Endings & Beginnings

March is over today. It was a quick month for me and slipped by while I was busy with other things. Spring is well under way here and signs of new life can be seen in every direction one chooses to look. I have only begun to enjoy my Spring favorites and with 12 more weeks to go, I am pretty sure I can find time for the rest. What has been your favorite thus far?

Mine came in a honey-almond package recently. No it was not candy for Easter! Though she is quite sweet,very loving and has milk-breath. We traveled to south Georgia to check out a lead on some Nubian goats for sale. We have been wanting some for over a year. Desiring to have fresh milk to drink and some for making cheeses and home-made soap. Seeing them at the Perry Fair last Fall made us want some even more. We knew that once we were able to acquire our farm they would surely be a part of it. Stepping out to get them now was a step in faith that one way or the other we would have a place for them in our lives.

Sugar ~ born Feb.9, 2009

We came home with a 2 yr. old Nubian doe and her 7 week old daughter. Amber was unsure of the trip to her new home and cried out every time the truck had to stop. Her daughter rode in a box behind the front seat and slept most of the way. We named her "Sugar" and she quickly stole our hearts. New to goat ownership will probably throw us many a challenge to face. I for one have never milked before. With only a quick lesson before leaving their previous owners, I am sure it will be a big learning curve for us.

New temporary home for Amber & Sugar

Amber ~ born March 19, 2007

Amber is in need of some extra conditioning as her weight is low and she is not giving out much milk at present. I feel sure with some extra nutrition, quality feed and TLC that we can bring her up to prime status. First step is to get the right feed and show her that I am her friend. Milking a nervous goat is can be hard for a seasoned milker, but for a newbie it is quite terrifying at times. All the milk we are getting at present goes into the bottle feedings for Sugar. Her owners chose to removed her from Amber at birth. Opting to bottle feed her with goat's milk from their herd instead. Sugar is down to 2 feedings a day now and will begin to eat solid foods and hay. In a few more weeks we will begin to decrease her milk feedings and introduce her to more foods in order to develop her "rumen" (first stomach). To become a good quality milker she needs to have a large one capable of lots of roughage, like hay and browse. Like deer they love to eat young trees, new leaves, vines and plants. Though is was alarming to learn that the azalea, rhododendron and mountain laurel dotted across our landscape is poisonous to them. We will have to be very careful when we have them out in the yard and woods for their munching pleasure each day.

It was a joy to see that Amber's birthday is 2 days after mine. It should be easy to remember and we can celebrate together each year. I guess I received a milk source after all for my birthday. Lon's card had said that she would be brown and give milk. I think Amber fits the description, except for the mooing part. It's more of a NAAAAAAA. :-D

Looking forward to spending time with the new girls in the family

Deborah

Homefront News

Life has been quite crazy around here lately. Without boring you with the details I will simply say that we are STILL waiting on the "people in charge" to let us know whether we can get the property in Alabama or not. Waiting seems to be the choice activity for us right now. One delay after another delay, after one more delay, maybe yes now, no, wait some more, yadda yadda yadda. It is enough to drive one around in circles for quite a long while. It has already been over 5 weeks so far. I have wanted to post our happenings, but things have not worked out for me to do so. At least not in a timely manner. Will have to beg your forgiveness on being behind, but you know sometimes LIFE just happens in a manner we have no control over. Not that we ever truly did.

I can report that we have a growing stack of boxes to be used in packing. If and when we get the go-ahead and know without a doubt that we will be unpacking them in a new location and not right here where we started.

Our girls and guys are growing some nice looking feathers, putting on a little weight and literally dancing their way out of the hen house each morning. So glad that the rising temperatures are causing tender green growth to emerge for nibbling and pushing the hibernating insect population from it's slumber. The 4 youngsters have been spending their days out in the chicken play yard and exercising muscles not used in their enclosed bedtime environment.

