playin' on a Sunday....

Today after church, we went down to the farm to see what things we could accomplish. It actually was a gorgeous day on the lake, but since we had no company to share it with... sitting around just didn't appeal to me. We have a long list of "little things" that need to be done, so, it's easy to pick something and just begin.

For months now, I have felt rather guilty.... , when I am working at the farm, it means leaving dogs at home. I just can't keep an eye on everyone and "do" what ever it is that I am there for. We brought a kennel run up from the old house and I kept saying to Ed that I would like to set it up at the farm. That way, when I am busy , the dogs can be "with me" and I don't have to worry about where they are or what they are up to. So, this afternoon...Ed said, "Let's get that kennel up".

The area that would be perfect for the kennel needed to have some trees brought down. Fortunately, Rick has left his big chipper with us. Ed fire up the chain saw, and I fed that big chipper. It's a bit scary working that with thing, but, I just went easy and we (the chipper and I ) got along fine. Goodness, that chipper makes quick work, and we got a nice place cleared for the kennel, plus a little more. When we finally get the "woods" thinned out like that, they are going to look so nice. I just don't know "when" all that will happen, but that's a job that we can work at a little at a time.



The Kennel fit perfectly in the area that we cleared. We kept the bigger straighter trees, and any hardwood trees (which aren't many) that we came across. There is nice shade in the kennel and plenty of room to move about. The dogs are going to be happy to be there.

We gave it "a try" ... Mr. Guinea was quite interested in it himself. He kept walking by it.. perhaps he is impressed that he is loose and the dogs are penned.

Both Ed and I were pretty tired last night, and secretly glad that we didn't get a call about another load of hay being ready.... however, later in the evening, Harold called and said the officer's meeting scheduled for Monday evening was going to be postponed.... due to hay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

make hay while the sun shines...

The hay has been really late this year due to all the wet weather we have been having. On a good year, you can get hay in by the middle of June... and off year.. by the fourth of July... but this year.. simply getting it in has been a real concern.

Fortunately, we put a big load in last year. Having never bought hay for a whole year before, and not being sure of what we would really need... I decided to err on the "more" side. I have felt very blessed in that we still have a good pile of hay in the barn, because some of my other horse friends have been in a bit of a panic. I have been able to help them out, and still keep us in a good place.

Friday was a beautiful day, and so was Saturday... Ed and I had a pretty good idea that Father would be cutting. We made a dump run in the afternoon and sure enough, Father had been cutting all morning and was beginning to bale. His two sons, Harold (the current fire chief) and Pete, plus two other friends, Jimmy and his son, were all helping Father. One load of hay was already stacked and sold, but they were working on "ours". Ed and I ran home to get the trailer (hats and gloves!!!) and headed back to the field. Actually I hung around camp for a bit waiting for the new renters to come... so by the time I made it to the field, the trailer was nearly full of hay.

We were a bit "worried" about getting the hay up to the loft... the sky was beginning to look "rainish" and we had the elevator to get down (that thing is HEAVY and I really can't manage it). We asked the guys if they would give us a hand with the elevator, and got even more... they were all willing to come and help us put the hay up!!!! (what a blessing!!!)... With the five of them, and Ed, the hay flew into the loft, I was planning on helping, but found it was easier to stay out of the way and just count bales!!! I can't believe how fast they got it in!!!!

We still have at least two loads coming in, but now, between last year's left over supply and the start of this year... the hay loft "looks much better".... Now, if this weather can just hang in there a week or two... it would give all the hay men a chance to catch up!!!! Let's hope.................

workin' on the farm...

I still think blogging without photos is boring.. but since we are still waiting for the computer to come home from the "hospital" (hopefully one day next week).. guess blogging needs to continue without the pics. I can "edit" the stories later, and add photos when the other computer is up and running, so I guess that is what I will do.

We are back to work at the farm (ya!!!) Ken is working with Ed again, it's nice to have him back. He and Ed really work well together and they can get a lot done in a day. This week, they got the trim board put up around the garage doors, and are preparing the foundation for cement work. Since we insulted our foundation, we need to cover up the foam boards on the outside with cement. There's a lot of prep work that needs to be done, and with two days lost to rain, they didn't get any cement up this week, but hopefully that will be done next week.

We also had another "gift" of dirt offered to us. They're doing work around the post office, and are pulling out some dirt.. good dirt... a man came to farm and wanted to know if we would like some "fill"... Ed was happy to take it. Course, for me, all I see is another pile of dirt waiting to go into place.. those piles "bug" me, but I know that in time, everything will get settled into place, and any dirt that we don't' have to buy is a real gift.

Today, Sadie and I got the "electrical shed" stained. It was one of those projects I wanted done before the driving clinic that I didn't get to. We doing it up so it will have the same paint scheme that the big barn has. We still have the trim and doors to do, but the bulk of the building is done, the weather is suppose to stay nice, so I am in hopes that I can get it finished over the weekend. However, there's a good chance we will be bringing hay in ... We thought we saw "Father" cutting the high side of the field today, and if that's the case, we'll be going to get that.




The three remaining keets are doing well. They seem to be growing every day and are eating up a storm, that's good news.

