Daily Farm blog
January 5 2021
Welcome to our farm blog page. When we first decided to build a web page for our farm, I wasn't sure how it would effect our exposure to the outside world. How will people know to find us? Will it help to sell our farm goodies and animals? The answer to those questions are yes, people found us! And sells increased. Then came along FB and that changed things. FB does offer a larger client base. People enjoy following us on FB, but the FB issues are just too great., so we will stick with this web sight..I hope you decide to check in on us here..I will make it my goal to keep this updated and hopefully informative. We had no trouble reaching out to everyone before FB, and Im confident, we will continue to reach out through this web site. God Bless and Happy New beginnings!!
EDIT TO ADD: Im so excited for my son Kenneth! He's started his own resell business of fine glassware and rare and unique finds!! You can see what he's got at https://country-versatile.square.site/
Welcome to our farm blog page. When we first decided to build a web page for our farm, I wasn't sure how it would effect our exposure to the outside world. How will people know to find us? Will it help to sell our farm goodies and animals? The answer to those questions are yes, people found us! And sells increased. Then came along FB and that changed things. FB does offer a larger client base. People enjoy following us on FB, but the FB issues are just too great., so we will stick with this web sight..I hope you decide to check in on us here..I will make it my goal to keep this updated and hopefully informative. We had no trouble reaching out to everyone before FB, and Im confident, we will continue to reach out through this web site. God Bless and Happy New beginnings!!
EDIT TO ADD: Im so excited for my son Kenneth! He's started his own resell business of fine glassware and rare and unique finds!! You can see what he's got at https://country-versatile.square.site/
March 6 2024
A nice surprise! I saw Daisy Lorraine out by herself yesterday. kept an eye on her and she rejoined the herd so didn't think much of it. This morning I heard a lot of mooing. Looking out I didn't see her, just the others. And now we know what it was all about. She didnt even look ready to calve! Baby looks big and healthy!! Now we will keep a close eye on Independence .
With everything we have been dealing with over Hubs health, this is a welcome surprise.
Elmer finished 10 days of radiation. It didn't help. He got worse. A hospital stay for hydration and a feeding tube placement we were sent home under hospice care. So this is where we are at now. Not what we hoped for but we will take things one day at a time.
UPDATE!! ..Independence Calved today as well...what a blessing.
A nice surprise! I saw Daisy Lorraine out by herself yesterday. kept an eye on her and she rejoined the herd so didn't think much of it. This morning I heard a lot of mooing. Looking out I didn't see her, just the others. And now we know what it was all about. She didnt even look ready to calve! Baby looks big and healthy!! Now we will keep a close eye on Independence .
With everything we have been dealing with over Hubs health, this is a welcome surprise.
Elmer finished 10 days of radiation. It didn't help. He got worse. A hospital stay for hydration and a feeding tube placement we were sent home under hospice care. So this is where we are at now. Not what we hoped for but we will take things one day at a time.
UPDATE!! ..Independence Calved today as well...what a blessing.
February 2 2024
We just finished 8 days out of 10 days of radiation treatment on Hubs. Its been hard. 2 hour drive for 30 minute treatment then 2 hour drive home. That is what we did the first few days. Then family and friends decided a hotel would be easier and all pitched in to pay for that and rented a smaller car to be more comfortable for hubs. Maureena and family along with Kenneth helped keep the animals fed and watered. But honestly Im a fish out of water water when Im not home. I am happy to be home! He has 2 more treatments next week which we will most likely drive. So far he has not gotten any relief but we Pray as soon as the body is no longer angry over the radiation, he will feel much better.
We just finished 8 days out of 10 days of radiation treatment on Hubs. Its been hard. 2 hour drive for 30 minute treatment then 2 hour drive home. That is what we did the first few days. Then family and friends decided a hotel would be easier and all pitched in to pay for that and rented a smaller car to be more comfortable for hubs. Maureena and family along with Kenneth helped keep the animals fed and watered. But honestly Im a fish out of water water when Im not home. I am happy to be home! He has 2 more treatments next week which we will most likely drive. So far he has not gotten any relief but we Pray as soon as the body is no longer angry over the radiation, he will feel much better.
January 13 2024
Just a bit of an update on Hubs condition. Cancer is spreading. He struggles to walk, but we saw the radiologist and he feels he can address some of those tumors to help reduce the pain level and strengthen Elmers legs.
Just a bit of an update on Hubs condition. Cancer is spreading. He struggles to walk, but we saw the radiologist and he feels he can address some of those tumors to help reduce the pain level and strengthen Elmers legs.
December 23 2023
Merry Christmas Adam. Many years ago one of my daughters bounced out of bed proclaiming Merry Christmas Adam, because Adam came before Eve. This became our annual el theme for taking plates of Christmas goodies to family and friends to spread a little joy of our own. Its a great reminder to look to others and their needs before ripping into gifts with your own name on it. Im so proud of my children ,who they grew up to be. Maybe they aren't perfect but their hearts always steer toward those in need no matter what they seem to go through. Merry Christmas Adam 🎄
Merry Christmas Adam. Many years ago one of my daughters bounced out of bed proclaiming Merry Christmas Adam, because Adam came before Eve. This became our annual el theme for taking plates of Christmas goodies to family and friends to spread a little joy of our own. Its a great reminder to look to others and their needs before ripping into gifts with your own name on it. Im so proud of my children ,who they grew up to be. Maybe they aren't perfect but their hearts always steer toward those in need no matter what they seem to go through. Merry Christmas Adam 🎄
December 13 2023
I have started the blog Overalls and sunscreen. I don't get to do much on it just yet. Elmers cancer is spreading. He's in a lot of pain most days. But he keeps pushing on. I hope when you think of us you send up a little prayer for him. He just wants to live the best life forward and soak up memories to leave his family. We don't get a lot done right now on the farm. Tis the season of slow days, but we do plan on getting that chicken coop done!! I hope to post how that goes soon. I hope and pray you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
I have started the blog Overalls and sunscreen. I don't get to do much on it just yet. Elmers cancer is spreading. He's in a lot of pain most days. But he keeps pushing on. I hope when you think of us you send up a little prayer for him. He just wants to live the best life forward and soak up memories to leave his family. We don't get a lot done right now on the farm. Tis the season of slow days, but we do plan on getting that chicken coop done!! I hope to post how that goes soon. I hope and pray you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
October 21 2023
Im going to try it. I have started a blog, Over-Alls and Sunscreen, farming in my 60's. Ive pushed this one down the line for now and will focus on the blog. I hope it inspires .
Im going to try it. I have started a blog, Over-Alls and Sunscreen, farming in my 60's. Ive pushed this one down the line for now and will focus on the blog. I hope it inspires .
October 19 2023
Im not getting any younger...HA..how often do you hear people say that? But it's true. I just turned the big six-0 and while in my head Im much younger (or is that immaturity? LOL) my body agrees with the calendar. I wonder if I should write more about those challenges...ranching when old. It takes so much more thought and preparation for every task..lol..Like..if I get down on my knees to do that, what will be the best way to get back up!! HA. But seriously ..it can be a challenge. And the frustration of not being able to all you used to, or at least the same way. Hum. Maybe I should think on this..after my nap. ; )
Im not getting any younger...HA..how often do you hear people say that? But it's true. I just turned the big six-0 and while in my head Im much younger (or is that immaturity? LOL) my body agrees with the calendar. I wonder if I should write more about those challenges...ranching when old. It takes so much more thought and preparation for every task..lol..Like..if I get down on my knees to do that, what will be the best way to get back up!! HA. But seriously ..it can be a challenge. And the frustration of not being able to all you used to, or at least the same way. Hum. Maybe I should think on this..after my nap. ; )
October 16 2023
I have been thinking a lot about where do I go from here. I don't want every post I make be about hubs cancer and where we are..but its where we are right now. I can try to put it out of my mind, but its where we are at. Elmers cancer is spreading. Treatment is not working. They want to try new meds, chemo and Elmer wants nothing to do with chemo. I don't blame him. He is able to play with the grandkids, He drives our teen age son to work every morning and uses that time together to pray with him, he is still preaching every other Sunday, does some running around, laughs and jokes...he is living. And chemo may stop that life. He feels extending life isn't worth it if you can't live it. He reminds family and friends he is not giving up...he's choosing different routes of fighting while living. He is on a boat load of herbs, teas and diet change. He continues taking meds to help slow the progression but there will be no chemo. And Im ok with that. He has days he sleeps alot..but most days he gets up and goes for a walk..starts his day, he may mow the grass or do water for the animals. He is building a small chicken coop so we can house less chickens and actually get eggs lol. Life has definitely changed. We don't know what tomorrow holds. No one does, but he's choosing to live and I cant argue with that.
I have been thinking a lot about where do I go from here. I don't want every post I make be about hubs cancer and where we are..but its where we are right now. I can try to put it out of my mind, but its where we are at. Elmers cancer is spreading. Treatment is not working. They want to try new meds, chemo and Elmer wants nothing to do with chemo. I don't blame him. He is able to play with the grandkids, He drives our teen age son to work every morning and uses that time together to pray with him, he is still preaching every other Sunday, does some running around, laughs and jokes...he is living. And chemo may stop that life. He feels extending life isn't worth it if you can't live it. He reminds family and friends he is not giving up...he's choosing different routes of fighting while living. He is on a boat load of herbs, teas and diet change. He continues taking meds to help slow the progression but there will be no chemo. And Im ok with that. He has days he sleeps alot..but most days he gets up and goes for a walk..starts his day, he may mow the grass or do water for the animals. He is building a small chicken coop so we can house less chickens and actually get eggs lol. Life has definitely changed. We don't know what tomorrow holds. No one does, but he's choosing to live and I cant argue with that.
September 28 2023
We said good bye to Summer and soon to September. OCTOBER! WOW...I love fall...a promise of shedding off the years weight...time to restore and prepare to renew. Cooler weather, shorter days, a good time to prepare for a new , crack out the canner LOL. oh yes..took a break during 112 temps! My favorite time of day is afrer feeding the animals both morning and evening when I can sit on the back porch and just enjoy the peace!
We said good bye to Summer and soon to September. OCTOBER! WOW...I love fall...a promise of shedding off the years weight...time to restore and prepare to renew. Cooler weather, shorter days, a good time to prepare for a new , crack out the canner LOL. oh yes..took a break during 112 temps! My favorite time of day is afrer feeding the animals both morning and evening when I can sit on the back porch and just enjoy the peace!
September 26 2023
As the month ends the super hot spell, we still are pretty toasty for it being nearly October. 95 today. But we got rain and with rain and warm weather we have green!! Ill take that all year long. So our biggest dilemma now is the fencing!! Our cows and donkeys are at the neighbors. they just walk back and forth. We get them home, fix the area and next thing we know they are gone again. So frustrating. But we will get it fixed to hold them in..because there is much more pressing and exciting news!!My daughter and her family bought a beautiful modular home and are moving out here! What seemed liked a dream is now in progress.
With that, Im also making plans to down size our farming style. Working toward making it more manageable and enjoyable. However I still want to make a few bucks from our labor..so its in thought process. I watched some of the Homesteading sumits and enjoyed the frankness of the talks. These are not youtube glorfied homesteaders, they are hard working, making a life of it homesteaders. If you haven't seen them..look up Family Homsteaders to get you started. Josh and Caroyln are easy to listen to and wise in their field.
As the month ends the super hot spell, we still are pretty toasty for it being nearly October. 95 today. But we got rain and with rain and warm weather we have green!! Ill take that all year long. So our biggest dilemma now is the fencing!! Our cows and donkeys are at the neighbors. they just walk back and forth. We get them home, fix the area and next thing we know they are gone again. So frustrating. But we will get it fixed to hold them in..because there is much more pressing and exciting news!!My daughter and her family bought a beautiful modular home and are moving out here! What seemed liked a dream is now in progress.
With that, Im also making plans to down size our farming style. Working toward making it more manageable and enjoyable. However I still want to make a few bucks from our labor..so its in thought process. I watched some of the Homesteading sumits and enjoyed the frankness of the talks. These are not youtube glorfied homesteaders, they are hard working, making a life of it homesteaders. If you haven't seen them..look up Family Homsteaders to get you started. Josh and Caroyln are easy to listen to and wise in their field.
September 16, 2023
Penny and Annie are home..they are so adorable!! Penny really loves Sadie!! ( Our LGD)
Penny and Annie are home..they are so adorable!! Penny really loves Sadie!! ( Our LGD)
September 15 2023
We have had Lexie on pen rest for nearly 2 weeks. I noticed she was dragging her back left leg a bit. Then Mr Moonie, our large steer, mounted her and her back legs faltered. She didn't fall but she barely held on. Lexie is climbing in years and I felt she wasn't holding on to weight as the others were. She wasn't necessarily thin but not as robust as the others. She also has a bull calf (shown in picture from this spring) who is way old enough to ween. So we led Lexie into a penned area to rest, get some extra groceries and ween the calf. The back end strength seemed to worsen over the next few days and our vet suggested Meloxicam in case Mr Moonie pinched a nerve. Today, Lexie is doing much better. She needs confinement a bit longer as she still is not 100% and we don't want a set back. We definitely want the Bull calf to be completely weened. Hopefully she will be in full swing soon.
We have had Lexie on pen rest for nearly 2 weeks. I noticed she was dragging her back left leg a bit. Then Mr Moonie, our large steer, mounted her and her back legs faltered. She didn't fall but she barely held on. Lexie is climbing in years and I felt she wasn't holding on to weight as the others were. She wasn't necessarily thin but not as robust as the others. She also has a bull calf (shown in picture from this spring) who is way old enough to ween. So we led Lexie into a penned area to rest, get some extra groceries and ween the calf. The back end strength seemed to worsen over the next few days and our vet suggested Meloxicam in case Mr Moonie pinched a nerve. Today, Lexie is doing much better. She needs confinement a bit longer as she still is not 100% and we don't want a set back. We definitely want the Bull calf to be completely weened. Hopefully she will be in full swing soon.
September 11, 2023
It's much cooler. Not cold..but better. between low 80's and mid 90's this week. I cant live with that!! Friday I am suppose to get the Kunes. I think the lower temps will help with their stress being decreased fro the move.
It's much cooler. Not cold..but better. between low 80's and mid 90's this week. I cant live with that!! Friday I am suppose to get the Kunes. I think the lower temps will help with their stress being decreased fro the move.
September 8 2023
Farm life is real. It's not like some see on youtube that show all the good, fun and enjoyable side of things. Just as life on the farm is real so is death. And today we experienced death. Norma wasn't up last night. Her calf was bellowing for her. Our donkeys got out to the neighbors field and I thought maybe Norma followed them. I told my son if she isn't up to eat in the morning we will go get her. It was getting too dark to go looking last night. At feeding time Kenneth found Norma. She was dead. We. have no idea what killed her. She was healthy, alive and active yesterday at morning feed. I think maybe bloat after recent rain but there is no way to know for sure. Thankfully her calf is old enough to ween but it breaks my heart to loose her. Norma was raised in the back yard with our dogs to prevent early breeding. So she was attached to Sadie our LGD. So much so Sadie watched over her while she calved and Norma happy she was there for her...She was a financial loss but also a sad heart loss. Sometimes this life can be too hard.
Farm life is real. It's not like some see on youtube that show all the good, fun and enjoyable side of things. Just as life on the farm is real so is death. And today we experienced death. Norma wasn't up last night. Her calf was bellowing for her. Our donkeys got out to the neighbors field and I thought maybe Norma followed them. I told my son if she isn't up to eat in the morning we will go get her. It was getting too dark to go looking last night. At feeding time Kenneth found Norma. She was dead. We. have no idea what killed her. She was healthy, alive and active yesterday at morning feed. I think maybe bloat after recent rain but there is no way to know for sure. Thankfully her calf is old enough to ween but it breaks my heart to loose her. Norma was raised in the back yard with our dogs to prevent early breeding. So she was attached to Sadie our LGD. So much so Sadie watched over her while she calved and Norma happy she was there for her...She was a financial loss but also a sad heart loss. Sometimes this life can be too hard.
September 7 2023
Boy Texas decided to kick up the heat for hopefully her last Summer Sizzle!! 108 today, 110 tomorrow!! BUT forecast say next week will be 85!!! I can do 85 LOL. Next Friday if all goes well we will bring home two new farm members!! For my birthday I received 2 baby Kune Kune ladies and they are now weened and ready to come home but we wanted to wait until this heat blast passes.. make the transition easier for them.
Boy Texas decided to kick up the heat for hopefully her last Summer Sizzle!! 108 today, 110 tomorrow!! BUT forecast say next week will be 85!!! I can do 85 LOL. Next Friday if all goes well we will bring home two new farm members!! For my birthday I received 2 baby Kune Kune ladies and they are now weened and ready to come home but we wanted to wait until this heat blast passes.. make the transition easier for them.
September 2 2023
Bull calf left today . We put Lexie in a pen with hay and feed. Not sure whats wrong but she's weak in her back legs. We will be deworming everyone this week. but feel her bull calf is pulling her down..hes a pretty big guy. Fingers crossed we got on top of it fast enough.
Bull calf left today . We put Lexie in a pen with hay and feed. Not sure whats wrong but she's weak in her back legs. We will be deworming everyone this week. but feel her bull calf is pulling her down..hes a pretty big guy. Fingers crossed we got on top of it fast enough.
September 1 2023
Today was an amazing day!! My granddaughter was born!! 10 pounds 4 oz!! 21 inches long. We welcome Aurora Victoria Rose
Today was an amazing day!! My granddaughter was born!! 10 pounds 4 oz!! 21 inches long. We welcome Aurora Victoria Rose
August 26 2023
Well, Eve went to her new home today. I have said this many times when selling animals, " I meet the nicest people" Eve drove home in the back of a SUV with two of the kindest people and thier 2 wonderful kids. Their daughter was super great with Eve, haltered her up and got her calm. and Sadie took in their son right off the bat LOL Now this is a calf who is less them tamed!! I just know within a week that calf will be like a puppy in her new home!!
Well, Eve went to her new home today. I have said this many times when selling animals, " I meet the nicest people" Eve drove home in the back of a SUV with two of the kindest people and thier 2 wonderful kids. Their daughter was super great with Eve, haltered her up and got her calm. and Sadie took in their son right off the bat LOL Now this is a calf who is less them tamed!! I just know within a week that calf will be like a puppy in her new home!!
August 17 2023
We had a short break from the triple digits..well, barley a break..we got down to 97 lol. but better than 112. But today its back..with a prediction of 111 today and through most the week...we are still scorching. We had a scare Monday with a field fire next door. Thankfully the fire department was quick and got it out before long. The wind was pushing it quickly , but away from us, so Im thankful for that. No structures or life was lost. Seeing that blaze so close to home gets the brain working. What would we do if it came toward us? Open gates so livestock and birds can flea. Load our few goats and the dogs. Then I wonder about the house..the memories and accumulated junk we love...Makes us wonder what is important. Maui is now facing that very nightmare. I don't even want to imagine their heart break.
We had a short break from the triple digits..well, barley a break..we got down to 97 lol. but better than 112. But today its back..with a prediction of 111 today and through most the week...we are still scorching. We had a scare Monday with a field fire next door. Thankfully the fire department was quick and got it out before long. The wind was pushing it quickly , but away from us, so Im thankful for that. No structures or life was lost. Seeing that blaze so close to home gets the brain working. What would we do if it came toward us? Open gates so livestock and birds can flea. Load our few goats and the dogs. Then I wonder about the house..the memories and accumulated junk we love...Makes us wonder what is important. Maui is now facing that very nightmare. I don't even want to imagine their heart break.
August 8 2023
Its amazing to see the animals so resilient to this heat wave!. up to 11* and above and they are all doing so well. A few of the older cows seems to have lost a bit of weight, but its not a scary amount. But all t his heat has all but burned up the grasses. With no rain we will have to start feeding hay before long. Right now we think some alfalfa cubes might prolong that need. We are weening the goats off feed to only alfalfa pellets since they are all in very good flesh and no one is bred or nursing any longer. They have hay of course. At least one of the Turkey hens are laying again. hard to tell which one or if its both but I wish them better luck this time. We will take all but one poult if they hatch any. raise them in a safe place until big enough to go at it alone. Geese have not started laying again after the first nest with no results. Im not sad about that lol. Im not ready fro more geese.
