For the past week, it all started with the full moon more or less, the goats have been very naughty and escaping from their paddock every minute of the day and the night! In the end I have been tethering them up even over night, NOT something I like to do.
In the last couple of days, as the weather has been improving a bit, I have been able to take them out for browsing again, and today I managed to "finish" the fence temporarily. Don't even ask for photos, such a visual mess, but I'm hoping it'll keep them in.
BECAUSE, tomorrow, if all goes well, we'll have a billy goat to visit them for a couple of weeks or months. Depending on how long it takes him to get them pregnant!!!!!! And supposedly he's very well behaved and I don't want the girls to teach him naughty tricks.
On top of that I managed to finish a video clip for a band and try out my new mincer.
Last week I had butchered two roosters and today my son gave it all turning the meat into mince. Boy, did he love the workout! And he even ate the resulting meat patties. "They taste just like meat balls" Good!!!
Now to bake another batch of Stollen, as Thank You's for all the friendly helpers and for the family.
As I had been sick, had sick kids and sick goat at home, and after today's physical exertion I'm feeling quite ready to hit the sack and get a good night's sleep in.
Still got rabbit cages and hen house to clean, so let's hope for good, dry weather for this week.
And on another side note, last weekend I went to Wellington to see and hear Rosy Tin Teacaddy and Bond Street Bridge. What an aural feast! So grateful for the pleasure and beauty their songs brought into my life again.
Highly recommended for quality songwriting and singing:
Rosy Tin Teacaddy and Bond Street Bridge on Facebook.
TTFN
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Goat things
Poppy, the bigger goat of the two, must have over eaten on Tuesday and by Wednesday morning was looking bad, green cud drooling out of her mouth, teeth grinding etc.
I called the vet asap and asked for help through an internet forum and went about the day nursing her and hoping for signs of improvements. Which by Tuesday night I thought I detected. Then Wednesday morning she looked worse and I packed her and the children into the car and drove to the vet. He checked her, said she looked better than he had expected from my description and gave her a colic relief injection. Went back home, she showed some interest in the greenery and I left her outside for a bit. As evening drew nearer though she started shivering again, and I made a coat of an old apron and polyester duvet and put her in the shelter.
Anyway, before bed I went down to check and she gave me one heck of a fright: white froth coming out of her mouth and hardly moving. I gave her some fresh water which she greedily drank and ran to call the vet. He recommended getting more warm fluids into her, so I warmed up milk and took a thermos with hot water to warm the other water with me and some hay.
She drank nearly two cups of the warm milky water and then just looked like she was going to sleep. Her breathing was very easy and slow and deep, to me it sounded good. And then her whole gut started rumbling and gurgling and swoosh, she had a proper mouthful of cud in her cheeks and started chewing it. And this time it must have been the right stuff because it sounded like the normal chewing, and not the teeth grinding we've had in the past day.
So I sat and watched her for 15-20 mins chewing the cud, and it kept coming up pretty constantly, and she got a look on her face that I interpreted as : "Finally!"
No drooling, and it was all, going down and up the way I had observed at other times, so after a while I left her to it, plenty of water and hay, and wrapped up nicely.
This morning I went down, with a bit of trepidation because I saw her sister out by the gate, and not under cover, but when she replied I could hear a little reply coming out of the shelter.
So, she made it through the night, and when I offered her warm milky water again she just gave me a disdainful snort and nearly kicked the container away!
She got up and walked to the water bowl and drank the cold water, then walked around and did a normal pee and poo, and went back in the shelter.
When I took her sister out for grazing she followed and stood by the gate complaining in her usual voice
Anyway,
thanks for all the support from my very special LSB so far,
it sure has been another steep learning curve, and today I'll be getting the sewing machine out to sew a coat together properly and look for some weather proofing spray for the apron.
It makes me so sick to the stomach to go through this, I want to help, but as with all our animals there are financial limits we have to observe, and we NEVER would let an animal suffer if it was beyond our help, and the thought of maybe having to end a goats suffering.
Fortunately not today, but I will have to seriously investigate these things to be prepared when/if the time comes.
