Friday

I think, if people don't mind, I'm going to skip the TGIF post this week.  

This week has just been nuts.  Actually the past 2 weeks since coming back from Madison has been nuts.  I cannot stop thinking about work.  It's not negative, I'm not worried about if I'm doing anything right.  But there is just so much happening and I can't seem to focus on just one thing for a little bit.  Planning an increase in meat production, a purchase of a new farm, planning the infrastructure of an another farm, understanding the reorganization of Thanksgiving Farm, planning a dairy, winter projects, managing 4 people, breeding cows, breeding sheep, breeding pigs, raising chicks.  My brain might explode.  And I just can't stop thinking about any of it!  Just now I had to stop myself from researching nutrient components of milk in different breeds of cow.  I get home from work at 6:30 or 7:00, shower, then jump back into work.  It's weird having to force myself to stop.

So, there's a lot going on in my little farmer life.  And I feel great.  I feel confident.  I'm learning so much.  I was just thinking tonight how this week I just experienced experience.  That one day when I'm and old farmer, I can tell the young, spry farmer my experience of breeding a cow, or treating chicks for an unknown illness (and how it worked!)  Another weird thing - for the first time since being here I could see myself being here for a long time.  I had the 5 year plan in my head.  But today I see myself here for a longer time - 10, 15, 20 years.  I thought that maybe I'd go back to my old farm in a different position and when I was ready.  Who knows, I could.  And it's scary to think about the future in those years.  But it feels good.  

 PS: They have started the work on my new house!!  YAY!!!
   

Baby!

Geesh, things are not slowing down!  I apologize for not updating this (gee, not writing eveyday)!!

Well, Thanksgiving day we had a surprise - our jersey Gertrude had a calf!  I think I may have mentioned this last week.  Here are some cute pictures I made Lakes take of me.

 Aaawww, doesn't it look so natural for me?  I love dairy cows.  And that calf is super cute.  I'm trying to find him a brother - momma has way too much milk.











It's been pretty chilly this week, and we have had our first snow fall of the season.  It's been beautiful, and I'm surprised how I have felt a little giddy over it all.  There's nothing like the first snow.  Then comes the time where it never seems to go away.  Then I get grumpy about it. 

The Future Pasture

Whoa, things are busy.  I'm a little surprised.  It's a good kind of busy though.  I don't feel stretched and I'm not freaking out.  Yay!

Last Thursday, Thanksgiving, Lakes and I frost seeded on of pasture of 17 acres.  Frost seeding is a nice way to seed without totally tearing up the earth and reduces labor.  You spread the seed during the time of year when it freezes at night and is warm during the day.  That freezing and thawing of the ground will help push the seeds down into the earth.  We also have our breeding ewes pasturing on that piece, so their little hooves will help push it down into the ground too.  There is a risk of frost seeding now versus the spring is that the seeds could bud and die if we get a warm weather spell then freezing cold weather.  But people do it so we are testing it out and we'll see what happens in the spring!

 Red Clover seed!

 Me mixing the inoculant to add to the seed.  It helps protect the seed from bacteria etc...  You shouldn't breath it in, hence the mask.

 Adding the inoculant to the seed!

 Lakes mixing up the seeds.  All the seeds need to be coated with the inoculant.

 Spreading with broadcaster!

They were hard to find, but here's one little red clover seed.  Stay safe little seed!  See you next spring (hopefully)!

TGIF

Oh my.  So much has happened over the past week.  And I haven't even been able to debrief about the Biodynamics Conference!  

How Am I Trusting?

The little things in life.  Today I got home from work at noon and just starting picking up my house.  I changed my room around, ran errands in town, found a yarn store!  (That's a bad thing).  The weather was beautiful and I got to enjoy it with a 3 mile run.  What I always feel during those little things I can always trust. 


 How Am Grateful?

I am grateful for everyone in NY who has helped me make this my home.  Yesterday we all got together and had a Farmers' Thanksgiving.  It was great to be all together.  And I made sweet potato biscuits and eggnog.  Though the eggnog didn't come out to great - a little too thick.  But the biscuits came out awesome.  

Then, we went over to Chatty's house for a 2nd dinner.  That (surprisingly) was really, really enjoyable.  Mrs. Chatty is a wonderful, funny woman and she put on an amazing meal.  It was so nice and relaxing.  I had fun.
 

How Am I Inspired?

Cows!  Last night, Gertrude the Jersey (our only cow) had a calf.  SURPRISE!  Of course  it was never written down, and I am pretty ashamed that I never even noticed that she was bagging up.  Please, don't hold it think less of me.  

