Ledge Hill Farm

August 8th 2011

2011-08-08T06:42:00.000-04:00

Good Morning from the farm. August is racing by already. Today is my oldest grandchilds birthday. Happy Birthday Damion, I hope you have an awesome 16th birthday.
By the looks of my last post which was in May, I have a new grand daughter. Lilianna Marie was born June 28,2011. She arrived at 8 minutes to 1pm. She is beautiful, dark eyes and hair, she makes my 7th granddaughter and 11th grandchild. Anthony thinks she is just the best. He cant say his (L's) yet and calls her Widdie. He loves to what he calls pet her,, he stand up next to her bassinet and say I need to pet Widdie. He is very gentle with her for the most part.

A content and relief feeling this morning as I look out the front window. Rob unloaded the winters fire wood yesterday. It is still in log length but it is here. I will start working it up soon. Waiting for the rain to gives us a little break, not that we dont need it, but I need to be able to get my haying done. If we can get a good week in we can finish the big field we are at and move back local. Getting the hay done also give a feeling of security, knowing i wont be hay hunting in March and April will be great.
The garden is growing and so are the weeds. I havent been there in over a week and need to go hopefully today. Between haying and the rain, its been a little tough, last time I had went I had Lily. Need to remember the stroller.
The farm stand is doing great, lots of veggies and craft and baked goods. Of course with the high heat the past month, baked goods have been limited. Did add a new flannel baby quilt yesterday. There are a couple new prairie bonnets now also. Surprised how great the plastic bag holders are selling, I just call them bag sleeves, to me they look like a sleeve. We have rag wreaths and soups in a jar, laundry soap. what ever veggies are ready, eggs, blueberries are froze at the house.
Hopefully today I will get the small frig set up in the barn, there will be a notice stating that where the eggs will be.
Speaking about frigs, what a month, my frig that isnt even 10 yrs old has finally just stopped, had the repair man here and he said it isnt circulation right,so the air isnt getting from the freezer to the frig. Had a friend have a extra one and was able to get it yesterday. Friends are blessings. Today I have to take the old one to the junk yard and clean up the house. Had to move furniture around to get the new one in and the old one out.
Was nice to get the deck and front and side of the deck cleaned off. Also cleared out the bushes and junk and set up the new dog kennel. Of course the dogs dont like the kennel, but it is needed so they stop running off.

Had visitors to the farm Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday a young couple stopped at farm stand and notice we had goats and got so excited. They played with the goats and even tried to milk one of them.

The weather here has been terrible humid. I can do heat, but humidity makes breathing rough.
Well I suppose I need to get busy. Need to clean the house today, do to the dump and junk yard, make more laundry soap and get the rest of the laundry done.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and get a minute to stop and enjoy your day

God Bless

Donna

May 02,2011

2011-05-02T05:37:00.000-04:00

Good Morning from the farm. its May 2nd already. It has been a very emotional few weeks here. 2 friends have died. a week apart. One sadly took his own life, which is heart breaking in its self and the 2nd died while working and happen to be the uncle to the first man. Family has had enough tragedy. The funeral and service were yesterday for Milton, he left behind 5 kids and a g/f of 21 yrs, and several grandchildren who when it all settles down will miss him terribly. My prayers go out to my friend Alice and her family. May Gods comfort find you and help you thru this terrible time.

Our snow is finally gone. babies have been born. With all the hectic in the past few weeks I forgot when I posted last. Anyways if this is a repeat, I am sorry. We have a new calf name Knickers born on the 14th.
Several of my pygmy does are due right off soon. I know Molly is due around the 22nd and the other 2 will follow shortly after. I am going to be totally amazed if she only has one, twins anyways I bet. I totally enjoy my goats, They give me a peace and calming feeling watching. Now the weather is getting warmer in the morning and the snow has finally gone, I enjoy sitting early in the morning while the first wake up and watch the prancing and twisting. My rooster have been hard at work already this morning, trying to wake everyone since before 4am. Dont think they are having good luck since they seem to be the only ones up.

Few more weeks and I will be able to put them in the pasture, the grass is finally starting to grow. Its way to wet up there right now. So today I need to find some hay. Our last round bale will be finished today. I will enjoy the warmer weather thats for sure when everyone can run around and be up in the pasture.

Guess its time for me to start my plants so they will be ready to put in the ground in 4-5 weeks. I always started to in February before and always had such funky looking plants and up here we are lucky to plant before Memorial day anyways. With the prices of everything going sky high we have to plant more and be aware of what we plant. More direct choices for the family not just things to put on the farm stand. I need to go up back and dig out alot of my 5 gallons buckets , some thing will be plants in them.

Today a lady is suppose to come and buy Andy my toggenburg wether, she is looking for a companion for her pony. Andy should fit the bill. He is getting very pushy with the pregnant does lately and needs to go some where that he will be able to be top goat. I will miss him but in a way it will be a good miss. She is also trading me Deanna for a Nigerian dwarf doe, she is in need of a milking goat and Deanna is Alpine. Makes me feel better they are going to the same farm. I need to concentrate just on my milking herd now and my little ones to sell. Main streaming the farm. No more just pets. Cant afford the grain and hay. Another way i need to just get back to basics.
The gas prices here have hit 4.00 a gallon. I dont leave the farm if I dont have to, and there better be more than one reason to leave.
The cost of things I need to buy to make living simpler is getting so expensive. I cant grow flour here and even the store brands are climbing in price I have seen a big jump in sugar and flour in less than a year.There are something we just cant grow and need to be able to buy. so every time there is a sale on baking supplies I stock up. Some days we will have our own bees and be able to do maple syrup again and that will cut our sugar cost down. Rob and I both stopped using sugar in our coffee yrs ago. Two of my kids drink coffee but its more like sugar with coffee side dressing.

