Just Keep Swimming

We’ve got a lot going on and a lot to get accomplished, so we’re hitting the ground running today. Ben is working on some new chicken tractors for our meat birds, and Meg is in the kitchen getting started on some Zucchini bread, spaghetti sauce, and cherry jam.
Zucchini Bread recipe: • A Handed-Down Family R...
Homestead Shoptalk Podcast: / @homesteadshoptalk
Today’s music, in order (available through Epidemic Sound bit.ly/2Mt3tXm ):
Intro: Let Me Love You by Loving Caliber
Avocados on Hashbrowns by baegel
Home Cooked by Sight of Wonders
Black Margarita by Arc Du Soleil
Morning Hike by Lindsay Abraham
Rose In The Garden by Cody Francis
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Hank, The Gorilla Cart: amzn.to/2sTYdoF
Greenstalk Gardens (HOLLAR10 for $10 off): lddy.no/vskn
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#family #homesteading #vlog
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[@dianemyers250]

Meg needs an outdoor kitchen!

[@sharon7830]

That is great idea

[@deborahkelley4419]

A outdoor kitchen attached to the back side of your trailer !

[@Only1sticks]

I 2nd that

[@roxannaboykin1935]

Agreed!

[@barbaraweber3084]

Wouldn't that just be more work? Just asking.....it seems like it would just be more to keep up with but I don't can so what do I know?

[@Bebe-vk7kw]

Meg is always so cheerful no matter how busy she is. You live by your mantra “just keep working keep plugging away”. Bless you Meg!

[@lindagardiner8062]

I always feel sorry for her she never seems to get away from the kitchen even when she finished for the day she surrounded by tomatoes or cherries etc that have to be done tomorrow , the poor critter really needs a prep kitchen outside the home , so her home can be a place to chill

[@margaretbedwell3211]

Meg, I can't imagine I ever had as much energy as you have. You do a great job putting up so many good foods for your family for the winter and beyond. They are so lucky to have you as their wife/mom. The jars of cherry jam look like jewels on your counter. Thank you for sharing. For all those watching this channel, please remember to tune into the podcast on Fridays to hear the news from Ben, Jason & Al. Lets get the numbers up on their channel. Y'all have a Blessed day.

[@joolzmac1]

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! It’s great to pick up kitchenware that has a bit of history and give it new purpose. Same with Ben’s metal pile - better than it going into landfill. I love watching Ben create new stuff from scratch. 😊

[@donnamays24]

Agreed!

[@Karan-leafit]

Watching today's episode and as Meg and Bug were making zucchini cake, my husband says she sure is putting in a lot of Goodness into that😊 and everything that happens in their kitchen 😊... We both enjoy watching your family work together making life beautiful, bountiful and blessef.❤

[@ajb.822]

Beautiful pumpkins, congrats Brett !

[@nickivanaltena923]

You guys are, Hands Down, the A Team!!

[@hitthacienda]

God bless this woman. She is a cooking machine. Bravo, Meg!

[@jamjar5716]

She is truly amazing!

[@nancylafferty8362]

Always working!

[@yoclark2723]

Call the store! It will save you the side eye, and they will grab one for you to pick up at customer service. The zucchini bread looks lovely. What a deal to get all that metal! I'm sure you can use it. Tomatoes always take so long to process. I almost can't do it anymore. My hubby has to help me. Those pumpkins are beautiful! You are raising some great farmers.

[@nancysimpson4246]

Meg, you are such an awesome mother and a wonderful, wonderful woman. I can just feel it I can tell you just never quit. I love watching the videos when you’re cooking and talking. God bless you Meg and your family you’re all awesome❤

[@marthareedy]

Wow, look at those beautiful Pumpkins !! Great job!!! Love all you guys do !! what a lovely family !!

[@donnabradshaw5200]

Brett is one heck of a gardener! Will he do a larger garden next year?

[@dorenemadrzykowski8426]

I was just wondering about his garden....how fun. Bet he feels good

[@AfterTheRains]

Those pumpkins look so perfect.

