The Night Before Christmas was recorded at the Holler Homestead on the night before Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Tonight we have a reading of the Australian version of The Night Before Christmas by Aussieroo of the TSP Zello Group.
Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.
The Night Before Christmas was recorded by the Cookeville Mastersingers in 2017 at Wattenbarger Auditorium. Merry Christmas!
Tonight we have a reading of the Pagan version of The Night Before Christmas by Mia of the LFTN Community.
Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.
Tonight we have a reading of the Cajun version of The Night Before Christmas by The Ellender Family - listeners of LFTN.
Join us every day at 5pm for a reading of a different version of the poem, "The Night Before Christmas."
Today is our last Homestead Happenings show for 2024 and I am flying solo. Join me for a discussion of manning the homestead by myself and other late year homestead topics.
Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com
Sponsor 2: EMP Shield, EMPShieldcom, Coupon Code LFTN
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!
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Join us for the another version of The Night Before Christmas for the Redneck version, read by The Tactical Redneck.
Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas
Tonight we have a reading of the Scottish version of The Night Before Christmas by Jaggy Little Thistle of the TSP Zello Group.
Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.
Join me for a group discussion with members of our community and beyond about building the life you choose, current events, building a durable life, community development, business, getting started, health and more.
Each Tuesday, we welcome a different guest to tell their story, as well as take your questions live.
Featured Event: #my3Things Webinar on January 9, 2024, https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2024/11/15/jan-9-my3things-webinar/
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Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
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Today, we have the first in our Night Before Christmas series, beginning with Leos: The Intellectual Night Beofre Christmas.
Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas
Today we talk about changing the one person entirely in your control: You. I will also reveal my word of the year for 2025, and discuss our usual Monday segments.
Featured event: Night Before Christmas Series starts TOMORROW! They will release at 5pm Central each day and lead up to the final reading on December 24.
Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com
Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com
Listener Feedback
So as to yesterday's podcast. I have a family member that doesn't respect anyone's boundaries. They instigate the uncomfortable conversations just to cause tension. They bring up horrible things that have happened to you and rub them in your face and laugh about it. I cut this person out of my life for 5+ years. I was so much happier and healthier mentally. Me not having this person in my life caused family tension that was constantly thrown at me. This person is my mother. Two years ago my mother's husband got very sick, I chose to go see her and him right before he passed away.When I opened that door, the rest of my family got off my back. I currently have a "relationship" with my mother, but the more I give the more she wants. She acted somewhat normal for about a year and now she is back to her constant digging and trying to start shit. I have to ignore her comments and change the subject regularly.
Pretty much my whole family dynamic is toxic. I have a few more crazy Ian's hanging from the tree.
Deflecting and subject changing is a skill, but it's also exhausting. Stepping away to breath is also important. Limiting time spent is a requirement for sanity. And honestly a couple of beers is one way I stay calm at family functions. For now I am choosing to put myself in this situation in moderation. I hate it and have begun to dread it again, but it is a choice I have made to keep the peace between other family members.
My best recommendation is to cut the toxic people out of your life no matter who they are, and don't let them back in because they won't change. Because you are worth so much more than being someone's doormat whoever they are to you.
End of year Schedule
Tuesday Live with Becky Cook and Toolman Tim Cook, 9:30am tomorrow
Friday Homestead Happenings, 2pm Friday
Two Week Break
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
Weekly Shopping Report from Joe
Our most recent shopping trip was on Thursday; Sonia was out of cream cheese, so we went early.
We went first into Dollar Tree. Stock levels looked good. I could definitely see signs of rotation with some new products in the drinks area, and depletion (but not yet exhaustion) of others.
We did not go into Home Depot, but the online price of a 2x4x8 is still $3.85.
Aldi was last. Stock levels didn't look notably different from our usual Friday visits. My preferred variety of chocolate (70% cacao) was back in stock, but there wasn't much of it. Staple prices were: bread (20 oz. white): $1.39; eggs: $3.96; whole milk: $2.87 (-); heavy cream: $5.39; OJ: $3.69; butter: $3.49 (-); bacon: $3.99; potatoes: $3.69; sugar: $2.69; flour: $1.79; and 80% lean ground beef: $3.99 (-). They had cantaloupes this week.