I suppose I need to get busy and go out and haul some more wood in the dawn has finally arrived here on the mountain and animals will be wondering where their breakfast is also.
With rain cmong for the next 4 days i want to make sure all laundry is in, and we have some extra wood in side to take the damp chill off.
terrible, May and still burning wood for heat not just cooking. As soom as the pasture dries out i can take the goats up in the morning and start picking up alot of down trees from the winter and haul them down to burn instead of hitting the wood pile. Plus it will clean up the pasture. We went thru alot of wood this year. Hoping we will get the rest of the insulation in the walls that we are replacing and put the pine boards up that should cut down on alot of heat loss.

I pray you all have a wonderful week. trying to get back in the routine of writting in the mornings before everyone else gets up, but sometimes my body is up but my mind is still snuggling in the warm bed. LOL
Have a wonderful day

God Bless
Donna
simplefarmgirl

Another Glorious Sunday Morning

2011-04-10T07:24:00.000-04:00

Good Morning from Mt. Cardigan. What a glorious day this is. The sun is already showing its splendor and warmth. Chances of showers later but for now its great. I just enjoyed my first coffee of the day sitting on the porch. Hair a mess, flannel jammies and barefoot. What better way to enjoy a country morning with a hot coffee and kritters abound. The day its its natural beauty.
The kritters are out and about. I just enjoy watching them first thing in the morning as they wake up to a new day. The energy the kids have and how they twist and prance around. As if that chunk of wood or bucket was put right there for them to play on. Natures play ground.
The new roosters are announcing to the whole yard its time to get up sleepy heads. Stop wasting such a wonderful day. I have missed having no roosters. Am blessed to have 5 now. Its funny to hear the difference in the crowing, from the little tiny bantams just learning to crow to the big boy who struts around like this is his barn yard.
Sitting on the porch I was greeted by several different cats who had to wish a good morning to Amelia and Uma and Ralphy (who doesn't come to close but still comes with the girls), and Abby and Blackie. My heart goes out to Bobby and Onyx as their momma went to visit another farm yesterday to help with milk for a need kid. They are prancing around crying for her til something else catches their eye to go and be involved in.
Looking at Miss Abby, she needs to be milked today and what better day to start. Its nice out and it will give us time together.
Watching all the chickens just out and about this morning , love the scratching and pecking they do, looking for that special treat. Right now Bobby the little goat is trying to drink from the water tub, guess i better fill a shorter one today also the little guys are having a hard time reaching the water once it goes down a little bit, and they need all the water they can get now momma isn't here.
Can see Dot and Lucy this morning now, Dot still hasn't had her calf, my luck she will wait til it starts raining. She is showing all signs of being due any day. I am sure Lucy wont be far behind her.

More yard work to do today. More laundry to hang on the line. Opening up the house again once its a little bit warmer outside. Letting the fresh air in and kicking this cold,flu nasty bug out of this house. It was nice to have the new air yesterday. Have to get the rest of the baby gate from down by the rabbit pens to block off the doors so the goats don't come in, but the doors can be opened.
Looking out towards the goat barn I see all the goats who are in the barn are waiting for the door to be opened, surprised Andy hasn't banged it enough times to open it.
Moving rabbits outside today also. Getting as many animals outside as possible so I can clean the basement out. Good place for the bowflex to go and I can have my living room back.

Sitting here waiting for the bacon to finish defrosting making bacon and eggs for breakfast, toast and coffee. Rob is waiting for me to get done typing so he can go thru craiglist and see what wonderful special might be out there today.

I hope you get a chance to go out and enjoy the day.

God Bless
Donna
simplefarmgirl

April 6,2011---I think Spring might be coming

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-04:00

Its April 6th and I think Spring might actually make an appearance this week. Of course to look at our yard you would think we were still having winter.
So much has happened since my last post. And I am sorry for not posting more often, which I am trying to fix.
Several more animals have been born and lots more have made Ledge Hill Farm their homes. Just last weekend we went to pick up 5 more goats, 3 Nubian does and 1 sannan buck and 1 wether.Cant remember if I posted about Ralphy or not, Ralphy is our ram.Not the most friendliest, not mean, just not sociable. Added to the herd are Lilly,Annie,Naomi the does,JJ and Nibble the sannans. If things work right I am borrowing a Nubian buck this week to breed the new does with. At the same time Brownie will going to a new farm to breed another doe there.

We do have bright sun today which in its self is a Blessing. Everyone here has been so sick with this nasty flu that just wont seem to leave us alone.Hoping this weekend to open up the house and kick the flu bug to the curb.Nicholas is home today sick, and he even asked to stay home so ya know he is sick.

Next month will be exciting around here and very busy as 3 more goats should deliver all the little Pygmy are due in May and both cows are starting to fill up. Dot will be milked once she has her calf. Wont try milking Lucy, she isn't the friendlies sort, not being hand raised but raised in the pasture she will be 2 in July and only now will let me at least scratch her head. Would like to see other round of one each heifer and bull. Since Jacob will go in freezer this fall,a new bull will go in in 2 yrs..

Have new roosters now so fertile eggs can be had. Hoping some of my bantams might set on some would love to have babies instead of buying them.
Head out today to get the rest of the things I need to start my plants for the garden. I usually start them in March but our ground is still covered in snow and it will be a good month before all the frost is out of the ground if not longer.
Unless I do alot of raised beds, tilling wont happen til very late May early June.
Bought a couple blueberry bush a couple weeks ago if they dont find a bucket soon the dog and cats will have them dead.

Well I suppose the sun is out and everythign is warming up nicely, I should get busy and get off the computer. Theres always laundry and 1000's of other things that require my attention, and now that I have been sick for 3 days theres even more to do.
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day.

