There is something beautiful about the rhythm of homesteading. Every season has its busy moments, and every now and then, it reminds us that slowing down is just as important as working hard.
After an incredibly busy summer filled with baking, harvesting vegetables, collecting eggs, caring for our animals, and welcoming so many wonderful visitors to our little farmstand, J & J Homestead is taking a short summer break. The farmstand will reopen on August 14, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
In the meantime, we wanted to share a little about what we’ll be doing—and why this short pause is an important part of keeping our homestead thriving.
Sometimes the Best Thing a Homestead Needs Is a Little Rest
When people visit the farmstand, they often see the finished products—the fresh vegetables, homemade baked goods, local honey, and smiling faces.
What they don’t always see are the early mornings.
For months now, our days have started long before sunrise. Between working full-time jobs, caring for our chickens, turkeys, bees, gardens, and keeping the farmstand stocked throughout the weekend, our schedule has been wonderfully full.
We’ve loved every minute of it.
But one lesson we’ve learned over the years is that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s part of maintaining a sustainable homesteading lifestyle.
Taking a couple of weeks away from the farmstand allows us to recharge so we can return with renewed energy and excitement for the remainder of the growing season.
Catching Up on Homestead Projects
Like every homestead, ours has a running list of projects waiting for “when we have time.”
This short break gives us the opportunity to tackle many of those jobs that have been patiently waiting while we focused on serving our customers each weekend.
There are always fences to repair, gardens to tidy, equipment to organize, a coop to finish, improvements to make around the property, and countless little projects that make life run just a little smoother. These behind-the-scenes improvements may not always be visible, but they help ensure that J & J Homestead continues growing in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
Time to Experiment in the Kitchen
One of the things I’m most excited about is finally having a little extra time to experiment with new recipes.
One of my favorite parts of operating the farmstand has been watching customers discover new favorites. Every recipe that makes it onto our shelves has gone through plenty of testing before it’s offered for sale.
During this break, I’m looking forward to spending time in the kitchen trying new ideas—especially different breads. Bread has quickly become one of my favorite things to bake, and I have several recipes I’d love to perfect before adding them to our regular farmstand offerings.
Part of the fun of running a farmstand is always learning and always improving. Hopefully, when we reopen, you’ll see a few delicious new additions alongside some of your longtime favorites.
Preparing for a Big Running Goal
Many of you know that homesteading isn’t my only passion. Running has become an important part of my life, helping me stay healthy, challenge myself, and spend time outdoors in a different way.
On August 8, I’ll be tackling one of my biggest races of the year—a 50K ultramarathon.
Training for an event like this takes months of preparation, and having a brief break from the nonstop pace of the farmstand gives me the opportunity to recover, focus on training, and arrive at the starting line feeling rested and ready.
I’ve always believed that hobbies outside of homesteading make us better homesteaders. Whether it’s running, woodworking, painting, fishing, or photography, pursuing something that brings you joy helps maintain balance and reminds you to take care of yourself, too.
Don’t Forget to Check the Farmstand!
Just because we’re taking a break doesn’t mean you shouldn’t swing by every now and then.
Throughout the next couple of weeks, we’ll occasionally leave free vegetables at the farmstand.
It’s our small way of saying thank you.
The support we’ve received from our community this year has been more than we ever imagined. Every visit, every kind conversation, every social media share, every purchase, and every encouraging word has helped make this little adventure something truly special.
Leaving fresh vegetables for anyone who would enjoy them feels like the perfect way to give a little back.
So if you’re driving by, keep an eye on the farmstand. You never know what fresh vegetables might be waiting for you!
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey
Running a small homestead farmstand has been one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve ever had. We’ve met incredible people, learned countless lessons, and watched this little dream grow beyond anything we expected.
This short pause isn’t the end of the season—it’s simply a chance to catch our breath before the next chapter begins.
We’ll be back on August 14, refreshed, inspired, and excited to share everything we’ve been working on.
Until then, thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and your continued support of J & J Homestead.
We truly couldn’t do this without you.
And don’t forget…
Keep an eye out for those free vegetables! 🍅
Leave a Reply