Loss...

Yesterday was another very difficult "farming" day. Misty began labor on Sunday but was not progressing as she should. I called the vet Monday am and he gave her some injections to induce hard labor. A few hours later we are performing a c-section to remove 2 dead lambs, a ram and a ewe. I deep seated resentment is what occupies my mind and my heart. All the farming cliches and expressions are not a source consolation in any way.The ewe has been saved but must be retired, To add insult to injury, her fleece has been shaved on her left side which will mean a bit of a mess for shearing day...This is so not what I expected and it always brings about that question: Why?

 Why do these things happen? How could God let this happen? What could we have done differently ? etc...
And these questions fall on deaf ears because it does not change the outcome. Instead, I must deal with what is at hand: Life.

On a positive note, after months of sluggish egg laying, we are now finding eggs everywhere! An Easter egg hunt is a daily thing occurrence. Also, things are greening up but still a bit boggy and will remain so as the forecast calls for wet days ahead.
For now, I will be working on some brochures to give out for folks to see what we offer on our farm fro produce and wool. Perhaps a new sheep will be in order....

Chocolate Lambs For Easter

On the weekend, we moved the ewes over to the pen where the general population is located. I don't trust the rams to not accidentally bash a lamb. So, the gals left and we put Clover in with the boys. Clover will go into season like a regular sheep as she is a cross. Poor Octavia called for her Mom. Well, since she is now 6 months old, you'll see her again when the fence goes up when the ground thaws, when the water all disappears...

All Monday night, the rain came down. Washing away much snow and flooding many fields,interrupting satellite tv service and making a general mess of my yard. not to mention my basement as one sump pump stopped working!!...

It also rained a good part of Tuesday and it was cold. So far for an entire week,we've yet to reach the forecast high temp of the day. There's not much I can do about it but it became a concern to me yesterday when I observed Clarice at morning feed. She was not eating. In fact, she did paw in a corner,did a funny hunch thing and I knew then it was early stages of labor. I checked on her a few times in the morning but it seemed to stress her out. I then decided, she probably did not need my assistance.

After lunch and time to give the sheep their grain, I met Clarice's twins, a ram and a ewe. The boy was dryer so I figure he was born first.

Ewe on left, ram on right. The band across his forehead is a cream brown and they are both a deep chocolate color.

Now that I have put them in a "jug", I decided to use a heat lamp as the overnight temp did drop below freezing.I aim for success/survival. The lambs were ok this am, so now I have decided on names. Beatrix and Bertram. I thought it fitting to name the ewe after Beatrix Potter as she was a sheep breeder herself:  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrix-potter-gallery/visitor-information/article-1356393654498/ Bertram was her brother's name.

Now we wait on Misty...

Signs of Spring...

Signs of spring are about despite freezing my ar-- off and seeing quite a bit of snow left on the ground. The weather forecast for the weekend is promising-rain and warmer temperatures. I will be pleased when there is no bloody windchill to accompany the actual temperature.

Another sign is horses shedding- no pic for that as there is too many "poopy" things on the floor. You get that picture. Yesterday,I discovered a strange cat living in my basement which explains why the dog would sniff at the door( she will not go in the basement) Also,my cats would hiss quite a bit when dining... I also have a Starling in the attic,mice in the feed bin and the worst yet, I saw a coyote across the field. Not cool. I would be naive to believe that my farm,as little as it may be would be untouched by that part of nature. So,fences a most definite item on my Spring list of very important items to secure. Putting it all in, now that's another headache for another day.

Still no lambs- I think my ewes are smarter than anyone else's. They are waiting for cleaner bedding and warmer days. Yah, that's it!! Meanwhile,I still have nice wool for sale!!

I fell sorry for those Easterners that must endure another blast of winter.. I'm sure everyone is wondering "Will it ever end ?"

So for now, I will be knitting- getting ready to add to my inventory for the Kemptville Farmer's market- I will be a vendor there this year. I hope to see some of you there!

Mid March Morning

I just spent an hour shoveling horse poop. I see no need in posting photos about that. It is a warm day so I am taking advantage of the fact that not"all" the poop is frozen, but there certainly is a layer below that is. The wheel on my wheel barrow is flat. We can't find the puncture. Last Saturday, we spent some time at the neighbors replacing tubes, valves, using the air compressor to fill and then soaped it with soap you use to clean milking equipment(-yup-dairy farm neighbors) and still there is a mysterious leak. So, lots of poop. Lots of dirty bedding also that I need to get out;sadly I must buy a new tire -_-.