God Bless
Donna

A New Month- March 2011

2011-03-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

A new month has come. We are a step closer to spring. Can you hear the spring in my step and the giggle in my voice? Today the sun shone wonderfully. An amazing little boy blessed me with the wonder and amazement on how children see things. Anthony and I cleaned the big bathroom and the sun shine was brightly glaring across the bathroom floor. That little boy was glued looking the reflection of the window and sun coming thru the window., Every couple minutes he came and took me by the hand and said the sun the sun. It nice gramma, its nice . Tonight he kept taking my hand and standing just where the window reflection was saying be nice come back sun be nice. Precious. He is such a precious little boy. I totally enjoy my days with him.

The sun was beautiful today, I got alot done inside, didnt spend any time outside. Hoping to finish making napkins tomorrow, need to wash them and iron them.
Had a gentleman come today to give me a second bid on a remodel job on Nicks bathroom, lots of work to make it handicapp accessible.

Was blessed today with the gift of a ram, and a pack goat, they will arrive Thursday.
Hoping to start milking Daisy and Abby this week. Need to get a milking stand made. Since neither have been milked before it should be easier with a stand. Cant wait to learn the soap recipes,,my poor fingers are so cracked.

Tomorrow if nice I need to shovel out the wood splitter, I really was hoping Rob would of plowed it witht he bull dozer today but I guess he forgot. Pray for warm weather tomorrow, so Anthony can play outside with me while I split.

Not alot going on now waiting for Pk to pick up the girls so I can go to bed. early morning. 4am gets here way to soon sometimes.
But anyways i pray you all have a great night

God Bless
Donna

Ledge Hill Farm: Feb-- coming to a close

2011-03-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

Ledge Hill Farm: Feb-- coming to a close

www.ledgehillfarm-alexandria-nh.com

Feb-- coming to a close

2011-02-28T17:58:00.001-05:00

Thank Goodness! I dont think I could stand another February like this one. Life hasnt been dull. We have way more snow than I would of like,by the feets. Snow storm where predicted in inches and we would get a foot. Been hard on the animals, my poor pot belly pig Wilbur died on Valentines Day. I really think he knew something was wrong,he has been staying in his igloo but came and laid right next to the kennel door. I would of never gotten him out of the igloo til spring if he hadnt of.

The whole month hasnt been bad, honestly, the snow has taken its toll on me. Last week i was so sick i actually went back to bed and that never happens. Exhausted from haul and pulling and tugging on round bales all day Sunday and over did it cutting and trying to split wood on Monday. By Wednesday i was dead and could barely move. Took me 4 days to even get enough engery to get dressed. When they say 900 pound round bales will kick your butt they arent kidding and I had 35 to move. But all is taken care o. and all the animals have plenty of hay for the rest of this very long long winter.

I know its been a very long since I have written I actually have set up another web page that has the farm on it and a virtual store from things I make here and can sell. If you would like to check it out it is http://www.ledgehillfarm_alexandria_nh.com/

Shows pictures of some of the animals, products I make and sell on the farm stand.

happy news this month we found we will be adding a new baby to the family. Stop and breath I am 51 in March its not mine directly, Miss Lilly will be welcomed in the family late June early July, our 11th grandchild. My youngest daughter is expecting her first child. So I am excited to have another grand daughter this will be #7. Anthony is still keeping me busy and my pride and joy. He just turned 2 Feb11th.

We had our last baby goat born the day after on the 12th we named him Jeffrey. Hoping the next births will be calves. should be no more goats born until May. Doesnt look like the sheep are bred, kind of sad was hoping to see little curly haired babies prancing around.

Dec 23rd I did have 3 Pygmies does given to me to that was exciting.

After this past week getting over 18inches of snow, I am ready for March,mud season and spring. Looking forward to gardens,haying and just the warm gentle breezes of summer.

We have decided on adding more animals to the farm this year in hopes to not have to buy and store bought meat at all next year. between laying hens, turkeys,guinea hens and a few ducks will round out the new feathered friends. we now have 13 goats,hoping when we are done to have 6 milkers. All babies right now have been bucks, not much good for increasing the milk herd, but we will take them anyways. Still have a few rabbits not as many as before, just keeping them as pets to use in the petting farm i plan on having this year.

Today has been an easy day. Anthony and I have been sewing new napkins, i think we have 24 done right now. I have to iron them and they will be ready to go. I have made a choice not to buy any paper products other than toilet paper for a whole year. I received alot of sheets from a friend and cut and hemmed and made some pretty napkins. Going to make a table cloth out of the left over piece. I have been making lots of small laps quilts and lots of baby things lately.

I hope you all have a great weekend

Miss Daisy & her triplets

2010-11-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

triplets born 11/28/2010 Brownie the papa

Daisy the Momma

Miss Daisy gave birth today to 3 adorable little bucks. Her first birth and we have triplets.. She is an awesome momma. I feel like I have waited forever for this,, we are so excited.

Fall is over and winter has come to the farm. Not a welcome sight. We have a heavy dusting of snow which makes it slippery out side to walk. Trying to get everyone button down for the long winter mos.Tomorrow main job will be getting the chicken coop done I have been trying for mos to do this and tomorrow it will be done. I have 3 doz chickens who are laying eggs some where and in their coop is not it. Wilbur has been moved to the cow barn, he will get a fenced in pen because the cows do have to come back down. The shed will be cleaned out for the goats and sheep and Daisy will stay in hay barn with her babies until they are bigger. I know I haven't written in long time and its time to get back to doing what I love sharing about my life and farm. My animals, my children and grand children.

I have been doing alot of knitting for different fairs and events to help with extra money to pay for taxes on the farm. In this day and age every penny helps.