Our turkey's are really growing.. we will need to be thinking about that outside pen real quick!!! Sadie is so funny with these chicks.. she loves to go into their pen and sit with them,I'm not so sure I would appreciate them climbing all over me, but she thinks it's pretty funny. Another couple of weeks, and I doubt she'll do that, they'll be too big!!!!

And our dear friend Rick, came one afternoon this week to give us a hand at clearing out some trees.(he has also left his commercial chipper with us... goodness that thing can chew up some trees!!!) Sadly he got rained out, but for the time he had, he got a good jump on that project!!! One thing for sure, there's is always something do to!!!!







Ed has had a couple meetings this week with regards to the Chief position. He is really looking forward to all of this, but I have a feeling he will be quite busy with that as well. I am happy for him, it gives him something other than the farm to think about all the time.

all hail the chief....

I haven't said too much because it's one of those stories where you "don't know where it was heading", but last night, we have seem to come to it's end...or rather it's beginning.

Last June as we were bringing in the hay that we bought from "Father"--- his son, who is the current fire chief here in town, made a comment to Ed that we must be "really moving into town now". We have owned our land for several years, and have slowly been working on it, Ed joined the fire department even then, and the big question became... "so just when are you moving into town" We always answered, "soon". Well, I guess when you begin to fill your barn with hay and bring animals in, people assume that "soon" is here. Anyways, getting a bit off track of my story.... So, Harold who is the chief here in town, told Ed that he thought he would be getting thru within the year, and it seemed like no one in the department really wanted to the position. Ed made some comment about "when we get into town, he might be just foolish enough to take it on". Life went on from there, Nate got home from Iraq, finished up his time in the Marine corps, the kids moved back home, we packed up and moved... and from there have been working on our new house and getting used to living in a new town. Once in a while, I think Ed thought about this chief thing, but mostly we have been busy with other things.

A couple of weeks ago, Harold let Ed know that he is serious about stepping down from the chief position, and he had taken Ed's words seriously... and he wanted to know if Ed was still interested in stepping into the Fire Chief position. It turned out that one other person was sort of serious, so Harold wanted to present the two names to the membership and let them decide who they wanted in the Chief spot..... they chose last night... and "my" Ed was put into that role!!!!!

After being an Asst. Chief in York for the past 10 years, and having 33 years of experience as a firefighter, there is no doubt that Ed can handle the role. His business side will certainly be a help with the "business" side of the fire department, and the things that will be required from the town's point of view... so I have no worries!!! And to say that Ed isn't excited and honored to be chosen would be lying... he is really quite thrilled.

He doesn't officially begin until September, but in the mean time, he can shadow Harold, and get the feel for the department. As with anything, many things are the same as with any other department, but some things are quite different and Ed wants to be sure that he mulls in with the group. The really neat thing is.. everyone has a "goal" or two in life, and it can be anything from a promotion in your job career, or building your dream house, or visiting somewhere that you have always wanted to see... the point is, when you reach that goal, it's just so amazing... and for my Ed... being a Chief has been one of his goals...

It's been accomplished... and I am extremely proud and pleased for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well...

We don't seem to be doing so great in the guinea keet department "Mr. Six" didn't make it thru the night, and this morning Ed noticed another one that wasn't so good. By the time I did stalls and the like, "he" was gone too, and then I noticed that another one is awfully quiet. The lady we got them from really didn't know much about them (and I have to say, her barn was...well.... less than "nice" ie:messy/dirty), the other three seem to be OK, still quite lively, eating, drinking and running around the brooding cage..so, I have my fingers crossed. We didn't pay very much for them, but just to see those beautiful little keets "fade away" is quite distressing. I am determined to build a flock one way or another.. just might take me longer than I hoped.

On a brighter note (other than the weather, which happens to be amazing right now!!!) I worked with Mocha this morning and managed to get a drive with her in cart!!!! Betty had the same "luck" yesterday, and did some driving with her in the afternoon. I did some lunge work with her at first, then a bit of ground driving... since all that went well, I hooked up the cart and we went for a nice drive around the farm. MAYBE we have turned the corner with her and this driving thing... a few weeks ago I had threaten her that she would be leaving the farm if she couldn't do something constructive... other than look cute in the paddock. Perhaps she has taken me seriously!!!!

I was glad to have that "project" to do, because the weekend went by way too fast and I was sad to see Kas and Nate (and grand doggies) pack up and head for home this morning. Camp is the most fun when you have someone to share it with...

Tonite it's down to York to teach some dog classes, and tomorrow is busy again....


** footnote to blog.... the third keet died this afternoon... we're down to three.... ***

we got.....KEETS!!!

Look at the new additions!!! Guinea fowl keets!!!! Yesterday at our little fourth of July cookout, Deb mentioned that she had found some ads on craig's list with regards to keets. I have never checked out craig's list so she showed me how to get on, and sure enough, there were a few ads for keets. I emailed a couple of them, and this morning I had a response back to one of my notes. This lady had a few keets for sale, and she lived fairly close to us, so this evening, Ed and I went to get them.

