So I missed a day. Life's been "weird" lately. Please don't hold it against me. :)
1) Looks like the first horses will set foot at the farm sometime in the next week. Still up in the air as to who exactly it will be (depends a little on who gets along with whom in turnout since they'll be out together). So more updates as it happens.
2) As a result of #1, there will obviously need to be more work done in the barn. More rock put down, possibly another stall built, and then there's the running of water to the barn. The latter will need to be looked into asap, especially now that we're coming out of winter. I may start by installing a hand pump on the outdoor well.
3) Looking at the garden possibilities for this year. Going to downsize and kind of refocus (a running theme in life right now I think). Found some wonderful ideas on Pinterest -- like growing greens in extra rain gutters that are just attached to a wall/fence. Also a fun idea about growing plants from a pallet or using old tires that are painted BRIGHT colors as pots. Too many fun ideas!
4) Speaking of ideas, I've been putzing with a couple. The first is to pour concrete in the "shed" off the attached garage, run electric so I can have lights, etc., have a couple windows installed and possibly the exterior door changed... and basically turn it into a nice room. The idea is to make it into an exercise room. I don't have enough $$ at the moment to refurbish the entire garage, but that one small room might be doable to start.
5) The other putzing idea is to pull out the hot tub and instead of putting it in the barn, put it on the back patio -- the idea of which also entails a patio makeover. I guess the idea is more about the patio makeover and the hot tub is an extension of that. Ideas abound on this one! But a nice patio with plants, maybe a fountain, different flooring (I have never liked the brick that's there) to make it a lovely extension of the mudroom, which when clean is a really nice space, would be fun. Plus I think I'm moving the garden closer to teh house so that could be incorporated a little.
So... I think this post is probably less "update" and more "hey ya'll... I have tons of projects in the queue. If you're ever bored, come on out... even if it's just to keep me company while I work. " :)
Showing posts with label 5 Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 Things. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
5 Things... or more
So the original intent of 5 Things was to keep me blogging every week about the farm and updates. Obviously the holidays and first of the year had some kind of wrench to throw into those plans. All is good though, as I thoroughly plan to keep up again. So... in light of that... here are some current and semi-current 5 Things:
1) I've been enjoying the mild winter. A little muddy here and there, but its nice to WANT to go outside occasionally. It's also nice on the wallet when it comes to heating the house. I'm a little concerned about the bug population this coming spring/summer. That may be the trade-off for this week's temps being in the 50s and having rain instead of snow. Still not sure I'd choose any differently however.
2) Stewie is gone. He left last month. In return I have a freezer full of 196 pounds of edible beef (including soup bones, but not including miscellaneous "other" organs and such). My record keeping was only ok but by my calculations, I from fairly well with the price of the ground beef to amazing with the price of some of the steaks. Am currently investigating picking up 2 or maybe even 3 calves this spring. Would need buyers (hint hint).
3) Projects: The project list is yet again rather large. Some keep changing, some change their priority, some stay the same. Still sorting out the list at the moment to see what to do next, but a couple weeks ago I painted the living room/dining room. Instead of a yellow-ish tan color throughout, it is now Covered Wagon and Amaretto (a tan and a brick-ish color). Actually ties in really well with the window treatments that were already there and I really like it overall a LOT better.
4) Back in November I enrolled in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University being presented by Wright-Patt Credit Union. Tomorrow is my last class (it's actually only a 12 week course, but due to holidays and what I assume are room scheduling conflicts, ours was really extended). I've thoroughly enjoyed the class and while it means that many projects at the farm won't be done in the timeframe I'd like, they'll get done on the timeframe they need to be done and without throwing me into a financial tailspin... so that's even better. If you come across a class in your area, I would recommend it.
I purchased Frankie at the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Mixed Fall Sale in October 2004 for $500. Due to life happening over that next year, I sold her... to Suzie, who's been the best thing for Frankie and taken her so far. This coming weekend they're running their first Advanced level horse trail at the same farm in Georgia. I'm so proud of them.
1) I've been enjoying the mild winter. A little muddy here and there, but its nice to WANT to go outside occasionally. It's also nice on the wallet when it comes to heating the house. I'm a little concerned about the bug population this coming spring/summer. That may be the trade-off for this week's temps being in the 50s and having rain instead of snow. Still not sure I'd choose any differently however.
2) Stewie is gone. He left last month. In return I have a freezer full of 196 pounds of edible beef (including soup bones, but not including miscellaneous "other" organs and such). My record keeping was only ok but by my calculations, I from fairly well with the price of the ground beef to amazing with the price of some of the steaks. Am currently investigating picking up 2 or maybe even 3 calves this spring. Would need buyers (hint hint).
3) Projects: The project list is yet again rather large. Some keep changing, some change their priority, some stay the same. Still sorting out the list at the moment to see what to do next, but a couple weeks ago I painted the living room/dining room. Instead of a yellow-ish tan color throughout, it is now Covered Wagon and Amaretto (a tan and a brick-ish color). Actually ties in really well with the window treatments that were already there and I really like it overall a LOT better.
4) Back in November I enrolled in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University being presented by Wright-Patt Credit Union. Tomorrow is my last class (it's actually only a 12 week course, but due to holidays and what I assume are room scheduling conflicts, ours was really extended). I've thoroughly enjoyed the class and while it means that many projects at the farm won't be done in the timeframe I'd like, they'll get done on the timeframe they need to be done and without throwing me into a financial tailspin... so that's even better. If you come across a class in your area, I would recommend it.
5) There are no boarders at the farm (yet), but I wanted to share a couple horse pictures. First is Suzie Harrison and Frankie. The picture was taken on cross country during their recent competition at Intermediate level at an event in Georgia.
The next pic is me... at this past weekend's Game Day at iTolt Training Center in Miamisburg. I used to board there (both Char and Frankie) and still go and ride. The pony in the picture is Copper. Such a good boy to just stand there and let me be the fool.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
5 Things Post Christmas
1) Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Mine was good. A little quiet at times, which was nice. NOT white, which was also nice. Spent a good portion of it not doing a whole lot of anything.... again, nice. Now there's a to do list a mile long and I'm sure it will get longer as winter trudges on and spring gets closer.
2) Movies: I love movies. I'm the type of person who can watch some movies repeatedly and not get tired of them. Needless to say, this was a weekend full of movies. Along with "The Black Stallion" and "Secretariat" which I'd seen before, I also saw several that were new (or new to me)... including:
4) Finally took down the turkey fencing. The t-posts are still up but moved the fence itself over to the pasture to help try to keep the chickens in the pasture. Did this on Sunday afternoon and the sun was out (a little weird feeling given that it's rained so much lately). Need to get more temp posts (not going to drive in regular t-posts for that) but part of it is up and I think it might be starting to help.
5) a picture to share. They came out to help "supervise" the fencing mentioned above.
2) Movies: I love movies. I'm the type of person who can watch some movies repeatedly and not get tired of them. Needless to say, this was a weekend full of movies. Along with "The Black Stallion" and "Secretariat" which I'd seen before, I also saw several that were new (or new to me)... including:
- War Horse -- B rating from me at best. It's a combination of Steven Speilberg's epicness.... Disney... war... and a PG-13 rating. Somewhere in trying to combine all of that, something gets lost. It's essentially Black Beauty at war, but I think the editing is a little choppy. Just when I started to get REALLY engrossed in what the horse was going through, BAM... editing takes me away from that. And the war part was boiled down (a little to a LOT depending on the scene) so you didn't even get the "war is hell" aspect like what I got from a movie like "Saving Private Ryan". I'd have to say one of the best scenes in the movie was the no-man's land rescue. I won't say more than that about specifics, but I can completely see that happening (other than the outcome for the horse which was very Disney'd). Oh, and the ending, while nice and sappy, was over the top -- got the feeling I was transported into a viewing of Gone with the Wind. Glad I saw it, but also glad it was at matinee prices
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows -- A- from me. Very entertaining. Almost as good as the original. The plot was a LITTLE thin in places, but still... quality entertainment. I'm a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan and now that he's clean there simply is almost no one better in Hollywood in my opinion. The man is amazing to watch. I'm not big on Jude Law, but he does make a good sidekick to Holmes' outrageousness. Definitely worth seeing.
