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Thursday. I went back to Junes today to help her with the shop. We got a lot of the merchandise cleaned up. Hopefully she can open on the sixth of June. It rained some as usual.
Dusty ran errands and washed Biscuit the Border Collie.
I got home in time to take Biscuit, CC and Spud to the Vet's office. Biscuit had a skin allergy and had to be put on medicine. CC and Spud had their rabies shots. Everyone did well. Biscuit had to have a muzzle put on because he thought about biting the Vet. Dusty and I finally got them home and the feeding was done. I had a long night of typing ahead so I got started on that.
Friday, May 29, 2009
May 27, 2009
Sage was dead this morning. There could very well have been an underlying problem with her and that is why her mother, Sunni, did not seem to want her. She will be buried in the pasture.
Of course it was raining on and off again today. I got housework done and worked on more projects. I did some work on the computer too.
Dusty worked most of the day building a sliding door for the barn. It is really heavy and will be hard to hang. They may cut it it half and hang it that way. The horses are getting tired of staying in the barn but that can't be helped. Calamity is finally eating again and gaining some weight.
We all fed. The Guardian dogs had been in the barn and made a big mess so with that to clean up and the flooding feeding took a bit longer than usual.
Of course it was raining on and off again today. I got housework done and worked on more projects. I did some work on the computer too.
Dusty worked most of the day building a sliding door for the barn. It is really heavy and will be hard to hang. They may cut it it half and hang it that way. The horses are getting tired of staying in the barn but that can't be helped. Calamity is finally eating again and gaining some weight.
We all fed. The Guardian dogs had been in the barn and made a big mess so with that to clean up and the flooding feeding took a bit longer than usual.
May 26, 2009
Tuesday. Raining again when I got up. Sage is doing okay but you can never tell with one that is so little. She is eating and walking around. I fed the dogs and Emma Lee her bottle. She is getting to be a handful in the house. If it would stop raining, she could go out in the yard during the day. She needs to start eating some solid food too.
I got the house cleaned up and spent most of the day working on little projects around the house. Feeding was not pleasant with all the mud and such. The feed room is flooding and we can't really figure out where the water is coming from.
Later in the evening, Sage was not acting right and acted like something was bothering her. I held her for a while and then put her in her basket. I don't think she will be alive in the morning.
I finished up my typing for the day and went on to bed.
I got the house cleaned up and spent most of the day working on little projects around the house. Feeding was not pleasant with all the mud and such. The feed room is flooding and we can't really figure out where the water is coming from.
Later in the evening, Sage was not acting right and acted like something was bothering her. I held her for a while and then put her in her basket. I don't think she will be alive in the morning.
I finished up my typing for the day and went on to bed.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 25, 2009
Monday, Woke up again to rain. I spent most of the day cleaning and washing clothes since nothing could really be done outside. They are calling for rain all week so I don't guess much will get done outside.
Sage seems to be doing okay. She is drinking about 2oz of milk at a time. Her size one diaper and preemie onsie swallows her up. She walks around a bit and tries to play. Emma Lee still is not sure about her and has decided not to pay any attention to her except when she is getting a bottle and she is not. The dogs have accepted her too. They are all used to babies in the house. When the baby is first brought in, they all have to inspect and lick it but soon the new wears off and she is just part of the crowd.
I worked on my knitting and wound up several skeins of yarn that I had washed today. I am trying to get some inventory built up for sale but it is going very slow.
Sage seems to be doing okay. She is drinking about 2oz of milk at a time. Her size one diaper and preemie onsie swallows her up. She walks around a bit and tries to play. Emma Lee still is not sure about her and has decided not to pay any attention to her except when she is getting a bottle and she is not. The dogs have accepted her too. They are all used to babies in the house. When the baby is first brought in, they all have to inspect and lick it but soon the new wears off and she is just part of the crowd.
I worked on my knitting and wound up several skeins of yarn that I had washed today. I am trying to get some inventory built up for sale but it is going very slow.
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 24, 2009
Sunday. We woke up early to rain. I know we need the rain but this is getting to be too much. Sage made it through the night with her Mom but doesn't seem to be gaining much ground. She is always by herself while Sunni and Sierra are together.