We have no idea what color they will turn out to be, and it doesn't matter.. we also don't know what we have for hens or cockerels (again it doesn't matter), it's just that Mr. G. won't be all alone. We came home with six keets, but I am worried about one of them... they're just a couple of days old and I think the ride might have been a little too much. He looked kind of "sleepy" and sat very still under the heat lamp, so, I guess I will have to see if he makes it thru the night.


The other five are pretty lively and once we had the "brooder" cage set up, they were running about, checking out the water and the feed, and making a good racket. If "mr. six" can warm up enough, he should be able to join them.

We had to take the heat lamp from the turkeys, but they really haven't been using it much the last couple of days. I left them a flake of hay to nestle in, and they were quite interested in that, some eating it, some nesting in it. All 13 are doing well, getting big quick.



It was such a nice weekend. We had a grand time last evening, and our company stayed quite awhile, everyone was talking and laughing and having such a good time. Today, though it was bright and sunny, it was windy and cool. So after church, we ran over to Wolfeboro and poked around the shops with the kids. Kas and Nate are staying over one more night and then it will be back to "normal" tomorrow. I got lots of great photos, but we are still waiting on the computer to come back, so they will have to be posted at another time.

Tomorrow we will get back to work on the house. We haven't done much the past couple of weeks, between the wet weather, and getting the camps ready to rent... so it's time to get back to work. We won't be in by the fall if we don't get moving... NOT that we haven't been "working"... just not on the farm.

The lake is still pretty busy tonite, I think a lot of folks have taken this week as vacation week, so many of the camps have people in them. It's nice to see all the activity. Our renters seem to be enjoying the big camp, and from here until Labor Day, we are pretty much booked as far as that goes. Now.. let's just hope the weather is done with all that rain business and we can get some summer in!!!!!

chickies and other things...

I left my blog yesterday with all good intentions of loading my horse on the trailer and heading out to a riding lesson. But about the time I got to the barn, the heavens opened and the rain came... sideways!!! It almost looked like we had a river running down the driveway. Aside from the fact that both Tonka and I would have been soaked before we even began, I wasn't too excited about driving with a trailer in that kind of weather... so, much to my disappointment, I called and cancelled.

This morning, however,we have a glimmer of "hope" ...... not only was the sky bright.. but no sound of rain. And to top that off, Betty called and was at the barn doing morning chores... now, how can a day begin better than that. It's amazing that just the peeks of sun has brought the lake alive.... boats are out and about, walkers and bike riders have been passing by the camp all morning... and folks are arriving for the fourth weekend...I think we must all be "solar powered".

Sadie took these photos with her phone of the turkey chicks and their big move to the birdie stall... so, a few photos for your entertainment....

"getting pretty crowded here in the small cage"

"much bigger food bowl" (good thing as I was having to fill the small bowl twice a day!!! they are eating like there's no tomorrow!!!)

"still small enough that they like to be under the heat light"

"they look small in this stall now, but give 'em a couple of weeks"

We need to get back to working at the farm again, and one of the jobs top of the list, is getting an area cleared to put up a big pen for the turkeys. Rick has loaned us his big commercial chipper, so, a little good weather would be very helpful. Once Ed and I get moving, I know we can have an area cleared in a few hours. The turkeys are going to need their outside area shortly at the rate they are growing... so, the stall is only going to hold us over for a few weeks. The chickens are pretty comfy in the outside pen we made for them, and Mr. G keeps an eye on everyone.

Kas and Nate should be arriving at any time, they'll be staying in the back camp and will be here for the weekend. Tomorrow we are having a small cookout to celebrate the day... we have invited the sun as the guest of honor... hope he comes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

aahhh... rain again :-)

I'm sure that people are as tired of hearing about rain, as we are living with it. As I try to think of something to put in this morning's blog... the rain pounds on the roof, and a couple rumbles of thunder are thrown in just for fun. I find it hard to get moving in the morning, and then feel like we are wasting time with work at the farm or on the house. Last night, I actually cancelled dog classes due to the weather!!!! I have been running a Rally class outside, because (usually) the summer evenings are perfect for that sort of thing.... but it was just too rainy, drizzly, wet, foggy (you get the message) to try and do anything. I think that must be a first!!! Normally, we would just move the class back inside, but with Rally, you need too much space...and the size of the class is another consideration. Oh well, this CAN'T last forever!!! and I for one, will certainly appreciate the sunshine when it does decide to show up!!!!



The fun thing about having to cancel last night, is that Sadie and I got to join the group at steak night!!!! It was great to see everyone, and since I don't get to go too often, it was a real treat!!! (hey D&D). On our way home, Sadie and I stopped to do barn chores, well, I did the barn chores, Sadie went in to "play" with "her" turkeys. At one point I looked into the stall and saw her sitting on the floor with about seven turkey chicks climbing all over her!!! (yes I got pics... but you'll have to wait to see them). Right now they are very cute and fun, but they are getting big quick and that "baby" charm will begin to fade. Already we are seeing who the "tough guys" are, and there is a difference in their growth. We are calling the toughest guy "Thanksgiving"....



