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Monday, February 28, 2011

A Quiet Day...

So many thoughts are milling about in my head right now....

But none volunteer themselves to be coherently written...

It's been an interesting week (last week that is). I've lost a friend, and I gained a friend. I witnessed the birth of my two new goats. And lost four of my chickens on the same day. I've seen the Lord answer my tiniest of tiny prayers, and have caught myself questioning His work in another area of my life.

Losing, gaining, trusting doubting... Like a puzzle missing some pieces, so life seems at times.

Watching, waiting, working, praying.... Will I never figure life out?

Today is just a quiet day... I know not what to say, I have done what I needed to do. The clock ticks by... Surely there must be something that I need to be doing!? These days drive me crazy, for I prefer to stay busy....

And so, I end this strange post.... I have accomplished nothing by writing this. I have not even amused you. I know not why I chose to write this... It just sorta' came out...

I do not like quiet days....

Quote of the day


The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.


~ Alice Walker ~

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Pictures

Ta Da!! Pictures of my wee little kids....

Bertram...



And Beatrix...





They're here!!

That was the fastest birth I've seen yet! At about 12:30, this afternoon, Heidi gave birth to twins!!

I was so surprised when right after the first kid appeared, a second kid came zooming out! I was sure that Heidi would only have one baby since she looked so small, but I guess this will teach me not to count my chickens before they hatch (er, not to count my goats before they're born!).

The first kid was a male who looks exactly like a Boer. A white body, black head and neck, and a white blaze running down his forehead. He is definitely a husky fella'. The second kid was a female and looks identical to her mother. She's a teeny, tiny, dainty little lady who has lovely dairy conformation.

Their names? The male is named Bertram, and the female is Beatrix. I know, they sound like odd names, but they actually fit the kids really well! My family and I recently watched the movie 'Miss Potter' for the first time, a couple days ago, and it quickly became a new favorite of mine. The movie is about the famous author 'Beatrix Potter', and her life. Beatrix had a younger brother named Bertram, and on a whim, I decided to dub Heidi's kids after the two Potter children.

And no, I haven't gotten any pictures yet!! Our barn is really dim, so I was not able to get any good shots of my cuties. But I promise I will post some as soon as possible!

Waiting....

It snowed last night...

Leaving 6 inches of fluffy powder in its wake...

The temperature outside is 30 degrees, I think? Needless to say, it's cold.

And what am I waiting for on this lovely, snowy day?

Heidi is in labor!! I thought for sure she would kid late, but lo and behold, it looks like she is going to kid early! She is still in "stage 1" of labor, meaning no serious pushing yet. The kid has moved back, closer towards her pelvis, Heidi is looking very uncomfortable and has become very vocal (which is unusual for her). She wasn't happy that I left her alone just now, but my hands were getting un-bearably cold, and I knew that y'all would want to know the news.

So off I go now, to hunt down some gloves and a book, and go keep Heidi company once more...

I'll try to keep y'all updated about her!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chicken Wisdom

All I Need To Know In Life, I Learned From My Hens
By Michaele Oleson

Wake up early, stay busy,
Rest when you need to, but always stay alert.
Visit your favorite places each day.
Scratch out a living.
Routine is good.
Plump is good.
Don't ponder your purpose in life - your brain is too small.
Accept the pecking order, and know your enemies.
Weed your garden.
Protect your children fiercely - sit on them if you need to.
Take them for walks, show them the little things, and talk constantly.
Make a nice nest.
Share it with your friends.
Brag on your accomplishments.
Don't count your chicks before they hatch.
Protect your nest egg.
Test your wings once in a while.
Squawk when necessary.
As you age, demand respect.
Leave a little something for those who care about you.
Chase butterflies.

Monday, February 21, 2011

The List, Part #2

Here I be once more, attempting to finish up my list o' seeds. ;)

BEETS:

Cylindra: Ummm, let's just say that I have a lot of seed available. I haven't mustered up the courage to count them yet...

I'm hoping to have some Chioggia beet seeds soon, but I have yet to find out if I'll have enough to share.

CABBAGE:

Copenhagen: Approximately 100 seeds available.
Brunswick: A lot.... Seeds anyone?
Glory of Enkhuizen: Not quite as many seeds available as the Brunswick, but still a goodly amount. :)

CAULIFLOWER:

Okay, so these were given to me, I have no name of the seeds, and I haven't counted them yet. But from the looks of the bulky envelope that they're in, methinks I will not be lacking in the cauliflower department this year...

PEPPERS:

Big Bomb: 285 seeds available. What's a "Big Bomb" pepper? ;D
Jalapeño: 394 seeds available. I may not know about 'big bomb' varieties, but I DO know what a jalapeño is!
Mini Sweet Pepper: 199 seeds available. These are so cute! Peppers are usually about 2" to 3" tall, and plants are very productive.

BROCCOLI:

Calabrese: 200 seeds available. This is the typical "grocery store" type of broccoli.
Romanesco: Sorry, all checked out for 2011. :(

CUCUMBERS:

Marketmore: 50 seeds available.
Edmonson:  20 seeds available. This will be my first year to try the Edmonson's; sooo excited!

WATERMELON:

Sugar Baby: 15 seeds available.

BEANS/ PEAS

Blue Lake Pole: 150+ seeds available. The link actually leads to the bush variety of the Blue Lake, but the beans are the same regardless of pole or bush habit.
Early Contender Bush: 600-700 seeds available. Pleeeeeze ask for some of these!! I am so swamped with these seeds! It goes to show just how productive the plants are though, I guess... These beans are great, and produce for an extended period of time. The beans themselves are ever-so-slightly fuzzy, which makes them perfect for throwing at people, since they will stick to clothing quite well when freshly picked. ;)
Purple Podded Pole: 6 seeds. Sorry, but I need to keep these as a "grow out" this year. Keep an eye out for them next year though!
Masai French Filet: 100 seeds available. I can't find very much info about this variety online, but a lot of people have assured me that these are very yummy beans. I guess we'll find out come summer time!
Sugar Snap Peas: 80 seeds available. Mmmmmm... I love these snap peas. Not very many find their way into the house because I usually end up snacking on them while outside. Even our picky eaters like these.
Peas: 50 seeds available. I think these might be shelling peas. but not positive on that. These were given to me, thus the reason for the lack of info.

SPINACH:

Bloomsdale: 300 seeds available.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS:

Catskills: 30 seeds available. I'm not much of a fan of brussels sprouts, but I've heard that this variety tastes a little better than others. We'll see...

Well, that be all for now. I still have seeds that are not yet listed. Some are still in the mail, some I haven't counted yet, etc. But I'll continue to add to this list as the seeds come in.

Again, if you see something you would like, please e-mail me, HERE, and I'll give you the address to send your SASE to.

Happy Gardening!