I'm not sure about the untainted regular gasoline. A Weigels that we don't normally visit last had it at $3.49/gallon, which is a 20c decrease, but I don't recall what my usual station(s) were showing. Being retired, my need for gasoline is dramatically reduced.
Frugality Tip
Today is a short and sweet simple tip. Whenever we are out shopping or whatnot I pack a small cooler with drinks and a reusable ice block. I also keep an extra insulated tumbler full of water in the car at all times. Stopping to grab a drink adds up quickly, especially with someone that drinks soda.
So stop yourself from grabbing that convenience store overpriced drink and just pack a small cooler.
Happy saving y'all.
~Margo
Operation Independence
Nothing to report other than some advice: Dont overspend for Christmas - enjoy it but dont over spend
Main topic of the Show: Renew Yourself, Renew Your World
Build the life you choose on your terms
>>Fear of the drones
WHY START NOW AND NOT NEXT YEAR
Music stories/german language stories
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
WOTY
RENEW - Choice - Bigger impact
What I was looking for in a word. Build on the fundamentals and grow, eliminate roadblocks that hold me back, develop better fundamental habits, money
Roadblock
Prosper
Craft
Build
Renew
Neuaufladen
>>>>THE WORD<<<<
To improve or enhance the quality, value, or substance of something. For example:
Adding nutrients to soil enriches it for better plant growth.
Introducing diverse experiences can enrich someone's life.
Providing additional details or creativity can enrich a story or idea.
It’s about making something better, fuller, or more meaningful.
What is your word of the year? Comment here or shoot me an email
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
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Resources
Today is Tactical’s last day on the show for 2024 – well live on the show anyway. He will read the Redneck Night Before Christmas in about a week.
LFTN Christmas Reception Reminder
Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast
Sponsor 2: EMP Shield, Coupon Code LFTN
Rabbit Tractor - On the Christmas Break To Do List
Almost a record month for Holler Roast Coffee!!
Great American Preparedness Tour Reminder
Foraging Jerusalem Artichokes for Christmas Dinner
Found Tamahawk Steaks – we'll also get some cut
A Tale of my swiss chard, the wind, and a cold night when I was not here
Planning spring seedlings in the next few weeks
Does anyone have a fun chicken idea for thighs?
Wood stove dries clothing the best
Presetting 3 paddocks so T can leave for 4 days
Raised bed is about ready for garlic
Need to source cover that has active local biology in it for both raised beds
Incoming cow
Took down locust trees for posts
Heating with wood
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!
Community
Advisory Board
Resources
Join me for a group discussion with members of our community and beyond about building the life you choose, current events, building a durable life, community development, business, getting started, health and more.
Each Tuesday, we welcome a different guest to tell their story, as well as take your questions live.
Featured Event: #my3Things Webinar on January 9, 2024, https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2024/11/15/jan-9-my3things-webinar/
Sponsors:
Show Resources
Main content of the show
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Resources
Today we talk about setting boundaries and how it is a kindness to do this sooner rather than later. Just in time for holiday gatherings. We will also cover our usual Monday segments.
Featured Event: Mastersingers Christmas Concert, Dec 15, 3pm in Cookeville, TN
Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com
Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com
Livestream Schedule
Shifted to afternoons this week because of Gift Coffee Orders
Tuesday, 2pm with Ready Riflemen
Thursday, 6pm, The Great American Preparedness Tour Live
Friday, 2pm, Homestead Happenings with the Tactical Redneck
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
Frugality Tip
I have a favorite pair of headphones I use, mostly in the morning when someone else is still sleeping. They are the over the ear kind, not buds. I picked them up to use and the coating on them was peeling, and when I put on my ears it was itchy. I'm not the one to throw them out and buy a new pair. Also I'm not a crochet kinda girl (yet), but there's a crochet solution as well. I cut off the top few inches of an old sock (which I keep as rags , so had a some) Turned it inside out, rolled it down in half and put them over the headphones. And honestly the sound improved as well.
So get crafty to get more use out of the things you have
Main topic of the Show: Setting Boundaries Is KindnessSome weeks, I am not sure what would be the best fit for an LFTN Podcast but today, I had a nice chat with Jenni and she pointed out that lots of people struggle at the holidays with feelings of guilt because they are obligated to see family. Family of the kind that make them uncomfortable or are darn right abusive.
