New Life on the Farm

Life on a farm is always interesting.  Last week we were dealing with death;. This morning, life!

As with spring, the wildflowers and fruit trees are in full abundance with some even beyond flowering and now in full leaf.  

And new babies enter the world.

Yesterday we were leaving the house for a quick jaunt to East Texas and the world famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton when were were surprised to see one of our cows in the last throws of calving.  As we sat there we watched the birth and new calf until it stumbled to its feet.

Later in the day we saw another newborn, and our neighbor said she saw what she believes to be a third new calf as well.

Then, last night we noticed that one of our ewes was showing signs of lambing so we quickly spread fresh shavings and prepared a place for new arrivals.  At 11, no lambs.  But when I woke up at 1:15 or so and went out we had a bright eyed baby boy.  I checked one more time before heading back to bed and there was another lamb just born and being cleaned up by Grace (the momma).

 

This morning found us all tired (including Momma Sheep) but excited. It is hard to get pictures through the enclosure wire, but we were able to get a few.  I am sure more updates are upcoming!

 By the way, our LGD (guardian dog) looks rather confused this morning.

Problems on the Farm (Update)

When you live on a farm there are issues that must be dealt with.  Most of the time cows have their calves without trouble.  But sometimes they have trouble.

Last week one of our cows had a calf that was much too large.  The calf was pulled but it didn't make it.  And #45 was injured in that she was unable to stand.  We have been feeding and watering her in place.  Tonight Sadie helped.

Our next step is to try to help her up (so more on that later).  She is bright-eyed and strong, but her back legs are weak.  Some ranchers say that she might need a month.  Hopefully, we can help her along and get her back on her feet.

Day 2

With new tools built to try to lift her, we tried twice today to get her on her feet.  She still eating and drinking, but still weak.

As with PT, these things take time.  Hopefully she will continue to improve.

Day 4

We tried again tonight but it isn't looking good.  There seems to be complications from the birthing.  You can only attempt to help so much and for so long.

Day 5

She didn't make it.

Sherman Celtic Festival, 2022

The Sherman Celtic Fest has gone through a number of changes since it first began some 5 years ago.  The first year or two was single day, and with growth in attendance now covers a weekend.  It has also now at it's third location , and with the end of the lockdowns and craziness of the last few years, it seems to be going strong.

Vendors, music, good trucks!...  Always a good time!  

#Travel2022 Spring Break at Jellystonr

Spring Break typically begins our travel season, although we still have 9 or so weeks of work to go before summer time.  As an educator family, this is what we save for and plan for all year.

Typically we head for Gatlinburg for SB, bilit this year we kept it closer to home.   Jellystone Whispering Pines in Tyler, Texas is nearby but also a genuine get-away from the hustle and bustle of home.  

We arrived on Sunday and set up camp.  We stayed in #60.  Brandon had #53 and Dad had #55.  It was a good combination of sites. 

 

Upon arrival and while setting up Brandon came over and asked for help; he had water coming out of the side of the camper.  As it was Sunday he could not reach Gibbs so they dry camped.  On Monday Gibbs predicted busted pump from the winter freeze.  He and I dove in ourselves and found it to be a broken PVC check valve.  $3 at Lowe's fixed it.

Each evening was visiting and hanging out by the fire.  We did dodge the bullet when a Monday night storm rolled through. Rain but not much else.

Walking, visiting and Blackstone cooking was the order of the day.   Sunday to Wednesday wasn't long enough, however.  We will need to come back soon!

Texas March Sunrise

With Spring Break 2022 just around the corner, we are ramping up for our summer travels.  There are a lot of unknowns, such as the rising gas prices and society issues, but hopefully it will be a summer to remember.  Alternate plans being formulated, too.

Regardless, as the last major cold snap of the season wraps Texas, it provided for a beautiful morning sunrise.

 

"This the Current Situation Be!"

Today was nice but with a cutting south wind.  Regardless, outside work must be done.  With a possible ice event later in the week, more firewood was split and stacked and some cattle work done.  Also, since around Valentine's Day is when you trim the roses, I did that also to most of the bushes.  

Supper of Mahi from this summer's trip to the Keys, and a baord game.

We have several that we love: Various Ticket to Ride editions; Pandemic; Scotland Yard.

But our new favorite is Plunder: A Pirate's Life.

The purpose: sail around collecting treasure, claiming islands, and speak like a pirate.  Upgrade your ships and battle yer for, matey!  It isn't overly complicated and can play in about an hour for 3 players.  With 6 it takes a wee bit longer.

Lose a battle, lose a life.  Cannons improve the dice rolls in combat.  Masts give more distance per move.  And watch out fer the storm, or ye be stranded fer a spell.

It is a well thought out game.  Perhaps a bit too large for a rainy day in the camper, but at home, the dining room table holds it well.  

So far I haven't won at all yet.  But one day I'll be crowned the Pirate Lord!  Arr!

Blizzard of 2022?

We have entered a pattern of weather here where at least once a year - typically February - we have an ice event.  This year was no exception.  No camping plans had been made and our plans had been to stay home anyway.

The system rolled through Wednesday night, and the schools and college made the call early: cancelled classes.

  

About 2.5 inches of rain fell then was filled by sleet all the next day.  Not as dramatic as last winter but still enough to shut things down.  Even the local grocery stores and Walmart announced closure for Friday, which saw a refreezing over Thrusday night.  Temps in the high teens and low 20's throughout the spell. 

I am glad for our energy efficient log home and wood stove.  It makes a "snow" day a comfortable experience inside.