in the US. In fact, you are even allowed to make your own ethanol for fuel. Alcohol for consumption requires additional permits. We have already obtained approval from our local zoning, health and fire department. We just need to get our still plans/size finalized before applying for the final permit from the AFT. If you're interested in applying for an ATF permit, you can get the form here. There are currently no application fees for small scale production

• Organize pantry

• Organize my work space

• Try to get another doe for the freezer before hunting season ends (at least for David to-do)

For the girls

• Enroll Hana in Maya's early child development class

• Make homemade PlayDoh for the girls when they get a little older 

 Poultry Plan

• Order 2-3 Frizzed Cohins to replace our beloved Super Deformed (RIP)
• Order a few Araucanas for more blue/green eggs  
• Learn how to blow and clean goose eggs for sale