- 85
- 79 148
High Country Homestead
Приєднався 12 лют 2014
Hi, I'm Susan, a single homeschooling Mam. Welcome to our High Country Homestead, nestled in the Alpine district of Northeast Victoria.
We moved here to embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle-growing veggies, raising chickens, then adding sheep & cows as our confidence grew! Our goal is to produce as much of our own food as possible, preserving or bartering with neighbors. We bake from scratch & focus on whole foods, avoiding pricey, pre-packaged items.
Most work is done with simple tools like picks and shovels. While results can vary, each challenge brings new rewards.
On this channel, I share homesteading skills, from DIY projects and animal care to growing, cooking, & preserving food, plus seasonal activities like harvesting firewood & making herbal remedies.
I upload weekly & write articles monthly.
If you'd like to support the channel directly, you can 'Buy me a Coffee' through the link below the description - it would be greatly appreciated! :-)
We moved here to embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle-growing veggies, raising chickens, then adding sheep & cows as our confidence grew! Our goal is to produce as much of our own food as possible, preserving or bartering with neighbors. We bake from scratch & focus on whole foods, avoiding pricey, pre-packaged items.
Most work is done with simple tools like picks and shovels. While results can vary, each challenge brings new rewards.
On this channel, I share homesteading skills, from DIY projects and animal care to growing, cooking, & preserving food, plus seasonal activities like harvesting firewood & making herbal remedies.
I upload weekly & write articles monthly.
If you'd like to support the channel directly, you can 'Buy me a Coffee' through the link below the description - it would be greatly appreciated! :-)
Homestead Essentials: Cleaning For a MORE EFFICIENT Wood Stove
Unleash the full potential of your Wood Stove! In this exciting follow-up, we’re diving deep into a thorough cleaning that will transform your stove and boost its efficiency like never before.
If you caught the last video, you’ll remember we went over the different parts of the stove, how to light and maintain a fire, and the best firewood to use. Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty and give the stove a much-needed clean after weeks of use-including burning some less-than-ideal damp wood.
This video will walk you through the entire cleaning process-from sweeping out the firebox to clearing the buildup of creosote and soot that’s insulating the stove and reducing its efficiency. And demonstrate how to clean out the accumulated grime. We’ll also discuss why regular cleaning is crucial for optimal performance and how it affects heating and cooking.
If you’ve been putting off cleaning your wood stove, you’ll definitely want to see how much of a difference it can make. Plus, I’ll share some tips to help you maintain a more efficient burn and improve your stove's ability to reach the right temperatures.
Stick around until the end, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more homestead content. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!
MUSIC: Epidemic Sound
Highland Hymn: Bonnie Grace
www.epidemicsound.com/track/H7ThoLvTNm/
As Rainbows Fall: Deskant
www.epidemicsound.com/track/RQr3ECU2Av/
Peace In the Realm: Bonnie Grace
www.epidemicsound.com/track/thZGlvrtBn/
If you caught the last video, you’ll remember we went over the different parts of the stove, how to light and maintain a fire, and the best firewood to use. Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty and give the stove a much-needed clean after weeks of use-including burning some less-than-ideal damp wood.
This video will walk you through the entire cleaning process-from sweeping out the firebox to clearing the buildup of creosote and soot that’s insulating the stove and reducing its efficiency. And demonstrate how to clean out the accumulated grime. We’ll also discuss why regular cleaning is crucial for optimal performance and how it affects heating and cooking.
If you’ve been putting off cleaning your wood stove, you’ll definitely want to see how much of a difference it can make. Plus, I’ll share some tips to help you maintain a more efficient burn and improve your stove's ability to reach the right temperatures.
Stick around until the end, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more homestead content. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!
MUSIC: Epidemic Sound
Highland Hymn: Bonnie Grace
www.epidemicsound.com/track/H7ThoLvTNm/
As Rainbows Fall: Deskant
www.epidemicsound.com/track/RQr3ECU2Av/
Peace In the Realm: Bonnie Grace
www.epidemicsound.com/track/thZGlvrtBn/
Переглядів: 388
Відео
Homestead Essentials: Getting The MOST Out of Your Stanley Woodstove
Переглядів 2,7 тис.21 день тому
In this video, we’ll take you through the essential steps to prepare and maintain your Stanley woodstove, a critical tool for anyone living off the grid, homesteading, or preparing for self-sufficiency. Learn how to properly set up your woodstove for maximum efficiency, from choosing the right firewood to maintaining a steady heat for both warmth and cooking. We’ll also dive into heat regulatio...
The Case of the Missing Cow AND Vanishing Greenhouse
Переглядів 20228 днів тому
Welcome to “The Case of the Missing Cow and Vanishing Greenhouse”! In today’s adventure on the homestead, things take a wild turn after a surprise storm leaves us with more than just a power outage. First, I set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of my beloved greenhouse-swept away by the howling winds like something out of The Wizard of Oz. All that’s left are a few broken pots an...