I called the vet asap and asked for help through an internet forum and went about the day nursing her and hoping for signs of improvements. Which by Tuesday night I thought I detected. Then Wednesday morning she looked worse and I packed her and the children into the car and drove to the vet. He checked her, said she looked better than he had expected from my description and gave her a colic relief injection. Went back home, she showed some interest in the greenery and I left her outside for a bit. As evening drew nearer though she started shivering again, and I made a coat of an old apron and polyester duvet and put her in the shelter.
Anyway, before bed I went down to check and she gave me one heck of a fright: white froth coming out of her mouth and hardly moving. I gave her some fresh water which she greedily drank and ran to call the vet. He recommended getting more warm fluids into her, so I warmed up milk and took a thermos with hot water to warm the other water with me and some hay.
She drank nearly two cups of the warm milky water and then just looked like she was going to sleep. Her breathing was very easy and slow and deep, to me it sounded good. And then her whole gut started rumbling and gurgling and swoosh, she had a proper mouthful of cud in her cheeks and started chewing it. And this time it must have been the right stuff because it sounded like the normal chewing, and not the teeth grinding we've had in the past day.
So I sat and watched her for 15-20 mins chewing the cud, and it kept coming up pretty constantly, and she got a look on her face that I interpreted as : "Finally!"
No drooling, and it was all, going down and up the way I had observed at other times, so after a while I left her to it, plenty of water and hay, and wrapped up nicely.
This morning I went down, with a bit of trepidation because I saw her sister out by the gate, and not under cover, but when she replied I could hear a little reply coming out of the shelter.
So, she made it through the night, and when I offered her warm milky water again she just gave me a disdainful snort and nearly kicked the container away!
She got up and walked to the water bowl and drank the cold water, then walked around and did a normal pee and poo, and went back in the shelter.When I took her sister out for grazing she followed and stood by the gate complaining in her usual voice
Anyway,
thanks for all the support from my very special LSB so far,
it sure has been another steep learning curve, and today I'll be getting the sewing machine out to sew a coat together properly and look for some weather proofing spray for the apron.
It makes me so sick to the stomach to go through this, I want to help, but as with all our animals there are financial limits we have to observe, and we NEVER would let an animal suffer if it was beyond our help, and the thought of maybe having to end a goats suffering.
Fortunately not today, but I will have to seriously investigate these things to be prepared when/if the time comes.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Queen's Birthday Monday
Another day alternating between rain and sun.
Spent it so far baking nut bread, peach&white chocolate muffins and prepping dinner, Duck with Spaetzle.
And really looking forward to getting properly into the garden.
I've always believed that I just don't have a green thumb, but I'm not going to believe it any longer. I reckon if I follow the "instructions" for each plant properly I will be able to grow what I want to.
This morning I walked through our covered garden and saw that the Pineapple Sage plant, which was just plucked out of the ground by a very friendly and knowledgeable lady, had starting sprouting new leaves at all the tops of the branches.
It gives me hope, that the rest of the greenery will flourish as well.
Having a wee rest before staring dinner, I feel weirdly connected to earth, maybe the glass of bubbles might have something to do with it, or having read a nice article on Worm- and Southernwood.Or knowing that in a fortnight I will pick up more plants from the lovely Heather, and gather more useful tips and friendly chat.
Spent it so far baking nut bread, peach&white chocolate muffins and prepping dinner, Duck with Spaetzle.
And really looking forward to getting properly into the garden.
I've always believed that I just don't have a green thumb, but I'm not going to believe it any longer. I reckon if I follow the "instructions" for each plant properly I will be able to grow what I want to.
This morning I walked through our covered garden and saw that the Pineapple Sage plant, which was just plucked out of the ground by a very friendly and knowledgeable lady, had starting sprouting new leaves at all the tops of the branches.
It gives me hope, that the rest of the greenery will flourish as well.
Having a wee rest before staring dinner, I feel weirdly connected to earth, maybe the glass of bubbles might have something to do with it, or having read a nice article on Worm- and Southernwood.Or knowing that in a fortnight I will pick up more plants from the lovely Heather, and gather more useful tips and friendly chat.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Learning curve
Three and a half years ago I decided to try raising my own chickens and the first, of dozens, were about to hatch.
