Tuesday, December 16, 2008

What is new?

Well life is slowing to a mere mad scramble now. Take care of the animals and make sure the water stays open for drinking. Birds harvested and pens and coops cleaned for next season.

With Christmas around the corner I have decided to stay home and send out our Christmas cards. The cards were designed and made by us. It was a fun project and everyone participated.

My one Guernsey has decided she does not like being milked by machine so she needs to be hobbled every day twice a day or she will kick. Sure I milk her by hand still but sometimes there is a need to other things that can be done while she is being milked. I don't understand but I am trying and am being patient with her. I don't blame her as I remember how when I would express for the children when breast feeding it wasn't always the most pleasant of sensations. For some cows the let down process can be painful and if brought on quickly I can only imagine what the poor girl is thinking (what beast is attacking me now........kill it with a kick!)

We are about half way through our winter supply of hay and will request some more soon as I would like to save some of the second cutting for the Does when the Kidd.

The chickens are laying up a storm and I have a regular client who picks up 200 eggs about every week or so. Nice. We have been without eggs for so long I will be sure never to let the layers run out again. Supplemental income during the winter is a valuable asset since not much of anything else is available.

4-H is quiet and I have realized that the leader is slowing down on her exuberance. They are not planning as many events since the turn out was mostly us and their children and the burden to help the club thrive should come from all the members.

So I am off to clean the Kitchen and get ready to start baking cookies. The children are busy doing their school work and later we can bring the trees in for decoration. What fun.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Are we winding down yet?

Well just when I thought things were going to get easier well lets just say it was a fleeting thought at best.

All three calves have been born and now we have enough milk for everyone. Yes one cow was late one on time and one early. I hope to make some hard cheeses this winter while I await the frenzy of Kidding season.

A couple of holidays in between but no parties again this Christmas. Even my children have mentioned that they miss the parties that we have, First the Pignic in July, Pumpkin carving in October and the Christmas Eve open house. This year I have decided not to have a Christmas Eve open house but will instead have a "cabin fever" party sometime in January. Maybe the third week. I often still have my tree up until the early teens so I feel this is a safe time. I tend to take the tree down when there is a definite chance of spontaneous combustion with the heat from the wood stoves. I am such a safety minded person aren't I?

No rushing to make the cookies, just sit back and relax and wait until things get boring and whalla lets have a get-together.

I will have the cookie trays ready and by then Christmas would have worn off and some rich treats will be just the thing to go with Cocoa after a sledding afternoon or just a day out doing animal care or wood gathering or what ever it is that one does during the coldest part of the year. Yes napping sounds awfully sweet at this time of the day.

I hope the cookies will be appreciated at least. I make so many and if people would rather I not I would understand. Wait, I think I will make the cookies for Christmas and just go around visiting everyone and see their tree and decoration. I so believe that Christmas is about children and the one who walks with us all daily. I like to see how others celebrate.

All and more turkey were harvested for the Thanksgiving holiday and I still have about 30 birds left. One set of roasting chickens to go and that is it until next February. Wait.........I guess I don't have much down time really......what am I thinking.

I will go and advertise on some cyber sites but am doing little in the way of paying for advertising since I have learned in the past that I don't get any return on Newspaper adverts. Marketing is very difficult.

I am going to buy some 4-H Curriculum for the children (of course with me in mind). Entrepreneur, small engine repair, computer lab, and several others that are pertinent to our lifestyle. I hope this will give them a better understanding as to why we do what we do. Life experience, since we will put what we learn into practice.

Perhaps I will even get to the Blog a little bit more........I am not promising anything......

Monday, November 3, 2008

I thought you were late

I felt that the first time heifer "Lovely" was over-due her calf date. I was very correct because "Just" had her calf last night! That would make "Lovely" over due by about two weeks!

Just in case you were wondering it was another Bull calf who has yet to be named. OK, I just named him "Ditto" since they are colored exactly the same (well about as close as you can get) except the second one has a bit of curl to his hair and probably horns too. Close enough and the message to the children is the same.

Well tomorrow is Election Day. Yes, I am deep in thought still. I will vote and I hope you will also. Don't come and complain to me unless you do vote. It only takes a few minutes and then we can talk about politics. Not that I like talking politics but if you participate I would be willing. I was surprised at how many people don't vote. There were 200,000,000 (that's two hundred million)voters in 1997. There must be more by now. In the average election only around 50% of registered voters will participate. Disgusting numbers and disappointing to say the least. Nuff Said.

Well I must go. I have to take some animals to auction, and the Ducks that were harvested (18 total) to where they are wanted and go to a "Mega" store and purchase just enough food to see us through next week. I miss the garden already. It was very convenient to just go out an pick dinner. So many different combinations.

My son and daughter have dug up all the "Canna Rhizomes" (don't you just love fancy words) and my son wants to try and sell them at a dollar a pound. A real bargain since they go for 25.00 per plant at any local nursery. The Canna roots that he dug up will set at least five per rhizome.

Well off to my busy day, have a great one.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Miracles and the Constitution

We were blessed with another birth on our farm last night. Our first time heifer Lovely had a beautiful bull calf that I have named "Clive". This name because it refers to a fictional character that we know of who is dead. This helps the children realize that the calf is being raised as red veal. The birth was uncomplicated but the heifer (OK, cow now) was difficult to milk out. With my very bad back, I, on a constant basis say "THAT'S IT, I AM DONE WITH COWS!". She kicked as I tried to gently wash her udder, kicked while I not so gently clipped her udder, and kicked while she was trying to be milked (can you imagine she let the veal calves all nurse on her and one had a weaner ring!). I have given up trying to milk first time fresheners by hand. In the past I have been injured which took many months to recuperate. Then I think of all that golden milk and flavorful cheese and yogurt and well I just keep the cows........Guernseys are a wonderful home milker.

There are things in my life I can count on. A frisky first time freshener, the Sun rising in the East, the weather in New England to change quickly. One thing I also understand and hold to be true is the Constitution of the United States.

In Connecticut every twenty years the question is posed to the voters if they would like to hold a Constitutional Convention. This would allow the delegates to try and change our Constitution. Am I missing something? I believe there is nothing wrong with Our Constitution. What is wrong is that Lawyers and Politicians (who are mostly blood sucking lawyers, shall I really tell you how I feel?) want to change the Constitution to fit their greedy agenda.

It is the same greed that caused the recent Stock Market burp. Greed that brought down the Federal Mortgage Company's of Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac all of which not a single person has been accountable. I know there were "very important people (at least in their minds)" who were in charge that were paid obviously more than they were worth. None will take responsibility for what happened, saying they never saw it coming. The highly worshiped Alan Greenspan is shocked that all these events have happened and doesn't understand how. We let these people govern our lives?

I don't understand how one person can enter Harvard Law School with a 3.3 GPA no honors after two years at Columbia and finish 4.0 GPA Magna Cum Laude. Another miracle must have taken place (information from the Wall Street Journal). Are you sure it wasn't Hogwarts he was attending? Another enters the prestigious Naval Academy to wind up fifth from the bottom. Honesty. It is all I am looking for. Life experience does count. A stable up bringing may now be a thing of the past.

Well it isn't a thing of the past around my house. Be reasonable. Don't try to fix what isn't broken. If it has worked for he past 2oo plus years without too many amendments perhaps you should just leave it alone and grow some common sense and learn how to take responsibility for your actions. This country still has streets made of gold but you may (should) only be able to get there with hard work, honesty and loyalty. Greed shouldn't play a factor. Use your good old fashioned know how, present ideas that will work in new and different ways that can pay for themselves. There are no "Free rides". Like everyone else, follow the rules (don't try to change them) and you too can walk the golden highway.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Just another day

It is very difficult to loose any thing of value.

It is especially difficult if the thing is a living breathing object (most difficult being a loved one which is not the content of this entry).

There are some who say a farmer becomes insensitive or callous when it comes to harvesting or culling herds or flock. I believe that it is the realization that the strong preserve the species (profit) and the weak will die sooner (loss). As any good business person knows it is imperative to stay in the black.

So, what do we really have invested and what investment is it worth into any particular aspect of the farm? There are exceptions to every rule. A favorite dog, cat, cow, goat, sow, horse as you can see there is a point to this.

How much does one invest (spend) to save a pet. Being realistic and with children and high taxes to pay and realizing the replacement costs of the original animal I have in my minds eye a very specific target. Others who have disposable income or little outside interests can get carried away with how much they invest in an animal or pet. I have, in the not to distant past, lost my beloved Rottweiler. The vet suggested (fraud in any other form?) that I have him go through chemo and the such to help him live another 6-12 months. The tune was 5000.00. We will run it through your health insurance. I have children the farm and of course where I live and trying to make ends meet. There was no option, on decision, just the heart wrenching guilt that "I didn't love my Rottie" according to the veterinarians implied remarks and termination of Doctor client relations (oh boy a topic for another rant).

It is even more difficult if you have sheltered your children from the experience of death and haven't let them learn how to grieve. The children expect you to spend absorptive amounts of money to "SAVE" whomever the pet is. How can you say no? When do we realize that grief has a price tag? Loneliness has a price tag. I'm sure it is quality of life not quantity of life all of us reach for. Visit an elder care facility and tell me the drugged limp creatures that need to be rolled so they don't develop sores would think their quality of life was wonderful. This is why we have living wills, (pull the plug please).

