When meteorologists warn of a harsh winter, most of us picture icy roads, frozen pipes, and endless shoveling. But beneath the inconvenience lies a hidden blessing: cold snaps act as nature’s reset button. They protect crops, restore balance to ecosystems, and reduce the spread of invasive pests that thrive in milder seasons. ❄️ Winter asContinue reading “Ecological Reset: How Cold Snaps Protect Crops and Restore Balance in Nature”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
🥔 Shepherd’s Pie: A Comfort Dish Rooted in History
Winter meals are more than nourishment—they’re stories carried forward in flavor. Shepherd’s Pie is one of those dishes that feels timeless, a recipe born of necessity and creativity, yet still beloved today. Shepherd’s Pie traces back to Ireland in the 1800s, when resourceful women began combining leftovers into hearty meals. Lamb or mutton was common,Continue reading “🥔 Shepherd’s Pie: A Comfort Dish Rooted in History”
If You Give a Homesteader a Snowy Morning
If you give a homesteader a snowy morning, they’ll bundle up to go do chores. First comes collecting eggs, then feeding and watering the chickens. Checking the frozen water will mean hauling the waterer out to dump the ice. Dumping the ice will send one quick chicken darting into the yard. Chasing the chicken willContinue reading “If You Give a Homesteader a Snowy Morning”
The Future of Ranching: Challenges and Innovations
As we look toward the future of ranching, it’s clear that this iconic way of life is facing significant challenges. From climate change to urbanization, the pressures on the ranching industry are mounting. Yet, ranchers have always been resilient, and today’s generation is finding innovative ways to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. ByContinue reading “The Future of Ranching: Challenges and Innovations”
🥧 Old‑Fashioned Fruit Cobbler: A Winter Comfort Classic
Winter has a way of nudging us back into the kitchen. When the days grow short and the air sharpens, we crave warmth—not just from the fire or the blankets, but from the oven. Few things capture that comfort better than a bubbling fruit cobbler, its golden crust rising over sweet filling, ready to beContinue reading “🥧 Old‑Fashioned Fruit Cobbler: A Winter Comfort Classic”
🛠️ Wood Heat 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Warm Without Going Broke
Because nothing says “homestead hustle” like hauling logs in a snowstorm. Wood heat is cozy, reliable, and deeply satisfying—but it’s also a system that requires planning, muscle, and a little bit of humility. If you’re new to heating with wood, or just trying to make it more sustainable and budget-friendly, this guide is for you.Continue reading “🛠️ Wood Heat 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Warm Without Going Broke”
A December to Remember: Preparing for the Harshest Winter in a Decade
WTWO Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker has spent weeks reviewing weather data, and his conclusion is striking: this winter could be the coldest since 2014–2015 and the snowiest in a decade. With a weak La Niña pattern, unusually cold Pacific Ocean temperatures, and heavy snow cover to the north, Walker predicts “a December to remember,” withContinue reading “A December to Remember: Preparing for the Harshest Winter in a Decade”
🦃 Life at Huckleberry Farms: Thanksgiving Gratitude in the Chaos
Gratitude doesn’t always come wrapped in perfection. Sometimes it shows up in cracked eggs, forgotten green onions, or a turkey with a mystery cavity. And that’s exactly what makes it real. Last night the kitchen table was crowded with cards and laughter. Dad and the kids had a round of Skip-Bo going while I finishedContinue reading “🦃 Life at Huckleberry Farms: Thanksgiving Gratitude in the Chaos”
🌱 Wood Heat as a Regenerative Practice: Efficiency, Ecology, and Stewardship
Why heating with wood—when done right—is more than tradition. It’s regeneration. In regenerative farming, we often talk about soil, water, and biodiversity. But heat—especially in cold climates—is part of the system too. And wood heat, when approached with care and intention, can be a regenerative practice that supports ecological cycles, local resilience, and long-term sustainability.Continue reading “🌱 Wood Heat as a Regenerative Practice: Efficiency, Ecology, and Stewardship”
Farm Table Talk: Soft Kids, Hard Lessons
I grew up in a world where chores weren’t optional. Wood had to be stacked. Animals had to be fed. Gardens had to be weeded. And if you didn’t do it, you learned the hard way—because survival didn’t wait for excuses. But kids today? They live in a different world. One where discipline is questioned. Continue reading “Farm Table Talk: Soft Kids, Hard Lessons”