It is hard to say, as each day they take on a new look but we may have more than one rooster in the bunch. One definitely, but another is taking on the appearance of some "rooster" like feathers. Hopefully it is just an illusion and we will have just one roo in the bunch of 3 pullets. With Rusty at the top of the Rooster rung, Chester (black sex-link rooster)nest and the young juvenile out of the Big Mama's first hatch (by Fred) we will have plenty of male representation in the flock. Chester is turning out to be a very pretty bird. Don't tell him I called him pretty as he might get offended at the remark. His coloration is rich and eye-catching, even if he does look kinda scrawny right now. He shows a potential regal flair in his future. Possibly turning the eyes of more than one of Rusty's girls.

Egg production has been down as of lately, which is confusing to us as they did so well during the winter. So to be able to add to the layers is important. There are a couple of other breeds we would like to try out as well. Maybe after we can get settled on the farm we can get some additional girls to help boost production later on this Summer/Fall.

Jason has started a few plants in little hanging bags called "topsey-turveys". He tried a couple last year and enjoyed watching the plants grow up side down. This year he has added some pepper plants along with the tomatoes he plans to grow. We were also able to plant the corn he bought in the enriched earth that was recently turned over on top of the chicken compost that had been added all winter. His broccoli plants were looking quite good,all tucked into their bed. That is until the chickens knocked over the gate to the garden and made a snack of them. Another project for the to-do list and another trip to the home store to buy some more.

It is hard trying to decide just how much planting we want to do here. That is if we will be harvesting someplace else. Though if the delays keep coming we may not be able to put in a garden at the new place and miss out all together. So in an effort to get something started I planted 2 rows of golden Yukon potatoes as my contribution to the garden. Hopefully we will get to see the fruit of our labor and enjoy some home-grown taters this fall.

Go put your hands in the dirt and feel the therapy it gives your soul. You will be richer for it, even if you come away with dirty fingernails.

Deborah

Spring Has Sprung

Big mama is sitting again. The warmer temperatures has sprung a maternal desire in her again. This time we were able to place some home-grown eggs under her. We gathered 8 from our girls and in 21 days we should have some new faces around here.

We are trying out a theory around here with this clutch of eggs. I have been told by 2 different people that you can "predict" the sex of the chick by the shape of it's egg shell. That the long skinny ones will be roosters and the fat round shaped ones will be hens. So we gathered all round ones in an effort to boost the hen population in our coop. As an experiment we are trying to prove or disprove the "theory". Could be just an old wives tale, either way we won't know till they hatch and even then it will take a few more weeks to see their feathers and combs develop. The true test will be when they either lay an egg or crow, which will take months. If it works out you can bet your bottom dollar I will try it again just to see it the information is reliable enough to repeat.

Little shoots of green can be seen on the tips of most trees now. Waiting to unfurl into the Spring green that colors our world each year. The Irises have pushed up their blades of leaves with a few yellow heads floating over them. The majority will not bloom till the weather really warms up consistently for a few days. The day lilies have formed little green mounds, waiting to skirt the blossoms to come later in the summer. The big Camellia bush out by the front porch has been blooming for several weeks now with no sign of stopping. Not that I am complaining. I only wish that they would last for awhile as cut flowers instead of dropping their blooms when harvested for indoor beauty.

I know some more cool weather has to be around the corner as the dogwoods have not bloomed yet, nor the blackberries. We have always had a cool spell around Easter. Which is about 4 weeks from now. The azaleas are showing the slightest hint of color which also bloom around that same time of the year. So I can't put my sweaters up yet, but I can pull out some pastel colors to add to my wardrobe and give my spirits a lift in that direction. Can't wait for short sleeve days and warm gentle breezed devoid of pollen.

Choose some of your favorite Springs things and enjoy them this week.