Reeves (his first name escapes me) who broke his neck in a horse riding accident had the money (disposable income) to maintain a level or quality of life that he felt was acceptable.......or was it his wife and family? Can you imagine the stess, how depressed he was, can't be good for any care taker. When he died (bedsore infection) she died 18 months later (lung cancer). Do you think stress played a roll?

Back to the animals. If you have animals love them and care for them as they deserve. I would highly recommend that you not spend monies that will keep you in debt to save a life whose quality may not be the best. Learn how to grieve and not to guilt. There is a big difference.

So your saying what the heck is this all about you babbling idiot? Well yesterday I spent three hours digging a very large hole for my neighbors rescued Primerian Mare. An animal who had lived an awful life but who's last year was wonderful. An animal of compromised Constitution but never the less loved and cherished. It was obvious (to me anyway) that there was a lot going on with this animal. I am not say she was neglected but she was a large draft type who was an easy keeper, gentle and had given up her head of herd position. The horse knew, the owner didn't. A couple of incidents and conformation issues I noticed but never mentioned. I have been told I am a control freak, obnoxious, over bearing, opinionated, so I now say "well if it were mine this is what I would do" or "I can tell you what I would do if it were mine" (besides your gonna die). This gives people the chance to ask my opinion or not. These days I prefer not.

So end of story. They didn't ask, I didn't tell, just gave the support asked for (OK, maybe a little more). The mare died, I knew she may not have gotten the treatment I would have given her, but to the same end. They are a 1000.00 in the red after making her spend an agonizing night trying to keep her alive.

I dug the hole and buried her. Careful to move the rock from under her head, place her legs in a comfortable position. Cover her with a tarp and put dirt over her to prevent the rocks from hitting her. Every time I bury an animal it seems I relive all the loved ones I have ever lost. It is not the death that brings the tears it is the absence in my heart and hand that bring on renewed grief.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Election time "down at the Farm"

If you hadn't noticed lately the time to pick a new president is upon us. I have been referred to the ten percentile, the people who haven't made up their minds yet.
So Sue Me! No I don't stand outside when it rains and look up! I am tired of the same old politics. (Hold onto your hat here it comes......)

Why is it that almost a Billion dollars has been spent on an office that pays 400,000.00 a year. One candidate has raised eight times the amount of the other candidate. Am I supposed to be naive enough to think that the cronyism won't be out for those who contributed. I would love to see the breakdown of who contributed what!

Neither candidate has the stand on issues that I feel are important:
First! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WAR IN IRAQ? They have been reporting on the WOMD recovered and the Mass Media has taken a back seat to recording this? What is going on over there, how are our troops doing, when can they come home?

Second! Why are we bailing out a bunch of people who created a catastrophe due to greed? No one is going to jail over this? Let me see if I can get away with it and see where I end up.

Third! Energy. Will someone please take us to the next level and fund and grant monies to American companies that are creating affordable wind and solar power and other alternative types of energies. Lets not drill yet......

Fourth! Why is it that the government elected officials keep granting themselves raises when I can barely scratch out a living? They only work a third of the year and are way overpaid as it is.

Fifth! Abortion. Its a women's body don't let the government tell her what to do with it. Which brings up number .........

Six! Education. No child left behind? Is this why both my children are now home schooled? The local elementry school could afford new paving, carpeting, speed trenches, metal security gates, a front door security lock and yet my daughter who is going into fourth grade can not read or comprehend Math? (yes, I am foaming at the mouth right now!!!!).

Easy now.......calm down.......breathe......in through the nose........out through the mouth.........

It seems we have little control out of our out of control government. Excersice you right to vote. Just do it.

Right about now I will excersice my right to a cool, damp (yet invigorating) afternoon of animal care. Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. Help those who want to be helped (has that cow calved yet), who give back to our system. Who serve our system and ask for little in return (dairy goats are so non demanding). Those who make our farm work with team effort (yes piggies drink your milk and eat your eggs). I don't have any problem shipping those who don't participate (stinkin ducks).

If only our government could see how lost they have become.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

In "summer"y

Well now that the summer is winding down it is time to reflect on all that has happened. Reflection about the summer while one tries to harvest and preserve the bounties of a garden that I have not more than just walked through all summer (I know there are edible weeds but really........) I know I planted seeds somewhere. I I mean Canna's that are eight feet tall, pig weed and goose foot at least four feet tall, look at that grass.....where is the machette?

Beside preperation for health papers for so many animals and birds so they can go to fairs, almost all the bird leg bands fall off to prevent them from being shown all summer (one fair will not pay for the testing done, which is all we have left.)and I spent a considerable amount of time trying to get the vet back to reband:

My beautiful daughter breaks a vertebre in her neck in an on farm accident (dealing with the insurance company),
600 bales of hay stored to the loft (do you know the price of hay?),
8 agrucultural fairs (lots of new friends and contacts and not enought premium money to pay for the fuel to get back and forth),
60 square of shingles on the roof and filling a dumpster (Do you remember how hot it was this summer?),
My son's apendectomy (surprise didn't see that coming either!),
five batches of chickens raised and sold (business holding on barely),
six pigs the same ("At The Farm Dinners" a worthy cause and tasty too, Google it, for it is good for local farmers including me),
four veal calves (there is a real shortage of farm calves who would have thought),
one heifer and several goats to auction (culling time for those who don't produce enough to pay for their grain),
the new bee hives giving me greif (one hive decided to swam (as in leave)not once but twice, ungrateful creatures....)
and finally the decision to homeschool both children...........

Yes, it took a considerable amount of stamina to get through. Keeping the farm running throughout the whole process was trying to say the least. My poor home has suffered the most. Thank goodness that it has a new roof and isn't complaining too much. So perhaps there was some moments of sheer exhaustion (What day is it? Where am I supposed to be? What do you mean it's raining again!).

Time for me? You must be joking.........

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Are you kidding me?

I have heard that the presidential candidates are going to spend collectively about a billion dollars on the election process. Am I missing something? That is over three dollars per american!

HEY! JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T REALIZE THIS YOU BUNCH OF ARROGANT IDIOTS, A GREAT MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN JUST MYSELF THINK NEITHER CANDIDATE IS WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN MANURE! BELIEVE ME WE KNOW ABOUT POLITICIANS AND MANURE AROUND HERE!

I understand they are keeping the advertising agencies busy however don't they think that the big donations people need to give to a more worthy cause? With the US population in the avenue of 304 million people I would imagine that the money could be warranted to some much need help to those in need. Starting with our veterans and moving to education and housing?

Perhaps if they were kept in check on spending the debates would be worth watching because they would actually have to answer questions about their stance on an issue rather than skirt it and bombard us with more political retohric. If they were limitied to just the issues and none of the name calling. Vote for me I'm black and a minority and the underdog, vote for me I am a veteran and have values just like you.

I am insulted by this tactic.

How is it that Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae executives get to walk away with a 25 million dollar severance package? Aren't they going to be held responsible? Didn't they put the market in it's current decline to their deliberate acts such as were practiced at Enron?

Holy cow puckies, if I ever dreamed of keeping books like the government I would be in jail for life. I live in fear that the IRS will bang on my door because I forgot to inclued the 40.00 someone paid me for grain or the fair premimum that my children earned this summer. If the money belongs to a goat or a cow, do they have to pay taxes on it too?

I have been saying for he past three years that things were harder for the middle class and our economy was hurting. Now the market goes down a bit and the rich start to feel a pinch so now is the only time the econory is in turmoil?
Wake up and smell the coffee.

Our econony is at it's healthiest when the markets is around 10,000. It all boils down to greed. The rich want to be richer and the middle class would be happy with a little less stress thank you.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

So there we have it.

The Agricultural Fair season is drawing to a close for our family. I must say that it was a difficult (at best) season for me. The children had a good time and thanks and kudos go to the person or should I say persons who watched them while they were there.

The premium monies barely paid for fuel to get them there(my driving back and forth every day to make sure the children are behaving and that they are caring for the animals properly) let alone the food and new clothes to help them look presentable.

The cows were not a total loss but almost. The girls were supposed to keep after them. At last weeks fair the superintendent from that barn had a chat with the girls and explained how the cows should be clean throughout the whole fair. Needless to say that one girl has given up on the cows. I must admit when the cows go un-handled for the entire Fall, Winter, Spring, then Summer rolls around and they get loaded onto a trailer and are expected to preform, well I don't blame the cows for unruly behavior. As someone has said "being tied to a post for three days works wonders on their attitudes" This is very true, and "Just" now behaves better when she goes to be shown.

I don't blame anyone for loosing interest. My son has decided to take on a cow himself. My daughter will continue and I suppose I will harass them both to do as they should.

We have had steady goats at the fairs and have dropped a few from the roster due to condition problems (some animals don't like to be in display). We have some who love being there and can definitely place last. As I have stated in the past someone has to be comic relief.

The roof has been completed and now we get to move on to other projects that have been put on hold while we gave new life to this old house.

I am not sure if there will be three or two more fairs to go to but I am giving serious thought to next years adventures. I may be heading to the outer rim of the vortex and may make a break from it.......

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Really, Beware

Hey all,

As everyone on my list knows our driveway is a half mile long.

Today a person came to solicited us to buy books and donate them to a hospital so they could earn money to go to London. Never heard of any of the hospitals of choice...

It didn't add up for me, his collage type cloths. He seemed too old. Mentioning a neighbor that I didn't know, his "grand parents"....

He had tattoos on his knuckles and all over his arms and legs. Didn't seem to fit with his Seersucker shorts and knit Polo top.......

