Limey - We've got Milk!

Your probably wondering if I have taken leave of the farm, with the tone of my greeting. Nope, nor have I taken up a new language (still speaking southern at last check.) I just wanted to share 2 new things that have taken place that brings joy to our hearts here at Heartland Farm.

We had found a source for agri-lime at a reasonable price, not too far from here. You can purchase it by the truck load, ours being a pickup one. We knew that any supplements of this type had not been applied to the land for well over 50 or more years. As that is how long it has been since it was farmed. We decided when we moved onto the place that we were not going to use artificial fertilizers. We want the food that nourished our food sources to be pure and not a petroleum byproduct. So we have been using aged manures and compost to feed our vegetable garden. Using loads of chicken manure to fertilize the pastures. Our grass seed sowings haven't been as successful as we had hoped. So finding this source for a natural soil conditioner was heaven sent!

Lon and I drove over this morning and purchased a 1 1/2 ton load of the stuff. Plans were for a friend to come over tomorrow with a tractor equipped with a spreader to dust our horse pasture. We tried to spread some with a little push spreader we had first, but the limestone is ground so fine that it kept clogging up. There was no recourse but to hand strew the powdery miracle ourselves. And that is just what Lon and I did, all 1 1/2 tons of it! Darkness caught up with us and we were still throwing lime by the security light before our sore arms declared quiting was necessary. The remaining wheelbarrow load will go on the garden area tomorrow. We are hoping the rain coming this weekend will soak this goodness into the ground. And within a few days to a week we will see the benefit of our aching backs and arms in the tender green blades of new grass.

The other thing I wanted to celebrate about is that we have started back milking! I know many of you are shaking your heads and thinking about the work involved. After going the past 5 months without fresh milk, we are glad to be back at it. We were not without some goats milk during that time, as I had froze some all along for our Winter use. But you just can't beat fresh goat's milk. The milk I supplemented our stash with from the grocery store, had steadily raised it's price to well over $6 a gallon. It was putting a serious crunch on my grocery budget and had to go.

We are presently milking Anna and Sugar just once a day. As they are still nursing their 2 month old kids. Separating them at night from their mommies gives us a chance to milk in the mornings before turning everyone out for the day. The babies handle the evening milking for us (grin).

Sugar & her twin sons ~

They are not cheated out of the yummy milk and neither are we. The kids are growing well and have started consuming more grain and hay. So it won't be long before they will no longer need the milk. Plus as each of the remaining does gives birth and reaches that time we can start milking them. We will repeat the process and gain even more milk for our use. More work is ahead of us, but so is more yummy treats.

Sporting a milk mustache with a smile,

Deborah

One of My Favorite Things ~ Is Leaving Us!

When we bought this place back in the Spring of 2009. A enormous fixture caught our attention at first glance. It's stately presence hinted at afternoons spent under the coolness of it's canopy. It had been living for well over 50+ years. People in the community have spoken of it being here during their childhoods. It's a very large White Oak with plenty to tell if it could speak the history of this once thriving farm.

Our delight turned quickly that Summer when to our dismay we learned that half of the tree was dead. Something you couldn't tell until the green leaves began to unfurl. It still gave us some cooling shade on the front porch, despite it's sickly state. I love old trees and often tried to imagine the activities that took place under it boughs for all the years it has been present of this land. It soon became a concern with the storms and wintry weather that our tree couldn't stand the stress. Each time we had high winds or soaking rains another portion of the limbs would come crashing down. Even striking the roof of our home on occasion, a definite no-no! The decison was made that it would have to come down.

Not knowing exactly how we would get that accomplished within our budget. We waited, watched it's decline and prayed it wouldn't do any damage to our home or ourselves as we moved about in the yard. That is until we learned that a fellow fireman had a mechanical lift and the willingness to come give us a hand.

