In the Pasture

The Month Is Almost Over!?!

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:38:00 +0000

The oldest ram twins (about three weeks old)

This is one month where I keep looking at the calendar and thinking, "how did we get to the end already?" Granted we had a lot going on this month from baby plans that involved a visit to the hospital, to the baby shower, to setting up the nursery, and so on.

Then there are the lambs in the barn. The three sets of twins that arrived at the beginning of the month are all healthy and growing quickly! We had one more lamb arrive last week. A single ram lamb born from a first time mom. Both are doing well.

The newest ram lamb (three days old)

The same day he was born, we lost a ewe. She prolapsed and was not able to pull through as she was in too much pain. We lost her lamb, too. It's always sad when one losses an animal.

We are still waiting on several ewes to lamb, and hoping they all do well.

The days keep quickly passing by, and like I said at the beginning of this post, I am still in shock that we are at the end of the month. Where does that time go?

Next month will be busy, too, with early planting and plowing, and more lambs arriving. It is a never ending cycle, but it sure beats being bored!

Early Signs of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:53:00 +0000

I always look forward to the early signs of spring. The daffodils starting to bud, the early tulips poking out of the ground, and the grass slowly getting greener.

Other signs of spring are the lambs which arrived quickly this year, and are now slowing down. We have a ewe who should lamb any day (or week) now. The rest of our younger ewes, who will be first time mothers, look like they will be lambing at the end of the month or sometime in April. It is hard to say, but they are definitely pregnant.

It is looking like a good lambing year for us. We now have two sets of ram twins and a set of ewe twins. This will be our first ewes from this ram, who I was beginning to think would not produce a ewe.

Other than the lambs and flowers, spring is not arriving quickly enough weather wise. We did get a glimpse of warmer weather this past weekend, but are back in the thirties with snow flurries today. I guess it still is too early for warm weather to stay. I cannot wait to put the winter clothes away until next season!

Off to a Good Start

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Saturday marked the first day of the new arrivals at the farm, our first lambs, a healthy set of twin rams!

The first born twin about 12 hours old.

The second born twin about 12 hours old.

When we first found the laboring ewe, she had delivered the first lamb. We waited a few minutes and then decided to move her and the lamb to the lambing pen. Little did we know that a second lamb would arrive. We thought she looked big like she would have twins, but we also thought that she would have had both lambs by the time we had moved her. Well...we thought wrong!

It just so happened that we stepped away from the lambing pen to get fresh bedding for the pen when we heard a lot of bleating. I left hubby to fend for the bedding while I went to look to see what the commotion was about. To my amazement, there was a second lamb!

We are truly blessed, and are looking forward to the rest of the lambs arriving.

Homemade Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding Moms

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Let's face it if you are a nursing mom or a soon to be nursing mom, you potentially will need nursing pads. There are a two options available at the store, disposable and washable.

I will go through my thoughts on the two before we get into how to make a washable nursing pad. If you do not feel like listening to me rant a little, then just skip the next few paragraphs.

The money savings, if you were to use disposable nursing pads exclusively, are HUGE. Most of the disposable nursing pads I have seen in the stores are around eight to nine dollars for a box of sixty pads. One will use two pads at a time (typically you will be changing nursing pads at the same time, sometimes you may not, but for the sake of argument, we will assume that you change both nursing pads every time you leak or feed.) Considering you feed a newborn baby eight to twelve times within a twenty four hour period, that means you will be changing nursing pads at least eight to twelve times a day. Not to mention the times in between feedings when you just happen to leak. We will say you need to change three times a day in between feedings, just so our math works out. Who really knows how many times you may need to change.

This brings our total use of nursing pads, assuming you feed ten times a day (the middle road for the average) and change three times a day in between feedings, to twenty six nursing pads a day. That box of 60 will not last long if that is the case!

In addition to the cost, think about all of these nursing pads showing up in landfills across the country. I think we have enough trash everyday that we really need to think of ways to limit our garbage.

As for the washable nursing pads that you can buy in the store, they typically cost about twenty dollars a pair. You will need more than one pair, and I will let you figure out how many you need based on how often you want to do laundry. They do sell wool nursing pads that I hear are easy to rinse, dry, and reuse without having to launder them, but they cost significantly more than the other types of reusable nursing pads.