I told him that I wanted his name and phone number and wanted some kind of ID. Oh, it was back at his car at his grandparents house.......

Only one order form, a brochure that seemed never to have been handled before, this was his second trip down the driveway? What are you out for exercise?

OK, give me your name and phone number, I am calling the Resident State Trooper to see if he knows anything of you.......or your grandparents.....

Believe me when I tell you by the time I called the local dispatch for the police, Dave was turning the truck around and we went to see exactly where he was..........yup almost gone........

A silver Ford Van Large style with Texas plates......seemed to have helped him get away.

If you want more details feel free to call or message back. Just be so careful. I don't know why he picked us. All I can think of is that my daughter had walked out with one of the dogs to get the mail today and they could have seen her. Maybe not. We will be locking the door and taking keys out of the vehicles for a long time to come.

My daughter has now been lectured again not to open the door to strangers even with the dogs barking by her side like mad. I told her if his hand can fit in the door they can grab you.! Horrible to think about and she is terrified now. All for the best. We must keep the children safe. So sorry to spoil and innocent childhood, better to be on guard than not to have a childhood at all...

He may have been scoping out the houses to see which one looked right. There have been many burglaries in surrounding towns.......

I won't forget his face, the cloths he wore, the "expensive watch".....supposedly, you have an expensive watch? Why are you selling books and magazines? For all I know the watch is a fake......looking him dead in the eyes.........wouldn't write his name on my message book........wouldn't shake my hand........nor look me in the eyes any more.

Yup, I'm scared now.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Where ya been.......

So yes I have been busy.

Fair last weekend. One cow completely freaked out the other placed second out of two. Still paid for the gas to get her there and the girl who showed her had fun. Both children enjoyed the weekend staying with the 4-H leader who is a gem unto her own.

Still working on the roof every other step. Going crazy trying to keep up. I am not in bed until 11 and now I can't get out of bed until 6. Go figure. A little more help would be appreciated. I guess all I have to do is ask since when I do the help arrives. OK, maybe it's not always the kind of help I need but it is help none the less.

No fair this weekend but there is still the roof and the weather looks good after tomorrow for a while so we can button up the front. The sky lights ordered for the last section of roof have yet to come in. I guess we could start with just three but if the differ in manufacture, well, I would like all six to match.

UPS packages lost and not found. That will take some time. Other items bought on line still not arrived that were sent USPS. I don't know maybe postage should go up again so I can wait longer with every price hike.

Chickens harvested, pigs delivered, payment yet to be made.....

It is getting to me oh well I think I will find a cool one take a sip and then off to take a power nap before I make cheese, the pizza, evening animal care and shingle clean up before the start of tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Archaic times

With the roof being replaced smoothly I figure it's time to remove some of the waste that is accumulating. Pretty simple, just call the carting company order the correct size container and off it goes...........ah if life were so easy for me.......once again welcome to the "VORTEX THAT IS DONNA"

Me-I telephone the first company on the list:
"Hello, I need a container"

Jerk- "What size of container are you looking for and what are you putting in it?"

Me- "We are re-roofing so spent shingles and some nails" (of course if you don't know me I am going to recycle the aluminum myself and make a few pennies)

Jerk-"Well how large a job is it?"

Me-"It's a 60 square job so I think right now I need about a 6-8 yard container and I am wondering how much they would be?"

Jerk-" Where is the house located?" (Oh crap when he finds out there goes the price)

Me- (my town since I haven't pulled a permit I won't mention it now).

Jerk-"WOW how large is the house for sixty square 10,000 square feet at least"

Me-"Now don't get carried away. The house has a twelve pitch and the house isn't even half that size. "

Jerk-"Well you need at least a 20 if not 30 yard container for all that mess, it's going to cost you many thousands of dollars"(see he found out the town and now the price just went up)

Me- "I know what I am speaking about. (of course I have been in construction for over...... not to age my self several decades) I am telling you I only need a 10 maybe 12 yard at best if I clean out the garage and basement......"

Jerk- "LISTEN LADY YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT, YOU NEED A REALLY LARGE CONTAINER, ITS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE"

ME- " I appreciate what your saying but looking at the pile of rubble it is only at best four yards now. Maybe you should go and (At this point I was going to say the lumber yard to see what 60 square look like but I didn't get the CHANCE).

Jerk- "What the f*$#K are you talking about, you don't know what the H*%#l you need, I'M TELLING YOU WHAT THE F*&&^^K YOU NEED AND IT IS A HUGE CONTAINER!!!!!"

Me- Speechless for once....

Jerk-"YOU NEED TO CALL ANOTHER F%&**NG HAULING COMPANY!!!!! CLICK

I must say that I have run into this type of neanderthal thinking in the past usually with older vehicle salesman, but to be bombarded with foul language by the what I would have imagined was the owner of the company left me dumbfound. I don't think men believe that there are woman who know what they are talking about when it comes to construction. I have be lucky enough to be taught by the best and have used my knowledge on a great many projects and have more experience than I would like to admit so that no one asks me to do jobs for them.

I had a cold hard slap of reality again this morning and it really set my britches to smoldering. Since I am such a large person in real life people give me respect that I have grown accustomed to. When using the phone they can not see my laser eyes burning holes into their little pea brains putting the fear of the attack of the Amazon, who will with her aura just melt you into the sniveling mud sucking squid dick that you truly are. Now with that said I can't say I feel much better, I do know that someday I will meet this person face to face and will in no uncertain terms tell him where the dog died. Because I can always count on fate and destiny to help me through. God gives me the strength to control myself so I don't pummel them into the ground and wipe my feet on their eye brows.

On another note, my daughter is healing well and is into a soft neck collar for another 3 weeks using the hard collar when she is around the animals. No tag playing or rough housing yet.

The boy has unplugged from the head set and has turned human again. I think maybe our parents were correct that the more that we listen to others the less we are of ourselves.

Enough rambling for one day, Slurp.....mmmmmm......I feel much more relaxed now......

Sunday, August 3, 2008

ARE YOU CRAZY....

So I'm off to pick up a buckling for goat breeding that I had actually purchased last year and I asked my husband to help me put one crate in the back of the truck.

Just put the cap on he says that way you won't have to worry about rain or anything. No, I say. I just need the one crate.

So on goes the cap and home I come with two goats (lucky that it is not four......he doesn't know how tempted I was with the payment plan offered!).

Why are there two? What are you kidding me?

Even with the visit I make it home in 6 hours. I can see how tired he is from working on the roof and just let it all slide by with the vodka and soda I was handed. My how smooth that went down. May I have another?

What do you mean there are evening chores to do? After the second cocktail I will swagger down to take care of all those lost souls.......after all I did finish late again this morning.

No, I just realized that I don't have to harvest 30 chickens this week it can wait a week. Just as well they aren't quite big enough.

Slurp......mmmmmmmm..........oh I suppose..........

Friday, August 1, 2008

The roof continues......

Another day, another bit of vortex chaos.

Good news for everyone, the young lad is off to Vermont for a few days. That will relieve us of his teenage mood. I am sure we are luckier than most, he is not terrible yet, then again he is only 13 and we have a way to go. Since his sister fractured her nose and neck, my son has had to cover for her. He was at the route of the accident so a lesson learned is long lived in payment. He does need some time off since he really didn't realize just how helpful his sister is.

My daughter is consistent as being her angel self but is starting to get more active. A relief and a curse at the same time. She wants to be more active and I know she is feeling better but I don't want her to loose ground on her healing process.

Her neck is stiff and sore to move, "then don't do that". She is having fun being the water girl and Mom's all around right hand at this point. Reminding me of all I am forgetting to do. Yes I am finding it difficult to remember all that needs to be done:
Coffee, no breakfast,
Morning animals care-2.5-3 hours
Up to the roof 4-6 hours
Hit the ground for lunch, yes I have to make it,
Hey make dinner before you go back up,
Onto the roof for another 4 hrs,
Plate out dinner, grab a tootsie pop,
Evening animal care 2.5 -3 hours
In between all that get the bills paid, laundry, keep the troops entertained and coordinate farm business, keep up with family and friends via phone, and finally just pass out.
Shower, you bet. Stinky is not my middle name.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

It's time

Well the 4-H expo was tremendous fun. I felt it would be the last fair of the season since I am so harried between doing the regular farm duties as well as helping with the roof. My husband has become fearful of heights which makes me the point or edge girl. Doesn't bother me but it makes for a long day between unloading hay wagons that weren't expected between rain drops, getting animals and children packed up to bring to the fair, keeping the house and bills in order, there isn't even enough time to breathe.

I must confess that the group we go to the fairs with has seen fit not to be bothered by my children hanging around with them. It is very kind and I still feel I am taking advantage of the whole situation. I have been told repeatedly that the children are not a bother and it entertains their children also but I still feel bad. I must say that my son is emerging from his cocoon and is participating more. Maybe it is because I am away that he is taking control over his world. I expected him to show some autonomy and it is finally here. He worked really hard on his 4-H project and the ribbon he was awarded was better than any A he could have gotten from school. I am very proud of both of my children.

My daughter deserves a round of applause since she participated with a fractured nose and neck, wearing and uncomfortable plastic brace. What a trooper.

A huge thank you to all involved for keeping an eye on the two of them. They truly enjoyed themselves.

Now off to bed before I pass out......

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Nap Time

Oh the joy of a simple nap. I usually take power naps that last from 10 min. to about a half hour. Yesterday was no exception. I thought I would sleep for at least an hour but 15 min. in I awoke refreshed and ready to continue my day.

