tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68486877981372583112024-03-13T00:42:58.842-07:00Journey to New Hampshire HomesteadA blog about learning to live off the land and be self sufficient. Or maybe we are just hippiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-59600411133032145372016-02-27T16:36:00.001-08:002016-02-27T16:36:16.635-08:00Greenhouse, Goat House, and Fast and Slow Chickens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The hills beyond...</div>
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Steve finished insulating the back wall of the greenhouse. We want to make that back wall a thermal collector, so it will be painted black.</div>
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We would like to convert this extra building, now just storing stuff, into a goat barn. Three pens, including a birthing pen, and a milking area will fit just fine in here.</div>
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And here is a video showing all our silly chickens chasing Steve who is holding the feed bucket. All except one. Well, bless her, we cant all be fast....</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-67395837444655088502016-02-06T19:41:00.000-08:002016-02-07T12:25:48.470-08:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been in winter survival mode, coupled with a frustratingly slow knee rehab. It has been a low snow winter. We actually got down to bare ground, and maple sugar season started early. I fired up the evaporator for the first batch of syrup, but it started snowing, so I had to quit early.<br />
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The evaporator set up when I started. </div>
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Then winter decided to return </div>
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The farmer man hanging the sap buckets</div>
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The newest addition to our little goat herd... Mary. She is expecting in late April, so we will have babies! The plan is to milk her, and have our own farm dairy.</div>
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The chickens do NOT like snow, so they mostly stay in their small area in the barn.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-70919911335579741502016-01-06T14:33:00.002-08:002016-01-06T14:33:44.960-08:00Wish List 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEQWZtCOUfq5oyG7X06-pncWpeN0K4Dwgw1P9ZCRQBRmQTsVBTbhgQ2es3rJdgf-wcHFJoBzbnsZ6dDwy0Xc5SSKWG3DISH3BL8dPZkC_UCPJH3rHhdAwtsZSoun322M3bAprtJHMOCHi/s1600/broadfork-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEQWZtCOUfq5oyG7X06-pncWpeN0K4Dwgw1P9ZCRQBRmQTsVBTbhgQ2es3rJdgf-wcHFJoBzbnsZ6dDwy0Xc5SSKWG3DISH3BL8dPZkC_UCPJH3rHhdAwtsZSoun322M3bAprtJHMOCHi/s400/broadfork-sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A BROADFORK. </td></tr>
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There are several things we hope to acquire in 2016. Here are a few that top my wishlist.<br />
1. A broadfork. This is a dandy garden tool which aerates the soil, but does not destroy its structure, like a rototiller will do. Thats important, since the number one thing we have to do is build soil. You can watch some videos and get more info on tje broadfork here.<br />
<a href="https://meadowcreature.com/broadforks?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=CjwKEAiAk7O0BRD9_Ka2w_PhwSkSJAAmKswxsT1IxcR6rTZ1p4p05n2d_NohgPsfsSXDOHOc8EjQ5RoC8-fw_wcB">Meadow Creature Broadfork</a><br />
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2. A two person crosscut saw. Yeah, sounds wild. Why would we want to have to cut down a tree by hand? My thinking is, this is a good backup tool in case some crisis makes gasoline either unavailable or unaffordable. Hey,it could happen..<br />
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3. Fencing for the horse paddock. This is a biggie. We want something like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVveDfXlzWgNxJwJbZE-jEQukkgOgjiJJO3cZU359S99NC_K74Xz79ATW8dhWVmQXTskOEBHarkCrOEdm9_s1YZqc5z9npKjZ0YrmNX_PEuTjzj966HvT_g81aN_CBrZ1583VeBOg1dLM/s1600/pr_cwr00750003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVveDfXlzWgNxJwJbZE-jEQukkgOgjiJJO3cZU359S99NC_K74Xz79ATW8dhWVmQXTskOEBHarkCrOEdm9_s1YZqc5z9npKjZ0YrmNX_PEuTjzj966HvT_g81aN_CBrZ1583VeBOg1dLM/s320/pr_cwr00750003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. A dairy goat doe, hopefully bred for late spring kidding. Before we invest in a dairy cow, I decided to start slightly smaller. I am particular about breed and quality, so this search might take awhile. And I am not interested in having to feed one all winter anyway, so no hurry.</div>
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Those are the first things on our list. Right now, I have a tiny bit saved up from egg sales towards the Broadfork. We will need that early spring.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-76164983115914450582015-12-31T14:24:00.000-08:002015-12-31T14:24:39.196-08:00Ending the Year as It Began<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That pile of wood finally got split. Better late than never.</td></tr>
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We tried to remember exactly what we were doing New Year's Eve last year. We couldnt recall for sure, but one thing for certain, at least part of the day involved firewood. Stacking, or splitting, or carrying armloads in for burning, handling wood is a constant on the homestead. </div>
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Getting next year's wood is a ritual, an ever present reality in the ongoing activities of life on the farm. It occupies our time and energy from summer through the following spring. There are maybe only those few months of late spring and early summer when we are not daily handling wood.</div>
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This year's wood is a non negotiable necessity. Since the wood has to cure for a season, next year's wood is the job of this year. Next year's wood is almost better than money in the bank... it is an assurance of warmth, of the ability to prepare food, a symbol of comfort and self sufficiency. If everything else fails, we can stay warm. </div>
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So today, we worked on stacking next year's wood, and maybe even some for the year after. We estimate our little woodshed here will hold about 7 cords. </div>
So I have no complaints of ending this year the same way it began. There is a rightness, a pleasing satisfaction in seeing those stacks rise to the ceiling. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-75606295721564010692015-12-29T15:43:00.000-08:002015-12-29T15:43:07.386-08:00First SnowWell behind the average first snowfall date, today's snow brought a little of everything... sleet, freezing rain, snow, more sleet... so it is an icy nightmare. Hard to plow and shovel . Its not a real pretty snow, the kind of fluffy snow that sticks to trees and branches. This snow is more like a block of concrete. <br />
But, we knew it was coming, and this was a good chance to see how the new barn and changed foot traffic patterns will work in these winter conditions.<br />
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Old and new barn</div>
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Looking out past our little orchard to the distant hillsides</div>
