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......

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......

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.......

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........

4-H Public Speaking

Well I heard of a lot of sickness running through the 4-H group. Now that I see to the Leader of the group it has been suggested that it is the community center (where we meet) that has made someone elses child ill.........

I suppose it's possible. How does that person suggest that we correct it?

Just for general information, I am easily led astray since I don't get off the farm much, unless I'm running for supplies for the critters. One doesn't really understand what certain items can make life so much simpler.

Home Teaching my son was going to happen, you (Vortex Amy) just showed me how easy it was and pushed me over the edge (no bungee attached). I can't call it "Home School" since that is exactly the environment he so easily lost track of things or your typical structured style. He has responded beautifully with all subjects he has been give. An eighth grader technically but he is working on Physics, Biology, Chemistry and some math on higher levels that challenge his way of thinking. I am amazed how quickly he learns without the confine of Public School structure. He continues to correct me or surprise me with all sorts of interesting facts that he has learned along the way. Reciting molecular structure and why it works, what bonds are made easily which are volatile. He has received many magazine subscriptions and he also keeps me abreast of all that is going on in that big busy world. I am sure that there would be many critics to the eclectic style we use but it is obviously working for my child.

Some people may take note now that as long as I am not hurting anyone I don't really give much notice to those around me. I am a big physical presence, often will give my side or opinion readily. The world label might be Obnoxious, but I tire easily from stupidity.

I need to be dazzled by brilliance (that I all to often notice happening less and less), than befuddled by cow puckies which I can readily recognize!

The Pecan Sticky Bun were a huge success. While baking on a snowy day it is so gratifying, the bouquet of scents. Of course being Friday and Pizza night, fresh cheese, fresh garlic crust, topped fresh beef sausage, onions, green peppers and black olives. Sticky buns for dessert, no wonder my kids and husband are often in a hurry to get home. We also don't go out for dinner much since my husband at 6'8" usually walks away hungry and as he likes to point out "They don't prepare the food any better than at home". Thanks Honey.
When we walked into the house from evening animal care, we were buffeted by the woodstoves warmth, quickly followed by the heady scents of the days cooking and baking.

Thank you to all our Armed Forces who continue to make my lifestyle possible, without fear. I wish for you safety and comfort in the fact that you are all thought of on a daily basis.