- The Hangover -- B++ from me. I hesitate to give it an A- rating only because I guess I'm stingy. Yes, I know this came out a while ago, so I'll spare you the amateur analysis of the movie. It was very funny and I enjoyed it a lot. Probably one of the best fratboy humor movies I've seen and definitely one of the few that I would see again. I'm looking forward to seeing The Hangover II as I've been told it's just as, if not more funny.
4) Finally took down the turkey fencing. The t-posts are still up but moved the fence itself over to the pasture to help try to keep the chickens in the pasture. Did this on Sunday afternoon and the sun was out (a little weird feeling given that it's rained so much lately). Need to get more temp posts (not going to drive in regular t-posts for that) but part of it is up and I think it might be starting to help.
5) a picture to share. They came out to help "supervise" the fencing mentioned above.
The picture that was missed was before this when Reilly & I went for a walk around the outside of the pasture. Buff Puff followed us and Stewie came out to the middle of the pasture to watch us. About 3/4 the way around, Buff Puff decided to cut through the pasture to catch up to us. Boy did she ever!! Stewie decided to chase her and you've never seen a cat move as fast as Buff Puff did when she was being chased by a 15 month old steer! Girl has some speed!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
5 Things - 2 weeks
1) Nothing major has happened really (although one may argue based on Thing #2), but life at the farm has been fun lately. A lot has to do with the people that have been around as much as what's been happening. There have been a few adventures, some reconnecting, long talks, fun games, laughter and hugs... sounds good to me!
2) Update on the land deal. Long story short, it's not happening this year. Opted to put it on hold to see where we all land next year as the proposed purchase wasn't quite right for everyone. So there's a lot to think about between now and then. Decisions to be made. Many things were put on hold in order to try to make this happen and the question now is whether they need to continue on hold or if some of them can be done/created/purchased/etc sooner rather than later (and of course what affect that will have on future land purchases). It's a LOT to consider, but winter is just starting, so there's time to think and reflect and plan before the busy of spring hits. I'm sure I'll do some "out loud" thinking here as considerations are made.
3) It doesn't seem a lot like the holidays at the moment. Temps are in the 40s, no snow on the ground (which fyi is fine by me), gray and dreary skies with plenty of mud. I can't say that I'd rather have snow than mud because that leads to a whole host of other issues - frozen water buckets, iced in doors, higher heating costs -- but the dreary, gray and muddy isn't ideal either. Guess we'll see what's in store as the winter progresses.
4) Have several indoor projects that need to be worked on. In addition to the every needed general cleaning, I want to take the several pint jars of pear butter I put up and split them into these adorable cup jars I found at the store. This way, I can give more away as gifts! I also need to sit down and go through my clothing and make a (huge I'm sure) pile for Goodwill or Amvets.
5) Sushi & Movie Day is coming up soon. This will be the 3rd year of the tradition (going for Sushi on or near Christmas and then hitting a matinee movie). As of last night, we've picked out the movie (the new Sherlock Holmes) and the sushi place (Thai 9) so plans are a go for Saturday. Really looking forward to it. In the meantime, getting started on projects from #4 as well as going to the barn to ride.
Have a wonderul holiday week/weekend!
2) Update on the land deal. Long story short, it's not happening this year. Opted to put it on hold to see where we all land next year as the proposed purchase wasn't quite right for everyone. So there's a lot to think about between now and then. Decisions to be made. Many things were put on hold in order to try to make this happen and the question now is whether they need to continue on hold or if some of them can be done/created/purchased/etc sooner rather than later (and of course what affect that will have on future land purchases). It's a LOT to consider, but winter is just starting, so there's time to think and reflect and plan before the busy of spring hits. I'm sure I'll do some "out loud" thinking here as considerations are made.
3) It doesn't seem a lot like the holidays at the moment. Temps are in the 40s, no snow on the ground (which fyi is fine by me), gray and dreary skies with plenty of mud. I can't say that I'd rather have snow than mud because that leads to a whole host of other issues - frozen water buckets, iced in doors, higher heating costs -- but the dreary, gray and muddy isn't ideal either. Guess we'll see what's in store as the winter progresses.
4) Have several indoor projects that need to be worked on. In addition to the every needed general cleaning, I want to take the several pint jars of pear butter I put up and split them into these adorable cup jars I found at the store. This way, I can give more away as gifts! I also need to sit down and go through my clothing and make a (huge I'm sure) pile for Goodwill or Amvets.
5) Sushi & Movie Day is coming up soon. This will be the 3rd year of the tradition (going for Sushi on or near Christmas and then hitting a matinee movie). As of last night, we've picked out the movie (the new Sherlock Holmes) and the sushi place (Thai 9) so plans are a go for Saturday. Really looking forward to it. In the meantime, getting started on projects from #4 as well as going to the barn to ride.
Have a wonderul holiday week/weekend!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Skipping 5 Things
Since I'm already half a week late, this is the official notice that 5 Things isn't happening this week. There isn't a whole lot going on around the farm anyway. The weather has been both good and bad (50s to 20s, sun to rain). Critters are doing well though the chickens still aren't laying very well. I'm hoping to improve that this week. And things are things. So... until Monday when hopefully I'll have 5 Things to write about from BOTH weeks... have a wonderful weekend!
Monday, December 5, 2011
5 Things... is it December already?
1) Are you sure? I know what the calendar says, but really? Has anyone told Mother Nature yet because I think she may think it's April. Saturday was GORGEOUS - 50 degrees and sunny. Since then we've had nothing but rain. Enough to put us under a flood watch til later today. Rain, rain and more rain. And did I mention the ground was already saturated from last week's couple days of rain? Anyone want to buy me an ark for Yule?
2) The only project this weekend at the farm was enjoying the weather and unpacking the new tv. Yes, folks, the Shindig now has a tv as the "monster" will be moved (at some point) out to the bar. The new tv is lighter (although bigger) and fits better in the house.
3) The weather on Saturday was enjoyed by doing some light clean up but mostly by shooting at targets in the Back 10. ALWAYS a good time!
4) While not hooked up, the farm also officially has a hot tub! It's currently residing in the attached garage to keep it cat and chicken free until such time as it gets hooked up and put in it's proper place, but at least it's there and one can stand and look at it, and dream of being in warm bubbles on cold days.
5) Made some random "let's throw this in" chili this past week and it was fabulous (for experimental chili and my lack of understanding spicing). Made it from ground venison that's been in the freezer. I'm SO looking forward to a winter of more yummy chili!
2) The only project this weekend at the farm was enjoying the weather and unpacking the new tv. Yes, folks, the Shindig now has a tv as the "monster" will be moved (at some point) out to the bar. The new tv is lighter (although bigger) and fits better in the house.
3) The weather on Saturday was enjoyed by doing some light clean up but mostly by shooting at targets in the Back 10. ALWAYS a good time!
4) While not hooked up, the farm also officially has a hot tub! It's currently residing in the attached garage to keep it cat and chicken free until such time as it gets hooked up and put in it's proper place, but at least it's there and one can stand and look at it, and dream of being in warm bubbles on cold days.
5) Made some random "let's throw this in" chili this past week and it was fabulous (for experimental chili and my lack of understanding spicing). Made it from ground venison that's been in the freezer. I'm SO looking forward to a winter of more yummy chili!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
5 Things post-Thanksgiving
1) Thanks to a friend, I was able to actually eat one of my own turkeys on Thanksgiving. According to 2 different people who cooked/ate 2 different turkeys, they were a big hit and were both described as "the breast meat just fell off the bone!" That people thoroughly enjoyed the birds makes me happy! Plans are to have turkeys next year. I already have a couple orders.