Donny and Dusty went out to run errands and get feed. I picked up the house, got all he dogs fed and gave Emma Lee her bottle. She is getting to be a handfull running and jumping on all the furniture. Her favorite napping spot is the couch. I went down to check on Sage again.
Tony came by and stayed the afternoon. They all went to get some lumber to build troughs for the goats. I got out during a break in the drizzle and trimmed some more trees so you didn't get your head knocked off while mowing.
I went to feed just as they were getting the troughs finished. Gilee, the sick goat, is standing up now but is still very weak. Her appetite is great though. I got the new troughs while the Boer goats got the old ones. We noticed that some of the Boer does are getting close to kidding. That will be something else to watch out for. I also have two Nigerian Dwarf goats close to kidding, Blueberry and Shelly. Blueberry has had a baby but Shelly has not.
We brought Sage in before going to bed. I got a diaper on her and got her settled into the laundry basket. All the dogs checked her out and Emma Lee jumped in the basket with her. Emma Lee was not too pleased that someone else was getting a bottle. We got everyone settle and got to bed early.
Donny and Dusty went out to run errands and get feed. I picked up the house, got all he dogs fed and gave Emma Lee her bottle. She is getting to be a handfull running and jumping on all the furniture. Her favorite napping spot is the couch. I went down to check on Sage again.
Tony came by and stayed the afternoon. They all went to get some lumber to build troughs for the goats. I got out during a break in the drizzle and trimmed some more trees so you didn't get your head knocked off while mowing.
I went to feed just as they were getting the troughs finished. Gilee, the sick goat, is standing up now but is still very weak. Her appetite is great though. I got the new troughs while the Boer goats got the old ones. We noticed that some of the Boer does are getting close to kidding. That will be something else to watch out for. I also have two Nigerian Dwarf goats close to kidding, Blueberry and Shelly. Blueberry has had a baby but Shelly has not.
We brought Sage in before going to bed. I got a diaper on her and got her settled into the laundry basket. All the dogs checked her out and Emma Lee jumped in the basket with her. Emma Lee was not too pleased that someone else was getting a bottle. We got everyone settle and got to bed early.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23, 2009
We were up around 1am with Sunni. She had two little girls. One of the kids is tiny and not as strong as her sister. We will have to watch her closely. She probably weighs close to a pound. We got them in the nursery and Sunni's mother Sass came too. She will stay with Sunni tonight and help her with the new babies. Goats are very social and Sass will help teach her daughter to care for the babies. Donny was up and down all night checking on the baby. We will try our best to let her stay with her mother but if we see any sign of trouble, she will come to the house.
We were up early (still no sleep). Dusty had to go to work today. Donny will feed and let the horses out. I fed the dogs and Emma Lee then picked up the house. The little goat (now named Sage) is still with her mother but we aren't out of the woods. Her sister Sierra is doing fine and probably weight three times as much as her sister. I picked up the house and vacuumed before heading outside.
I took a bottle down to Sage and she did drink. She is stronger now but I am not sure how well Sunni is responding to her. She is really taking care of Sierra and Sierra lays with her but Sage lies by herself.
I mowed the grass and planted flowers . It was mostly cloudy with some sprinkles off and on.
Donny went to get silage and feed for the weekend. When he came back he trimmed some bushes and hauled off some brush.
I took another bottle to Sage and when I went into the nursery she was nursing her mother. I still don't know what to do about her. I guess it will be another night of getting up and down with her.
We were up early (still no sleep). Dusty had to go to work today. Donny will feed and let the horses out. I fed the dogs and Emma Lee then picked up the house. The little goat (now named Sage) is still with her mother but we aren't out of the woods. Her sister Sierra is doing fine and probably weight three times as much as her sister. I picked up the house and vacuumed before heading outside.
I took a bottle down to Sage and she did drink. She is stronger now but I am not sure how well Sunni is responding to her. She is really taking care of Sierra and Sierra lays with her but Sage lies by herself.
I mowed the grass and planted flowers . It was mostly cloudy with some sprinkles off and on.
Donny went to get silage and feed for the weekend. When he came back he trimmed some bushes and hauled off some brush.
I took another bottle to Sage and when I went into the nursery she was nursing her mother. I still don't know what to do about her. I guess it will be another night of getting up and down with her.
