Select Page
Our New Vineyard! 5 Powerful Tips We Tried

Our New Vineyard! 5 Powerful Tips We Tried

Testing Organic, Drought-Resistant Solutions

Starting a vineyard is no small task, but I’m here to show you exactly how we’re making it work here at Barndovilla. I’m Ryan Harden, your host at Backroad Reviews, and in today’s blog, I’m going to give you a firsthand look at our vineyard test, along with some crucial lessons learned from setting up this project. You can watch my accompanying video over at Backroad Reviews for a more detailed walkthrough, where I cover everything from trellis setup to soil amendments and how to fend off deer (yes, those darn deer).

Youtube Video

We embarked on this journey with the goal of growing organic grapes for both personal use and potential winemaking. I knew it was going to be a challenging process, especially with our unique soil conditions and the local wildlife. But with some persistence, a lot of learning, and careful planning, we’re on our way to a successful first-year vineyard test.

Trellis Setup and Vineyard Layout

Let’s jump right into the setup. Our vineyard trellises are running north to south, which is ideal for optimal sunlight exposure. The key here is airflow, and that’s why we spaced the vines roughly four feet apart. Some folks might recommend tighter spacing, but we wanted to ensure ample airflow, especially since we’re located in a high-humidity area. I’m using this first test line to figure out what works best in terms of vine spacing and airflow before we expand the vineyard further.

As far as the soil goes, our land has a heavy clay base, and while it doesn’t hold water in extreme weather conditions, it’s still important to mitigate the risk of root rot. For that, we’re using a blend of native soil and organic additives like biochar, rock minerals, and gypsum, along with Pro-Mix to enhance microbial life. This mix helps the vines get the nutrients they need without getting waterlogged. Pro-Mix is especially great because it contains vermiculite and mycorrhizae fungi, which encourage healthy root development and nutrient uptake.

Managing Soil and Moisture for Healthy Vines

One of the biggest concerns when starting a vineyard in an area like ours is maintaining the right soil moisture level. To keep things balanced, we’re implementing the “Back to Eden” gardening technique. This involves laying down wood chips to retain moisture while breaking down over time to enrich the soil.

This method not only ensures the soil stays rich but also protects the roots from getting too soggy during heavy rains. We’re layering the wood chips in a lasagna style to provide both insulation and a slow breakdown process that feeds the vines.

Each vine is surrounded by a healthy amount of mulch, and even though it might look like overkill, this amount of mulch is essential for water retention. In the long run, the mulch will settle, and the soil will become rich and black, making it perfect for sustained vine growth. This method has worked wonders for our blueberries, so I’m confident it will work here, too.

Dealing with Wildlife – The Deer Dilemma

We ran into a big problem with deer, which any vineyard owner will tell you can be a nightmare. The deer absolutely decimated the last two vines I planted, which was beyond frustrating. Not only did they pull up the roots, but they also ate through a significant portion of our chaos garden and elderberries.

To combat this, we installed a high-line electric fence powered by a solar fence charger. It’s been a game changer. You can check out my full review of this product in the video linked above. Keeping the deer out was the first step, but we’ve also started working on a more permanent fencing solution that we’ll be featuring in an upcoming video on Backroad Reviews. Fencing is crucial when starting a vineyard, and I can’t stress enough how much it helped us recover from the initial damage.

https://backroadreviews.com/solar-fence-charger

Soil Amendments and Nutrient Balance

When it comes to nurturing vines, one of the most important aspects is getting the right balance of nutrients into the soil. We amended the clay-heavy native soil with trace minerals, biochar, gypsum, and worm castings. These amendments ensure that the vines get the major nutrients they need, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals essential for long-term vineyard health.

One key trick we’ve been using is vermiculture – that’s right, worms! I’ve added over a thousand worms into the soil around the vines, and they’re doing an amazing job breaking down the wood chips and enriching the soil. Between the rock minerals and worm activity, the soil is constantly breaking down and becoming more nutrient-rich.