We ended up taking the bull to process. He was barely old/big enough but he was getting too too old to stay and had not sold, so..off he went. I am excited to see how much he weight against what % meat we got. Dexter tend to give a good yield. Im back and forth on getting Kunes. I WANT kunes but do we need to take on more right now? Is it better to find feeder pigs for now than get into raising our own? I think since I have not pushed getting Kunes I know the best route already..just need to convince my heart its ok to wait. With feed costs on the constant rise...I need to be smart about it.
Its amazing to see the animals so resilient to this heat wave!. up to 11* and above and they are all doing so well. A few of the older cows seems to have lost a bit of weight, but its not a scary amount. But all t his heat has all but burned up the grasses. With no rain we will have to start feeding hay before long. Right now we think some alfalfa cubes might prolong that need. We are weening the goats off feed to only alfalfa pellets since they are all in very good flesh and no one is bred or nursing any longer. They have hay of course. At least one of the Turkey hens are laying again. hard to tell which one or if its both but I wish them better luck this time. We will take all but one poult if they hatch any. raise them in a safe place until big enough to go at it alone. Geese have not started laying again after the first nest with no results. Im not sad about that lol. Im not ready fro more geese.
We ended up taking the bull to process. He was barely old/big enough but he was getting too too old to stay and had not sold, so..off he went. I am excited to see how much he weight against what % meat we got. Dexter tend to give a good yield. Im back and forth on getting Kunes. I WANT kunes but do we need to take on more right now? Is it better to find feeder pigs for now than get into raising our own? I think since I have not pushed getting Kunes I know the best route already..just need to convince my heart its ok to wait. With feed costs on the constant rise...I need to be smart about it.
August 2 2023
Im so excited for my son Kenneth! He's started his own resell business of fine glassware and rare and unique finds!! You can see what he's got at https://country-versatile.square.site/
Im so excited for my son Kenneth! He's started his own resell business of fine glassware and rare and unique finds!! You can see what he's got at https://country-versatile.square.site/
July 26 2023
We are finally able to clean up some of the fallen tree limbs!! And its looking so. much nicer in the goat pen. My Son in law and family came over and helped us cut, move and stack...just a few more areas to go and this pen area is done!! Of course there are plenty of deal limbs all around..but at least the goat area will be done..then we move on to tackle other areas. We are very grateful for the help!!
We are finally able to clean up some of the fallen tree limbs!! And its looking so. much nicer in the goat pen. My Son in law and family came over and helped us cut, move and stack...just a few more areas to go and this pen area is done!! Of course there are plenty of deal limbs all around..but at least the goat area will be done..then we move on to tackle other areas. We are very grateful for the help!!
July 20 2023
Bye Bye Face book. Hacked one too many times, plus I really just want to unplug a bit ... while I panicked a bit at first...I feel better pushing that delete button!! I will be focusing on this web sight and my life!! : )
Bye Bye Face book. Hacked one too many times, plus I really just want to unplug a bit ... while I panicked a bit at first...I feel better pushing that delete button!! I will be focusing on this web sight and my life!! : )
July 18 2023
Are you staying cool? We are having 111+ temps!! The animals seem to be doing ok. Im changing and filling water every few hours! But I am so grateful its not humid on top of high temps LOL...I can handle the dry heat so much easier than humidity.
We will be lucky to have a few herbs survive and HOPEFULLY my Elderberries will survive the heat and grasshoppers. UGH. They are down to a stem! But we will push on..push forward..regroup and start again..again. 😳
Are you staying cool? We are having 111+ temps!! The animals seem to be doing ok. Im changing and filling water every few hours! But I am so grateful its not humid on top of high temps LOL...I can handle the dry heat so much easier than humidity.
We will be lucky to have a few herbs survive and HOPEFULLY my Elderberries will survive the heat and grasshoppers. UGH. They are down to a stem! But we will push on..push forward..regroup and start again..again. 😳
June 11 2023
Well Joseph is now a married man. Im so happy for him. He found a beautiful and sweet forever friend to share his life with. We welcome Rachel with open arms.
Kenneth survived horse camp and managed NOT to bring home covid this time LOL. Started his new Vet job and loves it and we got both concrete projects done. They were not big projects..just a step off the back porch for safety and under the pasture gate to keep the dogs from digging...we hope LOL. Still have some limbs to cut. We aren't doing a whole lot during this heat wave but a little at a time we are making some progress . (Conner is so cute using the push mower, had him take that home LOL) Happy Summer all!!
Well Joseph is now a married man. Im so happy for him. He found a beautiful and sweet forever friend to share his life with. We welcome Rachel with open arms.
Kenneth survived horse camp and managed NOT to bring home covid this time LOL. Started his new Vet job and loves it and we got both concrete projects done. They were not big projects..just a step off the back porch for safety and under the pasture gate to keep the dogs from digging...we hope LOL. Still have some limbs to cut. We aren't doing a whole lot during this heat wave but a little at a time we are making some progress . (Conner is so cute using the push mower, had him take that home LOL) Happy Summer all!!
July 8 2023
Such a busy time of year. With a birthday, horse camp for Kenneth, Then him starting a new job! a wedding for Joseph, Trees falling and needing to be cut down, concrete projects , a new chicken coop in the planning, on top of keeping the animals cool in this heat...Life isn't missing a beat. This is real life...Sad about our trees falling. They have been the source of fun and shade for many years..but they are dangerous now. We seem to loose a limb each time we have heavy wind and rain. We will keep parts we can and maybe adapt them for safe play for the goats,
Such a busy time of year. With a birthday, horse camp for Kenneth, Then him starting a new job! a wedding for Joseph, Trees falling and needing to be cut down, concrete projects , a new chicken coop in the planning, on top of keeping the animals cool in this heat...Life isn't missing a beat. This is real life...Sad about our trees falling. They have been the source of fun and shade for many years..but they are dangerous now. We seem to loose a limb each time we have heavy wind and rain. We will keep parts we can and maybe adapt them for safe play for the goats,
June 29-23
Sure hope you all are staying cool in this summer blast of heat. Water freshening every few hours! But I don't complain. It's a short stint in the scheme of a year. Grasshoppers on the other hand!! UGH. I have elderberry bushes which they are feasting on! UGH. But the animals are all handling the heat pretty well...better than me LOL...Stay cool my friends!!
Sure hope you all are staying cool in this summer blast of heat. Water freshening every few hours! But I don't complain. It's a short stint in the scheme of a year. Grasshoppers on the other hand!! UGH. I have elderberry bushes which they are feasting on! UGH. But the animals are all handling the heat pretty well...better than me LOL...Stay cool my friends!!
June 17 2023
You know how it is.. You get one dog,,then another and another..and before you know it we have as many dogs as we had kids. The hard part about that is that they all grow old at the same time. Over the last few years we have lost Ginger, Dixie, Peggie Sue, Heidee, Timothy, Sybil and today we lost Sweet Maggie. These pups are all in their late teens, except Sybil, and Maggie has been showing signs of decline for a while now. But the last three days she has been in very sad shape. Rest well Maggie.
You know how it is.. You get one dog,,then another and another..and before you know it we have as many dogs as we had kids. The hard part about that is that they all grow old at the same time. Over the last few years we have lost Ginger, Dixie, Peggie Sue, Heidee, Timothy, Sybil and today we lost Sweet Maggie. These pups are all in their late teens, except Sybil, and Maggie has been showing signs of decline for a while now. But the last three days she has been in very sad shape. Rest well Maggie.
June 16 2023
Boy oh boy its been hot. Well mostly humid which makes the temps feel hotter. Grass is growing faster than we can cut it. Love the wet spring!! We need it.
Hubs had his 3 month blood check up and we got good news...his PSA dropped to 2.5 which is amazing! Means treatment is working to push back the cancer...we will take that! Living each day as well as we can!!
Boy oh boy its been hot. Well mostly humid which makes the temps feel hotter. Grass is growing faster than we can cut it. Love the wet spring!! We need it.
Hubs had his 3 month blood check up and we got good news...his PSA dropped to 2.5 which is amazing! Means treatment is working to push back the cancer...we will take that! Living each day as well as we can!!
June 9 2023
These handsome boys have gone to their new homes. It's so exciting to know they are in wonderful homes. Only two kids left to find new homes once weened. See them on the sale page.
These handsome boys have gone to their new homes. It's so exciting to know they are in wonderful homes. Only two kids left to find new homes once weened. See them on the sale page.
June 6 2023
Life on the farm has been so quiet lately. I realize we are in a new chapter. A moment in our journey , a place we must visit. But I don't want to stay here long!! While the work load is light, and things slow paced, I miss the noise!. I trimmed hooves today. And it took only minutes! Im trying to appreciate the pause, but it makes me long for the old. I want to be excited for what God has planned next and so, I take the deep breath offered..and wait.
Life on the farm has been so quiet lately. I realize we are in a new chapter. A moment in our journey , a place we must visit. But I don't want to stay here long!! While the work load is light, and things slow paced, I miss the noise!. I trimmed hooves today. And it took only minutes! Im trying to appreciate the pause, but it makes me long for the old. I want to be excited for what God has planned next and so, I take the deep breath offered..and wait.
June 2 2023
Well today we sent our last Kune pig to process. Was hard to do. I felt like we owed him a long happy life after almost killing him. But I have to realize stuff happens and we live with that forever, but life here must go on and a single pig is no happy life. We also need to know if we like the meat in order to decide to get more. ( after we have a better set up of course).
Spring is quickly turning into summer weather. Upper 80s to 90s are sneaking in between good rain falls. We desperately need the water. Two of our does seems dragged down and slightly pale lids so we have been doing extra deworming protocols to boost them up, other wise everyone is doing well. Promised calved a bull calf so that makes 4 new calves, 2 bulls and 2 heifers. We will be sell off the young ones so if you are looking..... 😊
Well today we sent our last Kune pig to process. Was hard to do. I felt like we owed him a long happy life after almost killing him. But I have to realize stuff happens and we live with that forever, but life here must go on and a single pig is no happy life. We also need to know if we like the meat in order to decide to get more. ( after we have a better set up of course).
Spring is quickly turning into summer weather. Upper 80s to 90s are sneaking in between good rain falls. We desperately need the water. Two of our does seems dragged down and slightly pale lids so we have been doing extra deworming protocols to boost them up, other wise everyone is doing well. Promised calved a bull calf so that makes 4 new calves, 2 bulls and 2 heifers. We will be sell off the young ones so if you are looking..... 😊
May 18 2023
Yesterday we had a horrific accident happen here. Heart breaking and so sad. We opened a new area for our kunes to graze. The gate between their pen and the new area was propped open so they could come and go as needed. Sadly, they some how got that gate closed and locked themselves out of the area with water and shade. Kenneth just did water check at about 2:30 and all was well. He went to check on things about 4 ish and four of the 5 were already dead. Little brother was standing but weak, panting and drunk like, We began hosing him down and cooling him off until he was able to move and got him into shade. It was touch and go for him but he pulled through and today is good. a little sunburned but fine. My heart aches for what they must have gone through in that short window of time. All the " should have's" wont bring them back. Im not sure my heart can stand trying again, but if we do, we will have safe guards in place so this wont ever happen again. RIP Greyson, Kiki, Coco and big Brother.
Yesterday we had a horrific accident happen here. Heart breaking and so sad. We opened a new area for our kunes to graze. The gate between their pen and the new area was propped open so they could come and go as needed. Sadly, they some how got that gate closed and locked themselves out of the area with water and shade. Kenneth just did water check at about 2:30 and all was well. He went to check on things about 4 ish and four of the 5 were already dead. Little brother was standing but weak, panting and drunk like, We began hosing him down and cooling him off until he was able to move and got him into shade. It was touch and go for him but he pulled through and today is good. a little sunburned but fine. My heart aches for what they must have gone through in that short window of time. All the " should have's" wont bring them back. Im not sure my heart can stand trying again, but if we do, we will have safe guards in place so this wont ever happen again. RIP Greyson, Kiki, Coco and big Brother.
May 9 2023
Im starting to wonder if my Kunes are even bred! I think I got them all too fat in fear I was starving them LOL. Now that they have more pasture we cut their feed down in half. They already look better. I read its easy to over feed them but WOW. Poor guys. We will work on their waist line and see what happens. They are sweet animals though.
We have 4 Bucks, 3 of which are ready for new homes...Spread the word..all three are disbudded, blue eyes...check out the sale page for full info.
Eleanor and her daughter are sharing a nest. They had five eggs and now only 2..Got to figure out whats getting them. I may have to move them to a safer location. Turkey hen hatched 3 chicks and lost them all. Next time we will steal them. We have a few sets of Chicks running around with mommy hens..we are just letting them raise them. Garden IS NOT in...ugh..seems this weather is pushing plans back. But no real complaints here, we need the rain! All in all things are slowly falling into place. Happy Spring
Im starting to wonder if my Kunes are even bred! I think I got them all too fat in fear I was starving them LOL. Now that they have more pasture we cut their feed down in half. They already look better. I read its easy to over feed them but WOW. Poor guys. We will work on their waist line and see what happens. They are sweet animals though.
We have 4 Bucks, 3 of which are ready for new homes...Spread the word..all three are disbudded, blue eyes...check out the sale page for full info.
Eleanor and her daughter are sharing a nest. They had five eggs and now only 2..Got to figure out whats getting them. I may have to move them to a safer location. Turkey hen hatched 3 chicks and lost them all. Next time we will steal them. We have a few sets of Chicks running around with mommy hens..we are just letting them raise them. Garden IS NOT in...ugh..seems this weather is pushing plans back. But no real complaints here, we need the rain! All in all things are slowly falling into place. Happy Spring
May 2 2023
Wow..its May!! We have baby goats, baby cows and chicks hatching...both chicken and geese. This time of year things get to be quite busy, with mowing, gardening, cleaning, rebuilding or fixing sheds. I spent some down time fixing freezer meals and canned some meat so when we do get too busy I don't have to worry about forgetting to set things out for meals!!
Hubs and 2 of my boys went to Guatemala for 2 weeks. What a blessing that was for my husband to go home and see family he left behind over 44 years ago. He had a wonderful time and was able to keep up pretty well. Im thankful my boys were able to go with him and make memories and take care of him.
Picture: Back row are two of my boys..front row is Hubs with his parents. What a beautiful picture!!
Wow..its May!! We have baby goats, baby cows and chicks hatching...both chicken and geese. This time of year things get to be quite busy, with mowing, gardening, cleaning, rebuilding or fixing sheds. I spent some down time fixing freezer meals and canned some meat so when we do get too busy I don't have to worry about forgetting to set things out for meals!!
Hubs and 2 of my boys went to Guatemala for 2 weeks. What a blessing that was for my husband to go home and see family he left behind over 44 years ago. He had a wonderful time and was able to keep up pretty well. Im thankful my boys were able to go with him and make memories and take care of him.
Picture: Back row are two of my boys..front row is Hubs with his parents. What a beautiful picture!!
April 22 2023
Daisy Loraine had a beautiful little girl on Thursday! We named her Eve.
Buttercups kids are doing fantastic. Everyone seems pretty happy and healthy. Im good with that!!
Hubs and my boys have been out of the country for almost 2 weeks. I have been taking care of things here. Feeding and caring for the animals. I have also been busy Canning, doing freezer meals and making soap! It's been an adventure!!
Daisy Loraine had a beautiful little girl on Thursday! We named her Eve.
Buttercups kids are doing fantastic. Everyone seems pretty happy and healthy. Im good with that!!
Hubs and my boys have been out of the country for almost 2 weeks. I have been taking care of things here. Feeding and caring for the animals. I have also been busy Canning, doing freezer meals and making soap! It's been an adventure!!
April 18 2023
First time mama, Buttercup finally kidded!! I was starting to wonder if she just faking it LOL. We got a buck and a doe..Mom did great and kids are happy and strong!! Good job Buttercup...
First time mama, Buttercup finally kidded!! I was starting to wonder if she just faking it LOL. We got a buck and a doe..Mom did great and kids are happy and strong!! Good job Buttercup...
April 11, 2023
Norma had a calf. A calf we didn't know she was going to have. You see, we had Norma running in our back yard away from her dad until he went to the butcher. We did not want to risk her being bred by him!! And then a few days ago, Sadie would not stay home..she kept taking off toward the back 40. Normally I wouldn't care but she has been running a few properties past ours to a creek. So when she did not listen to me I was angry! I grabbed her leash and headed after her fully bent on whopping her one!! ( no worries, I dont hit my animals..but this time sure felt like it!) I get up over the hill and see her still on our property. hanging with Norma. When Norma was in our back yard she nad Sadie built a strong bond. I have seen them play and I have seen Norma bathe Sadie...it was sweet. But I figured several months of her being with her herd would have broken that bond some...but there Sadie was..keeping watch over Norma while she calved!! My anger quickly faded and I was so proud of her. But I was also ashamed we didn't know Norma was bred!! we did everything we could to prevent that!! but here she is..Both mom and Baby ( looks like maybe a girl) Healthy and happy. Good Girl both of you!!
Norma had a calf. A calf we didn't know she was going to have. You see, we had Norma running in our back yard away from her dad until he went to the butcher. We did not want to risk her being bred by him!! And then a few days ago, Sadie would not stay home..she kept taking off toward the back 40. Normally I wouldn't care but she has been running a few properties past ours to a creek. So when she did not listen to me I was angry! I grabbed her leash and headed after her fully bent on whopping her one!! ( no worries, I dont hit my animals..but this time sure felt like it!) I get up over the hill and see her still on our property. hanging with Norma. When Norma was in our back yard she nad Sadie built a strong bond. I have seen them play and I have seen Norma bathe Sadie...it was sweet. But I figured several months of her being with her herd would have broken that bond some...but there Sadie was..keeping watch over Norma while she calved!! My anger quickly faded and I was so proud of her. But I was also ashamed we didn't know Norma was bred!! we did everything we could to prevent that!! but here she is..Both mom and Baby ( looks like maybe a girl) Healthy and happy. Good Girl both of you!!
April 1 2023
Even before we ever moved out in the country I did a lot of my own baking from scratch. Baked goods and bread did not come from a box or package. Chicken nuggets were Cut, dipped, breaded and baked not from frozen. I always enjoyed cooking this way. As my kids got older, they were all taught how to cook. Make bread, biscuits and quick bread, simple meals. Each of them had a bread day where it was their turn to make bread. Most times it was a nice loaf of bread for a yummy PB and J. but sometimes they chose to make a banana bread or zucchini loaf or tortillas. My youngest loves difficult and time consuming recipes like Croissants LOL. Most the kids are grown and gone and I hope they are baking from scratch in their homes. I know I am still baking from scratch cause it just taste better and its a great feeling to take a bite of a fresh warm slice of bread smothered in butter!!
Even before we ever moved out in the country I did a lot of my own baking from scratch. Baked goods and bread did not come from a box or package. Chicken nuggets were Cut, dipped, breaded and baked not from frozen. I always enjoyed cooking this way. As my kids got older, they were all taught how to cook. Make bread, biscuits and quick bread, simple meals. Each of them had a bread day where it was their turn to make bread. Most times it was a nice loaf of bread for a yummy PB and J. but sometimes they chose to make a banana bread or zucchini loaf or tortillas. My youngest loves difficult and time consuming recipes like Croissants LOL. Most the kids are grown and gone and I hope they are baking from scratch in their homes. I know I am still baking from scratch cause it just taste better and its a great feeling to take a bite of a fresh warm slice of bread smothered in butter!!
March 30, 2023
March is all but over. Days light time is getting longer , chickens and ducks are laying like crazy, new leaves and grass are popping up all over. I love this time of year. Not too hot and not too cold, usually lol. Today is cool, gloomy and the air is heavy with rain to come. Spring brings more work on the farm. Time to plant the garden, do check ups on all the equipment like the lawn mower and weed eaters. Time to clean up the winter clutter. Things that didn't make it back where it belonged because it was too cold or too wet to venture out. Clean up of branches that fell under the weight of the cold and ice. This time of year opens the possibilities of a fresh look, a fresh purpose. I sure don't want to waste that. Over the years I have learned a lot about homesteading but I have not learned everything! This year I learned a new skill which Im loving. Im canning! My daughter showed me I wont blow up the house lol. I have canned black beans, pinto beans, and green beans and Bone Broth. I will be canning meat and asparagus, and so much more. Its not hard and it feels so good to fill the shelves with food we raised, grown, or even purchased then preserved. I have made Ghee. If you don't know what that is, its clarified butter. basically you render butter to a purer form making it shelf stable, rich and nutty in flavor. It's wonderful on toast or biscuits but also to cook with since it has a higher smoke point! I used Kerrigold salted butter but you can use any good quality butter, even your own farm fresh butter. Im beginning to preserve eggs by water glassing ( a quick google will show you how) and Im dehydrating fruits, berries, veggies and soon, greens to powder up for smoothies! And at the end of the day, i sit with coffee or iced tea on my back porch and watch the goat babies jump , run and play. And get a huge giggle when Emmy decided to join them!! ( large Sr, Saanen Doe) There is a peace this brings, that is hard to explain,..just got to experience it. Happy Spring my friends.