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Stone wall coated in an icy crust. The small cottage in the background, now abandoned, used to be the caretakers cabin for this farm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTB2N8x5LEUKPj5eXAk1EEAIYXigsZK5NMtAzzYmoaCoTOMI-F-Zl87bAf_ZRTrHELPz7qNMVtwcQy894Ny2229lt4LgNi3g9_s0XZjCajhWgAu8_Oo91Q65QU3HCred-gBRs-jcrFpHb/s1600/SAM_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTB2N8x5LEUKPj5eXAk1EEAIYXigsZK5NMtAzzYmoaCoTOMI-F-Zl87bAf_ZRTrHELPz7qNMVtwcQy894Ny2229lt4LgNi3g9_s0XZjCajhWgAu8_Oo91Q65QU3HCred-gBRs-jcrFpHb/s400/SAM_1840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The chickens had to stay inside their pen. They werent happy about this.</div>
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The geese didnt seem to mind too much, but did resort to various methods of keeping their feet warm...</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-22375161117965500042015-12-23T09:33:00.001-08:002015-12-23T09:33:28.275-08:00When One of Us Is on the Disabled List.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...some things just dont get done. There simply isnt time for one person to do everything that usually takes two people, one of whom works full time at it. Just aint possible. So, we prioritize. </div>
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The important things MUST get done. No matter what. Animals get fed and watered. Their bedding is kept clean. Food and fuel for us human folk has to be taken care of, even if the food is a bowl of beans and nothing else. The rest of it, well, we just do what we can....and the remainder has to wait.</div>
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The back sides of sheds dont get painted. Scrap wood doesnt get sorted and put away.</div>
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Next year's firewood doesnt get split. Not ideal, but we have to deal with this winter first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmuGyr7co74nqqk14czz4hlgM5vH9AiHdAo2v_n78DwcO0p2UffabThZb3LJN_xcNszHPpHYRE1ijkGZMLjeKu79M9LXRjWsOvvPYjiYh7cUS7P-oM4voHsuaxihGzAm1JHgvBvd-9anQ/s1600/SAM_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmuGyr7co74nqqk14czz4hlgM5vH9AiHdAo2v_n78DwcO0p2UffabThZb3LJN_xcNszHPpHYRE1ijkGZMLjeKu79M9LXRjWsOvvPYjiYh7cUS7P-oM4voHsuaxihGzAm1JHgvBvd-9anQ/s400/SAM_1810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leaves dont get raked. Oh well...</div>
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Herb gardens dont get mulched for winter.</div>
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And forget housekeeping!</div>
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It is frustrating, knowing so many tasks need doing, things that would sure be nice to have done. But it is what it is, as Steve is fond of saying. Hopefully by spring, I will be back to the point I can pull my own weight.....meanwhile, Steve keeps being superman, and doing way too much. Love that guy...</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-70555053880009038122015-12-18T10:41:00.001-08:002015-12-18T10:41:36.597-08:00Eggs-Fact or Fiction?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you know these egg facts?</div>
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1. You have to have to have a rooster for your hens to produce eggs. <i>Fact or fiction?</i></div>
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2. That little white squiggly thing sometimes seen in the egg means that egg is fertile. <i> Fact or fiction?</i></div>
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3. Eggs should be refrigerated or they "go bad" <i>Fact or fiction?</i></div>
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4. Brown eggs are better than white eggs. <i>Fact or fiction?</i></div>
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5. Pastured hens produce eggs with less cholesterol than store bought eggs from big warehouses. <i>Fact or fiction?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrfENiVPwQ4xfQsFJKHq8TKIPZeQhJ4Oe1qtL6NByPqEpjmVuXHuUdZ40bIRSPy4XopktVdxaQjfygAjtEbEk0jl7OD_p33Dcak-8xz_S1oqIAuJXgTumyeMQxWlpXoKQohAzniFfej8a/s1600/IMG_20151218_124738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrfENiVPwQ4xfQsFJKHq8TKIPZeQhJ4Oe1qtL6NByPqEpjmVuXHuUdZ40bIRSPy4XopktVdxaQjfygAjtEbEk0jl7OD_p33Dcak-8xz_S1oqIAuJXgTumyeMQxWlpXoKQohAzniFfej8a/s400/IMG_20151218_124738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Washed eggs, drying on the counter. Once they are dry, I will pack them into cartons, label, and we will deliver to the little farm market down the road. The hens mostly pay for their own feed this way. Organic feed is expensive, almost double the 'regular" stuff, but the whole reason we raise our own hens is to have cleaner, more nutritious food for ourselves. So we feed the hens well, and they give us the best eggs in return.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1OtFNC2lLWdYWvgL4BtuJp7GLr7jIy1u0do8JqZsUvSuZ5Powq1lrwbJmV22ucMtWhVZcuPATRpkME5-OBgGZOjN54KhWcSXhjbJvNRQZS41dm8F8hZ6AO001LingsTeaCfaCXnaCxJp/s1600/20151218_125739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1OtFNC2lLWdYWvgL4BtuJp7GLr7jIy1u0do8JqZsUvSuZ5Powq1lrwbJmV22ucMtWhVZcuPATRpkME5-OBgGZOjN54KhWcSXhjbJvNRQZS41dm8F8hZ6AO001LingsTeaCfaCXnaCxJp/s400/20151218_125739.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Packed up and ready for market!<br />
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<i>Answers....</i><br />
<i>1. Fiction. Hens will lay eggs whether there is a rooster or not. </i><br />
<i>2. Fiction. Its just part of the egg. Doesnt mean anything.</i><br />
<i>3. Fiction.... and Fact.... Eggs are laid with a natural coating called "bloom" which seals the egg and doesnt allow any bacteria to enter. Eggs left alone will keep on your countertop for a LONG time without going bad However, our "wise" FDA requires eggs in this country to be washed. Once they are washed, the bloom is removed, and bacteria can enter the egg. So, now they do need to be refrigerated. They will keep about 5 weeks in your frig.</i><br />
<i>4. Fiction. The color of the shell has nothing to do with the quality or freshness of the egg. Different breeds of chicken lay different color eggs. </i><br />
<i>5.Fact. research has shown that eggs from hens that are raised in a natural environment outdoors will have about half the cholesterol, over 3 times the vitamin A amd vitamin E, three times the Omega 3, and 30%less saturated fat as eggs from warehoused hens.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-59765046617503286842015-12-11T11:28:00.000-08:002015-12-11T11:28:06.760-08:00Free Ranging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVtxRzcCIt27nIoLimFMJtyQPzE0W5YZDZjZTg6UHU3v3qcvx7QaZKliwBtPMCvhLSHIi6zMnnucEU33bxtvOcOHLOCM05kNczuvO2HPJYwSXTErPvphvGOA_FrLPaRTWSayENq7e82Y2/s1600/SAM_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVtxRzcCIt27nIoLimFMJtyQPzE0W5YZDZjZTg6UHU3v3qcvx7QaZKliwBtPMCvhLSHIi6zMnnucEU33bxtvOcOHLOCM05kNczuvO2HPJYwSXTErPvphvGOA_FrLPaRTWSayENq7e82Y2/s400/SAM_1787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We moved the chickens out of the pasture and into the barn for the winter, and to make it easier for me post-knee surgery to care for them. They dont have a big area, but they mostly only roost in there. We let them out in the morning to completely free range during the day.</div>