I hope every one has an enjoyable night I must get busy I have a pr of mittens to finish before morning. have a great night

Happy Columbus Day

2010-10-11T07:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall. The trees have adorned their fall foliage, the colors of reds,yellows, and bright orange are changing to amber, burnt red and oranges and rust. They are all still beautiful just in a rustic country fashion now. Changes on the farm as we get ready for the winter ahead. Gardens are done, berries are picked and froze until time allows me to make jams and jellies. The log pile still sits out there although it is getting smaller weekly.LOL We have started to run our wood furnace and it is just enough o take the chill off for the kids in the morning.
The horses come home next week after the vacation to another home for the summer. Miss Daisy hasnt kidded yet but she sure is getting close.
Making laundry soap today as I am finally out. Nothing better than clothes hung out to dry. Picked the last of the green tomatoes yesterday now will dig out the canning supplies to make relishes and pickles. Going to go t the Orchard and get a bushel of apples to can and dry for pies and to make jelly for the pantry. I think I have talked Rob into a root cellar finally, been a few yrs coming. And my kitchen cook stove will be moved over to the new kitchen, although I think I am going to have to get a smaller one as the kitchen is going to be smaller, new chimney has to be put up also.
I really just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing and see how your fall is going, what exciting things your getting to do. How are you preparing for winter?
So for now from the farm have a Blessed day and enjoy and few minutes and silence and take in the good around you.

Happy October

2010-10-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

Well i guess its Happy October. Sad to see the summer go with so much more to do before snow. But the color of the leaves are breath taking. Of course this rain we have gotten in 24 hrs and the wind to go with it, havent help them stay on the trees. It was beautiful tropical and humid at 7am and by 8am it was pouring rain and hasnt stop yet. The wind picks up once in awhile. Everyone is complaining their wells are dry so I guess we need the rain,, unless your a farmers who still has fields to cut and dry. Pros and Cons to both sides.
I have lots to do but no energy today the rain makes me just want to crochet or knit. Theres laundry to do and a house to clean the rain doesnt dry clothes well and the dampness makes the house smell like cats and dogs.
I have alot of sewing to do, but need to set up my sewing area again. Right now Derek has it as his room but thats ok he needs his space.
We have a wedding tomorrow with the horses and wagon.
It will be nice to have the boys home for a few minutes any ways, not sure if Rob will take them back to Sanbornton afterwards or not. i really ought to get busy before the baby wakes up. Just wanted to check in and say hello and say Happy October

Fall has arrived on the Mountain

2010-09-28T05:54:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived with wonderful colors. The bright reds,yellows and oranges are breath taking.
Although falls brings new excitement an different chores to the farm. Harvest time is a great time, The gardens have giving all they can and its time to give the left overs to the animals. Wonderful to watch the chickens peck at a ear of corn and pigs go nuts for left over vines.
Pumpkins have been gathered, green tomatoes stocked up to make relish. The berries set in the freezer waiting for a slower day to make jams. Fall sweatshirts and flannel shirts have been taken out of storage. Brisk fall night have taken the place of hot and humid ones. Sleeping with the windows open an no fans is pure joy.

The smell of the wood stove burning on rainy days take the chill off and add such a warm feeling and country smell to our home. Cant wait for the first Turkey to be cooked and the smells of country food simmering. Bring you back to the old days when families gather and people visited, neighbors helped neighbors. Apple pies, and crisp, pumpkin pie fill the air with scent of fall.
I think fall is my favorite time of yr. The time of year there is more to do than any other, still warm enough for some to go swimming, hay rides and leaf peeping are enjoyed, cook outs and gardens seem better in the fall to me.
For today errands and grain runs, splitting wood are on my list of things to do.. So I best get busy.. Enjoy your day,, take a minute and look at the beauty around you. Have a wonderful day

What a Wonderful Fall Morning

2010-09-23T05:35:00.001-04:00

What a glorious way to start fall. The windows were left open all night, to think one day last week I ran the wood stove to take the chill off. After all this is NH and if you dont like the weather wait a minute it will change. Have 6 children here this morning. and believe it my house is still quiet except for these kittens who seem to think the Kitty 500 qualifying matches start at 4am every day.
Rain circled all around me yesterday like a wagon train and Thank you very much I didnt get wet. As Anthony and I rode the tractor making more rows of hay. Today I will go turn it over again. So glad I unhooked everything,,LOL.
The smells of cooking apples will soon fill the kitchen as I have time to bake today. I have missed my kitchen home long enough to make the mess but never to clean it up.
Laundry is almost caught up but with 6 children here it doesnt only take one day of not doing it to get behind.
My Miss Hailey decided to give her gramma a scare last night and play with the guinea pig, needless to say she is allergic to them. Many thanks to her other Grammy Karen for coming to this grammas rescue with all she needed.
The 2 week old bunnies are out of the nest exploring their world with great amazement as the cover comes off the cage to feed them they run in every direction .
Miss Deanna and Miss Hailey did a wonderful job cleaning the cages last night as i finished alot of the other chores. I need to spend time in the chicken coop and do some remodeling as Mr. Brownie has decided to break my door and with winter coming its easier to do it while it is nice out.
The pigs are grown and hopefully in 6 weeks head to the butcher, we will see, they have had a slow start in growing for some reason.
Been looking for a couple bantam hens to do some setting for me so we can have our own babies instead of buying more,would like to get them started and hatched before winter so by spring they will be close to be able to lay eggs as my chickens will be 2 yrs old this yr and as productions goes down the new will take over and these will go into the stew pot.
Praying the weather holds all week as I would also like to hit the cow barn and get that totally cleaned out as the goats and sheep will make that their home this winter,, not sure what I am doing with Wilbur my pot bellie pig. The new barn hasnt gotten built as there is never that extra day or hrs needed to finish all the to do list.

Picked a bunch of green tomatoes yesterday and more cherry tomatoes for the farm stand , will start making relish this weekend.All my berries from the summer are in the freezer and soon will turn in to jams for winter use.