March is all but over. Days light time is getting longer , chickens and ducks are laying like crazy, new leaves and grass are popping up all over. I love this time of year. Not too hot and not too cold, usually lol. Today is cool, gloomy and the air is heavy with rain to come. Spring brings more work on the farm. Time to plant the garden, do check ups on all the equipment like the lawn mower and weed eaters. Time to clean up the winter clutter. Things that didn't make it back where it belonged because it was too cold or too wet to venture out. Clean up of branches that fell under the weight of the cold and ice. This time of year opens the possibilities of a fresh look, a fresh purpose. I sure don't want to waste that. Over the years I have learned a lot about homesteading but I have not learned everything! This year I learned a new skill which Im loving. Im canning! My daughter showed me I wont blow up the house lol. I have canned black beans, pinto beans, and green beans and Bone Broth. I will be canning meat and asparagus, and so much more. Its not hard and it feels so good to fill the shelves with food we raised, grown, or even purchased then preserved. I have made Ghee. If you don't know what that is, its clarified butter. basically you render butter to a purer form making it shelf stable, rich and nutty in flavor. It's wonderful on toast or biscuits but also to cook with since it has a higher smoke point! I used Kerrigold salted butter but you can use any good quality butter, even your own farm fresh butter. Im beginning to preserve eggs by water glassing ( a quick google will show you how) and Im dehydrating fruits, berries, veggies and soon, greens to powder up for smoothies! And at the end of the day, i sit with coffee or iced tea on my back porch and watch the goat babies jump , run and play. And get a huge giggle when Emmy decided to join them!! ( large Sr, Saanen Doe) There is a peace this brings, that is hard to explain,..just got to experience it. Happy Spring my friends.
March 19, 2023
Sadie was so excited over the colder mornings!! She has been zooming around the property, bouncing and twisting..like a pup trying to catch her tail!. I went to the barn to let her back in from the back pasture as Isabella ( my sons dogs) was not happy she was out there ( mostly because she herself couldn't get out there to get in trouble together lol) So I opened the gate and Sadie came bouncing in the yard and Isabella crouched in wait. A game they like to play...(you can't see me lol) Sadie zoomed passed Isabella and Isabella dashed after her....both jumping and bouncing on the other. Sadie ran all the way to the front fencing only to turn on her heel and head back toward the barn, full blast...Isabella fast on her heels...I laughed at there antics and heading to the house...my back to their mayhem. All of a sudden i hear them...fast approaching and Sadie could not stop in time and I did not move in time...YUP Sadie hit me from behind and up I went LOL. And down again. She hit my legs out from under me and there was no helping that LOL. After I hit the ground both dogs were all over me...neither knew what to do. If it wasn't so comical I would have ripped both dogs bald!! But I wasn't hurt (well maybe my pride, a little lol) But Sadie..poor girl did not know what to do. It was pretty sweet how she hovered over me, Stood by while I got up ( you know that was not graceful LOL) Then she walked at my side back to the house. Pretty much glued to me. Moral of the story, dont turn your back on zooming dogs! especially one Sadies size!!!
Sadie was so excited over the colder mornings!! She has been zooming around the property, bouncing and twisting..like a pup trying to catch her tail!. I went to the barn to let her back in from the back pasture as Isabella ( my sons dogs) was not happy she was out there ( mostly because she herself couldn't get out there to get in trouble together lol) So I opened the gate and Sadie came bouncing in the yard and Isabella crouched in wait. A game they like to play...(you can't see me lol) Sadie zoomed passed Isabella and Isabella dashed after her....both jumping and bouncing on the other. Sadie ran all the way to the front fencing only to turn on her heel and head back toward the barn, full blast...Isabella fast on her heels...I laughed at there antics and heading to the house...my back to their mayhem. All of a sudden i hear them...fast approaching and Sadie could not stop in time and I did not move in time...YUP Sadie hit me from behind and up I went LOL. And down again. She hit my legs out from under me and there was no helping that LOL. After I hit the ground both dogs were all over me...neither knew what to do. If it wasn't so comical I would have ripped both dogs bald!! But I wasn't hurt (well maybe my pride, a little lol) But Sadie..poor girl did not know what to do. It was pretty sweet how she hovered over me, Stood by while I got up ( you know that was not graceful LOL) Then she walked at my side back to the house. Pretty much glued to me. Moral of the story, dont turn your back on zooming dogs! especially one Sadies size!!!
March 14 2023
We have had quite a month already. Gemma went into labor but could not deliver. Rushed for a C section the vet delivered a single very large doe. sadly she did not. make it but Gemma is recovering well. Lexi calved yesterday a healthy Bull calf. Im so happy for her. If you remember, last year this time she calved a dead calf and we purchased Mr Mooney to graft on her but she got mastitis and a uterus infection..she had it rough. Now we keep a close eye on her udder to make sure it's healthy. A few of my kids came over this past week end and did more work on the goat fencing! ALMOST DONE!
Elmer is doing pretty well. His PSA ( prostate cancer markers) are down from over 900 to a 4!! YUP that is awesome. We are now waiting results from his bone scan. He get tired alot but he is trying hard to get back some of what Cancer stole from him.
We have had quite a month already. Gemma went into labor but could not deliver. Rushed for a C section the vet delivered a single very large doe. sadly she did not. make it but Gemma is recovering well. Lexi calved yesterday a healthy Bull calf. Im so happy for her. If you remember, last year this time she calved a dead calf and we purchased Mr Mooney to graft on her but she got mastitis and a uterus infection..she had it rough. Now we keep a close eye on her udder to make sure it's healthy. A few of my kids came over this past week end and did more work on the goat fencing! ALMOST DONE!
Elmer is doing pretty well. His PSA ( prostate cancer markers) are down from over 900 to a 4!! YUP that is awesome. We are now waiting results from his bone scan. He get tired alot but he is trying hard to get back some of what Cancer stole from him.
February 24 2023
Harper kidded triplets on the 22!! All went well and all three kids are thriving. 2 Bucks and 1 doe..all beautiful. On the piggie side of things, our boar Greyson is very interested in the girls. We will be placing kids on the Sale page to be sold at weening. We would have thought he already settled them but maybe the first month they were together we missed that mark. So we are counting down! Late May to early June if all went well.
Harper kidded triplets on the 22!! All went well and all three kids are thriving. 2 Bucks and 1 doe..all beautiful. On the piggie side of things, our boar Greyson is very interested in the girls. We will be placing kids on the Sale page to be sold at weening. We would have thought he already settled them but maybe the first month they were together we missed that mark. So we are counting down! Late May to early June if all went well.
February 21 2023
Holly had triplet bucks...she had a rough delivery. All three came with no legs presented and head pulled back! Took me hours to get them delivered. First kid was long dead. The second one died in delivery. The last little one I was sure would also be dead as his head was pulled back and I couldn't get his head forward or flip him...Holly was exhausted so I chose her over the kid and delivered him knowing pulling him this way would surly kill him. BUT IT DIDNT!! Got his front half out and heard a little cough..got him out and hung him upside down and patted his side and he coughed some more then had a weak little cry. Holly immediately perked up and started talking to him. She was so tired but cleaned him and nuzzled him. Thank you God for sparing one for her. He is a miracle delivery! Meet Thaddeus, meaning Miraculous. Im too old for this!!
Holly had triplet bucks...she had a rough delivery. All three came with no legs presented and head pulled back! Took me hours to get them delivered. First kid was long dead. The second one died in delivery. The last little one I was sure would also be dead as his head was pulled back and I couldn't get his head forward or flip him...Holly was exhausted so I chose her over the kid and delivered him knowing pulling him this way would surly kill him. BUT IT DIDNT!! Got his front half out and heard a little cough..got him out and hung him upside down and patted his side and he coughed some more then had a weak little cry. Holly immediately perked up and started talking to him. She was so tired but cleaned him and nuzzled him. Thank you God for sparing one for her. He is a miracle delivery! Meet Thaddeus, meaning Miraculous. Im too old for this!!
February 13 2022
A few more rear view pictures lol. Looks like Gemma ( brown bum) is building her udder, and by the size of it, she has a ways to go as does Buttercup ( white bum). But Both Harper and Holly are close....I still didn't get a good pic of Holly..why oh why do I keep missing hers LOL.
A few more rear view pictures lol. Looks like Gemma ( brown bum) is building her udder, and by the size of it, she has a ways to go as does Buttercup ( white bum). But Both Harper and Holly are close....I still didn't get a good pic of Holly..why oh why do I keep missing hers LOL.
February 8 2023
Girls are gaining weight and building udders. Wont be long now. No matter how many kidding season we do here,Im always a nervous wreck!! Just look at this FF udder Harper is making!!Shes so sassy LOL
Girls are gaining weight and building udders. Wont be long now. No matter how many kidding season we do here,Im always a nervous wreck!! Just look at this FF udder Harper is making!!Shes so sassy LOL
January 28 2023
Piggies are so happy in their new space. A few of the goats are flaunting their growing udder for spring babies. Temperatures have been so nice and now back to freezing LOL. Seems like no matter what you are going through or dealing with, life and weather keep doing their thing.
My daughter and her family fly back home next week and the house once again will be strangely quiet. A toddler has a way of filling a home with plenty of joyful noise. They have been here 4 months and we have enjoyed the bonding with the kids and visits with the adults. My son in law helped spear head some work that was needed here since his job allowed some free time freedom. Got the tractor moving, some fence started and kitchen drain issue fixed.
So what is up on the agenda? Spring kids and baby piggies and garden time. We are making some raised boxes for the garden to help make things more manageable for me. Front garden will be saved for vine type foods like Pumpkin and watermelon. OH AND THE CHICKEN COOP HAS BEEN REVAMPED AFTER A FEW BOARDS WERE ROTTING OFF. JUST NEED TO ADD THE TIN SIDING and get things cleaned up in there and this spring Chickens will find they should lay their eggs in there or find themselves in a pot!! Im too old to egg hunt! and Im tired of chicken poop all over the barn LOL. There is no shortage of things to do and work to be done...so I pick myself up and dust off the whining over my kids leaving, Hubs cancer and life woes and march forward. ...Happy 2023
Piggies are so happy in their new space. A few of the goats are flaunting their growing udder for spring babies. Temperatures have been so nice and now back to freezing LOL. Seems like no matter what you are going through or dealing with, life and weather keep doing their thing.
My daughter and her family fly back home next week and the house once again will be strangely quiet. A toddler has a way of filling a home with plenty of joyful noise. They have been here 4 months and we have enjoyed the bonding with the kids and visits with the adults. My son in law helped spear head some work that was needed here since his job allowed some free time freedom. Got the tractor moving, some fence started and kitchen drain issue fixed.
So what is up on the agenda? Spring kids and baby piggies and garden time. We are making some raised boxes for the garden to help make things more manageable for me. Front garden will be saved for vine type foods like Pumpkin and watermelon. OH AND THE CHICKEN COOP HAS BEEN REVAMPED AFTER A FEW BOARDS WERE ROTTING OFF. JUST NEED TO ADD THE TIN SIDING and get things cleaned up in there and this spring Chickens will find they should lay their eggs in there or find themselves in a pot!! Im too old to egg hunt! and Im tired of chicken poop all over the barn LOL. There is no shortage of things to do and work to be done...so I pick myself up and dust off the whining over my kids leaving, Hubs cancer and life woes and march forward. ...Happy 2023
January 9 2023
Got the piggies moved to their larger pen for breeding!! They are so happy to have more space to roam. After running crazy for about 30 minutes, they all laid down to rest LOL. Kenneth included!! And while we wait for goats to kid in the next few months, piggies come this spring, we have an exciting announcement of another baby on the way!! Our daughter just found out she too will have a baby by summer!! LOL haha. we can't be more excited!! Happy New Years all!! And God bless.
Got the piggies moved to their larger pen for breeding!! They are so happy to have more space to roam. After running crazy for about 30 minutes, they all laid down to rest LOL. Kenneth included!! And while we wait for goats to kid in the next few months, piggies come this spring, we have an exciting announcement of another baby on the way!! Our daughter just found out she too will have a baby by summer!! LOL haha. we can't be more excited!! Happy New Years all!! And God bless.
December 31 2022
Its almost over. 2022 has come and gone. Promise yourself that 2023 will be better. Not because 2022 was bad, but because we should always strive to improve. I want to grow more personally both as a wife and mom but also a farmer. But most importantly I want to grow more spiritually. So while I plan the garden, and watch for spring kids and piggies, and do the things that makes farming rock, I will be looking for God in everything around me. God is good, even when things are hard. I think we forget that. So happy New year...make it the best year ever!! God Bless.
Its almost over. 2022 has come and gone. Promise yourself that 2023 will be better. Not because 2022 was bad, but because we should always strive to improve. I want to grow more personally both as a wife and mom but also a farmer. But most importantly I want to grow more spiritually. So while I plan the garden, and watch for spring kids and piggies, and do the things that makes farming rock, I will be looking for God in everything around me. God is good, even when things are hard. I think we forget that. So happy New year...make it the best year ever!! God Bless.
December 25 2022
Merry Christmas all. We celebrate the birth of christ and the life he offers us every day!!
Merry Christmas all. We celebrate the birth of christ and the life he offers us every day!!
December 20, 2022
Things are moving along slowly with cold weather and rain but at least its moving!! We have the pig pens planed out and finishing the goat pens new fencing, Girls are looking nice and round as we anticipate babies this spring. We will move the pigs into a combo pen area for breeding soon. Chicken coop is slotted for a make over and we will pen up a handful of laying hens and the rest will go to the freezer. Im tired of hunting for eggs and so, cooping it is for now. We will add a yard for plenty of out side time and once spring comes, we will allow free ranging again as long as they come back to the coop to lay their eggs. Ducks finally started laying again. Hoping that continues. So while things are moving slow, they are moving and soon this place will be back in shape. Elmer is doing well. He has some good days and some better days.and a few slow days in there but for the most part he is staying positive. Its frustrating for him not to be busy as he hasn't stopped for 42 years of marriage. Our farm will be transformed into something I can manage. I miss my lamachas but am grateful they are in good hands. Maybe one day I will be ready for more goats, but for now..the five ladies are enough. Kimchi and Merlin have been sold and Levi awaits a buyer. Everyone got their hooves and copper and have been treated for lice..UGH I hate lice. All in all, everyones looking good. Praise God
Things are moving along slowly with cold weather and rain but at least its moving!! We have the pig pens planed out and finishing the goat pens new fencing, Girls are looking nice and round as we anticipate babies this spring. We will move the pigs into a combo pen area for breeding soon. Chicken coop is slotted for a make over and we will pen up a handful of laying hens and the rest will go to the freezer. Im tired of hunting for eggs and so, cooping it is for now. We will add a yard for plenty of out side time and once spring comes, we will allow free ranging again as long as they come back to the coop to lay their eggs. Ducks finally started laying again. Hoping that continues. So while things are moving slow, they are moving and soon this place will be back in shape. Elmer is doing well. He has some good days and some better days.and a few slow days in there but for the most part he is staying positive. Its frustrating for him not to be busy as he hasn't stopped for 42 years of marriage. Our farm will be transformed into something I can manage. I miss my lamachas but am grateful they are in good hands. Maybe one day I will be ready for more goats, but for now..the five ladies are enough. Kimchi and Merlin have been sold and Levi awaits a buyer. Everyone got their hooves and copper and have been treated for lice..UGH I hate lice. All in all, everyones looking good. Praise God
December 8 2022
Why keep the farm?? We have been asked several time after I got ill, why don't we sell. And now that Hubs is battling cancer the question has been asked of us again. Why keep something that is obviously too much for the two of us to handle? This is a fair question!! It is too much! Im still not 100% back to my old strength. I may never get there again. Elmer is weak. and he has a long battle ahead of him. So why keep the farm? When I was at my worse, the thought of getting back to working the animals, cleaning the barn, brushing the donkeys..all those things kept my head in the game of improving even if it was not fun. It would have been easier to sell everything. But I was not ready to let go of this dream. But I did adjust. We down sized the animals, and are keeping things fairly easy and less time consuming...for now. I was making plans for our future here. To continue to raise our own meat and eggs, grow a garden and can some things...all at a smaller scale of course. Then we get the news on hubs and everything came to a screeching halt. Once again faced with the question...shouldn't we sell the farm now? We are just not ready to let go and I believe this farm will Bless Elmer in his recovery as he gets back to the things he loves. He has let go of so much to work, now he can claim it again. This will not be easy. We have to adjust a lot, let dreams go for now and some forever, remember rest is important and we will need to call on our kids more for help. We are blessed they are willing. currently we are redoing the goat pen fencing!! Much needed !! So why dont we sell? We need the farm to get us out and busy and for healthy food. For as long as God allows.
Why keep the farm?? We have been asked several time after I got ill, why don't we sell. And now that Hubs is battling cancer the question has been asked of us again. Why keep something that is obviously too much for the two of us to handle? This is a fair question!! It is too much! Im still not 100% back to my old strength. I may never get there again. Elmer is weak. and he has a long battle ahead of him. So why keep the farm? When I was at my worse, the thought of getting back to working the animals, cleaning the barn, brushing the donkeys..all those things kept my head in the game of improving even if it was not fun. It would have been easier to sell everything. But I was not ready to let go of this dream. But I did adjust. We down sized the animals, and are keeping things fairly easy and less time consuming...for now. I was making plans for our future here. To continue to raise our own meat and eggs, grow a garden and can some things...all at a smaller scale of course. Then we get the news on hubs and everything came to a screeching halt. Once again faced with the question...shouldn't we sell the farm now? We are just not ready to let go and I believe this farm will Bless Elmer in his recovery as he gets back to the things he loves. He has let go of so much to work, now he can claim it again. This will not be easy. We have to adjust a lot, let dreams go for now and some forever, remember rest is important and we will need to call on our kids more for help. We are blessed they are willing. currently we are redoing the goat pen fencing!! Much needed !! So why dont we sell? We need the farm to get us out and busy and for healthy food. For as long as God allows.
December 6 2022
We have one buck left for sale!! Yup we are selling our boys. With only 4 ladies, it doesn't take sense keeping a buck, let alone 3!! Merlin is. being purchased by his previous owner and Kimchi will kick up his heels at a friends place, who is hoping to get more polled genes in her herd. ( Kimchi is polled) That leaves Levi. While not very flashy as a solid white buck, he does done an impressive beard and mane and hes sweet. if you or someone you know would like more info...shoot me an email!!
We have one buck left for sale!! Yup we are selling our boys. With only 4 ladies, it doesn't take sense keeping a buck, let alone 3!! Merlin is. being purchased by his previous owner and Kimchi will kick up his heels at a friends place, who is hoping to get more polled genes in her herd. ( Kimchi is polled) That leaves Levi. While not very flashy as a solid white buck, he does done an impressive beard and mane and hes sweet. if you or someone you know would like more info...shoot me an email!!