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Here, they are waiting impatiently for me to let them out.</div>
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Free ranging has its pros and cons. </div>
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Pro:they get to enjoy a natural diet and sceatching and pecking everywhere for their food. It also reduces our feed costs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfzLbWpmxbsX2zVmGFo2abRK9xCfKtruUiLSEv6-MA8vnoiczmG32xcKnwjWyh07nfE6cKZK8WJIXMInI5NLvnCDTn7e-4O07f9SPA2-8JRvMjDRPewM1pf7agYgLXlWS_ijF4MbO90fn/s1600/SAM_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfzLbWpmxbsX2zVmGFo2abRK9xCfKtruUiLSEv6-MA8vnoiczmG32xcKnwjWyh07nfE6cKZK8WJIXMInI5NLvnCDTn7e-4O07f9SPA2-8JRvMjDRPewM1pf7agYgLXlWS_ijF4MbO90fn/s400/SAM_1788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Con: there can be a few territorial disputes. </div>
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Plus, they are certainly more vulnerable to predators, lkke coyote or hawk. And the occasional vehicle if they wander out on the road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbgI4TORXIqeRiphEdLSNccSkx7FYpeS8BwLvkjLYqboai6HLPZphP59-NnQrTnQ7mb9M0qvzQ1OQ7vfaJnOWZYRX8YYM0cVIK8sHwt2-rVhgmgjxVr_65tRuz7P_apM3k7j7pK5ylWQc/s1600/20151211_134141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbgI4TORXIqeRiphEdLSNccSkx7FYpeS8BwLvkjLYqboai6HLPZphP59-NnQrTnQ7mb9M0qvzQ1OQ7vfaJnOWZYRX8YYM0cVIK8sHwt2-rVhgmgjxVr_65tRuz7P_apM3k7j7pK5ylWQc/s400/20151211_134141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pro: They enjoy themselves though, and they look healthy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCIdzcIhhudj-xN-NajTFNIqs1EW8mGIrVhIZwiFOYnmp6lhOcyQ_XTSE4riysRfkQpg391FvWoWW4oJm4uKNe9kKxa_D0sLq06NDvt_obQPF0OtqitIsFr0zodghGljQ7f4xt7KSs9NU/s1600/20151211_133845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCIdzcIhhudj-xN-NajTFNIqs1EW8mGIrVhIZwiFOYnmp6lhOcyQ_XTSE4riysRfkQpg391FvWoWW4oJm4uKNe9kKxa_D0sLq06NDvt_obQPF0OtqitIsFr0zodghGljQ7f4xt7KSs9NU/s400/20151211_133845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Con: One of the downsides for us human folk is that when free ranging, the hens wont always go to the coop to lay eggs, but</div>
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will find little hidey holes to lay.... like this gal hiding under some logs near the wood pile. So its somewhat of an easter egg hunt every day to find them.. I am sure we dont find all of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w_yjESAD_JOKMu9fdjBbeGZ6MLUbZm3gKNYKD2Gj7TYFg9VsXiJsuO7gpWZ2Md0ZEUwYlrKS2kJnjj4dULobDdYY2WbdcTUv4Ynt7KqLbIBnxn40Gq9YZIeeqb_oBkutYwHs1ldzujc1/s1600/20151211_133920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w_yjESAD_JOKMu9fdjBbeGZ6MLUbZm3gKNYKD2Gj7TYFg9VsXiJsuO7gpWZ2Md0ZEUwYlrKS2kJnjj4dULobDdYY2WbdcTUv4Ynt7KqLbIBnxn40Gq9YZIeeqb_oBkutYwHs1ldzujc1/s400/20151211_133920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oftentimes, several hens will use a particularly good spot. Here one little lady is hoping to get a turn for this nice cozy nest. When I first discovered this spot, there were 15 eggs in there.</div>
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And finally, free ranging means putting up with those darn geese who think they own the place.</div>
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<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9SEcpUU-l0s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9SEcpUU-l0s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span id="goog_346397318"></span><span id="goog_346397319"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-78717864071192384692015-12-06T09:55:00.001-08:002015-12-06T09:55:24.799-08:00Last Project before Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Ry2WM7PWuqW5iNSkrE3Y8KJDdPOW8xApfI5hAy19_yxM0S3FWygpSMHptvR0C-sZhjdlE5ym63X5wgmSCqwAQGf0z-lowrHsz_QEuXNwiy9xrzLwJFqI0wVURCJrzZOyyFGT4WxqhSI/s1600/SAM_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Ry2WM7PWuqW5iNSkrE3Y8KJDdPOW8xApfI5hAy19_yxM0S3FWygpSMHptvR0C-sZhjdlE5ym63X5wgmSCqwAQGf0z-lowrHsz_QEuXNwiy9xrzLwJFqI0wVURCJrzZOyyFGT4WxqhSI/s400/SAM_1779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_2019812416"></span><span id="goog_2019812417"></span>The last project of the year was building a greenhouse. Our neighbor built it for us out of reclaimed storm windows and a few sliding glass doors. It went way over budget because this neighbor is a stickler for things being built to last, and the design of it was not quite what I had intended. But it will work, and its definitely built very well! I may end up needing a larger one at some point, but at least come spring, i have a place to start seedlings and get things going. <br />
We still have a number of windows left over. I think we will probably build a few cold frames in addition to the greenhouse, and use those windows as the lids.<br />
There are still a few things to finish up on the inside. We will insulate that back north wall, and paint it black to absorb extra solar warmth. And i will have a high shelf for seedlings on the back wall, as well as planting beds in the ground. And since there is plenty of height to work with, I can see having some hanging baskets in there too. <br />
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This would make a nice winter chicken coop. Sunny, warmer because of the solar, and plenty spacious for them. Maybe next winter we will do that. This year, what with my knee surgery and all, we will stick with our current set up...<br />
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Meanwhile, the girls, (and two boys) are relishing being totally free range during the day. They roam everywhere, but a favorite spot is in the garden, digging through the compost and winter mulch. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-32792718741707574902015-11-28T12:29:00.002-08:002015-11-28T12:29:50.866-08:00Goats, Winter Quarters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNnmenczBgWZ8GeQHDvCCKspE28efRIuHji56pyeAnlSknbcUJhn-lX9hoPk_m2XJAVE5EtuJQOv_uOEU5T6nVh-LJuGIYiVLuR8yWMgV7ep6WHjv5JO6YiJf7gwgTbA9Z3VUxZGMrZOU/s1600/SAM_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNnmenczBgWZ8GeQHDvCCKspE28efRIuHji56pyeAnlSknbcUJhn-lX9hoPk_m2XJAVE5EtuJQOv_uOEU5T6nVh-LJuGIYiVLuR8yWMgV7ep6WHjv5JO6YiJf7gwgTbA9Z3VUxZGMrZOU/s400/SAM_1773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So today, Steve moved the goats into the big barn, where they will spend the winter. This makes it more convenient for us, because we can drop hay from the loft directly into their stall, instead of lugging it from here over to the goat shed, plus the new paddock gives them lots more room.</div>
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They look tiny next to the big barn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmy2BN9nK-_jjDsTUBd6ZMgEWgEu7TxJD_564jAeWmD31bze8h-EJJWQIr3cU_LqqhvVkWp1L0YqeLKIxqzTBEHAkEBHi0N7yPSC2alMkF1osRaq-5yFvrW8PrKMQHBiK5UtFEzkyM17U/s1600/SAM_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmy2BN9nK-_jjDsTUBd6ZMgEWgEu7TxJD_564jAeWmD31bze8h-EJJWQIr3cU_LqqhvVkWp1L0YqeLKIxqzTBEHAkEBHi0N7yPSC2alMkF1osRaq-5yFvrW8PrKMQHBiK5UtFEzkyM17U/s400/SAM_1759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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They are checking out the new digs, including a fun stone wall for jumping and climbing.</div>