I have a riding lesson a little later today, I will need to go to the barn early, just to give myself enough time to take off the first layer of mud on my horse!!! It seems almost useless to groom them, because the moment you have them cleaned up, out they go and with the mud, they can't help but get covered again... so I've given up. We haven't opened up the pasture yet, because I am worried that it will just be ruined. It's so wet and soft that if we let them out now, they will just dig it up, and that would pretty much be the end of the grass... so, they boys will just have to wait. I do feel so blessed that the hay is holding out well, and it is a lesson well learned.. buy more than you need, if you can. WHEN they get to hay this year, I will certainly put up as much as possible. It's been nice to be able to help out a friend with her horse's hay supply.



Speaking of horses, Deb was playing around on the Internet, looking to find some information with regards to her mini mare, Alice (who is Mocha's foal) and came across a website of a farm where both Mocha and Alice lived. NOT only did they live there, but it was where Alice was born... and to top it off... there is even a video of Alice being born!!!!! (it was hard to watch poor Mocha go thru her labor!!!) Both Deb and I have written to the owner to let her know the mares are well, and well cared for and loved... but what are the chances that you can find the birth of your horse on the Internet!!! pretty amazing I think!!!! If anyone is interested in seeing the video, the web address is.. http://www.bitoblue.com and then go under foaling video. Deb has been doing well working Alice with her driving lessons since the clinic.. I fear I have not done so well with Mocha. I keep "waiting" for the time when things calm down abit around here and I can have some time to play with my animals!!!!!

and on that note, time to get off to the barn, so I can play with Tonka for abit... keep dry if you live in New England!!!!!

it rains, it pours...

If you live here in New England, you are probably beginning to grow gills and webbed feet, we are all so tired of the rain/fog/wet/drizzle... etc. etc...I feel bad for the folks who are paying to be here... certainly there hasn't been much in the way of swimming or outdoor activities... from what I understand, there might be a glimmer of sun for the 4th, I think we are all banking on that.



But in another department "it rains, it pours" has a more positive meaning... in that I have been pretty busy with dog training lately. I had two private sessions today, and another one tomorrow morning, plus class tomorrow night. This is a real blessing right now, and I am most grateful to the Good Lord for sending me the work!!!! I like traveling to new towns, meeting some wonderful folks and working out the little quirks with their dogs....



Today, while I was running the roads.. Ed and Sadie got the birdies all switched around. The hens have been moved to a new outside pen (well, outside the barn, their pen is under the lean to roof),and the turkey chicks have been moved from their small cage to the "birdie stall"... I didn't get to see them in their new house tonite, but Sadie said they are very happy with all the space. That is something that you do have to watch... to make sure they have plenty of space, or they will pick (peck) on each other!!! The stall should hold them for a bit until we can figure out what we are going to do about a "birdie building" and pens. One thing for sure, I am glad to have them out of the tack room... for the truth is, they are smelly little buggers, no matter how clean you keep them, and I am happy to get my tack room back to tack!!!!



We are looking forward to the 4th.. Kas, Nate and grand dogs are coming to spend the weekend...and we will have friends here for a cookout on the 4th. Unless the weather greatly improves, it's unlikely right now that there will be much in the swimming department, but I will enjoy my company just the same. I do wish it felt more like summer... it's so hard to think that today is the last day of June... it feels more like the middle of April, except that we have green leaves and grass.



No one has cut any hay, and that it a bit worrisome.. I am extremely glad that we bought a big load last year, because I am OK in the hay department, but I do know that some other horse friends are getting a little nervous with their low supply. It's doubtful (to me) that we will get a second cut around here, but I am not a "hay man", so I don't know that for sure. We need about a week of good sunshine and gentle breezes to dry out the fields so they can be cut. I will definitely buy another 500 bales or so this year as well, I like the security of knowing that we have hay in the loft. I was also hoping to do some berry picking this spring and haven't done that either, maybe if Friday is somewhat good weather wise, I will go and see what is left in the berry patch. I have an urge for some nice fresh, sweet strawberries...

We might have our computer back by the end of the week, and I can post pics with the blogs once again, I hope so, I miss doing that...

well, guess that's about it for this evening and for this month... tomorrow we begin again...

hello July.....................

living in the little camp

It's been one week since we moved back into our little camp, I don't know where the week went, except that we have been busy with everything else, so I guess that has "chewed" up the time. We have had a good week here, but I am so thankful that we didn't decide to try and live here all winter (like I wanted to last fall) because with all the snow we had ...and the ice storm, I am not so sure we would have kept our sanity here!!!!

"Everyone" asks, "how big is the little camp"... and I was thinking about that last night (as I was working on falling asleep).. the little camp is 20x24... we have a galley kitchen with an "open" area that serves as the living room and dining area (I will get pics on the blog when I can). There is a down stairs bedroom, that just about holds our queen sized bed... a nice bathroom, and the loft... and that's it!!! It's wonderful for weekend retreats, but as a "house"... it has taken some getting used to. My horse's stalls are roughly 12x12.. so basically, we have two and half stalls that we are living in.... that is, three adults, six cockers and three cats!!!

