Let’s Do Something!

Tim with is favorite baby goat. Little Miss Frappe We’ve learned at the TnF Farm that homesteading means embracing a lifestyle where there’s always something to do, plan, build, repair, or rethink. It’s a rewarding but endlessly demanding journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. However, even amidst the sweet life of farming, there comes a time when you need an escape.

Homesteading is a 24/7 commitment, and the to-do list seems never-ending. From tending to livestock and maintaining crops to fixing fences and tackling unexpected challenges, the work is both physically and mentally demanding. There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with this way of life, and it’s essential to honor it.

Work hard, play hard

Yet, just like any other profession or lifestyle, it’s crucial to find moments of respite. Escaping from the daily grind of homesteading allows for rejuvenation and balance. It’s a chance to recharge both the body and the spirit. Whether it’s a short getaway to explore a nearby mountain biking trail or body of water, a weekend outing, or a leisurely evening spent vegging out, these moments of escape are invaluable.

Escapes also provide an opportunity to gain fresh perspective. Stepping away from the farm allows you to see things from a different angle, discover new ideas, and return with renewed enthusiasm and creativity. It’s a chance to reflect on your goals, evaluate your practices, and make improvements.

Moreover, these escapes help strengthen the connection to nature, which is often the driving force behind homesteading. Experiencing the great outdoors, even outside the farm, reinforces the appreciation for the natural world and reaffirms the homesteading commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Join us as we build, play and repair stuff. Sometimes its the wrong way. Mistakes are some of the best learning experiences.

Boneyard Beach Big Talbot Island

02/25/2024/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Boneyard Beach is a picturesque and unique natural attraction located approximately 30 miles from Jacksonville, Florida. It’s not a single, specific beach, but rather a term used to describe certain sections of shoreline in the area that have bleached skeletons of oak trees that lining the beach, giving it the appearance of a boneyard. Boneyard Beach is infamous for its hauntingly beautiful landscape, characterized by this presence of weathered, sun-bleached tree skeletons, driftwood, and other debris that has washed ashore.

Retro hit: Intelligent Qube

02/08/2024/in Let's Do Something, Uncategorized/by Tim

I’m so old, I started out on a ColecoVision which had an expansion that played Atari 2600 games. I later moved up to the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System featuring Rob the Robot and the Zapper gun. Much to my frustration, the Zapper never shot that dang dog that laughed at me in Duck Hunt. I had a Sega Genesis in college and later the original PlayStation. All my gaming consoles have been sold, traded, or broken except for my PlayStation.

I found a website that features online games of the classics. It’s been a while, but I can barely make it to stage 2 playing through my browser with a keyboard and mouse. If I break out IQ on my PlayStation, you’re toast!

Lichgate on High Road

01/28/2024/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Faith

Lichgate on High Road is a popular location for events, weddings, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the picturesque setting and the history of the property. It has also been recognized as a historic site due to its cultural and natural significance. The property is typically open to the public, and visitors can enjoy its serene and enchanting atmosphere.

Super easy beer bread

12/28/2023/in Foodies, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Long ago, I was at a gathering hosted by a great friend of mine named Rob and his wife, Laura. She had this amazing almost cake-like bread served with a garlicy-herb dip. I was hooked after the first chomp. This bread was moist, rich, and had a wonderful “chew”. Laura revealed that I loved “beer bread”. Beer bread was a new concept for me. If you don’t consider yourself much of a baker, beer bread can make you look like a refined, baking champion. Check out our post on making a very easy bread that is amazing!

St George Island

12/24/2023/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

We have the philosophy of work hard, play hard. Since it was a nicer day, we decided to take our Christmas spirit to St. George Island. This small island is an easy drive from our homestead, located just off of the forgotten coast. Many visitors come to St. George Island simply to unwind and enjoy a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.

Porterhouse Meat Market

12/14/2023/in Florida Living, Havana, Florida, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Walking into a small-town business like Porterhouse is always an experience. The door’s entrance bell dings when we walk in. A moment later, Fawzi stepped out from the back and with a sincere smile greeted us like friends. You just don’t get that in some random grocery store or even the specialty stores in bigger cities. We catch up from the last visit and make small talk for a while. Eventually, I made my way to the back of the store to check out his fresh cuts.

Building our Goat Tote

12/07/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Tim

It’s soon 2024. Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Let me prep you before you emerge from ignorant bliss. Everything costs more. Too much more. For some items the pricing is ridiculous. I have been on the lookout for a livestock trailer. For months, I have cruised Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and have concluded there are 2 kinds of used livestock trailers available in the open market right now:

Loco Moco: Authentic Hawaiian

12/01/2023/in Foodies, Let's Do Something/by Faith

Our friend and fellow foodie Kaitlyn came to visit TnF Farms and wanted to cook Hawaiian for us tonight. We really love her visits because Kaitlyn always makes us amazing comfort foods. Tonight she wanted to make us a favorite comfort food called Loco Moco. It is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and there are a lot of variations. The dish is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Fort Clinch State Park

11/25/2023/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Fort Clinch State Park is a Florida state park located on Amelia Island, in the northeastern part of the state. The park is known for its well-preserved 19th-century fort, Fort Clinch, and its beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a journey from TnF Farms but with great investment, comes great reward.

TnF Farms Breakfast Pizza

11/19/2023/in Foodies, Let's Do Something/by Tim

If you have spent any time in the upper Midwest, you know about a gas station chain called Casey’s. Casey’s pizza is surprisingly some of the best breakfast pizza I’ve ever had. The crust and sauce go together perfectly and they don’t skimp on toppings. Plus they offer grab and go slices if you’re going through at a meal time. Someone asked me recently what I missed about South Dakota. Definitely not the snow and cold, but Casey’s breakfast pizza for sure! Casey’s breakfast pizza is pretty easy to replicate. The other day we decided to create our version of breakfast pizza to quell my cravings for a slice of Casey’s. It was pretty good. We made some tweaks this go-around with a friend of ours over.