December 5 2022
Weebly sold to "Square" and since its sold I have seen a 33% drop in visitors on this web sight. Not sure if it's because the change in ownership or I'm just not keep ing things updated enough. Life tends to step in the way of good intentions. Elmers cancer treatment is well on its way and he is working on rebuilding his strength. Im trying to get out side more and help spruce up the place. Nothing is going quickly of course. We finally got a new shower put in the first. bathroom when the toilet seal went bad..but in removing the toilet to replace said seal..the lower part (flanchy?) broke...of course nothings easy as now it needs cutting out and blah blah blah LOL. which means we are set back on other tasks. But that is ok..cause we are all on the mend...property body and soul. We are going to set things up this week to breed the pigs!! Im excited for piglets come spring. Our goats are fat and happy..so should see kids come spring. Life goes on, even if at a smaller scale. Now if we can get Sadie trained NOT to dig LOL
Weebly sold to "Square" and since its sold I have seen a 33% drop in visitors on this web sight. Not sure if it's because the change in ownership or I'm just not keep ing things updated enough. Life tends to step in the way of good intentions. Elmers cancer treatment is well on its way and he is working on rebuilding his strength. Im trying to get out side more and help spruce up the place. Nothing is going quickly of course. We finally got a new shower put in the first. bathroom when the toilet seal went bad..but in removing the toilet to replace said seal..the lower part (flanchy?) broke...of course nothings easy as now it needs cutting out and blah blah blah LOL. which means we are set back on other tasks. But that is ok..cause we are all on the mend...property body and soul. We are going to set things up this week to breed the pigs!! Im excited for piglets come spring. Our goats are fat and happy..so should see kids come spring. Life goes on, even if at a smaller scale. Now if we can get Sadie trained NOT to dig LOL
November 28 2022
Is anyone else watching the calendar? Every year I say the same thing..the year went by so fast. This time next month we will be all but saying good bye to 2022!! But there is so much HOPE to come...Hoping our Nigies are bred for Spring. Hoping the cows are settled. Hoping to get the Kunes bred soon. Hoping the new fencing will be up soon. Hoping New pig pens are up and running before piglets come. Hoping to get the place spruced up and junk hauled away. This all may sound mundane to some but for me its priceless. Life is so precious and I hold onto the simple. The simple is a foundation I can understand and deal with. Simple is tangible, obtainable..doable. Cancer is hard. And we re dealing with it...THIS LIFE on the farm..hold my sanity. Simple is good.
Is anyone else watching the calendar? Every year I say the same thing..the year went by so fast. This time next month we will be all but saying good bye to 2022!! But there is so much HOPE to come...Hoping our Nigies are bred for Spring. Hoping the cows are settled. Hoping to get the Kunes bred soon. Hoping the new fencing will be up soon. Hoping New pig pens are up and running before piglets come. Hoping to get the place spruced up and junk hauled away. This all may sound mundane to some but for me its priceless. Life is so precious and I hold onto the simple. The simple is a foundation I can understand and deal with. Simple is tangible, obtainable..doable. Cancer is hard. And we re dealing with it...THIS LIFE on the farm..hold my sanity. Simple is good.
November 19, 2022
Getting things set up to do the fencing for the goats and make three large pens for the Kune Kunes, and the bucks. Will look so great once done. But for now everyone got fresh pine shavings to help get them off the cold ground. KiKi and Coco didn't know what to think the flakes of pine LOL. Got done in the pens and fed everyone, made sure everyone was ready for the night..The boys love their hay! I missed a great pic of the girls with Hay strung all over their face LOL. I love these piggies...they have so much character.
Getting things set up to do the fencing for the goats and make three large pens for the Kune Kunes, and the bucks. Will look so great once done. But for now everyone got fresh pine shavings to help get them off the cold ground. KiKi and Coco didn't know what to think the flakes of pine LOL. Got done in the pens and fed everyone, made sure everyone was ready for the night..The boys love their hay! I missed a great pic of the girls with Hay strung all over their face LOL. I love these piggies...they have so much character.
November 13 2022
We are looking forward to goat and pig babies on the ground come spring, but for now we just want everyone to be comfortable and warm as the cold rolls in. This morning we had the first of many frozen water buckets LOL With all the health issue we are dealing with, the promise of babies seem to lift our spirits! Elmer is doing very well and although life will forever be different, its still life and we will embrace what comes. In the mean time and for now on we will live a life we have always loved, and that is this farm. Perhaps on a smaller scale but we will press on. Shoot us a note if you want to be put on list for Nigie babies or Kune Kune piggies.
We are looking forward to goat and pig babies on the ground come spring, but for now we just want everyone to be comfortable and warm as the cold rolls in. This morning we had the first of many frozen water buckets LOL With all the health issue we are dealing with, the promise of babies seem to lift our spirits! Elmer is doing very well and although life will forever be different, its still life and we will embrace what comes. In the mean time and for now on we will live a life we have always loved, and that is this farm. Perhaps on a smaller scale but we will press on. Shoot us a note if you want to be put on list for Nigie babies or Kune Kune piggies.
October 25 2022
WOW we got some heavy rain yesterday and I missed it!! Things have been so very dry and we finally got a great storm which dropped so much that the goat pen flooded. Geese were happy and pigs enjoyed it but the goats stayed in the barn LOL. Im not home and so did not get to see this, but my son Kenneth sent me this picture of the wet wet pen. He also sent picture of some harvest we had. Our poor garden seemed all but burned up in the summer heat. With everything we are dealing with medical wise with my husband, it was not priority it seemed and yet a few plants held on. He got some tabasco peppers and a small handful of cherry tomatoes. Not much to "Bragg" about per se but after the summer we had..it was a fun find.
UPDATE ON Elmer: we are at Baylor oncology. Bone biopsy confirmed cancer has spread from prostate to his bones. He has fractures down his spine which need treatment. We will be discharged soon to get out patient treatment near home, which will be nice to be home. Elmer is experiencing a lot of pain which Drs are trying to find the best way to address once we get home. Baylor staff have been amazing! very attentive with genuine care. Prognosis is what I would call a bit broad of a few months to years..I guess that depends on how his body does in treatment and diet changes and so forth. We are counting on years!! We appreciate continue prayer support for his health, provision of medical insurance anode course keep us afloat financially. OH and we just celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary on the 22nd. : )
WOW we got some heavy rain yesterday and I missed it!! Things have been so very dry and we finally got a great storm which dropped so much that the goat pen flooded. Geese were happy and pigs enjoyed it but the goats stayed in the barn LOL. Im not home and so did not get to see this, but my son Kenneth sent me this picture of the wet wet pen. He also sent picture of some harvest we had. Our poor garden seemed all but burned up in the summer heat. With everything we are dealing with medical wise with my husband, it was not priority it seemed and yet a few plants held on. He got some tabasco peppers and a small handful of cherry tomatoes. Not much to "Bragg" about per se but after the summer we had..it was a fun find.
UPDATE ON Elmer: we are at Baylor oncology. Bone biopsy confirmed cancer has spread from prostate to his bones. He has fractures down his spine which need treatment. We will be discharged soon to get out patient treatment near home, which will be nice to be home. Elmer is experiencing a lot of pain which Drs are trying to find the best way to address once we get home. Baylor staff have been amazing! very attentive with genuine care. Prognosis is what I would call a bit broad of a few months to years..I guess that depends on how his body does in treatment and diet changes and so forth. We are counting on years!! We appreciate continue prayer support for his health, provision of medical insurance anode course keep us afloat financially. OH and we just celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary on the 22nd. : )
October 16 2022
I wanted to write something today to keep you all updated on things, but then I come on and don't know what to say. Elmer is keeping in good spirts. Im thankful of that. We are still working on trying to get treatment started..some where,,anywhere! But on the farm side of things, Merlin has been with the ladies for 3 weeks. I plan on selling him and the other two bucks for now and just keep the girls. I really don't know what tomorrow holds. Merlin is such a gentleman! He is good with the girls and humans. I really like him. We don't normally run a buck with the does. We usually set up a breeding pen and bring the couple together when the doe shows standing heat. This year has been about lots of changes, and with just 4 does, he can run with them. He's been great and better not being with the bucks who tend to pester him a bit much. We have lots of plans to spruce this farm up. Between all our life changes, things have been set to the back burner a bit too long. Fencing, tree trimming and general clean up is in the plans. Picture of our GP Sadie with my son, resting a bit after we cleaned the goats pen.
I wanted to write something today to keep you all updated on things, but then I come on and don't know what to say. Elmer is keeping in good spirts. Im thankful of that. We are still working on trying to get treatment started..some where,,anywhere! But on the farm side of things, Merlin has been with the ladies for 3 weeks. I plan on selling him and the other two bucks for now and just keep the girls. I really don't know what tomorrow holds. Merlin is such a gentleman! He is good with the girls and humans. I really like him. We don't normally run a buck with the does. We usually set up a breeding pen and bring the couple together when the doe shows standing heat. This year has been about lots of changes, and with just 4 does, he can run with them. He's been great and better not being with the bucks who tend to pester him a bit much. We have lots of plans to spruce this farm up. Between all our life changes, things have been set to the back burner a bit too long. Fencing, tree trimming and general clean up is in the plans. Picture of our GP Sadie with my son, resting a bit after we cleaned the goats pen.
October 11 2022
Cancer. It's not an easy word to hear. Sitting in the Drs office, staring at the drs face as he informs us, Elmer has stage 4 prostate cancer. Its spread to his bones. All those months of pain, growing more and more unbearable. Cancer. I say the word, hear it, think on it, and even know its true..yet its so unbelievable. Something you hear about other people. Elmer has gone from working hard one day to using a walker to get down the hall. Life will be different from here on out. Life is about to Get hard as we deal with getting treatment, figuring out how to pay the bills. We hope to get into MD Anderson. First appointment will be $24,000!!! With no insurance, that is an impossible number. We are thankful God works great things with impossible. We hold onto that.
Cancer. It's not an easy word to hear. Sitting in the Drs office, staring at the drs face as he informs us, Elmer has stage 4 prostate cancer. Its spread to his bones. All those months of pain, growing more and more unbearable. Cancer. I say the word, hear it, think on it, and even know its true..yet its so unbelievable. Something you hear about other people. Elmer has gone from working hard one day to using a walker to get down the hall. Life will be different from here on out. Life is about to Get hard as we deal with getting treatment, figuring out how to pay the bills. We hope to get into MD Anderson. First appointment will be $24,000!!! With no insurance, that is an impossible number. We are thankful God works great things with impossible. We hold onto that.
September 18 2022
We I went back and forth on breeding the Does this season. I said I wont. Too much going on..but today, sitting out with them thinking, no one knows what tomorrow holds. No one knows if in 5 months things will be good or things will be hard. So I let Merlin out with the girls. Come what may. Elmer ( hubs) is not well. Drs are searching for the Why behind his pain and rapid weight loss. We are praying its not serious. We are praying he can feel better soon and we can get on with life. But at the same time this has made us aware how unprepared we are for our health emergencies. Life has a way of slamming reality in our face. And so here we are. I will keep running the farm as I should and we will keep praying and moving forward. I will still sell at least Kimchi and Levi. Im not sure about Merlin and until I am I wont do anything.
We I went back and forth on breeding the Does this season. I said I wont. Too much going on..but today, sitting out with them thinking, no one knows what tomorrow holds. No one knows if in 5 months things will be good or things will be hard. So I let Merlin out with the girls. Come what may. Elmer ( hubs) is not well. Drs are searching for the Why behind his pain and rapid weight loss. We are praying its not serious. We are praying he can feel better soon and we can get on with life. But at the same time this has made us aware how unprepared we are for our health emergencies. Life has a way of slamming reality in our face. And so here we are. I will keep running the farm as I should and we will keep praying and moving forward. I will still sell at least Kimchi and Levi. Im not sure about Merlin and until I am I wont do anything.
September 12 2022
The air is so crisp this morning and still. Things of the farm are quiet. Settled. The peace is so loud!! I love it. We laid Irene to rest. It was time. she stopped coming-out of the barn. She wasn't eating or drinking much. She was 8 and half years old and cancer had over come her. She is missed. we brought home two turkey hens for Ben to boss around but they are staying far from him lol. Time is needed. The Kune Kune pigs are settled in nicely. I look forward to having their larger pen done so they can move around more. They are so sweet. Sadie has settled as well into a very nice farm dog. She sleeps in the goat pen at night and escapes at day break lol. But we have hopefully fenced off any way for her to roam out side her perimeter. so far its worked. Although I check other often I dont have to penned in the kennel to get work done.
The air is so crisp this morning and still. Things of the farm are quiet. Settled. The peace is so loud!! I love it. We laid Irene to rest. It was time. she stopped coming-out of the barn. She wasn't eating or drinking much. She was 8 and half years old and cancer had over come her. She is missed. we brought home two turkey hens for Ben to boss around but they are staying far from him lol. Time is needed. The Kune Kune pigs are settled in nicely. I look forward to having their larger pen done so they can move around more. They are so sweet. Sadie has settled as well into a very nice farm dog. She sleeps in the goat pen at night and escapes at day break lol. But we have hopefully fenced off any way for her to roam out side her perimeter. so far its worked. Although I check other often I dont have to penned in the kennel to get work done.
September 7 2022
It's the year of losses. June was our black turkey hen. She died of old age. We found her resting peacefully under her favorite tree. Ben is lonely and so we will go in search of a new wife for him.
On a brighter note, we got Kune Kune pigs. Greyson the Boer, Kiki and Coco are the ladies and two fixed boys. they are all so very sweet. Ill post pix when Figure out my new phone! LOL
It's the year of losses. June was our black turkey hen. She died of old age. We found her resting peacefully under her favorite tree. Ben is lonely and so we will go in search of a new wife for him.
On a brighter note, we got Kune Kune pigs. Greyson the Boer, Kiki and Coco are the ladies and two fixed boys. they are all so very sweet. Ill post pix when Figure out my new phone! LOL
August 27 2022
You ever have something happen that just makes your stomach sick? Where you go over the "What If" and "If only" over and over in your head, and all you can do is scream in your head and cry in your pillow.
Sybil along with Sadie and Isabella left the yard, again. I usually pen Sybil in her kennel if we are not out with them as she loves to roam and the other two follow. I got busy. Left them alone just long enough to be gone. Sadie returned in a short hour or so. We looked for the other two for hours. 3 trucks out driving back roads, talking with anyone out in their yard, flying a drone to search as far as it would go.. Nothing. Isabella is an older gal and I worried she would grow t0o tired to get back home. But late that night, she came in. She was muddy, and tired and had nothing left in her. But Sybil was no where. They always stay together. Yesterday we had an appointment we could not miss. I hoped to see Sybil laying in the back yard when we went out to do chores but she was not there. I scan the area as far as I can see and I see nothing. We headed out to our appointment and I said a little prayer for Sybil. We check ditches and pastures as we drove down our road toward town. Nothing. On my way home Im looking, hoping she is home. Then I see her. A fluffy white patch of hair in the ditch across our road, She almost made it home. I parked and ran to her but she was gone. She was so close. I miss her goofy ways. Her sister misses her. Isabella misses her.
You ever have something happen that just makes your stomach sick? Where you go over the "What If" and "If only" over and over in your head, and all you can do is scream in your head and cry in your pillow.
Sybil along with Sadie and Isabella left the yard, again. I usually pen Sybil in her kennel if we are not out with them as she loves to roam and the other two follow. I got busy. Left them alone just long enough to be gone. Sadie returned in a short hour or so. We looked for the other two for hours. 3 trucks out driving back roads, talking with anyone out in their yard, flying a drone to search as far as it would go.. Nothing. Isabella is an older gal and I worried she would grow t0o tired to get back home. But late that night, she came in. She was muddy, and tired and had nothing left in her. But Sybil was no where. They always stay together. Yesterday we had an appointment we could not miss. I hoped to see Sybil laying in the back yard when we went out to do chores but she was not there. I scan the area as far as I can see and I see nothing. We headed out to our appointment and I said a little prayer for Sybil. We check ditches and pastures as we drove down our road toward town. Nothing. On my way home Im looking, hoping she is home. Then I see her. A fluffy white patch of hair in the ditch across our road, She almost made it home. I parked and ran to her but she was gone. She was so close. I miss her goofy ways. Her sister misses her. Isabella misses her.
August 23 2022
I deleted the Lamanchas off the doe page. Was so hard. Even though I made the right decision, Even though they went to a trusted friend, it was hard.
I deleted the Lamanchas off the doe page. Was so hard. Even though I made the right decision, Even though they went to a trusted friend, it was hard.
August 20, 2022
Last week we laid Hiedee to rest. Hieidee was our 15 year old rat terrier. Her health and stability had declined over the last several months. She no longer had quality of life. It was a bitter sweet send off as we know she's better now, but she is missed.
Change is happening. I have sold all my milkers. My beloved LaManchas. My girls who were born and raised here. Such a hard thing to do. I am, however, so grateful they went to a good friend. She took them all. They will bless her with much needed milk and hopefully good manners and stay together. We have only our 4 Nigies and two old retired ladies left and our 3 bucks. I will take some time to decide what it is we can or should do, but I will be breeding my Nigies and I may grow that herd. No more milking unless there is a need. Soon Irene will be sent home as her cancer is progressing. The stall in doing so is my own heart. So much loss, but it's unfair to Irene to make her wait for my sake.
Life is like the ocean wave. Every time the wave comes in, it changes the shore line. Over time the change becomes very noticeable, but for many years the slow change goes unseen. That is how I feel. Change has been happening over my life time, but only the last few years I can see it. Kids are all but moved away, milk needs have decreased so much so we no longer need milk goats. Im home alone most days and have been working on getting things here workable for a solo farmer. The change is not a bad thing. Its a normal course of life and we can either embrace it or fear it. I choose to embrace it.
Last week we laid Hiedee to rest. Hieidee was our 15 year old rat terrier. Her health and stability had declined over the last several months. She no longer had quality of life. It was a bitter sweet send off as we know she's better now, but she is missed.
Change is happening. I have sold all my milkers. My beloved LaManchas. My girls who were born and raised here. Such a hard thing to do. I am, however, so grateful they went to a good friend. She took them all. They will bless her with much needed milk and hopefully good manners and stay together. We have only our 4 Nigies and two old retired ladies left and our 3 bucks. I will take some time to decide what it is we can or should do, but I will be breeding my Nigies and I may grow that herd. No more milking unless there is a need. Soon Irene will be sent home as her cancer is progressing. The stall in doing so is my own heart. So much loss, but it's unfair to Irene to make her wait for my sake.
Life is like the ocean wave. Every time the wave comes in, it changes the shore line. Over time the change becomes very noticeable, but for many years the slow change goes unseen. That is how I feel. Change has been happening over my life time, but only the last few years I can see it. Kids are all but moved away, milk needs have decreased so much so we no longer need milk goats. Im home alone most days and have been working on getting things here workable for a solo farmer. The change is not a bad thing. Its a normal course of life and we can either embrace it or fear it. I choose to embrace it.
August 8 2022
Ever feel like you just want to unplug? Unplug the computers, phones, everything! Todays world has me wanting to unplug from it. Well maybe unplugging for a day or so is ok..and doable. We all need time to recharge. refuel. and in todays world we will get that time less and less. I hope you get time each day to unplug from life and recharge your spirit!
Ever feel like you just want to unplug? Unplug the computers, phones, everything! Todays world has me wanting to unplug from it. Well maybe unplugging for a day or so is ok..and doable. We all need time to recharge. refuel. and in todays world we will get that time less and less. I hope you get time each day to unplug from life and recharge your spirit!
August 4 2022
Well, what a ride. Thought I was recovering from covid pretty well then it hit me like a truck...started feeling better then got a sinus infection LOL. Well I guess get it all done at once so my rest of the year will be great!! Right LOL. All goats are sold. We do have geese and calves still available. : )
its been incredibly hot. we are not getting a lot done out side. a little int he Am and little in the evening which is still hot but don't have the sun beating down on us. Like everyone else, we desperately need rain. We have put out bales of hay already for the cows!! Normally we don't have to do that until after the first frost!! Our prayer is God rains blessing of water down on the land so we hold off feeding a little longer.
Well, what a ride. Thought I was recovering from covid pretty well then it hit me like a truck...started feeling better then got a sinus infection LOL. Well I guess get it all done at once so my rest of the year will be great!! Right LOL. All goats are sold. We do have geese and calves still available. : )
its been incredibly hot. we are not getting a lot done out side. a little int he Am and little in the evening which is still hot but don't have the sun beating down on us. Like everyone else, we desperately need rain. We have put out bales of hay already for the cows!! Normally we don't have to do that until after the first frost!! Our prayer is God rains blessing of water down on the land so we hold off feeding a little longer.