We’re careful not to overdo it, though. Too many amendments can cause root burn, which is something we’re monitoring closely. I’ve found that a slow, steady approach to soil improvement is best, especially in these early stages of vineyard development.

Growing Organic Grapes for a Healthier Future

One of the reasons we chose to grow grapes organically is that we consume a lot of grapes as a family – probably a pound or two each week. But beyond that, we wanted to avoid the harmful chemicals and pesticides often used in commercial vineyards. While organic wine is available, there’s something incredibly rewarding about growing and making your own organic products.

The grapes aren’t the only thing we’re looking to produce organically. We’re also planning to expand into beekeeping next spring, which will allow us to start producing honey and possibly even venture into making our own mead. Growing everything organically aligns with our values here at Barndovilla, and we’re excited to share this journey with you.

Future Plans for the Vineyard

This first test row is just the beginning. Once we’ve fine-tuned the spacing, soil composition, and watering system, we’re planning to expand the vineyard to cover a larger portion of the property. It’s going to take time, but with the lessons we’re learning from this initial setup, I’m confident we’ll get there.

We’re also considering purchasing a second property to fully dedicate to vineyard farming, but that’s further down the road. For now, we’re taking it one step at a time and sharing every part of the journey with you.

https://barndovilla.com/category/gardening

Breaking Free from Modern Society: How Goldbacks and Homegrown Food Can Secure Our Future

Breaking Free from Modern Society: How Goldbacks and Homegrown Food Can Secure Our Future

Preparing for What’s Ahead: Goldbacks, Growing Food, and Rejecting Modern Society

Goldbacks. Recently, I hosted a livestream for the North Central Arkansas Survivability Network where I shared my deep concerns about the current state of our economy and the pressing need for alternative currencies like goldbacks. Given the gravity of the situation, we’ve decided to release this video to everyone, because the message is too important to keep within a small group. As we face unprecedented challenges, it’s time we start unlearning our reliance on the government, grocery stores, fuel supplies, and currency as we know it. We need to create a new way of living—a network and economy outside of what the “normies” use—so that we can weather any storm that comes our way.

The Economic Storm on the Horizon

We are currently in a recession that could easily spiral into a major depression. The signs are all around us—the dollar’s value is plummeting, and the government’s attempts to manage the situation seem to be making things worse. Historically, when governments impose price caps on essential goods, it almost always leads to famine. We’re seeing the early stages of this now, and if history is any guide, things are likely to get much worse.

But it’s not just about the economy. We’re entering what could be the most dangerous time in our history, with the real possibility of another stolen election and the resulting civil unrest. The divisions in our society are deepening, and the potential for widespread disruption is growing by the day. The oligarchs pulling the strings seem intent on seeing us—those they view as “serfs”—either dead or dying. All of this plays into their depopulation plans, and if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves caught in their web.

Unlearning Reliance on Modern Systems

To survive what’s coming, we must start unlearning our dependence on the systems that have been put in place to control us. The government, grocery stores, fuel supplies, and fiat currency are all part of a larger network designed to keep us subservient. It’s time to break free from that network and build something new, something resilient that can withstand the coming storm.

One of the most important steps we can take is to stop relying on grocery stores for our food. With all the food being treated with new chemicals, with tallow oils being replaced by seed oils, and with microplastics and “forever chemicals” contaminating our food and clothing, we need to reject modern society’s toxic offerings and return to our ancestral ways. Our ancestors knew how to live off the land, how to grow their own food, and how to trade within their communities without relying on outside systems. It’s time we relearn those skills.

Goldbacks and Homegrown Food: Building the Foundation of a New Economy

In light of all this, I’ve been advocating for two key strategies: investing in goldbacks and growing our own food. Goldbacks offer a reliable, tangible currency that isn’t subject to the same risks as fiat money. As the dollar continues to lose value, goldbacks can provide a stable alternative for trade, especially within local communities. By using goldbacks, we can begin to build a new economy that operates outside of the systems that are failing us.