So today, we are going to talk about boundaries, setting boundaries, and why it is a kindness.
Story 1: The Friend or Employee Who Makes Small Mistakes on a Paid Project, John Willis wanting a different set up at SRF.
How to do this kindly:
So in general, being clear and setting reasonable boundaries can be very hard because hard conversations need to be had. There are some common ways to make these conversations reasonable.
Scenario
A Hard question for you - what are you doing to invite problems with your boundaries?
I don’t know who needs to hear this but it is ok to set boundaries with family. You dont have to go to the thing. You dont have to stay at the thing. You dont have to participate in the white elephant if you cant afford it or just dont want to. You dont have to have the drink. And the same goes for staying – you can just say Im headed home now. Ir “Im leaving. But a caution - I avoid saying “Ive got to go” to get out of a place where people pushed past my boundaries. I dont want them to think I left because of a conflicting obligation.
Forgiveness and boundaries.
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Resources
This is a re-uploaded mp3 file for the Tuesday Coffee Chat because there was an issue where the other file cut off after 30 seconds.
Today, we talk about the polar plunge in the Holler, Christmas busy season, shoring up the livestock to do well through winter, and more
Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com
Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com
Hard to work outside because the cold came on suddenly.
Heat battery worked for one day – now we need a heater
Goat fencing
Chickens are gone
Feed staging
Preparing to be gone – location of sheep
Augmenting with creep to give sheep a boost because of the sudden change in temperature
Chestnut’s sweater
Garlic still not in – need the bed finished
Don’t low and slow a round roast - it gets dry
AP didnt freeze even though I didnt winterize the wicking beds
Chard is still producing under plastic
Duck eggs are slow
How do you like the rabbit waterers?
Time to breed the rabbits again
Rabbit tractor is still not done and I am the bottle neck
Checking the microclimate near the post for the last of the fall herbs
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!
Community
Advisory Board
Resources
Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast.
Featured Event: The Self Reliance Festival, SelfRelianceFestival.com
Sponsors:
Show Resources
Main content of the show
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Resources
Today, we have our annual brainstorm on gifts we can make from the home or homestead. If things are tight, or even if they aren’t, handmade gifts with lots of love and thought are awesome.
Featured Event: Webinar Announcement For December, Christmas Gathering RSVP DEC 21
Sponsor 1: EMP Shield, Coupon Code LFTN
Sponsor 2: TheWealthsteadingPodast
Livestream Schedule
First Tuesday Coffee Chat, 9:30am Tomorrow
Friday Homestead Happenings, 9:30am
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
Weekly Shopping Report from Joe
We took our usual trip on Friday, deciding to risk possible Black Friday traffic, but it wasn't too bad. As we approached Dollar Tree, we could see that the China-mart lot was packed, but it did not extend as far as the Dollar Tree parking area.
Next we split, Sonia going into Hobby Lobby and I into Lowe's. Both were very busy, but she said she had little wait. Although we did not go into Home Depot, the online price of a 2x4x8 is still $3.85.
Aldi was next. Wet cat food has returned, so I got a couple of 12-can boxes. Eggs are no longer marked limit 2. There was very little of even the type of chocolate I normally get, not just the variety I prefer; the shelf area was vacant, although still marked for it. Staple prices were: bread (20 oz. white): $1.39; eggs: $3.96 (+); whole milk: $3.03; heavy cream: $5.39; OJ: $3.69 (+); butter: $3.99; bacon: $3.99; potatoes: $3.69 (+); sugar: $2.69; flour: $1.79; and 80% lean ground beef: $3.99 (-). They also had no cantaloupes.
A gallon of untainted regular gasoline remains at $3.599.
Frugality Tip
When you have a gathering and you put things out for drinks like sliced lemons, limes and oranges there are usually leftovers. What I do is put them in the freezer and when I'm going to make tea I'll take out a slice or two in the morning for a hot cup of tea in the afternoon or evening. Alternatively I'll freeze them in ice cube trays and use in iced tea in warmer weather.
So save the citrus and enjoy it later
Operation Independence
Setting a schedule for classes to be hosted at the Holler Homestead next year. Cheese, for example.
Main topic of the Show: Handmade Homestead Gift Ideas
MeWe reminder
Make it a great week!
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Resources