Moving the sewing room again, seems like I always end up on the loosing end of that sewing room. Nick is having the basement redone to have more of his own space and what is my sewing room now will be his bed room. Now to decide whether to set up my little house again as sewing or try to put it in my bed room, pros and cons. My little house has no heat or power so some would have to be run and the dogs couldnt get to it, In the house now warm and power but the animals can get to my stuff.. Learning toward getting the little house wired and heated I have a little wood stove i could use It would give me privacy and i could leave the house and go to work of course about 50 steps to the Little house isnt very far but it would be nice.
And its big enough to have Anthony have is play pen and toys to play while I work. So I do believe thats what I am going to aim for.
So how is your week going? i hope all your setting out to do is working in the way that best suits you.For now I need a refill on coffee and get 5 kids up for school. So have a great day in whatever you do and enjoy the beauty around you. As each day is a Blessing.

Hay season still going

2010-09-19T05:52:00.000-04:00

Well good morning strangers. i am so sorry for not posting more often as I really had hope to. The farm has been quite busy and more children have been added to our home, both of the human kind and animal kind. We have been haying as much as the weather will allow. And we have had some beautiful weather for it.
The farm has grown in numbers, I am not sure what we had the last time i had a chance to write, the chickens number has not change, the goats and sheep have, considering i didnt have sheep before,. i do know the bunnys seem to rotate in and out of here.
So let me start by introducing Amelia and Uma, they are my new Icelandic sheep, Amelia is the momma to Uma and may also be bred. The 2 newest goats are Deanna and Abby(named for my grand daughter by a grand daughter) I was informed when Daisy has hers they will be named after the other 4 grand daughters.Tried to explain I really doubt Daisy will have 4 babies, they'll take their chances.
We have had 2 success full liters of bunnies born and one has already been sold as well as a liter of guinea pigs. Wilbur the pig is still as big as ever and the meat pigs have finally put on some noticeable weight. Which is great cuz they need to be slaughter in 2 months. Daisy,Andy and Brownie the other goats are doing great. Daisy is big as a house. The cows finally went up to the top pasture and the horses are in Sanbornton soon to come home. October will be a busy month for them.
The wood for the winter has been delivered, now to cut to length and split it up. 15 cords were delivered in log length. Hoping the new wood furnace we have in the basement will cut down on the amount of wood we have to burn, one year it took 12 cords to heat our house which is only 28 x 32. But since the remodeling and new insulation things should be better.
In the past month 2 more grandchildren have come to live with us. Which is a blessing, I love having them here, trying at time where i my lifestyle is so different from their everyday life before but they grew up here for 5 years before. I wish I had enough land to give all my children a piece and keep them close.
My animal control job has picked up alot and just this week alone has kept me quite busy. 2 weeks ago I had a big dog who decided being alone wasnt for him and neither were cats,rabbits and Guinea pigs, beautiful dog but dont let a little kritter move is was dead meat, i was walking him and he went after one of my rabbit and pulled some muscles in my arm,, so lifting has been a challenge for a couple weeks, today feels better than it has in along time.
The sun has finally came up here on the mountain, Anthony has been up for 2 hours, the new kittens have all qualified for the kitty 500 several times this morning.
We will be haying again today as we start second crop finally. some of our fields dont have first done, but it will be done and used for bedding if nothing else.
Hoping this post will start a new chapter in being more organized(LOL) but with winter coming things will slow down after a bit and inside work can continue.
Cant wait to burn the wood and smell the wonderful smells of the country, apple pies, turkeys cooking always bring back the smells of home on the other side of the mountain. But from this side and today, you all have a Blessed Sunday take a minute to stop and enjoy all thats around you.

Getting back on track

2010-07-21T05:27:00.000-04:00

I am trying to get back on track, with my blog writing and being more focused on things off the computer than on. I enjoy so much reading everyone elses life i forget to work at my own. So this week i am trying to wean myself back to a hr or so in morning before everyone else is up and taking over my day and maybe a few minutes at night. Its summer time and there is more than enough to do that has nothing to do with the computer and before we know it winter will be here and i will ask myself where did summer go. My garden suffered terribly in the heat from the past 2 weeks, but the gardens that grew by them selves in the manure pile have flourished greatly. the farm stand is going slowly , alot to do on my part of being on here to much.

Its time for me to practice what i preach and truly live according to my dreams and wishes. So As of today i am concentrating on moving kritters to different pasture areas and getting the barn yard cleaned up. No more sitting here reading and wandering how everyone does everything they do. I have plenty to do, after chores and daily household chores also are done, there is always cages to clean and grass to mow, today i will also move the tractor off the church lawn since Rob doesnt seem to be able to find the time.
I am hoping to pick more berries tomorrow as of Monday the blueberry fields next door were pretty green. looking for raspberries but cant seem to find enough to pick at once time, small batches here and there will just get froze til i have enough for a batch or 2 of jam. Black berries will also be ripe soon.

but for today its moving the cows and piglets to new grazing and pens, restacking hay i know i can hear the goats in. Putting supper in a crock pot as I have a planning board meeting tonight and dont know what time Rob will be home. Laundry and rearranging my house and cleaning up my yard,mowing grass. that should fills today time.
I pray each and everyone of you have a great day and live your dreams and dont let anyone take them from you.

Been along time

2010-07-10T15:02:00.000-04:00

Been a long time since last post. Alot has happened around here. First 3 weeks ago our Hay Rake was stolen out of the field. The heat around here has been terrible and no rain to boot. My garden looks terrible more yellow than green. I have lost another 2 liters of bunnies I think heat related this time. Have had to fence up my little dogs cuz they were killing my bigger rabbits that run loose.
The extreme heat has made every one cranky this week, long hrs in the heat and working has made it so we all needed a little more sleep this morning.
We were able to find a hay rake in Maine and went and picked it up this morning. Now the fun begins. i really do love haying it is great exercise.

the berries are now out around these parts so will concentrate on what ever is ripe this week and get some for jams and stuff.

The ordeal with my teeth is finally better, I have never experiences so much extreme pain in my
life. Its bee 5 weeks now so feeling much better and can wear the tops all the time, but the bottoms still choke me and cant eat with them. Will get permanent ones in a few more month. Something i am so glad I will never have to do again.