What I really need to do is get into bed before midnight every night and it would probably work wonders for me. I am always trying to do just one more thing every day and I seem to be getting less and less sleep. So now my mantra will be put off for tomorrow what I should have done today.

I am looking forward to nap time today.......if the phone doesn't ring or if the kids stay away from me or if the dogs don't start barking at the wind........

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Great Goats

Well we have started the agricultural fair season. Since our 4-H group is so large I figured that I would bring plenty of goats to let everyone have a chance to show one if they wanted to. The 4-H Expo is July 25-27 and it would be good for them to practice their moves from last year.

Most of the children got to participate at least once, with some twice. Great fun was had by all and both the goats and myself are tired. Oh and they all did very well to boot.

As I hurdled over the cliff edge by doing two goat shows on consecutive days I am still feeling a bit tired. The goat pens are also very quiet and docile. I'm sure today will be different since the goats didn't have to get grain and drop children to activities all day. Today isn't looking any better but I will demand a nap today.

My husband will start the roof next week. 60 square will take some time since the old needs to come off and general maintenance and repairs will happen at the same time. He will be off "work" for several weeks so my work load hasn't gotten any better. At least we will have a dry place to hang our hat this very cold winter (forgot about the cold since it's been in the 80's and 90's with the dew point well in the seventies it has been like a tropical rain forest!)

The garden grows very well with tomatoes set followed by squashes and peppers. We have harvested some peas and how quickly you munch as you pick. The raspberries are ripe as well as the gooseberries and currents. We harvested cherries weeks ago.

A friend or fellow cliff diver extracted "some" honey.....yeah 45 lbs worth. Maybe next year for me. I stole a frame or two and the children and Dave drank through it. I did sneak some off so I could savor a stash and have some on hand for colds this winter. I am such a little ant.......

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Jever Wonder......

What I do when I miss posting for a long time?

I spend my time answering replies to my postings of my products on various pages.

There are a few different types of people who want information.

There are those who really want to buy product, those who are just seeking information to see what they should grow on their farms, those who are looking at my marketing tools, some who are just looking to make on line friends.

I was disturbed today when one of the tire/information seekers said they were going with a different farm due to the fact I was not forthcoming with information. The only question they asked what what breed of beef we sold. I answered the dairy crosses exactly and no more. How much time do they think I have. Ask specific questions, I give the answer, or call the phone number on the add or in the reply.

What? You think I wasn't going to complain about something today?

Come to find out the person was another farm. Oh surprise, surprise. I don't have time for that. I am marketing the beef for a friend and now I know why he doesn't want to do it. I think my price will go up.

So we are all fine here and the garden is growing so well. I am having trouble with the seeds as some bug thing is eating them before they get big enough to transplant.

I will use another technique and start them in a broad flat and move on.

Message you later.......

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

New Month...

I sure hope the summer months hold less excitment than the spring.

Well the garden has been planted and I will continue to plant for the next month and a half. I stagger crops such as beans, lettuce, spinich and the bracias to make sure of a long harvest season.

I have just realized that I have forgotten to plant some onions. No it's not too late and I will run out to the grain store and pick up some sets and in the ground they will go. Along side the peas, tomatoes and anything else that doesn't mind that strong vegetable who doesn't take well to weeding so mulch we must.

All the plants are doing well. I have a feeling that the hay season will be difficult this year with unsettled weather making it difficult to dry the grasses. Damp hay will start to decompose and I don't want to burn down the barn we have yet to finish and have inspected.

The goats are milking well and the goat kidds have found homes and some are left to replace our older milkers. Veal and chickens have been harvested and new ones are also doing well. Wait things are going too smoothly.........when will the other shoe drop? Or have both shoes dropped and I just didn't notice number two!?

Well out to water the garden. Enough to you.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The truth.......

Well as the truth has been told to me I am not feeling so bad about loosing the last few animals. Poor things (bull calves) did not have their colostrum for at the minimum 12 hours and who knows really how long it took.

I don't blame them (the farmer) they have a huge maximum capacity farm with over 300 milking three times a day. They make close to 30,000 pounds of milk a day so I can see how a (basically useless in their book) bull calf can be over looked. The cows udders are so huge that the calf (who looks at the high point of the udder)for a drink can't always find it. Sometimes the teats are so big that the calf can't manage.

Without the colostrum as we all know, the calf has no antibodies from his dam to take him through the first important few days of life. No matter what I do by the time I get him will help (that is without spending a large quantity of money). So there I have it. Still feel bad though.

So now I have two more and they are fine and healthy. Drinking up a storm and flitting about.

On another subject.

My daughter has a slight hearing loss in one ear. I have been called by the school no less than four times about the subject. The pediatrician was not worried nor was I but none the less I had to take her to the Audiologist to make sure there wasn't some form of vegetable growing in her ears. The doctor gave her the thumbs up but still she took 2.5 hours to test and recheck. What a long day....
I don't mind making sure my girl is healthy (the school was trying to tell me she could have a tumor or something, thanks for that!).

What really bothers me is that while I had my daughter bring home extra work I have again realized that the girl has no concept of her vowel sounds.

Yes, I am frustrated.

Yes, I have been working with her myself,

No, the school thinks there isn't enough of an issue to get extra help.

If you don't know your short vowel sounds do you think you will have difficulty reading and learning to spell? Sure my girl can do American Sign Language (something I have always wanted to learn) and speak Spanish so I guess they don't expect her to have to know how to read or write at this point. Is it me? Am I expecting too much from the school to teach her the basics of our language?

Sure I sometimes call my daughter the trophy wife in jest but it looks like the school is going to have her major in it!

Monday, May 19, 2008

OK, maybe not.......

So since last I wrote all has gone more haywire than I like to admit. I have lost more animals this year than ever in my career.

I know it was not due to my poor husbandry but to circumstances beyond my control. It doesn't help one feel any better though. I have completely run out of room in the burial plot. Where to put the next one is the question.

Now I figure the spring season has only about a month left to it and with this particular Spring season I will also let go of the sadness that is collected.

I am looking forward to the growing season and am putting seeds in the ground at this point. I will plant my started plants this weekend. I don't think the 4-H has anything planned this weekend. We have been very busy with community service and charity events.

The trailer is getting closer for occupancy with the windows being cut in this weekend (yup spent all that money and I put big holes in it). Carpeting on the sleep deck and floor and a set of stairs are in the works.

Two more Does left to kidd and that will be it for the season. No, I don't know when they are due. It was a bred this year or not so I wasn't paying too close attention.

I have dealt with some people I will never deal with again, but they were counterbalanced by others who are completely and honestly trying to invoke a good feeling with younger generations in the area of Agriculture.

I will continue to do my best to help everyone I meet in this area as well as keep the good food growing for those who have the inclination to buy excellent product close to home. We are ever closer to the milk licence and will get there soon. I now have my vacuum system with the buckets and claws (both cow and goat).

So the turning of a page and another chapter laid to rest. I'm sure things will improve this next season. Yes, I am the perpetual Optomist........

Sunday, May 4, 2008

That's it I'm done...........

Such frustration the past few days.

It has to be the weather.

The animals are cranky.......I'm cranky.........children acting like animals..my lack of sleep......

It has been cooler damp weather. My newly acquired buck is ill. No I don't know if he will live. Very upsetting. I am doing all that I can but it doesn't look good. I don't have a 1000.00 let alone 100.00 to call the vet in on a Sunday to have him say that he's clue less and I have already done everything he would have done.
He has been here less than a week, all was fine, who the heck knows...

Children working on paperwork for their 4-H exposition......The hot dog sale was fun yesterday. The kids actually sold out early. Not much earlier but the parents were ready to leave also.

The new calves are fine and so are the rest of the critters. A few mishaps due to husbandry (literally the husband!).

I have come to a conclusion that a family line of my Alpine are genetically weak. They just don't work well with the bucks that I have been getting. If the Does don't go Cystic the Does who do kidd, the offspring are small and weak. I have several generations and it isn't getting any better and it takes a lot of work to pull the Kidds through. All in all there is only 40% or less viability rate and it takes a toll on a person. All the other lines are fine. Problem is that this family has wonderful long bodies and tremendous personality, great milkers......oh well.......

Things will only get better and if not I will think gratfully of the times now and stop my whining.........

Friday, May 2, 2008

Pizza and Home schooling

Well, seeing that today is Friday, in this house it's Pizza night.

Almost as bad as Nachos but not quite.

Sure sounds delicious and a great snack. It is delicious and great food........unless your the one who is making it.

I sometimes think I am the little red hen. Who will help me plant the seed?

So here it is:
First we have to milk the girls, to make the cheese.
Second of course make the cheese,
Make the crust, using the whey from the cheese.
Grow the cow or pig to make the sausage that goes onto the pizza (luckily one animal goes a long way).
Cut all the fresh vegetables that go on top (peppers, onion)
slice the olives, grate the cheese (pray that it has cooled enough so you don't cause blisters....
Place in the oven until cooked and of course serve.

OK, doesn't sound so bad,
Animal Husbandry, Critical control points and proper handling procedures with food (wash your hands, cover the milk (was that pail clean? Get that goats foot out of the bucket and start over..).

Chemistry: and standardize the recipe so that we get the same result, Mix the cow and goat milk what happens to flavor and texture and why?. Yeast in the crust and why does the whey work better than water.