Deborah

Last Day of Winter

Hurrah !!! Today is the last day of winter, but don't tell Spring. As it arrived early yesterday afternoon on a warm breeze and clearing skies. It even splashed across the skies today with bright sunshine and temperatures typical of an early summer. A high of 75* is wonderful for outdoor activities and errands. I know, I know Spring also brings showers with it too. We can use them and will with all probability wish for them come the dog-days of Summer. For now it is too pretty to be cooped up in doors and miss out on such a day. So skipping through my errands today was a breeze :) A quick stop at the library, discount store and 1 grocery store was all I had to do. It felt great to roll down the windows and open up the sun-roof for fresh air to chase out the winter crummies from the car. It also didn't hurt to stop by the Dairy Queen for a chocolate dipped cone either between stops. (But don't tell anyone I did). Smiling was an automatic activity seen on the faces of everyone I saw enjoying the day.

I had hope to find some young vegetable plants to jump start our garden. Giving me an excuse to be digging in the dirt. Selection was limited at the discount store and the rise in their prices were a shock. Returning to the rack of seeds for the second look answered my need to start planting just fine. I did buy 2 kinds of basil, a package each of Italian parsley and bunching onions. And to fill the need for some color I brought home a package of Lavender too. I think I will pull those seed catalogues back out and put together an order tonight.

We cooked out on the grill again this week as we celebrated my birthday on the 17th. My sweet hubby did all the buying, cooking and cleaning up for the festivities. Thank you, dear one. A leisurely evening was mine to enjoy, along with a slice of chocolate cake that my youngest son brought in the door. Before the evening was over I found a sweet card and a fuzzy little cow sitting near my chair from my hubbie. With a promise inside of the card for a real one that is brown, moos and gives milk real soon. The stuffed one was a reminder of my present for this year. I may have started a trend with getting live animals for my birthdays. Chickens last year and a cow this year. Wow, do I have wait a whole year for the next installment of livestock? I hope not.

A setback in our plans to close on the farmhouse next week caused a frustration to circle through our house until it was kicked out this morning. Another delay has come and looks like it will set us back to waiting for another week. It is hard to understand how other people do things and the reasons they have behind them, that causes difficulties for those who have no say in the process.

But gathering together on the porch this morning with the Lord brought peace and perspective back to our little corner of the world. He is ultimately in charge of everything and has allowed each delay or difficulty into our lives for a reason. That is either for our good and/or the good of someone else. I can find peace in the midst of waiting, knowing that He has something better in store for us. A phone call later in the day gave hope that we may be able to call our farmhouse ours by the end of the month.

Next week could keep me quite busy while in the waiting mode, as I have been called to serve Jury duty starting on Monday. My name has only been called up to serve one other time in all of my 53 years. I have this nagging suspicion that I won't get off as easily as the last time and may find myself assigned to a case. What's the odds - you think? I have some meals lined up for each day that should be easily cooked in my absence if needed. Both my husband and oldest son are good cooks and able to pull off meals if I should find myself with long days of court proceedings. If not than I have a week of easy meals to fix that will leave me with more time to pack boxes. I have been going through the assigned rooms of the house, decluttering, throwing out, packing up and laying items aside for a yard sale. Last week was the kitchen but I still have two cabinets to do, along with my desk area in that room. Will rotate back to this area at the end of my schedule. This week our bedroom and both baths were my target areas. I am happy to announce that they are totally completed. Next week if not in court I plan to tackle the guest room, laundry room and pantry.

Warmer weather is on the way,

Deborah

Changes are Happening

Changes are happening around here and I am not just talking about the upcoming change of residence. We have been having a warming trend all week, a definite contrast from the snow last Sunday. Each day has brought a rise in temps from the day before. Today's high was in the upper 70's with a strong afternoon sun that banished all coats and sweaters to the back of the closet. YAH!