I have found the secret is keeping everything in it's place .. and for the most, I have found a place for nearly everything.. you just have to look under the couch for the dog's canned food, and on top of the cupboards for the extra plates and things, and the plastic bin is keeping our bread, cereals and such. Dishes are done the moment they are used, and the laundry has to be done every day, because there just isn't room for any "dirty laundry piles"..... it's impossible to do "big grocery shopping" because I don't have any place to put "extra"... so, I think I will be running to the store every few days. Even the mail can't pile up, and needs to be attended to right away.

The good thing is... (when it isn't rainy) we will spend most of our time outside, and with the invisible fence, the dogs love being out and running "loose"... The other thing is, I think I will learn to keep in the "picked mode"!!! I am usually I pretty neat and organized person, but sometimes it is easy to let things "go" more than I should, I can't do that here, so maybe it will get me into a new habit!!!! And I do know, that in time, we will look back on this time fondly and think of the time that we lived in the "little camp"... though that new house is looking better all the time.

I wish I could post you some pics of the turkey chicks... you can't believe how much they have grown in just a few weeks!!! I have to fill their water "dish" twice a day, and today I filled their grain trough twice as well. We think that in another week, they will have to move out of the "cage" they are in.. we'll make a new outside pen for the two chickens, and put the turkey's into the "bird stall".... we just want to make sure that they can keep themselves warm enough to handle being in the big stall. They have all their wing feathers now, and some are beginning to get their body feathers, and once those are in, they should be pretty "hardy". I will be happy to get them out of the tack room... it's hard to keep them "neat"... and as cute as they are... they can be kind of smelly in that small pen. I can't stand to see them "messy" or crowded.. so, I will be happy when they can handle more room.

I thought that I was going to get another "barn" kitty today, but the gal that offered her to me, didn't call, so I'm not too sure what's up with that. I wouldn't mind giving a kitty a chance at a new home, but I worry some about Annabelle being happy with that idea, so, either way. If she calls again, that is fine, but if not, it's ok too.

I haven't done any driving work with the horses since the clinic!!! one because we have been too busy and second the weather has been next to awful!!! I wish both would calm down!!!! I can't even think of when we had the last full day of sun!!! I hope this isn't the trend for the summer.... it's going to be rather dreary if it is!!! But, I must admit that I did enjoy an afternoon of movies and cross stitch today. Ed went to the NASCAR race, I puttered around the barn in the morning and spent the afternoon quietly.. it was kind of nice, something I haven't done in a while. So, everything has it's good....

Monday again tomorrow.... and next weekend the 4th..... whew..........

still no pics...

I really don't like blogging without pictures!!! but at least if I "log" on something, you will all know what we have been up too. We should have our own computer next week, and while I appreciate having Sadie's to post on, I miss my own!!!!

It was such a busy week, we "went thru" the big camp in great detail!!! Got Titus moved to the cellar of the new house (he is safe there, but I miss watching him swim around his tank)... Ed got some much needed work done on the big camp.... storm windows with screens put on... new front door, replaced some clapboards, power washed the deck, bought two new chairs and a new rug.... our renters arrived just as we were finishing up, and from what we can see, they are really enjoying their weekend.

This "renting" is a funny business, and I am continually surprised at what people want (request)... for example, I had it rented for a week in August, and today the renter wrote and wondered if each bedroom had a TV in it... NO... I thought you were at the lake to ... well, use the lake. So, I wrote her back and said no about the TVs.. and tonite, found a note back saying that they had changed their mind.... oh well, someone else will take the week I am sure. Another inquiry I got wanted to know "how buggy" it was around here.... didn't know that I should be "counting the bugs!!!" and someone else wanted to know "what type of a refund might they get for bad weather".... sorry, I can only ask the Good Lord for good weather... I don't control it!!! But all in all, we meet a lot of nice people and most the come and stay seem very happy.

Today, I drove up to Augusta (about a two hour trip) to be a "speaker" at the "Maine 4H weekend"... I of course, was the "dog trainer" and spoke to the "dog kids"... it was very fun, and the girls were cute with all their dogs. Quite a wide variety of dogs too.... Camille was right in her element.... she loves kids, and is loving this obedience stuff with Mom.... so she had a great time. I used to be a 4H leader when our girls were little.. but at that time Maine didn't have a dog program, so we joined a New Hampshire group. I loved going to the fairs and helping the girls getting ready to show their dogs.... it's nice to see that things like 4H are still alive and well... it's a great program.

Tomorrow, Ed heads out to see the NASCAR race... I am hoping to go and pick some strawberries with the kids, but we have to see if any of the patches are open and have berries.. with all the rain we have been dealing with.. I worry if the berries are all mooshy.... if they are, I am sure we will come up with something fun to do.

I can't believe that next weekend is the 4th!!! where is the summer going.. or rather, where is summer??? with all this rain and cool weather (50 to 60's) I am a little worried that we might not even get a "real summer"... oh well... at least we had some sun today. OH... and also tomorrow.. is Tonka's 5th anniversary with us!!!!! (where has five years gone????)

"sick" computer

Well, there are no pictures to share in this blog.. and there almost isn't a blog... we have a sick computer and it needs to be taken to the doctor. Fortunately, Sadie has a little lap top, so I can post stories, but no pictures, so just so that you all know we are alive and well... here's a story.