July 21 2022
Covid has hit our home, again. not as bad as last years and we are all starting to feel better already but man its slowed me down for a while. but giving time for thinking things through, I have decided to hold onto my boys and Buttercup. Even we don't milk, we can breed for kid stock to sell, so that is what I will do. I only have 4 Nigerian Does but that's ok..we will work with what we have. Nora is giving us nearly a gallon a milk a day, more than enough. Willa and Journey are blessing their new owner with nearly 2 gallons between them and Cassandra is giving more than enough to her new mom, plus they are loving her!! So I know we made the right decision o cut our milkers.
We have calves for sale!! I hope we find good placement for them as they are great girls and will make wonderful future moms! Check them out on the sale page!!
Covid has hit our home, again. not as bad as last years and we are all starting to feel better already but man its slowed me down for a while. but giving time for thinking things through, I have decided to hold onto my boys and Buttercup. Even we don't milk, we can breed for kid stock to sell, so that is what I will do. I only have 4 Nigerian Does but that's ok..we will work with what we have. Nora is giving us nearly a gallon a milk a day, more than enough. Willa and Journey are blessing their new owner with nearly 2 gallons between them and Cassandra is giving more than enough to her new mom, plus they are loving her!! So I know we made the right decision o cut our milkers.
We have calves for sale!! I hope we find good placement for them as they are great girls and will make wonderful future moms! Check them out on the sale page!!
July 14 2022
Willa and Journey headed to their new home today. Was a bitter sweet moment. I love that they are at a friends place and will bleacher need for milk. But im sad they are no longer here. Making big girl choices can be hard but I trust God inches leading and im doing what is best for us at this time in our life. I did decide to retain Niya. Keeping a back up goat is never bad business LOL. SO we are down to 5 standard goats and 4 Nigerian goats, one whom is up for sale. Irenes Cancer is getting worse and we need to decide if its time to let he go. At any rate. Things are changing here, but it's not all bad. We have more baby calves and although we are selling some, we have a good healthy group here. Down sizing allows us to diversify what we grow and raise. Less goats means Kune Kune pigs perhaps. While the pain of change happens, i'm also excited as what's to come.
Willa and Journey headed to their new home today. Was a bitter sweet moment. I love that they are at a friends place and will bleacher need for milk. But im sad they are no longer here. Making big girl choices can be hard but I trust God inches leading and im doing what is best for us at this time in our life. I did decide to retain Niya. Keeping a back up goat is never bad business LOL. SO we are down to 5 standard goats and 4 Nigerian goats, one whom is up for sale. Irenes Cancer is getting worse and we need to decide if its time to let he go. At any rate. Things are changing here, but it's not all bad. We have more baby calves and although we are selling some, we have a good healthy group here. Down sizing allows us to diversify what we grow and raise. Less goats means Kune Kune pigs perhaps. While the pain of change happens, i'm also excited as what's to come.
July 11, 2022.
Well I sold 3 of my milkers. Was hard decision, but thankfully they went to good people who will keep them forever and Im close enough if I feel the need to go see them. These girls were born and raised here, so, yah..hard. But it also feels right. We have Nora in milk and will keep her milking for us. She will provide more than enough for our small needs. We have her daughter Niya, which I did offer up for sale but think I will hold onto her. We have 4 nigies and our retirees along with Frances who I need to figure why she won't settle and go from there. This is not giving, thesis down sizing to what our needs are so we are not wasting time, money and energy not to mention throwing away food, milk or cheese because we couldn't consume it fast enough. Im pretty sure I have talked myself into a freeze dryer!! So I'll update you all when I decide to take that plunge. We also will be selling some calves, again..we have too many. This is like spring cleaning for the farm. hard to do, hard to let go, but oh it feels good once the drama of it all dies down.
Well I sold 3 of my milkers. Was hard decision, but thankfully they went to good people who will keep them forever and Im close enough if I feel the need to go see them. These girls were born and raised here, so, yah..hard. But it also feels right. We have Nora in milk and will keep her milking for us. She will provide more than enough for our small needs. We have her daughter Niya, which I did offer up for sale but think I will hold onto her. We have 4 nigies and our retirees along with Frances who I need to figure why she won't settle and go from there. This is not giving, thesis down sizing to what our needs are so we are not wasting time, money and energy not to mention throwing away food, milk or cheese because we couldn't consume it fast enough. Im pretty sure I have talked myself into a freeze dryer!! So I'll update you all when I decide to take that plunge. We also will be selling some calves, again..we have too many. This is like spring cleaning for the farm. hard to do, hard to let go, but oh it feels good once the drama of it all dies down.
June 20 2022
Farm life is more than raising our own meat, eggs, milk and gardening. It's more than making cheese and butter and learning to can. Farm life is its own kind of therapy. It's not always pleasant getting up early and going out to milk the goats, feed the goats, toss the hay, collect the eggs, clean and fill the water buckets, especially in extreme weather conditions. Its hard learning what to plant, how to plant and maintain the garden ( i do not have a green thumb lol) We have been here 17 years!! And every year there is something new to learn. Something more to do and decision to be made. With the kids growing up and moving away, I have to start thinking about what I can do myself. With Kenneth getting a job and working 3 to 4 days a week, it is allowing me that time to figure things out. he's the garden Guru! What I know, is I don't need more goats!! I probably don't need most the ones I have LOL I know I can handle most the chores even if Im slow. And I know I have to pace myself. This life offers the busyness that soothes the soul. Yes its hard. Yes I hurt at the end of the day, and yes, I don't always get everything done I hoped to that day..but its making me stronger both body and soul. One day there will be no kids to help. Just me. And I know I will be ok.
Farm life is more than raising our own meat, eggs, milk and gardening. It's more than making cheese and butter and learning to can. Farm life is its own kind of therapy. It's not always pleasant getting up early and going out to milk the goats, feed the goats, toss the hay, collect the eggs, clean and fill the water buckets, especially in extreme weather conditions. Its hard learning what to plant, how to plant and maintain the garden ( i do not have a green thumb lol) We have been here 17 years!! And every year there is something new to learn. Something more to do and decision to be made. With the kids growing up and moving away, I have to start thinking about what I can do myself. With Kenneth getting a job and working 3 to 4 days a week, it is allowing me that time to figure things out. he's the garden Guru! What I know, is I don't need more goats!! I probably don't need most the ones I have LOL I know I can handle most the chores even if Im slow. And I know I have to pace myself. This life offers the busyness that soothes the soul. Yes its hard. Yes I hurt at the end of the day, and yes, I don't always get everything done I hoped to that day..but its making me stronger both body and soul. One day there will be no kids to help. Just me. And I know I will be ok.
June 16 2022
Chloe calved a bull calf yesterday. I was a little concerned with her being a bit young and on the smaller size but she did great!! And he's a big guy!
Chloe calved a bull calf yesterday. I was a little concerned with her being a bit young and on the smaller size but she did great!! And he's a big guy!
June 9 2022
The last few days I have been on my own for most the chores inside and out. And you know what? I did it!! It may take me longer, maybe some things I have to wait for help or find a different way, but I did it. A bit of back story here is I was sick for a year..lost a lot of muscle a lot of strength and just when I started to feel more myself, I got covid, and was hospitalized for 3 weeks. I was more then back to the starting line. I lost even more weight, more muscle and more strength. I had to have help to stand, walk, get into the truck, get out of the truck, I couldn't grocery shop, cook, clean, nothing! ugh..the memory of that time, is just that..a memory. Now 9 months later I CAN DO IT!. My kids are all grown. One left at home who is a big help, but he now has a job, school and his chores...so I have been making plans for this farm. What can I do? How much can I do? Well Im finding out with each new day I can do more. Thank the Lord!!
The last few days I have been on my own for most the chores inside and out. And you know what? I did it!! It may take me longer, maybe some things I have to wait for help or find a different way, but I did it. A bit of back story here is I was sick for a year..lost a lot of muscle a lot of strength and just when I started to feel more myself, I got covid, and was hospitalized for 3 weeks. I was more then back to the starting line. I lost even more weight, more muscle and more strength. I had to have help to stand, walk, get into the truck, get out of the truck, I couldn't grocery shop, cook, clean, nothing! ugh..the memory of that time, is just that..a memory. Now 9 months later I CAN DO IT!. My kids are all grown. One left at home who is a big help, but he now has a job, school and his chores...so I have been making plans for this farm. What can I do? How much can I do? Well Im finding out with each new day I can do more. Thank the Lord!!
June 4 2022
Sadie And Sybil has won our hearts for sure. They are so sweet and learning the ropes around her well. We will call Monday to see the vet to be vaccinated and spayed. Once they are all healed up we will begin allowing their freedom. It's time. Donkeys seem ok with them so far, but before freedom we will take them out to see the Donkeys and cows without fencing..but with a lead LOL The lead will be for their safety not the large animals as we do not want any one getting hurt.
Sadie And Sybil has won our hearts for sure. They are so sweet and learning the ropes around her well. We will call Monday to see the vet to be vaccinated and spayed. Once they are all healed up we will begin allowing their freedom. It's time. Donkeys seem ok with them so far, but before freedom we will take them out to see the Donkeys and cows without fencing..but with a lead LOL The lead will be for their safety not the large animals as we do not want any one getting hurt.
May 26 2022
Kenneth and I was working in the garden yesterday. Penelope came up for hugs. It made me miss Timothy so so much I cried. Im usually stronger than this. But to know one day I will have to say good bye to Penelope some day soon, makes this even harder. I love the Danes. They are a special breed of dog! But I don't think I will ever own another. They leave us way too soon. But regardless of my heart ache, We have to have dogs out here. And we have noticed coyotes more and more as these old dogs age. A friend offered us two great Pyrenees pups. Sisters who were born and raised in the goats pen. They are 5 months old now. Sunday we went to meet them. And they are sweet. Their personalities remind me of the Danes. And we brought them both home. It's been 4 days and they learn fast and are doing well. Soon they will be free to roam and explore the property but for now...they are mostly leashed when free until the donkeys accept them as part of the family and they accept the donkeys as a part of the farm. I don't think it will take long. We named them Sadie and Sybil. Sadie is more laid back and calm and Sybil is a bit more excitable. We already love them both!.
Kenneth and I was working in the garden yesterday. Penelope came up for hugs. It made me miss Timothy so so much I cried. Im usually stronger than this. But to know one day I will have to say good bye to Penelope some day soon, makes this even harder. I love the Danes. They are a special breed of dog! But I don't think I will ever own another. They leave us way too soon. But regardless of my heart ache, We have to have dogs out here. And we have noticed coyotes more and more as these old dogs age. A friend offered us two great Pyrenees pups. Sisters who were born and raised in the goats pen. They are 5 months old now. Sunday we went to meet them. And they are sweet. Their personalities remind me of the Danes. And we brought them both home. It's been 4 days and they learn fast and are doing well. Soon they will be free to roam and explore the property but for now...they are mostly leashed when free until the donkeys accept them as part of the family and they accept the donkeys as a part of the farm. I don't think it will take long. We named them Sadie and Sybil. Sadie is more laid back and calm and Sybil is a bit more excitable. We already love them both!.
May 21 2022
Daisy Lorain calved yesterday. Looks like a bull calf. Both are doing great.
Daisy Lorain calved yesterday. Looks like a bull calf. Both are doing great.
May 20 2022
Life around here has been pretty since the loss of Timothy. Penelope misses her brother. We all do.
Life around here has been pretty since the loss of Timothy. Penelope misses her brother. We all do.
May 13 2022
We lost Timothy today. Very sad day.
We lost Timothy today. Very sad day.
May 9 2022
FLEAS!! and ticks oh my!! Between the dogs, cats and chickens, we are battling fleas and stick tight fleas bad! Not to mention deer ticks and bubble ticks. Last season we used flea pills from our vet but they didn't even last a month! Im bathing the dogs often and looking into some natural flea control, but Im betting we will be calling out vet again! Maybe try something different this year. Normally, one pill last the dogs all summer!! Now chickens are another thing. We have tried dust bathes with DE in it...we have sprayed their coop, cleaned it out..dusted everything and still we struggle with stick tight or chicken fleas. We have a hen who hatched 14 chicks, all but three are dead now!! The fleas drain the poor little tikes. so, we will catch the remaining 3 and give a tiny drop of ivomectin on their back and see if that helps. We have Permectrin mixd and ready to start spraying. Something we always try to avoid..but with it being so bad this yearly, we know its going to be a battle. We may need to find more Guineas, we are down to just two.
On other news lol, Queenie is back with the herd. she was going completely stir crazy being penned up and her weight gain slowed to snail pace, so we figured time for her to go graze. But now Mr Mooney is lonely. So we will work on getting the Ruby penned up with him for company and so she gets a bit of feed. she's a tiny one.
FLEAS!! and ticks oh my!! Between the dogs, cats and chickens, we are battling fleas and stick tight fleas bad! Not to mention deer ticks and bubble ticks. Last season we used flea pills from our vet but they didn't even last a month! Im bathing the dogs often and looking into some natural flea control, but Im betting we will be calling out vet again! Maybe try something different this year. Normally, one pill last the dogs all summer!! Now chickens are another thing. We have tried dust bathes with DE in it...we have sprayed their coop, cleaned it out..dusted everything and still we struggle with stick tight or chicken fleas. We have a hen who hatched 14 chicks, all but three are dead now!! The fleas drain the poor little tikes. so, we will catch the remaining 3 and give a tiny drop of ivomectin on their back and see if that helps. We have Permectrin mixd and ready to start spraying. Something we always try to avoid..but with it being so bad this yearly, we know its going to be a battle. We may need to find more Guineas, we are down to just two.
On other news lol, Queenie is back with the herd. she was going completely stir crazy being penned up and her weight gain slowed to snail pace, so we figured time for her to go graze. But now Mr Mooney is lonely. So we will work on getting the Ruby penned up with him for company and so she gets a bit of feed. she's a tiny one.
April 29 2022
Spring always offers plenty to do!! Our garden is worked up and ready to receive the plants my son started from seeds. They are under a grow light right now. We are finished with this round of kids, 7 bucks and 2 does! Oh well. all are happy healthy and beautiful! Check out the sale page on them! Hoop house/ green house is almost done. Kenneth hit a snag and needs to figure it out. What a great growing project for a 16 year old! he's learning so much. Nichole and I about finished the larger duck area. Just need to add some shade fabric on the hoop and we will be done. Ducks were very happy to be out on some green grass!! Cows are all enjoying the green grasses. geese hatch 8 babies and all are doing amazing and growing fast!! we will keep 2 for mom and dad to raise and sell the other 6. Claim yours before they're all claimed! It's time to give the mower a check up and put it back to work. We have many irons in the fire for future plans, such as a bunny habitat again, and Kune Kune pig at one point. While there is so much to get done, i love having a plan and direction! Summer will be busier then ever as we harvest and preserve...exciting stuff!!
Spring always offers plenty to do!! Our garden is worked up and ready to receive the plants my son started from seeds. They are under a grow light right now. We are finished with this round of kids, 7 bucks and 2 does! Oh well. all are happy healthy and beautiful! Check out the sale page on them! Hoop house/ green house is almost done. Kenneth hit a snag and needs to figure it out. What a great growing project for a 16 year old! he's learning so much. Nichole and I about finished the larger duck area. Just need to add some shade fabric on the hoop and we will be done. Ducks were very happy to be out on some green grass!! Cows are all enjoying the green grasses. geese hatch 8 babies and all are doing amazing and growing fast!! we will keep 2 for mom and dad to raise and sell the other 6. Claim yours before they're all claimed! It's time to give the mower a check up and put it back to work. We have many irons in the fire for future plans, such as a bunny habitat again, and Kune Kune pig at one point. While there is so much to get done, i love having a plan and direction! Summer will be busier then ever as we harvest and preserve...exciting stuff!!
April 5 2022
We have been so busy here!! Nora kidded twin bucks, Journey gave us twin does and our daughter got married! So we had family fly in from out of the country and Alaska. It's been a wonderful time, but now things are staring to slow back down to normal. Lexie is back to feeling great and already rebred with the bull for December calving. I wanted to wait longer but things happen. Queenie is still penned up with Mr Mooney as she's not gaining weight very well. Mr Mooney is doing great and loves his bottles, eating feed with Queenie. Our garden is starting to come together, next week we get more in the ground. I canned some beans with my daughter, taking a medicinal use herb class and we still need to finish the Hoop green house and chicken coop. Lots to keep us busy as things warm up and green up! Hope all is well with you too!
We have been so busy here!! Nora kidded twin bucks, Journey gave us twin does and our daughter got married! So we had family fly in from out of the country and Alaska. It's been a wonderful time, but now things are staring to slow back down to normal. Lexie is back to feeling great and already rebred with the bull for December calving. I wanted to wait longer but things happen. Queenie is still penned up with Mr Mooney as she's not gaining weight very well. Mr Mooney is doing great and loves his bottles, eating feed with Queenie. Our garden is starting to come together, next week we get more in the ground. I canned some beans with my daughter, taking a medicinal use herb class and we still need to finish the Hoop green house and chicken coop. Lots to keep us busy as things warm up and green up! Hope all is well with you too!
March 11 2022
Well a lot has happened with Lexie. Lexie was off, just enough to make me worry. Took her to the vet and she had a slight fever and uterine infection. Vet gave antibiotics and Banamine, as well as a hormone shot she hoped would trick Lexie into wanting the calf. Well, She finally took the calf!! We were so excited but then I noticed the left quarters of her udder were swollen. Her temp was elevated. She was tap dancing from one hoof to another. We rushed her back to the vet and she's still there. Mastitis. With me not being 100%, and our head shoot not welded, I couldn't take care of her treatment. So the vet is doing it. We hope she can return home tomorrow or Sunday. She is doing really well. Now we hope she still wants the calf when she returns!! Mr Mooney is doing well and has Queenie in with him. Queenie is working on putting weight back on. As an older cow, she dropped a lot of weight after calving. But on a more cheerful note, Cassandra kidded triplet boys the 5th. She did fantastic. Hooves and copper was done to all the does ( except Casssadra, we will do her in a few days when shes less paranoid for her kids LOL) We Will get the boys done in a few days. Slowly I feel like Im getting. back to normal routine : )
Well a lot has happened with Lexie. Lexie was off, just enough to make me worry. Took her to the vet and she had a slight fever and uterine infection. Vet gave antibiotics and Banamine, as well as a hormone shot she hoped would trick Lexie into wanting the calf. Well, She finally took the calf!! We were so excited but then I noticed the left quarters of her udder were swollen. Her temp was elevated. She was tap dancing from one hoof to another. We rushed her back to the vet and she's still there. Mastitis. With me not being 100%, and our head shoot not welded, I couldn't take care of her treatment. So the vet is doing it. We hope she can return home tomorrow or Sunday. She is doing really well. Now we hope she still wants the calf when she returns!! Mr Mooney is doing well and has Queenie in with him. Queenie is working on putting weight back on. As an older cow, she dropped a lot of weight after calving. But on a more cheerful note, Cassandra kidded triplet boys the 5th. She did fantastic. Hooves and copper was done to all the does ( except Casssadra, we will do her in a few days when shes less paranoid for her kids LOL) We Will get the boys done in a few days. Slowly I feel like Im getting. back to normal routine : )
March 6 2022
So far Lexie is not nursing the calf. Kids named him Mr Mooney. ( They love the Lucy show LOL) Yesterday Lexie went to the vet. She's been slowing down, acting off. I was worried. Vet said she had an infection and was given an antibiotic. She seemed to be feeling some better today. We also had to be mean and pen Queenie up. She and her bull calf are not happy. Queenie is dropping weight and she needs feed and the calf off her. So Queenie, Lexie and Mr Mooney are penned together. Then last night i heard Cassandra yelling. I know that cry!! It was a kidding cry. Cassandra kidded triplet boys. she did great. all the boys are healthy and strong. One has weak "ankles" but we will help him with that. It was a good way to end a cruddy week!
So far Lexie is not nursing the calf. Kids named him Mr Mooney. ( They love the Lucy show LOL) Yesterday Lexie went to the vet. She's been slowing down, acting off. I was worried. Vet said she had an infection and was given an antibiotic. She seemed to be feeling some better today. We also had to be mean and pen Queenie up. She and her bull calf are not happy. Queenie is dropping weight and she needs feed and the calf off her. So Queenie, Lexie and Mr Mooney are penned together. Then last night i heard Cassandra yelling. I know that cry!! It was a kidding cry. Cassandra kidded triplet boys. she did great. all the boys are healthy and strong. One has weak "ankles" but we will help him with that. It was a good way to end a cruddy week!