All of this brings us to my latest project, homemade nursing pads. I did a quick google search to figure out what materials to use, and how thick to make the nursing pads. Then I went to work on gathering my supplies.

According to my research, flannel is the most recommended material to use for homemade nursing pads. If you do not have any old flannel lying around, any material that is 100% cotton will work. You could also go to the local thrift store and look for some inexpensive flannel sheets, or even buy some at the store.

I could not find an old pair of flannel anything at home that I was willing to cut up, so I raided the old T-shirt stash that was meant to become rags. I found enough 100% cotton T-shirts to make what I feel will be enough nursing pads for my need.

After gathering the material, I used an old CD as the template for my circle. You could use a disposable nursing pad or a store bought washable nursing pad as a template, too, or anything that will give you the right size and shape to cover properly. The CD looks like it will work.

I then traced circles onto the fabric using the CD and a highlighter. I am sure a marking pen used for sewing would work better, but I did not have one. After the circles are traced, cut them out with a good pair of scissors. Mine were a little dull as hubby was using them to cut flooring, of all things.

Now that we have our circles cut, we want to put four circles together to create one nursing pad. Sew these four circles together using a sewing machine or hand sew if you would like. I have been hand sewing mine as I have yet to convince hubby of the need for a sewing machine. I use the oversewing stitch, and I have washed a few to make sure they will not fray. It works wonderfully! It takes me about twenty minutes to hand sew one, but I am a slow mover. I am sure it would be a quick task on the sewing machine.

I hope you have found this information useful, and happy sewing!

Our Snow Princess

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Princess in the snow

We have several barn cats that we have come to consider as part of the family. Like most animals and people, they all have their own unique personalities. I have a fondness for all of them, but Princess happens to be one of the cats who have taken hold of my heart. She is one of the only barn cats who follows me everywhere. She even escorts me home, unless the snows too deep or she's hunting.

Of course, on cold days I think she is just trying to find a way to get into the warm house.

She is such an affectionate cat that I sometimes wish she could be an inside cat, but I know she would not be happy cooped up in the house. Plus, I do not see our house cat being happy about sharing her home, as she likes to hiss at Princess when Princess is outside the window.

I sometimes think that she was supposed to be a dog as she is my faithful companion when I am outside. She even follows me from the barn to the ram shack when I go to check on their water and hay supply. Of course, I think part of her reason for going with me is because she likes to see the rams. They love to chase her around their pasture, and she seems to enjoy darting around, especially when she can slip through the fence before they get to her.

I often wonder what the neighbors think when my husband and I are outside because his dog is always at his side, and now I have Princess at my side. She is eleven months old, and I am hoping that she remains as sweet and affectionate as she is now.

Princess at four months old

It amazes me how affectionate she is considering when I first found her, she hissed at me when I picked her up. She used to hide from us when she was small. Then one day, she stopped hiding, and wanted to be right by my side. Ever since that day, she has been my faithful companion.

Weathering the Storm

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:09:00 +0000

We had an ice storm and a snow storm last week. I had hoped to get out of the house to do a little shopping, but was either iced or snowed in. It was rather difficult for me because I have been feeling the cabin fever lately and really needed a day, or two, out.

Luckily, the weather, although cold, has been mild this week. I went shopping, and found some nice yarn for a good price. Now I have some projects to do, which will come in handy if we get another winter storm.

In addition to the weather, last week was the start of my extra treks to the barn. Lambing season is coming up in a few weeks. We should have arrivals by the end of the month. If I do not get myself used to going over more frequently to check for lambs now, it will be more difficult for me to get into a new routine when I absolutely HAVE to.

Now that lambing season is close by, I am itching for spring. We have yet to see the ground without snow or ice covering it since Christmas. It is getting tough on us, and on the animals as they have been confined to the barn while we wait for the ice to melt.

It Is Freezing Out There

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:58:00 +0000

I cannot say that I like this cold weather. We have been in the single digits or colder all week, and I am looking forward to above freezing weather!

This time of year, I long for the summer months when going out the door to check on the animals means tossing on a pair of shoes.

I CANNOT get away with only putting on shoes in this weather! Instead, I venture out in so many layers that I start to resemble the little brother from A Christmas Story. It is comical, if your not the one bundled up.