I decided that I either 1) had an answered wish of wanting a dairy cow or 2) that someone heard me tell my boss yesterday, "I get to sleep in tomorrow!"  After some running around this morning, trying to get equipment together and scare of having to milk a Jersey out by hand, I was able to milk a cow for the first time since June 29th, where I finally pulled off my "Dress Up Milking" (heals, dress, and all).  It brought a smile to my face.  I want to run a dairy farm.  

 How Am I Practicing My Faith?

I'll be honest - I haven't been good about meditating or working out since I was gone to Madison.  I think this week I've been putting my faith into work.  Trying to organize for the winter and plan for the future.  Putting my energy into work (which is something I can change and work at) allows me to have faith in other areas in my life - like relationships ::eyes rolling::   

Ingenuity At It's Best!!

I know it's been a little bit!  But I'm back in NY feeling really refreshed and ready to go!  Woo!

Chatty has been a great person at the farm.  Yes, he has pretty limited experience with animals (hence his tendency to get really loud around the cows so they kick him or not knowing how to move sheep so they run down the street), he is pretty handy.  While I was gone to Madison, he made the coolest thing ever:

It's a rack to hold our moveable fencing!

I know, it doesn't seem like it's that big of a deal.  But 1) it's organizing the 30 rolls that are 50 feet long each into something more manageable and 2) you can move the whole rack!  So in the summer time we can put them near gates where we'll set up the fence for the sheep or chickens, and just grab and go.  And also put back and go.  It's perfect!

I love simple, yet so handy ideas.  They make me oh so happy.
 

Madison

I'm in the Cheese Capital of the World, Wisconsin.  I'm here for the 2012 Biodynamic Conference.  It's definitely interesting, and when I get a little more time to write about it, I will.  But tonight I just feel really excited.  This has been such a great escape, such a needed break.  And I feel very excited and motivated about my job again.  Not that I really lost that motivation, but I sure was pretty tired.  It feels good to be around all these people who are so excited about what they are doing and what direction they want to go in, what direction they want the world to go in.  It's wonderful.

I'm also so excited to start working on plans for a dairy farm.  That is going to be one of my winter projects, along with organizing the rest of the farm.  Winter is going to be a very pleasant (and probably shorter than I'd like) time of year.

More to come!!

Breath

I did that a lot today - just breathed.  I'm pretty exhausted.  But I did have a nice conversation with my boss, and hopefully after I get back from Wisconsin I'll have a two day weekend - like a normal person!  Woo woo!

But enjoy these beautiful pictures - moments like these get me out of my head.

The sunrise was beautiful in Lookout Pasture.

 Could the lighting be any more perfect?

 I love this heifer so much.  I think I might name her Lorelei.  Thoughts?

Trial Run

Friday we started the trial run of our new pig housing.  I found the idea online, and hopefully it'll help us watch each individual pig, easier loading because the pigs are in a confined space, which also allows the pigs to get use to us humans.  And hopefully next year I'll work something out with my boss where the pigs can root around in plots after they harvest sweet potatoes (for example).  And then they'll fertilize!  We just have to move it every few days around the field.  Obviously in the winter it'll freeze to the ground, but we'll have it facing south down a little slope to help with drainage.  

See the pics!

 The front part is bolted on, and a rope is attached to the back of the housing.  Then we'll just pull it back when it's ready to be moved.  I figure it can hold about 5 pigs at a time. 

Ma Cusine Numéro Deux

Peanut-Cranberry-Chocolate Bars

This recipe is so easy!  Dark chocolate, dried cranberries, topped with peanuts.  Just melt the chocolate, stir in the dried cranberries, spread it on a cookie sheet, top it with peanuts, and put it in the fridge for 20ish minutes.  Now you have a delicious, healthy snack.

TGIF

                                                                                   How Am I Trusting?

This week I'm trusting farming.  I suppose I should, as it is my living right now.  No matter how I'm feeling the animals still need me.  The beef cows definitely are my dairy cows, but I still feel and trust that connection I have with the cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens.

How Am I Grateful?

I'm so grateful for my family.  Tonight I talked to my big brother for the first time since I think I moved to NY.  Really, really talked to him.  Growing up my bro was my rock.  With him living in Hawaii we haven't had much time to connect, especially when he became Commander of his unit - an honor, but SO MUCH WORK.  But next week his stint as Commander will be up and he'll have more time.  But he called me tonight and I'm so happy right now.  And even better news, is that he, his wife, and my two nephews will be moving to the Main Land again.  Texas, but it's only 29 hours away!  