2) Had a wonderful holiday weekend overall. Before chowing down on turkey on Thursday, a friend and I participated in the Miamisburg Turkey Trot 5 mile run/walk. We did it last year and I'm happy to say improved our time in the race this year by over 5 minutes! I definitely think this is going to become a tradition for us.
3) Although the weather was gorgeous until Sunday, not much got accomplished around the farm. Cleaned out the garage to make room for storing the hot tub until I can get everything in place to put it in its new home. Cleaned out part of the chicken room as well, but really that was about it. Went riding on Spot, walked around downtown for a bit... took it easy and loved it.
4) Of course the weather has been less than stellar since the weekend and is expected to get worse as we're forecasted for our first snow of the season tonight. Blech! So not ready for snow!!
5) And last but not least, an update on the land acquisition. Refinanced the farm last week and am extremely happy with that process. Still waiting to hear from the seller as to whether or not he's ok with still splitting off some land for me (up to 7 acres) or if he just wants to nix the whole thing. Didnt' expect to hear anything last week due to the holiday and all, so I'm just in wait mode at this point. The appraisal on the farm is good for a year... so I can add land up to that point without having to get another appraisal on the farm itself, just the land. However, I'd really rather we get things finished well before then... perhaps in time to plant pasture/hay on the new acreage in the spring.
Well... that's it for this week. Things are definitely slowing down and soon I expect to be talking more and more about plans for next year. Right now they definitely include more turkeys (hopefully Bourbon Reds as well as some Broad Breasted Whites). Next year may also see a couple new beef steers on the property along with (at long last) horses!!
2) Had a wonderful holiday weekend overall. Before chowing down on turkey on Thursday, a friend and I participated in the Miamisburg Turkey Trot 5 mile run/walk. We did it last year and I'm happy to say improved our time in the race this year by over 5 minutes! I definitely think this is going to become a tradition for us.
3) Although the weather was gorgeous until Sunday, not much got accomplished around the farm. Cleaned out the garage to make room for storing the hot tub until I can get everything in place to put it in its new home. Cleaned out part of the chicken room as well, but really that was about it. Went riding on Spot, walked around downtown for a bit... took it easy and loved it.
4) Of course the weather has been less than stellar since the weekend and is expected to get worse as we're forecasted for our first snow of the season tonight. Blech! So not ready for snow!!
5) And last but not least, an update on the land acquisition. Refinanced the farm last week and am extremely happy with that process. Still waiting to hear from the seller as to whether or not he's ok with still splitting off some land for me (up to 7 acres) or if he just wants to nix the whole thing. Didnt' expect to hear anything last week due to the holiday and all, so I'm just in wait mode at this point. The appraisal on the farm is good for a year... so I can add land up to that point without having to get another appraisal on the farm itself, just the land. However, I'd really rather we get things finished well before then... perhaps in time to plant pasture/hay on the new acreage in the spring.
Well... that's it for this week. Things are definitely slowing down and soon I expect to be talking more and more about plans for next year. Right now they definitely include more turkeys (hopefully Bourbon Reds as well as some Broad Breasted Whites). Next year may also see a couple new beef steers on the property along with (at long last) horses!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
5 Things pre-Thanksgiving
1) It's almost eerie how quiet it was walking to the car this morning. The garage is right next to where the turkeys were and no one was there to squeek at me this morning. Saturday we finished processing all the turkeys. It went well, even if the garbage can idea was a bust (next year - turkey frier may get a try). 10 processed turkeys ranged from 11 pounds to 16 pounds, without the "extras". Not bad. A bit small for a Broad Breasted White turkey but given that I raised them as naturally as I count instead of the way the commercial turkeys are typically raised, I'm pretty happy with them. Even more seeing the look on people's faces when they pick their turkey up. I really hope they cook well! I may even get a chance to try one of them.
2) Starting to look towards next year but at the same time am enjoying the downtime. Stewie will be gone sometime next month and then I'll just have the chickens. I foresee winter vacations in my future since there's not much to take care of (although leaving for some warm destination and leaving someone to deal with critters in the cold may not be fair either).
3) Still waiting to get the word on how much land I'm potentially picking up. Kind of has me on pins and needles... but at the same time, I think I have plenty of contingency plans in place that there's nothing to do but wait and no sense in worrying.
4) Have a busy week ahead. FPU Class tomorrow night, refi closing on the farm Wednesday afternoon, Turkey Trot Thursday morning, and a hunt with MVH on Friday. Looking forward to next weekend when I can sleep in and relax a little. But honestly, being busy with fun things that I enjoy and/or am looking forward to isn't a bad schedule to keep. The only thing this week that I'm skipping is tonight's Nourishing Connections meeting. They're showing the film "Farmaggedon". I've already seen it and am having a hard time justifying the expense (in time and gas) to go to the meeting tonight, especially considering how busy the rest of the week is looking.
5) And for Thing #5... random recent pictures...
2) Starting to look towards next year but at the same time am enjoying the downtime. Stewie will be gone sometime next month and then I'll just have the chickens. I foresee winter vacations in my future since there's not much to take care of (although leaving for some warm destination and leaving someone to deal with critters in the cold may not be fair either).
3) Still waiting to get the word on how much land I'm potentially picking up. Kind of has me on pins and needles... but at the same time, I think I have plenty of contingency plans in place that there's nothing to do but wait and no sense in worrying.
4) Have a busy week ahead. FPU Class tomorrow night, refi closing on the farm Wednesday afternoon, Turkey Trot Thursday morning, and a hunt with MVH on Friday. Looking forward to next weekend when I can sleep in and relax a little. But honestly, being busy with fun things that I enjoy and/or am looking forward to isn't a bad schedule to keep. The only thing this week that I'm skipping is tonight's Nourishing Connections meeting. They're showing the film "Farmaggedon". I've already seen it and am having a hard time justifying the expense (in time and gas) to go to the meeting tonight, especially considering how busy the rest of the week is looking.
5) And for Thing #5... random recent pictures...
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| Bought these for me. Sometimes splurging (within financial reason of course) is a GOOD thing. |
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| Reilly and Phoebe taking it easy on the couch. Not sure which one is worse... the cat on the pile of blankets or the dog with the pillow under his head. |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
5 Things - Indian Summer
Cannot believe it's mid November already. This weekend was over 60 degrees and it hit 70 this past week! All I can say is... keep that gorgeous weather coming!! :)
1) Turkey massacre part 1 went well. I didn't realize or think that the turkeys really should be fasted before butchering and fed them the night before. So in the end we only ended up doing 3 of them that were getting picked up over the weekend (plus the 2 live birds that left with another customer). So we have 7 we'll be processing this weekend. If anyone is interested in helping, just let me know.
From this....
2) The appraisal came back on the farm and it was an ok appraisal for refinancing... but really not that great for the land purchase. Conversations and decisions with the seller are going to need to take place. It's not over yet, but it's not going to be easy either.
1) Turkey massacre part 1 went well. I didn't realize or think that the turkeys really should be fasted before butchering and fed them the night before. So in the end we only ended up doing 3 of them that were getting picked up over the weekend (plus the 2 live birds that left with another customer). So we have 7 we'll be processing this weekend. If anyone is interested in helping, just let me know.
From this....
To this...
2) The appraisal came back on the farm and it was an ok appraisal for refinancing... but really not that great for the land purchase. Conversations and decisions with the seller are going to need to take place. It's not over yet, but it's not going to be easy either.