[@glendaruff125]

Beautiful 🎃.

[@carolmcmillan1108]

You guys are my total favourite homesteaders to watch here from Rushworth Australia… Meg you are a wizard in the kitchen your stamina amazes me and Ben your energy on the farm is also inspiring…. Even for this 62 yo 😊👌 love your family life journeys 🥰

[@wendyhall8834]

I love that you guys are truthful and always share your mistakes, miss counted boards. Your transparency is refreshing in this day and age of everything having to look or be perfect and flawless. I always look forward to your videos!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

As a pumpkin aficionado I found those to be some pretty impressive specimens! 👍Well done Brett! Also, the zucchini cake looks yummy as well!

[@lillianperry6451]

Looking forward to seeing your new chicken tractors. Meg is a hero cooking her way to victory.

[@NotMyNameGrandma-wz9yx]

Ben and Meg: is there anything you can't do??? You guys blow me away with your creativity and hard work. Ben, I have only watched a few of your videos thus far, but have wondered how you learned to work so well with your hands - carpentry, metal work, including welding, farming, animal husbandry - and the good Lord knows what else. Meg, did you teach yourself about food preservation or did you grow up with your mom teaching you as you grew up? Your meals look so delicious and nutritious. Its obvious you put a lot thought into what you feed your family because all of you look so healthy. Once again, I will say you are amazing and I'm learning a lot from young folks about half my age! That proves one is never to old to learn if one is willing to be taught. I pray for blessings for all of you. Our country needs a lot more people like you all.

[@cynthiablagg3690]

Ben you might call Lowe's and explain the situation to them and they may let you come in and get your last piece of lumber. It's always worth a try. As often as you're in there they should know you by now.

[@mawmaw1833]

Agree

[@evalinawarne1337]

Yes, they should have an honor system. The cashier is supposed to count it. Pray and go. We'll hear about it on the FRIDAY SHOPTALK 🍒🍒. I love hearing/learning from the three Best guy's plus KEN'S KREW. Top 4 plus 2. GREAT job. My favorite one was COMMUNITY. Thank you.🛐✝️🀄🍉🍉🍒🍒⛏️☕☕☕🛐🀄 FROM SE MICHIGAN GREAT LAKE'S STATE 🐠🐟🐠🐟✝️🀄

[@bobwilliams5506]

This was my best ever garden! Zucchini, yello squash, tomatoes, green beans. jaiepenos, sweet peppers. etc. A great season!

[@heatherk8931]

😮❤ I got nada. Squirrels are every piece of fruit from my trees, nothing grew. But chickens ! From 7 to 5 to 20, to 17. Lol and 6 of the 17 are roosters

[@osmadchlo]

Hey Meg, Becky over at Acre Homestead made your tomato pie this week! They loved it! She gave you all the props, too! ❤

[@1stbadger700]

You might think about using Trex deck boards for the bottom as they are polymer type material and they won’t rot.

[@kar702]

Good idea ,we used them to build our pool deck they’re great it never rots❤

[@marygallagher7392]

Loved seeing the dinosaur peeking into the footage!

[@nanajack8527]

It's 10pm here in uk but I wouldn't miss The Hollas for anything!

[@paulahughes6031]

Two minds think alike 👍. Absolutely love watching this beautiful family. The children are an absolute credit . I can’t get enough of Meg in the kitchen 👏👏

[@SunraeSkatimunggr]

Those are mighty pretty pumpkins, Bret!!!

[@martinsmith251]

Glad to see T-Rex was supervising the tomato dehydrating 😅

[@natasha1369]

Last time you boiled your cherry pits it gave me an idea, so I did the same but used the juice to make cherry lemonade. OMG it was good! So thank you.😊

[@lloydjennett9063]

Meg ... you are amazing ! !

[@chughes-lv3oe]

When you grease your cake pan instead of flour, use sugar to coat the pan, it makes a slightly sweet crust that is really good.