CJ arrive today with the needed equipement to start dismantling the aged tree. Limb by limb was severed and dropped to the ground for Lon to cut into mangable pieces. I sat on the porch watching as our tree continued to die a slow death. I hate loosing it, but knew of no way to save it. It has lived out it's life as all trees must do. Giving way to new trees to take it place in the sun as it moves on to a different purpose.

As much as I hate the lost, I am fully aware of the gift of hearth warming firewood it will provide for us next winter. I am thankful for that and the safety of our home. Plus I was reminded that no longer will we have a bevy of vultures camping out in it at night anymore. That's not a sight one likes to see when first drawing back the curtains each morning. Now they will have to pick a new place for their slumbering.

The job is finished yet as some of it's height is beyond the lift's capabilites. But CJ promised to return with a friend who is a tree surgeon to finish the job. Now I need only ponder the choices for a replacement tree. I'm thinking a charm of the south might be a good choice ~ Pecan tree. Not only do they give good shade, but it treats you to a harvest of some tasty nuts each year too.

Saying goodbye to a pleasure that won't be forgotten,

Deborah

A Day To Be Celebrated With Love~

Valentine's Day is a day marked for celebrating love. At least that is what the retailers want us to think. I wonder about the origin of this holiday. Seems like I read about it years ago, but my memory fails me on the details. Just how did it get started? Guess this calls for some more research for me. I'm pretty sure one thing about it, it was never destined to be exploited as it is today.

I'm thinking a better way to celebrate would be to set aside the whole month as one focused on love. Maybe even narrowing our focus to making it God's month of love . (Not that it should be the only month.) Random acts of kindness and love shown to God's people and those in need of it. Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate the true spirit of LOVE.

February is the middle month of winter, did you know that? A good opportunity to lift the spirits of those who are lagging from the dark days of Winter. Lord willing, I think that is what I will plan for next year. I still have 14 days left of this month to put this type of love into action. To do so will require that I keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities.

In the meantime, let me say God loves you! I wish others would join me in this quest. To do in essence what the movie ~ Pay It Forward, promoted. If you haven't seen it, let me recommend it. It is a touching story of how one little boy changed the lives of those around him with one simple act. It will challenge your thinking and your heart.

Happy Valentine to you,

Deborah

Washed Denim Skies

With Spring being about a month away our days are lenghtening as the sun climbs back toward the front of our house. Causing all kinds of changes in the view around us. Buds are beginning to swell on the fruit trees and spring flowering bushes. There is a twinge of green mingling in with the dry brown grass. The daffys are pushing up from their slumber and peeking above the still cold earth. I've seen bluebirds in the yard already, looking for those newly hatched bugs. We have even been getting a hint that warmer weather is on it's way. For our day temperatures are most pleasantly in the upper 50 -low 60.


Today was a nice day for porch sitting and since it was Sunday. There is no heavy work to be done outside of feeding chores. I have been trying to be sure I make use of every opportunity to sit a spell. Even if it means a lap quilt wrapped around me and a mug of tea to ward off the cool stubborn winds of Winter. But today I hadn't a need for any of those things, for it is in the high 60's. Sunny, with blue skies in every direction I looked. Not many will gaze upon the sky to see the subtle shading it offers throughout the year. Most glances upward are for checking out whether there are any clouds ~ is rain on the way, will it be sunny?



For as long as I can remember I've searched the skies, judging their color. Yes, I know it is blue for the most part, except for the gray colored skies of Winter. But it shows varying shades of blue throughout the year, giving us a full spectrum of blue. My husband doesn't always see the variations and shakes his head when I call out a specific name of blue for the day. But he's learning to "really see" the sky. When he takes the time to be still and open his eyes to take it in. Each phase of color will tell you something about the natural world around us, if we take the time to consider it's message.


Today, we were given what I term washed denim blue. It's a color seen in the changing skies from Winter to Spring. The blue gray of winter is softened with the higher latitude of sunlight. Giving a warm, sun drenched blue, soft in intensity, with a light scattering of see through clouds. Looking just like a favorite pair of comfy denim jeans, showing the wear in little patches of thin fabric. Regardless of how they look, we wear them because they feel good. Yep! that is what I had overhead as I lounged on the porch. A perfect time to spend reading and writing.


