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”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
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”
🌾 Community Spotlight: Joel Salatin
The lunatic farmer who made sustainability personal Joel Salatin calls himself a “Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer.” And somehow, that wild mix fits. From his family-run Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia, Salatin has become one of the most recognizable voices in regenerative agriculture—and one of the most influential community educators in the local foodContinue reading “🌾 Community Spotlight: Joel Salatin”
Farm Table Talk: The Courage to Change
I’ve spent years doing the inner work.Facing my own biases.Naming my character defects.Learning how to love people I once judged.And through that process, I’ve come to believe something deeply:Everyone deserves compassion.Not just the polished.Not just the agreeable.Not just the ones who make it easy. Everyone. I’ve seen addicts who once did horrendous things become gentle,Continue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Courage to Change”
Seasonal Forage for Rabbits: How Fallen Leaves Support Regenerative Living
Feeding rabbits safe, dried fallen leaves can reduce feed costs, support digestive health, and align with regenerative, seasonal practices—if done with care. Fallen leaves are more than autumn clutter—they’re a free, renewable resource that can supplement your rabbit’s diet, especially in small-scale or homestead settings. When properly selected, dried, and introduced, they offer nutritional, behavioral,Continue reading “Seasonal Forage for Rabbits: How Fallen Leaves Support Regenerative Living”
Farm Table Talk: When Judgment Replaces Neighborliness
I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of comments lately.Some curious.Some critical.Some downright cruel. And while I’m used to public dialogue—used to explaining, clarifying, and educating—I want to pause and ask a deeper question:When did we start treating our neighbors like enemies? I’ve received comments on my posts from people who’ve driven byContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: When Judgment Replaces Neighborliness”
What Kids Learn from Worms: Simple Experiments with Big Impact
Turning squirmy fascination into lifelong stewardship Kids love worms. They’re wiggly, mysterious, and oddly charming. But beyond the giggles and squeals, worms offer one of the most powerful teaching tools in sustainable living. Through simple experiments and hands-on care, children can learn about biology, ecology, and responsibility—all from a bin of red wigglers. 📝 GettingContinue reading “What Kids Learn from Worms: Simple Experiments with Big Impact”