[@tammykaltreider]

I remember when you made the first chicken tractor!! 🤍

[@shelleypoole6415]

Would be cool if there was a area with a roof where you can put your barbecue, smoker and one of those steel counters. An all season cook area. 😊

[@maryturner3534]

So glad you took time with family just know you were missed 😊

[@territn8871]

Meg, I love how when you are covered up in preserving tomatoes, cherries, zucchini cake and muffins, you still are able to make a delicious supper for your family! Your family is so blessed having a mom and dad like you and Ben!!!! You both instill excellent examples for the kids to follow!

[@hardenmama1800]

Great video, guys! You did accomplish a lot. The pumpkins look great, Brett.

[@normacoplin4102]

My husband always says...Ma...if we do it all today what will we do tomorrow!? Just one step is still moving forward! Love my Hollar friends! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mgtmoffat8411]

Great bargains to be had at estate auctions. Lovely pumpkins Brett. You all pack a lot into your days. Thank you for sharing your days. Pleased to note in the comments that all is well with your Californian relatives. 💕💕🌻🌻

[@charmainemrtnz]

Yay 😅🎉😊. Bret’s garden!! Well done sir! Meg, you do so much! You inspire me to do more! Well done sis! You all are great and I look forward to every video.

[@patjones5723]

I SO love you guy's ❤ Ty for taking us on your journey ❤

[@SuesSecretGarden3]

Love the video both of you guys indulged in your art.

[@janelleb8274]

I love that you are making the chicken tractors that Jason has. They always made the most sense to me (of all the designs you homesteaders have). You can hang the food and even the water, and it seems like it would be so easy to move and get inside of. Can't wait to see it built!

[@debrezo58]

Love listening to my "3 homestead amigos'!!! And you sure scored big with your estate shopping too. Always good to teach the kids frugality in finding hidden gems and using/ creating something useful or fun for your family. And Brett what beautiful pumpkins you grew! Amazing!💖

[@leem200]

Just love watching you all. You're like a modern-day Little House on the Prairie but your real life. Peace!

[@susanharrell984]

Brett did a great job growing the pumpkins. I have wondered how his garden was doing. Meg, you are a wonder woman in that kitchen. Loved the dino peeking at the tomatoes. You both get so much done even when life pulls you in another direction.

[@gretaknebel8495]

Great finds at the auction. Hope you don’t have too much trouble making the new chicken buildings.

[@janew5351]

The John suscovitch style, walk In chicken tractors cost $800 in materials In Ontario .So that makes the birds very expensive!

[@sandyc6569]

Everything is looking good inside and out!! ❣❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@sharonbrown2352]

The majority of my canning jars have come from Estate Auctions. We have the smoker you have that we did buy new, I cook on the grill on it as well. Love cooking with wood. We bought it a long time ago from Home Depot. Beautiful family!

[@GothGoddess1]

Ben...If ANYONE could come up with a chicken tractor that would never wear out it's YOU DUDE!!!!!! I'm thinking, light weight?? PVC pipe, the siding from the other tractors that you have used for shade...ANYWAYS....I know you can come up with something that would last longer than 3 or 4 years & then cut down on your having to re-build them. Back in the day we just flat out didn't have the options that are available now!!!!! Love the video's & watching you all Grow & Thrive on the Homestead!!! As Always, Many many Blessings to you & yours...Till Next Time!!!! 🐣🐤🐥🐔🐓

[@reannejarvis9464]

It’s so good to have materials on hand. I hope the outdoor kitchen pops to the top of the list soon.🇦🇺🎸⚡️🤘🏼🤘🏿💋❤️

[@taterchip2716]

Well if I can’t have your son make me laugh peeking around the camera then I’ll take the T Rex waiting to snatch one of your tomato slices. Thanks for sharing your beautiful life and family.