3) Stewie cracks me up when he plays with his bucket. I finally got around to creating a YouTube channel as well as finally getting a video of him playing. So this is the first of possibly many Serenity Valley Farm videos to come. Titled "Even Cows Need Toys"
4) Received a call the other day that made me smile. Seems the potential boarder from the spring passed my name and number along to a friend who is looking for possible boarding for her 9 year old quarter horse who recently underwent a neurectomy (a severing of the digital nerve in cases of Navicular Syndrome). Not sure it will work out, but it was really nice to be remembered and have the number passed on in a positive manner.
5) I know this is a few days late, but Happy Veteran's Day to all who have or are serving. One of the ideas for the farm in the future is to put up a flag pole.
Monday, November 7, 2011
5 Things - Officially November
Since last monday was still October, this is the first 5 Things for November. With it being in the 60s again today, it's hard to believe it really is November.
1) Took Spot to the Miami Valley Hunt 2011 Blessing of the Hounds yesterday just outside Yellow Springs. The weather, while not great for actual hunting, was fantastic for riding. Spot took everything very well. Got strong a few times (will probably need a brake adjustment this week for his lesson students) and got antsy at standing around once or twice, but overall, I couldn't be happier with him. He was wonderful and I think he had a good time. I know I did.
2) No word on the appraisal yet, but it wasn’t expected either. Farm Credit said it would take 3-4 (business) days to get that information back. So we should be hearing about it later this week. All digits crossed, please!
3) Just saw a FANTASTIC video of Suzie and Frankie at the Chattahoochee Hills CCI** a couple weeks ago. For those who don't know, I used to own Frankie and was the one who sold her to Suzie. That was almost 6 years ago (next month). I bought Frankie from the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Mixed Fall Sale in October 2004 at Riverdowns in Cincy. She was a 4yo mare who no one else bid on. Only owned her 14 months, but she's a fantastic horse. Suzie loves her and they've made amazing progress and I love getting the updates from Suzie (plus with her being in Kentucky, it's easy to run into them on occasion). Wanna watch the video? It includes both vet jogs, cross country and show jumping. Suzie & Frankie
4) Turkeys are about ready to process. If you're on the list to recieve on, please let me know which is more convenient for you to pick up your bird -- this weekend or next. I have help for processing both weekends, so I'm opening up the option. I don't have freezer space to store 12 birds long term so please let me know when you can pick them up.
5) And last but not least, a Thing that looks forward. Tomorrow is voting day. We all have our preferences and opinions on how things should go. I know I do. I'm not going to dwell on them here, but what I do want to say is GO VOTE! It's your right as a citizen. Read the issues, look at the positions of the candidates and make a valid, informed choice tomorrow.
1) Took Spot to the Miami Valley Hunt 2011 Blessing of the Hounds yesterday just outside Yellow Springs. The weather, while not great for actual hunting, was fantastic for riding. Spot took everything very well. Got strong a few times (will probably need a brake adjustment this week for his lesson students) and got antsy at standing around once or twice, but overall, I couldn't be happier with him. He was wonderful and I think he had a good time. I know I did.
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| Spot & I standing around waiting for the actual Blessing to happen. Next to us is a lovely lady named Nancy on her 20yo appy mare. |
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| Hunting through an open field. We're on the left in the group closest to the camera. Not sure why our field master (on the bay tot he far right) or the huntman (on the gray 2nd from right) had us spread out, but we did. |
2) No word on the appraisal yet, but it wasn’t expected either. Farm Credit said it would take 3-4 (business) days to get that information back. So we should be hearing about it later this week. All digits crossed, please!
3) Just saw a FANTASTIC video of Suzie and Frankie at the Chattahoochee Hills CCI** a couple weeks ago. For those who don't know, I used to own Frankie and was the one who sold her to Suzie. That was almost 6 years ago (next month). I bought Frankie from the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Mixed Fall Sale in October 2004 at Riverdowns in Cincy. She was a 4yo mare who no one else bid on. Only owned her 14 months, but she's a fantastic horse. Suzie loves her and they've made amazing progress and I love getting the updates from Suzie (plus with her being in Kentucky, it's easy to run into them on occasion). Wanna watch the video? It includes both vet jogs, cross country and show jumping. Suzie & Frankie
4) Turkeys are about ready to process. If you're on the list to recieve on, please let me know which is more convenient for you to pick up your bird -- this weekend or next. I have help for processing both weekends, so I'm opening up the option. I don't have freezer space to store 12 birds long term so please let me know when you can pick them up.
5) And last but not least, a Thing that looks forward. Tomorrow is voting day. We all have our preferences and opinions on how things should go. I know I do. I'm not going to dwell on them here, but what I do want to say is GO VOTE! It's your right as a citizen. Read the issues, look at the positions of the candidates and make a valid, informed choice tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
5 Things post Halloween!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and weekend.
1) I am still in shock that it's November already. Just can't believe it. The weather isn't hateful, although the last few mornings have seen a bunch of frost on the ground early. Today's high is an average 58 with plenty of sunshine. I'm ok with that. Prefer warmer but for winter that wouldn't be a bad place to stay. No freezing water buckets. Easy on the fuel oil cost for heating. *sigh* I probably should just stop before I get depressed that winter is coming sooner rather than later, right?
2) The weekend was a flury of activity at the farm. A.J. and Mark were up from First Class Home Solutions LLC again this weekend working on a few bigger projects. In the last 2 weeks, with their help, we've gotten the roof over the mudroom/bathroom fixed, gutters cleaned, trees trimmed, roof in the back of the barn fixed, barn foundation shored up really well, gutters attached to the barn (to help with the flooding experienced last spring), garage people door threashold replaced and a plan going forward for getting water to the barn. We even took a trip down the road to Nikol's new place and looked around so they could do some work for her (egress windows, dutch doors, panelling and fencing mostly). I'm extremely pleased with the amount of work accomplished, not to mention the cost and quality of said work. If anyone is looking for contractor/handy-man type work to be done, please contact A.J. at dryflyadams@aol.com or 513-535-7434.
3) Had fun at the Halloween party on Saturday. Small attendance but still fun. It was cold. We decided not to put up the canvas on the bar. Looked at the forecasted temperatures and decided it wasn't worth the effort. We stayed in the bar for quite a while, eventually spending the last hour in the living room warming up. I guess that probably does it for parties in the bar for the year. Maybe a daytime gathering on a warm day wouldn't be out of the question so we'll see, but defnitely planning to have a few next summer. Would love to do a pot luck dinner type of thing in the bar one day. Why not -- we have the room!
4) Did some minimal decorating for the party. Saw the idea for the carved pumpkins online and with having the party in The Shindig, it was more than appropriate to steal the idea. So after feeding the chickens a bit early on Saturday, I put the pumpkins, along with 2 of the giant mums, 3 hay bales and a few beer and liquor bottles, out in front of the barn:
1) I am still in shock that it's November already. Just can't believe it. The weather isn't hateful, although the last few mornings have seen a bunch of frost on the ground early. Today's high is an average 58 with plenty of sunshine. I'm ok with that. Prefer warmer but for winter that wouldn't be a bad place to stay. No freezing water buckets. Easy on the fuel oil cost for heating. *sigh* I probably should just stop before I get depressed that winter is coming sooner rather than later, right?
2) The weekend was a flury of activity at the farm. A.J. and Mark were up from First Class Home Solutions LLC again this weekend working on a few bigger projects. In the last 2 weeks, with their help, we've gotten the roof over the mudroom/bathroom fixed, gutters cleaned, trees trimmed, roof in the back of the barn fixed, barn foundation shored up really well, gutters attached to the barn (to help with the flooding experienced last spring), garage people door threashold replaced and a plan going forward for getting water to the barn. We even took a trip down the road to Nikol's new place and looked around so they could do some work for her (egress windows, dutch doors, panelling and fencing mostly). I'm extremely pleased with the amount of work accomplished, not to mention the cost and quality of said work. If anyone is looking for contractor/handy-man type work to be done, please contact A.J. at dryflyadams@aol.com or 513-535-7434.