We did have another goat given to us, now we have a pure bred Nigerian Dwarf buck named Brownie,, he isnt as friendly as the other 2 but he is coming around.

Well the rain has stopped for a few minutes i better get busy here, have alot of stuff to catch up on.
You all have a wonderful weekend, hope your getting sunshine where you need it and Rain where its needed.

Tornado Tuesday

2010-06-22T14:10:00.000-04:00

Tornado--figure of speech.. Weather is great- actually to hot. I am cleaning my house becuz it looks like a tornado went thru it and no one here knows how to just PICK UP after yourselves.
have ya ever had a day ya wish a dumpster would roll up and say free load as heavy as you like, . Today ok this month is one of them.

I cant get laundry caught up as soon as I am Almost there, it rains and Robbie wets thru blankets and sheet and i get behind. I dont have a dryer so its fair weather laundry around here. i would owe more money to the light company also and they already get enough from me.

Last night we found a very cold and lonely baby bunny on the lawn next to Wilbur the Pot belly pig. I cleaned him (thinks its a her) off, so very cold and covered in ants. stuck her in my shirt between the girls and warmed her up. Fed her a very little canned milk from an eye dropper. this morning she is still hanging in there and bought a can of kitty formula at 20.00 a can and fed her a little bit more. they dont eat only 2- 2 1/2 cc a couple times a day. I have her next to me in a micro-fleece towel inside and plastic container, she is nice and warm and sleeping .

Had to take Mr. Anthony back yesterday. breaks my heart every time I leave him. I enjoy him so much he adds such laughter and excitement to my life. His mom told me yesterday she is due again in Feb 3rd, week before Anthony will be 2. And my youngest daughter said something today she thinks she is expecting. She is 21. So no giving away all the baby furniture now. I love being gramma.

Well today is been busy, the humidity is making it hard for me to breathe, but its easier to hang up laundry in the sunshine than the rain.LOL

As soon as it cools off it will be time to start baking again, I got all the stuff today for cookies and pies. Bought a bunch of cold pak to place under everything.
Well i hear the washing machine spinning out for the last time, so i better go hang it out and reload it. You all have the best day ever.

Traveling Tuesday

2010-06-08T17:25:00.000-04:00

Ya know for someone who would rather stay home than go anywhere, I have done way to much traveling this week. Yesterday it was Franklin and visited with my sister Kelly, then off to Tilton to MB Tractor for Plow Bolts for the baler. Laconia to see my daughter, back to Sanbornton to drop off a dog house, then back to Tilton to Market basket to buy baking supplies, Boy i wish i could grow my own flour and sugar,salt.
Today Anthony and I head to the other direction (North) to Plymouth and North Haverhill and back Had to go to Black Mount Equipment to buy a smaller size Plow bolt that MB didnt have. I am tired of riding. I want to stay put and not go anywhere tomorrow other than cleaning the rental house which is only 2 miles away and still on the mountain and no stop signs between us.

I had another liter of bunnies and so far Momma is taking care of them. I have been very Blessed with Rob's boss. He has asked for our 3 cows to join our horses down to his place in Sanbornton for the season. He has so much pasture area his one horse cant keep up with it.. Blessed I tell ya just Blessed. No more buying hay for the summer.

Hoping Friday to work some more in the garden was going to Thursday but we are suppose to get rain. Other than that not much going on, same chore list daily, baking for the farm stand playing with the little pigs and goats and bunnies. Just a all around peaceful and satisfying life.

Glad for the Weekend

2010-05-29T06:29:00.000-04:00

It has been a rough week here at the farm for me. No animals were the problem this week. finally on Monday I got to go to the dentist. Talk about self inflicting your self with pain.
I now have a anew smile and still am in alot of pain. The pain is easing but earlier in the week,didnt know if I could handle it. i have a beautiful black and blue along the whole side of my left jaw. So thankful the dentist didnt slip he would of broke my nose as hard as he had to pull and twist on my good teeth. Went back Tuesday for a check up to see how i was doing.. As the week has gone on the pain has lessen, I have been taken less pain killers, I noticed they didnt kill the pain, just took the edge off. Be glad to be able to eat again. Soup and pudding are my friend. But hey its a great weight lose program. I wish people had of told me how much pain was going to be involved so i could of been a little more prepared. But in the end it will be worth it, so I am told.
We did go get our farm stand last Sunday and have been putting baked goods on it all week. Today i will make up some trail mixes and and bake some more muffins,donuts and fudge,cookies. Its a long weekend and the weather is great so the hikers will be coming by.
We got the livestock trailer home and registered so the horses will be moving to a new pasture today. Now to find a place for my cows. The logging crew is coming in , in a few weeks and clear my pastures so every one needs to find new homes for awhile.

We have to bury Charlie the ferret today. i found him in peaceful sleep this morning. He was a rescue in January so I dont know how old he is or anything. So sad, he was a good friend and playmate for the cats.

I have to hill our potatoes today, my grandson Derek and I planted them in the water tub at the end o the driveway a few weeks back , they are doing great. Will get the rest of garden space done in the next few days I am hoping.

I am hoping you all have a super great weekend, and remember those who have given all so we have our freedom.

