New Help

Well, J finally got a boy to mentor.  The 11 year old son of someone I work with came over today to help with the goats.  

 Walker was great help.  No complaining, asked pertinent questions, and was a natural with the animals. 

 First, we had to plug all of the holes in the barn and barn lot.  Then round up the goats and drive them into the barn. 

 Then the fun began, catching the kids one at a time and bringing them to J. 

 The boys got banded and the girls just got turned out.  Kid count 116 or so.

 Then it was the nannies turn.   The first one kidded Easter and the last one kidded Mother's Day.  I think that has been our tightest kidding season yet.  Each one got caught, I trimmed the bad feet and dewormed them and Walker worked the gate.  Three hours later, it was time for lunch. 

 Then what I think Walker really wanted to do.  I mean, what boy asks for a horse instead of a 4-wheeler?    First we had a lesson on Hank (no pictures) them I saddled up Otoelene and we went for a long ride around the farm (no pictures)

 Then back to the barn and I let him ride Otoelene to see how much difference there was in the trot between her and Hank.  I think he really appreciated her smoothness after Hank.

Then no one gets away from their first lesson without a little vaulting on Hank.  He lived up to his name once again, Hank The Wonder Horse.  We are planning on Walker being able to help out more now that he has been here plus just lives across the creek from us. 

Adventure Riding

There was a decent day last week where I was able to go for a ride around the farm.  I chose to ride on the trail I had cut through the pines and forest area at the front of the farm. 

 All went well until I ran into a down tree across the trail.  You really can't see it from this angle but it was blocking the trail completely with no way over or easily around.  I decided to try to cut around it by going down hill.

 Otoelene was a saint while I broke branches and cleared a path. 

 I think you can appreciate the steepness of the situation. 

We made it through the rest of the trail and down to the gravel road.  I think Otoelene was a little relieved to be back on level ground again.  We had a nice ride to the crossroads then back home. 

Guest Photographer #3

E left to visit a friend in Virginia Beach this morning.  Very sad to see her go.  After a 7 week break she said it was like leaving for college again.  While she was here she identified over 100 bird species in the county, mostly here on the farm.  She also took some amazing photographs.  Because she sent them to me over messenger, the resolution isn't as good as her originals, but I think you will still be able to appreciate them.

These Blue Winged Teals were down at the creek.  I thought she was just sending me a picture from a bird field guide.  I couldn't believe she got this shot with all three birds at different points in flight.

Then she had several of birds building nests.

If I was still doing Friday Fences, this one would be perfect. 

E said she hadn't seen any hummingbirds yet.  Then Saturday I went birding with her.  I didn't see one, but I heard it flying around my head.  I was wearing a pink hat that it probably liked.  When we got back to the house E put up the hummingbird feeder and got some more good shots. 

The tree swallows are taking over the bluebird boxes,

but they are pretty cute birds.

Cape May Warbler,

Baltimore Oriole,

Scarlet Tanager,                                                                                                             

A Palm Warbler, hovering over the branch,

and another hoverer, this one is a Yellow Rumped Warbler. 

Just Kit Sunday #155

Not New But Improved Broccoli Cage

As you may recall, I made a broccoli cage last year, you can check it out Here. Tulle is not meant to be an outdoor material though.  But because it worked so well, I splurged on some fiberglass screen material to recover it. 

 It looks a lot more official now. 

 Plus, I made a top that is hinged so I can get in there better to weed and harvest. 

Before, I would just have to lift up the whole cage and once the plants are big that was a pain.  I think this will work out much better.

Kidding-Up Close And Personal

I have been checking the goats at least 3 times a day.

 During a recent afternoon check, I found this brand new baby.

 It wasn't long before she went down to have another one.

 Well, Hello there.

 She had a nice set of twins and is taking care of both of them.

That evening, she had moved them to the riding arena.  It was raining, surprise, surprise, and cold, another surprise.  (sarcasm in case you didn't notice)  J moved a barrel over to them so they were sheltered for the night.

Then, my mother sent a link to a video of a baby goat climbing over a dog.  So I had to do one better.

Kid Count - 105 (plus 3 bottle babies given away)

What??? Another Farm???

I don't know what has gotten into us, but we looked at another farm.  The last one we were told they really wanted to sell and get out of farming but when it came to the price, I'm not sure they will be selling it any time soon.  They laughed at J and told him he was never buying any more land if that's what he thought it was worth, and they would just keep it and be buried on it as to let it go for any less.  So we are at an impasse. 

 So that lead us a little further down the road to this one.  About the same size, a much nicer view, lays much better, only about 20 acres of woods instead of 70 (that was going to be cutover as the timber had already been sold) and priced at less than we were willing to pay for the other one.

There aren't many extras, this old corn crib, 

and some interestingly patched fence.  There are some good fences too, and it is sectioned well into different pastures.

 There are some unusual formations like this old canyon.

 And who doesn't like a rock wall. 

 It is mostly watered by a well with waterboxes, but there is a little creek on part of it.

 And the best part, it joins the National Forest.  So no annoying neighbors on that side anyway.

It is very peaceful, no man made sounds, 360 degree views.  The biggest drawback is the distance from our house.  It's a 20 minute drive in the opposite direction from our other farm, so that would spread us out even more.  Decisions, decisions.