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The chickens are already in the lower barn level for the winter, and the geese will be moving into barn too, so everyone is all together. This also reduces the amount of snow shoveling we have to do....</div>
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The "white house" shown here is currently only used for storage. We have decided to make modifications to it, and use it for animal housing. Either a goat shed, or the cow barn. Thats a project for next spring.</div>
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<span id="goog_2066670878"></span><span id="goog_2066670879"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-28129565932385409282015-11-23T07:49:00.001-08:002015-11-23T07:49:26.648-08:00The Homestead, Year One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmnHzUJS9_hYdsc8d0D07xHg2zoTwuRtzvNmt9VjKC_sa4thjuep3mFN1iFWoNXnyQkxbdAeItmFlOStoqOXgkdIo1p6PRLM92OiJgAm-9AkK-A3sM2HZQrxLNxCeom85dJMevHgfTY12/s1600/20141104_130332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmnHzUJS9_hYdsc8d0D07xHg2zoTwuRtzvNmt9VjKC_sa4thjuep3mFN1iFWoNXnyQkxbdAeItmFlOStoqOXgkdIo1p6PRLM92OiJgAm-9AkK-A3sM2HZQrxLNxCeom85dJMevHgfTY12/s400/20141104_130332.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old shed<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN7hPaTkL8wCz3diS2T2-aNfeR1i5pXJwLHyz6hxM0tEi02AuihN7zuLeY_zbpShcZMvDS10CTHs_wlRzpYFp5Q60rJBZU6ZN0zCb-ou-p8Vifp9ehb-3fSuoVe94AjkpZEhYG1NGccGd/s1600/SAM_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN7hPaTkL8wCz3diS2T2-aNfeR1i5pXJwLHyz6hxM0tEi02AuihN7zuLeY_zbpShcZMvDS10CTHs_wlRzpYFp5Q60rJBZU6ZN0zCb-ou-p8Vifp9ehb-3fSuoVe94AjkpZEhYG1NGccGd/s400/SAM_1636.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new barn</td></tr>
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Wow, it has been almost exactly a year since we moved into the old house here. It has sure been a whirlwind year, starting with the blizzard on the day of our arrival last year, and then the power outtage that lasted several days.<br />
I got to thinking, trying to list what we have done so far. I am sure there are small projects that I wont recall, and the ongoing tasks of gardening and soil building and planning, planting, maintaining, etc., cant really be summed up by a few lines on a list.. but here goes...its all from memory, so might get dates not exactly right.<br />
November.<br />
Moved in. This is worthy of mention because it took several attempts, because the moving truck couldnt negotiate the ice after the blizzard.<br />
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December.<br />
Installed new wood stove<br />
Bought firewood, but it was wet and fròzen (see blizzard comment above)<br />
Cut down, bucked, hauled, and split two dead trees for burnable wood.<br />
Bought a snowblower<br />
Bought maple syrup evaporator (used, homemade, cheap)<br />
Dismantled 13 raised garden beds and stacked and split them up for burning for said evaporator.<br />
Purchased 6 layer pullets, the start of our flock.<br />
Made a makeshift "greenhouse" out of the chicken run, where the pullets could live for the winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf6DHK28kWWAmY6Rd4ItvlRRxmV6vojWo4yPscI4hXeA7djGZhJ84P8le8pPI6PhZVglebkm-OVFhP-GkFwNhn4FINRWap76jLvOSJDbBY2xio3LkW7fKCq3UV2pdhm3qFWQNQ-GDmC0X/s1600/20141104_125724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf6DHK28kWWAmY6Rd4ItvlRRxmV6vojWo4yPscI4hXeA7djGZhJ84P8le8pPI6PhZVglebkm-OVFhP-GkFwNhn4FINRWap76jLvOSJDbBY2xio3LkW7fKCq3UV2pdhm3qFWQNQ-GDmC0X/s400/20141104_125724.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJc_hduE58A-g-P7rRd5NcmCoS0nfWZRvuuTD6G0ozBmbs4Ws_KMiuEeGLD1z1x_y0D1dIqwOb2fPOp5YwpzcYqU-hx4L52woqwd1k-ZKWicfsU0mau55KXX9oyoNFTpdp2YHqaYwKqxO/s1600/20150927_083453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJc_hduE58A-g-P7rRd5NcmCoS0nfWZRvuuTD6G0ozBmbs4Ws_KMiuEeGLD1z1x_y0D1dIqwOb2fPOp5YwpzcYqU-hx4L52woqwd1k-ZKWicfsU0mau55KXX9oyoNFTpdp2YHqaYwKqxO/s400/20150927_083453.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House after</td></tr>
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January<br />
Endured. Read lots of gardening books. Did lots of garden planning. Shoveled lots of snow.<br />
Steve installed TV antennae.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNfKtt7NFRiD_zZCERcKzfq2oLDGvRcxgs4hcpOoda1cLaITU6RczdFWFA5-L44C8tx7dt4lvtZ5Obcw9xV7MXKmfeToB-XNYK0qVju0ZfoyM7PpDNgr5Jkg4cIEoZ3nQ9rKsS8Kj5Uas/s1600/20151022_163216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNfKtt7NFRiD_zZCERcKzfq2oLDGvRcxgs4hcpOoda1cLaITU6RczdFWFA5-L44C8tx7dt4lvtZ5Obcw9xV7MXKmfeToB-XNYK0qVju0ZfoyM7PpDNgr5Jkg4cIEoZ3nQ9rKsS8Kj5Uas/s400/20151022_163216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors of fall</td></tr>
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February<br />
Endured even more.<br />
Set taps on 10 maple trees.<br />
Showshoveled a path to get to taps, and tromped it down with snowshoes.<br />
Began collecting sap.<br />
Set up seed starting area inside, a strange seasonal juxtaposition with the sugaring operation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN55KIJdfAi_n83sJnbqne4W3Qi25t8qhVh33FbvtqWoCBmj-dhrqs0detJDfNLl-HwIxynhKZVB4qqiv5hFzgs2-VRqwYivW9gWlVqBUu-A7lz-NeJKVvYO85Li0looQJXTd3nIjStQ1/s1600/20141205_131816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN55KIJdfAi_n83sJnbqne4W3Qi25t8qhVh33FbvtqWoCBmj-dhrqs0detJDfNLl-HwIxynhKZVB4qqiv5hFzgs2-VRqwYivW9gWlVqBUu-A7lz-NeJKVvYO85Li0looQJXTd3nIjStQ1/s400/20141205_131816.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evaporator</td></tr>
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March<br />
Full swing into maple sùgaring: collecting, storing, boiling, canning.<br />
Planted a couple hundred various garden seeds inside, with grow lights.<br />
Received order of new chicks., 26 of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eO-dVJqefRf5AXeNwPejMoJma5Hi2job0yznCeO7yGPGt-vle0hNiBG7_YcettAQuFfdI49k1NJ_Ocz32c3SMOFH2bonpsNygebmzJiq0hzx6ER3Y3mVDF5uuiFGgy5peDDNbYsBmfe7/s1600/20150910_111550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eO-dVJqefRf5AXeNwPejMoJma5Hi2job0yznCeO7yGPGt-vle0hNiBG7_YcettAQuFfdI49k1NJ_Ocz32c3SMOFH2bonpsNygebmzJiq0hzx6ER3Y3mVDF5uuiFGgy5peDDNbYsBmfe7/s400/20150910_111550.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers by front walkway</td></tr>
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April<br />
Finished sugaring. <br />
Spread manure in garden, readied for planting.<br />
Installed temporary garden fence<br />
Chicks move outside.<br />
Baby goslings arrive<br />
Planted 5 apple trees<br />
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May<br />
Garden gets going in earnest.<br />
Second garden area tilled and raked.<br />
Permanent garden fence installed.<br />
Built new mobile chicken coop. Move the flock into that.<br />
Set up electric netting fence for chickens.<br />
Goslings move into old chicken coop.<br />
Old shed gets demolished to make way for new barn.<br />
Having to use crutches full time due to knee injury.<br />
Small dog fence put up.<br />