Generally, I do not mind being bundled up. It is the time involved to get bundled, and the time involved to take the layers off. Especially, if I am only coming in for some water or a bathroom break. Then it seems pointless to spend the time taking off layers and putting them back on. Of course, if I am only going to be in the house for a few minutes, I rarely take all the layers off. Just the necessities like my boots and coat.

I am beginning to think that I would much rather be a sheep this time of year. The only thing they have to complain about is the lack of fresh pasture to graze.

Christmas Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Every Christmas since we have been married, I have made several batches of cookies for us and our extended families to enjoy.

Last year I decided to try making gingerbread, and found a decent recipe online. I noted last year that the spices in the gingerbread were not strong enough, so added more this year. It worked as they taste a lot better. When they first came out of the oven, they were not as spicy as I would have liked, so I mixed some cinnamon into the frosting. It was the perfect addition, as they now taste wonderful, and look pretty good, too.

Now the sugar cookies are another story. I have been using this recipe for four years now, and I love how easy it is to work with the dough. They taste wonderful, too. The only thing I do not like about them is that the dough expands almost twice it's size when fully baked. It would be fine if I had smaller cookie cutters, but as I have yet to find a set of smaller ones that I like, I find myself wishing that these cookies looked better each year.

Needless to say, my goal is to finally find a good set of cookie cutters that will be small enough to work nicely with the sugar cookie dough.

Other than gingerbread and sugar cookies, I made a batch of peanut butter blossom cookies and a batch of regular peanut butter cookies. Hubby requested the peanut butter cookies as they are his favorite.

I am glad to say that after the three days of preparing, baking, and frosting cookies, I still enjoy baking. Every year, I wonder if I will over do it and not enjoy baking after the cookie frenzy is over. I can report that this year I am still enjoying baking, as long as I do not have to bake anything in the next few days...

A Wintery Mix

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Yesterday evening was a good time to stay inside and enjoy the winter from a warm vantage point. Of course, we were out in the wintery mix of rain, snow, and freezing rain tending to the animals. Nothing like barn work to keep you out in the elements.

Having animals has taught me that as long as I am dressed appropriately for the weather, I really enjoy being outside, or in the barn. Even with the rain and cold that was making the recent snow fall very slippery, I was really enjoying myself when helping my husband feed the animals.

There is something very calming about watching animals after they have been feed for the evening. It makes me very grateful for the life that we have choosen to live.

It Has Been Hectic

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:52:00 +0000

It seems life got away from me these past several months. I always intended to blog frequently, but as one can see, that has not happened.

Things are going well for us. We are enjoying the warm weather which arrived yesterday. I am not enjoying the mud, though, but one has to take the good with the bad.

The sheep are doing well. The beast, aka our old ram, is no longer with us. He was getting too big and aggressive to handle so he had to go. The new ram is very gentle with us and the ewes so he is looking promising.

We had him in with some of our smaller ewes during breeding season so we will know come spring whether he is a true keeper or not.

Since I last posted, we expanded our animals to include five pigs. We usually raise feeder pigs, so having pigs is not unusual. These ones we are hoping to breed as they are really nice looking pigs, and my husband figures we will see profits quicker from the pigs then the sheep.

In addition to the animals, I have been teaching myself to crochet. My hope is to one day use the wool from our flock for items we need around the house. Of course, this means I need to learn to clean, card, and spin wool! I am sure I can learn, though. If not, I can always send the wool away to be spun, and crochet it when it returns.

Other than that, we are preparing for Christmas, and expecting our first child in May. Life has giving us many blessings this year. May you all recieve blessings in your life.

God bless you, all.

A New Face In the Pasture

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:55:00 +0000

We picked up a new ram last week. He is adjusting nicely to his new home. Currently he is out grazing with the ewes and lambs because he is still a lamb himself. We will need a new ram next year, and thought he might be a good choice.

It is hard to select a ram when they are lambs as you never know how they will do or act when fully grown. It is almost like trying to predict how a kid will be as an adult.

So far, I am happy with our purchase as he is very well tempered, and very timid around people. Our current ram, who we have had since last year, has always been very friendly toward people, which at the start of breeding season last year turned to agression. He's still agressive when he wants to be. Which is why I let my husband deal with the ram.