March 1 2022
Lexie finally calved yesterday. Sadly something happened and the calf did not survive. Lexie has been so so sad. We picked up a calf from a local dairy that was born this morning in hopes of grafting. Fingers crossed tomorrow will go better because today didn't go as we hope but at least Lexie isn't mean to the little guy. I hope she warms up to him as she is pretty full!
Lexie finally calved yesterday. Sadly something happened and the calf did not survive. Lexie has been so so sad. We picked up a calf from a local dairy that was born this morning in hopes of grafting. Fingers crossed tomorrow will go better because today didn't go as we hope but at least Lexie isn't mean to the little guy. I hope she warms up to him as she is pretty full!
February 23 2022
Eleanor and Edward are busy in the nest!! Eleanor decided laying her eggs in the Goats warm room would be a great idea. Its safe, warm and full of pine shaving, and has a tire in the corner (we use to hold a bucket of water when cold) BUT Edward would not allow the goats to share this large space LOL..so we had to relocate the love birds to their own warm room. They were upset at first..but when we showed Edward the nest was fine, eggs were safe, he seemed to whisper at the eggs. Then Eleanor went on in and checked things out for herself. Now both are happy in their own space, their own trough of water and 2 meals a day plus greens. This will be their third try at hatching babies. I sure hope they are successful. They were so young before..maybe this year is their year!!
Eleanor and Edward are busy in the nest!! Eleanor decided laying her eggs in the Goats warm room would be a great idea. Its safe, warm and full of pine shaving, and has a tire in the corner (we use to hold a bucket of water when cold) BUT Edward would not allow the goats to share this large space LOL..so we had to relocate the love birds to their own warm room. They were upset at first..but when we showed Edward the nest was fine, eggs were safe, he seemed to whisper at the eggs. Then Eleanor went on in and checked things out for herself. Now both are happy in their own space, their own trough of water and 2 meals a day plus greens. This will be their third try at hatching babies. I sure hope they are successful. They were so young before..maybe this year is their year!!
February 17 2022
Today we lost a valued member of our farm family. Peggie Sue's loss was unexpected. We were neither mentally or emotionally ready to loose her so quickly. We also Are not prepared with her replacement. Not as our pet of course, but as our farm dog. We figured we have a few more years to bring in a young one for Peggie Sue to train. Will be har, she was truly one of a kind!
Today we lost a valued member of our farm family. Peggie Sue's loss was unexpected. We were neither mentally or emotionally ready to loose her so quickly. We also Are not prepared with her replacement. Not as our pet of course, but as our farm dog. We figured we have a few more years to bring in a young one for Peggie Sue to train. Will be har, she was truly one of a kind!
February 16 2022
They say a watch pot never boils. Well apparently a watched Cow never calves!! UGH. Both Lexie and Glory are big as houses, have showed signs that maybe they were ready, only to keep on hanging on. Like goats, they will take their own time LOL. Im really praying Glory does well. We believe she lost her first pregnancy as she should have calved back in August based on when the bull covered her. That was a crazy time for everyone as Covid reared its ugly head here. So now based on the last day the bull was here, they have until March or we get the vet out.
Weather is doing it normal bipolar behavior as we switch from winter and head into spring. I love the days we get blue skies and warm breezes . It lifts my spirits and gets me motivated!! We have the garden ready for planting and Kenneth has seeds started. Kenneth is also building a Hoop house style green house, which we are super excited to have. I will post pictures of process and the finished project when done.
We have two Does ready to kid in a few weeks! and then the last two in another month. And Eleanor, our goose is laying! Life here is moving forward and I for one am excited to be back in the game!! I took some animal pictures and will share those above!! Happy almost Spring everyone!!
They say a watch pot never boils. Well apparently a watched Cow never calves!! UGH. Both Lexie and Glory are big as houses, have showed signs that maybe they were ready, only to keep on hanging on. Like goats, they will take their own time LOL. Im really praying Glory does well. We believe she lost her first pregnancy as she should have calved back in August based on when the bull covered her. That was a crazy time for everyone as Covid reared its ugly head here. So now based on the last day the bull was here, they have until March or we get the vet out.
Weather is doing it normal bipolar behavior as we switch from winter and head into spring. I love the days we get blue skies and warm breezes . It lifts my spirits and gets me motivated!! We have the garden ready for planting and Kenneth has seeds started. Kenneth is also building a Hoop house style green house, which we are super excited to have. I will post pictures of process and the finished project when done.
We have two Does ready to kid in a few weeks! and then the last two in another month. And Eleanor, our goose is laying! Life here is moving forward and I for one am excited to be back in the game!! I took some animal pictures and will share those above!! Happy almost Spring everyone!!
February 6 2022
Been a month since I have been on here. Not much has happened, just trying to keep everyone warm in the freeze. We did pull blood on 4 does we hope was bred, and up date their CAE results. Cassandra, Nora, Willa and Journey were all positive for pregnancy and negative for CAE. While we were not sure they took when bred, we were sure the results of the CAE would be negative : ) but its good to confirm nothing has changed. We got the girls dried up in preparation for them kidding. Cassandra is a FF and she and Nora are due in March, and Willa and Journey are due min April. It took a few times to get them settled. These are going to be mini breeds, Lamancha and saanen. Kimchi is the sire. Im very excited about Cassandra. She already is showing to be building quite an udder!! Hope everyone is staying warm!!
Been a month since I have been on here. Not much has happened, just trying to keep everyone warm in the freeze. We did pull blood on 4 does we hope was bred, and up date their CAE results. Cassandra, Nora, Willa and Journey were all positive for pregnancy and negative for CAE. While we were not sure they took when bred, we were sure the results of the CAE would be negative : ) but its good to confirm nothing has changed. We got the girls dried up in preparation for them kidding. Cassandra is a FF and she and Nora are due in March, and Willa and Journey are due min April. It took a few times to get them settled. These are going to be mini breeds, Lamancha and saanen. Kimchi is the sire. Im very excited about Cassandra. She already is showing to be building quite an udder!! Hope everyone is staying warm!!
January 5 2022
Sorry we have been MIA. Between Christmas and kids getting sick again, and a loss here on the farm, its been crazy. First off, everyone is feeling better. Christmas is packed away and things getting back to normal. Texas of course can not decide if its winter or spring!! And then there is Blossom. Blossom was 10 ears old. Calved a beautiful little heifer in August. We noticed she was dropping weight so bright the new moms in for feed and alfalfa. The other moms looked fine but we didnt want to take a chance of that changing. It was getting cold and they were nursing babies, they needed more. We had 3 bales of hay out at all times but Blossom continued to thin down and slow down. We decided to pen the moms up and make sure they were eating well, had loose minerals ect. We dewormed everyone and it was time for their booster when Blossom laid down and never got up again. We treated her for pneumonia as well to no avail. We could not get her up again. Finally had to let her go when she was in obvious distress. She was such a beautiful girl. Thankfully the herd is looking after Ruby, her calf. But we are watching everyone like a hawk.
On. a brighter note, we ran blood work to check for pregnancies on the four goats we had in with Kimchi. All four are bred for spring!! Cassandra and Nora are due in March and Willa and Journey are due in April.
Sorry we have been MIA. Between Christmas and kids getting sick again, and a loss here on the farm, its been crazy. First off, everyone is feeling better. Christmas is packed away and things getting back to normal. Texas of course can not decide if its winter or spring!! And then there is Blossom. Blossom was 10 ears old. Calved a beautiful little heifer in August. We noticed she was dropping weight so bright the new moms in for feed and alfalfa. The other moms looked fine but we didnt want to take a chance of that changing. It was getting cold and they were nursing babies, they needed more. We had 3 bales of hay out at all times but Blossom continued to thin down and slow down. We decided to pen the moms up and make sure they were eating well, had loose minerals ect. We dewormed everyone and it was time for their booster when Blossom laid down and never got up again. We treated her for pneumonia as well to no avail. We could not get her up again. Finally had to let her go when she was in obvious distress. She was such a beautiful girl. Thankfully the herd is looking after Ruby, her calf. But we are watching everyone like a hawk.
On. a brighter note, we ran blood work to check for pregnancies on the four goats we had in with Kimchi. All four are bred for spring!! Cassandra and Nora are due in March and Willa and Journey are due in April.
December 1 ,2021
Breeding time is done! and if someone didn't settle, oh well LOL. While it will be a blessing if everyone took, we will be please if a few did. We will pull blood on them in a few weeks to see who will give us fresh milk this spring. The rest we will continue to milk through as long as they give milk. I am excited to see what Cassandra brings to the table. Her mom was one of my favs!!
Breeding time is done! and if someone didn't settle, oh well LOL. While it will be a blessing if everyone took, we will be please if a few did. We will pull blood on them in a few weeks to see who will give us fresh milk this spring. The rest we will continue to milk through as long as they give milk. I am excited to see what Cassandra brings to the table. Her mom was one of my favs!!
November 22 2021
Ben and June and all of here at Happy Bleats Dairy goats want to wish you a very
Happy Thanksgiving...
Ben wants to say, that the ham this year is very appetizing ; )
Ben and June and all of here at Happy Bleats Dairy goats want to wish you a very
Happy Thanksgiving...
Ben wants to say, that the ham this year is very appetizing ; )
November 12 2021
Everyone got their hooves trimmed and all perty!! Thanks for the help of Kenneth. He did back hooves and I did the front LOL. See I have a pinched nerve in my left shoulder...if the goat kicked and pull my arm I would be in a lot of pain..(ask me how I know ) So we split the duty and got all the girls done. Even Emmie was happy!! Now I will let Kenneth and Nichole do the boys this evening
The goats all look great. Copper bolus is kicking in and coats are looking better, all are soft. Lice looks to be taken care of. Think we are all good!!
Everyone got their hooves trimmed and all perty!! Thanks for the help of Kenneth. He did back hooves and I did the front LOL. See I have a pinched nerve in my left shoulder...if the goat kicked and pull my arm I would be in a lot of pain..(ask me how I know ) So we split the duty and got all the girls done. Even Emmie was happy!! Now I will let Kenneth and Nichole do the boys this evening
The goats all look great. Copper bolus is kicking in and coats are looking better, all are soft. Lice looks to be taken care of. Think we are all good!!
November 10, 2021
Not a lot of new news happening. Took some time with the goats yesterday to see how everyone is doing and get plenty of goat lovies. Everyone looks great. Still working through copper issues, they are now starting to loose that dry looking coat after their bolus. We saw lice last week and everyone was treated and bedding cleaned. We are preparing for winter by making sure everyones shelter is draft free, has deep bedding and clean and dry. The chickens and ducks are laying like crazy!! Even without the chicken coop closed up. We are pleased about that. Things out back are pretty dry, not much grass to feed the cows and donkeys, so we had to start feeding hay out. New mama cows were starting to look a bit thin and we didn't want then to drop too much weight, especially before winter! We set out three round bales a few days ago and one is almost totally gone, the other more than half way and the third is holding its own for now. But everyone is happy : ) here is a few cow pix i grabbed yesterday while out with them all...
Not a lot of new news happening. Took some time with the goats yesterday to see how everyone is doing and get plenty of goat lovies. Everyone looks great. Still working through copper issues, they are now starting to loose that dry looking coat after their bolus. We saw lice last week and everyone was treated and bedding cleaned. We are preparing for winter by making sure everyones shelter is draft free, has deep bedding and clean and dry. The chickens and ducks are laying like crazy!! Even without the chicken coop closed up. We are pleased about that. Things out back are pretty dry, not much grass to feed the cows and donkeys, so we had to start feeding hay out. New mama cows were starting to look a bit thin and we didn't want then to drop too much weight, especially before winter! We set out three round bales a few days ago and one is almost totally gone, the other more than half way and the third is holding its own for now. But everyone is happy : ) here is a few cow pix i grabbed yesterday while out with them all...
October 28 2021
I cant believe we are almost through this year!! I say it every year, but it seems to go faster and faster. We hope to have the chicken coop done before winter hits hard. Chickens are already using the shed, we have food and water and nesting boxes in there to tempt them. Egg count has more than doubled!! KUDOS. By spring we should be collecting enough eggs to sell the abundance!
Lexie and Glory are still holding onto their babies!! Glory is huge!! She will be a first time mama and we hope and pray she calves before cold hits.
We decided (or should say, Kenneth decided) to get the Lamanchas bred. He set up things for visits with the buck. Fingers crossed we have babies this spring. We also put Cassandra in with Kimchi. I look forward to seeing how she milks! Her mama was one of our best milkers. ( Nikita)
I think one of the most difficult things to do on a homestead/farmstead is making changes. I know down sizing the goats is needed. I know breeding mini lamancha is not the best idea for now. It takes good planning, culling, multiple bucks and changing of bucks down the line as our generations increase. Well in my current plan of being able to run things on my own, to feed us from our land and animals, breeding. minies is not practical. So ...although this season its mini manchas, I will be looking for a Lamancha buck for next season. And I am considering keeping one Nigerian buck for my nigies and Cassandra. Other wise, they have to go and I'm not ready to do that just yet.
We may end up selling a few calves once weened. We don't need 10 girls! Once we decide how many will meet our needs, we will decide who stays and whose to be sold or put in the freezer.
My hope is to get a 3 set of Kune Kune breeders. 2 female and one male. Purpose again is meat. Being cute has nothing to do with it..I promise ; )
I cant believe we are almost through this year!! I say it every year, but it seems to go faster and faster. We hope to have the chicken coop done before winter hits hard. Chickens are already using the shed, we have food and water and nesting boxes in there to tempt them. Egg count has more than doubled!! KUDOS. By spring we should be collecting enough eggs to sell the abundance!
Lexie and Glory are still holding onto their babies!! Glory is huge!! She will be a first time mama and we hope and pray she calves before cold hits.
We decided (or should say, Kenneth decided) to get the Lamanchas bred. He set up things for visits with the buck. Fingers crossed we have babies this spring. We also put Cassandra in with Kimchi. I look forward to seeing how she milks! Her mama was one of our best milkers. ( Nikita)
I think one of the most difficult things to do on a homestead/farmstead is making changes. I know down sizing the goats is needed. I know breeding mini lamancha is not the best idea for now. It takes good planning, culling, multiple bucks and changing of bucks down the line as our generations increase. Well in my current plan of being able to run things on my own, to feed us from our land and animals, breeding. minies is not practical. So ...although this season its mini manchas, I will be looking for a Lamancha buck for next season. And I am considering keeping one Nigerian buck for my nigies and Cassandra. Other wise, they have to go and I'm not ready to do that just yet.
We may end up selling a few calves once weened. We don't need 10 girls! Once we decide how many will meet our needs, we will decide who stays and whose to be sold or put in the freezer.
My hope is to get a 3 set of Kune Kune breeders. 2 female and one male. Purpose again is meat. Being cute has nothing to do with it..I promise ; )
October 13 2021,
Queenie finally Calved on October 5th. Looks like another girl : ) Im so excited for Queenie although she took almost a week to bring her up with the rest of the herd lol Last calving Queenie lost till her bull calf. We believe he was still born, maybe took too long to get him into the world. It was heart breaking to see her mourn her baby. Maybe that is why she took so long to bring this little girl up to meet us. We did go out and check on them but she wouldn't let us near. Meet Dolly, a pretty red heifer. Congrats Queenie!!
Queenie finally Calved on October 5th. Looks like another girl : ) Im so excited for Queenie although she took almost a week to bring her up with the rest of the herd lol Last calving Queenie lost till her bull calf. We believe he was still born, maybe took too long to get him into the world. It was heart breaking to see her mourn her baby. Maybe that is why she took so long to bring this little girl up to meet us. We did go out and check on them but she wouldn't let us near. Meet Dolly, a pretty red heifer. Congrats Queenie!!
September 30 2021
We are on a bit of a stand still with the coop as Kenneth needs help to put on tin, but the hens found out there is food, water and nesting boxes in there !! starting to find eggs again : ) Yahoo.
Queenie, our senior Dexter is getting super close to calve. I don't think her udder can get much tighter. March of 2020 Queenie calved a bull and by the time we got to her, baby was dead. We are hoping and praying she has this one close enough to the house where we can help her if needed. Glorys udder is getting pretty big too and she is HUGE like a double wide. This will be her first calf and we are keeping close watch on them both. Lexie doesn't look to be very far along just yet. You can see all our cows on our Dexter page : )
We are on a bit of a stand still with the coop as Kenneth needs help to put on tin, but the hens found out there is food, water and nesting boxes in there !! starting to find eggs again : ) Yahoo.
Queenie, our senior Dexter is getting super close to calve. I don't think her udder can get much tighter. March of 2020 Queenie calved a bull and by the time we got to her, baby was dead. We are hoping and praying she has this one close enough to the house where we can help her if needed. Glorys udder is getting pretty big too and she is HUGE like a double wide. This will be her first calf and we are keeping close watch on them both. Lexie doesn't look to be very far along just yet. You can see all our cows on our Dexter page : )
September 24 2021
Im sorry I haven't kept this page updated well lately. Recovering from covid has proved long. BUT Kenneth has been working hard revamping the old chicken coop to put back to good use for the chickens. We are tired of egg hunting with little results. We have 40+ chickens at least and getting less than a dozen eggs...well that doesnt fly with mom LOL. So we will choose a handful of healthy ladies to coop up and train to come in at night. For now, we are feeding them in the coop and Kenneth is adding nesting boxes to encourage them to lay in there , fingers crossed. We would like to get enough eggs to sell some to help pay for their own feed. Now that is smart farming lol..Happy Fall ALL
Im sorry I haven't kept this page updated well lately. Recovering from covid has proved long. BUT Kenneth has been working hard revamping the old chicken coop to put back to good use for the chickens. We are tired of egg hunting with little results. We have 40+ chickens at least and getting less than a dozen eggs...well that doesnt fly with mom LOL. So we will choose a handful of healthy ladies to coop up and train to come in at night. For now, we are feeding them in the coop and Kenneth is adding nesting boxes to encourage them to lay in there , fingers crossed. We would like to get enough eggs to sell some to help pay for their own feed. Now that is smart farming lol..Happy Fall ALL
September 13 2021
It's been quite a month. I got covid pneumonia and ended up in the hospital for 3 weeks. Kids and hub did a wonderful job maintaining life on the farm. Im so happy and grateful to be home. We had two new calves born when I was gone. Ill post pix here soon.
I want to share that the Covid medical team where I was in Comanche Texas, out shine any tam I have ever seen! I watched them cry, pray, encourage their patience when we felt our worse, when we gave up, they lifted us up. I saw nurses call family members in the middle of the night to give hope for their patient. And those family members being so grateful they got the call. Their care went above medical! This is more than a job to them, This is who they are!! Please pray for these angels. I know I could not have made it through what I did if it were not for these people!! Sending love and prayers to Comanche Country Texas Hospital and the Covid team!!!
It's been quite a month. I got covid pneumonia and ended up in the hospital for 3 weeks. Kids and hub did a wonderful job maintaining life on the farm. Im so happy and grateful to be home. We had two new calves born when I was gone. Ill post pix here soon.
I want to share that the Covid medical team where I was in Comanche Texas, out shine any tam I have ever seen! I watched them cry, pray, encourage their patience when we felt our worse, when we gave up, they lifted us up. I saw nurses call family members in the middle of the night to give hope for their patient. And those family members being so grateful they got the call. Their care went above medical! This is more than a job to them, This is who they are!! Please pray for these angels. I know I could not have made it through what I did if it were not for these people!! Sending love and prayers to Comanche Country Texas Hospital and the Covid team!!!
August 22 2021
Well its been a long hard week. Hubs and my boys came in sick, then a week later Hubs is still sick (cause he doesn't stop to rest) and now Im sick. Not fun. BUT before I got run down by this train, I managed to gather fecal samples from 7 of my goats to check how things looked. Ill get the others next week but all in all this gave me a good picture of whats going on...everyone looked great! No numbers were scary, however Holly had a pretty sizable load more than the others. So we will do some tweaking in her parasite treatment and retest her in a few weeks. She looks great, as a matter of fact, I was able to gather some strength to go out and take a look at them and they all look good. Emmie has all her hair back in, ( she looses hair every early summer, and we copper her and all is well. Everyone was shiny and perky and lively!! We are however, out of hay, so sick or not sick...that is a trip I will have to make tomorrow. Farm life does not slow down because you get sick..but I sure slowed down LOL. Animals forgive me because I have an amazing 15 year old son who steps in up a few paces when mom is out. SO, Thank you Kenneth, you're amazing!!