[@patriciaherman6499]

Confession I took am an addict for Storage lockers, estate sales, and auctions. Not so much for the storage units now they go to high back in the day they went cheap. I have a neighbor friend who just opened up an auction house, so far I've bought a box full of brand new kitchen gadgets for $5.00 for the whole box, patio set w/ 4 chairs, table and umbrella for $20.00 Meg will love this 10 stainless steel bowls various sizes, (which I've always wanted but expensive). Ben & Meg, you know what they say about best laid plans 😂 Ben, always enjoy the Podcast. Blessings to you and the family. 😊🇺🇲

[@theresaakin2284]

I furnished nearly every home I lived in with auction and estate furniture and appliances. My husband built our kitchen table with parts from an old executive desk. $25 . When I married the first time we bought an estate for $7200. It had furniture in it and a full set of cast iron skillets with lids and 2 different sizes of Dutch ovens. I still have those skillets because he hated them. ANother reason he's my ex. My current hubs loves using our cast iron. I've had those skillets since 1971. One of the skillets is a 3-4 inch chicken fryer.

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

Thanks for the video! The cherry jam looked so good!

[@lindal5303]

Oh yes, call them, tell them, take a pic, next day, show pic and receipt...go get that board!! It now becomes a mission, lol💕

[@cherylmoran5134]

When my kids were youngsters, we had that same addiction. It was fun! Lumber was always a major score…built lots of stuff around the homestead.

[@alicegilbert4186]

Thanks for letting us visit

[@Mindy56743]

We just got 2 bushels of peaches today at the local Amish store and will start canning tomorrow morning! I so love summer. I was told that the apples would be ripe in a week or 2 so we will be canning about 3 or 4 bushels of them again this year.

[@MsMrWildhorse]

The dinosaur photo bombing made me smile….😊

[@pamelaabettis7225]

Can you imagine the WORK farmers and their wives and kids did before food processors, instapots, even a modern stove & oven. These kids (I’m 72) work SO hard with the the “conveniences”.

[@jills5939]

Good job beautiful people. 🕊

[@faithrada]

I too had Zucchini failure this year. Luckily the cucumbers have made up for it. Brett's pumpkins are BEEautiful. 🎃 PS.. Love the Guy's Shop Talk night...Inspiration Everywhere! 😊

[@stephaniewilson3955]

The podcast is fun. A nice leisurely chat between friends who share stories and the progress on their homesteads.

[@denisemusicnut]

I grew up on a farm. An estate auction was a community event, where you could visit with all of your neighbors. Back in the day, they were always on Saturday, and the whole family would go, even if nobody needed to buy anything. Of course, it was not unusual to have to go home and get the hay wagon to haul something home! Most of our farm machinery, tools, furniture, and kitchen items came from estate auctions. So much fun!

[@marcyjo1972]

Homestead Triage. Love it! You are not alone in this. More times than not I have to do the same thing…last week I tore down my 10x19 deck and then this week I was blessed with a bushel of tomatoes, a bushel of peaches and a bushel of corn so the deck project has been on hold until the harvest is preserved. It pays to be able to switch projects easily because weekly plans are not set in stone

[@user-sz1sc7ni6v]

That cherry jam looked wonderful!!

[@DavidDavis-Central_FL]

Gooood afternoon from central Florida! Hope everyone has a great afternoon!

[@chayh.6249]

When I pull out my Turkey Roaster and it's not Thanksgiving, my husband knows I am making sauce or some kind of broth!👍👍 Sending Blessings!

[@rvenable8958]

I can't wait to see your new chicken tractors!

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 Keep on pluggin away, indeed. Glad you're building the stand-up style chicken tractor! Wiw, I'm so impressed with Brett's pumpkins..already in August..he musta started them way earlier than I remember! 💚

[@leahharbison4932]

I love that woman.Does she ever stop ? Quite the Mother , Wife , Friend. Such a Beautiful Family. ❤

[@AngieJames4172]

Ben-I would call the place you got the wood from and have them credit your account for the missing wood, it isn't cheap, you know this and certainly they trust you! MEG-Praise the boys are there to help you Mama! And of course Buggie! And that they are old enough to be of awesome help. God is good, ALL the time.