So I gathered up my favorite purple pen, paper and settled in. I have been sending notes of encouragement to my Mom, who is staying at a rehab facility while recovering from back surgery. She and daddy were in an automobile accident back in the middle of January. Where she received 2 critical spinal fractures. I spent 10 days by her bedside, while Lon held down the farm in my absence. Thank you, Baby! One would never plan for times such as those, but they happen none the less. Disappointment set in when she learned she would not be able to go home after surgery. Learning to walk and move safely around with a back brace on was needed first. She had been receiving cards during her hospital stay. So I thought something with more than just a quick greeting would give her the chance to escape mentally the boundaries set upon her. So, I decided to write about the happenings here on the farm. Trying to describe word pictures for her to see. Walking her through my week, day by day with little messages of love and encouragement mixed in. I've yet to send one with less than 7 pages tucked in the envelope. I'm not sure who benefits more, me or her. In the writing I am reminded of the blessings I have enjoyed and have the pleasure of sharing my corner of the world with my mom in an unhurried manner.


Hand written letters in years past were the norm, instead of the oddity they are today. As a society most have rushed into what is seen as a convenience of instant messaging through emails, texting, and voice mail. Even to the point of giving special occasion cards by hand, rather than putting a stamp on them and mailing. To me these are not a signal that I have been on any one's mind for very long. Yes, they get the information past to the recipient, but they are impersonal forms of communication. I love getting mail, especially personal mail. I'm not talking about the multitude of junk mail or bills we find waiting for us in the mailbox. I mean "this is just for you" mail. I have a friend who is the best at sending cards to everyone she knows that needs a little encouragement. Or a reminder that she loves them and is praying for them. I believe we all would be a lot happier if we received hand written tokens of love more frequently. Boxes of inexpensive cards can be found at the nearest discount store, a book of stamps has risen in price over the years, but the cost is still minimal. Taking the time to write a brief note instead of just signing your name carries such a wealth of love in it. I would challenge you to take the time to try it. It will brighten some one's day I can assure you. If you doubt me, send me your address and I'll drop you a line. Then you will be smiling when you reach into the mailbox instead of dreading what you will find. Writing to mom has inspired me to do more of it and to take the time to stick a stamp on a card and mail to my family and friends more often.

Amber ~ says "do I look slimer from this angle?"

On the farm front, we are still WAITING for babies. Can you tell I'm getting a little impatient? Having had 2 to give birth almost 6 weeks ago, has me ready for some more cuties to arrive. Our closes candidate is Amber, who gave birth on February 13th of last year. She has already bagged up in preparation for nursing little ones. But I have her due date down for latter in the month. I think it would be neat to have her do a repeat performance on the same date this year, though I'm not sure she agrees with me. Last year she birth twins as she had her previous 2 times. From the grandeur of her statue I'd say we could probably count on twins again this year.

Comfy in my denim blue day,

Deborah

Busy with Changes

Much has been happening around the place lately. Good changes are always welcomed. Even if they keep us going from dawn to dusk. Every change that makes our choring easier, helps keep our days in some sort of order or just make us smile is beneficial. Regardless of the initial effort it takes to put things into action, they are a plus for our future.

We have been working half-heartily at getting our bodies in better shape since moving to the farm. It was one of the reasons we moved here in the first place. To have the opportunity to raise and grow our own foods. We have made small strides with only occasional back-stepping. But our resolve hasn't changed. Last year's garden showed a good harvest in some of the crops grown. Failures in others due to the lack of summer rains and scorching heat. Never the less we are more determined to have another one this year. With an expanded area and several new crops we want to try. I have been pouring over the seed catalogs for the past couple of weeks. Studying the options before us in order to have a continual garden from Spring through Autumn. Our desire is to raise all of the fresh veggies we now enjoy. Having plenty to then can or freeze for our Winter table. What few we were able to put up last year tasted nothing like what comes out of a can or frozen package. I admit we are hooked on fresh eating. Just like our fresh eggs and goat's milk. The thought of going back to store bought, would have us giving up these items for good. There is no comparison, a fact I wish I had know about earlier in our lives. Where would our health be today if I had?