Well its been a long hard week. Hubs and my boys came in sick, then a week later Hubs is still sick (cause he doesn't stop to rest) and now Im sick. Not fun. BUT before I got run down by this train, I managed to gather fecal samples from 7 of my goats to check how things looked. Ill get the others next week but all in all this gave me a good picture of whats going on...everyone looked great! No numbers were scary, however Holly had a pretty sizable load more than the others. So we will do some tweaking in her parasite treatment and retest her in a few weeks. She looks great, as a matter of fact, I was able to gather some strength to go out and take a look at them and they all look good. Emmie has all her hair back in, ( she looses hair every early summer, and we copper her and all is well. Everyone was shiny and perky and lively!! We are however, out of hay, so sick or not sick...that is a trip I will have to make tomorrow. Farm life does not slow down because you get sick..but I sure slowed down LOL. Animals forgive me because I have an amazing 15 year old son who steps in up a few paces when mom is out. SO, Thank you Kenneth, you're amazing!!
August 12 2021
Finally got fecals sent out. Hope it's not too hot. I did include an ice pac, but still. Any way, Im hoping for a good report or at least points me in a good direction on dealing with things. We are keeping a close watch on Irene, who has that spot on her rear. we are keeping picture documentation on its progress, and Im afraid it maybe indeed a squamous Cell Carcinoma based o how it's looking. Once we are sure, I will post pictures and keep you posted as if nothing more, a learning post. But all in all she is doing so much better. Eating well and putting some weight back on. As for the rest of the herd, they are all doing well.
Finally got fecals sent out. Hope it's not too hot. I did include an ice pac, but still. Any way, Im hoping for a good report or at least points me in a good direction on dealing with things. We are keeping a close watch on Irene, who has that spot on her rear. we are keeping picture documentation on its progress, and Im afraid it maybe indeed a squamous Cell Carcinoma based o how it's looking. Once we are sure, I will post pictures and keep you posted as if nothing more, a learning post. But all in all she is doing so much better. Eating well and putting some weight back on. As for the rest of the herd, they are all doing well.
August 6 2021
Irene is feeling much better. Her poop is back to berries although soft formed. She's eating better and on the mend. 1 more day of Nuflor and she will be happy again. I made her bleed tonight! I hate when I do that. I prefer to give shots while they are on the milk table..cant move and I can take my time to be sure we do a good job. Well she is jumpy and Nichole cant hold her too well. She tried but in the end, I made her bleed : (
Also a week or so ago, I saw a new raw red spot on her Bum. Keeping watch to see how it heals. Its not healing well and Im afraid it maybe cancer. I have seen it way too often in friends goats. I pray its not. Tomorrow we will load her on the table and get her cleaned up again, check it against the pix I took to show progress of healing or progress of growing. Good time to do her last shot as well. Keep Irene in your thoughts and prayers.
Irene is feeling much better. Her poop is back to berries although soft formed. She's eating better and on the mend. 1 more day of Nuflor and she will be happy again. I made her bleed tonight! I hate when I do that. I prefer to give shots while they are on the milk table..cant move and I can take my time to be sure we do a good job. Well she is jumpy and Nichole cant hold her too well. She tried but in the end, I made her bleed : (
Also a week or so ago, I saw a new raw red spot on her Bum. Keeping watch to see how it heals. Its not healing well and Im afraid it maybe cancer. I have seen it way too often in friends goats. I pray its not. Tomorrow we will load her on the table and get her cleaned up again, check it against the pix I took to show progress of healing or progress of growing. Good time to do her last shot as well. Keep Irene in your thoughts and prayers.
August 5 2021
Irene is feeling so much better today. Tuesday she was off to herself and not active at all. Temp was 106.3 Started her on Nuflor and by yesterday evening she was wanting to come in on the mil table. We decided to dry her up and let her rest. She has scours now and dropped weight quickly. Running fecal's on everyone, so maybe there is something there to point us in the right direction. Tonight she ran away from me when treatment time came and definitely looked to feel better. Temp is good. I hate when anyone is not well. Thankful for meds on hand!!
Irene is feeling so much better today. Tuesday she was off to herself and not active at all. Temp was 106.3 Started her on Nuflor and by yesterday evening she was wanting to come in on the mil table. We decided to dry her up and let her rest. She has scours now and dropped weight quickly. Running fecal's on everyone, so maybe there is something there to point us in the right direction. Tonight she ran away from me when treatment time came and definitely looked to feel better. Temp is good. I hate when anyone is not well. Thankful for meds on hand!!
August 4 2021
They say a watch pot never boils, I say a watch goat never poops!! It's fecal time. Jinger went to her new home. She was chemically dewormed and produced worms in her poop. Thankfully her new owner informed me, SO something here is going on and I aim to find out. I only have a few whose famacha are less pink then I like but no one in serious trouble. I thinking Barberpole is not the issue, but a round worm. We shall find out as I only have 4 more to collect from then we send it in, hoping tomorrow!!
Its always a good idea to send in a fecal on everyone or at least those who look poorly or a few combined sample at least a few times a year to make sure your deworming program is still effective. Being ill, I have missed doing that, and now we may have an issue..Right now we do Herbs 2 times a week and ess. oils once a week. This may not be enough in this seasons weather of hot, cooler, wet then dry. I'll keep you posted on our findings.
They say a watch pot never boils, I say a watch goat never poops!! It's fecal time. Jinger went to her new home. She was chemically dewormed and produced worms in her poop. Thankfully her new owner informed me, SO something here is going on and I aim to find out. I only have a few whose famacha are less pink then I like but no one in serious trouble. I thinking Barberpole is not the issue, but a round worm. We shall find out as I only have 4 more to collect from then we send it in, hoping tomorrow!!
Its always a good idea to send in a fecal on everyone or at least those who look poorly or a few combined sample at least a few times a year to make sure your deworming program is still effective. Being ill, I have missed doing that, and now we may have an issue..Right now we do Herbs 2 times a week and ess. oils once a week. This may not be enough in this seasons weather of hot, cooler, wet then dry. I'll keep you posted on our findings.
July 27 2021
Emmy, seen here with my daughter, Nichole, is such a sweet girl. My problem child. Emmy founders. Needing hoof trims several times a month to keep her walking on her feet. She looses her hair every shedding season, I mean to the skin. She drops weight a little when it's hot, like now. So why would I keep a goat thats is so much trouble? Her bond with Nichole. We have not bred Emmy in a few years but she still gives milk. Not a lot, but it's for Nichole. Every morning Nichole calls Emmy. Emmy answers and walks over to Nichole, pulls up a cud while Nichole sits down and milks her. Emmy snuggles and nuzzles Nichole while she milks. This seems just as important to Emmy as it is to Nichole. When you have a child with mental delay and autism, it's the little joys that mean so much in a life of struggles. As long as Emmy is able, I will keep trimming her hooves and meeting her needs, and she will continue to meet that need in Nichole. |
July 17 2021
Things are heating up here in Texas. I don't mind as long as the humidity drys off. Next week we plan on really diving into fixing the chicken coop and get the hens moved in so we know where the eggs are!! Ill take some before during and after pix for you! We are so excited to have had an opportunity to purchase a large brooder. This will help us a ton when we have chicks hatch. Much better than a water trough.
Look at Miss Francis. She is such a pretty girl. She is flaunting her Precocious Udder. I do hope to get her bred this season, even though we are taking a breeding break, she has been hard to settle. She had a false pregnancy in August 2020. I would love to see what this girl can bring to the milking table!!
Things are heating up here in Texas. I don't mind as long as the humidity drys off. Next week we plan on really diving into fixing the chicken coop and get the hens moved in so we know where the eggs are!! Ill take some before during and after pix for you! We are so excited to have had an opportunity to purchase a large brooder. This will help us a ton when we have chicks hatch. Much better than a water trough.
Look at Miss Francis. She is such a pretty girl. She is flaunting her Precocious Udder. I do hope to get her bred this season, even though we are taking a breeding break, she has been hard to settle. She had a false pregnancy in August 2020. I would love to see what this girl can bring to the milking table!!
June 29 2021
We are so bummed. One of our trees in the goat pen split and a branch fell on our fencing. Ok we can fix the fence but looks like all the trees will have to be removed or trimmed down to stumps!! I love the shade they provide and the goats love to climb them, but safety needs to come first.
We are so bummed. One of our trees in the goat pen split and a branch fell on our fencing. Ok we can fix the fence but looks like all the trees will have to be removed or trimmed down to stumps!! I love the shade they provide and the goats love to climb them, but safety needs to come first.
June 25 2021
Ever have a time where you stop and stare at your farm, wonder what could be done different, better, improved, revamp or just rethink your plans? That is where I am. The last few years have caused a shift in things and so change is needed. With health issue nearly behind me, I feel like for the first time, I can move forward. Time to make plans, do research and formulate a plan of action!
Ever have a time where you stop and stare at your farm, wonder what could be done different, better, improved, revamp or just rethink your plans? That is where I am. The last few years have caused a shift in things and so change is needed. With health issue nearly behind me, I feel like for the first time, I can move forward. Time to make plans, do research and formulate a plan of action!
June 20 2021
Happy fathers day all you dads out there!! Today after a nice lunch with the kids, Hubs and I went for a drive. We discussed the selling of the goats and came to the conclusion not to sell them. Well not to sell the lamanchas. We will still offer up the mini saanen and mini Lamancha as well as the Nigie boys. Goats get me out the door even when I don't want to. We may choose not to breed them this season, allow more time for me to regain my strength after a long health battle, and perhaps just milk them through. It's been a hard year, and selling these girls, while will reduce the work load, would be heart breaking. So for now...we stay still.
Happy fathers day all you dads out there!! Today after a nice lunch with the kids, Hubs and I went for a drive. We discussed the selling of the goats and came to the conclusion not to sell them. Well not to sell the lamanchas. We will still offer up the mini saanen and mini Lamancha as well as the Nigie boys. Goats get me out the door even when I don't want to. We may choose not to breed them this season, allow more time for me to regain my strength after a long health battle, and perhaps just milk them through. It's been a hard year, and selling these girls, while will reduce the work load, would be heart breaking. So for now...we stay still.
June 18 2021
Ever second guess yourself? Im betting you have and will understand when I say I don't want to sell my goats. I start to think of ways we can keep them. Tonight I went out to help mil and feed and I didn't want to come back in. But my body said I had to. Ugh, I wish my body strength and energy would catch up to my brain. My brain can do anything I set before it..my body says it needs more time to heal, build and recover. In the mean time, finding homes for my girls is best. Tonight I saw Niya had a small udder. Now she's a yearling and not bred, so precocious udder perhaps? Ill pull blood to check and make sure not hanky panky went on behind our backs. But I was excited to see large teats forming. She's going to be on heck of a milker. Her mama, Nora is a beautiful milker.
Ever second guess yourself? Im betting you have and will understand when I say I don't want to sell my goats. I start to think of ways we can keep them. Tonight I went out to help mil and feed and I didn't want to come back in. But my body said I had to. Ugh, I wish my body strength and energy would catch up to my brain. My brain can do anything I set before it..my body says it needs more time to heal, build and recover. In the mean time, finding homes for my girls is best. Tonight I saw Niya had a small udder. Now she's a yearling and not bred, so precocious udder perhaps? Ill pull blood to check and make sure not hanky panky went on behind our backs. But I was excited to see large teats forming. She's going to be on heck of a milker. Her mama, Nora is a beautiful milker.
June 10 2021
Some of you ask what will I do when my goats are gone? Well we will still have a few pet goats. This will be a time of rest and revamping our plans based on where we are at as a family. It will a good time to redo the barn and fences, focus on clean up and just enjoy the few goats we will retain. At least this is what I keep telling myself LOL. Change can be hard.
Some of you ask what will I do when my goats are gone? Well we will still have a few pet goats. This will be a time of rest and revamping our plans based on where we are at as a family. It will a good time to redo the barn and fences, focus on clean up and just enjoy the few goats we will retain. At least this is what I keep telling myself LOL. Change can be hard.
June 9 2021
Running a farm has many ups and downs. Selling my Girls is def. a down time. It feels so sad when Im out there, loving on them, petting and brushing them. Im so attached to each one. Im going to miss them. But I have to look at the UPs. We will find them homes that will love them and be amazing for them. We will have more time to heal, revamp, plan and move on. If you know an amazing place who need these beautiful goats..please share.
Running a farm has many ups and downs. Selling my Girls is def. a down time. It feels so sad when Im out there, loving on them, petting and brushing them. Im so attached to each one. Im going to miss them. But I have to look at the UPs. We will find them homes that will love them and be amazing for them. We will have more time to heal, revamp, plan and move on. If you know an amazing place who need these beautiful goats..please share.
June 7 2021
Wow. Life has a way of turning a corner and surprising you. Just last month I was looking forward to new babies and planning next season breeding season. Now we are selling all but a few pet goats. It's just time. Our milk need is so much less than it used to be. There is so much going on of late that although Im so sad to sell of goats That were born and raised right here, Im ready for some rest. Up for grabs are all Lamanchas, Nora, Willa, Journey, Frances and Niya as well as Jinger, our mini lamancha. We also have both Nigerian bucks available for sale as well as two Mini Lamancha bucklings. Please see their full information on the Doe, Buck, Kid pen and sale page. we will make a herd deal or multi-purchase deals. I would really like this band aid ripped off fast as it is a hard and sad time. Please share.
Wow. Life has a way of turning a corner and surprising you. Just last month I was looking forward to new babies and planning next season breeding season. Now we are selling all but a few pet goats. It's just time. Our milk need is so much less than it used to be. There is so much going on of late that although Im so sad to sell of goats That were born and raised right here, Im ready for some rest. Up for grabs are all Lamanchas, Nora, Willa, Journey, Frances and Niya as well as Jinger, our mini lamancha. We also have both Nigerian bucks available for sale as well as two Mini Lamancha bucklings. Please see their full information on the Doe, Buck, Kid pen and sale page. we will make a herd deal or multi-purchase deals. I would really like this band aid ripped off fast as it is a hard and sad time. Please share.
May 26 2021
Boy, it's been a few days. We have had several rain storms blow through and between the rain and cleaning up after the rain, we stay pretty busy. The garden is happy with all the rain, and plants are booming in size. Chickens are laying, and if we cant find them fast enough, the chicken goes broody and eggs either need to run the hatching course or we get a frig full of gross eggs. and not to mentions a crazy moment when TSC had ducks for a buck! Yes, we fell victim to the scheme and now have 30 ducks, which we just released out of their pen. Our geese, Edward and Eleanor are happy to act as their parents!!
All in all everyone is doing great. Equine and cows are happy with the fresh grasses and Goats are happy to be out of the barn on this sunny day.
Life on the farm can offer lots of excitement but on a rainy day, we get to sit back and read a good book and wait for our turn out there.
Boy, it's been a few days. We have had several rain storms blow through and between the rain and cleaning up after the rain, we stay pretty busy. The garden is happy with all the rain, and plants are booming in size. Chickens are laying, and if we cant find them fast enough, the chicken goes broody and eggs either need to run the hatching course or we get a frig full of gross eggs. and not to mentions a crazy moment when TSC had ducks for a buck! Yes, we fell victim to the scheme and now have 30 ducks, which we just released out of their pen. Our geese, Edward and Eleanor are happy to act as their parents!!
All in all everyone is doing great. Equine and cows are happy with the fresh grasses and Goats are happy to be out of the barn on this sunny day.
Life on the farm can offer lots of excitement but on a rainy day, we get to sit back and read a good book and wait for our turn out there.
May 11 2021
A lot has happened since my last post. Elmer and I flew to Alaska to visit our daughter, SIL and grandbabies. It was a great week!! Lots to see and do plus lots of play time and hugs from our grand-kiddos. AND Willa was indeed bred and blessed us with yet another single buck LOL . Yup. No Mini Lamancha girls this season..but we will try again next season. BUT the buck is adorable..nice confirmation. He along with Journeys buck will be sold. So if you or some one you know are looking for a registered F1 mini Lamancha buck to help push their herd to F2..Ive got what you need. See our sale page for full details. Here are a few pix of our trip...and the new baby buck!!
A lot has happened since my last post. Elmer and I flew to Alaska to visit our daughter, SIL and grandbabies. It was a great week!! Lots to see and do plus lots of play time and hugs from our grand-kiddos. AND Willa was indeed bred and blessed us with yet another single buck LOL . Yup. No Mini Lamancha girls this season..but we will try again next season. BUT the buck is adorable..nice confirmation. He along with Journeys buck will be sold. So if you or some one you know are looking for a registered F1 mini Lamancha buck to help push their herd to F2..Ive got what you need. See our sale page for full details. Here are a few pix of our trip...and the new baby buck!!
April 28 2021
Journey did it! 4 days ago on the 24th she kidded a handsome single buck. She did great without any help and is being a awesome mom. We are having to milk her to keep her even until this little man figures out there are two teats!
Meet Happy Bleats Legend
Journey did it! 4 days ago on the 24th she kidded a handsome single buck. She did great without any help and is being a awesome mom. We are having to milk her to keep her even until this little man figures out there are two teats!
Meet Happy Bleats Legend
April 21 2021
I was so ready for warmer weather! This cold front is crazy. We had to get a heat lamp put for the baby ducks! Well, at least the goats are happy. Watching them play like they did the other day is fun. I received a wonderful surprise in the mail. Two bars of beautiful goats milk soap, lip balm and an adorable lotion bar. Thank you Flor! It warmed my heart!! I love each one!!
I was so ready for warmer weather! This cold front is crazy. We had to get a heat lamp put for the baby ducks! Well, at least the goats are happy. Watching them play like they did the other day is fun. I received a wonderful surprise in the mail. Two bars of beautiful goats milk soap, lip balm and an adorable lotion bar. Thank you Flor! It warmed my heart!! I love each one!!
April 17 2021
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me LOL. Well with everything going on of late, I miss wrote Journeys due date. She's still holding kid hostage and growing larger by the minute!! So we wait!
Today was cool and refreshing. So much so the goats were having fun running and playing! I love watching kids play, I love it even more when the mamas join in. Today even Emmy was running and jumping! Too fun!
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me LOL. Well with everything going on of late, I miss wrote Journeys due date. She's still holding kid hostage and growing larger by the minute!! So we wait!
Today was cool and refreshing. So much so the goats were having fun running and playing! I love watching kids play, I love it even more when the mamas join in. Today even Emmy was running and jumping! Too fun!
April 8 2021
Exciting news , Journey is due to kid any day now! Still presenting firm ligs but babies have dropped!! Will keep you posted on her as things progress. Hollys little one, Buttercup is such a doll. We are enjoying her personality. Im thinking she would be great to keep around.
Exciting news , Journey is due to kid any day now! Still presenting firm ligs but babies have dropped!! Will keep you posted on her as things progress. Hollys little one, Buttercup is such a doll. We are enjoying her personality. Im thinking she would be great to keep around.
April 2 2021
Today we did the boys hooves and copper. Kimchi has been favoring his front right leg. Just seems tender. Well for short little fat guys they sure can move LOL. Poor Kenneth had the pleasure of getting a hold of them. Now if you know goats, you know it doesn't matter how friendly they are, if you want them..they run LOL. Kimchi and Levi are not in your face friendly but boy or boy..today they were goat rodeo material. But we got the job done and Levis hooves were far worse than Kimchi's. They got their dose of copper in a little apple sauce which they seem to enjoy, then a trim. My back is killing me now. Boys need their own table before next trim time. UGH. But my handsome boys are done for now..I just love Kimchi's flashy color and spunky personality and LOVE Levis beard and mane, although it hides his waddles!!
Today we did the boys hooves and copper. Kimchi has been favoring his front right leg. Just seems tender. Well for short little fat guys they sure can move LOL. Poor Kenneth had the pleasure of getting a hold of them. Now if you know goats, you know it doesn't matter how friendly they are, if you want them..they run LOL. Kimchi and Levi are not in your face friendly but boy or boy..today they were goat rodeo material. But we got the job done and Levis hooves were far worse than Kimchi's. They got their dose of copper in a little apple sauce which they seem to enjoy, then a trim. My back is killing me now. Boys need their own table before next trim time. UGH. But my handsome boys are done for now..I just love Kimchi's flashy color and spunky personality and LOVE Levis beard and mane, although it hides his waddles!!
