Loading Day

Well despite the darned blasted cold weather we are having "Old Red" gifted us with starting this morning. Of course see was plugged in, since this past cold snap she did not like to run and was out of commission for several days.

I truly think that the sulfur recipe change of the fuel is what has her skirts twisted. I poured a little 911 fuel additive and she is doing better but will have to get the White bottle of 911 to prevent waxing. I have come to realize (after being freaked out at) that Gas Station attendants don't like it when you use a gallon of Kerosene to cut the diesel. You would have thought that I had lit a match at the pump for gosh sakes.

So today a pig and a veal calf went to market. I really don't like to load piggies. I wind up riding them, and if you have never ridden a pig they really don;t like it and buck like a horse but will bite you if they can. However "Blondie" loaded nicely. The Veal calf "Mum" was a little less cooperative. She's gone anyhow. The other pigs are enjoying the extra milk and I gave them a little more hay to make up for the open space. They are all getting so big thought I'm sure that she wont' be missed for long. The house was getting a little crowded.

When the pig was loaded the first thing the calf did was try to kick her. Pigs are quicker than you would think. I was quicker and closed the door after making sure she wasn't hit.

Both hens we put eggs under are no longer broody. Very disheartening since now I have to build an incubator. I will research and buy a turner that will fit into our creation as well as a fan and automatic heater.

I am being forced into attending a Dinner at the River Tavern that I will be the person on display. I made a gift for those who attend. I put several Canna rhizomes in a burlap bag tied with a hay string with direction for planting and storage. I figure if the people are attending they would appreciate a tropical looking plant for their fresh spring garden.

I have hit a wall about getting more farmers to join the Google group. A slow start but I'm sure it will take off for all those involved.

I am ordering my seeds soon and will plant more exotic vegetable for the Chefs to use. A very exciting time here as we are finding new clients and our future is looking very bright.

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.

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.