How to Make Fresh Homemade Lemonade🍋Quick & Easy
Переглядів 118Місяць тому
Lemons are coming into season. And although it is far to cold to grow them here in the Alpine regions, my friends who live in the 'low lands' have them in abundance. And I was lucky enough to be given a HUGE box of them! Welcome to our kitchen! This is video No.9 in our "Homestead Kitchen Pantry Basics" series. In this video, I’ll show you how to make fresh homemade lemonade with just a few sim...
Re-Cladding the Milk Shed: A Sustainable Makeover
Переглядів 93Місяць тому
In this video, we tackle a long-overdue project-re-cladding my trusty old milk shed, where I hand-milk our Jersey cow, Dot. The shed has seen better days (much better days!), and it’s time to give it a little facelift using recycled materials I’ve collected from hard rubbish, the local recycling center, and some generous neighborly donations. With a tight budget but plenty of creativity, I’ll b...
Goodbye my Friend: A Homestead Tribute 🐾🐕🦺💔
Переглядів 68Місяць тому
Gaia was such a joyful spirit, always by my side no matter where I went. A purebred Hungarian Vizsla, she was born on April 22, 2007, in Warrnambool. She lived with us on the farm, a loyal protector, loving companion, and occasional stealer of food. Like many pets (and children), she also had a bit of selective hearing! Gaia wasn’t sick-she was full of energy, always happy and incredibly active...
Surviving the Storm: A Week on The Homestead with Cows
Переглядів 482Місяць тому
This week on the homestead, what began as a routine task quickly turned into an intense and emotional journey. It all started when I had to separate our young male calf, Panda, from the rest of the herd. Naturally, his mom, Storm, and her companions had to come along. But then, the unexpected happened. The next day Storm suddenly started struggling to walk. With no clear cause for her injury, I...
Fresh Bread Crumbs Made Easy: Toasted to Perfection!
Переглядів 892 місяці тому
Welcome to our kitchen! This is video No.8 in our "Homestead Kitchen Pantry Basics" series. Today we are diving into the simple yet essential kitchen skill of making your own bread crumbs from scratch! Whether you're looking to add a crunchy topping to your favorite dish or need a versatile ingredient for your recipes, homemade bread crumbs are the way to go. In this step-by-step guide, we'll w...
Fermented Chicken Feed: Healthier AND Cost Effective!
Переглядів 2642 місяці тому
Fermented Chicken Feed: Healthier AND Cost Effective!
Make Evaporated Milk at Home: A Simple Kitchen Hack!
Переглядів 1702 місяці тому
Make Evaporated Milk at Home: A Simple Kitchen Hack!
Wombat at the Homestead: A Twilight Encounter
Переглядів 1632 місяці тому
Wombat at the Homestead: A Twilight Encounter
Homestead Life: Woodcutting, Wildlife and Wonder!
Переглядів 1023 місяці тому
Homestead Life: Woodcutting, Wildlife and Wonder!
Winter on the Homestead: Snowy Farm and Winter Verse
Переглядів 923 місяці тому
Winter on the Homestead: Snowy Farm and Winter Verse
How To Clean Wood Stove Glass Quickly (WORKS EVERY TIME)
Переглядів 2233 місяці тому
How To Clean Wood Stove Glass Quickly (WORKS EVERY TIME)
Baking Soda Vs Baking Powder: What sets them apart?
Переглядів 1643 місяці тому
Baking Soda Vs Baking Powder: What sets them apart?
MAKE Self Raising Flour at Home - Baking Tips & Tricks
Переглядів 1043 місяці тому
MAKE Self Raising Flour at Home - Baking Tips & Tricks
MAKE CASTER SUGAR: In 1 Minute and SAVE!
Переглядів 1023 місяці тому
MAKE CASTER SUGAR: In 1 Minute and SAVE!
Is it DEAD ? - Reviving a Sourdough Starter
Переглядів 7103 місяці тому
Is it DEAD ? - Reviving a Sourdough Starter
Planting 100 Daffodil Bulbs #Narcissus #IceFollies #Garden
Переглядів 754 місяці тому
Planting 100 Daffodil Bulbs #Narcissus #IceFollies #Garden
VET CALLED - Calf Not Well!! #calves #farming #cow
Переглядів 1534 місяці тому
VET CALLED - Calf Not Well!! #calves #farming #cow
Bonding A Cow To An Orphan Calf #cow #farming #calves
Переглядів 4244 місяці тому
Bonding A Cow To An Orphan Calf #cow #farming #calves
A Sad Day on The Homestead #cow #farming #calves
Переглядів 9005 місяців тому
A Sad Day on The Homestead #cow #farming #calves
Homestead Garden EXPLODES with Autumn Colour
Переглядів 685 місяців тому
Homestead Garden EXPLODES with Autumn Colour
Very interesting. Never knew much about them
Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful! :-)
Great idea. It's a win/win for you and your chickens.