May 22,2009
I was up early again to get everyone fed so I could be at the Cradle of Forestry to teach a couple of classes. Dusty will be home today so he can watch over Sunni until I get back. I got to the Cradle around 8:30 and got the fires going in the house and everything ready for the kids. The fire felt okay in the morning but by noon the house was getting a little hot.
I left the Cradle a little after noon and ran to pick up diapers for Emma Lee and some supper for us. Dusty was working in the garden when I got back in. Emma Lee, as usual, was demanding her bottle and the dogs needed attention. Sunni still had not done anything and her udder was even bigger today.
I got supper in the crock pot and did some typing. We went to feed after Donny got in. Gilee is still down but eating and drinking. Calamity is eating better and hopefully will be gaining some weight.
I was hoping to get into bed earlier tonight but we will have to see about that.
I left the Cradle a little after noon and ran to pick up diapers for Emma Lee and some supper for us. Dusty was working in the garden when I got back in. Emma Lee, as usual, was demanding her bottle and the dogs needed attention. Sunni still had not done anything and her udder was even bigger today.
I got supper in the crock pot and did some typing. We went to feed after Donny got in. Gilee is still down but eating and drinking. Calamity is eating better and hopefully will be gaining some weight.
I was hoping to get into bed earlier tonight but we will have to see about that.
May 21, 2009
I got up early and fed Emma Lee and the dogs. I am going to my friend June's farm to help her get her shop ready. Along with the Christmas trees she is planning on opening her shop year round. We will sell all that we make there and hopefully do some workshops.
I got home around 4:30pm. Dusty had to go into work that morning and he was still not home so the dogs were ready to go out and Emma Lee was demanding her bottle. I got everyone settled, the house picked up and then started in on typing since I new I would have a lot to do.
I waited until Donny came home to feed. Sunni, still has not had her babies yet. He udder is huge. We put Gilee in the feed room where she wouldn't get knocked around. She is eating and drinking well but is still very weak.
Donny picked up some supper on the way home and after feeding, they left to go to the horse sale. Another late night for me with the typing. It was after midnight again before I finished up.
I got home around 4:30pm. Dusty had to go into work that morning and he was still not home so the dogs were ready to go out and Emma Lee was demanding her bottle. I got everyone settled, the house picked up and then started in on typing since I new I would have a lot to do.
I waited until Donny came home to feed. Sunni, still has not had her babies yet. He udder is huge. We put Gilee in the feed room where she wouldn't get knocked around. She is eating and drinking well but is still very weak.
Donny picked up some supper on the way home and after feeding, they left to go to the horse sale. Another late night for me with the typing. It was after midnight again before I finished up.
May 20,2009
A pretty day. Dusty went to check on a job and run some errands. I spent the day making goats milk soap and doing some stuff around the house. I had alot of typing to do so I worked on it throughout the day. I washed up some yarn that I had spun from Mohair. I will probably use it to make shawls.
Feeding went well. Sunni, one of the Nigerians, looks like she could kid anytime now. We will have to keep a close eye on her since this is her first time and she is so little.
Feeding went well. Gilee, one of the mini goats looked a little weak so we wormed her along with a couple of other goats.
The Boer goat herd is doing well. Two of the babies likes to get out of the lot and run around. They are eating well and seem to have adjusted to their new home.
Calamity still is off her feed some. We now think that she may have gotten into some buttercups and ate too many. She has lost some weight.
After feeding I still had typing to do. I finally got that finished and then I had to get things ready for tomorrow. It was well after midnight before I got into bed. The dogs were not too pleased about that, they like to go to bed around 10pm.
Feeding went well. Sunni, one of the Nigerians, looks like she could kid anytime now. We will have to keep a close eye on her since this is her first time and she is so little.
Feeding went well. Gilee, one of the mini goats looked a little weak so we wormed her along with a couple of other goats.
The Boer goat herd is doing well. Two of the babies likes to get out of the lot and run around. They are eating well and seem to have adjusted to their new home.
Calamity still is off her feed some. We now think that she may have gotten into some buttercups and ate too many. She has lost some weight.
After feeding I still had typing to do. I finally got that finished and then I had to get things ready for tomorrow. It was well after midnight before I got into bed. The dogs were not too pleased about that, they like to go to bed around 10pm.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 19, 2009
Another pretty day but cool. We had a frost so I am glad that we had everything protected. It will be borderline tonight so we may decide to cover everything up again. Our farm sits in a valley so the cold seems to settle right on top of us. Dusty and Courtney went to pick up the goats. He got home and unloaded just in time for the farrier. The Farrier did Flash and Liz's feet today. Dusty usually does the rest of the trimming on the other horses. When they need shoes then Larry will do it.
