On the Road

Spring is in full bloom now and with all this glorious rain we've been having the world is so bushy and green it hurts your eyes.  My commute is long but very beautiful, especially the 15 mile leg on King's Settlement Road.  I do ten miles on the busier Route 8, a corridor coming out of Utica that goes straight to Sidney and Deposit where you can pick up Route 17 and head to New Jersey.  Once I turn on to King's Settlement I like to count the cars I pass in the 15 miles to Norwich.  Most days it's 3-4 coming in the other direction but some days it's only 1 or 2.  I have had days in the last 5 years where I've been the only one on the road.  The lovely spring weather sadly brings out the babies who are not very adept at getting themselves across the road in one piece.  I can only imagine the mother who tip-toes out, coaxing her babies along, but doesn't get them to hurry quite enough.  The horror and confusion they must experience when the baby is no more.  I've observed at least two tiny tragedies of newborn fawns in such a state.  Today I was rushing home on Route 8, just having crossed the Madison County line,  with cars behind me pushing me to go faster than the 55-60 I do.  The buggers sometimes pass me in sets of three on the straightaway by Woodchuck Hollow Farm.  I was rounding a curve and spied a small patch of brown on the yellow line.  I whizzed by then thought that's unusual.  That patch of brown wasn't squashed, it was just there, kind of fluffy.  I put on the brakes and turned around in the snowplow pull-over by the Unadilla River foot bridge.  I drove back and pulled up next to the fluffy bundle and saw two little faces, nose to nose.  To my horror I realized they were baby ground hogs who somehow were stranded in the road.  Had mama encouraged them to venture across the road with her, then couldn't get them to come all the way and gave up?  Was she watching from behind a bush?  I put the flashers on and blocked them with my SUV, opened the door and scooped them up.  They were soft as bunnies and didn't make a sound.  What to do, what to do?  I thought I should take them home, then thought better of it.  I walked over to the bank of the Unadilla and put them down in the grass.  They could drink water and eat grass.   Hopefully mama would come along and find them.  Oh, they are so cute.  So glad I stopped.

Hello Goodbye

Brian Redmond, Matt's nephew, came through for a brief visit before reporting for a summer job at a Vermont circus.  Brian is an "art handler" in Manhattan, and has just finished hanging a Picasso exhibit.  I can't imagine holding Picasso masterpieces in my hands and straightening them on the walls, like a photograph of my sheep, but that's what Brian does.  Brian is  also a chef, and decided to cook dinner for us over a wood fire in the barnyard.  It was a real treat for me to sit and watch as a handsome young male cooked dinner for me.  I wanted it to last forever.  When Brian expressed a desire to do some homesteading, I offered him a few acres here on the farm.  Amazing what a delicious hot meal can do.  Brian is as sweet and soft spoken as he is handsome.  If I could figure out how to download pictures with this lovely new camera Mia bought for me, I would show you.  Matt is driving Brian to Burlington, Vt., today while I work at home.  The weather was just too gray and drizzly for the market yesterday, which gave me a rare opportunity to linger on the farm a little while before venturing out to the Louis Gale Feed Mill.  I have several pregnant angora goats who eagerly look forward to their corn snack at night.  I love the way they sneak back in the barn to get the corn before the big fat sheep figure out what they are doing.  I toss out the corn then almost like they have radar, the sheep stampede into the barn and push the skinny goats out of the way.  Long range plans include separating the two species for better feeding arrangements.  My two little does are doing fine.  The black girl, who has cute white splashes on the black, is wild as her mother.  I have the second mom, a bit wildish herself, in a pen with her baby.  I just wasn't satisfied she was nursing properly and kept them in to make sure.  I checked her yesterday and found an impossible fecal impaction covering her cute little butt.  Took a bit of careful clipping to free her up.  A baby goat's first poo is horribly sticky and we wouldn't want flies getting at the mud pack.    I am excited about the goat babies, fathered by a nicely covered, although smallish, red buck.  The famous Velvet, AKA Monkey, is expecting soon.  I have her penned in also, in hopes that I am around when she gives birth so I can save the second twin.  She has, for three years in a row, favored one twin over the other - just her mother did with her.  Fifteen more days of work and I will be in a much better position to prevent that from happening.  In the meantime, the Bouckville Sheep Festival - that's what I call it as the name CNY Fiber Artists and Producers is a terrible name - is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, from 10-5 on route 20.  The Fabulous Kimmie Cornerstone is travelling from the wilds of the Canadian outback to teach drop spindling and be my booth neighbor.  A great time will be had for all, wallowing in wool, mohair and llama fiber and all things practical and frivolous we can do with it.  Can't wait...