As I sat at the table on our front porch journaling today I had to stop and savor the moment. I know my porch dates with this type of activity are numbered. I wanted to soak up the details , a gentle breeze ruffling my March flag, the serenade of the Spring peepers (frogs) down by the lake edge on this warm day, who are whispering that Spring is on the way. The sky, a shade of pale blue waiting for the intensity of a summer sun to brighten it. A red tinge that colors the tips of the maples in the yard and the little tuffs of green growth which is seen emerging through the brown blanket of color over the yard. Weather perfect for being outside with my hands in the dirt.

Pond greens for the aquatic life

Instead I did some housekeeping chores up at the chicken coop. The biddies born back in January are so big for only being 7 weeks old. With the warmer temperatures this week I promised them a day in the play yard and today was their field trip day. Closing off the sliding door to the coop and with the girls and Rusty out in the yard looking for their own adventure. I put 4 youngsters out to play in the sunshine and fresh air.



See how they have grown!

They seemed to enjoy the open space, as they have lived their lives so far in a cardboard box and a small pen. Walking about was a favorite activity and they looked funny lifting their feet so high off the ground. Both Clara Belle and Rosey had to come by for a peek at the little ones, not quite sure why they were inside and not outside with them.

Clara Belle

Rosey

Another big change that has been happening this week is the "sexy babes"have been getting braver with their wandering out into the yard for the daily scratch-fest. Even coming the 25 yards or so to the back porch this morning, a BIG step for the new girls. Today was the first time since bringing them home that they have totally incorporated themselves into the flock.

Staying near to Rusty and the girls than they had been and free-ranging right along side like one of the crowd. They too have grown in size and their feathers have brighten and fluffed out from their rag-tag appearance when we brought them home a month ago today.

Welcome to the family girls, note that Rusty is keeping a close eye on them.

Speaking of Rusty, his crowing is showing much improvement. Along with the growth of new tail feathers, he is looking quite the "Man" around here. He takes his job very seriously and tries really hard to find sweet treats for his ladies to munch on. But he doesn't like for you to mess too long around his house. Giving me the "don't come in here with that camera" look when he tired of my picture taking.

Rusty guarding the doorway to his castle.

Lon called this morning with a surprise message for me. A promise for an electric butter churn and butter mold from a neighbor we haven't even met is such a blessing to go along with such a day like today was. Both items I have been secretly wishing for in my heart. To have when we are able to get a Jersey for the farm and fresh milk to make butter. The benevolent man and his family will be living nearby the farmhouse we are trying to buy. It seems the churn and mold belonged to his mother and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to use them. We haven't even moved in yet and already this is the second family to make us feel at home in the neighborhood. You just can't beat the down to earth heartbeat of friendliness from country loving folks.

I should have been doing something towards packing for a move hopefully in a couple of months. Instead I took pictures, hung a load on the line to dry in the warm gentle breezes, talked to the chickens and knitted for a bit after eating lunch on the spot where I started my day. I am not sure where I will place the table at the farmhouse, but it will go with us and I am planning lots of evening meals shared on it while overlooking the farm. . . . dinner "al fresco". Lon says we won't be rushed to pack because we will have plenty of time to get the farmhouse ready before the need comes up. But I am sure if the truth be known, that he will be just as anxious as I am to be calling it home.

After cooking out last night for the first time this year. I can officially say Spring fever has set in for me. Why is it that the first grilled hamburger of the year tastes like something out of this world? Truly a taste of summer yet to come in due time. We are scheduled to go back out to the farm on Monday and I would love to be able to go ahead and move some plants out there for future flower beds. But I better wait till all have signed on the dotted line first. Then let the digging begin.

Do you have your Spring favorites list ready to share? Only 2 more weeks till Spring is here! I have been working on mine and will post it then.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn".

~Hal Borland

Enjoy!

Deborah

Farm Search Update

I have been wanting to update the news about our search for our homesteading farm. Our searches have brought us back to one of the first pieces of properties we had look at. Actually I never stopped thinking about this place while searching the country side for possibilities. Quite a lot has transpired since the last time I wrote about our dream.