How Am I Inspired?

I'm inspired by cooking!  I've really dived into it, especially lately.  I enjoy reading recipes, understanding exactly what I'm eating and how it's processes through my body.  Plus I've been finding it really meditative.     

How Am I Practicing Faith?

I think the same as usual this week - that I'm exactly where I'm suppose to be, putting my energy into the moment that I'm in now, instead of thinking of the past or the future or how my life would be better if I only had "x".  I'm getting tired and a little beaten, but I also feel that something is going to give soon.

 

I've been feeling a little home sick lately.  Home sick for MA.  Home sick for VT.  I miss having a social life, I miss my friends.  I miss being in an area where things happen.  It's funny.  I left my old job because I did not feel supported to grow professionally.  Now I have a job where I don't feel supported personally.  That's a little strong, but I'm frustrated with my housing situation (aka not being able to have Bravo), and anxious for having 2 days off a week so I can create a social support system for myself (aka friends).  It's hard being young and single and trying to make yourself - I want to grow professionally, but I also want to grow socially.  Right now I feel like I can't have both...

But today was a good day at work, because I was reminded how important it is to me to be stronger in my field.  First I had to write a report about how much hay we need for the winter.  I feel like it's probably something I should have known how to do but I never had the opportunity.  With the help of Cornell Extension and the old herdsperson, I was able to figure it out.  And we need a lot of hay this winter...

The second thing today that reminded me why I came here, was a study group that started today that'll be held weekly throughout the winter.  It's on biodynamics, which I have no idea about.  Biodynamics was created by Rudolf Steiner, and said to be a "spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition." (Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association) The goal with biodynamics is to make a sustainable, balanced farm system not just on the farm itself, but the environment around the farm.  You use the diversified environment that surrounds your farm to your advantage, and you also work to help preserve it.  It was great to sit with my team and have an open discussion about it.  And I'm learning something new!  Next week I'm being sent to a conference in Madison about it.  PUMPED!

So I am grateful, and it was nice to be reminded today that I am where I'm suppose to be right now.  And I know things will come together, sooner or later.  

 

Aching

Winter is here.  It was 25 degrees this morning when I went to work.  Why do I live in the Northeast again?  Every year seems harder and harder.  But I am slowly moving south - VT to MA to NY.  Maybe I'll just make a leap and head to the Carolinas.  

Today I spent about 3 hours bent over shearing sheep hooves.  I'm pretty sore, but most of it probably has to do with P90X...  

We picked out 70 ewes for our new breeding stock.  Woo woo!  Now, don't ask me what kind of sheep we have.  There are so many types in our herd - Romneys, Suffolks, Texels, Tunis.  I'm sure there are others but I wouldn't know them.  This is my first time really working with sheep, and I am starting to really enjoy them.  Learning a new animal has been very exciting.  

When we picked the 70 sheep, we looked at weight - are they over or underweight?  How is their top line - does her back bow in one way or another?  Does she stand square?  How are her hips? Is she short or tall? What do her feet look like?  When I came to Thanksgiving Farm (that is they name of the farm I work on, I don't think I have said it yet), there was absolutely no information on the sheep.  So since we don't have any records, specifically lambing records, we are starting from stratch.  Which is always a good thing I believe!  It's exciting!  With the help of Lakes, we are creating a whole new herd.  We will have a lot of first time ewes in this group, so I am a little nervous.  Starting in April it's going to be a few weeks of long nights...

I'm really excited about the sheep operation, and making it a more sustainable, efficient system.  I bought a marker to put on our Dorper Ram (who we have yet to name, so suggestions welcome) so we will know who he bred when resulting in the knowledge of when the ewe will be due (their gestation is about 5 months).  He's very excited to work.  Hopefully him being around the ladies for 3 hours today have gotten the ladies ovulating.  The sight and smell of the ram will increase the number of eggs the ewe ovulates.  We are also going to build jugs, which are basically pens for the ewe to lamb in.  That way we know which baby belongs to which momma, and be able to closely observe for any difficulties the mom might have.  Which is always possible because they have 2 or 3 lambs at a time.  

Well, I'm off to panic over this election.  I hope you voted today!  

Ma Cuisine Venture Numéro Un

I do not cook.  At all.  Well, I cook to survive.  But for some reason I've never really been into it.  It just seems like so much work most of the time.  And the dishes!  I can't handle one bowl in the sink, let alone a pile of them after making a meal.  Since I moved though, I've slowly been dabling in the art of cuisine that I make myself.