But currency alone isn’t enough. We need to be able to feed ourselves and our families, no matter what happens. By growing food at home, we not only ensure our immediate survival but also create a buffer against economic volatility. Homegrown food buys us time—time to adapt, time to prepare, and time to figure out what our next steps should be. It also frees us from the chemical-laden, unhealthy options available at grocery stores.

Rejecting Modern Society and Returning to Our Roots

The modern world is full of traps designed to keep us weak, dependent, and sick. From the dangerous chemicals in our food to the microplastics and forever chemicals in our clothing, it’s clear that the powers that be don’t have our best interests at heart. The only way to truly free ourselves from their grasp is to reject modern society and return to our ancestral ways. This means growing our own food, making our own clothing, and creating our own networks of trade and communication.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the oligarchs who control our world want us “serfs” dead or dying. Their depopulation plans are no secret, and everything we’re seeing—the economic collapse, the poisoned food supply, the civil unrest—is part of their strategy to reduce the population and tighten their control. But we don’t have to play into their hands. By building strong, resilient communities, we can protect ourselves from their plans and ensure our survival.

Building a Resilient Community: The Way Forward

Surviving these challenges isn’t something any of us can do alone. The key to overcoming what’s ahead lies in building strong, resilient communities. This means practicing open communication, sharing resources, and working together to ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met.

Here’s how we can start:

  1. Food Security: Grow your own food, stock up on essentials, and learn how to preserve what you harvest. The more self-sufficient we are, the less vulnerable we become to supply chain disruptions. By rejecting store-bought food, we also reject the chemicals that are slowly poisoning us.
  2. First Aid: Make sure everyone in your community has basic first aid knowledge. In times of crisis, medical help may not be readily available, so knowing how to treat injuries and illnesses is crucial. Returning to natural remedies and ancestral medicine can also reduce our reliance on pharmaceuticals.
  3. Defense: We need to be prepared to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This means being armed and trained in how to use those arms responsibly. It also means being aware of our surroundings and having a plan in place for any potential threats.
  4. Communication: Clear, open communication is vital in any crisis. We need to establish reliable methods of staying in touch with each other, whether through radios, private networks, or regular face-to-face meetings. Building a private courier network can also help us exchange goods and information securely.
  5. Private Courier Network: As trust in public institutions wanes, we may need to rely on our own networks for the safe and secure exchange of goods and information. Establishing a private courier system within our community could be a critical component of maintaining our independence and security.

Creating a Network and Economy Outside the “Normie” World

If we are to survive and thrive in the face of these challenges, we must create a network and economy that operates outside of what the “normies” use. This new network will be based on trust, mutual aid, and a shared commitment to survival. By investing in goldbacks, growing our own food, practicing first aid, and building a private courier network, we can create a parallel economy that will allow us to weather any storm.

We must also reject the toxic, modern conveniences that are slowly killing us. By returning to our ancestral ways, we can protect ourselves from the oligarchs’ depopulation plans and build a future that is healthy, sustainable, and free from their control.

Bringing It All Together

The challenges we’re facing are daunting, but they’re not insurmountable. By coming together as a community, unlearning our dependence on modern systems, investing in alternative currencies like goldbacks, growing our own food, and preparing for whatever may come, we can build a foundation of resilience that will see us through even the darkest times.