Math: Weights and measures of ingredients. What about temperature of ingredients? Cooking temperature and why.Will fresh vegetables take longer to bake or will canned toppings dry out or get too soggy?

Critical thinking: What happens when the temperature in the oven is reduced or raised. What would happen when we use straight White flour without the whole wheat...(where do you think the garlic press is, where do you think you would find the can opener for the olives...)

Socialization: Patience (listen to Mom, I have done this a time or two......)

Language Arts: Reading of package for nutritional contents and calorie count. Portion control (yeah right..)

Communication skills......"Mom Pizza's done"

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Farming Sadness

Today one of my Junior Does kidded. Not a bad thing but she was early. The Kidds were presented wrong and definitly stressed by the time I got out to help her. There is really no reason why it happend except that the Veal Calf is a bit rammy and could have caused her to go early, had he stepped on her or was overly pushy. The Kidds were small only 2.5 (breached, rear first)and about 5 lbs(head to the side legs presented sideways). My normal Kidd weight is at least six pounds (on the small side with 7.5 average). Should they had gone to term they would only have been just a bit bigger. So neither kidd was saved and I hope I didn't damage the Doe with my large invasive hand that was trying to reposition the kidd, least we loose poor Doe also. She did cry in distress, there was some blood, not tons, both placenta were passed intact.

We finished our animal care by Noon today and the gravity of the morning is having take on my spirit. I will always feel such greif when young don't have a chance or are not given a chance. We do all we can but sometimes it is not the destiny of anyone involved to be sucessful. I pray for the strength given to me at the start to help me put this in perspective. Better a loss in the barn than a loss in the house. Yes, I am grateful for what I have.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Mice and cats......

During my attending to the critters this morning, I was off to get some pig grain as the gang was rattling their near empty feeder. I opened the bin to bucket it out and met with at least 12 black beady eyes. You bet I yelled as they were about face level. They ran and I stood my ground. This brought the son running since the most yelling he hears from Mom is usually to get his tiny hinney in gear.

Where are the cats when you need them? Of course they are hiding from the spring rains that engulf us at the moment. Maybe the are a bit too well fed with all the milk and grain they get. So with nest removed and Mom's heart safe for another days heart attack my Son lays out mouse bait that will not harm the larger animals as it is only palatable to rodents.

I will put off getting the calves again as I don't want to be covered with calf scours (diarrhea) and have to ride an hour home soaking wet let alone stinky. Doesn't matter if you have rain gear, water usually runs down or through the vents that are strategically placed to soak you buttocks and shoulders and not in that order.

I walked by the hives and found that the one hive I had just put a new queen in had been growing a new queen. I found several pupae carcasses outside the entrance. Talk about giving you the heebee geebies. I can only hope I got her placed in time to grow new workers. Workers take about 21 days to hatch and they go through quite the training network doing all sorts of different jobs in their short lives. I suppose I shouldn't complain but what fun would that be.

I will continue the work of organizing taxes for next year and have my Son work on his current project that I will have him show at the 4-H exposition this year. I is likely to be the only one of its kind and very relevant. I won't spoil the surprise for those who will be at the fair in North Stonington sometime in July (I think it is the third weekend).

Once again the 4-H group is having some kind of get together this weekend. It is beginning to get a little difficult getting to the events. With the growing season beginning and my having to anticipate and make purchases for re-roofing the house my life isn't going to get much of a respite. I suppose I can rest when I'm taking the old dirt nap. My husband isn't very pleased either since there are quite a few things that need our combined attention to get the stuff done. It will all get done (or not) in the end.

I need a list of priorities. Yeah..........right, we both know how that works!

Monday, April 28, 2008

April Showers

As I walked my daughter down the driveway (1 mile round trip) we were exploring "sayings" and who came up with them.

Of course since the weather is rainy we spoke of "in like a lion, out like a lamb." and "April showers bring May flowers."

No I don't know who was the first to say it or who wrote it down so everyone else would learn them. Isn't it amazing that both of the sayings hold true in most years. Now if she were home schooled we would look it up and find other weather related sayings and discuss them. I would say that although my daughter goes to conventional school (for now) I continue to home school to enhance her spectrum of learning.

This year for earth day we worked in our garden (which is now ready to plant) and I hope saved one the Honey Bee colony by giving it a new queen. I wanted to go in and take a look to see how things are going but the weather will keep me at bay for a couple of days. We have our nectar all made for them since the blossoms that are out right now don't hold as much as the bees would like. I have a huge nest of Bumble bees pollinating my currents and cherries. Maybe their B52 size and noise keeps me from seeing the poor humble Honey Bees but I doubt it. The Bumble Bees have a nest in the front of my house in a old stump. I would love to see what it looks like however I would have to destroy it to do so. The entrance is about as round as a golf ball so it was easy to track them. Earth day was also the day one of our "Old Lady" goats gave birth to a huge buck kidd. She started labor early that morning but didn't kidd out until 2:00, OK maybe a little later that day. The kidd was in distress but all finally went according to plan. He is a strapping animal and he has a good home already.

We went to the 4-H auction on Friday and Saturday. I was spared purchasing anything on Friday because I had forgotten my money at home. They don't grant credit, yes I asked. Saturday I was not as lucky but most of the items are useful and the children participated.

Sunday I went to Canaan Ct. to meet someone from upstate NY to pick up my new Toggenburg buck. I realized you can't get to Canaan from here so I went to Fall River first. Upon arriving home I went out directly to look at another fixture for the someday Dairy Operation. Yes it will fit and I will have to call and go pick it up.

I look forward to Wednesday when my new Milking System arrives. I finally ordered on from Parts Dept. since the local guy had been less than happy to help me. I asked he get or make me one back in January. I think I gave him long enough. Sure then he calls and says that he thinks the parts are coming in today or tomorrow. Yeah sure. I offered to pay the shipping to send it back but he declined. I'm not so sure that they were coming in how about you?

Mom is feeling better with her Sinus infection and I look forward to her next visit. Tomorrow I am off to pick up a couple more calves. Too late to go today as I got chilled and needed to get some much needed rest. I have found staying up to 11or 12 (let alone any later) isn't what it used to be. No alcohol involved just makes it better the next morning but it doesn't make getting out of bed any easier.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

WELL THAT DOES IT!

Today I was told that I really wasn't a farmer. OK then.........I may not be the biggest producer in the world but I do have many clients that have been with me for years. They have seen prices go up and never down. They understand working with animals is not the easiest thing in the world, let alone try to turn a profit.

I'm sorry that the day of the family farm is over but guess what consider yourself lucky if you had lived that way. By the way big shot.......why are you driving a truck for a living now? You could have cared for your parents and still run your farm. Your only kidding yourself.

I may not have the largest farm in the state but it is basically self funded and grows from it's own profits. I can not afford to go in debt to wait for years of maybe payback.

The other new is ........you guessed it. This is the way of the future. Lot's of small farms that support many families in their local communities. Just like is was in the old days of guilds. A town baker, a town butcher and I also will have the candle thing taken care of too.

I'm told that corporate farms are all that are left. What narrow sighted people we live with. More children are interested in animals and farming than ever before. Get your heads out of your IPods and off the DVD screen and look around. Things have not changed too much. We (the small farmer) just make technology work for us. We don't work for technology.

When the manure hits the spreader as it someday wil, my children will be able to live off of what is left of our precious land and help others. Don't count Americans down and out yet. Blame the government for all that has happened but guess who voted most of those politicians into office wise guy.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Ford Dealer.

It amazes me that car salesman actually make any money.

Don't they realize that most of the decision making, money budgeting,fashion statement as well as utilitarian use has to get through us woman first?
What idiots!
I recently purchased a different vehicle for my husband and had nothing but a hard time from a salesman who thought my bark was worse than my bite.

Poor him. He did not realize who he was dealing with.

I warned him that I was going to take the vehicle to my dealer to go over and all the work that I had requested be taken care of before the sale had better had been preformed.
You guessed it.........what a list came to me on that account from my Mechanic.
When I spoke to the Mechanic from the original purchase dealer he said that they had gone over the truck and it was in fine working condition. When I talked to the Sales manager he backed up the mechanic and the saleman. I then told him how could his Mechanic have even looked at the vehicle since the odometer read exactly the same mileage as when I first test drove it? What did he do? Lay his hands upon the hood and ask almighty to show him any sign of malfunction?

They were unwilling to fix the truck or buy it back. I don't trust these people nor do I want anything to do with them anymore. Since I paid cash the truck, it was now in my name and they didn't have to do anything. I mentioned the warrenty and I was laughed at.

Well I called Ford Motor Company Customer Assistance that is just what I got. Yup more fuel for the fire. Ford regretted that due to the age and mileage of the vehicle(NO I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW ONE) they could not purchase back the vehicle. Customer assistance told me to work it out with the dealer, they were however forwarding the transaction to the executive branch of the company and the dealer was going to hear from them. I said "fine, you don't want to help, guess who has more control over this than you?"
I said, the Department of Motor Vehicle.

Who would have guessed that the dealer would have called me so quickly the next day. Offer to pick the truck up and make the repairs my mechanic had found. Who would have thought that the Sales Manager would have been shown the actual worn out parts. Who would have thought they would put new tires on the truck and fill it with gas like they should have done in the first place?

Why does it have to take getting me spark spitting mad before anyone will take me seriously. I'm a very big girl and they should just know not to tick me off. The Sales manager said I was being sarcastic.........I said better sarcastic because what happens instead will make the reciever melt in your hand, burn your head and cause brain damage.

