Family Time

We have been having a busy week, kind of sounds like all of the rest of them, doesn't it? But this involved a visit from my parents for a few days. We had a good visit with them, did a couple of odd jobs together and gathered with our boys, daughter-n-law and granddaughter. When ever they come into town we try to get everyone together for a visit and so they can see their much loved great-granddaughter. A cook out this past Sunday was enjoyed by all. We actually got 8 people around a 48 inch dining table. It was close, but doable. Introductions of Sassie to the family was made, as some did not know she was even a part of our farm yet. Leah loved her and kept wanting me to let her hold the lead rope. Conversations on the porch, grilling in the yard , visiting with the livestock and wandering in the woods were enjoyed by all.

Lon and I reworked the play yard for the chickens today. Built stable fencing (goat-proof?) and turn the biddies out with the rest of the free-ranged flock. Twenty five Isa Browns and Silver-Laced Wyandottes join the ranks of happy chickens. Open grazing will help them mature and should start laying come November. If the fall moult doesn't hurt production we may be over run with eggs by then. Just in time for holiday baking.

Gathering the assorted extra roosters we have running around, we clipped one wing on each and placed them into a holding pen until harvest day. It sure has been considerably quieter in the barnyard since we penned them up. No more fighting over the hens, who have in turn been a bit more relaxed it seems.

While Mom & Dad were here on Monday we burned the large trash pile of limbs that had gathered in the backyard. Cutting down 2 trees nearby add to the fuel of it. Having them cut down and split into firewood has started us towards a log pile for winter heating. We have been wanting to remove them along with a few others in the yard. It is hard not to get overwhelmed at times when looking around the place with all that still needs to be done. But if we do not work off a sort of priority list, we can get "off track." It is in those times of being off track that some one's physical needs won't be taken care of. Don't want that in either man or beast.

I have started letting Sassie out into our yard since yesterday to munch on grass. The pasture she has been staying in has a small grassy area that is starting to look low. I "bush-hogged" the other pasture that will become her permanent home with our mower, in preparation for sowing it with a mixture of grass & clover seed. With a little effort and money on our part, we can get it in shape for next Spring's growth. Searching for a good hay source is up most in my mind right at present. As this year's grass will soon be gone and supplemental feed will be needed by both the goats and Sassie.

Autumn is upon us and there is so much to do still. If left undone it could prove to be a hard Winter for us and our farm. Stepping up our pace is what appears to be needed. But you don't have to look far around you to see those in worst shape than we are. With the Lord's help and guidance we will make it just fine, regardless if it all gets done or not.

Working a little faster,

Deborah