2012 Goals

Last year, I didn't really set any goals, but I had an idea in mind of what I wanted to achieve.  This year, I want to make a list to guide me through the year.  I'm sure this list will evolve as the year progresses, but I'm happy to have a place to start. 

-  Now that we have a designated area for the animals, continue to improve that area.  The first project is a new rabbitry.
-  Continue improving the wood splitting and stacking area, including proper wood racks for the split wood. 
-  Now that we have a designated wood area, continue splitting and stacking the wood from the trees we took down in the spring.
-  Take down more trees in my eastern neighbor's yard.  His lot is seriously wooded with 50+ year old trees.  They block the sun to my backyard until around 1:00-2:00 in the afternoon.  I miss all of the morning sun. 
-  Expand my garden beds once trees are removed.
-  Start an espalier or mini fruit orchard once trees are removed.
-  Implement some cold frames once beds are established. 
-  Breed the meat rabbits and produce the first meat for the homestead.
-  Split the bee hive into two and finally harvest some honey.
-  Consider insulation options for the attic and possibly implement something better than what we have.
-  Improve my compost system, including introduction of vermicomposting.
-  Increase my canning and drying provisions for the year in volume and variety.  Decrease dependence on the freezer.
-  Continue to work toward better succession planting.
-  Use the solar oven more.  I think this can be better accomplished once some trees are removed. 
-  Improve my seed saving skills.   

What are some of your goals for 2012?

Happy homesteading,

Candace