So now they will deliver the truck back to my mechanic, who will go over it again to make sure things were repaired as they said they were. Maybe mentioning to the Ford Motor Company that this dealer was selling vehicles that were unroadworthy and untrustworthy. That they failed to represent Ford in a honest and trustworthy light. Perhaps mentioning that in this economy when things are hard enough for most of us and they should appreciate customer loyalty. Customer Service noted my long history of purchasing Fords and using Ford Dealers for repairs.

The damage has been done. I have a network of people that span long distances who have friends.....well you get the idea. I do my best to say nothing at all when I have nothing nice to say, this time however I will not hold my tongue.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

New Horse

Well we went, saw and fell in love. What a beautiful animal. Very up right and had nice action (winged out a bit on the front left no biggie), handsome condition and well behaved ground manners. He put his very large (about half the size of my daughter) head down and let my daughter hug him. Loves people. What a guy. Load up we're going home baby!
Draw back, feet. He had shoes on and had lost a rear one. I noticed his right front looked odd and it turned out he had damaged it while running loose down the paved road. He is a big boy around 1800 lbs so his feet are very important. I need a horse who can go barefoot. Pony actually just had his feet trimmed for the first time in two years. I maintain them myself but there comes a time when a pro needs to do it.

His hock on the shoeless side was swollen also. He did have ice pads on but still he should be able to loose a shoe without having too much effect. I will call his farrier and ask what the story is. I know it will take at least a year for that front hoof to grow in properly (the front clip must have really tore up the outer wall). That makes it in the neighborhood of an extra 150.00 every six to eight weeks until then and what happens at that point is only speculation and I am not going there. Imagine a lifetime of shoes all around on a back yard trail horse? Especially size five (regular riding horses take a 00 or a 0)?

From there we went to the co op for grain for the Pigs. Over 300.00 a ton. People ask why the grocery store food is so expensive? Lets start there......Cost of raising livestock has gone way up. Can't wait to see the cost of hay this season. I shutter to think about it. With the new horse, I should easily add and additional 400 bales to the 1300 I use now. Just one more drawback on the horse.

We had to wait for our grain while a large Trailer truck unloaded "Wheat Middlins" a major ingredient in grains and we watched the trailer and augers at work. Off we went for a terrible but fun lunch of Boston Cream and manager special donuts with orange pineapple juice for the kids and Mom had a bagel and coffee. Lunches like that don't happen too often. I was concerned the children were going to start chewing on the truck door arm rests. They had gone through two apples a piece and several pounds of carrots. Yes we always pack food for the ride.

On the way home we discussed the horse and my son did very well with his interpretation of what my husband would say and it made me realize that we wont be purchasing the lad.

Found we had been visited (pile of empty egg crates by the porch) by a friend who is anticipating the birth of her kidd goats. She is trying to plan around it and I told her that very much like humans there is nothing to be done to hurry them up and for crying out loud be patient. The girls will kidd when the time is right.

Onward home to have a conniption fit over my husbands new truck. The %$*&#(*& dealer we bought it from did nothing to prepare the truck for road worthiness. Now I have taken the battle on for having the retreads repair the truck under warrenty. I have already reported the dealer to Ford and DMV form K-35 is next. More on this subject at a later day.

I'm on vacation this week with the kids and am very late getting out. Such wonderful weather we will be outside all day.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Such fun

Well Mom and I had a blast. We got to enjoy her company for a few days before she retreated to the sanctity (sanity) of home. We went out to a few stores and found some good buys. I found an entire wardrobe for under 50.00. OK, so I am not a fashion statement and it is unlikely I will accidentally be shot by hunters (Have you ever noticed how bright colors don't sell well with the larger clothing chains?) but I have clothes without blood stains or holes for a while at least.

We found some Hershey Kisses filled with Champagne (you know I am making a special trip to get the rest of the display) that are on the soft side even before you little mitt gets on them, no need to exercise chewing, however delicious they are.

Found a computer program for my son. He really liked it and had to be pried away from the computer to do other things. Special treats for everyone. It was Oma's birthday and my sister had gotten a cake for her. It was huge and we were able to have some delectable deserts for quite a few days. Carrot cake with walnuts and raisins, apricot creme filling with butter frosting (the only drawback in my book, yuck) and the flowers decorating it were absolutely beautiful. My daughter wanted them all. Fine with me. Oma brought Christmas cookies too. They never last long. Good thing Oma has a freezer full.

On the farm we had one doe Kidd. She was a day early and kidded in minutes since we only left her alone for a short time. One doeling was dead, the other weighed only 4.5 pounds. Smallest Kidd we have ever had but she is spry and frisky and eating her food albeit only ounces at a time. Were used to feeding out gallons so we must be careful not to over feed her.

My son went to the chicken showmanship on Saturday and came away with knowledge and the desire to show his birds as well as some different breeds of roosters who needed a home. Not the best examples of chicken hood but breed different enough to bring to the fairs to let people see them.

I have Spring Fever and have gotten seeds to start. So this week with the school week off we will start some of the cool weather plants such as peas, lettuce, potatoes spinach the list goes on but you get the idea.

The bees are happy and are foraging pollen already, Skunk Cabbage and the Maples have started. I will go in and check to see if they need anything and to make sure the foundations have been drawn and there are eggs being laid. Not that I could do much except order new packages or a queen at least.

Enjoying the rain free weekend (not as was predicted) but too cool to do much except take a load of items to the "Put and Take". In our town we have people bring stuff to the dump that may be someone elses treasure.

Off to look at the new horse tomorrow. I am leaving the trailer home so I have time to think about it. Kite flying down at the beach with the kids too. Fun day all around.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Having fun

Well Mom's been here for a couple of days and I hope is content with the goings on. Mom loves to cross stitch (counted) and works on that and some puzzles (crossword and the such) when looking for a change.

My children love her do death and so do the critters except the house bird. Razzeldazzlewooohooo is a Sun Conure who doesn't like people other than the regular occupants of the house. He will attack anyone while he is out. He lands on your shoulder and proceed to chew on your ears, neck or any exposed skin. What the heck happened? I have no clue. He is learning to speak so my son is teaching him the phrase, "get the gun" when people knock on the door and the dogs bark. I think the bird is also barking like the dog which in itself is pretty funny. So any burglars be aware if the dogs don't get you the bird probably will.

Life on the farm is stable (no pun intended) with only one ill critter at the moment. Seems he doesn't want to be weaned and has gone on a hunger strike. Chicks are doing well and the turkey hens have brought in some wild toms. Now that will be interesting. I will have to get some eggs and incubate them to see what that bird will look like.

Late to do morning animal care...........yes it's kind of drooly out. Grey and damp. Makes the house eucalyptus smell good though.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Bulk shopping

I call it GROCE. That is all you can call it when you only grocery shop about every four to six weeks. Of course we have all our own meat, eggs and milk but there are other things we should have to prevent scurvy and the such.

So today I went to BJ's and spent over three hundred dollars. No I didn't plan to spend that much, no I didn't go hungry (for a change). Most all the items were makings for meals. I don't usually buy prepared foods and go out to a Japanese or Chinese buffet if I don't feel like cooking. That is always a treat.

So totally not what I had planned to do today. I was supposed to visit a piggery with a chef who wants local product and this farmer is willing to grow pigs on grain instead of garbage like most of the larger growers. However the farmer called and he had to go cut firewood (to supplement pig farming, we all have to do something) so he couldn't meet with us. I was then supposed to get some Chicken food and soy meal in bulk from the co-op and perhaps stop for a much needed cup of tea at a friends house. Didn't happen today.

My Mom is coming by for her birthday this week and will spend a few days at the least (one can only hope, sometimes she has to go home to take care of other things, we hate seeing her go).

So tomorrow I will go and get the grain and stop by some stores as Mom is looking for organizing bins for my son's room. We will see how it goes. Not like I have any money left to buy anything...........I can't stand shopping anyway, unless it is a hardware or grain store.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Ups and Downs

Well as expected the poor little calf (named Maybe) didn't make it. We were not surprised. We also realized that he waited to die until after we left him for the night. He had been expired for a very long time. The other calf is strong and flitting about enjoying his nice, clean, large stall.

I will go and get a couple more calves this week since we are making plenty of milk. In the next few months I would rather use it than toss the milk to the compost pile. Sure it makes for great compost but the waste of it annoys me. With the constant monetary set backs the milk room (and license) and the slaughter room are moved down the schedule of jobs to be done. Frustrating to say the least, but such as it is, move on, suck it up, quit my whining you big baby...........

OK, into the hives I went today with the family looking on and helping (?)........
One hive is very strong and had created their very own comb on the bottom of the inner lid, filled it with the sugar nectar and was trying to make honey. What not enough foundation for you ? The other hive is very weak. No I don't know why but now I know why so many people recommended two hives to start with. Compare and figure it out. So I will guard one and leave the other more alone. Your supposed to tap on the side of the hive to make sure they are in there. The strong hive can be heard from feet away, the other you need a stethoscope.
Both queens were freed and nectar levels were noticeably lower and refilled. The kids were so excited with the comb piece the bees had made. Dave took a big bite from it and actually said it was delicious. I asked him if he had checked to make sure all the bees were off yet, he had grabbed it so fast.

So off to the rest of my day of fences, animal care, autopsy and anything that rears it's ugly head.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Loses,,,,,,,,

It doesn't matter how much time we spend with anyone or anything most of them touch out lives one way or another. One of the two calves I brought home is destined to die. It saddens me but at least he was comfortable and gently cared for. It bothers me when they don't get much of a chance or start in life. Now I think of the big picture and am grateful for all I have.