Since then we've acquired bunnies and a couple of goats. Yesterday I had a controlled mating of our NZ White cross with a Flemish Giant cross. And I'm looking for a Billy goat to get at least one of the girls pregnant, so that in Spring I can start milking them.
Tonight I was sitting on the couch in the dark and wondering why my head feels as if it's going to blow up pretty soon. And I realized the enormous learning curve I have been having in the past years.
On top of parenting!
Since we started with the animals I have learned to raise, grow, kill and butcher chickens and rabbits. And despite everyone telling me that I wouldn't be able to do so, I have!
Also, I have learnt to make my own Quark and Camembert, and will start on a new cheese next week.
Not to mention that I'm preparing myself to get into larger farm animals, the goats. Their needs are quite different, and to a point more substantial, especially regarding housing and containment. And I kid myself, excuse the pun, to be able to handle a goat in kid, and giving birth and then looking after it. Hopefully, if and when it happens, Mama doe will instinctively know what to do.
Not only am I learning about animal husbandry, I'm also trying to improve my gardening hand: so far I've managed for a second season to successfully grow tomatoes. I'd like to expand that, and start growing herbs and veges for family and animal use. To achieve that I'm also improving my building skills, well kind of, I suppose I'm a sloppy builder, but at least so far none of my constructions have fallen over and they're doing their job. Keeping the rabbits and goats in their enclosures! And bracing the roof on the goat barn. Next up are raised beds for next seasons veges and herbs. And another fenced garden within the goat paddock to grow medicinal herbs for them.
My husband is constantly discussing with people what a beneficial medium the Internet can be. And I'm his prime example: without the Internet, and various lifestyle forums with enthusiasts and specialists lending an ear and advice I would NEVER have dared to go where I've gone. I could have gone to classes, wasting a lot of petrol and time for theoretical knowledge, instead I contacted people through the net, borrowed books from the library and just got my hands dirty.
Not only is my head popping with all the new information, but I'm also dealing with the difference of RL and virtual life, as I'm trying to teach my children the farm ways through plain exposure to everything. As well as letting them use the computer and discover a totally different world there.
And they are learning, what I don't know precisely, but as long as they are interested to watch, observe and help, I'm happy.
Who knows what will grow out of the knowledge that caused the following remark: "That's pretty hardcore for such a sweet mama". While observing me skinning and gutting a chicken!
Take heart, and if you don't succeed the first time, keep trying til you do!
And while doing it, whatever IT may be, make sure to wear the right safety gear!!!!
Since then we've acquired bunnies and a couple of goats. Yesterday I had a controlled mating of our NZ White cross with a Flemish Giant cross. And I'm looking for a Billy goat to get at least one of the girls pregnant, so that in Spring I can start milking them.
Tonight I was sitting on the couch in the dark and wondering why my head feels as if it's going to blow up pretty soon. And I realized the enormous learning curve I have been having in the past years.
On top of parenting!
Since we started with the animals I have learned to raise, grow, kill and butcher chickens and rabbits. And despite everyone telling me that I wouldn't be able to do so, I have!
Also, I have learnt to make my own Quark and Camembert, and will start on a new cheese next week.
Not to mention that I'm preparing myself to get into larger farm animals, the goats. Their needs are quite different, and to a point more substantial, especially regarding housing and containment. And I kid myself, excuse the pun, to be able to handle a goat in kid, and giving birth and then looking after it. Hopefully, if and when it happens, Mama doe will instinctively know what to do.
Not only am I learning about animal husbandry, I'm also trying to improve my gardening hand: so far I've managed for a second season to successfully grow tomatoes. I'd like to expand that, and start growing herbs and veges for family and animal use. To achieve that I'm also improving my building skills, well kind of, I suppose I'm a sloppy builder, but at least so far none of my constructions have fallen over and they're doing their job. Keeping the rabbits and goats in their enclosures! And bracing the roof on the goat barn. Next up are raised beds for next seasons veges and herbs. And another fenced garden within the goat paddock to grow medicinal herbs for them.