This isn’t about panic; it’s about preparation. The more we do now to secure our futures, the better off we’ll be when the inevitable challenges arise. Let’s continue this conversation, stay serious about these preparations, and work together to build a safer, more secure future for all of us.

https://www.goldback.com/where-to-buy-goldbacks

More Blogs

Essential Homestead Hacks, Stump Removal, Helping Friends, Harvest, and New Chicken Fencing

Essential Homestead Hacks, Stump Removal, Helping Friends, Harvest, and New Chicken Fencing

Harvest, Building, Helping, & MORE LEAKS (NOOOO!!) DYI Homestead Build Gardening

Welcome to Barndovilla! Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, our homestead journey is all about creating a sustainable and rewarding life on the land. In today’s blog post, we’re diving into a recent video where we tackled some major projects around the homestead. From removing stubborn tree stumps to expanding our chicken run and even harvesting our first watermelons, it was a day full of hard work, learning experiences, and plenty of fun. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and join us as we take you through the ins and outs of this action-packed day on the homestead.

YouTube Homestead Video

Product Reviewed (Affiliate Link) –

https://amzn.to/4dOuXk7 Starkline Premium Plus+ Braided Electric Poultry Netting – 48″ x 164′ | Ideal for Backyards, Farms, and Ranches

The Challenge of Stump Removal: Why It’s Important for Your Homestead

Why We Needed to Remove the Stumps

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced on the homestead has been dealing with leftover tree stumps. These stumps, left over from previous land clearing, were not only an eyesore but also a physical barrier preventing us from expanding our fence line and utilizing more of our land. Additionally, stumps can become a haven for pests like termites, ants, and other critters that you definitely don’t want getting too comfortable on your property.

On this particular day, we had a cluster of five large stumps that were particularly problematic. They were located along the south side of our property, right where we planned to extend our fence line. It was clear that removing these stumps was a top priority if we wanted to make progress on our homestead expansion.

The Tools We Used: Mini Excavator vs. Tractor

a person in a yellow excavator digging a bush

When it comes to stump removal, having the right tools can make all the difference. For this job, we brought in Mike with his trusty mini excavator. We’ve tried using our smaller tractor with a backhoe attachment in the past, but it just didn’t have the power needed to handle these stubborn stumps. The mini excavator, on the other hand, packed enough punch to get the job done.

The process wasn’t easy—these stumps were deeply rooted, with some going 4 to 4.5 feet deep into the ground. The soil in the Ozarks, while rich and fertile, can be a challenge to work with because of its rocky nature. However, the mini excavator proved to be up to the task, and after some maneuvering and muscle, we were able to get those stumps out of the ground.

Preparing the Land: Clearing the Tree Line for Future Projects

Why Clearing the Tree Line Was Necessary

Once the stumps were out, our next task was to clear the surrounding tree line. This is an essential step in preparing the land for future projects, whether it’s building new structures, planting crops, or simply improving the aesthetics of the property. For us, clearing this particular tree line was all about getting ready to put in an electric fence.

An electric fence is a must-have on a homestead, especially if you’re raising livestock or growing crops that you want to protect from wildlife. By clearing the tree line, we’re not only making space for the fence but also ensuring that it will be effective. Overhanging branches or thick brush can interfere with the fence, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to problems down the line.

Preserving What We Can: The Importance of Shade and Habitat

While we cleared out a lot of brush and smaller trees, we made a conscious effort to preserve certain trees, like a particularly nice cedar tree. Shade is incredibly valuable on a homestead, especially in the hot and humid climate of north-central Arkansas. By keeping certain trees intact, we’re not only maintaining natural shade but also preserving habitat for local wildlife. We’ve found that a balanced approach—clearing where necessary but preserving what we can—is the best way to manage our land sustainably.

Homestead Hacks: Turning Debris into Chicken Bedding

a group of chickens in a yard

The Problem: What to Do with All That Brush?

After clearing the tree line and removing the stumps, we were left with a significant amount of brush and debris. On a homestead, nothing goes to waste if you can help it, and that’s where a little ingenuity comes into play. Instead of simply hauling off the brush or burning it, we decided to repurpose it into chicken bedding.

The Solution: Using the DK2 Chipper

For this task, we brought out our DK2 chipper. This machine is an absolute workhorse when it comes to processing brush. By feeding the branches and smaller logs through the chipper, we were able to produce a nice, soft bedding material for our chickens. Not only is this a great way to recycle organic material, but it also saves us money on buying bedding and reduces our waste output.