The new goats look good. There are a couple who are getting pretty close to giving birth. We put them in their new lot and let them get adjusted.
I cleaned and washed all morning then worked on some sachets and crocheting to go in the new shop. Dusty let right after the farrier finished to run some more errands for Donny.
I fed fairly early today so I could check on the goats and get done before I had to type. Everyone seems to be doing just fine. Calamity, the horse still is not eating grain but Larry seems to think she is okay. We will put her out on grass again tomorrow.
We checked on the goats one last time before dark. Spud, the Jack Russel Puppy, is very interested in the goats and seems to want to stay with them. We covered the plants again tonight and went in for the evening.
The new goats look good. There are a couple who are getting pretty close to giving birth. We put them in their new lot and let them get adjusted.
I cleaned and washed all morning then worked on some sachets and crocheting to go in the new shop. Dusty let right after the farrier finished to run some more errands for Donny.
I fed fairly early today so I could check on the goats and get done before I had to type. Everyone seems to be doing just fine. Calamity, the horse still is not eating grain but Larry seems to think she is okay. We will put her out on grass again tomorrow.
We checked on the goats one last time before dark. Spud, the Jack Russel Puppy, is very interested in the goats and seems to want to stay with them. We covered the plants again tonight and went in for the evening.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 18, 2009
A cool day but dry. I had closed all the windows yesterday and I turned on the heat for a while today. We are expecting frost tonight so we will have to cover the plants.
Dusty left to run errands, see about a job and look at some goats we might buy. I left soon after to get dogfood, pick up some plants and have some brochures run off. We both got home early in the afternoon. I picked up the house since I did not clean today, fed Emma Lee her bottle and did my typing for the day.
Dusty and Donny decided to buy the goats. Dusty thought they looked pretty good. They are mostly Boer with a couple of Nubians in the herd. I will probably keep the Nubian and her two babies so we will have cheese, ice cream and fudge this summer. Dusty will pick them up tomorrow.
I waited until Donny got home to feed. Bubbarina is still coming to the barn to be fed grain so I let her in. We will put the new goats in Fanny's (Belted Galloway) barn and lot so we will have to find a new place for her to eat her grain and silage.
After feeding we got the plants covered for the night. Dusty practiced his roping with the neighbors while we all visited.
Calamity is still not eating her grain. We will put her in one of the grassy pastures to see how she does there.
Dusty left to run errands, see about a job and look at some goats we might buy. I left soon after to get dogfood, pick up some plants and have some brochures run off. We both got home early in the afternoon. I picked up the house since I did not clean today, fed Emma Lee her bottle and did my typing for the day.
Dusty and Donny decided to buy the goats. Dusty thought they looked pretty good. They are mostly Boer with a couple of Nubians in the herd. I will probably keep the Nubian and her two babies so we will have cheese, ice cream and fudge this summer. Dusty will pick them up tomorrow.
I waited until Donny got home to feed. Bubbarina is still coming to the barn to be fed grain so I let her in. We will put the new goats in Fanny's (Belted Galloway) barn and lot so we will have to find a new place for her to eat her grain and silage.
After feeding we got the plants covered for the night. Dusty practiced his roping with the neighbors while we all visited.
Calamity is still not eating her grain. We will put her in one of the grassy pastures to see how she does there.
May 17, 2009
A rainy cool and dreary day. Donny and Dusty went to pick up a tractor but the weather was bad enough that they did not get it. I stayed in most of the day doing some things that needed to be done on the computer and working on my crocheting. The neighbors cows were out again and the llamas and Alpacas were not to thrilled about them coming around their territory. Several people stopped to tell us that they thought is was our cows out. The cows were getting too close to the road so Dusty went out to send them back home.
It stopped raining later in the afternoon so we went to feed. I decided to put Lily and her new lamb up in the stall since it was supposed to turn cool.
Calamity, my new horse does not want to eat her grain and Dusty thinks she is acting like she does not feel well. She never got grain at her old home so the adjustments might just be to much for her right now. She is eating hay and drinking plenty of water so we will watch her.