My husband is constantly discussing with people what a beneficial medium the Internet can be. And I'm his prime example: without the Internet, and various lifestyle forums with enthusiasts and specialists lending an ear and advice I would NEVER have dared to go where I've gone. I could have gone to classes, wasting a lot of petrol and time for theoretical knowledge, instead I contacted people through the net, borrowed books from the library and just got my hands dirty.
Not only is my head popping with all the new information, but I'm also dealing with the difference of RL and virtual life, as I'm trying to teach my children the farm ways through plain exposure to everything. As well as letting them use the computer and discover a totally different world there.
And they are learning, what I don't know precisely, but as long as they are interested to watch, observe and help, I'm happy.
Who knows what will grow out of the knowledge that caused the following remark: "That's pretty hardcore for such a sweet mama". While observing me skinning and gutting a chicken!
Take heart, and if you don't succeed the first time, keep trying til you do!
And while doing it, whatever IT may be, make sure to wear the right safety gear!!!!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Life, again!
It all started two weekends ago:
hubby and I finally put the roof on the goat barn. Great, they loved it, and on Monday I had to get it braced as we were expecting strong Northerlies for Wednesday and Thursday.Not a problem?! Yeah, right. My building expertise is limited, hubby had told me what needed doing, so I JUST had to get out there and do it! Talk about sweating blood and tears! So I did it, and the storm gales turned out to be just normal strong winds.
Next up, baking for school and family, and the usual house cleaning and animal husbandry.
Then Saturday arrived. We had an invitation to our neighbour's house warming party, and I was supposed to be filming a gig in Wellington that night. Hubby wasn't quite comfortable going there by himself with the kids, so we agreed we'd all go, for a little while, and then we'd all go back home together and I'd race off to town.
Well, 5pm came and the party just started going. The kids were racing around outside with other kids and hubby getting into socializing mode. No one wanted to leave, so I left them to it. Not feeling particularly happy, but that was what happened.
Then, race over the hill, meet a lady whose hand made rug we had bought, and into town to the club.Had a lovely chat with the owner's wife and got myself all set up. Raced home, had dinner, "refreshed" myself and put on my face and raced back. I had a couple of minutes to spare before the boys actually went on and had a great chat with the drummer. Then the show, Paper Scissors btw, was pretty good, and their first release single sounded live 1000 times better than on the CD. I hadn't intended on filming the main act, The Checks, but once they were on stage, in their different stage gear ( you'll have to go to my music blog later in the week to catch a glimpse) I just had to grab my camera and do some hand held clips. Fantastic night, packed up my gear and looked forward to a drink and a chat with the boys afterwards.
Getting to the car I saw though that some drunken idiot had punched in my rear window, the rear rear, you know the door at the back of a station wagon. I was stunned. Speechless, numb. I couldn't even vent my feelings in swearing or anything. Just completely taken aback and stunned.
All throughout the night I kept raking my brain, to find if I might have offended someone. But even if, that wouldn't give him the right to do this.
And I was worried how to tell Ross. He's at the end of the term at Uni and already stressed out enough. And this was not exactly the kind of thing you could go and say, "Gosh, I wonder when that happened. Didn't notice it". NOT!
Waking early on Sunday I got in the car and went back. And just as me he was stunned, and I could see the pressure of having to sort this one out on top of his regular workload starting to build up in his mind. But we talked through it, and when I got started on cleaning the car up he sat down to sort it out.
I nearly fainted, it was close to a $1000. By that stage I was getting close to losing the plot, but then we rang our insurance company and found out it was actually covered by our policy, and we didn't even have to pay our excess. Of course our premiums will go up now, but compared to the threat of a $1000 bill hanging over our heads this will be nothing.
And then I started to cry. It still makes me want to weep, but at least it is getting sorted and we won't have to live on bread and water for the next six months. Well, more like rabbit stew, and bunny burgers, and chicken mince, which after all doesn't sound too bad.
It makes me soo angry. I was brought up to totally and utterly respect other people's property, and I just expect others to do the same. But more and more people, young unfortunately, seem to think it doesn't apply to them. It worries me to have children, bringing them up with same sentiments, and how they will cope in the world once they're all grown up. Will they cope, and take things like this in their stride, will they become less respectful if surrounded by "bad" people? There is only so much we as parents can do.
