No photographic evidence yet, but I looked at the new gutter garden and the spinach is starting to pop up!! I'm really excited to see how this works.
Put down 12 bags of top soil the other day and planted 1 short row of snow peas and 3 broccoli plants. Of course the cats seem to think I created a new litter box for them. I swear, if it's not the cats getting into something, it's the chickens. I may need to fence it off until the plants actually start taking root! Hopefully I can get a bit more accomplished sooner than later as I have cauliflower and cabbage starts that are ready to plant, and I want to get more snow peas in the ground (one can never have too many snow peas). I think that may do it until closer to the frost date. I know you can buy tomatoes and peppers and whatnot now, but I'm really leary of planting them and then getting hammered with a late frost. Plus I am putting in the top soil a little at a time anyway so it's not like it does me a whole lot of good to go out and buy a ton of plants right now. Ah... but it IS tempting!! LOL
I think I've made a change to the pallet garden. I would love to do it the way the instructions say -- using soil to fill in between plants and voila... water for a week or so laying down then you can stand up with no worries. Unfortunately, I've started and then come to realize that for a regular size pallet... that's a LOT of plants! So I'm backtracking. Going to probably remove the plants I have... or at least fill the pallet with more soil and spread them out a bit. Then I picked up a couple packets of wildflower seeds. I have the time to let them grow so why not?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Overdue Update
Happy Spring! Granted, there's been frost on the ground the last 2 days, but the tulips and lilacs have been blooming for a couple weeks and it IS the middle of April. Another tell tale sign of spring? The animals are shedding like fiends. Thankfully the sign of "mud everywhere" hasn't struck yet, but the "I'd rather be outside doing yard projects than inside cleaning" certainly has.
A lot has been going on so here's a very quick run down:
A lot has been going on so here's a very quick run down:
- FINALLY!! There are 2 boarder horses at SVF now: Map is a 6yo Arabian/Trakehner cross stallion and Teddy is a 6 year old Percheron/Morgan cross gelding. Both came from iTolt Training Center and are doing wonderfully. Of course they'd much rather be out on the grass ALL the time, but they're slowly getting more and more grass. Shortly after they arrived, I was able to purchase mats for the cross tie area and we've used it a few times when I decide they need to be brushed. Both have long manes and I end up telling them that while we like Bob Marley, no one at SVF is to LOOK like Bob Marley -- no dreds! Seriously, it's a lot of fun to watch them from the kitchen window.
- BRING ON THE BEEF. Last year's experiment with raising a beef steer went really well and I've signed up to raise 2 more this year. They should be arriving in 2 weeks. They'll be limited to sharing the chicken room and having a separate grazing area from the horses until everyone gets used to one another. Several friends are joining in and "purchasing" shares in the steers. I believe there is at least one 1/4 share left if anyone is interested -- cost is $250 with at least half payable up front and butchering fees are not included. Should work out to roughly just over $3/pound overall. Expected delivery date is January 2013.
- TALKING TURKEY. Now taking orders on this year's crop of turkeys. The plan is to raise both the Broad Breasted Whites like last year as well as some Bourbon Reds, a heritage breed that I've heard a lot of good things about. The BBWs should end up larger than the Bourbon Reds as they are a larger bird (last year's purchase weights ranged from 11.5 pounds to 16 pounds). They do not get as large as they would in their typical commercial environments, but I'd rather lose some possible pounds than have a bird that isn't able to get out and eat grass and chase bugs. Bourbon Reds average 23 pounds for toms and 14 pounds for young hens, live weight. Here's a link to a wonderful review and amateur taste test conducted last fall. The Bourbon Reds and Midget Whites for this test were raised by an online friend of mine: Lets Put Turkeys to the Test Turkeys will be ordered next month, so if you want to guarantee yourself a wonderful turkey, whether a BBW or a Bourbon Red, contact me by May 1st. $10 deposit is due up front (to help pay for the chicks). BBWs will be sold at $3/pound dressed weight (same as last year). Bourbon Reds will be $3.50/pound.
- SPRING MEANS GARDEN. Finally getting the garden started. Moving it closer to the house to make it more accessible and to be able to use the old area as a new paddock for the animals. Currently only have lettuce and spinach planted, but hope to soon have peas and broccoli as well. Trying a new technique this year -- the lettuce and spinach are being planted using rain gutters attached to a fence, like this:
The ends of the gutters are a double layer of landscape fabric... keeping the soil in but allowing any excess water to drain out. Cheaper than gutter end caps and easier than drilling drain holes in the gutters. With any luck it will work.
I think that's about it for now. Have been dealing with mechanical issues all over -- 2 wheel bearings and new tires for the Explorer, scooter is in the shop now dealing with a "won't start" issue, just dropped off the weed eater for service and the push mower at the rental won't start. Maybe I need to take a class in automotive repair? Also have several projects coming up -- finishing the garden, getting water to the barn, fencing in the new paddock, etc. One thing at a time though, right? or at least no more than what will drive me crazy.
In the meantime, heading to Equine Affaire on Saturday for the first time in a few years. Looking forward to it and hope to run into some friends.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
5 Things... Update
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. " :)
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. " :)
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