3) Had fun at the Halloween party on Saturday. Small attendance but still fun. It was cold. We decided not to put up the canvas on the bar. Looked at the forecasted temperatures and decided it wasn't worth the effort. We stayed in the bar for quite a while, eventually spending the last hour in the living room warming up. I guess that probably does it for parties in the bar for the year. Maybe a daytime gathering on a warm day wouldn't be out of the question so we'll see, but defnitely planning to have a few next summer. Would love to do a pot luck dinner type of thing in the bar one day. Why not -- we have the room!
4) Did some minimal decorating for the party. Saw the idea for the carved pumpkins online and with having the party in The Shindig, it was more than appropriate to steal the idea. So after feeding the chickens a bit early on Saturday, I put the pumpkins, along with 2 of the giant mums, 3 hay bales and a few beer and liquor bottles, out in front of the barn:
They looked wonderful with the candle glow after the sun went down. However, with the chickens getting out of the pasture, by the end of Sunday, they looked less cute (although a bit more horrifying if you think about it):
Yep, the chickens pecked and ate the pumpkins. The one on the right had a giant hole in the back, while the front one was missing it's face! Oh well, it was fun and they enjoyed it. Ended up throwing one of them in the pasture for the chickens (and Stewie, but he didn't eat it and just kept bellowing for pears) and the other 2 ended up in the turkey pen. May have to hit the "clearance" sales for the pumpkins for the birds now.
5) The appraisal for the land deal is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Crossed digits, prayers, good thoughts, whatever... I'll take them! Been doing monster cleaning all weekend in prep. Special thanks to Thom for helping to clean the barn/bar for the party (while I was cleaning the house) and to Sparky for coming over and helping clean on Sunday. I'm not "done", but the house overall looks nice.
Bonus Thing: Since I'm officially late this week (again), thought I'd add this bonus Thing -- The turkeys are only going to be around for another 2-3 weeks, but their pen was looking pretty beaten down. Last night I added 25' of fencing and increased their pen to include the rest of the "garden" and a bunch of taller grass and clover. Hopefully they'll enjoy it.
Bonus Pictures:
1) Reilly on Sunday afternoon... obviously helping me clean the living room:
2) Me in my Halloween costume -- I'm a "Train Wreck"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
5 Things on an October New Moon
I know, I'm late again this week. But at least it's something, right? :)
1) Have started jumping through hoops for the land purchase. Looks like I won't make December 1st no matter what I do as the parcel split needs to go before the zoning committee for the township and the next meeting we can make is December 1st. Waiting for the ok to proceed with the plan from the seller, then the next steps are the appraisal on the farm and the survey for the split.
2) Had 1 showing on the Cottage house yesterday and have another scheduled for today. If anyone is looking for a nice home for cheap ($500 to assume the loan!!) and the possibility of no payments til August, send them my way!
3) Need to find a way to corral the chickens better. Mostly because I want to decorate with pumpkins but I know the chickens will peck at them. Hmmmm...
4) Cleaned the mudroom this past weekend, including scrubbing the floor. Moved the patio bench and chair into the mudroom for the winter. Not looking forward to winter weather mind you... not saying that at all. But I am looking forward to being able to sip a cup of tea in the mudroom on one of those "it's so sunny that the mudroom is WARM even with snow on the ground" days.
5) Trying to figure out the plans for this weekend. Having more work done (at least in the barn), may be judging Saturday, would like to go to a corn maze maybe, have the party on Saturday night, still need to clean for the impending appraisal, want to ride (need to if I'm hitting the Blessing of the Hounds next weekend), need to work on a costume, then make a dish to take to the office carry-in on Monday. I need a longer weekend. :)
1) Have started jumping through hoops for the land purchase. Looks like I won't make December 1st no matter what I do as the parcel split needs to go before the zoning committee for the township and the next meeting we can make is December 1st. Waiting for the ok to proceed with the plan from the seller, then the next steps are the appraisal on the farm and the survey for the split.
2) Had 1 showing on the Cottage house yesterday and have another scheduled for today. If anyone is looking for a nice home for cheap ($500 to assume the loan!!) and the possibility of no payments til August, send them my way!
3) Need to find a way to corral the chickens better. Mostly because I want to decorate with pumpkins but I know the chickens will peck at them. Hmmmm...
4) Cleaned the mudroom this past weekend, including scrubbing the floor. Moved the patio bench and chair into the mudroom for the winter. Not looking forward to winter weather mind you... not saying that at all. But I am looking forward to being able to sip a cup of tea in the mudroom on one of those "it's so sunny that the mudroom is WARM even with snow on the ground" days.
Of course when the door is left open, the barn cats have their own ideas...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
5 Thing for mid-October
1. No news yet on the loan paperwork, although it's still early in the week. I really don't expect anything til Wednesday or so. Keep those "yes you can buy more land" digits crossed!
2. I really need to get Stewie a ball to play with. Walked the fenceline last night to fix the electric in a couple places (no, just putting on new wire holders... I'm not an electric goddess) and he followed Reilly and I the whole time. When we got back to the beginning, I walked off where I'd like to put an arena - trying to decide if 100x150 is ok or if I "need" to go to 100x200 and how it would look in the field, when Stewie decided he was bored or something. He started PLAYING with a bucket... pushing it around iwth his head a bit then spinning and bucking like he was at the National Rodeo Finals... then back to the bucket. I feel bad that he only has chicken friends. He even tried to play with Reilly, but unlike when he first arrived at the farm, the boy has grown... Reilly hides behind me when Stewie gets playful. If we do beef again, there will need to be at least 2.
(note, it's now THURSDAY!! so much for finishing this "in a few minutes")
(note, it's now THURSDAY!! so much for finishing this "in a few minutes")
3. I participated again this year in the Ghosts & Goblins 5K race downtown (proceeds to benefit Children's Medical Center). Fun race. That was Tuesday. Now it's Thursday and I swear I'm more sore than I was yesterday! Something tells me I need to do more fitness work before I get horses at the farm... or hauling and tossing hay is going to be a daily adventure in pain.
4. Same as #1. Still no news yet on the loan application.
5. Raining again today. It's good for the land, but it shows some things that just make you want to laugh. I wish I had a picture. I arrived home late last night after meeting some old friends for dinner. It was dark. It was raining. Yet there were 8 of the 12 Turkeys huddled on top of the rabbit hutch napping in the dark rain. their house isn't perfect, but there is a roost pole in there and there are parts of it that ARE dry. Nope... the turkeys seem to prefer being out in the rain.
4. Same as #1. Still no news yet on the loan application.
5. Raining again today. It's good for the land, but it shows some things that just make you want to laugh. I wish I had a picture. I arrived home late last night after meeting some old friends for dinner. It was dark. It was raining. Yet there were 8 of the 12 Turkeys huddled on top of the rabbit hutch napping in the dark rain. their house isn't perfect, but there is a roost pole in there and there are parts of it that ARE dry. Nope... the turkeys seem to prefer being out in the rain.
Monday, October 10, 2011
5 Things (in pictures) on Columbus Day
Had to work today... ah the joys of working in retail. Managed to get a few things accomplished this past weekend. But decided rather than just recount those in words, I'd do most of today's entry in pictures.
1) Fall may be here but there are still some pretty things around:
2) Still harvesting pears:
3) The cow is happy about the pears... comes running when I'm on that side of the fence:
1) Fall may be here but there are still some pretty things around:
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| Flower growing next to the back patio |
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| Wooly worm making its way across the pasture |
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| Pear from one of the trees. |
3) The cow is happy about the pears... comes running when I'm on that side of the fence:
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| Silly cow coming to beg for pears. |
4) Chickens are still dumb. No this is not a staged picture. Yes some dumb chicken really did leave the egg here.