And it still utterly FUCKS me off that some prick thought he could do that! And somehow is getting away with it.
And to moderate my bad feeling I keep reminding myself of all the nice things that happened, the nice people I have met and spoken to since then, and that life is as beautiful as I let it be.
And so today, in the hope of a quiet week with just some baking and cheese making planned, I went to Martinborough to meet a lady with a Billy goat, who might have been able to get my girls pregnant. And it was the most beautiful morning I have spent in ages. We talked pretty much for the whole of the 3 hours I was there, and it was congenial and uplifting.
And guess how we met? On the internet! Through a forum for lifestyle blockers, who exchange advice, opinions and news. And offer little services. Whoever said that the internet is a cold, shallow, non-personal and dangerous place just hasn't met anyone nice through it yet!
And then to top it off, as the poor boy was very keen , but just a bit to short in his legs, I called another lady, through a contact from a local shop, and had a wonderful chat with her.
Like minded people make all the difference to how we perceive our lives, so, if you're unhappy, go and find some people or things to do that put a smile on your face. Life is way too short to spend it grizzlying about it.
I know, a huge amount of And's starting the sentences, but frankly speaking, I don't give a rat's a** about style right now. Maybe some day I'll re write and will have a different word starting each sentence.
That's for today, enough of a rant I suppose, but, as Shrek puts it: "Better out than in"!
Good night, and tomorrow is going to be another great day.
hubby and I finally put the roof on the goat barn. Great, they loved it, and on Monday I had to get it braced as we were expecting strong Northerlies for Wednesday and Thursday.Not a problem?! Yeah, right. My building expertise is limited, hubby had told me what needed doing, so I JUST had to get out there and do it! Talk about sweating blood and tears! So I did it, and the storm gales turned out to be just normal strong winds.
Next up, baking for school and family, and the usual house cleaning and animal husbandry.
Then Saturday arrived. We had an invitation to our neighbour's house warming party, and I was supposed to be filming a gig in Wellington that night. Hubby wasn't quite comfortable going there by himself with the kids, so we agreed we'd all go, for a little while, and then we'd all go back home together and I'd race off to town.
Well, 5pm came and the party just started going. The kids were racing around outside with other kids and hubby getting into socializing mode. No one wanted to leave, so I left them to it. Not feeling particularly happy, but that was what happened.
Then, race over the hill, meet a lady whose hand made rug we had bought, and into town to the club.Had a lovely chat with the owner's wife and got myself all set up. Raced home, had dinner, "refreshed" myself and put on my face and raced back. I had a couple of minutes to spare before the boys actually went on and had a great chat with the drummer. Then the show, Paper Scissors btw, was pretty good, and their first release single sounded live 1000 times better than on the CD. I hadn't intended on filming the main act, The Checks, but once they were on stage, in their different stage gear ( you'll have to go to my music blog later in the week to catch a glimpse) I just had to grab my camera and do some hand held clips. Fantastic night, packed up my gear and looked forward to a drink and a chat with the boys afterwards.
Getting to the car I saw though that some drunken idiot had punched in my rear window, the rear rear, you know the door at the back of a station wagon. I was stunned. Speechless, numb. I couldn't even vent my feelings in swearing or anything. Just completely taken aback and stunned.
All throughout the night I kept raking my brain, to find if I might have offended someone. But even if, that wouldn't give him the right to do this.
And I was worried how to tell Ross. He's at the end of the term at Uni and already stressed out enough. And this was not exactly the kind of thing you could go and say, "Gosh, I wonder when that happened. Didn't notice it". NOT!
Waking early on Sunday I got in the car and went back. And just as me he was stunned, and I could see the pressure of having to sort this one out on top of his regular workload starting to build up in his mind. But we talked through it, and when I got started on cleaning the car up he sat down to sort it out.
I nearly fainted, it was close to a $1000. By that stage I was getting close to losing the plot, but then we rang our insurance company and found out it was actually covered by our policy, and we didn't even have to pay our excess. Of course our premiums will go up now, but compared to the threat of a $1000 bill hanging over our heads this will be nothing.