Chicken bedding serves multiple purposes on the homestead. It keeps the chicken coop clean and dry, helps control odors, and eventually breaks down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used in the garden. It’s a perfect example of the kind of closed-loop system we strive to create at Barndovilla.

The Joy of Harvest: Growing and Enjoying Watermelons

a group of watermelons and peppers

First Time Growing Watermelons: Successes and Lessons Learned

After a morning full of hard work, we took a well-deserved break to enjoy the fruits of our labor—literally! This year, we decided to try our hand at growing watermelons for the first time, and let me tell you, it was a sweet success. There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food, especially when it turns out as delicious as these watermelons did.

Harvesting and Tasting Our Watermelons

The moment of truth came when we cut open our first watermelon. The bright red flesh and sweet, juicy flavor were everything we hoped for. As it turns out, watermelon is relatively easy to grow in our Ozark soil, especially if you give the plants plenty of water and sunshine. We planted seeded varieties, which means we can save seeds for next year’s crop—a win-win in terms of sustainability and cost savings.

The joy of growing and harvesting your own food is one of the most rewarding aspects of homesteading. It’s a reminder of why we chose this lifestyle in the first place—to connect with the land, nurture our resources, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Expanding the Chicken Run: Enhancing Our Poultry Setup

a Homestead tractor with a chicken tractor cage in the back

Why We Expanded the Chicken Run

As any homesteader knows, chickens are a vital part of a sustainable farm. They provide eggs, help control pests, and contribute to the overall health of the soil through their natural tilling and fertilizing actions. Given how important our chickens are, we decided it was time to expand their run and give them more space to roam and forage.

We chose to expand the chicken run into our sunflower garden, which had already been harvested for the season. This not only provides the chickens with a new area to explore but also allows them to clean up any leftover seeds, which helps prepare the soil for the next planting cycle.

Setting Up the Premium Poultry Netting

To make this expansion possible, we needed a reliable way to contain the chickens and protect them from predators. Enter the premium poultry netting we recently reviewed in our video. This netting is lightweight, easy to set up, and highly visible, making it an excellent choice for our homestead.

The netting comes with sturdy stakes and guy ropes, ensuring that it stays in place even in windy conditions. One of the features we appreciated most was the double spikes, which allow you to push the stakes into the ground with your foot—no need for a mallet, which is a real time-saver.

We connected the poultry netting to our existing electric fence system, adding an extra layer of protection. Electrifying the fence and the chicken coop provides a strong deterrent against predators like snakes and raccoons, which are always a concern in rural areas.

The Importance of Proper Fence and Coop Setup

Why Electrification Matters

One of the key takeaways from expanding the chicken run was the importance of electrifying not just the fence but the entire coop. Chickens, while hardy in many respects, are vulnerable to predators. A secure, electrified setup is crucial for their safety and for our peace of mind.

The process of electrifying the chicken run and coop wasn’t difficult, but it did require careful planning and setup. By running an electric line from the fence to the coop, we were able to create a seamless barrier that keeps unwanted visitors out. This setup has been incredibly effective, and we highly recommend it to other homesteaders looking to protect their flocks.

Maintaining Equipment: The Ups and Downs of Chainsaw Maintenance

Chainsaw Troubles: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

No day on the homestead is complete without a few hiccups, and this day was no exception. After clearing the stumps and expanding the chicken run, we turned our attention to helping out a family member with some tree removal. However, our chainsaws had other ideas.

Despite our best efforts, both chainsaws started acting up, refusing to run smoothly after a short while. It quickly became apparent that we were dealing with a fuel problem—likely some bad gas that was causing the chainsaws to sputter and stall. This was frustrating, to say the least, but it’s all part of the homesteading experience.