Rough ending to an already tough week

2010-05-21T15:09:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed my first cup of coffee listening to my farm wake up. The sun was coming up and it was peaceful. Anthony and I walked around the yard saying good morning to every one. As i rounded the tractor trailer truck sitting in my yard, I notice something in the cow yard. To my horror there was a dead calf. A calf we had no idea was on the way, a adorable tiny little bull lay dead, where Dot had given birth to him. I ran back to the house telling Rob there was a dead calf in the cow pen, he thought I was totally out of my tree, Are you sure he said,,HELLO isnt my first time around the cows,, I do know a calf when i see one. YES I AM SURE. The only one that could of bred her was her own brother who in 2 yrs has never shown interest in breeding anything. And he was put in the freezer last November. What really bites is I had 2 vets here for 3 hrs looking at her 2 weeks ago trying to figure out what was wrong with her because she wouldnt get up.And they did every exam you can think of seems so they would of been able to tell she was at least 6 mos along. Nope not one word.This has been how my week has gone all week. My charming little dogs have killed 3 of my new rabbit, almost killed 2 more but i saved them and all 3 liters of new bunnies since my last post have died, the mothers chewed their legs off. Just plain gross. So my farm has been a very hectic place to be this week.
I was suppose to go to the dentist Tuesday and get my new teeth but that had to be cancelled due to court. So pray everything goes well and I get my new smile Monday. Been 15yrs coming, I just want the pain in my mouth to stop. I will probably gain 100 pounds once i can eat again. LOL.
Have I told you about Wilbur our new pot belly pig? i cant remember its been so long since I have taken a minute to catch up. He is so homely but adorable at the same time.
Tonight when Rob gets out of work we have to go pick up a new to us horse-livestock trailer, so tired of always asking to borrow one now we have one when we need it. He is in dire need of a set of stocks for shoeing the horses. Bob the horse just wont be good, Mike you could shoe him any where Bob is just the opposite,jumping and kicking he has broke thew set we have and no one seems to mill out oak any more so we can rebuild them.. We dont have a Mr. Yoder living next door to make us some. Brand new ones cost almost $700.00 down to Meaders in Rochester.The farrier comes next Wednesday, so I dont know what he is going to do. Well its 3:30 pm and I need to get the house picked up,now Anthony has totally destroyed my living room with his toys, wouldnt have it any other way.
Praying you all have a great weekend.

Damp Thursday

2010-05-06T05:53:00.000-04:00

New liter of Bunnies

Good morning from a very damp NH. I seem to have plenty of time to type this morning,my trusty sided kick spent the night at his moms. Do I miss him,,greatly and will be leaving in a few hours to go get him.

I woke this morning to the gentle sound of rain on the window panes. Rob has left for work and the house is quiet for a few more minutes as the boys dont get up til 6.

Sine i posted Tuesday we have had a liter of bunnies and they are all doing well. i need to have some one explain how to post pictures on here where they dont all end up at the top and as i write about something I can insert a picture. So if any readers could tell me how to do this i need to learn.

This after will be busy unless its raining really hard. Deanna my grand daughter has a soft ball game at Newfound at 3 and Robbie has a baseball game at 6. Robbie may just go back home with his mother, because at 6:30 I am suppose to call about picking up a pot belly pig name Wilbur from Beans and Greens in Gilford. He or she is free. It amazes me some times how some one can have a animal for yrs and really not know whether it is a boy or girl, this is the case with Wilbur. I was talking to the lady who has him and she made a comment well it might be a girl because she has nipples, ok, nipples are not gender specific. Males have them just as females, and she did not know this. So I will let you know the gender of Wilbur later. Also have checked in to 3 more goats, they are the same as Daisy, pygmey and angora. Now to have some one tell me how to take care of their hair. Those 3 are in Lempster. @ females and one wether, doing great adding to the flock ,, but not a MALE in sight or should I say in tact male.

Enjoying the sound of the rain. The hay will enjoy it also,gardens will drink it up and sprout nicely. In just 2 days the leaves have come out, everything is green and brightly color, fresh and new.

Well my boys are up and time for me to get busy and do chores now daylight has happened. Will get a bunch of house work done before getting baby back. I hope you all have a great day

Sun-tabulouse Tuesday

2010-05-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

The sun is great and bright, a good day for getting out side and feeding all those black flies that we all of a sudden have. Do these little sucker all come awake at the same time, May 1st and my house is loaded with black flies. April 30th I had none. Poor Anthony is going to have the softest skin going I keep loading him up with Skin so soft, I dont think they can bite him if they wanted to , they just sliiiiiiiiiide off. LOL
Alot to do today, baking this morning while it is cool in the house. Laundry,chores. After baking Anthony and gramma are going to make some garden spaces. Need to get some stuff planted.
We had babies yesterday, 6 new bunnies were born. So that means 3 more females will have them in the next week or so.
Not alot to talk about just checking and saying good morning to everyone.

Marvelous Monday

2010-05-03T08:08:00.000-04:00

Marvelous Monday. I actually like Monday's. i hear so many people say awh its Monday, but Mondays to me are the beginning of me being able to do what i need to do with out all the hussle and bussle of every one else being around me. Anthony and I get more gramma and Anthony time. I get to take my time and enjoy my animals more. I get to get caught up on the things I had to put off during the weekend when everyone else was here, needing my attention.
This weekend i got 5 more bunnies I think I have let me see, Blue and Big Momma, Derek's Floppy eared Momma, 3 black ones, one white lion head I named Cotton, One new female lion head, 4 satins and 2 more over in the other barn, so how many is that 14 and counting. Just think couple weeks ago I only had Blue. I need to increase my layers, would love some bantams.

Still no luck with piglets. We are on a waiting list for the end of the month.
Had to have the vet here Thursday night my big cow wasnt doing so well. Not sure what was the problem she is up and eating and drinking now, which is a very good thing.
Still looking for a buck to breed Daisy for this fall and another female for Andy, hes a wether but he still needs a friend. Hopefully the cows and can go to pasture this week or next.

Havent done much with the gardens yet as just last week we got sleet,hail, and snow, Derek, my #2 grandson and I planted potatoes in the water tub at the end of the driveway. i guess i would rather have vegies to eat than pretty flowers right now.