It's been a busy week, as you all may know, we are moving from the big camp into the little one... even though (I thought) we were very careful not to bring in TOO MUCH personal stuff, we did, and it's been a few days of sorting and getting things into place. We are pretty tight here in the little camp, and it will be important that everything stays in place, or we will certainly feel tighter than we all ready are.... but, the view of the lake is amazing, the loons sing us to sleep at night, and we don't have to pay rent.. so what more could we ask for. The cockers have gone back onto the under ground fence, so they are getting used to being "free" again and remembering where the boundaries are. Tazzy has had the most trouble with it, but she is getting better, and Trevor has done the best on it.



Our first renters come this weekend, and after that, the big camp is pretty much booked for the summer. This is wonderful......dog work continues to be busy, and in fact, I need to make some graduation hats for this evening's class (so I shouldn't be playing on the computer!!!) and even though the weather has been pretty yucky, I have a feeling that the summer will zoom by.

The turkey chicks are growing in leaps and bounds!!! starting to get their feathers, and we have moved them down to the tack room... so far, everyone is alive and well, so we got thru the first week without any troubles. Our chickens are doing well, I actually let them out for a bit today, Mr. Guinea had to show him that he is the top bird of the farm, but all in all, they got along well. I don't' know if he really appreciates the fact that I "got them for him"... but at least, I think he is less lonely....AND it seems that we will try another barn kitty... I have been contacted by the local shelter to see if another cat would like to live in our barn. I told them as long as Annabelle doesn't feel threaten, I will give her a try, so I guess she comes this weekend.... we'll see. Funny how animals seem to "find us" instead of us looking for them. Think we'll have to be careful about "getting too many"...

well, got to get those hats done... and see what we can do about our computer!!!!!

awards banquet

Last night was my dog club's annual award banquet. Each year we take the time to honor the dog/ handler teams that have earned various titles on their dogs. I didn't receive an award this year, as Camille and I just finished our Rally title this past May (which means we will get one for next year)... but that doesn't mean I was about to miss the banquet. It is actually one of my favorite meetings as you have plenty of time just to visit with doggie friends. When we arrived at the restaurant they were running an excellent special on lobster... so, you can only guess what Sadie and I chose... (I adore lobster!!!..so does Sadie).It was a great meal, and it was such fun to sit with our friends and just have a special evening out.

Today it's back to the moving thing, actually almost everything small has been moved to it's final spot, and with the rain pouring down, my plan of attack is to begin the cleaning side of things... starting in the basement, (which is partly finished with a bedroom, TV area and bathroom) we have the first of our renters arriving next weekend, and the summer season has begun.

I also got an email this am from a friend who has four new cocker puppies..... I am really getting puppy fever, and I don't know how much longer I can wait!!!!NOT that I don't have plenty to do already, but puppies have certainly been on my mind lately........

turkey chicks.....

Sometime last spring, as I was getting grain, I saw that they were taking orders for "birds", I asked if there were going to be some turkeys ordered and they said yes. So, I ordered some.

We have raised turkeys before, the first time was kind of by accident... we had gone to the grain store (another one) and there were some "left over chicks"... they just wanted them to get out of the store, and offered them to us at a very low price (1.00 per chick), at that price Ed said, why not, if we weren't successful, we didn't have that much into them. As it was, we were successful... in fact, quite successful in that we didn't loose one chick and all six went into the freezer.

Being the "animal person" that I am, I wasn't sure if I could do this "raising thing", seeing those birds and knowing what their outcome was going to be. But, I did not attach myself to them, and as they got bigger and older, they kind of became mean... cleaning their pen began to be not so much fun, so when it was time for them to "go"... it was OK with me. Besides, I knew that we had given them a "good life"... they had a huge pen, the best food and water, completely clean environment... certainly not the life of some of their kind. Once I had tasted our "own" birds, I knew that we would certainly do this again... animals that are raised in excellent/kind environments... have a much better "taste" than the commercial.

The second time we raised turkeys, we weren't so "lucky"... of the six birds we started with only two went to the freezer. We lost the first three within days and now realize that we had allowed them to get cold. The other three made it to adulthood, but when they were "dressed", one had this awful growth on him and the butcher advised us not to take him.... we didn't. The two that we got into the freezer were as good as the first batch.


We didn't' raise any birds last year, with the move to the farm and all that was going on (kids coming home, etc) it was just too much. But this year, having the farm and all, we went way out.... and ordered 12 chicks.

I can't believe how they come, in a cardboard box with a bit of straw, some food.... they were all peeping and trying to break out of the box!!! Nice and lively, and were just hatched last Sunday, so they are only a few days old. (I opened the box to peek in and got this photo!!!!)

We got them home and into a cage.

This time, we know more, and have a nice heat lamp for them to cuddle under, a bigger food trough, and plenty of water (I can't believe how much they are drinking!!!) We're keeping them at the house for now, but in a week or so, we will move them down to the tack room and keep them "inside" until they get some growth on them.

As it turns out, there aren't 12... there are 13, guess someone miss counted.