[@jacquelineiversen5661]

All the time God is good.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

I LOVE auctions! My late husband and I would go, hopefully find some things we couldn't live without, have a hot dog, maybe a piece of pie, coffee and loved the day. Sometimes they were in an auction building, sometimes on a farm but always a great day!

[@vivianzuniga8814]

Have y’all ever watched Just a few Acres Farm on KZbin? He has a trailer he built to move birds. It has a slide with a two by four on either side. He just pulls that forward with the two by four handles and is makes the birds come to the opening. Easy peasy!

[@cindykaye3152]

I love estate sales because they are thrifty, great for the environment & give vintage & antique items new life! I sometimes wonder what memories the items I find would share if they could talk. Imagine the wisdom they might impart! Thank you for sharing your day with us! God bless y'all 🙏🏼🥰

[@LytonaKirtz]

I love auctions. Used to go to them every weekend! We used to get things for $1. My friend got an entire bedroom set for $1. So much fun.

[@tammyr2966]

Wow! Like Meg said, always keep working toward the goal and it’ll get done! That spaghetti sauce will be delicious! That jam looks delicious! Those pumpkins are beautiful! That chicken tractor will be bigger and better and built in no time! Great finds at that estate auction! Only been to estate sales and have gotten some good deals. Have not ever been to an auction! We love thrifting too and finding a good deal that’s something we can use! It’s a lot of fun too, like you said!

[@deborahcarter4408]

This is going to take me all week, what I think I can accomplish in 1 day, your right just keep moving towards your goal and go with the flow! Your food is amazing, do you realize how special Megs cooking is! I'm a senior, plant based, grow green, small, in city. My grandmother, mother and me cook from scratch, Meg still blows me away! Beautiful family!

[@truthbetoldbyone6702]

I love the cameo by the dinosaur!

[@anchorageprepper9008]

Pumpkins look great. Congratulations Bret!

[@lindajsingh294]

I used to freeze my cherries for sore throat relief 😊 kids loved them

[@Tzippy323]

Meg - I dehydrate tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, mushrooms and red onions. I store the mixture in jars. As a quick side dish, I take a jar, add a jar of homemade tomato sauce, and cook it up. I can them add some chopped meat or spaghetti, and a delicious, nutritious dish!

[@patbwi5871]

Auctions and Estate Sales the perfect way to save so much money! Congrats to your family!

[@StoneKathryn]

We are having a heat wave too! Nice looking meat birds. I'm trying to do a Fall batch of meat birds too! All of the materials for your Salatin chicken tractors I remember was from the place you bought. Yes, the Suscovich style chicken tractors are nice to walk into. Do you have to buy a bender bar too? I have hinged each side of my Salaltin style chicken tractor. Rats! You counted wrong! My boss dehydrated tomatoes in her oven at a very low temperature. Whoa, zucchini bread and muffins, cherry jam, and dried tomatoes Meg! I'm glad you got your shade up Ben! So glad you got some scrap steel! Wow, that sauce looks amazing! Thanks for showing the roaster oven trick. I'll try that. That cherry jam looks delicious. I love our garage sales. I got a gambrel with nice hooks for $1! Nice smoker and grill! I love the Homestead Shop Talk podcasts! Yum, cheeseburger mac for dinner. Nice pumpkins. Thanks for this video Hollar family!

[@jamjar5716]

If I said it once I've said it a hundred times, this is an amazing family! I love your earrings Meg!

[@belieftransformation]

I loved hearing about your finds; my fav part is that older stuff is always better quality! I particularly love old wooden furniture in good condition! Great progress, even when we don’t get it done as soon as we want! Blessings to everyone 🤗💗🇨🇦

[@ktsls82]

We bought used metal dog kennels (like the ones Tractor Supply and Rural King has) for our chickens. We can stand in them and they are easy to wrap in hardware cloth. They have worked so well. My 17 year old daughter can move them without issue herself. We've found them for $150-$250 on local sale groups.