Bat exclusion doors put up to rid attic of bats. We hope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfqfs7GoAsuHCHUZjgAMzaAl7ypfqE9lkvkIwCr4CxDJq4Xs9hOt7yAe4yfo2cjHp2JF3PXQxUzBWoC_Kk3X5EallVzOzYk3sfNVUH-7STRtDP5VXDfe2MG0EXqsEdAXfNFTSc4IMqFvY/s1600/20150914_105754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfqfs7GoAsuHCHUZjgAMzaAl7ypfqE9lkvkIwCr4CxDJq4Xs9hOt7yAe4yfo2cjHp2JF3PXQxUzBWoC_Kk3X5EallVzOzYk3sfNVUH-7STRtDP5VXDfe2MG0EXqsEdAXfNFTSc4IMqFvY/s400/20150914_105754.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple peel feast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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<br />
June<br />
Stripped wallpaper, repaired walls, painted walls, ceiling, and trim in 3 rooms inside the house.<br />
The BBB (big barn build) gets underway. We will live with heavy equipment for the next several months.<br />
Planted raspberries, strawberries, blueberries.<br />
Brought home the goat brothers.<br />
Repaired , replaced rotted siding and sills on house.<br />
Dug out massive thorn bush by front sidewalk, weeded, mulched, made pathway, planted flowers.<br />
The radio tower finally taken down and hauled off<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMPy6AUiGDEGsy4Vxcei73W80tQQujsNXRm__Y_1OsTjSGkhZWYWjKT8t-FfyrkJ4yIMPJy3HAPpDA54rRokeCsti3c2Mo7TZ8Gft9hRIYXSe9ipTCjdco1Nt6U7jZU77jYmeSDn2copA/s1600/20150421_134933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMPy6AUiGDEGsy4Vxcei73W80tQQujsNXRm__Y_1OsTjSGkhZWYWjKT8t-FfyrkJ4yIMPJy3HAPpDA54rRokeCsti3c2Mo7TZ8Gft9hRIYXSe9ipTCjdco1Nt6U7jZU77jYmeSDn2copA/s400/20150421_134933.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future farm security team in training<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSh_kAzJ3ihCY_rrdDQcZaC184C2hyphenhyphenMDssJ_7UD-U6ClogB7ohP_pN3N2leDhGFqA-8iKI-O7w4_pq6jWMrOB5IYHUFAOLcC8EUYu6xnSuBBni8wVJ7xhotLcpKc3WVUAwnVNdqX6OHJZ/s1600/20150901_153735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSh_kAzJ3ihCY_rrdDQcZaC184C2hyphenhyphenMDssJ_7UD-U6ClogB7ohP_pN3N2leDhGFqA-8iKI-O7w4_pq6jWMrOB5IYHUFAOLcC8EUYu6xnSuBBni8wVJ7xhotLcpKc3WVUAwnVNdqX6OHJZ/s400/20150901_153735.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alarm System, fully activated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
July<br />
Started painting entire exterior of house.<br />
Dug up entire front flowerbed, mulched.<br />
Dug up stumps in yard.<br />
Cleared fenceline and stonewall<br />
Removed weed trees and thorns.<br />
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August<br />
Painted barn boards by the hundred!<br />
Painted all the small animal sheds<br />
Canned, froze, dehydrated, made jams, preserves from garden goodies<br />
Installed new fence by stonewall<br />
Repaired foundation on house<br />
First eggs from new chickens<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3w8Idx8WHvRuU54oFmWkfnminiQCjir2R_abPfFt7ubFa7i-v-74Lo5-j6swcwWFUskBWI4u4Yv2yFc7cBnMJlgGwOdEWg823NcS2nOlYwuHu71BBHwa6QrYQzhW0CYyyWdutMH9nG5C/s1600/SAM_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3w8Idx8WHvRuU54oFmWkfnminiQCjir2R_abPfFt7ubFa7i-v-74Lo5-j6swcwWFUskBWI4u4Yv2yFc7cBnMJlgGwOdEWg823NcS2nOlYwuHu71BBHwa6QrYQzhW0CYyyWdutMH9nG5C/s400/SAM_1525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmm... sweet corn stalks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="goog_727931658"></span><span id="goog_727931659"></span><br />
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September<br />
Paddock area raked and seeded<br />
Spread dirt and seeded grass in backyard<br />
Barn finished, mostly. <br />
Start selling eggs to neighbors and farm store<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpNfzq9ifnDaiBWoI4q5v82UsYGg7aX8O3kaZxphn364LETyphtjYexjRNDbBH0beJUgjLISXy10yxKKDzB9TSlJeLYAmelYjsC7Zp52EEHSA9Fz3K9mFS_IhBlUbpt3d4OiARRIctkTJ/s1600/20151116_142914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpNfzq9ifnDaiBWoI4q5v82UsYGg7aX8O3kaZxphn364LETyphtjYexjRNDbBH0beJUgjLISXy10yxKKDzB9TSlJeLYAmelYjsC7Zp52EEHSA9Fz3K9mFS_IhBlUbpt3d4OiARRIctkTJ/s400/20151116_142914.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Barn in Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
October<br />
Driveway paved<br />
Gravel added for turn around<br />
Big hill cleared<br />
Small front hill stumped and cleared and tilled, bulbs and perrenials planted, bark chips spread.<br />
Woodshed finished<br />
Wood splitting begins<br />
Lower woods area begins to get cleared.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYDTGx6MVhaTWRSlNMJkbR2LmZJ2mtAip1MAj7Faou3N8DpDiT1n9_qNWk1JKQK9j4CVaHo95rDMm0tVZT0FlzWKRod_BAsN2HpCxsQ_z1KRrP4BOSX6vrA3C0NurOebCpyVCK0MmoJit/s1600/20151119_073813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYDTGx6MVhaTWRSlNMJkbR2LmZJ2mtAip1MAj7Faou3N8DpDiT1n9_qNWk1JKQK9j4CVaHo95rDMm0tVZT0FlzWKRod_BAsN2HpCxsQ_z1KRrP4BOSX6vrA3C0NurOebCpyVCK0MmoJit/s400/20151119_073813.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Dixie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
November<br />
Electric finally installed in barn<br />
Bought a calf.<br />
Greenhouse started<br />
New walkway for main entrance.<br />
Moved chickens into barn for winter.<br />
Begin installing small paddock for calf<br />
Build temporary stall dividers for second stall.<br />
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<br />
And that brings us to now. I know theres more stuff, but seeing the list, no wonder we are tired! And I dont mean to say we did all this by ourselves. The barn was built by our neighbor, and all the tractor work also. And lots of other things. But we have certainly had a hand in most of it. Almost all the gardening was me, almost all the firewood hauling, splitting , stacking was Steve. <br />
<br />
So what will Year Two bring? There is still lots of clearing to do, and more fruit tree planting. But the biggest task will be fence building. I think 2016 will be THE YEAR OF THE FENCE. Stay tuned!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CtzKZi5I3vHbahMuwxnq9_Q5Q4TKm7Kq0_fFIU-suojZRoMCMZpIwU3qrywMXBOEG7JDWpCI3FagfIrQNpfAfbWqcxtmSa0fxTXSYkuf8lXPeeBSezxerGWUaXtLLjW1CGIk4cB2v_Co/s1600/20141104_103726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CtzKZi5I3vHbahMuwxnq9_Q5Q4TKm7Kq0_fFIU-suojZRoMCMZpIwU3qrywMXBOEG7JDWpCI3FagfIrQNpfAfbWqcxtmSa0fxTXSYkuf8lXPeeBSezxerGWUaXtLLjW1CGIk4cB2v_Co/s400/20141104_103726.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden area before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI_HmeMOFdN5zs17DvDYmAHQHeu4WieLdAuooySLXf_TlF2brwzH_CkvTSxnxW_Wi3Y676wWoZEuLP9iUJMGYhm7RXFENXOlfU02jnWXgCnj5ZSQ5ITsmazvJpeyLqeg6KuFNWkyRGlb8/s1600/20150826_163713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI_HmeMOFdN5zs17DvDYmAHQHeu4WieLdAuooySLXf_TlF2brwzH_CkvTSxnxW_Wi3Y676wWoZEuLP9iUJMGYhm7RXFENXOlfU02jnWXgCnj5ZSQ5ITsmazvJpeyLqeg6KuFNWkyRGlb8/s400/20150826_163713.