O HI O

This post contains graphic images, so skip if you're not interested in Homestead Activities.

There are a certain set of skills that I possess, that many people are unaware of.

You see, I was a farmer a few years ago, raising my own animals to bring to the table for my family. I raised pigs for 5 years. Wooly Pigs. Mangalitsa pigs.

I've been out of raising animals for a few years now, but that doesn't meant I don't still know a thing or two.

This particular skill set, is processing a pig into freezer packages. Yes, that part where you turn a whole animal into multiple meals- I can do that from farm to table.

It's one of my super powers.

So my friend Angie, lives south of me in Ohio, and needed some hands on assistance and lessons in how to dispatch, process and butcher, a home raised pig.

I haven't seen Angie in years, so I was immediately excited to hang out and teach her some things, and make some amazing food. Angie is an herbalist and ecologist who focuses on Native Species Gardening and holistic wellness, as well as forest restoration projects in the Hebron Ohio area. She's been making medicines for years, and is a true Taurus Foodie, as I noticed her abundant pantry and seasonings.

We got there Hella late, because of course. Crash landed in her front room and basked in the joy that is air conditioning when it's freaking 93 degrees outside.

The following morning, we got started.

Graphic images

.

.

.

From here, we started teaching Angie and Chance how to break down your livestock.

I will admit, it is a very niche skill set to have, raising a whole ass pig, and then handling the breakdown into edible bits yourself. Most people wouldn't ever think about it, let alone embark on the journey that is raising livestock for food, and being the only one to put hands on it.

We spent the weekend working hard, until all our bodies gave out. I made Birria out of a shoulder from one of the pigs we harvested. No, I did not take pictures, I was far too exhausted at that point. But it was delicious. I made 25 tacos and a big pot of rice and it was all gone. Everyone had faces full of pride and bellies full if birria tacos and it was the best possible ending to all the hard work.

Today, we woke up and packed back into the car for the 5 hour drive back home. None of us really wanted to leave, Angie's house is full of the coolest vintage and antique collections, random oddities and Witchery and shelves upon shelves of herbs. Her garden, abundant and wild looking, like her hair.

I've been home for an hour and I already miss her. Angie is like my big sister. She hugs me like she knows she's my big sister, and I love her like one too. I can't wait for the move down to Georgia when I stop in to see her again.