So we have set up a challenge for ourselves for the rest of this year and beyond. To progress our eating habits to a made from scratch and fresh to the table cuisine. This choice will require the removal of ALL processed food items from our cooking or meals. I don't know if you are aware of the number of processed items that sit in your pantry, freezer or fridge. But the number can be staggering when one really takes a look at what you put in your body. Better yet take a sneak at what other people are putting in their grocery carts. To get a feel for the amount of ready made, instant items we have chosen to eat for food. If you feel really bold trying reading the labels on the back of packages already sitting in your home. I've come to term them as "instead of food". Very little real food is in them for the money we pay.

I have believed for a long time that the good LORD has provided us with every food item in their natural state. That we need in order to stay healthy and lead productive lives. Without all of the artificial colors, flavors, fillers, enhancers, added vitamins and preservatives.

Which raises questions for me ~

Why does our food need fillers - is it not complete when grown?

Why does it need artificial flavors and enhancers- will it not taste good in it's original state?

Why does it need artificial colors - did it's natural color disappeared when picked?

Why does it need added vitamins - when they were all present before being harvested?

Why does it need preservatives - when food is designed to be eaten fresh.

What are we preserving anyhow with the chemicals we are ingesting? Foods can be stored with out any of these, they have been successfully for many generations before us. Why not now? I know many won't agree with me on this issue. "Convenience foods are necessary" is the chant of the day. "I don't have time to cook real food." "I'm too busy to shop for fresh foods or I can't afford it." So we settle for imitation instead? We spend hundreds of dollars on doctor bills and pills because we are rich? It is a sad state of life when we believe without question the advertising designed to separate us from our hard earned money and help us to our grave faster.

Is it easy, nope! Can it be done? Yes! Commitment is the key to success. We have taken the first of many steps towards this worthy goal. There are many things we will miss because we have gotten used to eating them. But with time they will no longer be something we desire to eat. It will take some effort to plan our eating and to gather simple recipes. But we feel the benefits far out weigh any inconvenience we may face. I have already noticed that grocery shopping is a breeze, now that I only visit the produce, meat and dairy sections of the store. With the plans we have set up for the future and some already in motion. It will become even easier for us to do this. My only grocery store visit in the near future will be for pet food, a few cleaning supplies and a few items we can't grow on the farm. I don't think Lon is quite ready to give up his coffee, nor I my herbal teas just yet. We feel confident that our health can only improve with this decision. Our taste buds are already thanking us. AS I have been cooking fresh for the past 2 weeks. Lon would probably tell you we've never eaten better too!

Bread baking has been something I have enjoyed in the past with fair results. It has been something I've wanted to do on a weekly basis for many years. Since we started our new eating habits, it has become an essential part of my kitchen activities. AS I no longer buy bread of any shape at the store. Finding a few trusted recipes is the key to baking your family's daily bread. One in particular that gives me a lot of flexibility is a whole wheat roll. I've used it to make our hot dog buns, which we won't need any more - processed meat. But the most tasty thing I've done is to make large rolls that serve as our sandwich bread and hamburger buns. I've baked them plain, with added grains, and/or seeded tops. One recipe gives us enough for one week's worth of sandwiches. I've been experimenting with artisan loaves for our supper meals. That are so yummy hot out of the oven at mealtime. I've been trying different recipes for a sliceable loaf for making toast too. And just this week I receive my order of English muffin rings, so now I can make them as well as the bagels we enjoy eating. They are fresh, hearty, full of yummy goodness with nothing else that I can't pronounce. You just can't beat fresh bread!