March 31 2021
March is over! Wow, life gets faster and faster. Babies are growing up strong. Irenes boys are so handsome and Buttercup is a doll. For now we are thinking of keeping Buttercup. But the boys will need new homes. Be sure to bounce over to the sale page to see up dated pix on them. I was out sitting with the goats, and Cassandra came over to me. Im impressed with this girl every time I see her. A first Gen Mini Saanen, she is pretty impressive. I look forward to one day milking this girl. If she is anything like her mama, it will be pure joy!
March is over! Wow, life gets faster and faster. Babies are growing up strong. Irenes boys are so handsome and Buttercup is a doll. For now we are thinking of keeping Buttercup. But the boys will need new homes. Be sure to bounce over to the sale page to see up dated pix on them. I was out sitting with the goats, and Cassandra came over to me. Im impressed with this girl every time I see her. A first Gen Mini Saanen, she is pretty impressive. I look forward to one day milking this girl. If she is anything like her mama, it will be pure joy!
March 24 2021
Do to recent ice storms, garden plans were delayed. So here we go.. Kenneth and Nichole worked hard to get the plot ready and Kenneth planted a few tomato plants to get us started along with some yummy herb plants in planters and a few around a tree. He love his herbs!! Gardening is not easy and I admit I do not have a good record in keeping plants alive. Im hoping Kenneth does better LOL.
Do to recent ice storms, garden plans were delayed. So here we go.. Kenneth and Nichole worked hard to get the plot ready and Kenneth planted a few tomato plants to get us started along with some yummy herb plants in planters and a few around a tree. He love his herbs!! Gardening is not easy and I admit I do not have a good record in keeping plants alive. Im hoping Kenneth does better LOL.
March 22 2021
I recently got back on FB. Im not going on to see what everyones up to or read whats happening in the world, or updating everyone on things here on the farm, but rather to post some light in the darkness. Let me explain. When I was asked why I left FB my answer was I am tired of all the garbage. While I enjoy seeing what my friends and family are up to, I cringes to see all the other junk. I needed a break from it. I have my own struggles right now that I needed to focus on, heal from. So leaving FB was needed. Of course there is the fact that FB spies on us and steals our info...Any way..back to why Im back on-ish. The person who asked me why I left told me in so many words that when we see darkness it is our duty as Christs children to shine a light on it. I thought about that for a long while. And I do miss sharing uplifting posters of Gods word. So that is what Im doing, sharing a little light. Updated on the farm will still be right here..: )
I recently got back on FB. Im not going on to see what everyones up to or read whats happening in the world, or updating everyone on things here on the farm, but rather to post some light in the darkness. Let me explain. When I was asked why I left FB my answer was I am tired of all the garbage. While I enjoy seeing what my friends and family are up to, I cringes to see all the other junk. I needed a break from it. I have my own struggles right now that I needed to focus on, heal from. So leaving FB was needed. Of course there is the fact that FB spies on us and steals our info...Any way..back to why Im back on-ish. The person who asked me why I left told me in so many words that when we see darkness it is our duty as Christs children to shine a light on it. I thought about that for a long while. And I do miss sharing uplifting posters of Gods word. So that is what Im doing, sharing a little light. Updated on the farm will still be right here..: )
March 17 2021
We lost a pet member of the family yesterday. Alexandria was our first kitty here in Texas. We found her a week or so after moving here. She was maybe 4-6 weeks old at the time. She had been slowing down for several months now but noticed the last few days she was sluggish. She lived a happy active 16 years here with us. She is already missed. She had a habit of bringing her dinner finds to the house and calling my kids to come see LOL. Once they seen what she had and said good Girl Alex..she would go off and eat her dinner. She lived mostly in the front of the house as she didn't care much for the barn kitties. All our dogs looked after her and seemed to really care about her. This last year it seemed the dogs new she was getting close to her end. Timothy often was seen sharing his bed with her, even if it meant he was half off it LOL, he made room for her. While we know she lived along life, especially for an outside farm kitty, we are sad at the loss. RIP Alex. We love you!
We lost a pet member of the family yesterday. Alexandria was our first kitty here in Texas. We found her a week or so after moving here. She was maybe 4-6 weeks old at the time. She had been slowing down for several months now but noticed the last few days she was sluggish. She lived a happy active 16 years here with us. She is already missed. She had a habit of bringing her dinner finds to the house and calling my kids to come see LOL. Once they seen what she had and said good Girl Alex..she would go off and eat her dinner. She lived mostly in the front of the house as she didn't care much for the barn kitties. All our dogs looked after her and seemed to really care about her. This last year it seemed the dogs new she was getting close to her end. Timothy often was seen sharing his bed with her, even if it meant he was half off it LOL, he made room for her. While we know she lived along life, especially for an outside farm kitty, we are sad at the loss. RIP Alex. We love you!
March 15 2021
Babies are growing and bouncing and so adorable. Tonight the boys get disbudded and maybe Buttercup, not sure she is 100% ready. I truly do hate this part in raising goats. It's not something we want to do but feel important to get done. We do give pain reliever ( banamine) before we get the job done. My daughter is fast and gets babies back with mom quickly. Sometimes the job is unpleasant but necessary. But for now..heres a few cute pix of the babies
Babies are growing and bouncing and so adorable. Tonight the boys get disbudded and maybe Buttercup, not sure she is 100% ready. I truly do hate this part in raising goats. It's not something we want to do but feel important to get done. We do give pain reliever ( banamine) before we get the job done. My daughter is fast and gets babies back with mom quickly. Sometimes the job is unpleasant but necessary. But for now..heres a few cute pix of the babies
March 12 2021
Checking famacha's today and I have to say Im pleased! Lots of deep pink and red color! Babies are all doing great..strong and playful. Irenes boys are favoring one side, leaving her udder lopsided. We are keeping her milked even and trying to get the boy to like both sides. Sometimes it takes a bit..but they will catch on. Im hoping to have enough strength to trim hooves tomorrow...wish me luck!
Checking famacha's today and I have to say Im pleased! Lots of deep pink and red color! Babies are all doing great..strong and playful. Irenes boys are favoring one side, leaving her udder lopsided. We are keeping her milked even and trying to get the boy to like both sides. Sometimes it takes a bit..but they will catch on. Im hoping to have enough strength to trim hooves tomorrow...wish me luck!
March 9 2021
Holly Hs her baby today. She did amazing, especially for a first time mama! Baby was on the ground in less than 30 minutes from her first push!! GO HOLLY! She blessed us with a single doe which we names Buttercup. ( Suggested name from my Granddaughter!)
One mama left to kid, Journey, due Mid April. Then we are done. With only 3 bred, makes kid picking slim LOL. Think Pink for Journey for more F1 mini lamancha babies!
Holly Hs her baby today. She did amazing, especially for a first time mama! Baby was on the ground in less than 30 minutes from her first push!! GO HOLLY! She blessed us with a single doe which we names Buttercup. ( Suggested name from my Granddaughter!)
One mama left to kid, Journey, due Mid April. Then we are done. With only 3 bred, makes kid picking slim LOL. Think Pink for Journey for more F1 mini lamancha babies!
March 8 2021
Irene had her babies today. Twin boys. This girl did super well and babies are fat and healthy!! Nichole even got some kisses while Irene labored : )
White baby is Karl, brown baby is Clyde.
Irene had her babies today. Twin boys. This girl did super well and babies are fat and healthy!! Nichole even got some kisses while Irene labored : )
White baby is Karl, brown baby is Clyde.
March 4 2021
Spring is kicking at the door!! After a rough winter week ( haha) Im ready. I hear the birds singing and the grass popping up, and long for the trees to be full again. Although I appreciate all seasons, I do have my favorite..like NOT COLD.
We have babies on the way. Holly is building a cute little udder. Im excited to see what she and Levi produce. Irene is HUGE. we are betting triplets maybe! She is bred to Kimchi for mini Saanen, but more like 3/4 nigie and 1/4 saanen. And lastly is Journey, bred to Kimchi for F1 mini Lamancha. Her udder just beginning to show. We are hoping Willa took but we wont hold our breath, but if she did, then another batch of mini lamanchas sired by Kimchi. This year baby pen will be lean, but that is ok. In this season of my life, I need simple, easy and not too much.
Spring is kicking at the door!! After a rough winter week ( haha) Im ready. I hear the birds singing and the grass popping up, and long for the trees to be full again. Although I appreciate all seasons, I do have my favorite..like NOT COLD.
We have babies on the way. Holly is building a cute little udder. Im excited to see what she and Levi produce. Irene is HUGE. we are betting triplets maybe! She is bred to Kimchi for mini Saanen, but more like 3/4 nigie and 1/4 saanen. And lastly is Journey, bred to Kimchi for F1 mini Lamancha. Her udder just beginning to show. We are hoping Willa took but we wont hold our breath, but if she did, then another batch of mini lamanchas sired by Kimchi. This year baby pen will be lean, but that is ok. In this season of my life, I need simple, easy and not too much.
February 21 2021
How did all my Texas friends fair through the winter freeze? We are so thankful we faired well. While dragging water out to the animals was not fun, nor easy, we got it done. we had power off and on, but off no longer than a few hours, which was better than most! And only one broken pipe here and one at the church! All our animals handled it well and dogs enjoyed being inside lol. But now we are warming up, a good time to clean the house and barn stalls..getting ready for 2021 kidding season, in just a few weeks. With only 3 for sure bred, it should be quick LOL. Next season will be fuller, but this year, its good where we are for now.
How did all my Texas friends fair through the winter freeze? We are so thankful we faired well. While dragging water out to the animals was not fun, nor easy, we got it done. we had power off and on, but off no longer than a few hours, which was better than most! And only one broken pipe here and one at the church! All our animals handled it well and dogs enjoyed being inside lol. But now we are warming up, a good time to clean the house and barn stalls..getting ready for 2021 kidding season, in just a few weeks. With only 3 for sure bred, it should be quick LOL. Next season will be fuller, but this year, its good where we are for now.
February 12 2021
My baby turned 15 yesterday! It's a harsh reality our babies grow up even if we plead them not to. Kenneth has been a joy watching grow up! Our kids evolve daily! He's looking forward to so much, like getting his permit !!! Well, hold on a minute, mama is not ready for that LOL We have an old jeep he uses around here and can back a trailer up pretty darn well, but street driving, Im no where near ready for that.
We had a cold front blow in this week and temps plumaged down quick and COLD! A house full of dogs trying to stay warm and an old cat can sure make the air thick LOL. Time to put on a few diffusers to help with that. But with all this down time, I have come up with a plan for our barn and a new milking room!! Instead of building a new barn, which is certainly a possibility, I came up with an idea to reface and redo our old barn and add a milking shed. We will have to wait and see how the plans pan out, but was fun to dream it up. I have had the same barn situation for 16 years, and although it works, it's wearing down and needs some TLC. Fencing has yet to get started as the weather has not cooperated. Everything just takes time. Stay warm!
My baby turned 15 yesterday! It's a harsh reality our babies grow up even if we plead them not to. Kenneth has been a joy watching grow up! Our kids evolve daily! He's looking forward to so much, like getting his permit !!! Well, hold on a minute, mama is not ready for that LOL We have an old jeep he uses around here and can back a trailer up pretty darn well, but street driving, Im no where near ready for that.
We had a cold front blow in this week and temps plumaged down quick and COLD! A house full of dogs trying to stay warm and an old cat can sure make the air thick LOL. Time to put on a few diffusers to help with that. But with all this down time, I have come up with a plan for our barn and a new milking room!! Instead of building a new barn, which is certainly a possibility, I came up with an idea to reface and redo our old barn and add a milking shed. We will have to wait and see how the plans pan out, but was fun to dream it up. I have had the same barn situation for 16 years, and although it works, it's wearing down and needs some TLC. Fencing has yet to get started as the weather has not cooperated. Everything just takes time. Stay warm!
February 5 2021
Not being fully well, I don't get to get out to see the animals as often as they are used to. Especially when its cold, as cold hurts. But I get to missing walking among the goats, and meeting up with the donkeys. A few days ago it was so pretty and fairly warm. My boys wanted to discuss the new fencing, where I wanted it and so forth, so we walked out to the goat pen. As I headed through the gate chatting with my sons, the goats heard me. They all took their focus off the hay basket and looked toward me. And here is where my heart swells!!, They all come running to me! MaaaaaMaaaa. Everyone wanted to be touched and scratched. They missed me! Warms my heart so so much!! Even Emmy, who suffers from Founder raised up when she saw me and trotted ever so gently to get her loving! I LOVE my goats!! And them loving me back pulls me out of the house more and more. I even mustered enough strength to trim Emmys growing hooves with the help of Kenneth. Farm life with animals can be so healing. They depend on our care which pushes us outside!
Not being fully well, I don't get to get out to see the animals as often as they are used to. Especially when its cold, as cold hurts. But I get to missing walking among the goats, and meeting up with the donkeys. A few days ago it was so pretty and fairly warm. My boys wanted to discuss the new fencing, where I wanted it and so forth, so we walked out to the goat pen. As I headed through the gate chatting with my sons, the goats heard me. They all took their focus off the hay basket and looked toward me. And here is where my heart swells!!, They all come running to me! MaaaaaMaaaa. Everyone wanted to be touched and scratched. They missed me! Warms my heart so so much!! Even Emmy, who suffers from Founder raised up when she saw me and trotted ever so gently to get her loving! I LOVE my goats!! And them loving me back pulls me out of the house more and more. I even mustered enough strength to trim Emmys growing hooves with the help of Kenneth. Farm life with animals can be so healing. They depend on our care which pushes us outside!
January 28 2021
One thing about Texas, there is never short on beautiful sun sets!! Kenneth ( my 14 yr old) took this picture of a recent sunset.
One thing about Texas, there is never short on beautiful sun sets!! Kenneth ( my 14 yr old) took this picture of a recent sunset.
January 25 2021
Calves are doing so well..I need better pix but its so exciting and enjoyable to see them so chunky and playful as they run and play. With 2 heifers and one bull calf and two more mamas to calve this summer, we have a full herd! Yesterday my boys and I worked on new fencing lay out for the goats. Im excited to finally get the ball rolling. everything take so much time and moola. I think we may have a good solid layout for them. Fingers crossed
Calves are doing so well..I need better pix but its so exciting and enjoyable to see them so chunky and playful as they run and play. With 2 heifers and one bull calf and two more mamas to calve this summer, we have a full herd! Yesterday my boys and I worked on new fencing lay out for the goats. Im excited to finally get the ball rolling. everything take so much time and moola. I think we may have a good solid layout for them. Fingers crossed
January 19 2021
Weather is crazy ..70* yesterday and 50* today with some rain. It doesn't surprise me at all..LOL..Texas is known to having her weather fits. But it can be hard on the animals. We check everyone extra when weather swings its own way. We watch for snotty noses, lethargy, anyone off feed or off by themselves. Thankfully so far everyone looks fat and happy. Hope everything is going just as well in your neck of the woods.
Weather is crazy ..70* yesterday and 50* today with some rain. It doesn't surprise me at all..LOL..Texas is known to having her weather fits. But it can be hard on the animals. We check everyone extra when weather swings its own way. We watch for snotty noses, lethargy, anyone off feed or off by themselves. Thankfully so far everyone looks fat and happy. Hope everything is going just as well in your neck of the woods.
January 16 2021
Kenneth (my almost 15 year old) has took it upon himself to milk our dexter cow, Lexi LOL. He been going out and messing with her baby, which he named Chloe. (see about her birth and pix on Jan 9 entry). Today he took a bucket with him and started slow. Petting Lexi along her back..then sides and under her. She has been milked before, so she knows the drill, but it's been a while. While petting and touching and talking to her, He put a bucket of feed in front of her and was able to milk a little. Lexi kicked. a bit, then relaxed. He got about a quart of what looks like HIGH FAT milk! YUM He wasn't out there to fill the bucket, just wanted to ease into it. Plus he found a small cut near the groin area, which he treated. He felt it must have been sore for her to milk. I'll try to get pix next time. Soon we will have fresh cows milk for cream and butter!!
Kenneth (my almost 15 year old) has took it upon himself to milk our dexter cow, Lexi LOL. He been going out and messing with her baby, which he named Chloe. (see about her birth and pix on Jan 9 entry). Today he took a bucket with him and started slow. Petting Lexi along her back..then sides and under her. She has been milked before, so she knows the drill, but it's been a while. While petting and touching and talking to her, He put a bucket of feed in front of her and was able to milk a little. Lexi kicked. a bit, then relaxed. He got about a quart of what looks like HIGH FAT milk! YUM He wasn't out there to fill the bucket, just wanted to ease into it. Plus he found a small cut near the groin area, which he treated. He felt it must have been sore for her to milk. I'll try to get pix next time. Soon we will have fresh cows milk for cream and butter!!
January 15 2021
Winter is a great time to be thinking and planning. We have lots of plans in the making. We will move our bucky boys. Being up front has its down side lol. We will build a new shelter and pen where our old garden was behind the old trailer house. Next to do is fixing our chicken coop up with a new tin siding, replace a few fiberglass panels that are broken on the roof, getting ready to focus on a few breeds for lots of eggs and chicks, which we hope to sell. We will also fix a place to raise ducks for eggs and offspring. Next important chore is redoing the fencing in the goat area. We purchased no climb horse wire to prevent ittie bitties from squeezing through the fence squares and getting into trouble. Im really excited for this as we are always having to add wire to wire over panels to keep babies in!! Such a mess!. We will also be redoing the barn area, adding a few more birthing stalls. This along with normal chores and garden planting we have plenty to keep us busy!!
Winter is a great time to be thinking and planning. We have lots of plans in the making. We will move our bucky boys. Being up front has its down side lol. We will build a new shelter and pen where our old garden was behind the old trailer house. Next to do is fixing our chicken coop up with a new tin siding, replace a few fiberglass panels that are broken on the roof, getting ready to focus on a few breeds for lots of eggs and chicks, which we hope to sell. We will also fix a place to raise ducks for eggs and offspring. Next important chore is redoing the fencing in the goat area. We purchased no climb horse wire to prevent ittie bitties from squeezing through the fence squares and getting into trouble. Im really excited for this as we are always having to add wire to wire over panels to keep babies in!! Such a mess!. We will also be redoing the barn area, adding a few more birthing stalls. This along with normal chores and garden planting we have plenty to keep us busy!!
January 10, 2021
We got quite a bit of snow today. Kids built a snowman. Cows and horses seemed ok with it but the goats all stayed in the barn. Guess they didn't find the joy in it.
As for me, I enjoyed it from inside my warm and dry house!! LOL
We got quite a bit of snow today. Kids built a snowman. Cows and horses seemed ok with it but the goats all stayed in the barn. Guess they didn't find the joy in it.
As for me, I enjoyed it from inside my warm and dry house!! LOL
January 9 2021
Yesterday our Dexter cow finally calved. nearly 3 months after the other two. Lexi had a pretty good side little heifer. She is of course a wonderful mom. We hope to be able to milk her in time. A little cows milk to cream and make butter sounds so yummy!! Queenie and Glory should be due closer to summer.
January 7 2021
Well breeding season is done. Well not so much done, as passed. The Lamanchas are no longer yelling for the boys. Sadly we only got 3, maybe 4 bred. 2020 has had its challenges. But it's ok. Next season we will be better. In our " pretty sure she took" line up is Journey, for F1 mini lamanchas, Irene for mini Saanen and Holly for pure bred Nigies. And a strong maybe will be Willa for F1 Mini Lamancha. Fingers crossed on these ladies!
Yesterday our Dexter cow finally calved. nearly 3 months after the other two. Lexi had a pretty good side little heifer. She is of course a wonderful mom. We hope to be able to milk her in time. A little cows milk to cream and make butter sounds so yummy!! Queenie and Glory should be due closer to summer.
January 7 2021
Well breeding season is done. Well not so much done, as passed. The Lamanchas are no longer yelling for the boys. Sadly we only got 3, maybe 4 bred. 2020 has had its challenges. But it's ok. Next season we will be better. In our " pretty sure she took" line up is Journey, for F1 mini lamanchas, Irene for mini Saanen and Holly for pure bred Nigies. And a strong maybe will be Willa for F1 Mini Lamancha. Fingers crossed on these ladies!