So... just as hay season got started... in came this "wonderful weather".... a monsoon of rain!!!! And it absolutely poured like this for nearly half the day. Fortunately, Father had decided to knock the hay field down in sections, so as long as it's standing and then has time to dry it... it will be OK.....
I guess this where they say ... "make hay while the sun shines".. because certainly on days like this nothing will be done. It hasn't been great weather for hay growing and I'm already a bit "worried" about how much we'll be getting... but just have to wait now..
On a brighter note.. Livy's certificates have come from the American kennel club... so, we're "official" now... the first time I ever got ones of these was in 1979... when my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ladi.. earned her first (and only) obedience title. After that, I was "bit" by the show bug and have been working with all my dogs earning their titles...
It took a few days of bright sun to dry out the fields... but it happened and we're off to get the hay in.... as usual.. our number one helper is on hand!!!!
Trailers on... and we're ready... I like to get the first cut and have it all tucked away in good time... some folks prefer to wait for the second cut, but I just like to have it done...
The stacks look good... I have bought the whole field this year.... Father seems to agree that this may not be the best summer for hay...
and laying down in the field.. it really doesn't look like "much"...
and the loading begins....
We were blessed to have another big crew ready to give us a hand. There is something about haying that brings folks together, and I am happy, because many hands make light work...
The old baler had a cranky spell.... every once in a while it has to act up.. just to keep everyone on their toes...
but Father has dealt with this more years than I know.. and he has all the secrets to get it working again...
First load, coming in.........
and back to the fields to load up once again....
we only made three runs and the field is clean.... I probably have enough to pull us threw the winter, but I never like to work off "probably".. so I already know I will be looking for more hay later in the summer...
just hope I can find it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The loft door is open once again....... the elevator is down...... the loft is "empty" and waiting for it's stores!!!!
Wagon is loaded.... at least this one was loaded for us.... we weren't "home" to collect it in the field, so the guys did that for us and we just had to get it... (that saves a lot of work)....
Quimby and Honey watch as the first (of a few) loads arrive.....
Hay season has officially begun.......
Our second bee hive arrived on Sunday, but we were working at the beach house.. getting that ready for another summer season, so I wasn't able to get this hive until later in the day. I'm so happy to be back with two hives again... I really like my bees, and hopefully we can get these two hives nice and strong. Because it was late in the day, the "girls" were more interested in going to bed, so the transfer was pretty easy to do....
Everyone was "looking good"... now just a few days to settle in, and they'll be off doing their good works in the world....
It was back to Larissa's farm .... and even though she does have some very cute babies... we weren't here for the goats....
Though Abi was quite taken by this little baby... who happens to be a triplet..... and was perfectly happy to snuggle right into Abi's arms....
We had come to collect some turkey chicks.... yup, Ed and I are raising turkeys again this year. I have finally eaten all the birds from previous years.. the freezer is empty and it's time to do another batch. Kass also had one too many rooster Silkies and Larissa said she would exchange them for hens, so Kass took her up on that offer....
She also "threw in " a few guinea fowl keets for me.... Abi was in charge of the box that they were in....
Back on our farm... mud puddles proved to be way more fun and exciting than new chicks... but what little boy with boots on, can resist a good chance to splash and run threw puddles....
Especially when his doggies join him......
We got the babies into their new home. They're just a couple days old, so for a while they will need a heat lamp and plenty of food to grow....
They're pretty cute right now, but that will change, and honestly by the time it's "time" I am usually pretty happy to see them go....
There are 17..... I ordered 15 (since people have said they will be more than happy to buy one from me)... Larissa gave me a couple more, just in case "someone " doesn't make it. But we usually have good luck with turkeys..... we'll see, it will be quite a batch if we get them all to weight ...
But for now... we're just enjoying their "cuteness".....
(6/20).... A big adventure day for sure!!!! We start off with a good breakfast at one of our favorite places... the Miss Wakefield....
An old fashion diner that has the best meals and get us tanked up for the long and exciting day ahead....
After we eat.. the moose bids us goodbye....
the mountains await......
and here we are!!!! STORYLAND.... our annual summer visit!!!! First stop.. the picture frame.... marking the time of our visit and the year!!!!
After all the picture taking (which the kids were glad was over and done with!!!) it was off to the rides. Now the great thing ..well, one of the great things.. about Storyland is.. there are rides for everyone. So even though Abi and Reagan are on different ride levels.. there's enough to keep everyone happy......
Sometimes we stayed together and waited for the other to ride, and sometimes the families went their own way. This had to be Reagan's favorite ride of all.... he could have stayed right here the whole day....
Needless to say, getting him off this ride wasn't the easiest thing to do....... oh my.....
Abi has turned out to be our thrill seeker. This big rollercoaster is no problem to her....
Thankfully Sadie can keep up with her daughter.... and in fact.. they rode it twice!!! I almost got brave enough to try it... I would like to some day... but just couldn't come up with the nerve... guess I'll have to come back again this summer and give it a try...
They were having a "weather event" today as well... teaching kids that when thunder storms come in to put safety first. Storyland is very careful about storms, especially with their big rides... Abi got this cool lightening hat.......
The kids were so good about waiting for each other, and sharing rides that they could do together.... it was just an awesome family day....
Our own little Cinderella .. waiting in her coach....
But Prince Charming was running out of steam....
Course my all time favorite... the carousel
Which I rode a few times, and convinced Abi and Sadie to join me.... I just love this old carousel...
We spent the whole day at Storyland... and ended with a nice good by from Cinderella... these are the days that will be forever treasured.... we are such a blessed family.....
and the summer is only beginning....
