The Prairie Homestead

Homesteading | Self Sufficient Living | Living off the Land

Jill Winger

2 Comments | |    Last Updated: December 9, 2024

Here’s to the Stayers

I have lots of conversations at the soda fountain these days. It never ceases to amaze me how many random folks have ties to our obscure little town. They share their stories and I nod in recognition when they mention local names or landmarks. Wyoming is like a giant small town. I can't help but notice a recurring theme in the stories of those with ties to our community. They usually start with phrases like: Years ago, ...Continue Reading

1 Comment | |    Last Updated: December 5, 2024

Preserving with a Freeze Dryer: Why I’m Giving Freeze Drying Another Try

Once upon a time, I was much more dogmatic. I lived in a world of absolutes and blanket statements. But as I’ve matured, I’ve realized life isn’t quite so black-and-white. And I've learned to never say never... Case in point: Freeze dryers. Some of my long-time readers may remember my long-ago fling with a freeze dryer. Back in 2016, Harvest Right sent me a unit to test drive, and I played with it for around six ...Continue Reading

5 Comments | |    Last Updated: March 25, 2026

What I’ve Learned About Doing Hard Things

We’re hosting our first steak night at the Soda Fountain this week. I’m talking three courses, steak and hand rolled pasta, white tablecloths, candlelight, fancy cocktails… the whole nine yards. Our new manager, George, and I have been scheming this for months. Neither one of us have done something like this before. We’re transforming our burger-and-shake vibe into high-class dining for the evening. (This will be ...Continue Reading

2 Comments | |    Last Updated: October 3, 2024

On Seasons…

Someone recently asked what my favorite season was. I promptly replied "Garlic!" but after seeing the confused look on their face, I realized they were referring to SEASONS, not seasonings. (No. I never stop thinking about food.) Anyway. I don't have a favorite season, I guess. But what I do love is the change. I eagerly anticipate the first days of spring, but welcome the lengthening light as spring fades into ...Continue Reading

3 Comments | |    Last Updated: August 20, 2024

6 Surprising Ways to Use a Herding Dog

I love having dogs on our homestead... But up until now, I never considered homestead dogs as anything other than pets (and occasional chicken killers).  But after talking to Jordyn Kelly of Working Aussies Homestead on my podcast, I'll never look at a homestead dog the same again. I enjoyed our conversation so much, I asked her to share some of her wisdom on the blog today. I know you'll enjoy her creative, time-saving tips ...Continue Reading

5 Comments | |    Last Updated: August 5, 2024

Canned Cherry Pie Filling Recipe (with honey)

I LOVE eating cherries.... But I HATE processing cherries. This is a problem.  It's always been my personal rule to skip tedious canning recipes (aka I refuse to individually skin tomatoes even for my canned tomato sauce recipe...) Yet, the siren call of the cherry weakened my resolve this year, and I impulse-bought a box of bing cherries from Azure Standard. (Which I promptly forgot about until the Azure truck ...Continue Reading

Nice to Meet You

I’m Jill. I’ve never been very good at following prescribed paths.

For the last 15 years, that instinct has led me through homesteading, entrepreneurship, and creating a life my younger self could have only dreamed of.

These days, I’m less interested in living the perfect "old-fashioned life" and more interested in knowing which ideas are worth carrying forward. The first half of this story was about building a homestead. The next part is about building a life that actually fits.
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