Another busy day. Animal care, run for silage at the Rhode Island boarder, back home to go to the Mass boarder for the truck acquisition. What bent me out of shape over the transaction is that when we first went to see the vehicle it was basically empty of gas. I had to run back to get the truck off the books for end of month for the dealer and I reminded them again to put some fuel in it before we came to pick it up. Not only was there no gas in it but it literally hadn't moved since we looked at it. It had the exact mileage it had when we left it the first time. They probably cleaned it outside and never did a last check up. Needless to say it was not a new vehicle (2003)so they didn't really give a hoot about the lack of gas or my point about the mileage. Never will ever deal with them or recommend them either.

So back home. Bees are busy, one hive definitely stronger than the other. Calf still headed to the hole at the end of his down hill slide. My tax guy is finally looking over the figures I sent him over five weeks ago. Yes I am shopping for a new accountant. He always tries to make it my fault that it takes him so long. Five weeks? Not likely me!

Only a couple of things to do tomorrow and I hope I have time to work in the garden. I am getting cabin fever for sure. Maybe I will plant some peas this week. Lettuce, spinach, garlic and the such.

Yup, spring is in the air. The compost needs a turnin.......

Friday, April 4, 2008

I admit it!

I admit it .........today I am exhausted!

My poor back is in need of rest. Of course the rainy weather doesn't help but days like today remind me that someday I will need one of the motorized scooters to get around and my farming days are numbered.

I am sure that if I would stop falling down it would help immensely. Nothing lately irks me more than landing on my assorted body parts while challenging gravity to stay upright. I used to be pretty well balanced but with the mud and muck around, loose footing and rocks, well, I have been bouncing (more likely that is my imagination) off the ground more than usual. While at the angel girls concert last night (which was very nice) I couldn't even sit down. I will push on today as usual, maybe not as bright and cheery (yes this is bright and cheery for me) but forever onward and forward.

Two new calves yesterday brought in from other farms. Calf scours, so I immediately switched them to goats milk along with some bismuth and Albon and they, although still squirty, look much brighter and content. Poor things. I know they are destined to be veal but the conditions that they came from were less than nice. I appreciate how much care that I give my critters. Kindness always pays off no matter whom is on the receiving end.

The bees were buzzing yesterday so I postponed my visit to the hive. My fellow bee keeper had peaked into her hives and found her queens released to I will imagine that mine are too. I will wait until Sunday to move the bodies and frames around to make feeding them easier. I will also add pollen substitute to give them much needed energy.

The new layer chicks are excellent as well as the Cornish Cross meat birds. The coop is overly hot so I air it out every few hours. I won't remove the vent covers since the weather is so drastically changing from day to day. I am sure it is worth the extra effort. I would imagine the hatchery that the chicks came from will no longer offer chicks in February. They must have suffered huge losses. It amazes me that people don't care much for animals in transit and don't shelter the chicks as they should.

The pigs are also excellent. Drinking milk like pros and growing quickly. The over wintered turkeys actually bred and have fertile eggs. I am contemplating incubation. Maybe.

Well on to school work and organizing for taxes for next year. Busy weekend ahead.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Fun today.........

I worked with the bees today. They didn't want to leave their special package cage they came in and I gently persuaded them to vacate and move in their new home. I remained calm and so did they. I did have to cut one package screen since I didn't want to loose to many soldiers to the windy wet weather and dumped them in. I couldn't remove the empty upper body since they would have gotten smushed. I will peak in tomorrow and see if they moved into the frames. I'm in no rush I just want them to live. Seems to be more difficult than one could imagine.

April showers bring May flowers and this April first is raining for the flowers already. My hay guy predicts a dry summer again, time will tell. I think we will suffer from irregular weather. Not overly dry or wet but enough moisture to make the hay quality less than the best.

The last wave of kidds will begin in two weeks. I look forward to the process and hope we haven't any problems. Some will follow in May but only a few.

On to setting up taxes for next year. I have given my tax guy the paperwork due for all the forms and yet he has not finished the work. Why is this? I also messaged him and he hasn't messaged back. He better be alive or I will suffer the wrath of the IRS! I suppose another message is due.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Rampant Chaos

Sundays are supposed to be the day of the week where we find ourselves contemplating the events of the previous week, spending time with our loved ones and planning for the week to come.

This Sunday couldn't have been farther from the stereotypical.

Relaxing with my husband in bed with coffee on Sunday and discussing what our plan of the day was interrupted by a phone call from the Post Office telling us the new Layer chicks had arrived. They weren't supposed to be here until Monday. Of course off I go to pick up the chicks while the troops at home prepare emergency accommodations for the little tykes.

By the time I get back with the wee ones and show them how to drink and eat I still have to milk the girls. By the time I am finished it is 11:00. No worse for the wear but it leaves me short on time to prepare for the bees. WHAT! The family is demanding food? FINE! I make a lunch of Kielbasa and Kraut on Bagels and my rescue team is content. Off to work on the hives, I still have time.

The bees arrive today and I am completely without bases for the hives. I am looking so forward to meeting, greeting and installing the bees in their new homes. I would like to try a few things I have considered.............Phone call from the hay guy.........a wagon of hay today...........pick up around 1:00. One learns never to say no when the hay guy calls, especially when one owes him copious quantities of cash. I am sure it is needed to help get cutting under way in the next month, maintenance of machinery and perhaps some manure for the fields. Still have time to construct the bases for the bees and get the hay wagon and be back in time for the bees.

Phone call from a fellow goat keeper, a poisoned goat is on his way out, could I PLEASE stop by and do what I can so her daughter knows that all has been done. I would never consider saying no. This is also the person who has been kind enough to pick up my bees for me saving me the trip. I arrive and the goat is not well at all. He has survived quite a long time and perhaps has a chance to make it. I do what I would have done for any one of my animals but I fear it may be too late. He is plugged up severely and I fear the toxins have been retained too long. He actually responds to treatment and seems better. I am hopeful that with continued support he will survive. The bees have arrived I'm still not ready but I don't want to leave the goat until I see a particular sign that I can go.

Have to go, it is getting late. On the ride back I realize I had forgotten about the hay and debt and now become anxious and angry at myself. Why? I DON'T KNOW!

Get home, switch the hitch right away. Scramble to get the hives outside and set up. The area where the are going to be is not ready but will have to do for now. I will never be able to say enough nice things about those who are my family and friends. My husband and son had put together and stained the bases for the hives (that I had cut and was going to assemble) and set down a vapor barrier on the ground and put some sand on top. I had planned to put down stone for ventilation and hardware cloth to prevent sub-terrainial attack but some rocks at the corner of the bases will do for now. I can't shake my anxiety about the hay and my bee keeper friend is installing the packages for me. I am angry about that but is saves me lots of time with reference to the hay. A phone check and the goat is not doing well. I wish I had stayed with her. She is young and had put a lot of effort into working with the goat and it will be a loss that will linger a while.

Settle another debt for the bees and everyone is running off to their assigned corners of their worlds. Pick up the hay wagon...........set dinner to cook...........evening animal care unload hay and we are done by 9:00. An anticipated message on the machine, the poor goat has had to be put down. Dinner is served and lunches made and I pass out by 11 way beyond the time I should hit the hay. This morning has been tough.

I am again out late for morning animal care but my hair is wet and I don't want to get sick. So here I am at the blog. I am now very late to go out for morning animal care but I have noticed my Son has quietly slipped from the house and headed out. He can be a great comfort at times. With contemplation it shouldn't have to outweigh the bone head things he does but then again it is the x-y thing.

I will check all the precarious new comers and remove some hay stuffed in the hive entrances last night late (since I couldn't find my reducers anywhere), peak in on the little peepers and try to calm myself with the pisht, pisht, pisht of morning milking and regain my calm of chaos.

First the mile walk out to the bus with my daughter and explain why sometimes things don't always go as planned and why Mom didn't eat the Devils food cake and icing that she made for my anniversary with her Easy Bake Oven. Sometimes I don't even have the energy to chew and believe me I will need it for that task. She is an angel as well as my son, husband and friends.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Utter turmoil......

Who would have thought that typing a Blog could be so difficult. I thought take no time at all....WRONG!

Well I went from the peaceful content mood of Easter to the brimstone and fire of everyday life. Reality check!

On the scale of worldly chaos not important but in my life very important.
LYING. Kick me in the shine, poke me in the eye, I will get over it a lot faster than if you lie to me. The ultimate deception.

The hurt, the demoralizing realization that your not respected. Heck I know it just goes with life but I get so darned blasted freak out mad! I won't talk to you for a while and then it will blow over. However I will not trust you. It will take a long time before we walk that path again.

The bees are going to arrive this weekend Sunday, Saturday is the Hot Dog sale for the 4-h club. I need to find a cap for the truck so I can pick up the new buck without dragging the gooseneck for one goat across the state. Oh yes, the paperwork for the replacement truck for my husband who is working this Saturday our wedding anniversary, no not likely that we will do anything special than the normal fall into bed exhausted routine.

Off to visit a co ordinate some farm business next blog when? When I get to it I suppose......

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter, Thank you

This Easter and ever day......

I am grateful for my family and my life and the love we share for those we know and have yet to meet.

I thank the greatest of all and all the sacrifices made.

I thank all those who have been before, that we learn from, and I will try not to repeat or have any hand in tragedies that lie ahead.