Long story short ;) ~ after viewing a lot of acreage we realized that the brick house/land that we had found by accident on one of our journeys through Alabama was exactly what we had been praying for and a whole lot more. I was the first to be drawn to the place and Lon came to see it with all of it's possibilities in a favorable light as well. After several trips out to look at the place, walk the property and check out the house for needed repairs we made an offer on the place. Some financial adjustments between us and the owners were made back and forth. Then on the 26th of February we were informed that our offer to buy the place was accepted.

It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions over the past few months of looking but nothing like we have experienced in the last week. Keeping our news quite was hard until we could let our family know of the farm we are buying and that we are to be moving soon. So much has happened in our family these past few week to over shadow the joy of newly acquired farm ownership. But each time we drive out to the place my spirit lifts at the views and the thought of having the chance to live out a dream.

The views though quite brown at present are so open and serene. We have seen pictures of the pastures in all of their "green glory" and I can't wait to see them first hand. With chickens, goats and a milk cow grazing across them to start off with. Starting at the front steps here are panoramic views moving clockwise around the house.

View from sitting on the front porch steps looking out the drive. (Looking South)

Looking down towards small cabin in the woods, site of future dairy barn.

The huge old oak has a massive canopy of bare limbs right now, but with new spring leaves it should provide the house with cooling shade this summer. A great place to put a yard swing don't you think? To enjoy those gentle breezes in the cool of the evenings and for star gazing on clear nights. Something I am looking forward to with being so far out in the countryside and away from city lights.

Looking Northward at end of house.

Check out the blue skies overhead.

We saw a large red-tail hawk circling on the air currents the last day we were out there. We will have to keep a close eye on it as I am sure the hawk will assume that we are bringing our chickens with us for it's grocery shopping needs.

Looking across the backyard from the other end of the house. (North)

Notice the old roadbed off to the right?

It is one of several that crosses over the 21+ acres. One rambles down off to the west of the property leading to a large creek with swift flowing water and a great place to set up a picnic area in the shade of the tree canopy, adorned with wildflowers and ferns. This one leads to the back of the property and has shown fresh signs of deer activity on the land. A great place for hunting vension without ever having to leave our backyard!

Future site of Chicken coop ~ looking east.

Coming full circle you are looking back out the drive.

There is much to be done to bring this land up to farm status, but I am sure with a mindset towards our dream and some energy output it can become a reality. We are only a few more steps away in order to make it legally ours. Hopefully in the next week or so we can claim it's address as our own. I would like to keep regular posts listed as we make the transition. But with all that needs to be done to freshen up the new house, packing and getting our present home ready to sell my time with be stretched, but I will try.

Leaving is always an unwelcomed thing to do, as my heart wants to stay.

But I know over the next month or two I will be traveling down that driveway alot, as we prep this house into a Home for us.

Deborah

Farm Girl in the Making

Last week Leah spent part of a morning with her Papa taking care of some errands that needed to be done. Coming home full of excitement over all that she had seen had her eyes sparkling and words tumbling out of her mouth. Papa had made a stop at a local farm to pick up some fresh Jersey milk and butter for us. The milk cows were up close to the barn and she was able to see them clearly and pet a month old calf in the barn. While there the gobblers that are penned up near by began strutting their stuff and gobbling to no end. Papa reported she was thrilled and unsure where to look first with all the activity around her. Even the roosters joined in the poultry chorus, not to be undone by the "big" boys. A stop at one of the local fire station gained her much praise and a quarter from one of the firefighters for some "m.m.'s" from a machine. Their last stop was at the feed store for some grains and feed for the chickens. Inside the owner had a very large Rhode Island Red rooster in a cage that was making it's self known to all the customers. So much to see and do in just one morning for a future farm girl.

Then this past week we made a trip to Alabama to look again at some property we have been considering for our own future dream farm. On this trip she was able to see the countryside and all the livestock present in just about every yard we past by. She loves to see animals where ever we are, a true nature lover like her Nana. ;) At one of our friends home she was able to get close to some Mommy cows and their babies. Watching them eating their "lunch" with messy faces tickled her.

