On To The Next Thing

Thank you everyone for your kind comments about Draper’s foal. I’m sure you know it was a huge disappointment. But there is still plenty to get done around here. 

The goats have finished kidding so it was time to band the males and deworm the adults.  Maggie liked the idea of being in the barn out of the rain. 

I started out catching the kids for Joe to band. About 2/3’s of the way through we switched. 

Then we worked the adults in groups of 20. They were very reluctant to go back outside in the rain. 

Joe would catch and I would deworm. 

It was a messy morning. 

 But the rain finally cleared out. The goats had been in the field to the right for a month and a half. Now they will be able to head out over the rest of the farm again.  I am glad that chore is done. 

Bad Day

 Draper delivered a beautiful palomino paint stud colt early this morning that was stillborn. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you do, sh*t happens. That’s all I have to say about that for now. 

Here is a picture of some cute goats. 

The Other Birdfy

While my bird feeder Birdfy camera is on foal watch, I still have my bird house Birdfy camera on bird watch. 

A tree swallow took up residence, built a nest, laid eggs and is now incubating them. 

There are 6 eggs in the nest.  I love how cozy all the feathers make it look. It looks like the last egg was about 5 days ago.  Hatching could be as early as another week.  Stay tuned. 

 

Still Waiting

Day 363. 

I have moved Draper into the stall full time. Fescue toxicity is always a concern. I am hoping she is just at the upper end of the bell curve for gestation length and not having a prolonged pregnancy because of fescue.  As a precaution for the lack of milk symptom of fescue toxicity, I have started her on domperidone.  

I have also been working on my Birdfy camera setup.  I was surprised that I could move the camera so much closer and still get WiFi signal from the house. 

The next problem was lighting.  I had a clip on light that I put a 60 watt LED bulb in and clipped to the top of the gate.  This solved the lighting issue    The camera is on top of the post (the dark line to the left of center) 

This is what I am able to see with the camera at night.  I wonder how many times I will be checking it. 

If anyone is interested in helping me watch, I can try to figure out how to share the QR code, you can download the Birdfy app and start watching the live stream. 

Thwarted

One of last years wethers is not satisfied with what is available to eat on his side of the fence. 

The problem is he keeps getting stuck in the fence.  This morning when I unstuck him, he turned around and did it again.  

I headed to the house for some supplies and came back with the broom handle section and electrical tape. 

He was pretty strong but I was able to hold him between my legs while I taped on the broom handle. 

He wanted to take a selfie to check out the new adornment.  

I think it looks wonderful.  

As soon as I let him go, he was back at it.   I just hope that I used enough tape.  

Hugo Outside

Only one out of 3 criteria were met today for my ride on Hugo.  It was warm enough, but the wind was blowing and Joe wasn't home.  He was close by and was coming back soon so I left him a note and caught Hugo.  By the time I had him saddled and ready, Joe showed up to lend his support.  

After a warm up in the barn, we headed outside, 

Then down the driveway and back.  Todays ride was 40 minutes.  My biggest concern is what to do if I have to make an emergency dismount since my last one didn't work out so well.  

Anyway, I have set up my Birdfy bird feeder camera in the barn to keep an eye on Draper.  You can see her sanding back there next to the wall on the left.  A bonus was getting some video of Hugo.   It is obvious that the camera is not made for either of these functions, but it is still fun to look at.  
 

Sunday Flowers

Sadie and Allie came over Sunday after church. Of course Sadie wanted to go pick flowers. 

Yes, she noticed and liked the Pincushion flowers. But she also liked the irises and poppies. 

Allie only wanted the pincushions. 

Kit Kat got some special attention. 

Then we had to pick out a special vase to arrange the flowers.   

Allie wanted to arrange hers too. 

 Then before going home Sadie wanted to pick some of the marigolds that I had just bought but had not planted yet. Instead of picking them I got two pots and we planted them to take home. They were instructed to water them daily.  We will see if Mike is able to keep up with that new chore.