5) Planted a new tree. Hope to make the old burn pile area a nice garden/sitting area. Started with the Royal Frost Birch tree thanks to Vogel's Nursery (and their 30% off fall sale!) |
| Egg found on the workbench, "nested" among scrap wood. |
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| New tree near the barn. |
Monday, October 3, 2011
5 Things in October
1- It's October already? Wow! Seems like just yesterday it was spring. I love October for the most part, and just like the rest of Fall, I'd love it more if winter didn't follow so closely behind it.
2- In the grand tradition of harvesting for winter that's happened for the entire of human existence, I did some canning this weekend. Picked a couple grocery bags of pears from the trees in front of the pasture and made pear sauce from them. Canned it yesterday into 14 pint jars. All the jars sealed and look good. Talked to the neighbor as well and she said I could "have at" their pear tree. So I see more pear sauce in my future. And maybe some pear butter too!
3- Moved the fencing for the turkeys over the weekend. Incorporated the rabbit area and fencing and figure it doubled the amount of space the turkeys have. They LOVED it!
4- Slight farm detour -- Saw 2 movies over the weekend on VUDU -- X-Men: First Class and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I'm really glad I saw X-Men first... while not a fantastic movie, it gave me something to fall back on that not all sequels are complete garbage. If I'd seen Transformers first... I'm not sure I would have even bothered with X-Men. Transformers was THAT bad. I'm not usually one to complain this loudly about a movie but really... when Megan Fox looks like a genius for getting (herself?) fired and not being part of the project, you know it's bad. Bad editing, bad story, bad script, bad acting... not to mention putting us through all that bad for 2.5 hours! Bad movies should be limited to 90 minutes tops. That way you don't waste the WHOLE evening watching something that bad. I wasn't even engaged enough to enjoy the special effects. It was just... bad.
5- Back to the farm -- Have a busy week ahead. Putting together all the paperwork and bank statements for the loan application to get more land. Plus Nikol came over yesterday and we talked plants and I would love to get a couple in the ground (while Vogel's is doing their sale). Need to finish cleaning up my tack so I can get it all moved into the new tack room and clean out the mudroom. Probably making more pear sauce -- since what I've done has turned out so well, I can't see waiting and letting pears rot on the trees (although Stewie the cow LOVES pears and is going to be quite miffed when they're all gone). May even try making a few jars of pear butter. And contractors come this weekend to work on the mudroom/bathroom roof issue.
Bonus: took a ride on Spot yesterday. Not sure if it was because he was in his stall, but he was quite full of himself. His canter transitions are getting MUCH nicer though.
2- In the grand tradition of harvesting for winter that's happened for the entire of human existence, I did some canning this weekend. Picked a couple grocery bags of pears from the trees in front of the pasture and made pear sauce from them. Canned it yesterday into 14 pint jars. All the jars sealed and look good. Talked to the neighbor as well and she said I could "have at" their pear tree. So I see more pear sauce in my future. And maybe some pear butter too!
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| Pear sauce cooling and sealing. |
3- Moved the fencing for the turkeys over the weekend. Incorporated the rabbit area and fencing and figure it doubled the amount of space the turkeys have. They LOVED it!
4- Slight farm detour -- Saw 2 movies over the weekend on VUDU -- X-Men: First Class and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I'm really glad I saw X-Men first... while not a fantastic movie, it gave me something to fall back on that not all sequels are complete garbage. If I'd seen Transformers first... I'm not sure I would have even bothered with X-Men. Transformers was THAT bad. I'm not usually one to complain this loudly about a movie but really... when Megan Fox looks like a genius for getting (herself?) fired and not being part of the project, you know it's bad. Bad editing, bad story, bad script, bad acting... not to mention putting us through all that bad for 2.5 hours! Bad movies should be limited to 90 minutes tops. That way you don't waste the WHOLE evening watching something that bad. I wasn't even engaged enough to enjoy the special effects. It was just... bad.
5- Back to the farm -- Have a busy week ahead. Putting together all the paperwork and bank statements for the loan application to get more land. Plus Nikol came over yesterday and we talked plants and I would love to get a couple in the ground (while Vogel's is doing their sale). Need to finish cleaning up my tack so I can get it all moved into the new tack room and clean out the mudroom. Probably making more pear sauce -- since what I've done has turned out so well, I can't see waiting and letting pears rot on the trees (although Stewie the cow LOVES pears and is going to be quite miffed when they're all gone). May even try making a few jars of pear butter. And contractors come this weekend to work on the mudroom/bathroom roof issue.
Bonus: took a ride on Spot yesterday. Not sure if it was because he was in his stall, but he was quite full of himself. His canter transitions are getting MUCH nicer though.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Other 4 Things
To continue 5 Things for this week...
#2 - The work on the new tack room continues. As of last night, the only parts left to "complete" are the door and window. Of course there is more to do -- move the light switch, put down floor mats, insulate -- but those things come in time. I've actually started moving some of my large collection of "stuff" into the room and I'm really excited to see it all come together.
#3 - Chickens really are dumb. Caught this bird-brain finding a new nesting spot -- in the cabinets above the workbench. Also found she's been going there for a while as she left behind 6 eggs.
#2 - The work on the new tack room continues. As of last night, the only parts left to "complete" are the door and window. Of course there is more to do -- move the light switch, put down floor mats, insulate -- but those things come in time. I've actually started moving some of my large collection of "stuff" into the room and I'm really excited to see it all come together.
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| Reilly checking out my unpacking. Window and door will be on the right of this shot. Notice the new cabinets -- I LOVE the ReStore! |
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| Obviously more work to do here, but you can see the system of holders for blankets and saddle pads. The plan is to have saddle racks on the far wall (as it's the most sturdy wall in the room). That's next. |
#3 - Chickens really are dumb. Caught this bird-brain finding a new nesting spot -- in the cabinets above the workbench. Also found she's been going there for a while as she left behind 6 eggs.
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| Dumb chicken |
#4 - Reilly got groomed!! He was starting to look (and smell) like a good ole farm dog so off to the groomers he went. Took him to Kela's here in New Lebanon and they loved him, of course. He looks adorable. A little funny perhaps with his feet trimmed all up for a wet fall (had them take the excess fur around his feet off so he wouldn't track quite as much mud into the house), but he looks... and even more SMELLS... so much better! They even gave him a blue bow.
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| In the car on the ride home. Ain't he so cute!! |
#5 - Finally put a For Sale sign up in front of the Cottage house. I've gotten quite a few phone calls from it. A lot of people I think are hampered by wanting to buy now but can't move in due to the renters being in place. Oh well. Gives me hope for the future though. Just wish to have it "moved on" sooner rather than later. If anyone reads this and knows someone who's looking to buy a house, please pass this on. Renters are in place til August 1st, but I'm offering to pay the sellers the difference between rent and monthly payment through then so no mortgage payment til you actually get in the house... and you still get the deduction on your taxes!
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| The small print in the middle says "No Closing Costs. No Down Payment. Save over $40,000" |
Monday, September 26, 2011
5 Things ... condensed
As I sat down to write this week's 5 Things, I started writing the first item and realized that this was too important to even put down as #1 in the 5 Things list. It needed an entry all to itself. And since the writing of 5 Things is intended to help me keep up with writing about what's going on at the farm, there was no reason at all really that I couldn't take this week's 5 Things and write instead about 1 very important thing. I'll write about the other items later in the week, but really... this deserves to be highlighted on its own.