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden area after<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-6883749124819632752015-11-22T10:16:00.000-08:002015-11-22T16:53:29.142-08:00Moving the Chickens Inside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oJS0mN9qfZovh9gWe2q4-jyBPo1s77nPcKEDQzms-Kch0BNAMlZEFU-VD7uGtuiBEGdKcJVTgKeD6Tj3j2PMjVh4PCchPid7rEZqswi4kcEz7KJHjsn-CBxSJjxyzYpiHNgFhkfS50ym/s1600/20151122_125813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oJS0mN9qfZovh9gWe2q4-jyBPo1s77nPcKEDQzms-Kch0BNAMlZEFU-VD7uGtuiBEGdKcJVTgKeD6Tj3j2PMjVh4PCchPid7rEZqswi4kcEz7KJHjsn-CBxSJjxyzYpiHNgFhkfS50ym/s400/20151122_125813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, in preparation for winter, but a bit ahead of schedule due to my upcoming surgery, we moved the mobile chicken coop (Meals on Wheels) into the tractor bay of the garage. It was a tight squeeze, only about a half inch clearance. This is mainly so helpers taking care of our critters while I am unable, wont have to deal with slogging through mud or snow, or turning the electric fence on and off. One inquisitive hen is already trying to plan how she can get past the barriers we put up to keep them contained in this one corner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXQth1h3vMAy5ErYg14oVr9S2Ld_tqvgJTMsEBbCmVXksmU5iM87N3upHpYV161P1lofppdvrDavwK65UHyKIUMSoKFOkXev0ksZBKIcNOp6ceMwKAlW3_fj9Rnorj5z2_KyaQZorM1Ic/s1600/20151122_125847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXQth1h3vMAy5ErYg14oVr9S2Ld_tqvgJTMsEBbCmVXksmU5iM87N3upHpYV161P1lofppdvrDavwK65UHyKIUMSoKFOkXev0ksZBKIcNOp6ceMwKAlW3_fj9Rnorj5z2_KyaQZorM1Ic/s400/20151122_125847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Originally, we planned to put them in the greenhouse for the winter. Nice solar warmth and free fertilizer for next year. However, the greenhouse isnt finished. It is built out of reclaimed storm windows. The solar collecting power of glass is pretty amazing. Even with the sides completely open, it is warmer in there behind the glass than the surrounding area.<br />
Once this is finished, that back wall will be insulated and painted black , and I will use some thermal mass collectors as well...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-80182584759830512062015-11-21T09:46:00.002-08:002015-11-21T09:46:33.990-08:00HOLY COW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUbLNbPiT3fJl1jjD2TMpn1IqChwHLphSVuVFCnoOzC_ihiXk-Knh3Hooo0uj3oV3aUv2RKMFL8Gqm1EG7pHHc2kOjMSEwgdZMgSIA7Js-kNeH_cPgCSASGF69NwtBl41MpbSLRsAxqGh/s1600/20151119_074157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUbLNbPiT3fJl1jjD2TMpn1IqChwHLphSVuVFCnoOzC_ihiXk-Knh3Hooo0uj3oV3aUv2RKMFL8Gqm1EG7pHHc2kOjMSEwgdZMgSIA7Js-kNeH_cPgCSASGF69NwtBl41MpbSLRsAxqGh/s400/20151119_074157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Evidently its true what they say. "Chickens are a gateway livestock. " </div>
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You're sitting there one morning, drinking your coffee, enjoying some nice farm eggs and toast for breakfast, and you get to thinking, "it sure would be nice to have a glass of fresh milk and some butter for this toast. "</div>
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And next thing you know, you have brought home a cow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLN5AXyDkLPL8T1uo4JSLYEL9NXOvxTEHpbi-fQfnBNCYG9YU0FZ3juhVAfMFxEBjkn71JEk0CBf5hvOcgTu8dAMws5EJaQeevvfMCTqx7n17uao1g2N36iELm2JlCDHz263xyszdYtVp/s1600/20151119_073755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLN5AXyDkLPL8T1uo4JSLYEL9NXOvxTEHpbi-fQfnBNCYG9YU0FZ3juhVAfMFxEBjkn71JEk0CBf5hvOcgTu8dAMws5EJaQeevvfMCTqx7n17uao1g2N36iELm2JlCDHz263xyszdYtVp/s400/20151119_073755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1428931202"></span><span id="goog_1428931203"></span>So here she is, little Dixie MOOn, mostly jersey, with a little holstein thrown in, possibly some Gurnsey. She is a week old right now, and very very cute. Sorry for the bad photos.<br />
Long story, but we first picked her up earlier this week, and she came down with a respiratory infection and some scours . (diarrhea for the non farmers out there) so we took her back to the farm, and they are getting her all fixed up, and we are picking her back up next weekend after I am out of the hospital from my knee surgery.<br />
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We will be bottle feeding her raw milk, so her diet stay as close as possible to what nature intended. Probably for at least two months. Then, slowly adding hay and grains as she is weaned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9CO4AMCwfQdsRcGAmHymifIN39yWUzOMo2V1-rVLpu1VoK71-onOIS3Gkc6M0h0FmSHj5pqWm4gxdxPWsbakrk6_IV6FQvmPz4ACXTboWuaPZnrMELoHtkJH5nHwnQa2391GzfJkOVYZ/s1600/20151116_130948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9CO4AMCwfQdsRcGAmHymifIN39yWUzOMo2V1-rVLpu1VoK71-onOIS3Gkc6M0h0FmSHj5pqWm4gxdxPWsbakrk6_IV6FQvmPz4ACXTboWuaPZnrMELoHtkJH5nHwnQa2391GzfJkOVYZ/s400/20151116_130948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now thats a bottle!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-78601583844184297182015-11-15T14:34:00.002-08:002015-11-15T14:34:55.631-08:00Goat Pen ImprovementsC<span id="goog_189238262"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCIeLki9btGnw2I8-xF3sSEAb952qAtfZvUA9c79P-VIsdHY4VOmpmzG_gjmuKAGpOlDUIdz_MzikxORrVRfV6nYIdMEPTrPMB53xNsAsUZsiYYrK70dTag7URDOtazKQ6O9lPD9FfGxd/s1600/SAM_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCIeLki9btGnw2I8-xF3sSEAb952qAtfZvUA9c79P-VIsdHY4VOmpmzG_gjmuKAGpOlDUIdz_MzikxORrVRfV6nYIdMEPTrPMB53xNsAsUZsiYYrK70dTag7URDOtazKQ6O9lPD9FfGxd/s400/SAM_1755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Why did it take so long to do this? Seems like some tasks, even relatively simple ones, just get put off. I dont know why.<br />
Anyway, after trimming the goat boy's hooves today (another task that was overdue) I decided that we really needed to do something to cover up the bare (muddy) dirt in their pen. Mud isnt good for any critter, except maybe the pigs. The goat boys had too much mud caked inside their hoof walls, which can cause hoof rot. So after cleaning and trimming their hooves, we hauled up some wood chips and spread them out in the pen. Their shed is layered with deep straw and wood shavings, so its fine, but the outside pen needed some upgrading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcp-NQzqQVRcaU_lHbNCkHZJnBzguTRU7G4i2khXxMZ2GjiHxrpgUEcoSKncFpMCACtN-3Nki3RumlokQbsw2BSzO_3KLlazHTN3SZhXRWikPJKYRbzriq1ItDHqOKzyKIiBMaXfBRR6i/s1600/SAM_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcp-NQzqQVRcaU_lHbNCkHZJnBzguTRU7G4i2khXxMZ2GjiHxrpgUEcoSKncFpMCACtN-3Nki3RumlokQbsw2BSzO_3KLlazHTN3SZhXRWikPJKYRbzriq1ItDHqOKzyKIiBMaXfBRR6i/s400/SAM_1751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
While we were doing this, we decided to pile up a few big rocks for them to play on. Goats instinctively like to climb, and it will also help keep their hooves worn down.<br />
It was immediate goat games on the new rocks. Whoever could command the high position was King of the Hill.<br />
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First it was Waldo.<br />
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Then Henry. </div>
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Looks like it might be an ongoing game. Of course, I missed Henry doing running leaps and mid air twists onto the new rocks...but that was pretty cute.</div>
<span id="goog_189238261"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-2142482344315935932015-11-14T14:53:00.002-08:002015-11-14T17:24:07.149-08:00Wild Goats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here are the two impressive looking bucks that escaped from a farm in a neighboring town and have been roaming free for several months. All attempts to catch them have proven futile, even using tranquilizer darts. Evidently, goats can withstand a dose that would kill a cow!<br />
