It's been a little sticky around here. Would you stick around for mulberry season?

A question that I often answer with a resounding, yes! I can see the appeal for the city dwellers... socialization, shopping at your doorstop and a variety of events. But what they miss is the peaceful serenity of a pollution free morning of coffee on the front porch overlooking the vineyard with the melody of the birds and chickens. Spring offers a variety of florals and unique aromas. Plus the lambs baaing from the neighbors adds to the rebirth of the season. We love walkin

March came with warm temps and loads of sunshine but also some very curious pigs. Let me set the scene. We were busy weeding the garden until about dusk and I went to feed and let in our pigs. And they were not snorting impatiently at the gate. I called for them and nothing, no pigs. I hollered at Art and after zero signs of them after searching the woods, hillside, fields, and door knocking on the homesteads nearby. We went to bed without the pigs tucked safely inside their

We've taken this month to evaluate what's working, needs work or can go. Three major things that made the list is the Orchard Guard Tower, pomegranate orchard and the old pear trees. We've had many conversation about where and how we would be build another cabin on the property. We love hosting and could see some potential of one additional cabin on property. Orchard Guard Tower The problem is where in the garden/vineyard could we place it. An ongoing discussion but the needs

November was a bit gloomy but we still had a productive and beautiful month

The seven year itch living in Albania

Welcome to fall aka the JUICY season here at Homestead Albania

The heat is back and in full burn mode. Several hill sides in the surrounding area have scorch marks. We've ventured to the spring fed...

After the heavy frost damage in April, we've bounced back, almost. The pomegranate orchard has growth but little production at this time....

April started with heavy frost and snow capped mountains but we survived, mostly. The orchard is still recovering from the major loss....

February came with sunshine, flowers, and new guests. We were busy bees this month here at Homestead Albania. Our Orchard Guard Tower ...

Build it and they will come is our dream for 2025. Over the last seven years we've been asked about accommodations here at Homestead...

November was stunning. We had mostly warm beautiful blue skies and sunny days. A vast changed to last years three week gloom and rain...

September was a very busy month but oh so tasty. We've picked figs all month long. This makes our longest fig season in six years. We are...

The garden is in peak production mode. Mornings consist of harvesting climbing beans, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers,...

Our homestead's transition to May came in strong with new baby chicks, an epic mulberry season, sweet plums, nectarines, and is ending...

Our tree's are blossoming and the bees, ladybugs, and butterflies are in full feast mode. We've restarted our morning walks of the garden...

Winter Reset

Homesteading has many challenges but the rewards are bountiful. As winter has stripped away all vestiges of life from most of the trees...

November came in wet and chilly. We've had the ultimate pleasure of hosting some family and sharing our tasty fall treat. What tasty...