The Solution: Fuel Replacement and Chainsaw Maintenance

Our solution was to drain the old fuel, replace it with fresh gas, and give the chainsaws a thorough cleaning. We also decided to pick up some new chains, as the old ones had taken a beating during our earlier stump removal efforts. Maintaining your equipment is crucial on a homestead, where tools like chainsaws are essential for day-to-day operations.

Lessons Learned: The Value of Patience and Perseverance

a man wearing a cowboy hat and sunglasses giving a thumbs up

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Wins

As we wrapped up the day, it was clear that we had accomplished a lot, despite the challenges we faced. From successfully removing stumps and expanding the chicken run to enjoying our first watermelon harvest, it was a day filled with both hard work and rewarding moments.

Homesteading is a lifestyle that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s dealing with stubborn stumps, maintaining equipment, or simply managing the day-to-day tasks, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Barndovilla?

With the tree line cleared and the chicken run expanded, our next big project will be installing the electric fence and continuing to prepare the land for future planting. We’re also looking forward to more harvests, as our garden continues to produce a bounty of fruits and vegetables.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life at Barndovilla. Whether you’re an experienced homesteader or just starting out, we hope you found some inspiration and practical tips to apply to your own homestead. Stay tuned for more updates, videos, and blog posts as we continue to build, grow, and enjoy life on the land.

Affiliate Notice: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our homestead and allows us to continue sharing our journey with you. Thank you for your support!

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Homestead Lifestyle

Homesteading is more than just a way of life—it’s a commitment to self-sufficiency, sustainability, and community. At Barndovilla, we’re constantly learning, adapting, and sharing our experiences with others who are on a similar path. Whether it’s through our YouTube videos, blog posts, or hands-on projects, our goal is to inspire and empower others to embrace the homestead lifestyle.

We invite you to follow along with our journey, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and check out our other blog posts for more tips, tricks, and insights into homesteading in the Ozarks. Together, we can create a thriving, sustainable future—one project at a time. See more at https://barndovilla.com/journal/

Rumble Video
Homestead Season of Growth and Change

Homestead Season of Growth and Change

A Season of Growth and Change

Wowzers, it’s been a homestead season of growing since we last posted! A lot has happened around here, and we’ve been busy—really busy. We’ve switched over most of the content from Backroads Homesteading and Harden Farm, importing all our podcasts and blogs into one place. This homestead update is a big step toward keeping everything organized and accessible, even if we’re still not completely sold on the layout. But hey, we’ll make do with what we have for now and keep tweaking things as we go along.

Expanding the Garden and the Chaos Garden Experiment

One of the most exciting developments in our recent homestead updates is the expansion of our garden. We’ve been putting a lot of effort into this, and the results have been rewarding. Among our latest projects is the creation of a chaos garden. If you haven’t heard of this before, it’s essentially a garden where plants are allowed to grow in a more natural, less structured way. The idea is to let the plants support each other, creating a thriving, resilient ecosystem. Despite the lack of rain this season, our chaos garden is doing surprisingly well, which has been one of the highlights of our recent homestead updates.

A Major Mower Upgrade: The Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive

Another significant homestead update involves upgrading our mower. After much deliberation, we decided to replace our old, trusty Toro Timecutter 5000. That mower has served us well, but it was time to move on. After weeks of researching and almost settling on a Bad Boy mower, we ultimately chose the Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive with a 40hp Vanguard engine.

This was a tough decision, but it’s one of the most critical homestead updates we’ve made recently. The Toro, while reliable, just wasn’t cutting it—literally—on our 5-acre property. We found ourselves spending entire days mowing, using up more fuel and time than we could afford. The Hustler, on the other hand, is a powerhouse that will save us both time and energy in the long run.

The Purchase Process: An Important Homestead Update
We were able to afford this upgrade thanks to our neighbor, Mike, who also needed a new mower. By purchasing two units, we qualified for commercial fleet pricing, which gave us a 27% discount. We bought from a dealer in Missouri to avoid the high sales taxes in both Arkansas and Missouri, which was a huge savings. This homestead update was not only a financial decision but also a practical one, allowing us to get the equipment we need without breaking the bank.