Tonight, thanks to The Monster Librarian I found this yummy recipe from another blog, which is now one of my favorite things to read ever.  a farmer in the dell has all these amazing recipes that sound so delicious and EASY.  I need easy.

Tonight's recipe: Chiplote Quinoa Sweet Potato Patties

Well, I didn't have chiplote so I used chilli powder, and I also didn't have quinoa so I used some left over brown rice.  It also has black beans which I could eat everyday of my life and be happy.  I told my mom what I was making for dinner and she thinks I'm nuts.  

Some facts about sweet potatoes:
- They are packed with fiber
- They can add to your daily need of vitamin C
- It's good for your skin!
- And since Breast Cancer Awareness Month just ended, studies show that women who ate food rich in beta-carotene decreased their chances of breast cancer.  

Here's the result!

I know, it doesn't look too pretty, they fell apart a little while cooking - more bread crumbs!  The green is a tomatillo salsa that we made on Friday night.  It's good on the patties!

If you want the recipe, check out the a farmer in the dell, the recipe was posted on November 2nd.  
 

TGIF

It's been a pretty long week, so I'm excited to be sitting on the couch right now lounging.

How Am I Trusting?

I just want my cat!  But I can only have my cat when I move into my new house.  I'm starting to really loose my patience.  I had a conversation with my boss about it yesterday.  I've said all that I can right now, and he was able to make some moves for me during our conversation, such as flag down the CEO and ask him what the F$*% (that's my word, not his) is going on.  It's just disappointing because I was told I could have my Bravo after a month and next week will start my 5th month here.  So, I'm trusting my boss, and more of myself, that I will have my cat sooner rather than later.

What Am I Grateful For?

This week I am grateful for friendships, old and new.  A good friend of mine came down Friday night.  It was so nice to see him.  We talked about our journey that we are on now that we both left the old farm in MA.  We came together and left together!  I'm also grateful for my new friendship with Deere.  I haven't really met very many people here yet, and connecting with Deere has been a blessing here.  

How Am I Inspired?

I'm inspired by exercise!  Ever since I stopped playing rugby this fall, I haven't really been able to really work out.  I go to the gym but feel like I'm just wasting my time messing around with weights and running on the treadmill.  Then I decided to buy P90X.  I LOVE IT.  It's only day 3 right now, but I'm so happy.  It feels good really workout again and have a plan.  I've also been really focusing on what I eat.  I'm inspired by how good I feel. 

How Am I Practicing My Faith?

I'm practicing my faith by really focusing on the present, where I am at this very moment.  I was sad last night about my cat, and all these senarios kept playing in my head about the future - that I couldn't have my cat, that I would never get a two day weekend, that I'd come home every night to a cold, empty apartment.  There is no point worrying so much about the future!  Yes, those are fears that I have but they have not come true yet.  And more than likely will not.  Putting my energy in the present moment allows me to have faith in the future.

 


 

 
 

The Case of The Missing Pigs - Part 2

The story ends at Part 2.  The pigs have been found!  They were found yesterday, and I apologize for not quickly updating the blog.  But after 2 days of probably 5 hours of sleep, I was down for the count last night.

The Boss called me at 6AM, saying he had a voicemail about the pigs.  I updated him on the situation, and we decided at 7:30 when the sun came up we'd start a search party.  Who knew where these pigs had gone!?  I also made a call into the local police department.  Talk about an awkward message, though I'm sure one they had heard before.  So before the sun came up Lakes, Peru, and I packed up 90 chickens that we had to take to be turned into soup.  I told Peru what had happened and he was in shock.  He started walking to go look for them and then I hear a whistle.  "They are here!"  I ran over, and sure enough there they were.  Only 50 feet from their pen, sleeping in a hog pile on Guya, our retired sow who just hangs out and sleeps all day.  Every morning she'll make the round to see the other pigs, but they she'll go back to her little area of trees and sleep.  

Stupid pigs!  But I know they had wandered pretty far, because the person who was working on the residential shift at one of the houses (who reported the pigs were out) said they were all the way down the road almost the main street!  So at least I wasn't losing my mind.

Now all the pigs are happy and safe in their home.  The Hurricane has come and gone but with pretty devastating results.  Today I just spent a half hour at the gas station filling my tank because we may run out of gas.  And a half hour was on the shorter end of time - some people are waiting 45 minutes or more, and lines in NYC are hours long.  

Please keep everyone in your thoughts, meditations, prayers, or however you reach out to people.