Lehman's Country Life

Once upon a time, about thirty years ago, we lived on twenty acres in western South Dakota.  My husband and I decided that these twenty acres would make a nice “homestead,” just about the time that the modern version of that word was becoming popular.

I have loved ducks for as long as I can remember.  I have WANTED ducks for as long as I can remember.  Once we got our homestead, I worked on Norm for a very long time to allow me to get ducks.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

Many people think that having a milk cow (or goat, as the case may be) is time consuming, shackling you to the farm day and night, night and day until your cow (or goat) has dried up. And then after she freshens, it’s back to the grindstone again.

But wait! There is a plan that allows you to be free as a bird whenever you want yet still be able to have a milk cow and all the goodies she gives you in return for feed, care and affection (whether she likes the affection or not).

I used this plan back in the “old” days when I was young and fancy-free, stronger and more able to handle four-legged beasts on my own, with no assistance from a husband (who was gone more often than not, at his “real” job).  However, he supported me in the plan and helped, when he was home at night and on weekends, with building fences, sheds, etc.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

This engaging story was written by Judith’s daughter, Brigit Brown, age 10.

For some people, certain kinds of music and singing will calm them, ease them, and, for some, even guides them back to faith. Well, I personally have found this is the same for animals. On several occasions I have been able to form a bond with animals through singing. The most recent time was when an unexpected guest invited himself for breakfast!

On the morning of November 4, I went out to feed the animals before getting on the bus. Like always. But this day turned into an adventure. One of the horses was going crazy.

“Why?” I wondered to myself. I went into the barn and got some grain. Then I heard the bleat of goat.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

I grew up in the city, so coming to live and work on the World Hunger Relief farm in Waco, Texas is one great big learning experience for me.  Since my arrival a few months ago, I have learned so much, from where eggs are kept in the pantry, to where we keep the sawdust for our composting toilets, to how a community of 25 organizes itself for a day’s farm work, to how to milk a goat. Though the composting toilet certainly merits elaboration, the last is perhaps the most colorful story for a girl who grew up far removed from her food.

The WHR farm is a Grade-A raw goat milk producer. The pasteurization and homogenization process that milk from a supermarket goes through means that it loses a lot of valuable enzymes and proteins as well as a lot of its flavor.  Raw milk, on the other hand, is incredibly fresh–I was astounded that it took only about an hour from milking to lining up the bottles in the fridge, ready for sale.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

The family farm has been a vital image in the American consciousness for centuries. The thought of a rural barn raising creates a picture of community spirit. Many American farm families can look at their barns as links to the past. A barn raising shows the strength of a community in more than riches. These old barns are community landmarks and make the past, the present.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, barns were essential structures for the farm. They stored the hay and housed the horses and cattle, which were an inseparable part of farming. The barn was usually the first structure to be built when a family moved to a new area and it was also the largest and most expensive. The community would get together and help build the barn so that the family could start their farm and the community could prosper.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

Curiosity Kitten and the Donkey, by Brigit, age 10

The annual cycle of transition from summer to fall is upon us and everything seems different. Many things change, but much remains the same. I used to tell people, “The only thing you can count on in life is that it changes.” But farm life is a good lesson in the cyclical nature of everything.

Here’s my list of the top three things that stay the same:
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

Greetings! I am Karen Geiser and our family lives on a farm just a few stone throws down the road from Lehman’s in Kidron. We raise grass-fed Hereford cattle, pastured chickens, a handful of Jerseys, a couple goats along with a small herd of free range children and various other pet critters (including a neighborhood peacock). I also tend about an acre of garden that feeds our family plus supplies a ten-family CSA.

At our house, September is a full and abundant season with harvest in full swing. So right now there are pears in the dehydrator, tomatoes begging to be made into sauce, more fall spinach  waiting to be planted and a school bookshelf needing organized. In the midst of the busyness, I sometimes wish for a winter moment when I can curl up in a blanket and read a good book (or seed catalog!). But we’ll keep plugging away and be very thankful in January when we can rest and enjoy all the good things from the garden that we “put up.”  
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

Our ten-year-old is sure the horse can read her mind.

This horse story began when Brigit was in charge of the household while her brother and I flew off to Washington, DC. Her stepdad was at home with her. But Jurgen’s had health problems and he doesn’t have energy for cooking, cleaning or barnyard chores. So they went out to eat a lot and Brigit took over doing everything else. She rose to the challenge with commendable grace.

During those five days, she took three feral cats into town to get them spayed. She cleaned up after the six rescue cats who are still in cages. She fed and cared for our other animals. She fixed breakfast and lunches. Then she vacuumed and straightened the house. Just before we arrived home she whipped up a “Welcome Home” cake.
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

This is a true story: One afternoon, I wandered out toward the road that came in behind the house and there was a baby duck (okay, a duckling) walking along the road, quacking and crying with every step. Momma duck was nowhere to be found, and I felt sorry for the little guy, so it wasn’t long before he was quietly settled in a cardboard box in a corner of the kitchen.

We lived not far from a feedlot and flyswatters are a basic necessity to that kind of area. It didn’t take long for the little duck to realize that a flyswatter meant food. It got to the point that when he saw us pick up one, he would march right up and wait for his snack. If you ever wanted to find him, all you had to do was take down a flyswatter and smack the floor with it and he’d come running. He ate so many flies, that’s what we named him  – Flies.

I never had to call the kids to come and swat flies because
Read the rest of this post »

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites

Weaving during a recent Fiber Arts Demo

 I thought I would share with you some photos of recent Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild demos taking place at Lehman’s in the Buggy Barn.  You can see whats on the schedule for upcoming demos here: 

 We’ve been getting together a talented group of local artists to share with you the work of their hands and knowledge of their craft during these demos or to just share ideas to inspire each other.   From participating in  demos the last couple years at Lehmans I think the most pleasant part about it is to hear from visitors to the store what they make or create.  You are a creative bunch so thank you for your interest and appreciation.     I’ll be in this Friday to add to the farm animal murals so stop in and say hi!           

Pottery Demo

Hand Tools from Fiber Arts Demo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equine Art and Farm Animal Mural by Sue Steiner

Wool Rug Hooking Demo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bookmark it:

Hide Sites