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Showing posts with the label Simple Living

Harvesting pecans at Olden Oasis

Harvesting pecans at Olden Oasis Harvesting pecans at my Olden Oasis Homestead is more than just a seasonal task; it's a tradition that deeply connects my family to our land and history. Nestled in the southern heartland, our homestead boasts rows of sturdy pecan trees, each a testament to years of natural growth and human nurture. As soon as the crisp autumn air settles in, preparations for the harvest begin, marked by the rustling of leaves underfoot and the distinct odor of earth and nuts. The act of harvesting pecans isn’t merely about collecting nuts; it’s about embracing the rhythm of nature and honoring the legacy of our ancestors who planted these trees decades ago. On the day of the first harvest, the entire family gathers, armed with baskets and eager spirits. Our mission is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience as we carefully shake the branches, sending a cascade of pecans tumbling to the ground. History of Pecans Pecans are a species of hickory nut that is...

Olden Oasis Homestead: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Simple Living

Image is of my grand-dad Charles Ball at the homestead many years ago. Olden Oasis Homestead: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Simple Living Welcome to Olden Oasis Homestead, where craftsmanship and simple living come together to create a legacy that has stood the test of time. Built over a hundred years ago by my talented grandparents, this homestead is a testament to hard work and dedication. Starting with just one room, my grandparents expanded the house over the years using only hand tools, showcasing their exceptional skills. The solid oak construction of the home speaks to the quality of their work, while other buildings like the washhouse, storage buildings, and storm cellar stand as further evidence of their craftsmanship. Life on the homestead has always been bustling with a variety of animals, including chickens. My grandmother was a true jack-of-all-trades, excelling in everything from homesteading to sewing, gardening to cooking. Her green thumb turned the gardens into a lush ...

Homesteading: Not Just for Big Farms

Image by arttower Homesteading: Not Just for Big Farms Have you ever wondered what a homestead really is? Some people think you need a huge piece of land to be a homesteader, but that's not always the case. In reality, a homestead can be as small as half an acre, or even less, for a single family to thrive. The only time you really need a lot of land is if you're a commercial homesteader. So, don't think you have to be super rich to be a homesteader. You can plant a garden just about anywhere to grow food. Let's learn more about this topic. A homestead is a piece of land where people live and grow their own food. It doesn't have to be a huge farm - even a small backyard can be a homestead! According to Merriam-Webster, a homestead is defined as "the home and adjoining land occupied by a family," "an ancestral home," or "a tract of land acquired from U.S. public lands by filing a record and living on and cultivating the tract." In simple...