Plans are to raise some chicks to sell come Spring. We had moved our Rhodies to their own pen with a gentleman caller, so we could ensure that they laid only pure RIR eggs. Today we started keeping them out of the collection basket to set aside till we have enough to start incubating. It shouldn't take long to get a clutch ready to hatch. They will keep on the counter at room temperature for about a week to 10 days and still be viable for hatching. It will increase our work load some once the fuzz balls are here, but we want to make them available for others to raise if should they desire to. Plus we need to raise a few for our own replacement hens. Will let you know how things progress.

Looking forward to tastier meals and good health,

Deborah

Walking in Wonder~

One would have thought when the ground hog didn't see it's shadow last week that the wintry stuff would have gotten the memo. I know it is just a game we play with ourselves to leave the fate of the weather to a small hairy critter. Not that it has any control of nor ability to predict our weather pattern for the rest of our winter. Which by the way was exactly halfway through it's journey on this highly anticipated Ground Hog Day.

Looking ahead on the calender, one can count the weeks till the Vernal Equinox ~ the First Day of Spring, leaving 6 to be exact. So whether Spring comes early or late it is not depended on a prediction but on the position of the sun in the sky. It will arrive right on time, no sooner or later. We in turn have the opportunity to use said weeks to be about the preparations and plans for our rainy season to come. SORRY, don't mean to be the bearer of wet news. But without the rain, none of our seeds, trees, flowers or green lawns will grow. They need water just like we do. So now is the time to go looking for your rain boots. Mine stay by the backdoor, my faded pink ones that leak some when it floods and the birthday gift from my sister with the bright yellow & orange sunflowers on them. One does the heavy duty around the farm and the other looks pretty as I work around my yarden.

The goat shed had finally met it's limit and needed a good mucking. After graduating the 2 mommies and 3 babies to holding pens within. The rate of poo had increased with the added bodies and lack of nice days to be out and about. We had been adding fresh hay all along since it was built. But the floor level was raising up along with the level of odor. So out it had to go on the first decent day we could find. Which in this case was this past Tuesday. Scooping out manure and wasted hay is a back breaking activity for anyone. Some how it multiplied itself and took us all day and some of the night. To rid it of the 15 wheelbarrow loads found within. Good news is we did find the dirt floor underneath and now have 2 compost piles to decompose for our garden.

Unfortunately we chose the day following our cutting and hauling of firewood out of the area for the future turkey pen. It alone require a lot of repetitive bending over, lifting and many steps as the fallen trees were cut up. Then were loaded and unloaded from the truck to the wood pile behind the house. You would have thought we were in our 90's with the way we carried ourselves back to the house late Tuesday night. LOL Darkness caught up with us and we were spreading new hay in the goat shed by flashlight. The girls seemed quite anxious to get to their pen for the evening. I assumed it was because of the darkness and their desire to bed down. The truth came out when instead of bedding down in the now fresh smelling, soft hay bed we had made them. They began to EAT it! See, it came from a roll that was fresher than the one they had been eating on. We could only shake our heads and hope they still had a bed come morning.

Today brought more of the predicted Springtime weather to our area. Sorry, couldn't resist! It began last night with an abundance of small flakes. This morning they were gathered together on every tree branch and nearly covered the ground. Not an impressing snow, but a beautiful one just the same. The trees were bending heavily with the added weight on even the tiniest bare branches. It was at least for me a treasure sighting. Lon was due back at the station, but had no trouble getting there. As the roads were not in bad shape at all. After getting the morning chores done, I couldn't resist the pull to be outside. Taking some pictures of the soon to be melting fluff, had me grabbing my camera, skipping breakfast and pulling my boots back on. Surely there would be some great photo shots down by the creek. Besides, I needed to get more exercise.

