What did you do to prep today?

[Sherree]

No need for those hoop houses down here in the deep south. We can grow veggies year around down here except for January and February. It's the summer droughts that usually get us, even with all the rain barrels we have set up. Got lots of green beans for canning, though.

I'm bringing in all my houseplants from the deck today. We are supposed to be getting our first frost of the season tomorrow night. The plants out on the front porch should be ok for now. It's only supposed to be 31 degrees.

[ChristieAcres]

I am in Zone 8b, so have a long growing season. We don't get hot summers here, so the hoop house helps with that (heat lovers...). Fortunately, our dry spell last summer didn't affect our well.

[threecreeks]

Since donkeys are indispensable to people in third world countries we decided to add some to the homestead. We rescued a Jenny and her 10 m/o colt a couple of years ago. Spent some time de- sensitizing them to flapping tarps, hoof trims and other scary things. Recently bought a pack saddle with some birthday money and began serious training this week. Having a blast! They're going to be very useful in carrying tools, t-posts and supplies up the mountain where I'm putting up fence.

[keith089]

Finally picked up a Berkey and a all American solar oven at the NPS show this weekend

[ChristieAcres]

Cool about that oven! Made applesauce with my DD, using my new KitchenAid attachments, was pretty slick. I do have a hand mill, but this is faster.

[Meemur]

Decided to spring for a new, heavier ski jacket (I have a full-length parka) and some new long underwear, which has finally arrived in the stores. Snow boots good to -25F (and lower) are also on the list, but all I'm finding so far are unlined dress boots or steel toe work boots. I'm looking for something more like a moon boot. Maybe they aren't in, yet.

I so hate retail seasons! By the time I'm going to be wearing this ski jacket, bathing suits will be out.

[Summerthyme]

Meemur- unless you are difficult to fit, it's silly these days to buy retail locally (unless it's the local hardware store or other entity you value and want to help keep in business)

SierraTradingpost.com has excellent name brands and quality at often amazingly-low prices. And no worry about "seasons"...

Summerthyme

[therosery]

Decided to spring for a new, heavier ski jacket (I have a full-length parka) and some new long underwear, which has finally arrived in the stores. Snow boots good to -25F (and lower) are also on the list, but all I'm finding so far are unlined dress boots or steel toe work boots. I'm looking for something more like a moon boot. Maybe they aren't in, yet.

I so hate retail seasons! By the time I'm going to be wearing this ski jacket, bathing suits will be out.

meemur, not sure they make "moon boots" any more. I like them too, especially the ones with removeable inner lining. :)