Chickie Babies

I found two tiny chicks the day before yesterday.  One was on the porch and the other in the driveway.  I know this newborn chick didn't hop up the steps to the porch.  I figure a cat carried it up for a reason only known to the cat - perhaps a snack for later?  I rescued the little ones and snooped around for the mother hen.  A hen will hatch as many chicks as she can in the nest, then take them out to teach them how to survive.  I suspect these unfortunate babies hatched after mom and siblings left town.  Hens are very mobile and travel all over the farm in search of food and water.  The brave little chicklings try their best to keep up with her.  It's pitiful to see them trying to climb over a step or a rock, as big as a mountain to them.  I knew I didn't have much of a chance of finding the right mom, but I tried.  I finally settled on a hen who had tucked her babies under her among the bales in the hay mow, ready for darkness to descend.  At the least bit of perceived night-time, chickens either roost up high if they are childless, or hide the brood somewhere safe.  I offered the two chirping babies to the mom, who immediately tried to peck at me.  I was relieved to see she didn't peck at the chicks, tiny wisps of feathers who burrowed under the warm mother.  I could sense their satisfaction at finding a home.  A day went by and I thought I better climb up the ladder and check on what's going on up there.  Sadly, the mother hen had left the hay cave with her own chicks and the newborns were still there, chilled and scared.  I put them in the "Cradle of Civilization"  to warm them up.  I was warm and sweaty, a perfect oven for the babies.  It was kind of fun to carry them around as I did my chores, made soap, cooked dinner and spun wool yesterday.  They peeped to each other all day long.   I gave them water and a little feed to scratch, but noticed they didn't eat or drink much.  There is nothing like a species-specific mom to teach you what you need to know.   I was afraid to go to sleep with chicks in my bra, as I would surely roll over and smother them, so I made a little bed in a box on the kitchen counter.  The little angels didn't make it through the night.  Okay, I tried.  I always berate myself with things like, why didn't I set up a light bulb (but it was hot in the kitchen) or why didn't I search longer and harder for the right mom (she was probably busy with the chicks she had already).  Every life is precious.  It's an awesome responsibility to care for all these little souls.  In the meantime, there are chickens sitting on eggs in the most unusual places.  I do try to pull eggs on a daily places, in all the hiding spots I am aware of.  The clever girls know my habits, and use the barn clutter to defy me. 