They are still nice and lively (and quite noisy!!!) but the first week or so is the tricky time. At this stage they are quite fragile and it's not unusual to loose one or two. We're hoping we can keep them all. In the meantime, Ed has yet another project on his list.... get an outside pen and house put up for them..... (what were we thinking??) but come next fall, when they are all tucked into the freezer, we will know what we were thinking......

here we go again...

I think it was just about this time last year, when I began to think about moving. In the "whole" 49 years of my life... I had move just three times... from my parent's home to our first apartment, and from the first apartment to our house. Then, of course, last summer, we moved from the house to our camp, in order to be close to the farm while our new house is being built. In the fall, we went from our little camp into the bigger family camp for the winter.... three moves within six weeks... not so bad, as we didn't have much "stuff" with us (the rest having gone to storage.) We have been pretty comfortable in the "big camp" this winter.The past few summers, we have been renting the big camp out.. to help pay for taxes and the like. So, over the winter, I was pretty excited to see that people were still interested in renting the big camp this summer... with the economy and all, I wasn't too sure how the rents would be this year.

Now, as silly as this might sound, as I watched the weeks fill up for the rent.. it never really occurred to me that "renting" meant.... we can no longer live here!!! and with the fourth of July just a few weeks away, I realized that we need to get out here!!!! I need time to get everything in "rent" order (cleaning, finishing up some projects and the like), so the move is on. We tried very hard not to bring too much "stuff" in over the winter, but try or not, there seems to be a fair amount of it anyways!!!! I took three "loads" to the new house yesterday... mostly winter things, like the boxes that have our Christmas ornaments, winter clothing... our snowshoes, movies that we never did watch this winter, and then I sorted out what will be moved (again) next door into the little camp. Everything looks like such a hodge podge... and I "hate" that. Today, I need to go thru the cellar and see what we have down there... at least the "piggies" are moved and all settled in at the barn... Titus on the other hand...well, we are still working on a game plan with him. I'm still not too sure how "comfortable" the little camp is going to be... (six cockers, three cats, three humans).. but it's what we have, so I guess it will just "have to work"... might make us hussle up a bit more to finish that house!!!!!

Now... what's with this photo. Well, our neighbor and friend Belinda (who attended the driving clinic) heard of the plight of Mr. Guinea. I have had a hard time finding keets (though I do have a couple of leads) and I still don't like him being all alone. Belinda was telling me that she had a black hen who seemed to be picked on by the others in her flock and she was feeling bad for her hen. She asked me if I would like to have her, maybe as a "fowl" friend for Mr. Guinea. I told her why not.... and the next thing I knew Belinda's hubby Drew, arrived with two black hens. He wasn't sure which hen she was talking about, and since there were just the two, he brought them both to us. I'm still not sure what I think about chickens, I like their "sounds" but I really don't like birds IN my barn... (honey where's that coop you keep talking about???)

Belinda said she had no idea if these hens still laid eggs or not. It didn't really matter to me, because once they are used to the place, I will let them free range (and hope Mr. Fox doesn't get them) I am hoping that between them and Mr. Guinea, the ticks will stay at bay. I checked their pen for eggs, just in case... and low and behold... look at this... plus another one today. So, I guess they do lay.. or at least one lays... a bonus to be sure. One or two fresh eggs a day would be kind of fun.

The barn swallows have quite a nice home coming into shape. I have been watching them nest building and it's pretty neat. I think it's funny when the one bird (I assume it's the male) brings some little thing to his mate for the nest, and "she" checks it all over and sometimes keeps it and sometimes she just chucks it out and sends him off for more. There is bits of horse hair, hay, twigs and mud. I love to watch them make the mud balls.. they go into the pasture, looking for a damp area, and then using their little beaks, rolls a mud ball and flies back with it. the way they have this nest tucked into the corner will certainly keep it out of any weather... clever creatures.

I'm not sure how Mr. Guinea feels about his bird friends, once in a while he looks at them in the pen, but mostly he likes to be outside hanging out with his friend Mocha. Maybe he is just holding out for his own kind... "birds of a feather, flock together"...

but since we just got a call from the grain store and our 12 turkey chicks are here..... there will be even more feathers on the farm.....

driving clinic .. day 2

Well, we had ONE beautiful day (weather wise) for the driving clinic... this morning I awoke to a steady rainfall.... (oh no!!! ) I kept hoping that it would let up, but that proved not to be the case. However, everyone arrived for the clinic this morning, all in high spirits after yesterday's successes...and willing to do whatever we could get in today.

We started out by bringing Tonka and Duke out into the alley way and having everyone practice their tacking skills. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful barn to work in.


We laid the harnesses on the floor, and the students had the fun of tacking Tonka with his leather harness and/or Duke with his biothane harness. It was fun to hear people talking and laughing and simply enjoying the day, despite the weather.








Here is Tonka, playing teacher. Gordy, a friend and assistant this weekend to Butch, helped guide two students with tacking.