Yesterday, thanks to the Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, I got to see a screening of the movie Farmaggedon. I would highly recommend anyone who is at all interested in freedom of choice when it comes to food to see the movie - either as a screening (a list of which is on their website), in the theaters when it finally gets distributed and released or on DVD when it's available for sales. The documentary mostly focuses on the specific issues/incidents surrounding the sale of raw milk throughout the country. Each state has it's own standards and rules -- you can buy it in the grocery stores in California... have to go directly to a farm in NY... and can't buy it at ALL in Maryland. With different rules come different enforcement but there have been a number of completely ludicrious incidents that make you question the entire legislative process... not to mention the bureaucrats. From confiscating and destroying sheep really without solid proof of a disease that is pretty much imaginary in sheep (and would later be proven to be non-existent in those sheep destroyed), to confiscating a family's personal food stores after an armed raid and holding the family (including small children) at gunpoint for hours, to dumping paid-for milk simply because it crossed state lines.
There were many audible outrages in the audience. Why is raw milk the 2nd most regulated agricultural crop in the US -- behind only Marijuana? Why is it legal for someone to smoke a pack a day yet illegal for them to buy raw milk? The former product is proven to have no benefits and a long list of detriments, while the later carries a small chance of a known lethal bacteria which is, lately, more prominent on spinach. Why would government agencies act this way -- entering a family home and holding children at gunpoint? Taking equipment, food and animals away for destruction? Where are the raids on the big industrial farms? One point that was brought up in the film was that an organic farmer had to fill out MOUNDS of government paperwork to prove what is NOT in their products. Why don't industrial producers have to fill out MOUNDS of government paperwork to say what is IN theirs?? The system does seem slanted and the one-size-fits-all approach not only doesn't fit small farmers, but creates an unnecessary burden... and that's without the overreaching officials and early morning raids at gunpoint.
Probably the most audible disgust from the crowd came in the case of the sheep. Several years after the sheep were destroyed, a lead official for the FDA was finally brought into court under a deposition and stated, for the record (paraphrased here), that US Citizens truly have 1) no absolute right to choose what they eat or what they feed their children and 2) no absolute right to their own health (not health care... basic health). She also admitted that no disease was ever found in the flock that was destroyed (or in the equipment taken or the hay that was confiscated and dumped).
I walked out of the almost sold out theater feeling 2 things -- a heavy dispair at the state of freedom in this country (with a good dose of "why bother" thrown in).... and an almost violent urge to tell the entire government to Shove Off! The local food movement in growing and our representatives need to know where we stand. I want the freedom to choose to get to know my farmer and eat/drink their product. I want the freedom to go to the corner mini-mart and gorge myself on twinkies.
When we went to a community meeting last fall regarding the new Ohio Livestock Care and Standards Board, I met a hog farmer from Darke County. I am extremely glad to have gotten to talk to him. He is very proud of the work he is doing and his desire is to feed the world. I hope he succeeds. My desire is to feed my family and my neighbors. There is NO reason both systems of farming cannot exist in the same country EXCEPT that someone has decided they can't. Why not? Conspiracy theories will say follow the money and they very well may be right. In the meantime, if we can't choose what we put into our bodies... be that pastured turkey, grassfed beef, raw milk, twinkies, McDonalds or coke... how free are we really? and if we aren't free to choose the basic of all things (our food), WHY NOT!!??
HR Bill 1830 was introduced to Congress in May and would remove the interstate commerce ban on sales of raw milk and raw milk products. It is currently in committee review. Here's hoping freedom can win one.
In the meantime, seriously... if you get a chance to see "Farmaggedon" I highly recommend it.
Yesterday, thanks to the Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, I got to see a screening of the movie Farmaggedon. I would highly recommend anyone who is at all interested in freedom of choice when it comes to food to see the movie - either as a screening (a list of which is on their website), in the theaters when it finally gets distributed and released or on DVD when it's available for sales. The documentary mostly focuses on the specific issues/incidents surrounding the sale of raw milk throughout the country. Each state has it's own standards and rules -- you can buy it in the grocery stores in California... have to go directly to a farm in NY... and can't buy it at ALL in Maryland. With different rules come different enforcement but there have been a number of completely ludicrious incidents that make you question the entire legislative process... not to mention the bureaucrats. From confiscating and destroying sheep really without solid proof of a disease that is pretty much imaginary in sheep (and would later be proven to be non-existent in those sheep destroyed), to confiscating a family's personal food stores after an armed raid and holding the family (including small children) at gunpoint for hours, to dumping paid-for milk simply because it crossed state lines.
There were many audible outrages in the audience. Why is raw milk the 2nd most regulated agricultural crop in the US -- behind only Marijuana? Why is it legal for someone to smoke a pack a day yet illegal for them to buy raw milk? The former product is proven to have no benefits and a long list of detriments, while the later carries a small chance of a known lethal bacteria which is, lately, more prominent on spinach. Why would government agencies act this way -- entering a family home and holding children at gunpoint? Taking equipment, food and animals away for destruction? Where are the raids on the big industrial farms? One point that was brought up in the film was that an organic farmer had to fill out MOUNDS of government paperwork to prove what is NOT in their products. Why don't industrial producers have to fill out MOUNDS of government paperwork to say what is IN theirs?? The system does seem slanted and the one-size-fits-all approach not only doesn't fit small farmers, but creates an unnecessary burden... and that's without the overreaching officials and early morning raids at gunpoint.
Probably the most audible disgust from the crowd came in the case of the sheep. Several years after the sheep were destroyed, a lead official for the FDA was finally brought into court under a deposition and stated, for the record (paraphrased here), that US Citizens truly have 1) no absolute right to choose what they eat or what they feed their children and 2) no absolute right to their own health (not health care... basic health). She also admitted that no disease was ever found in the flock that was destroyed (or in the equipment taken or the hay that was confiscated and dumped).
I walked out of the almost sold out theater feeling 2 things -- a heavy dispair at the state of freedom in this country (with a good dose of "why bother" thrown in).... and an almost violent urge to tell the entire government to Shove Off! The local food movement in growing and our representatives need to know where we stand. I want the freedom to choose to get to know my farmer and eat/drink their product. I want the freedom to go to the corner mini-mart and gorge myself on twinkies.
When we went to a community meeting last fall regarding the new Ohio Livestock Care and Standards Board, I met a hog farmer from Darke County. I am extremely glad to have gotten to talk to him. He is very proud of the work he is doing and his desire is to feed the world. I hope he succeeds. My desire is to feed my family and my neighbors. There is NO reason both systems of farming cannot exist in the same country EXCEPT that someone has decided they can't. Why not? Conspiracy theories will say follow the money and they very well may be right. In the meantime, if we can't choose what we put into our bodies... be that pastured turkey, grassfed beef, raw milk, twinkies, McDonalds or coke... how free are we really? and if we aren't free to choose the basic of all things (our food), WHY NOT!!??
HR Bill 1830 was introduced to Congress in May and would remove the interstate commerce ban on sales of raw milk and raw milk products. It is currently in committee review. Here's hoping freedom can win one.
In the meantime, seriously... if you get a chance to see "Farmaggedon" I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
5 Things on a Tuesday
I took a vacation day yesterday from work. Didn't accomplish quite as much as I would have liked, but after the busy weekend, the day was enjoyable. So that's why "5 Things" is late this week.
1) The horse show on Saturday was a lot of fun. It was an incredibly LONG day -- left the farm at 7:30am... returned at 8:30pm. Spent the morning watching, reading on my new Kindle (I won a raffle at work on Friday), and catching up with friends. I love the Stillwater Pony Club show. It's always fun. It was a decent sized show and with the larger arena, the classes took a while to finish. Spot and I finally got to show about 4:30. He was SO much more confident than at the Greenstone show a couple weeks ago. The fences didn't phase him. We had our issues with the canter transitions, but that's a work in progress for Spot. Even between the first and second class, his confidence grew. He's such a neat horse. We didn't place in any of our classes, but I'm so proud of him! I'm hoping Jen got a couple good pictures of us. I also really appreciated the comments and compliments I got from friends.