And then I started to cry. It still makes me want to weep, but at least it is getting sorted and we won't have to live on bread and water for the next six months. Well, more like rabbit stew, and bunny burgers, and chicken mince, which after all doesn't sound too bad.
It makes me soo angry. I was brought up to totally and utterly respect other people's property, and I just expect others to do the same. But more and more people, young unfortunately, seem to think it doesn't apply to them. It worries me to have children, bringing them up with same sentiments, and how they will cope in the world once they're all grown up. Will they cope, and take things like this in their stride, will they become less respectful if surrounded by "bad" people? There is only so much we as parents can do.
And it still utterly FUCKS me off that some prick thought he could do that! And somehow is getting away with it.
And to moderate my bad feeling I keep reminding myself of all the nice things that happened, the nice people I have met and spoken to since then, and that life is as beautiful as I let it be.
And so today, in the hope of a quiet week with just some baking and cheese making planned, I went to Martinborough to meet a lady with a Billy goat, who might have been able to get my girls pregnant. And it was the most beautiful morning I have spent in ages. We talked pretty much for the whole of the 3 hours I was there, and it was congenial and uplifting.
And guess how we met? On the internet! Through a forum for lifestyle blockers, who exchange advice, opinions and news. And offer little services. Whoever said that the internet is a cold, shallow, non-personal and dangerous place just hasn't met anyone nice through it yet!
And then to top it off, as the poor boy was very keen , but just a bit to short in his legs, I called another lady, through a contact from a local shop, and had a wonderful chat with her.
Like minded people make all the difference to how we perceive our lives, so, if you're unhappy, go and find some people or things to do that put a smile on your face. Life is way too short to spend it grizzlying about it.
I know, a huge amount of And's starting the sentences, but frankly speaking, I don't give a rat's a** about style right now. Maybe some day I'll re write and will have a different word starting each sentence.
That's for today, enough of a rant I suppose, but, as Shrek puts it: "Better out than in"!
Good night, and tomorrow is going to be another great day.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Nothing much...
...just a sunny Sunday.
After having fed the animals, coupled with a genteel walk with my lovely daughter, we had a nice quiet soak in the spa pool!
With all that's happening in the world I feel blessed to be able to enjoy the quiet solitude with my children. And try to make the most of it as teenagehood, puberty and who knows what are approaching faster and faster.
Carpe Diem, and love your loved ones!
After having fed the animals, coupled with a genteel walk with my lovely daughter, we had a nice quiet soak in the spa pool!
With all that's happening in the world I feel blessed to be able to enjoy the quiet solitude with my children. And try to make the most of it as teenagehood, puberty and who knows what are approaching faster and faster.
Carpe Diem, and love your loved ones!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Frugality...
is that a word??!
Certainly a state of mind slowly acquired!
Today is shopping day, and I'm getting a weird sense of satisfaction looking into the empty fridge. I've just taken the scrap container to the chickens, weekly occurrence, and the regular compost container is not even a 1/3 full. Which all implies that I'm managing my food very well. Which is good in times of economic uncertainty.
Hopefully the trend will continue, so when the cash flow looks better I can happily spend it on luxuries, like records, CD's and maybe a regular hair cut from the fancy hairdresser in town! [insert cheeky smile emoticon]
This weekend I'll be taking the second cheese to a birthday party and get it assessed by a bunch of girls high on food, booze and game time spirit! Verdict will be published next week.
TTFN
Certainly a state of mind slowly acquired!
Today is shopping day, and I'm getting a weird sense of satisfaction looking into the empty fridge. I've just taken the scrap container to the chickens, weekly occurrence, and the regular compost container is not even a 1/3 full. Which all implies that I'm managing my food very well. Which is good in times of economic uncertainty.
Hopefully the trend will continue, so when the cash flow looks better I can happily spend it on luxuries, like records, CD's and maybe a regular hair cut from the fancy hairdresser in town! [insert cheeky smile emoticon]
This weekend I'll be taking the second cheese to a birthday party and get it assessed by a bunch of girls high on food, booze and game time spirit! Verdict will be published next week.
TTFN
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