I am grateful for the peace and contentment,I feel, and the comfort I am able to give others when they are in need. I am grateful that I cause discomfort to those who have lost touch with how they treat others. I am glad that I can bring a smile or a laugh to those who could use it.

I am sorry that I have lost those who I didn't have the opportunity to love fuller or get to know better. For those who are gone that have given to me in ways I am unaware.

I look forward to the adventures that lay ahead both good times and not. The strength that I was given at birth and the ability to hang onto it and ask the one who matters how to help me use it best.

Today as always I say thank you, forgive me when I forget, you are who matters most.

Friday, March 21, 2008

One more thing to do.........

As usual things just don't go as they are scheduled to. Why do I think I am special enough for things to go the way that I plan? I am not alone thinking that they should.

I love having my husband home for an extra day off. I like sleeping by his side. Just knowing he's there and isn't rushing off for work, gives me a special kind of comfort for the day.

I like to chat and next thing I know it is very late and the girls are calling to remind me. OK, I'm up and ready to go tend to the girls needs. Phone rings and it is a frantic call from a young friend who would like a little extra support (sure blame me again if things go wrong) but moral support in a time of stress is sometimes all that is needed. On the way over I am humming the Calvary charge. Of course by the time I get there things have gone according to what nature has planned and not me. Spend a moment to make sure everyone is where they should be and off I go to tend to the girls.

My son has attempted to use the new milking machine and is about half way through our list (a little slow but the girls are grateful).. I help by milking the Does on my knees and we're done in no time. Next the cows and I'm off for grain and then back to help put up some Sheetrock and harvest a turkey or two.

What! No help need for the Sheetrock! Fine, I'll just make a head roll. Wow. 47 lb turkey dressed. Not bad. Chores. Oh yeah, made some cheese and dough for pizza and starter for the feta tomorrow.

If only I had 5 more minutes in the day I could type what else I have done today but then that would take too long. There are several more tasks to complete before my day is done. If only I could do one more thing a day..........then I wouldn't get any sleep..........

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Spring Surprises

Spring this year has lived up (so far) to the Metaphor "in like a lion" and I will up date when we reach the end of the month. I have to say it is raining again but he cold has lessened and we get a few days of the stronger sun to help dry the boot sucking mud for us. I have renamed my daughter Nanny Mudd Fanny since a rather large Doe (who was frightened by the new milk vacuum noise) dragged her face down through the mud while other Does proceeded to step all over her body as well as her head leaving her engulfed in a nice stinky layer of mud. I don't understand why she didn't see the humor of the moment. Truly a site to behold and I'm sure many a farm wife has chuckled over this maylay often.

I don't understand why so many women find terror in children having fun in the great outdoors. I have heard Mom's say "stay away from the puddles" "don't get dirty" and too many more to even type out. Don't these Moms consider that they may be giving their children long term psychological issues, dirt phobias, rainy day disgruntlement?

Around here a pound of dirt ingested a year keeps a kid healthy. Of course I don't condone eating mud pies but puddles are magnets as well as brooks, ponds and swamps filled with fun polliwogs and dragon fly larva. I don't expect my children to come in from their day of adventuring without scrapes and bruises however I do expect that they use the good sense God gave the goat and not break any bones.

This Mama is a firm believer of a right to childhood and all the dirt that goes with it. Once again my house is no showcase but then again one feels at home the moment you walk in the door. Take your shoes off? Not unless you want dirty socks.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Accidents Happen!

There are things in life (as in everything everyday) that we haven't any control over.

Just trying to keep up is arduous, but we maintain and whittle away at our list of jobs to be done.
Then out of the blue someone throws a wrench into the works that just discombobulates everything.

That is what has happened this week. My loving, darling husband totaled his truck on Tuesday. As long as he is alright so am I.

In my life right now I have farm matters (a herd of 60+ goats, 4 cows, 100 or so chicks, turkeys and pigs to deal with let alone keeping enough food on hand for all of them) and the house should be in there somewhere. Home teach my son, keep up on the daughter and market my goods from the farm and keep the network going. It was decided long ago that the farm become a real working entity. All is working well but when this little runaway puddle of greased bee bees was spilled who would have imagined that it would cause such a train wreck.

My head is all askew from surfing the net to find a replacement truck. I did find one and now celebrate the fact with some sushi. Of course used but heck with the amount of accidents my little commuter is having it is for the best. Still now the refinancing, insurance chasing, consolidating.

It seems a miracle but somehow it works out that I actually save 14,000.00 in three years if I float a new loan. I don't know how I did it and unless the FBI or the local police break down the door I won't question it either.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

New feeder pigs

Well we delivered two pigs to market. Stopped off and got six more.

What is it about pig stink that prevents it from washing, scrubbing or power washing off?

I wore overalls, boots and gloves and yet here I am making my own eyes water. I have tried everything except TSP. I figure I will need some skin tomorrow............

Well I suppose I will go outside and cut down some trees and prune the fruit trees and maybe the oil from the chain saw will help drown out some of the stench! Of course it is what they are fed at the piggery that makes them so odorous, but we won't go into that. After a week or two here they will be stink free and happy in their new home. I did get pigs of all different sizes so that I can have income along the way. They are already sold at this point (I'm pretty sure at least).

Now I have to find another calf for veal and all will be quiet until the next wave of kidds arrive in April. Not including the meat chicks and turkey poults due this week.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Don't ask......

It amazes me that when people ask your opinion, they don't really want to hear it.

What they want to hear is a pep talk or someone to agree with what is going on.

Hellooooo.........we have these conversations so that we may exchange ideas and opinions.
Just take all the information and shake it around discard what won't work for you and move on.

If you don't want me to say what is on my mind don't ask. I have gotten much better at keeping my opinions to myself. Like I say, don't lead me into temptation.

Oh, by the way our animal care has fallen through could you take care of my animals while I'm off hiking in the mountains for a couple days? Of course I can. I can trust you to care for my child when I am late or think I may be late to get her off the bus why shouldn't I be able to care for your critters when needed?

Friends are someone you can count on. Periodically or all the time. You don't have to get along all the time. I'm sure that we will disagree from time to time. Let it go. I like to help those who seek me out and those who can use me at the moment. Nothing feels better than helping someone in need. I promise I won't break down you door to make sure your alright, if you don't want me to. Doesn't make me feel better but all the world needs a martyr.

Great venting forum I must say!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

First step kind of a day.

The wind was howling, the rain hitting the window with such force it made me wince. The bed was warm and the covers snugly, 4:00am came and went and I had no desire to get out of bed.

The dogs decided that it was time (at 6). Let us out please! Fine, out the side door you go, I know if I let you out the slider you wont make it half way off the deck before you decide to piddle where you are and run back in. Sure enough they made it to the first step, pee'd like a race horse and did an about face and headed back in.

That's exactly how I felt about the whole thing. However, there are a bunch of ladies waiting to be cared for (two cows and 15 goats most importantly) fed, milked and hay please. So I slither into my very expensive Pancho (a Contractor size garbage bag with slits in the appropriate strategic places). I love this idea since it falls below the tops of my boots and my body doesn't get wet. Why is it that chores take sooooo much longer in the rain? I know I move slower. So do the girls. They also don't want to return to the Monsoon that is just outside the door. Indeed March has come in like a very angry Lion. Yet, here we are less than four hours later and the sun is shining and the wind has slowed to a Spring breeze.

Of course a first time Doe needed to Kidd and my son the now expert at noticing these things brings her in while I wait to help if need be. A very nice Doeling we receive, thank you. Dam is shell shocked but who isn't usually....... That makes 31 kidds this year and we are about 2/3 of the way done through the herd (OK, maybe half way). Animal care is done by Noon today. Insanely long but everyone is happy and fed.

My turn, forget breakfast have some lunch . Make calls and co-ordinate sales, grain orders. I sure hope tomorrow I can rouse myself earlier.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Cell Phones

That's it! I have absolutely had it!

I am sick and tired of being the target for those who, through their self-importance, make me suffer from their cell phone use.

Erratic driving being towards the top of the list. Swerving, driving slow until I try to pass ,then speeding up. Them passing me and riding over the line to push me off the road. Rushing in on a parking space while I am signaling and am already pulling in. I know, much too important to talk on the phone than use the direction signal and cutting people off.

It's too bad that it's illegal to own a disruptor, that for a mere 50.00, would give people like me no end of pleasure.

I'm tired of being forced to listen to others phone calls in public places and events. You try not to listen but what the heck, if I'm grocery shopping how am I supposed to divert myself except to talk to myself or answer the person who I thought was talking to me.

Almost all cell phone addicts will look at you as if you are possessed or insane. Cell phone addicts think I'm rude?

I would imagine that 99.99% of these calls can be made at non multitasking situations. I don't personally own one. I don't plan to get one anytime soon either. I have a message machine or I would never realize how many people would need to talk to me. I wonder if I didn't have the answering machine how many times the police would be at my house to make sure I'm still alive.
Yes, I left a message for my daughters teacher and we will play phone tag for a while but we eventually will get together.

When was the last time anyone wrote a letter? Our society has become too disengaged. Computers, cell phones, bulk mail. I doubt that when these people meet they will be able to conduct a civil conversation. I must say that I still enjoy talking to people. Trading stories and opinions. Watching their face of disbelief when something wild comes out of my mouth.

We usually always have such a wonderful turn out for all our parties. Go figure, no one gives parties any more. Too expensive and God forbid you should actually have to talk to someone.