She wanted very much to go through the gate and "pet them". Not understanding why that was not a good idea with the 800 lb. mommy's inside. But one of the babies did feel brave enough to peek out from behind it's protective mountain and let us get a better look at it.

Leaving this farm after getting her fill of watching cows we travel just a little ways down the road to another friend's place to see his horses. Where she got the best treat of the day. Not only did she get to see his horses up close but he offered to let her ride a pony just her size. That was not something she was anxious to do at first, as all she wanted to do was to just "pet" them.

After a quick introduction to the 35 year old pony and some assurance that Nana was going to be right by her side, she sat on top of it with wide-eyed wonder.

Several laps around the barnyard and she was a satisfied customer, giving commands to the pony to "giddy up" and enjoying the ride tremendously. When asked about getting off she gave a quick flat no and began to tell us she did not want to leave. Our gracious host assured her that she could come back anytime to ride as often as she wanted to. Our little farm girl was quite tired after her day's adventures and promptly fell asleep in the truck on the trip back home. Memories made that will hopefully carry her farther into her love for life. I see a chance to ride together in our future, as I love to ride myself. I have always wanted a horse and thought one day if I ever had the space I would get one. Until that day comes I have an open invitation to ride here at this farm with someone who loves horses more than I do and has a fondness for little granddaughters too.

Living the life through the eyes of a 2 1/2 year old.

Deborah

March Snows

We're coming down to the wire with Winter being officially over in 17 days. You can always count on it going out with a bang though. This year we thought it would pass quietly having been a very mild one. As we have had very few days of really bitter cold compared to past years. March 1st. decided to be the sacrificial day of snow for us. Predicted by the weather watchers to arrive with some accumulation, 1-4 inches. It arrived a little early in the day and with a force not to be missed. I love snow, probably because we rarely ever have it, unlike those of the north who are generally tired of it by now. In the South it is a rare treat to be seem in our own back yards. Ice we can get, but fluffy snow is only seen in the movies. What a treat we received that day.

I wish I had my camera with me as I came out of worship services at church. Everything was covered with a 3 inch cover, that made backing out of parking spaces adventurous to say the least. The force of the snowfall could be seen from the windows while inside the sanctuary, blowing sideways. I am sure more than one person had trouble keeping their minds centered during that hour. With each passing moment if became heavier and most of the children had difficulty sitting still. With visions of "no school tomorrow" dancing in their heads. Slip sliding home on quickly freezing roads I was surprised by the winter wonderland that greeted me here.

The pictures do not show the snow falling which is a shame. Big flakes floated down in a continuous rain of frozen fluff. BEAUTIFUL!! A chill invaded the house that can only be found with the breath of snow, an Arctic scent that smells of a place far away. The weight of the snow had the huge azaleas out front kissing the ground from their heavy load

Even the 16 foot camellia was leaning out away from the house with candy cane stripped blossoms peaking out from the blanket of white.

It was hard to pull myself away from the view in order to take my "Sunday" nap. It was so pretty and it has been such a long time since we have had a pretty snow like this. I was afraid it would be gone all to soon and I would miss it charm. Seeing it made me wonder how it would look falling scattered over the rolling fields of our future farm. I am sure the chicken were wondering what had happened to their world. As I did not let them out of the coop that day. Sure enough by 4 pm the winds had picked up enough speed to begin blowing the frosting off the trees. The snowflakes changed from quarter-half dollar size flakes to pea size. Later on I went out to gather eggs and put a warm wrap around the nursery pen of baby chicks. The signs of melting snow could be seen dripping off the roof and in little puddles gathering in the yard. The magic show was over, but sweet are the memories while it was here.

Such a statement on the first day of March makes one wonder what the rest of the month has in store for us.

Deborah