A more personal side of my homesteading story

Published 1 day ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Thrifty Homesteader—or inside the mind of the person who created it—I’ve been sharing more personal stories on my Substack, On the Banks of Mud Creek.

Here are my five newest articles:

What “I Can’t” Really Means
Growing up with dislocating kneecaps, leg braces, and bone surgeries shaped my understanding of what humans are capable of—and taught me to question the stories we tell ourselves about what we can’t do.

Where Do I Find Time?
People often ask how I find time for so many things. One answer is surprisingly simple: I stopped watching television and discovered that it wasn’t a sacrifice, but a way to build a fuller life.

The Accidental Bearded Border Collie
We thought we were getting a second herding dog. Instead, we got a goofy Frisbee addict with a beard, a big personality, and absolutely no interest in following the plan.

Why I Got a Bone Density Scan
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. I share why I chose to get a bone density scan and how I use data, exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices to take charge of my health.

Honey, This Isn’t Walden
In the prologue to my memoir, I revisit the night our homesteading dream turned into a nightmare — and the moment reality collided with everything we imagined farm life would be.

You can find all of my writing—and subscribe if you’d like new stories delivered to your inbox—at On the Banks of Mud Creek.

I hope you’ll join me there!

Deborah

Read more from Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

🌾 Hay choices, beekeeping, and making granola

Hello Reader, If you've ever wondered why I refused to give up on my goats when they were sick and dying two decades ago, I explain it in my article, I Was the Sickly Kid. Choosing the right hay is one of the most important feeding decisions you'll make for your goats. In this article, I explain the differences between alfalfa and grass hay, when each is appropriate, and why "more nutrition" isn't always better. Understanding these basics can help you feed your herd according to their...

14 days ago • 2 min read

🎙️Beyond the Milk Pail: Creative Ways to Use Goat Milk

Hello Reader, Goat milk is far more versatile than the bottle in your refrigerator or the cheese on your table. In this edition, we explore how farmers, scientists, artisans, and entrepreneurs are transforming it into skin-care products, frozen desserts, pet treats, and handcrafted cheeses. These featured episodes offer practical insights and inspiring stories for anyone curious about making the most of every drop. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the...

15 days ago • 3 min read

Want to join me on a goat tour and cruise around Hawaii?

Hello Reader, The Portugal farm tour hasn’t even happened yet, but the response to it has shown me that quite a few of you are interested in combining travel with learning about goats and the people who have built businesses around them. So, I’m exploring another possibility—this time closer to home. How would you feel about spending a week cruising around Hawaii while visiting goat dairies, agritourism farms, and other goat businesses? The cruise I’m considering is Norwegian Cruise Line’s...

16 days ago • 2 min read