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These beautiful, but wary guys would not let me get closer than about 25 feet. They were wandering along the road just down the hill from us and a neighbor spotted them, and drove up to ask if we were missing any..( Evidently, because we have goats, folks immediately think any loose goats must be ours). I quickly grabbed a bucket of sweet feed, which always brings my boys running, to see if I could possibly lure them closer, while waiting for the owner to arrive. They were curious, but too wary. If they had ever been tame or handled much, their months of freedom in the forest had erased any tameness they had. <br />
I am not sure of their breed... maybe a mix of alpine and nigerian dwarf. Judging by their horns, these were older, mature goats...Bucks smell REALLY strongly.... and these guys were no exception.... you could smell them 50 feet away. Buck taint is not a pleasant smell, though maybe a female goat would disagree. <br />
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The owner arrived, and sadly, I believe they had no choice really but to dispatch them, as they would not have made it through a winter, and any "natural"death, by freezing or starving, coyote pack, or mountain lion, or being hit by a car, would be prolonged....a gunshot was a quicker, and painless end. It was the right thing to do, but still sad, and I left before the deed was done. <br />
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All of which goes as a reminder that when you bring an animal home, and enclose it with a fence, you become responsible for that animal. These guys were not protected. It makes me awfully sad.<br />
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Here are my two NOT at all wild goats- fat, friendly and safe. I came home and hugged them.<br />
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Meanwhile, the flock, guarded by Floyd the rooster, and watched closely by me when they are out, enjoyed some time scratching around in the yard. Dont plan on having nice flowerbeds if you have free range chickens.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-59637701176908312292015-11-07T14:01:00.001-08:002015-11-07T14:01:40.615-08:00Winter warmthGetting the firewood split and stacked becomes serious business in late fall... we are always preparing a year in advance, meaning the wood we are working on now is really NEXT winter's fuel. It takes a year to really season and dry. This late in the year we are always chancing snow and need to get the wood under cover. <br />
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The woodshed is starting to fill up. A lovely sight.</div>
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But there is still lots of work to do.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-67100357812492511172015-11-02T18:33:00.000-08:002015-11-02T18:35:08.798-08:00Critters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First sketch is of a new calf belonging to a fellow blogger. His name is Raylan. Those of you who are fans of the series Justified might get a smile out of the name.</div>
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And this is Miss Marley with her goats. And they ARE 'her' goats. She loves them. Here she is licking little Henry, who seems to enjoy the attention, while Waldo waits his turn. She seems to know it is her job to protect them. They seem to know she is their protector. This kind of instinctive interaction between animals is amazing to me. Nobody taught them this. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-46607867306000828002015-11-01T16:38:00.000-08:002015-11-01T18:00:00.620-08:00Walkable Walkway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Yay! We completed the front walkway today. It was originally very old asphalt, that was cracked and heaved up and very difficult to keep ice free in the winter... besides being just UGLY.</div>
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So we had the front end loader guy dig out the old asphalt. We used some patio blocks, and edged them with old bricks we found on the property here that used to be part of an old chicken house.</div>
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And then we were able to use a reclaimed granite slab as a new step up to the front door. That sucker was HEAVY.<br />
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We were hurrying to get this project done before snow, and then hurried even more to get it finished before my knee surgery so I might actually be able to make it into the house.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-6517263996473795392015-11-01T13:57:00.000-08:002015-11-01T13:57:19.300-08:00Planning Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b3pQiZcjqHvK_GZ3jjinaGdv9erKh0FjCM0GWQ9ojTMuvM1rZ7nM3-cRuuiUutVoix7pCbogEhZCpE9xcR6CP0TG2I-tqJSc3HBL__njont_0Jg2CfogMxO5S0yndNPG_2deJbLg8zxb/s1600/411_11165230_689270321195975_1259949619844095420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b3pQiZcjqHvK_GZ3jjinaGdv9erKh0FjCM0GWQ9ojTMuvM1rZ7nM3-cRuuiUutVoix7pCbogEhZCpE9xcR6CP0TG2I-tqJSc3HBL__njont_0Jg2CfogMxO5S0yndNPG_2deJbLg8zxb/s640/411_11165230_689270321195975_1259949619844095420_n.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-37704506490853302272015-10-28T14:06:00.000-07:002015-10-28T19:42:47.782-07:00The Way of Things<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.4px; padding-right: 5px;">
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I couldnt say it better than Robert Frost<br />
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<br />
<br />
The same leaves over and over again!<br />
They fall from giving shade above<br />
To make one texture of faded brown<br />
And fit the earth like a leather glove.<br />
<br />
Before the leaves can mount again<br />
To fill the trees with another shade,<br />
They must go down past things coming up.<br />
They must go down into the dark decayed.<br />
<br />
They must be pierced by flowers and put<br />
Beneath the feet of dancing flowers.<br />
However it is in some other world<br />
I know that this is way in ours. </div>
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<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.417em; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
Robert Frost<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-17618266421450590112015-10-27T10:04:00.001-07:002015-10-27T10:04:51.093-07:00Kimchi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6WBHcMiBSz6pBg9_rK-rlMtF8FOX-8TT7KKx0YycPZhF6qtZWgRK7HDclSsc06auk5KhlNYy25GT8XiQVYhyphenhyphengeFPAiLFPCB9MpRcmRxIoYw5sUnd3PI8gav1f82VXHAHCFsW14_dwJoT/s1600/2015-10-27+13.00.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6WBHcMiBSz6pBg9_rK-rlMtF8FOX-8TT7KKx0YycPZhF6qtZWgRK7HDclSsc06auk5KhlNYy25GT8XiQVYhyphenhyphengeFPAiLFPCB9MpRcmRxIoYw5sUnd3PI8gav1f82VXHAHCFsW14_dwJoT/s400/2015-10-27+13.00.18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_895220518"></span><span id="goog_895220519"></span>Started a small batch of kimchi.... mostly from our own garden grown veggies....<br />
Cabbage, green and red<br />
Onion<br />
Garlic<br />
Carrots<br />
Kale<br />
And store bought ginger and habanero and daikon radish.<br />
<br />
Add nice sea salt, pound it all to release moisture, then let sit for a few hours to allow even more moisture to release. Then simply pack tightly into quart jars, top off with brine if needed, and let ferment for a few days to a week. It will be ready to eat then, but can sit in the jar in the frig or cool cellar for months...<br />