It stopped raining later in the afternoon so we went to feed. I decided to put Lily and her new lamb up in the stall since it was supposed to turn cool.
Calamity, my new horse does not want to eat her grain and Dusty thinks she is acting like she does not feel well. She never got grain at her old home so the adjustments might just be to much for her right now. She is eating hay and drinking plenty of water so we will watch her.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
May 16, 2009
It was raining and dreary when we got up with a forecast of rain all day. It did clear around mid morning so Dusty did some weed eating and mowing. I got the house picked up and did some washing. I also worked on the triangular loom and crocheted some on the afghan.
When I went out I finished up some mowing and cleaned up the feed room. While we were at the barn a neighbor told us some cows were out on the road. Thankfully they weren't ours but Dusty went to see if he could help round them up. I fed and watered. Donny had let Bubbarina out of the barn so she could eat grass and get more silage. So far none of the calves want to nurse but we will have to keep an eye on that. She's getting a little bit of sunburn but hopefully she will adjust to being out. She still comes to the barn and hollers for me to let her in to eat grain. She is spoiled (just like a movie star)
We went with friends to the Saluda Jamboree. Dusty and his friend Courtney had a good time dancing. We got home in time to feed Emma Lee her bottle and get to bed.
When I went out I finished up some mowing and cleaned up the feed room. While we were at the barn a neighbor told us some cows were out on the road. Thankfully they weren't ours but Dusty went to see if he could help round them up. I fed and watered. Donny had let Bubbarina out of the barn so she could eat grass and get more silage. So far none of the calves want to nurse but we will have to keep an eye on that. She's getting a little bit of sunburn but hopefully she will adjust to being out. She still comes to the barn and hollers for me to let her in to eat grain. She is spoiled (just like a movie star)
We went with friends to the Saluda Jamboree. Dusty and his friend Courtney had a good time dancing. We got home in time to feed Emma Lee her bottle and get to bed.
May 15,2009
I ran some errands in the morning and got home around noon. The day was mild but looked like it could rain anytime. Dusty put the horses out before going to South Carolina to help some friends with a flat tire. As soon as he got home went to get a load of sawdust so he could finish feeding out the horse stalls. It has been so damp and rainy that the horses have had to stay up more than usual and there stalls were in a need for cleaning.
When I went out, I found a surprise in the Nigerian goat lot. Lilly the sheep had had a baby. She had had a lamb in November (Chunk) and must have gotten bred back. This time she had a girl. The lamb (Lanie) seemed to be doing well and up and nursing. It seems that lambs born later sometimes have problems but hopefully she will do okay.
When I went out, I found a surprise in the Nigerian goat lot. Lilly the sheep had had a baby. She had had a lamb in November (Chunk) and must have gotten bred back. This time she had a girl. The lamb (Lanie) seemed to be doing well and up and nursing. It seems that lambs born later sometimes have problems but hopefully she will do okay.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009
It rained during the night and was gloomy and rainy this morning. After it cleared a bit, Dusty went to get a load of hay for the horses.
I went out and fixed the Gray Beard rootings. While out I decided that I would go ahead and feed since I needed to get my typing done and they were calling for afternoon thunderstorms.
Everybody was doing fine and ready to eat. My feed troughs are beginning to fall apart so Dusty built me one this afternoon. The goats and sheep love to stand in them and they tend to not last long.
June Bug, one of the last goats born this year has decided that she is going to be the pet so she finds a way out and comes into the feed room to eat while I am filling the buckets. Her mother did the same thing when she was little.
I went out and fixed the Gray Beard rootings. While out I decided that I would go ahead and feed since I needed to get my typing done and they were calling for afternoon thunderstorms.
Everybody was doing fine and ready to eat. My feed troughs are beginning to fall apart so Dusty built me one this afternoon. The goats and sheep love to stand in them and they tend to not last long.
June Bug, one of the last goats born this year has decided that she is going to be the pet so she finds a way out and comes into the feed room to eat while I am filling the buckets. Her mother did the same thing when she was little.
May 13, 2009
Dusty left early with a load of goats going to a new owner. I helped him catch the goats and then worm them. Hopefully they will keep the brush cleared and not get out of the fencing.
I spent the day at my mom's for a belated Mother's day. While there is got some cuttings off a Gray Beard tree that I am going to try to root.