In a few weeks, both rams will be living together in their new pasture. It is good to keep the ram seperate from the ewes until breeding because it helps the ewes to come in heat around the same time. This makes the lambing season shorter, and more predictable, as you know within a certain time frame when the lambs will arrive, and when they should stop arriving based on the time that the ram was with them.

Keeping the ram seperate, also keeps the ewes calmer as he is not always bothering or bullying them.

Right now, the older ram is separated in his own stall in the barn which means he has limited time on pasture, as the ewes and lambs have the run of the pasture most of the day.

We are anxious to get the new ram quarters built so that he can be on pasture more regularly.

Busy Times On the Farm

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:26:00 +0000

We have been very busy on the farm this spring and summer. I cannot believe that we are in the last half of July. Where does the time go?

One of the kittens

The kittens are doing great! They have been weaned, and are very friendly now. Mom Cat is not too happy these days. We are atributing it to her pregnancy, the weaning, and the heat. Hopefully, she will be back to her old self soon as I miss the friendly barn cat that she usually is.

The flock out grazing.

Our flock of sheep has grown in the last two months. We purchased five new ewe lambs for breeding, and a new ram lamb. We will need a new ram next year, and the ram lamb looks like a good canadate for a replacement ram. We will know next year if he will work out well. Until then, he is doing his 'off duty' job of grazing.

Ben, the oldest wether lamb.

Our wether lambs that were born in the spring are growing nicely. Two are ready to visit the freezer, and the youngest just might become a pal for the two rams.

Stanley, the youngest wether lamb and future ram pal.

In addition to the sheep keeping us busy, and out of trouble, we have been cutting and baling hay, watching the corn and oats grow, weeding and tending the garden, and building a new sheep shed and pasture for the rams to go when they are not needed for breeding.

The Kittens Have Been Found

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:31:00 +0000

I was feeding the barn cats yesterday evening and saw something run into the straw bales. I figured it must have been a kitten as the cats did not try to chase it.

I had to go home to get a flash light to investigate. When I got back, hubby was there to help find out if that was a kitten.

Sure enough, it was a little grey kitten. He's a cutie. Later in the evening, the queen called out the rest of her kittens, and all four are doing well.

Now the fun starts, taming them so they are friendly. Taming is not hard since they are still small. It only takes time for them to get used to us.

The Kittens

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Our barn cat had kittens in March. She decided to have them under the ram's hay feeder. It's a safe place for them when they are small, but will become dangerous when they start to walk around as the ram could easily stomp them without meaning to.

The kittens will be a month old tonight, and I am happy to say that the queen has moved them to a new location. I am happy to know that I will not have to worry about the ram stomping a kitten.

Now we do not know where they are, but we will pray that they are safe.

What I do know is that in a week or two, they will be old enough to start following her around. This means that we will be able to see them once again.

Still Working on Those Strawberries

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:50:00 +0000

The strawberry patch is now planted. Although we still have a lot of plants that need planted, I am saying that the patch is complete.

Obviously, we could till a extension to the old strawberry patch to plant the remainder of the plants, but most of the plants that are left are small and might not make it anyway. We are thinking of planting them somewhere else in a cluster. If they take off, we can tranplant them. If they die, it's not going to hurt anything.

Other than planting the small plants that are left, I have to lay straw down to keep the weeds away. That is going to be the project for this evening. Then it will be water and wait for the berries!

The Strawberry Patch

noreply@blogger.com (In the Pasture) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:51:00 +0000

This week we have been preparing the strawberry patch for the June harvest. The preperation should be easy. At least that was what I thought when I set out to do the work.

After several minutes of weeding, which is the first step in preparing the patch, it became apparent that there where too many strawberry plant runners, and no defined rows.

We now have five times the amount of plants as we did last year!

Which resulted in us having to dig the plants, till the patch, and replant.

We are now on day four of replanting. With half of the plants planted, the patch is almost full with only a row left to do.

It is apparent that we will need a larger strawberry patch this year. We are hoping this means more strawberries! If anything, it means that I will be more alert to pinching runners this year. We do not need to repeat this process next year. Plus, new plants will need to establish themselves, which is easier to do if they are not using there energy on producing runners.

The next step after the replanting, will be putting straw down between the rows and around the plants to keep the weeds away. After that, it's water and wait!

Come June when we are eating the berries, this hard work will pay off!