Spinning My Life Away

A holiday weekend hardly brings any change in activity around here.  There are always chores to be done and animals to take care of.  We worked the Hamilton market on Saturday, which is an all-day deal.  I had a great time, although three of my vendor friends who I look forward to seeing didn't come.  My new booth neighbor has not been there in two weeks.  There are too many upscale vendors at this market, with double the number of food outfits, cooking and grilling away, with hardly a hungry person in line.   I counted three new potters, all with fabulous wares, including one who brings her wheel to throw clay while people watch.   I'm enjoying the party now before they give up and drop out, one by one, and before the temps become so high that the only market patrons are the locals who come at the crack of dawn to get a few veggies.  I will be there anyway, with my fan plugged into the lamp.  The market is my summer job and I'm one of the die-hards.  As long as Matt is willing to help me set up and take down I'll go.  With no family around and no one to put on a party for on a holiday weekend like this, I like having somewhere festive to go and socialize.  I always thought Memorial Day should be a solemn day, when one pauses and reflects on the meaning of the day, rather than mattress and furniture sales... but the sacrifice of those who served their country enables we civilians to enjoy all those freedoms, however frivolous.  I enjoyed the freedom to sit at my spinning wheel and spin up some lovely teal yarn.  I made Clary Sage and Lavender soap with the lovely oil that is said to regulate a woman's hormones.  Don't know about that but it sure smells good and my hormones are on rather an even keel these days anyway.  Back to work tomorrow, and the countdown to June 22 when I will not have to make that trip to Norwich every day.  I won't miss it.  I'm hoping Hannah and Luke come for a visit, perhaps while Annie and Eric make the move to the new BSA position at the Pine Tree Council in Portland, Maine.  The family is in Disney World now, although I am afraid they might be rained on with Tropical Storm Beryl moving up the coast.  On deck for today besides barn and critter chores - Lemongrass soap, and a couple of Bundaflicka totes.  We might hit 90 today.  Maybe a dip in the pond?  We'll see.

Splendor in the Grass

My sheep are loving the lush, green grass.  They came through the winter fat and happy on Jim Postma's hay.  An unusual windfall crop of my own apples in the fall gave them a nice layer of fat before the fields went brown.  I adore my black sheep, but white wool dyed lovely colors sells much better.  I plan on putting coats on my black sheep to take care of those luscious black fleeces for sale to hand spinners, who seem to like black wool.  The sheep don't know what color their wool is.  They just want peace, quiet, and splendor in the grass.

My New Obsession

I've counted three hummingbirds so far this season...a mature male, a mature female, and one fledgling I think.  I take my binoculars outside after I come home from work and sit near the feeder.  They don't seem to mind me and the dogs, cats and sheep hanging around.  That must be some terrific nectar as the little dive bombers are constantly sipping.  I have to read up on how often to change the nectar.  I was an avid bird watcher for many years in NJ, but, surprisingly, only remember seeing one hummingbird.  Central New York is a hummingbird paradise.  Lucky me.

All Bound Up

Strings from feed sacks and baling twine are a real problem around the barn.  They must be picked up and properly disposed of or they cause problems.  This little hen was sitting in the barn in an awkward place by the milk room door.  I thought she might have chicks under her for the night and left her alone.  Knut came along and she moved over a little and I saw no beaks peaking out from under the warmth.  I decided to pick her up and check her out and look what I found.  This poor chicken was hobbled by string that was wrapped around both her legs and holding them together.  One leg was really altered by the string that had been on there for some time.  I held her while Matt carefully cut the string off.  It will take her some time to get her chicken legs back, but I think she will be fine.  In the meantime I continue my vigil of picking up and string or twine I see around the farm.

Hay Mow Mommies

I've had two hens hatch clutches of chicks in the last few days, and two more are holed up in the upper hay mow, sitting on eggs.  One mom must have twenty eggs under her.  The mound of hay bales make great cubicles for broody hens.  They are blissfully undisturbed by dogs up there, and the hay mow kitties seem to have made a truce with them.  The new moms marching around with tiny dots of feathers following them are proof of that.  I think the ample amount of feed I put up there every night, climbing the ladder with a slippery bucket of delicious slop, helps keep the cats from eating the chicks.  Free range chickens are great for eating flies around the barn.  Unfortunately just as many roosters hatch as hens, and they are a real nuisance.  You can't have the yin without the yang I reckon.  In the meantime, we are enjoying green fields and blue skies.  The sheep are fat and happy.  What's a few more chickens to feed over the winter?

