Little Brown Homestead

01/18/2025

Not my photo…

The new rooster design at Tractor Supply.

Who has one of these huge roosters? I always look, but I’ve never bought one.

01/18/2025

I don’t think I have a chicken out. I think the Amazon delivery lady was scared of my cats. She barely stepped out of the car and left my package in the rain. I was watching her on the camera. She hesitated a minute, dropped it and left. 🤣

*It must have been the cats. My husband went right out and there was nothing else there.

01/13/2025

Tom Brown, a 79-year-old from Clemmons, North Carolina, has spent over 20 years of his retirement tracking down rare, nearly extinct apple varieties that once flourished across Appalachia. Driven by his passion for rediscovering these heirlooms, Brown has revived more than 1,200 unique apple types with whimsical names like Brushy Mountain Limbertwig, Mule Face, and Tucker’s Everbearing.

His journey began in 1998 after encountering heritage apples at a farmers’ market, inspiring him to search for “lost” apples that hadn’t been tasted in over a century. Stretching across the Appalachian region—from southern New York to northern Alabama—Brown scours old maps, orchard catalogs, and historical records, often driving hours and knocking on doors to find forgotten orchards or lone trees tucked in remote areas.

When he finds a lost variety, Brown grafts clippings onto trees in his own orchard, where he cultivates and sells them for just $15 to encourage others to create “mini preservation orchards.” Despite the challenge of aging trees and a dwindling population of local knowledge keepers, Brown remains determined, calling the work both fun and fulfilling.

“It’s a thrill to rediscover them,” he says. “I’m happy as a lark.” Brown’s mission not only preserves these apples but also honors the heritage of the region, where generations of families once prided themselves on cultivating unique varieties in their backyards.

01/08/2025

I haven’t been in my garden since the end of October. I had foot surgery December 20th after my grandma passed away. She was in the hospital for a couple of weeks. My daughter and I stayed with her most nights. Then my best friend passed away a week before my surgery. I started walking again last week. Today I thought about my marigolds! I had not collected my seeds. We’re supposed to get ice or snow Friday. I won’t be holding my breath, it just doesn’t snow here. I need to get these seeds up though! I picked these in about 10 minutes. There A LOT more where those came from! I don’t think I will get them all before the nasty weather. I think my watermelon bed will be a marigold bed next year. 🍉👀🌸

01/04/2025

12/28/2024

Beautiful! Have any of you ever ordered from here?

12/11/2024

40 giant chocolate chip cookies. 😋

I know I haven’t posted in awhile. My grandma fell and went into the hospital October 30th. She had to have emergency surgery November 4th and passed away November 15th. My daughter and I spent every minute with her during that time as possible. It’s been a hard time. Thanksgiving was rough. The kids are excited about Christmas, so I’m trying to make it happen.

I have to have surgery on my foot next Friday. I’ve been having problems with it since February. I’ll be glad to get it over with. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

10/29/2024

Strawberry plants are in the ground! Next, get them ready for winter. 🍓

10/27/2024

Where in southeast NC can you buy farm raised beef? Like a 1/4 cow or 1/2 cow?

10/24/2024

My sweet grandbaby watering the strawberry plants. The beds are in progress!

No one told me how amazing it was going to be to have grandchildren. 🥰💕

10/24/2024

I’ve been practicing these rolls. I think they’re ready for their Thanksgiving debut! 💕👩‍🍳😋