Wednesday is Rob and my 3rd anniversary. As he said 3 days, 3 yrs, 30 yrs its all the same,,LOL guys...
Well I suppose i should really get busy, laundry needs to get hung out since I restrung my old clothes line and have been abusing it all weekend. Today feels like rain but thats ok. They will already be wet when i hang them out.
You all have a great day

Sun shiny Thursday

2010-04-29T08:11:00.000-04:00

Well after yesterday any day is going to seem nice. Yesterday we went from rain to snow to hail,sleet freezing rain, which by the way what is the difference between sleet and freezing rain, arent they about the same.Charity and I travel to Lebanon yesterday so i could get my impressions done for my new teeth. Next week we go back for the wax impression,, kind of thought they would of done this all in the same appointment ,, hey what do i know,, I just dont want wood chuck teeth when I am done so a few extra trips work as long as my new teeth look good.
Today the sun is shining hopefully it will warm up a bunch more. Last night my 4 little bunnies decide to burrow their way out of their outside pen and get loose, which in itself isnt bad, until you figure in i have 3 little dogs who think chasing rabbits it the best thing in the world and like to show off their catch,, not a good thing for the rabbit or the dog. i have manage to catch one all ready 3 more to go. i set up a little area for them with lots of treats and the only thing eating the treats are the cats and the goats. Go figure.
So it is building rabbit cages day one day this weekend.

Still havent found any piglets ready to go, everyone will have plenty in a few weeks. But most are still asking 100.00 or more for a piglets, which is way to much.
Not doing any baking today, I guess its going to be errand day and cleaning and laundry, first need to go buy some my clothes line and hooks and add more lines to my sad clothesline i have remodeled several times and added braces and stuff just to keep it up for the amount of weight I put on it.
Still havent done anything with the garden, going to plant my summer garden here i think this coming week if weather permits. I love having things here that i can pick and use during the summer that doesnt interfere with the winter storage.To have a summer garden I better catch them bunnies or they will eat everything in sight. LOL

Going thru the meat bird catalog and going to try my hand at meat birds again this yr, but I will do the chores and care for them,, having a boy who really doesnt care one way or the other to being here ,, doesnt get your animals properly taken care of and if you dont baby sit the chores, you cant loose alot of money and animals real quick by depending on someone else.. So now i do my own chores unless a grand child is here that is really interested in learning, my stepson isnt,, he would rather play video games and do nothing at this point. He will be bored here we have no video games and no tv,, dont understand him some times,, he has tractors and animals, and land to build forts on and bikes to ride and he just isnt interested. Guess he will do alot of riding in the big truck with his father this summer.
I am looking to increase my chicken flock for layers also,, eggs sales are up and my girls cant keep up so time to add more workers to the job.
I do believe turkeys are on the list also, a few people have asked about buying a turkey in the fall so , going for 10 this yr and see how it works, maybe more next yr, if nothing else we will eat well.

Well I need to get busy while Anthony is down for his first nap. I pray you all have a safe and wonderful day

Been baking up a storm

2010-04-27T12:35:00.001-04:00

The last couple days I have been in the mood for baking,deep frying anything. yesterday I worked all day on raised doughnuts, been years and Rob requested a banana creamed filled doughnut. He got what he asked for and 3 dozen as of last night are gone after snacking and ,breakfast and lunches made today. Also i made home made cinnamon rolls, those also are all gone but a few. Creme puffs went just as fast as I could fill them. Today I have made a chocolate mayonnaise cake, still probably not what Rob wants, I have tried over 20 recipes. Some day i will find the ones that matches the Grange ladies chocolate cakes from New Hampton, that his family use to buy as a kid. More doughnuts are rising. Making biscuits today also and more cream puffs. I love to bake and it shows.

We are having rain today which is better than what they are calling for a little further north of us,, their say a foot of heavy wet snow could fall, and imagine Sunday its suppose to be in the 80's. Crazy.
I do have the furnace going, dont want Anthony to catch a chill.
I have been doing alot of crocheting trying to get a head on things for the shop, if and when it ever gets going. I am hoping for this year but its starting to look like I might have to wait for awhile. I can build a farm stand easy enough but need a building to for the fabric and bake goods.
I just read my cousins Blog,, she has 12 new baby piglets, and they are so cute,, makes me sad i didnt get to have babies this year. But I have decided to have at least 2 sows this fall and breed them so I dont go thru the terrible time having to find piglets again. this year is rough.

Well I suppose i should get bust, Anthony is down for a nap and i can do a bunch of stuff while he sleeps ,,so i can play when he wakes up. You all have a wonderful day

PIGGIES OH PIGGIES WHERE MIGHT YOU BE

2010-04-22T07:04:00.000-04:00

PIGGIES oh piggies, where might you be hiding this yr. I cant find you anywhere. I cant afford to mortgage the farm to get you either if I can find you.
Why is it when I was raising pigs, no one was looking for them. I take a yr off and no one has pigs. If you can find them people are asking such a high price for them its stupid.

I just want to feed my family not send some one on vacation by buying his piglets. I am on a quest to find 6 piglets. And after that on another to find 2 sows. I am headed back to the pigs business i guess, People cant afford the food,rent,mortgage and medicine now. How can people in their right minds charge so much when normal people are only trying to struggle and get by to put good food on the table for their families.

If any of my friends out there has piglets for sale and you dont want un-Godly prices for them let me know. Remember I am a farmer not a doctor,lawyer or any other high paying job. My farm doesnt offer insurance or health care, we are simple people doing a hard days work to provide quality food for our families.

On a brighter note, I go pick Anthony back up today, he spent the night at his mothers. I have Derek and Deanna here also. I guess Derek is headed back home this morning but Deanna is staying til tomorrow.
The sun is shining this morning I am praying it doesnt rain,, I have way to much laundry to hang out, need to add more lines to the clothes line to start with today.
I need to go pick up a load of bread also when I pick up Anthony. Tonight we have Old Home Day meeting I am in charge of the tractor show and petting farm,, need more animals to pet.

Well my day is wasting away sitting here so I need to get the lead out and get busy. You all have a super wonderful day