A Tool for the Future and a Lesson for Link
This mower upgrade wasn’t just about keeping our property looking nice. It’s also an important homestead update for our son, Link, who has started mowing lawns for a neighbor. With a better mower, Link can take on more jobs and learn valuable lessons about work, money, and responsibility. Teaching him how to budget his earnings and take pride in his work is something we consider essential, and this homestead update is a big part of that education.

Building a Side Business: Ozark Lawn & Field

In one of our more entrepreneurial homestead updates, Mike and I have been discussing the idea of starting a side business called Ozark Lawn & Field. We’re thinking of offering services like haying, baling, milling, and of course, lawn and landscape work. This homestead update is particularly exciting because it’s not just about making extra income; it’s about strengthening our connections with other homesteads and farms in the area.

Why is this important? Because as we’ve mentioned in previous homestead updates, having a strong network of like-minded people is going to be crucial as times get tougher. We’ve already seen how much we rely on our neighbors for support, and expanding that network is key to our long-term survival and success.

On a lighter note, Jess and Link finally got out on the boat! This has been one of the more fun homestead updates lately. We’ve never had such a nice craft before, and the lakes around here are perfect for it. While it’s nothing too fancy, it’s just right for fishing, tubing, and spending quality time on the water. We still need to add a new Bimini top and some additional fishing gear, but those are minor details in this latest homestead update.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much Jess enjoyed the boat. She’s not usually one for big open-water adventures, especially in a smaller craft, but the lakes around here are just the right size for her comfort level. Our friends here also dive, so I’m hoping to get back into that and maybe do some spear fishing—something I haven’t done in years but would love to try again as part of our ongoing homestead updates.

What’s Next?

Well, that’s all for this homestead update. We’ve been up to a lot more, but I’ll save those stories for the next blog post. There’s always something happening around here, and I’m excited to share more of our journey with you. Thanks for sticking with us, and stay tuned for more updates in the near future!

Celebrating Link’s New Room: Overcoming Challenges for a Special Birthday Surprise

Celebrating Link’s New Room: Overcoming Challenges for a Special Birthday Surprise

Welcome back to our latest home improvement adventure, where we take on the challenge of completing Link’s room just in time for his birthday! This episode is not just about the transformation but also the unexpected hurdles we encountered along the way.

Final Touches to Link’s Room

Our main focus was getting everything perfect for Link’s room. From the aesthetic touches to functional adjustments, every detail was curated to match his preferences. We started with mounting brackets for his shelves, ensuring everything was secure and aligned, creating a safe and stylish space for him to enjoy.

Overcoming the AC Hurdle

However, not everything went as planned. One of the significant issues we faced was the air conditioning unit failing to work at the last minute. This segment of the episode delves into our troubleshooting process, from checking the basic connections to consulting with professionals, demonstrating the importance of being prepared for unexpected technical difficulties in any home project.

Adjusting the Floors

Another challenge was adjusting the flooring to ensure it was even and safe. We share our approach to resolving the uneven floor issues, from selecting the right materials to the final installation, providing viewers with practical tips should they face similar issues in their own home projects.

A Race Against Time

With Link’s birthday just around the corner, the pressure was on. The episode captures the hustle and the creative solutions we implemented to ensure everything was ready in time. It was a true test of our problem-solving skills and determination to make his day special.

A Joyful Conclusion

As we wrap up the episode, we share the joyous moment of revealing the finished room to Link. His excitement and happiness make all the challenges worthwhile, and we celebrate the successful completion of the project just in time for his birthday celebration.

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we navigate the ups and downs of home improvement, proving that with a bit of creativity and a lot of determination, any obstacle can be overcome. Don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes looks at how we turn challenges into triumphs.