Prior to shoveling,I made my way out to Vernon to meet with two people. I decide to abstain from the bird auction because honestly, I have very little funds this week,and a new tire to buy. I did meet with these folks to purchase a dozen Ameracauna eggs(blue/green) and 5 blue laced Wyandottes. As much as I like hatching my own, the ladies aren't laying as they should and new genes are welcome. So, tomorrow the eggs will be put in the incubator. The Farmer's Almanac states tomorrow as a good date for setting eggs. Cool!

I've decided that some of the roosters I have will be sent to the South Mountain auction next month. I am now officially launching myself wholeheartedly into farming. Yes folks, in desperation I applied to Tim Horton's (popular doughnut and coffee store for the American followers who don't know)and guess what? I did not get the job. For a fleeting moment, I was not sure whether to be disappointed or relieved.

So stay tuned for more farm antics.I'm considering purchasing a milking goat in order for me to legally sell my goat's milk soap. No, not mid-life crisis. After all how many of crises can you have??

A Knitting Lesson

Yesterday, I spent an afternoon teaching a good friend to knit! She desperately wanted to knit the "Penguin jumpers" that were seen on the news and on Facebook. However, as creative and craft oriented as she was, she had never learned to knit.

So Jen came over for a one-on-one session. she's a quick learner even with some wine ! I firmly believe that if one has a gift, skill, ability whatever you want to call it, that at some time it is good to give back to society with that gift for free. It won't kill you and it doesn't take away too much of your income. It's almost like a social obligation...

This is the back of the penguin jumper. The front is constructed the same way. I used Briggs and Little Sport weight with which I had experimented some hand painting !

It was great fun and no tears were shed. It made me realize that no matter how low or down things may seem, you can always find something or some way to give back! I may just hang a shingle for private lessons! This proves once again that knitting is a wonderful thing!

Aching For Acres

I suffer from an interminable case of acre envy. I am limited with just under 5 acres of property wherein my house and 2 outbuildings are located. Also, the in-ground pool which I do call the "cement pond" as there was once a turtle swimming in there, occupies some prime real estate. This leaves me pondering if I should sell off the horses? Lease some land from the neighbours? Buy land from neighbours? Sell my house and move to more acres? Because, I would like to farm bigger.

That being said, I believe that there is a market for my lovely wool and would like to expand. However, 5 acres makes rotational grazing very important and must be adhered to in order to get the maximum use of every little piece of land. My sheep currently reside in the barn as my fencing is not secure and there is no pasture-all snow. Another expense for the spring... I currently have 9 ewes. If they were bred this Fall, imagine the population boom! Now, imagine feeding them all. I don't have the capability to produce my own hay...If the sheep could graze on pasture, it's less expensive.

So, the most likely is sell the horses. Which, takes time, which is tricky because one is my son's and because I am emotionally attached to the hay burners. If I moved, I want this house on more acres. Perhaps I should just ask the neighbours when they plan to retire, how much they want for the piece of land next to my house...and then watch me pull a rabbit out of my a_ _se, because that's what it's going to take to make it happen. Kind of like what I did in order to get this house. So, yes, anything is possible if you are determined enough to follow through.

By the way, in a fit of desperation, last week I applied to Tim Horton's. Oh, yes, I did. And guess what, they haven't called for an interview either. If I did not have such evidence to back it up, I would come to the conclusion that I was meant to be my own boss, my own farming boss... Ponder that!

Chesterville Spin-In

On Wednesday I attended a Spin-In for the very first time. It was their 15th anniversary of such a gathering and the theme this year was All Things Shetland. So, I attended as a vendor. I sold a bit of roving but met all kinds of helpful people. Spinners were spinning with all kinds of beautiful things some good quality, some just because it was given to them. If you had questions, they had the answers and were very willing to share them with you.

Of course there were the folks I already knew which is comforting when attending a new "venue". Of course I never thought to take photos as I always seem to become overwhelmed in these places: so much to see, feel, hear...I would love to attend Rhinebeck but I could see myself freeze, like a deer caught in the headlights just taking a glimpse at all the items etc...

After speaking with a few attendees, I may be setting up shop at a Farmer's Market end of summer-fall.It will take that long to get this year's product back. I also saw a demonstration of a blending board...Pretty simple and effective.I may invest in one of those.

Still no lambs and I'm glad as it has been cold. Today's weather is much warmer but...snow, lots of it and blowing. School buses are cancelled and my walkway is covered by drifts...I'm supposed to do some bookkeeping for someone today but it will have to wait as there is also no car available. The ewes are not bagged up yet, although they are lounging more and biting at their sides because there is movement in there. Maybe for my birthday? But no Valentine's day babies.

Now, I think I will continue knitting a double knit mitt, pattern provided by a spinner I met on Wednesday. Reversible and 2 layers of warmth. If I ever finish the pair, I'm already prepping for next winter!