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

Meg, you're in the same boat as I am. NO cabinet space when you're canning etc. :( I don't have an island and there is no space in the floor for one because my kitchen is not wide enough. I was given a piece of cabinet top that has Formica on it that I got my husband to help me fix for some temp extended cabinets. I can open a drawer and lay it on the drawer and we put 2 foldable legs on it so it stands up. Then when done I can slide it behind my sideboard out of the way. We do what we have to do though and i guess it's working. :) I bet that cherry jelly is awesome! LOVE cherries! I also LOVE thrifting and estate sales and garage sales!

[@loriy7532]

Hey there Meg, always a pleasure to visit. I was thinking about what you mentioned about drying your tomatoes in slices for tomato pie or maybe fried green tomatoes. According to the lovely people at Cog Hill Family Farm Freeze dried Green and Red tomatoes are great for using to make tomato pie and fried green tomatoes. Maybe one of your dear homesteading friends would give you a lend of their machine for one day of service. Meg , the company that makes the food freeze dryer is giving one away , you just have to enter to win and also Living traditions homestead is also giving one away this month. You need to enter both before the end of this month , you just never know how things may go....please enter.

[@deltorres2100]

Talking about busy I’ve had to watch this video two times in order to see it All in one sitting …busy day I feel I have accomplished all 😃💜 ✌️and Nothing at the same time ..

[@bftobias]

I too set very aggressive goals that are almost impossible to achieve,but I learned to give myself grace as i acknowledge all the things that did get done! You are amazing, give yourself grace 🙏🏾

[@deborahkelley4719]

Meg your cake it's going to be scrumptious, I'm still waiting on my tomatoes, watermelon, cukes, and green beans. Skip ahead, 10 seconds to see Megs country kitchen. 😉 🎉 Life every day and the goodness of wholesome homesteading. ✌️ From Virginia 💞🙏

[@johnprevatt905]

I love the T-Rex touch on the island. We have dinosaurs running our house.

[@beccagee5905]

Sometimes you have to go with the flow. There is always tomorrow.

[@TeresaAlley]

Love you guys and your channel and I love the shop talk channel! ❤🙏

[@reverendhollwwood1]

Hey Ben… build a jig that stands the 2x4 on end , clamp them to the jig, raise the blade and cut to desired depth. Then lower the blade and make the second cut on the side of the board. I hope that I explained that ok. Love you guys… thanks for the inspiration that yall are!

[@msplum3306]

I hate the constant “do overs- remake overs” by homesteaders. Maybe you should think about rebuilding ur chicken tractors w/5O yr compost planks(faux boards), metal or fiberglass roofing, etc. Materials that have a near lifetime 50 yr use. Then you only need to power-wash or brush scrub them ready. Yes, costs r more up front, but what a money & time saver over all ur years. I’ve been upgrading many things and worth every penny. Love the composite material!!!! So sweet to just clean and use. 😊 OH and “ Beautamuss” is my word!!!!! Hahahaha 😂

[@emyreotutar3187]

Next time bring us along to the state auction ,i want to see😊

[@idahohoosier8989]

Y'all are so amazing Miss Meg! Hope those new chicken tractors come together quickly and easily. Those babies look so awful in that brooder. I actually felt bad for them when I saw them. Good luck! Blessings, julie

[@catsmother4556]

Agree just keep going. And when you complete a task take a moment to celebrate and apreshiate what you have acheaved, however long it took. You did it. Well done you. 👍

[@debbiefaber1224]

When you are done using the chicken 🐔 tractor ... paint them with linseed oil and the wood will last... you can even put it on pressure treated wood... may have to do that next year.. love your family posts...❤

[@graciegolden2290]

Love you all. God bless and keep you beautiful people. It's just a joy to follow you all.

[@kgs2127]

Your outdoor "workshop" matches mine...started out as cover from raining caterpillar poo for one project and has served me well for multiple projects this summer!