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.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
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.
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.
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.......
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.
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.
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.
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.
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