I got back home in time to feed. Fanny the Belted Galloway had somehow opened the bottle baby stall and all the babies were out and crying when I went into the barn. I got them back up and fed. It is time to send some of the babies out and rearrange a bit.
I spent the day at my mom's for a belated Mother's day. While there is got some cuttings off a Gray Beard tree that I am going to try to root.
I got back home in time to feed. Fanny the Belted Galloway had somehow opened the bottle baby stall and all the babies were out and crying when I went into the barn. I got them back up and fed. It is time to send some of the babies out and rearrange a bit.
May 12, 2009
I spent the morning running some errands before coming back home and working in the yard and garden.
I worked on the Afghan some and began getting items together to go in a gift shop.
Emma Lee's eye is doing better and she is really drinking the milk. She loves to jump on the furniture and run circles around the living room. She needs to start going out some but it has been pretty cool this week.
Feeding went well. Lilly, Chunk and Bindi have decided that they like living with the Nigerian Dwarf goats so I guess that is where they will stay.
Some of the hens out in the barnyard are already sitting on their nests. I guess we will be surprised with chicks pretty soon.
I worked on the Afghan some and began getting items together to go in a gift shop.
Emma Lee's eye is doing better and she is really drinking the milk. She loves to jump on the furniture and run circles around the living room. She needs to start going out some but it has been pretty cool this week.
Feeding went well. Lilly, Chunk and Bindi have decided that they like living with the Nigerian Dwarf goats so I guess that is where they will stay.
Some of the hens out in the barnyard are already sitting on their nests. I guess we will be surprised with chicks pretty soon.
May 11, 2009
Monday-cleaning day.
I spent most of the day washing and cleaning. Dusty spent the day doing errand, helping out Carolyn and working some in the garden.
The potatoes are really doing well and growing fast. The rabbits are eating the broccoli so we may have to try them again in the fall. The raspberries are leafing out and the blueberries and strawberries have fruit on them.
Feeding went well. I let the pig out to run and play they enjoyed rooting around in the mud and running around.
I spent most of the day washing and cleaning. Dusty spent the day doing errand, helping out Carolyn and working some in the garden.
The potatoes are really doing well and growing fast. The rabbits are eating the broccoli so we may have to try them again in the fall. The raspberries are leafing out and the blueberries and strawberries have fruit on them.
Feeding went well. I let the pig out to run and play they enjoyed rooting around in the mud and running around.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 10, 2009
Mother's Day. We were all up early today. I got the house picked up and fed the dogs and Emma Lee. Donny and Dusty left to go do some errands, pick up silage and get some gravel for the driveway. There is a dip in the drive that is causing the living quarters to drag a bit so they needed to fill it up before something got damaged.
I left to go to the Biltmore Estate. It looked like it was going to be busier today and it took a while for me to get on the Estate due to traffic. I spun mohair today and finished the shawl. It turned out to be really pretty so I will do some more to sale.
I got home later in the evening. Donny and the boys had supper ready and everything fed. They had also put in some of the garden and got another portion ready for the beans to go in. The weather turned cooler the later it got. This must be Dogwood winter coming on since the Dogwoods have just begun to bloom.
I left to go to the Biltmore Estate. It looked like it was going to be busier today and it took a while for me to get on the Estate due to traffic. I spun mohair today and finished the shawl. It turned out to be really pretty so I will do some more to sale.
I got home later in the evening. Donny and the boys had supper ready and everything fed. They had also put in some of the garden and got another portion ready for the beans to go in. The weather turned cooler the later it got. This must be Dogwood winter coming on since the Dogwoods have just begun to bloom.
May 9, 2009
Dusty had to work today so he was up early and gone. He has a barrel race today so Donny will take Flash to the race and get Dusty signed in. Dusty will go up after work to run.
I demonstrated at Biltmore Estate today doing some spinning and weaving. It was a slow day. The storms probably kept people away. I worked on spinning up some curly mohair and worked on a triangular shawl. While I was there, I checked on the goats that I had dehorned earlier. They looked good and were playing around the barnyard.
Donny came back from the barrel race and got everything fed so we could go out to eat with friends. I came in and fed Spud and fed Emma Lee her bottle. She did not want to drink for Donny but she drank for me. She likes to be held when fed and I don't think Donny did that.