Absolutely! I think it's a great way to improve your chickens' health and save some money! 😁
Very informative!! Clear and easy to understand ❤
I'm so happy you found the video helpful, I try to make things clear and easy to follow. 🙂
Thank you for a great video❤
Thank you for watching Marie. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Well explained.
Thanks so much for watching, I'm really glad you were happy with, and understood the explanations. :-)
Thanks HCH for another great video. Having owned one of these lovely Stanley stoved for over a decade, I never really new how to clean it properly (I probably should've read the manual). The build-up of soot underneath the hot plate and side of oven is probably why I never used the oven much and mostly cooked on the large hot plate above the firebox. Yes, dry, well seasoned wood is the secret to reducing soot build-up. Do you have a formula for how long to store freshly cut wood before burning it?
Hello and thank you for watching the video. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and learnt something new. Ideally I like to keep firewood for 'at least' a year before burning it. Having said that sometimes you just can't do that. I have got pretty adept at being able to tell from the sound - the smaller wood stove pieces I can bang together and the sound they make is almost musical when they are super dry. You could buy a moisture meter - lots of people swear them. But unfortunately many more things on my wish list before I'II be getting one. :-)
Great video,
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-)
🤣love this, we do it too with big magnet🤣🤣it works
Aww, thank you for watching the short. I'm glad you like my 'make do' metal detector. It is a brilliant little contraption. But would love a 'real' metal detector one day.
So sad your Faithful companion passed, my heartfelt love to you❤
Thank you so very much. We miss her dreadfully, and it still seems so strange without her around. Your kind words mean a great deal. xx
Hi 😊just found your channel and it’s great. I’m a metal detectorist gal, I often find old stove bits and seeing this vid is awesome, subbed and enjoying it all. Brun 😊
Hello and Welcome Brun, thank you so very much for the sub! I am glad you enjoyed the video. A friend of mine has a metal detector and we have awesome fun with it. I will have to get one of my own one day.... :-)
Thanks for the info. I want to have one like yours 😊
Thank you Sonia for watching the video. It is an awesome stove - I'm so glad it has 'inspired' you. :-)
Your Stanley brings back many lovely memories of when I lived with one in my off-grid home for over 10 years. It was truly the heart of the house - kept us warm, heated our water and cooked our food. It was nearly always on... even on a stinking hot Sydney summer as we needed the water heated and still preferred to cook on it. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Thank you for watching the video. I'm glad you enjoyed it and that it brought back some 'nostalgia' for you. Our woodstove is almost always on also. In the height of Summer we might let it go out, but then light it every couple of days, just to keep the water hot.
I really enjoyed watching this. Very interesting 🙂
Oh thank you. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I had a few editing issues - when don't I, lol. But I'm still learning. :-)
Do you have a local hoofer?
Hello there Leslie, thank you for watching the video and for taking the time to ask your question. There are no 'local' hoofers, although there is a roaming person that goes around and does that sort of thing. But they are not due back in the district for at least a couple of months at this stage. We have organised for them to call in here when they are next in the area - hopefully sooner rather than later.
@@NE_Victoria_Australia hopefully it will sort itself, and it's not a white line defect or a foreign object. I live in the windiest place in the continental US, the Texas Panhandle. I purchased a greenhouse, I've not had the bravery to put it up. Hope you found yours!
Oh wow, I have actually heard of the Texas Panhandle. I had friends living near there (years ago now). I completely understand why you haven't put your Greenhouse up yet! I thought I had mine anchored securely, but there you go - you live and you learn. I will have to do a better job with the next one! Just in from my morning chores, and I am glad to report Oreo does appear to be improving. :-)
@@NE_Victoria_Australia great to hear!
Its certainly a hard life living as you do. Thank you for sharing your struggles. I hope your seedlings supply you with lots of produce for this year and the next. I also hope that your cow recovers completely without the need of the vet.
Thank you so much for watching the video, and for your heartfelt wishes for our crops 'and' our cow! It is a simple life we lead, but as you say, that doesn't mean it is easy.... There are challenges, but there is generally a feeling of satisfaction, and of a job well done at the close of each day. :-)
Glad you survived the big wind - it was quite a storm! I hope the cow is doing well 🍀
Yes, indeed we did - even if our greenhouse didn't, lol. Oreo, is no better, but no worse. Will be scheduling another chat with the vet if she hasn't shown improvement in the next couple of days. xx
Oh no, poor Oreo! Hoping it was just a tumble in the wind and a slight sprained ankle. 🙏🏻 We lost a small greenhouse in a storm last winter, luckily we hadn’t planted it up yet, but it was still sad to see it torn to pieces! Sending you lots of good growing vibes for your emergency crops ✨
Thank you so much for watching the video, and for your heartfelt message. I think it is a bit more than a sprained ankle - time will tell. In the meantime she is getting lots of TLC and being spoilt rotten, lol. :-)
Luckily the cow didn't get "blown away" too...
