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.......
Showing posts with label Goats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goats. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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