Somewhere along the line, a heard a conversation with regards to Duke... and the possibility of riding him!!!! And before I knew it, Butch had
Tonka's saddle on Duke.. and I heard "not a bad fit"....






then I look out the barn doors (into the pouring rain!!) and see Butch mounting up....












and heading down the driveway!!!! Duke looked great under saddle, he was a little confused at the first, but with Butch's gentle guidance, he seemed "game" for this idea. Butch thinks there is a chance that somewhere in his life, he has been ridden since he did go so well.










And then, who is on next... but Becky!!! by now the rain was really coming down, but she didn't mind.... and neither did Duke!!!










But the best of all, was when Betty wanted to try him out as well (I never got on him myself....) she hopped right on and took him for a short ride herself......it really isn't in my game plan to make Duke a saddle horse... but I am also learning that you never say "never" in the world of the horse...so who knows? Duke will be a part of our family for a long time, so I won't make any future predictions....

Now, one of the gals that came is our neighbor and "new" friend, Belinda. Tomorrow is her birthday, and this weekend was her birthday gift from her hubby. So, of course, we can't let a birthday get by without a cake... I think we surprised her!!!!

After lunch, it was all about minis.... we brought Mocha and Alice out to play "tacking up with them". I was determined to get Mocha back in her cart... rain or shine!!!! (How many people does it take to tack a mini???) It was nice to have these two to work with, because their harnesses are quite different from the drafts, and the students had the opportunity to work with both.

Deb was determined to get Alice into her cart as well. She had a great day with her yesterday and she felt it was time for Alice to work with her cart. The rain did let up a little, so while Mocha was being tacked up by some... Alice was being hitched by others.....

And here we are ... two VERY wet Mom's and Minis.... but we did it!!!! Next weekend, is the mini's second anniversary with us... I told Deb, we should go for an anniversary ride next weekend!!! I have a feeling there will be many mini rides together from now on!!!!! (and yes, we shared them with the others, and they got to do mini driving as well!!!!)

just as I knew it would... the weekend went by way too fast, and it was time to pack up and head for home(s). Because the big guys had been out in the rain all day... Butch brought them into the barn to dry them off and warm them up before their trip home....

so, we laughed, and learned.... played and worked.... and enjoyed a weekend of good friends, fun times and horses......

The end!!!!!

"the" driving clinic.

Trying to cram all that we did today into one little blog posting is going to be difficult at best....so I will begin by telling you that my camera took 186 pictures today... hopefully I pulled out some of the "more interesting ones" to share with all of you. It was a picture perfect day... we began with everyone taking a little time to get to know each other over coffee and donuts, and Butch telling us about his training methods and basic manners of the driving horse.

Next he "borrowed" Alice, Deb's mini mare to show some round penning exercises and talk about ground manners. For as he explained, it doesn't matter if you drive a 200 pound mini or a 2200 pound Belgian, your horse has to know who is the "boss" and who he can trust if things should go wrong.

He also explained how to "spook proof" your horse with all sorts of funny items... like this blue tarp for example. Horses are "flight" animals, which means... when frighten or threaten, their first instinct is to run from danger. Course, if they are in a cart... the last thing you need is a horse that will run if he is scared. It is unlikely that you can ever totally teach a horse never to be afraid, but you can work with a horse to teach it to be more tolerant of strange things, and to trust the person that is at end of the rein.

He also worked with Tonka, showing the "obedience" and softness of a horse... like dropping his head when you need to.... aside from the horse showing "respect".. a horse that will lower his head, makes it much easier to put a bridle on him... if Tonka raises his head as high as he can.. I can't reach the top of his head!!!!

This was a real "hands on" clinic... the students had the opportunity to work all the horses that they felt comfortable handling. This is one of Becky and Butch's big Belgians.... looking at the size of this boy.. you can see why things like... "stay out of my space", "lower your head", "stand quietly".. are some real important "rules" for a horse to know. This all begins with ground work and manners!!!

the students had a grand time working with all the horses....which included the two big Belgians, two minis and our Tonka....the morning flew by, and after we took a lunch break, it was onto harnessing....

And ground driving!!! This part was really fun, and some of the students found themselves driving horses that they never thought they would be able to handle!!!!










here I am with Tonka... but he was driven by a number of different people!!! good for him and good for them!!!











Butch had great fun driving Alice... quite a difference from what he is used to being behind!!!












And here is our Mocha, out for a little drive with Becky and Belinda.....it doesn't matter the size... driving is driving... all the same rules apply....











this is Rick... he was comfortable handling the team (Rick has horse experience)... He had a wonderful time handling the two big boys together....











Sadly, my camera battery "died" before I got to take some pictures of CARTS!!! after all the ground driving, we got Tonka into his cart and Mocha into her's.... and the students got to do some driving in the carts and not just from the ground....

but, that is where the clinic will pick up tomorrow, and my battery in in the charger..so with any luck.. there will be cart pictures tomorrow. The thing about a clinic is you are trying to get so much into one short weekend... this is only the beginning of real driving work. But the good thing is, it gives folks a "taste" of driving, and the opportunity to see if they wish to pursue it for themselves...

As Rick so brilliantly said this evening... driving horses is a dying art... the days of the horse and carriage are long gone, so it's wonderful to have Becky and Butch who are so willing to share their knowledge and to see so many great people who are interested in keeping this wonderful "hobby" alive....