Yum!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-46269705299891595982015-10-26T12:03:00.000-07:002015-10-26T12:03:06.197-07:00The Never Ending TaskClearing brush is a constant chore. The forest is continuously trying to take over the open spaces, and diligence is required to keep pastures clear. Vines, weeds , weed trees, thorns... they all love to take root and take over.<br />
Since this maintenance had not been done here for a number of years, we are having to play catch up.<br />
Today I spent about five hours working on clearing a steep hillside that was severely overgrown. The chickens were pastured on part of the hill and definitely helped ... but it still required loppers and garden shears... the weedwhacker would not cut through the heavy stuff so it was all by hand. Only the trees too large for me to cut with loppers are left.<br />
Now this whole hillside can be mowed. A good days work I say!<br />
<br />
Before<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJQbtuOU7M5FcSsNCTX0tkkd2TWM9BFXMFRu3X9mefM0RzWtZMbVo3es2X6tHh8vkSEsgJAPDo6EkBQYcqD2OnsH94r3fQcBfrlsIgwdZDMECfBhdMLv-_v1ibU7bGILS4l62oxWl-jbe/s1600/20151026_144101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJQbtuOU7M5FcSsNCTX0tkkd2TWM9BFXMFRu3X9mefM0RzWtZMbVo3es2X6tHh8vkSEsgJAPDo6EkBQYcqD2OnsH94r3fQcBfrlsIgwdZDMECfBhdMLv-_v1ibU7bGILS4l62oxWl-jbe/s400/20151026_144101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And after..<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGfWjrWsxtdHs4TtwJ8c0PvCIuX_Q51jmKdxhy0rYV7QSvJ5aM4ye8HpwG72VQ9pJmiRJX-VtEacylZafyrlyxbl4JK95Hh4AobFjgB5wlImjwnF4j1MMPsePgH-myhxOGjLc-aKruLRc/s1600/20151026_143944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGfWjrWsxtdHs4TtwJ8c0PvCIuX_Q51jmKdxhy0rYV7QSvJ5aM4ye8HpwG72VQ9pJmiRJX-VtEacylZafyrlyxbl4JK95Hh4AobFjgB5wlImjwnF4j1MMPsePgH-myhxOGjLc-aKruLRc/s400/20151026_143944.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Rv59MhR7Zld4CHht06ODT3SevJMVJ4TFPhi9rbF4BbrFN4G5gI-PqOlTrK5il_WADm650PU8zaF1LmOO43ucpi9AdxNxu0PXM2nAFKYyt98Nd8YT-atSrhUETZPxAR1b8ROJcNTqXaX/s1600/20151026_144111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Rv59MhR7Zld4CHht06ODT3SevJMVJ4TFPhi9rbF4BbrFN4G5gI-PqOlTrK5il_WADm650PU8zaF1LmOO43ucpi9AdxNxu0PXM2nAFKYyt98Nd8YT-atSrhUETZPxAR1b8ROJcNTqXaX/s400/20151026_144111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back up</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-85480281175617346502015-10-25T14:10:00.000-07:002015-10-25T14:10:29.721-07:00Water Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxEl3Qt3UDxmfvcZPgywERYgU9_sAWcXbd-TmiQ3SZH80lrl-Xwpxo8iEG262oeO5MzujRLAsL6o0eyMCuZf_OF6icWURkTzSXrYd89PriNPbE-6dZ-CV_ddj2G_QjiJgsNlfXOgmmA5D/s1600/20151025_160837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxEl3Qt3UDxmfvcZPgywERYgU9_sAWcXbd-TmiQ3SZH80lrl-Xwpxo8iEG262oeO5MzujRLAsL6o0eyMCuZf_OF6icWURkTzSXrYd89PriNPbE-6dZ-CV_ddj2G_QjiJgsNlfXOgmmA5D/s400/20151025_160837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So..... we are having water troubles for the last week or two.<br />
A combination of events, a sort of perfect storm of circumstances, created conditions that caused the problem.<br />
<br />
The natural spring that feeds the house with water is situated in the forest uphill from our house. I have sketched what the spring housing looks like with the lid off. It is just a brick and concrete cistern of sorts, about 4 feet deep, surrounding the natural spring which flows from underground. The cistern has a brick wall dividing it in half. This wall allows the spring water, which bubbles up from underground, to fill up the uphill side of the dividing wall to about 3 feet deep. Then, water flows from this reservoir into pipes that travel downhill to our house. <br />
Its been used as the water supply for more than 200 years. <br />
<br />
What we believe happened is that seasonal low water levels in the spring, coupled with a few small leaks that developed in that brick dividing wall, allowed the water level in the reservoir to drop to only a few inches deep, exposing the pipes which feed our house. We have been hearing glug glug noises for a week or so. So, not only was little or no water now flowing through our pipe, but this allowed air, and silt or debris to get into the line, which normally would be several feet underwater. Besides the glug glug noise, we discovered a live salamander in the filter ! This was the main clue that something was really amiss, but thank goodness for filters, huh? That little guy was able to crawl into the exposed line... must have been a fun ride downhill to the filter! Weeeeeee.... !<br />
<br />
So, we have plugged and repaired the leaks, but there is evidently something still clogging the line. It could be just air in the line, or some *Thing*. It is slow work, as the reservoir is filling v e r y slowly. Once there is sufficient water in the reservoir, we will try again.<br />
<br />
<br />
UPDATE:<br />
WE HAVE WATER! Yay! <br />
The guys took our generator on the tractor, and drove it up to the spring, hooked an air compressor to the generator, and blew out the line from the top. It took awhile, but finally water is flowing! Woohoo!! I had to man the hose in our basement, to monitor things if water began to run through, and put the hose into our overflow pipe so we didnt flood the cellar... nothing really came through except a very little silt and a few leaves, so it was probably airlocked (not some bloated dead frog which is what I was fearing). But finally clear water is flowly at about 5 gallons a minute....<br />
You dont know how wonderful running water is, until you dont have it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-75745543891742037442015-10-24T12:42:00.002-07:002015-10-24T12:54:24.172-07:00Entourage, farm style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wherever Steve goes....</div>
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He is sure to be followed.....<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6848687798137258311.post-26688393588103823782015-10-22T14:19:00.001-07:002015-10-22T15:28:23.775-07:00Bittersweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-WaJsXKxLSP894MqDIALvm-eYOG43nkoDzMtztBiPbj_HapklMet4W3AruS_dqlCQL2le-H-hKFz-CqTEfqe78Ud25_qjXcPmGPtT8oXsnQxDxBlVxeKkqR6j99rBqvPqfecERgNQ4Q/s1600/20151022_163120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-WaJsXKxLSP894MqDIALvm-eYOG43nkoDzMtztBiPbj_HapklMet4W3AruS_dqlCQL2le-H-hKFz-CqTEfqe78Ud25_qjXcPmGPtT8oXsnQxDxBlVxeKkqR6j99rBqvPqfecERgNQ4Q/s400/20151022_163120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It comes in whispers, this autumn thing.<br />
When suddenly the leaves are piled against the barn in golden mounds, stirring with the breeze. Or floating, floating down from treetop heights, spiraling softly across the grass. <br />
The colors fade; the skeletons of empty trees reveal the backbone of distant ridges.<br />
Everything is slowly sliding into gray. <br />
It brings a respite from the labor of the harvest. The implements of summer are stored and locked away. A few gentle days of rest, songs of thankfulness for what the earth has provided.<br />
<br />
But also a foreboding. The earth is letting go and giving in. Winter looms.<br />
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So I gather the vines, and twist them into an unruly circle, hang them on the door, and sigh. A tribute to the end of things. Is this why they are called Bittersweet?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01799016923038189074noreply@blogger.com0