2) Very proud of myself for all the work that was accomplished on Sunday. Trimmed bushes, weeded flower beds (and cleaned up the mess from both), finished painting the turkey coop, painted the support posts for the farm sign, cleaned the chicken nest boxes and refilled with bedding, cleaned the turkey coop and replaced the fly strip, picked up the trash that Stewie kept scattering in the pasture, and dismantled the old burn pile. Oye! Didn't do diddly Saturday evening that's for sure!
3) Had a meeting with Farm Credit on Thursday and things are looking very good for the land purchase. Need to get all my financial documentation in order and turn in the paperwork. Of course the hoops don't stop there -- after I get my approval back, we have to go to the Township to get the big parcel officially split. THEN I can go back to the bank and finish the loan.
4) Attended the Nourishing Connections meeting last night. It's a chapter of the Weston A Price Foundation. The speaker was from the Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund (and Foundation). This is a wonderful organization that helps farmers, even or especially in fights with the government. The Foundation is an educational charitable branch of the organization and it turns out they have some experienced folks willing to help with the education of new farmers when they have questions. I WILL have questions with the new land. Having been conventionally farmed for many years (who knows how many), I'm worried about the soil quality. As was quoted last night (and paraphrased here), the quality of the ground leads to the quality (and quantity) of the nutrient dense vegetation -- whether that's in the form of vegetables or forage crops for feed animals.
5) Along the same lines as #4, I think I'm going to see a showing of the movie "Farmaggedon" this Sunday. 4pm at the Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs. $4 of every $10 ticket goes to support the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. This is not fringe, hippy, radical stuff. It's incredible, disturbing and true and I would urge anyone interested in good, nutritious food... AND the right to CHOOSE what food you are able to buy... to go see the movie!
1) The horse show on Saturday was a lot of fun. It was an incredibly LONG day -- left the farm at 7:30am... returned at 8:30pm. Spent the morning watching, reading on my new Kindle (I won a raffle at work on Friday), and catching up with friends. I love the Stillwater Pony Club show. It's always fun. It was a decent sized show and with the larger arena, the classes took a while to finish. Spot and I finally got to show about 4:30. He was SO much more confident than at the Greenstone show a couple weeks ago. The fences didn't phase him. We had our issues with the canter transitions, but that's a work in progress for Spot. Even between the first and second class, his confidence grew. He's such a neat horse. We didn't place in any of our classes, but I'm so proud of him! I'm hoping Jen got a couple good pictures of us. I also really appreciated the comments and compliments I got from friends.
2) Very proud of myself for all the work that was accomplished on Sunday. Trimmed bushes, weeded flower beds (and cleaned up the mess from both), finished painting the turkey coop, painted the support posts for the farm sign, cleaned the chicken nest boxes and refilled with bedding, cleaned the turkey coop and replaced the fly strip, picked up the trash that Stewie kept scattering in the pasture, and dismantled the old burn pile. Oye! Didn't do diddly Saturday evening that's for sure!
3) Had a meeting with Farm Credit on Thursday and things are looking very good for the land purchase. Need to get all my financial documentation in order and turn in the paperwork. Of course the hoops don't stop there -- after I get my approval back, we have to go to the Township to get the big parcel officially split. THEN I can go back to the bank and finish the loan.
4) Attended the Nourishing Connections meeting last night. It's a chapter of the Weston A Price Foundation. The speaker was from the Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund (and Foundation). This is a wonderful organization that helps farmers, even or especially in fights with the government. The Foundation is an educational charitable branch of the organization and it turns out they have some experienced folks willing to help with the education of new farmers when they have questions. I WILL have questions with the new land. Having been conventionally farmed for many years (who knows how many), I'm worried about the soil quality. As was quoted last night (and paraphrased here), the quality of the ground leads to the quality (and quantity) of the nutrient dense vegetation -- whether that's in the form of vegetables or forage crops for feed animals.
5) Along the same lines as #4, I think I'm going to see a showing of the movie "Farmaggedon" this Sunday. 4pm at the Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs. $4 of every $10 ticket goes to support the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. This is not fringe, hippy, radical stuff. It's incredible, disturbing and true and I would urge anyone interested in good, nutritious food... AND the right to CHOOSE what food you are able to buy... to go see the movie!
Monday, September 12, 2011
5 Things for this Monday
See... I told you I could eventually post on an actual Monday.
1) Yesterday I performed in one last showing of "A Piece of My Heart"... sort of. Mother Nature interfered at the end of Act 1 and we couldn't finish. Kind of a rough way to end the run, but I'm still glad we did it. The show is and probably always will be a favorite of mine. The subject matter simply is too close to home or my heart or something not to be. If you ever get a chance to see a performance of it, don't pass it up. I wouldn't.
2) Building on point 1... I now get my evenings free again. Time to get my butt in the saddle and ride as well as getting projects worked on at home. I'm thinking lawn mowing tonight with a side of putting up poultry netting in the barn (too many hens ending up in the barn again).
3) Hopefully meeting with and/or talking to a few financial type folks this week to work further details on purchasing the land soon. I have another "angle" on how I can work the deal (all on the up and up, it's just another way that I hadn't thought of to try to obtain financing). Still have some hoops to jump through, most notably with the Township and dividing the one parcel, but I think it's going to all work out in the end.
4) Still have several turkeys up for sale for the holidays. They're getting big too. I also think I'm going to move their water jug outside the coop itself. I think it may be tilted just enough that that part of the coop is staying really wet, making the entrance just icky to walk in, even 10 minutes after I clean it.
5) I'm starting to advertising the Cottage house for sale again. The current tenants are in a lease through August 2012, but they pay on time and are good tenants. And with the mortgage loan assumption, a buyer could save about $40,000 between loan interest and closing costs/fees! Plus I'm willing to help with payments through the end of the current lease with the tenants -- they are good friends so I cut them a deal on their rent... what they pay doesn't QUITE cover the whole monthly payment when you include taxes and insurance. A person could come in and have the house for $500 and not pay any monthly payment out of pocket for almost a full year!! At which point they can move in themselves or rent it again.
1) Yesterday I performed in one last showing of "A Piece of My Heart"... sort of. Mother Nature interfered at the end of Act 1 and we couldn't finish. Kind of a rough way to end the run, but I'm still glad we did it. The show is and probably always will be a favorite of mine. The subject matter simply is too close to home or my heart or something not to be. If you ever get a chance to see a performance of it, don't pass it up. I wouldn't.
2) Building on point 1... I now get my evenings free again. Time to get my butt in the saddle and ride as well as getting projects worked on at home. I'm thinking lawn mowing tonight with a side of putting up poultry netting in the barn (too many hens ending up in the barn again).
3) Hopefully meeting with and/or talking to a few financial type folks this week to work further details on purchasing the land soon. I have another "angle" on how I can work the deal (all on the up and up, it's just another way that I hadn't thought of to try to obtain financing). Still have some hoops to jump through, most notably with the Township and dividing the one parcel, but I think it's going to all work out in the end.
4) Still have several turkeys up for sale for the holidays. They're getting big too. I also think I'm going to move their water jug outside the coop itself. I think it may be tilted just enough that that part of the coop is staying really wet, making the entrance just icky to walk in, even 10 minutes after I clean it.
5) I'm starting to advertising the Cottage house for sale again. The current tenants are in a lease through August 2012, but they pay on time and are good tenants. And with the mortgage loan assumption, a buyer could save about $40,000 between loan interest and closing costs/fees! Plus I'm willing to help with payments through the end of the current lease with the tenants -- they are good friends so I cut them a deal on their rent... what they pay doesn't QUITE cover the whole monthly payment when you include taxes and insurance. A person could come in and have the house for $500 and not pay any monthly payment out of pocket for almost a full year!! At which point they can move in themselves or rent it again.
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