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We also get the most of our animals. Heart, tongue, liver and hogs head cheese are all items the children shudder at whan hubby is processing...

As I mentioned in a previous post, I get too attached to animals to raise them for food. In a survival situation I know I wouldn’t be that picky but how do ou know in advance? Have always wanted goats and hubby would like chickens but know our numerous gardens would suffer with either of these.

I'm wondering about that myself. I love critters. And we're thinking we need to raise some chickens and rabbits for food when times get worse. I imagine I'll name them all. But then again, like our forefathers, perhaps my mindset will change when faced with necessities. And, my cats will have to eat somehow. I suppose I'd rather sacrifice a rabbit for them than let them die. (Assuming they are poor mousers - for now, they haven't had to be.)

I think it's great that you use all of an animal that is killed. IMO, that's the only way. I got an old survival book and even shows how to get the hide off a rabbit and make things with it, along with using all the organs and meat.

I guess my love for all our domesticated animals and my thriftiness has lead me to appreciate any of the wild game we have. Until a few years ago, we always had at least one beagle and sometimes more. Fried rabbit. rabbit stew and rabbit casserole when well prepared can't be beat. Same for partridge, pheasant, deer, bear, moose and wild duck. As DelaWhere would probably agree, it's all in the preparation. One of the best meals I ever ate was at a Maine Guide’s house. Roasted bear cub, fiddle head greens, wild mushroom gravy, stove top cooked biscuits, Maine potatoes and apple pie.
Delaware,the wooden wheel that turns the rope around the log must be at least 15 feet in diameter as it towers over my head. It is probably 6 inches wide,with a groove all around the middle that the big heavy rope sets in. We also use spreader bars and yes, it is block and tackle of a sort, but butchers have a name for it. Wish I knew. We have traced its origin back over 100 years. It would have to be in a barn or very tall building because of the diameter of that wooden wheel. I guess the diameter of the wheel is what makes it easy to hoist a steer, moose, horse or whatever. Yes, that is also in our pole barn.
Let me know how your apple pudding turns out. Will have to make it soon and invite the kids over and surprise them.

Lobsters were also very reasonable this year. We had them several times as I refuse to pay $6.00 a pound and over for them. We were able to get them at the dock for $3.00 a pound so had them hot boiled, lobster rolls ,lobster stew and in newburg. It will probably be several years, if ever before they are reasonable again.