Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Sunday, January 02, 2011

A Few Goals For The New Year

I am not one to write goals and just look at them on the page.  This year I want to concentrate more on the garden production side of The Thrifty Garden/Home.  Our fourth year for veggie gardening is approaching and I'm still such a novice. 

2011 Garden Goals
  1. Plan the plantings, space use, and design well in advance, keeping good notes
  2. Make a drip watering system
  3. Design some raised veggie beds or planters
  4. Raise potted pepper plants to overwinter
  5. Try/plant a winter garden
  6. Plant grapes 
That's enough garden goals if I want to be successful.

2011 Homemaking Goals
  1. Can chicken, turkey, chili, smoke hams and bacon
  2. Put up .. can/freeze more food for winter
  3. Make 80-90% of our bread
  4. Finish Grandma's quilt
  5. Economize and not waste food/resources
  6. Learn to knit a pair of socks
Nothing lofty here .. just a continuation of what I was working on/planning from last year.   It will be interesting to see what the year brings .. I've heard that the cost of goods will be going up considerably.  We will probably be shopping differently ... buying more in bulk .. to help ease any shortages that may arise .. and to save on gasoline.


A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
Proverbs 10-15 (The Message Bible)

4 comments:

meemsnyc said...

Those are great goals. We did raised beds this fall, and I can't wait to plant in them this spring. We also planted grapes and it's great. You must do it! We bought ours from Gurneys. Very healthy plants! I look forward to reading about your drip irrigation. That is something still on my list.

Pat said...

Admirable goals...especially making socks!
I plan on making my own Hungarian sausage and venison salami. Got two great recipes and will soon give it a try!

Zucchinimom said...

I wish I could learn to knit. I think in mostly 2D which is why I like to quilt, hahaha! Good luck with your goals and may 2011 be productive for you!!!

Mr. H. said...

I look forward to hearing about how your goals progress..especially the garden ones. Happy 2011!