Yes, it's certainly been windy enough! :-)
Sorry to hear about your "disappearing" greenhouse... and all your carefully saved seeds and plants.
Aww, thank you for that! It was rather devastating, but you know these things happen sometimes. And all you can do is pull your socks up, brush yourself off, and start again! :-)
Great vid!! Loved it, funny as. 😂
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. I deleted it and re edited it about 10 times - hence the late upload! :-)
Sounds yum! 🍋💛
Thank you. It's 'VERY' nice.....! :-)
Peters favoriet summer drink.
Thank you for watching the video and for your feedback. It certainly is 'very' tasty...... :-)
Looks great for your special “pets” well done.
Thank you for watching the video Lia, and for your comment. Yes, Dot and the other farm animals all make use of the little barn from time to time. Now when they are in there they will be less impacted by wind and rain. We are very pleased with the results so far. 😊
Well done🎉 the shed looks brand new.❤
Thank you for watching the video and for your lovely comment. Clearly i need a few more sheets of iron and a gate to complete the look. But good things come to those that wait - they will turn up eventually! :-)
Looking brand new already! Can’t wait to see what the finished product looks like.
Hello there and thank you for your comment. It's getting there isn't it! I want the gate to be a wire mesh gate, and it will be cladded with iron also. Up here we get 'so much' rain and wind. And I want the gate to be solid in order to protect any animals inside as much as possible - rather than creating a wind tunnel. :-)
Thank you for the information. Do ypuleave free chose feed out for your chickens during the day even though they free range and are feed fermented feed? I have fermented feed but my chickens also have free chose food, so I haven't seen much of a difference in the feed cost.
Hello there, thank you for watching the video. And thank you for you question. No, I don't leave other feed out for them, I have found over the years with different birds and different flocks that it discouraged foraging, as the incentive wasn't there. My birds get into the garden, helping to keep it neat and tidy, eating all the grubs and insects they find. They are 'very' well feed. :-)
I can see how well it works on the stubborn black spots on your stove. On mine there is a lot more black stuck on stuff. This method only works if I rub really hard and it takes a lot longer. I have found a special glass cleaning blade works better, but unfortunately I cannot remember (or find) the type I used!
Hello there, thank you so much for watching the video and for your feedback. Yes, you would have to use a bit more elbow grease if you had a big build up. I used to let mine go for months sometimes between cleans. And it was an effort to get it looking nice and clear again. These days, in the cooler months when it is being used regularly I try to do it weekly - that way it gets done 'at least' fortnightly, lol. And it is much easier to maintain. :-)
So sad to say goodbye to our beautiful animal friends. Big hugs to you and your family 💚🐶🦋
Thank you. Yes, it is hard.... We all really appreciate your kind words and thoughts. xxx
Beautiful she was ❤
Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. It means a lot. xxx
My heart goes out to you. Nothing describes the loss of a fur soul family member. Gaia lived her old years knowing she was loved and enjoyed her days frolicking amongst the flowers and fields. Your dearest fur soul companion reached a. good old age of 17 years and will always be remembered in your hearts ❤and memories. RIPGaia. 🌈 xxx
Thank you Julz for watching the video and for your heartfelt message. It is very much appreciated. xxx
Bless you love, she is still with you in sprit.
Thank you so much for watching Gaias video tribute and for your kind words. I tried to edit a different video / different topic for todays upload - but my heart wasn't in it. It is so strange not having her around constantly. xxxx
How many chicken do you have?
Hello there, thank you for watching the video and for your question. Currently I have 10 hens and 2 roosters. :-)
@@NE_Victoria_Australiathanks. i am following you from sri lanka
Hello there Primerose. Thank you :-)
Beautiful! 💮🌻🌼🌷🌺💚🦋
Thank you. It is so exciting watching the tree buds starting to swell, bulbs starting to appear above the surface, and flowers starting to form..... :-)
I love the softness in appearance of the Narcissus ‘Ice Follies (Large Cupped Daffodil) and also the Jonquils.
Hello again Julz. Thank you for watching the video and for reaching out. They are beautiful. I have been going down to check them everyday. The King Alfred Daffodils (they are mixed with), started opening yesterday. I think the Ice Follies will need a few more days yet! It's very exciting though......
Nothing like Australia 🇦🇺 with the wombats. 😊
Thank you Julz. I am glad you enjoyed the video. And yes, you are right - nothing quite like Australia or it's wombats!! Lol. :-)
Thank you and this is very informative. 🙏❤️
You are so welcome Julz. I am glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. :-)