I demonstrated at Biltmore Estate today doing some spinning and weaving. It was a slow day. The storms probably kept people away. I worked on spinning up some curly mohair and worked on a triangular shawl. While I was there, I checked on the goats that I had dehorned earlier. They looked good and were playing around the barnyard.
Donny came back from the barrel race and got everything fed so we could go out to eat with friends. I came in and fed Spud and fed Emma Lee her bottle. She did not want to drink for Donny but she drank for me. She likes to be held when fed and I don't think Donny did that.
May 8, 2009
Rainy this morning with some clearing in the afternoon. I cleaned up the house and got everything ready to demonstrate at Biltmore Estate this weekend. I did typing on and off throughout the day so I could keep caught up.
I fed early between the rain. Since we let Fanny and her calf back out with the sheep, it is a race to get everything times just right so she will be eating while the sheep and goats are eating. If everything works all will be finished at the same time so there is no hogging the food. If Fanny gets through before the sheep and goats, she likes to go to their troughs and and knock them out of the way. The horses are getting antsy about having to stay up in the stalls so much but with the way it has been lightening and storming around here, it is not safe for them to be out.
I fed early between the rain. Since we let Fanny and her calf back out with the sheep, it is a race to get everything times just right so she will be eating while the sheep and goats are eating. If everything works all will be finished at the same time so there is no hogging the food. If Fanny gets through before the sheep and goats, she likes to go to their troughs and and knock them out of the way. The horses are getting antsy about having to stay up in the stalls so much but with the way it has been lightening and storming around here, it is not safe for them to be out.
Duty left early this morning to go to Albermarle county to pick up some pigs which will be shown at the Mountain State Fair. He picked out the pigs and got them back home before too late.
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 7, 2009
Finally a pretty dry day. I got all the grass mowed today while Dusty ran errands.
Emma Lee, the bottle baby goat seems to be getting another infection in her eye so I put her on antibiotics again. This is one of the hazards of being premature and getting very little colostrum. She doesn't seem to feel that bad but her eye does bother her. The sun has finally come out enough that she has sunny spots to lay in. She enjoys following the sun and stretching out.
Feeding went well even though the Zeke is still trying to steal Lola's feed.
Dusty got the lamb pen up so we can now get the this years lambs up and begin feeding them. It is hard for them to compete with all the other sheep and goats and get their fair share of feed.
Emma Lee, the bottle baby goat seems to be getting another infection in her eye so I put her on antibiotics again. This is one of the hazards of being premature and getting very little colostrum. She doesn't seem to feel that bad but her eye does bother her. The sun has finally come out enough that she has sunny spots to lay in. She enjoys following the sun and stretching out.
Feeding went well even though the Zeke is still trying to steal Lola's feed.
Dusty got the lamb pen up so we can now get the this years lambs up and begin feeding them. It is hard for them to compete with all the other sheep and goats and get their fair share of feed.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 6, 2009
Very stormy today with Tornado warnings. We had heavy thunderstorms until noon. During the break in the rain I decided to go ahead and feed since the goats and sheep do not come out of the barn while it is raining.
Zeke, our Border Leicester ram has decided that he is going to eat Lola's, our livestock guardian dog, dog food and she lets him. He probably outweighs Lola by about 100lbs and so he gets it. He tried to take Tank's food but Tank will stand up to him. We tried to feed the dogs while the sheep were eating but Lola is evidently a slow eater and Zeke took her food again. Dusty had to stand with Lola and keep Zeke away from her food while she ate.
Dusty went to check on the creek and it is about a foot from coming over the bank. They went to check it last night and found an otter playing and eating in the water.
We had showers off an on all afternoon. The grass is going to have to be cut with a bush hog if we don't get it mowed. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry so hopefully it can be mowed then.
I spent the rest of the evening fixing and supper and typing.
Zeke, our Border Leicester ram has decided that he is going to eat Lola's, our livestock guardian dog, dog food and she lets him. He probably outweighs Lola by about 100lbs and so he gets it. He tried to take Tank's food but Tank will stand up to him. We tried to feed the dogs while the sheep were eating but Lola is evidently a slow eater and Zeke took her food again. Dusty had to stand with Lola and keep Zeke away from her food while she ate.