Heaven's Gates

When I was attending Mia's UMDNJ graduation Daryl and the kids not only took care of my critters - they went to work in the barn building these fabulous gates.  I had a wire panels for "poor white gates" with twisted wire and baling twine holding them closed.  They were very awkward at shearing time or when I had to get in to where the sheep were.  I usually just climbed over the fence rather than undo the gates.  Now I have sturdy gates framed with wood with real hinges and latches.  I had a feeling Daryl would do something in the barn as he likes to keep busy and has fixed up the barn before.  It was a real jolt when I went out there and saw the gates.  Daryl set the kids to mucking out the pathways through to the milk room and out Thor's door, too.  It takes a LOT of shoveling and raking to do it by hand, then huffing and puffing the heavy wheelbarrow out the door.  I really appreciate the love and devotion Daryl, Kim and kids have shown to my farm over the years. 

Little Firecracker

My little friend, the Firecracker (because of her sparkly personality), came to visit me at the Hamilton Farmer's Market last Saturday.  She expressed a desire to try my Robin wheel.  We gave it a go for a while, then the little Firecracker decided to cruise around the park and check everything out.  Her mommy, also named Robin, and I work at BOCES.  We worked together for years and were thoroughly bonded, but the powers that be decreed that we must part.   We only see each other for a wave in the hall once in a while.  Gotta deal but it ain't easy.  In the meantime I get a lovely visit at the market from Robin and her little Firecracker.

There She Is!

Mia was crowned America's newest University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey  Master of Science in Nursing yesterday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark with all honors and privileges that go along with it.  We are very proud of our Nurse Practitioner Mia, who will undoubtedley take even better care of us than she already does.  May all her dreams come true!

Mia's Celebration

We're on our way out the door to New Jersey and Mia's graduation from UMDNJ at the NJPAC in Newark.  We'll stay in Milford on the Delaware tonight and have dinner at Casa Del Sol, my favorite Mexican restaurant.  Tomorrow we'll have lunch with Mia and AJ at the Spanish Tavern in the Ironbound section of Newark.  I'm so proud of my baby girl earning her Master of Science in Nursing along with a Nurse Practitioner certification.  My trip to NJ would not be possible without the help of my Canadian angels - the Parkinsons, who have arrived to mind the farm while I'm gone.  We have good weather and it's all systems go - very excited to be visiting my home state and watching Mia get her degree.

More Toys

The Wild Irish Boy has more toys to play with.  Yes, I'm jealous.  Here he is with his brand spanky new Weatherization trailer filled with lots of gadgets designed to save energy and keep people warm in New York State.  A matching new church van will pull the new toy box around for teaching purposes.

Too Much Fun

The annual Special Education Roller Skating Party was just so much fun.  The hour ride to Interskate 88 in Oneonta was uneventful and the countryside was bursting with springtime.  I was determined to learn how to roller skate and was I ever glad I put the skates on.    After I got the hang of it with the help of students and staff, they had to pull me off the floor to go back to school.  I want to bring Hannah and Luke to this rink when they come this summer.

Today is the annual Special Ed. Dept. roller skating party at Interskate 88 near Oneonta and I am bringing my class.  Yes, I aspire to Sainthood.  The last two years my class was "not invited."  Yes, I have a challenging class.   I can legally drive the youngin's as I have been fully vetted and investigated by the powers that be.  It's a good thing I can drive my own van.  That way I can bring them back to school if they misbehave at the roller rink.  Will they come willingly?  Doesn't matter as I will have my big, strong aides with me for back up.  I have the best muscle in the whole BOCES system (38 schools in NY State).  I am keeping an open mind about the day ahead of me.  I just might come home and jump in the pond.  Five more weeks of school and I can stay home with my sheep.  Hanging on to that lovely vision...

Sail Away

Spring time in upstate New York means getting into and onto the water.  We are surrounded by rivers, ponds, lakes, creeks, waterfalls and swamps.  When the temps hit the eighties this weekend I will be tempted to get in my pond, no doubt.  Perhaps Saturday after the Hamilton market.  This neighbor of mine decided not to wait to get on the water.  On this gloriously beautiful, sunny, breezy day I couldn't blame him.