I started off by hiking out of the area behind the deer food plot,

down to the creek~ along it's bank a hundred yards or so, then back up behind the barn. Hopped a small dissecting creek and headed back down to the creek~ back up the old roadbed leading to it~ through the upper pasture, down our drive and back to home. Whew! it was a long trek, a good work out for my already sore legs and an exhilaration for my soul. It's frustrating at times though when I can't get the camera to see what I am seeing. I did snap some pictures with my little digital camera. While dreaming of the day when I can get a larger one with additional lenses. It was like walking in crystal caves, up under the bushes and trees. The only sound was that of my boots on the crunchy snow and a little heavy breathing at times on my part. (grin) I've read where we should get 10 minutes of walking in every day. My walking in wonder took over an hour and reminded me of how much I've neglected exercising. Something I plan to remedy in the future.

The snow didn't last for long and by evening chores was all but gone except in a few shadowed places. I had been working on a couple of projects all afternoon and let night slip up on me before I was aware of the hour. Gathering eggs, late feedings for the mommies in milk and checking the ones who are still due to kid is a regular chore for us right now. For use of a better term, we do what I call "hiney checks" at least once a day, if not more often. Today's gave me reason to add on to my evening chore list.

Glory, who has lost her ligaments already was showing a small amount of drainage. A possible sign of impending birth. I had already prepped the birthing stalls after Anna & Sugar was through with them. So needed only to gather her and a room mate and place them in the barn for the night. Neither had been back in these stalls since they themselves had been born there and was none too happy to be separated from the herd. Giving them a little extra feed and loving didn't quite them down either. No choice was left, but to leave them to comfort each other. I really didn't think she was that close to delivery. But the nite temps were going down low and I didn't want her out in it, trying to birth her baby(s). Waiting for them to arrive is a hard thing to do.

Speaking of kids, our newest arrivals are now 6 weeks old! I can't believe the days have past so quickly. All of them are now eating grain and hay with their mommies and putting on weight. They no longer look like babies, instead I would call them toddlers. They still stay in sight of their mommies for the most part, but are getting braver in their exploration of their world. We are no longer concerned with their safety, as all of the animals have adjusted to their presence and co-habit nicely.

We have left the mommies to nurse them completely this year as opposed to bottle feeding. Last year we did both as some were bottled feed and one ornery girl (Glory) refused to do anything but nurse. As an experiment we left her alone and watched to see if there was any difference in how they all turned out. She progressed the fastest in growth, mimicking goat activity and put on good muscle tone compared with the bottle fed ones. Seemed like the best option all around ~ healthier babies and no bottle washing / feeding for us. Letting nature do what they were intended to do ~ be goats.

We are now gearing up for the return of milking for ourselves. We both miss it, having had to resort back to store bought throughout the pregnancies. Hopefully in the next week we will begin to separate the kids from the moms over night. Milk some the next morning before turning them all out together for the rest of the day. What little amount we will take should not affect what the babies need, as they continue to transition to solid foods. As each of the 4 remaining does birth and is added to the milking routine when ready. We will steadily increase our supply to the point I can start back on making cheese and jump into making keifer, yogurt and a couple of other treats. Yummy!

I received a surprise package today. While caring for my mom recently I was able to visit with a cousin whom I hadn't seem in a few years. Conversation revolved around our continual interest in gardening, canning, eating naturally and those things we both try to pursue. She had brought along a new book she had yet to read. Flipping through the pages was inspirational in my desire to be self-sustaining in our food consumption. She is trying to do likewise at her home and was looking forward to trying out some of the recipes herself. My surprise came in a little brown box with her hometown on the stamp. Lo, and behold she had sent me a copy of the same Canning book I had admired at the hospital.

Canning For a New Generation, by Lianna Krissoff. Thank you cuz, for the wonderful gift. I am most thankful to have a like minded and soul-sister of a family member. Guess all those years at granny's elbow rubbed off on both of us. I believe she would be proud of how we turned out, don't you?

Counting all things good,

Deborah