Dusty went to check on the creek and it is about a foot from coming over the bank. They went to check it last night and found an otter playing and eating in the water.
We had showers off an on all afternoon. The grass is going to have to be cut with a bush hog if we don't get it mowed. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry so hopefully it can be mowed then.
I spent the rest of the evening fixing and supper and typing.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
Another rainy morning. After the rain stopped, Dusty left to feed a friend's horse and pick up feed. I cleaned up the house and went down early to feed since we were expecting more thunderstorms in the afternoon. I let Fanny and her calf out into the pasture after feeding her some grain. I gave the horses hay while in the horse barn. They are not pleased about staying up but they do not like the rain and the lots get so slick after the rain that we are afraid someone will twist a knee. After feeding I picked up the feed room and got a place ready for the feed. Dusty got back just in time and we unloaded the feed.
I walked around the yard a bit to see how things were looking. The grass is getting pretty high, hopefully I can mow tomorrow if it is not too wet. The Iris are blooming as well as the Clematis. The honeysuckle and Wisteria are beginning to bloom too. The little trees I sat out are leafing out. I got in just in time for another shower. The Canadian Geese are having a good time in the pastures but they sure are noisy.
It seemed to clear up late in the afternoon. If we get no more rain today or tonight, hopefully I can mow tomorrow.
I walked around the yard a bit to see how things were looking. The grass is getting pretty high, hopefully I can mow tomorrow if it is not too wet. The Iris are blooming as well as the Clematis. The honeysuckle and Wisteria are beginning to bloom too. The little trees I sat out are leafing out. I got in just in time for another shower. The Canadian Geese are having a good time in the pastures but they sure are noisy.
It seemed to clear up late in the afternoon. If we get no more rain today or tonight, hopefully I can mow tomorrow.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 3, 2009
Rain through the night and this morning with showers on and off all day long. We put Calamity out in the ring. We did not put any other horses in with her today. Sparky, the gelding was all out of sorts and reached over the fence biting the mares. Calamity is doing really well letting Dusty work on her feet, mane and tail. She seems to crave attention.
We found Beverly, our old angora goat, out in the barn area. I guess it was her time to go. A lot of our sheep and goats are getting very old and beginning to dye out. It seems like several go at one time. If we have an animal for a long time, we do not cull them and send them to the stock yard. We let them live out their days on the farm.
Donny spent the day working on the carding studio and getting the carder ready to process fiber. I will begin with that shortly.
I spent a lot of the day in the house working on the afghan. Feeding went well.
We found Beverly, our old angora goat, out in the barn area. I guess it was her time to go. A lot of our sheep and goats are getting very old and beginning to dye out. It seems like several go at one time. If we have an animal for a long time, we do not cull them and send them to the stock yard. We let them live out their days on the farm.
Donny spent the day working on the carding studio and getting the carder ready to process fiber. I will begin with that shortly.
I spent a lot of the day in the house working on the afghan. Feeding went well.
May 2, 2009
Rainy off and on today with clouds all day long. Dusty went to help at the horse show. I spent the day working around the house and working on the afghan. Feeding went as usual with no surprises today.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May, 1 2009
Little Bit (the Nigerian Dwarf goat) died this morning. Dusty buried her in the pasture. The days started out rainy so I picked up the house and worked on an afghan for awhile and then I made a cake for supper. I let the dogs out in the afternoon and Spud played in the pasture so that meant a bath for him when he came back in.
Dusty worked with Calamity some. She is leading pretty well although she is not used to all the animals around. Later on, Dusty and Spud went to pick up some hay. I went to feed and talk to Calamity some before fixing supper. Dusty left to go get ready for a horse show. He is working as a ring master and helping with the game classes.
Dusty worked with Calamity some. She is leading pretty well although she is not used to all the animals around. Later on, Dusty and Spud went to pick up some hay. I went to feed and talk to Calamity some before fixing supper. Dusty left to go get ready for a horse show. He is working as a ring master and helping with the game classes.
April 30, 2009
Warm and sunny today. Dusty went to pick up my horse today. She has only been loaded once and had never been in a barn or stall so it took awhile to get her home and into her stall. She was pretty nervous at first but calmed down some when we put the other horses in their stalls. Her name is Calamity Jane. We will begin calming her tomorrow and work up from there. She is only 3 years old so we have time. Hopefully she will be an all around horse.
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