Lovely and Damp

With all the recent rain the grass is green and lush.  The sheep and goats come in with bulging bellies (but still ask for cracked corn).  I peeked out the barn door and saw the first hummingbird of the season, hovering at the feeder.  I blinked and it was gone.  Mia and I bought a feeder last weekend, then I found last year's in the cupboard.  I put one farther out in the barnyard to attract them and one closer to the barn where I can see them better.  I think they are little miracles and was thrilled when I learned upstate New York is hummingbird heaven.  Finally cut up all those bundles of rhubarb I picked up from the end of the lady's farm lane on King's Settlement Road.  I paid a small fortune for some fresh strawberries at the little market in New Berlin.  I would save a lot of money if I went to Price Chopper in Norwich, but it requires crossing town in the opposite direction of where I need to go.  Proximity means everything to me as I am always rushing home to the animals.  Not so much the sheep, as they lounge around until I let them out to graze, but the doggies who are listening to every noise for my truck.  After chores I collected the armful of rhubarb, washed and cut it up with the strawberries to simmer for a while.  What a delicious brew that is, especially over ice cream, and I'm afraid I overindulged.  I wanted to preserve the rhubarb but was too tired to collect and boil all the jars tonight.  Will freeze it instead for canning later.   Have to remember to go out and lock up the sheep and take the doggies with me for one last pee.  The stars are lovely tonight, with several little planets glowing orange.  Several days of pleasant weather are ahead.  It was 58 F. in the barn when I was working out there.  Perfect for me.  I love this cool weather, but am aware that the blistering hot days are required for bringing in hay.   I must remember to turn the water heater back on in the milk room.    I can't run the clothes dryer and have the water heater on at the same time.  Funky old electric.  Wouldn't do to have a cold bath in the morning, although it's happened many times.  Good night.

Big News

No Facebook at work and had to wait all day.  Called Mia and Matt before I went into the 15 mile dead zone to hopefully find out if Eric got the job.  Tried again under the traffic light in New Berlin, the only blip of reception before going into another ten mile dead zone.  No answer.  Came in range of the Brookfield tower and got a call from Matt - Eric is now the Scout Executive of the Portland Maine Council, a choice position he was after.  Now Eric and Annie pack up Hannah and Luke for the move to Maine next month.  Eric has wanted his own Boy Scout council for a long time, and now he's got it, after many years of dedication and hard work.  I know Annie helped push the committee over the edge, with her own service to the BSA and all the grant writing she's done for them as a consultant.  I won't get to visit the Dallas Palace this summer as planned.  That's okay - I'm going to love whale watching with Hannah and Luke out of Portland. The family moved from Louisville, Ky., where the kids were born, to Las Vegas, then San Jose, then Dallas, and now Portland, in the service of the BSA.  I suspect Eric will stay here until he retires.  Not a bad place to retire.

Farm Aid

My cabinets and stove are finally enclosed in a pine bead-board wall.  Matt did a fantastic job.  There is a counter board on top and an extra outlet on the inner wall.  It took him two whole days to do it and makes a big difference in my kitchen.  I'm very impressed with all the fine trimming.  He really does nice work. Now to keep the kitties off it until the varnish dries...

Monkey's Got Attitude

I caught Monkey (AKA Velvet) napping on Thor's bed today.  This is very unusual because Thor is very moody. Most of the sheep and goats (along with the chicken, ducks and cats) keep a safe distance from Thor.   He has been known to lash out at any critter who tries to tip-toe into the barn past him while he's lying on the bed.  Monkey enjoys special status due to her "attitude."  Nobody messes with Monkey, not even Thor.  When I put out cracked corn for the goats, they stay their distance or Monkey will whip those horns around and hit them in the face.  When Monkey decided to bed down on Thor's comfy pad, he found another place to chill.  Monkey has lovely blue eyes, and lustrous black fleece, enhancing her "status" on the farm.  She is the daughter of my legendary Celeste.