Common Ground Alaska Farmstead

12/19/2025

If you could bring something back from the 80's, what would it be?

12/19/2025

Have you entered our giveaway? We are doing the drawing this afternoon so be sure to enter soon!

Also, it’s not too late to give a meaningful, useful, heirloom quality gift this season.

We also have several knives ready to go on the website. Shipping is free or you can come pick up your purchase right here on the farm.

These knives are made here on the farm from concept to completion. Gene designs them and creates everything for them (including shaping the blade, building the handles, and making the custom leather sheathes) - all right here on the farm. 🙂

Read the instructions below to be entered to win. And check out our website for available options right now: https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/common-ground-bladesmith/

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME! Who wants a FREE knife? We're going to give one away on Friday, December 19th. We made it super easy to enter.

Here are the steps:
1. Make sure you're following Common Ground Bladesmith on Facebook.

2. Share this post so others can see it and join the fun!

3. Fill out this form (you must fill out the form to be entered). The form will take 2 minutes or less - I promise! Link to form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3SYWLBR

It's that easy!

Terms and conditions: *Terms and Conditions - we keep things simple around here. If you fill out the form, you'll be entered to win the knife. If you follow us on FB, we'll give you another point for entry. If you share the post, we'll give you another point. We will use random.org to choose a number from the total entries on Friday, December 19th at 5 pm. Any entries received after that time will not be included in the drawing.
We are only giving away one knife. Yes, we can ship the knife but if you want it mailed, it won't arrive by Christmas. If you would like to buy a knife as a gift and have it arrive by Christmas, you will want to shop quickly here: https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/common-ground-bladesmith/
Any knife purchased from our online store includes free priority shipping and can be shipped the day following the order. Special orders take time so those cannot be shipped right away as they are made upon order.

Knife value: $395

12/18/2025

What are some other things you won't hear said on a farm?

12/18/2025

Am I the only one? 🙈🤣

12/18/2025

Every trip to the barn is like an Easter egg hunt. 🐣

12/17/2025

Today around the farm (captions with photos).

Temps - who knows? It was warm, for sure! I forgot to pay attention. I saw 16 at one point today.

Lately when I go to the barn, I squat down and give Millie (the sheep) some undivided attention. She is just the sweetest thing. She sniffs and then just lays her head on my lap like she just is so happy and content.

Caring for these animals is a privilege. I’m so grateful to have them. 🥰

12/16/2025

I tried something new this year and I’m very happy with how it’s working out so far.

We planned tons of Christmas activities as a family. We attended a Victorian high tea, we went to a play, we hosted a Christmas party, attended a couple of parties, and just did all the things.

However, I planned it all in a way that the final 10 days before Christmas are super chill with almost zero plans.

And it seems to be working! We have a couple of fun things to look forward to but our calendar is pretty clear for the remainder of the year.

So now we can live in the moment, be spontaneous, and enjoy every second - and we are all rested and ready.

Now we have time to focus on the real reason for the season. The babe in a manger.

12/16/2025

MONDAYS WITH MABEL - hey guys, it’s me, Mabel. Your favorite milk-cow-in-the-making.

I have a different story today. It’s not actually a story. It’s a question, kindof.

Here’s what happened: a couple of weeks ago, mama came out to feed early and said it was because it was Thanksgiving and she had some things to do.

Well, next thing you know, the ground starts shaking and everything gets all crazy. You probably remember when I told that story because Millie and all us barn animals made the shaking stop.

Well, a couple of days later, we had that giant nosed, long legged thing get in our barnyard and we had to run it off. The crazy part about that is that mama said it was Thanksgiving again!

We must have all looked confused because she then told us that the first one was with Dusty and his family and this one was with Megan and some friends.

Since it’s all of our first Thanksgiving, we were all wondering what was going to happen (other than earth shaking and then crazy invaders). Mama seemed to be getting ready to tell a story so we all leaned in. We love mamas stories.

“For Thanksgiving, we gather as family and friends and we talk about the things we are thankful for. And we eat lots of really good food.” Mama said.

Well we are all about good food! She continued, “We eat all sorts of amazing things but the most important part of the meal is …”

Mama paused as Mr. Tom turkey and his hens walked closer to hear all about what special treats mama was making for Thanksgiving. Mr. Tom LOVES his treats.

Then mama said “Well, the food isn’t all that great. Nothing special at all. So, Nevermind.”

What?!?

So all of us in the barn are super curious!

What the heck are you all eating for Thanksgiving? My favorite treat is oats with fruit, Millie loves corn. The chickens and turkeys really like when mama brings down stale rolls.

So what is it? What was so yummy at Thanksgiving?

Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂

12/15/2025

Let's Chat: What are your best cold-weather tips for your barn?

We're going to do an entire series on "cold-weather best practices" as we head into solstice. The saying "as the days get longer, the cold gets stronger" is typically true - as the days start to lengthen, the cold tends to settle in.

So, let's start in the barn. What are your favorite tips to keep your livestock healthy and happy even in the worst of the bitter cold?

12/15/2025

Sometimes barn antics are the perfect cure for the Monday blues. These critters had me laughing out loud! The sheep kept trying to get into the cow food so we had to take soccer goalie stance to keep her out. Mabel would not leave the chicken scraps alone (it’s stale whole grain sourdough muffins which she can have once she’s eaten her grain), and the chickens wanted the sheep feed!

I keep telling Mabel she should stay out of the chicken feed or she might start laying eggs. 🤣

We had a regular rodeo in the barn this morning. Thankfully Abbi was helping and we got everyone fed the proper feed.

Was a fun start to the day. 🙂 Laughter is good for the soul!

12/15/2025

Anyone else?

12/13/2025

Salmon chowder and fresh milled sourdough bread bowls. 🥰 (truth be told, they are 1/2 fresh milled and 1/2 whole wheat bread flour)

Here’s our favorite salmon chowder recipe:

https://commongroundalaska.com/beckys-famous-alaska-salmon-chowder/