Tag Archives: Farm

An Easter Lamb Miracle

Posted on April 5, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

Hopefully you are all having a lovely and relaxing Sunday. The weather here is beautiful, if windy, and the kids are about due to crash from their sugar largesse left by the bunny.

I am enjoying the newly blooming flowers and the pea plants which have begun to sprout.

But the BIG news we are happy to share is that Wembley the wonderlamb has made a full and complete recovery.

When I found her downed several weeks back with a thiamine deficiency, we were pretty worried. When we brought her home from the vet that evening, we were unsure how she’d do through the night.

She lived in my tub for two weeks before I felt like I could move her out to the sheltered front porch. But after a few days I was still pretty worried. She was still crooked, and could barely stand on her own. When the nearly three week mark hit and she was walking sideways, unable to lift her head completely, I was really worried. But then, suddenly one day, she decided she’d had enough, and walked around the gate and off the porch. I took her down to the other lambs (lots of bleating was to be had) and worried yet again how she’d do through the night.

But now? Holding her own at the feed trough and hay bale. Walking straight, no head tilting or any indication of illness other than being a bit skinny still.

The only difference between her pre-illness self and now is that she got used to us being her food-bearers, and consequently is very friendly and cuddly now.

I’m pretty comfortable calling this turn around nothing short of miraculous.

Tagged: Farm

Comments Off on An Easter Lamb Miracle

Tagged Farm, Uncategorized

Happy St. Paddy’s Day From The Flock!!!

Posted on March 17, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

Tagged: Farm

Comments Off on Happy St. Paddy’s Day From The Flock!!!

Tagged Farm, Uncategorized

Sunday Progress

Posted on March 15, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

It was so sunny and warm out today that we opened the windows early and had vegetable omelets and coffee in the fresh air before getting to work outside.

Oona and I mulched a raised garden bed for her use and she planted peas. When it’s warmer she will plant sunflowers and mini pumpkins as well. She is beyond excited!

After we took care of that we finished mulching the back garden and Oona helped plant peas back there as well. We got tomato and pepper seeds started inside, and I tied the long, spindly rose branches down to the trellis after some pruning.

I checked on the bees and they were happily buzzing about and working hard to bring nectar and pollen back to the hive.

There were tiny little blue wildflowers blooming all over the lawn, and I found two little crocuses in the front.

It was great to have the kids all outside all day for once! Oona conned Paul into playing on the swingset for a little while before dinner.

Our house lamb is getting used to life outside once again, and is walking and eating on her own. Her head is unfortunately still turned a bit back, but very slowly that seems to be improving as well.

In the coming weeks we will be putting in the cooler weather crops: lettuces, beets, carrots, radishes, etc. I can’t wait for them to be ready. I’ve been craving crunchy salads like nobody’s business!!!!

The sheep have been running and playing and kicking up their feet, and the dogs have been rolling happily in the grass. Everyone’s got spring fever!

I think Lucy is the most photogenic dog!

Though Orzo doesn’t want to be counted out.

I know spring doesn’t officially start for a few more days, but we are enjoying life as though it is here already!

Tagged: Farm, Garden, Pets, Seasons

Comments Off on Sunday Progress

Tagged Farm, garden, Kids, Pets, Seasons

Pre-Spring

Posted on March 11, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

I love this part of the year; the air smells fresh and cool and earthy. Full of the promise of things to grow. The rains are warmer now, and the first early bulbs are just starting to send their shoots up through the surface. Normally this also the time of year we look forward to lambs and kids, but we have taken the year off. Though I will miss the wee lamb noses and kid bleats, I’m relieved to have more time to devote to the garden and other farm projects that are sorely in need of attention.

I have gone through all my seeds and ordered the ones I needed; i’ll be starting my seeds in the mini greenhouse this week. Peas will be going directly into the ground in the next few days.

We did lose one bee hive over the winter. Not sure if it was the Varroa mites that did it or the cold; it was the smaller of the hives and not as strong as the swarm hive I started out with. I will be sterilizing the components of the hive and seeing if the swarm hive decides to produce another swarm this year. If it does, I’ll be ready for it. That hive is super strong. It went into winter with a bumper crop of honey. I decided not to harvest any because there wasn’t a large amount above what they needed for themselves, and I wanted to be cautious in my first year as a beekeeper. It seems to have paid off, because they still have a few frames of lovely honey left and I’m not really needing to feed them much extra.

The chickens are finally starting to lay with some reliability again, to my great relief.

You cant see the color really well in the picture, but that is a blue egg! I’m looking forward to being overloaded with eggs again; it’s it’s been far too long!

Little daffodils and crocuses poking up!

I’m hoping to be able to get out and work in the gardens a bit today and clean them up a bit in prep for planting. I am going to be trying the Deep Mulch method this year. I have so very much waste hay that we may as well put it to good use!

One of our lovely Silver-Laced Wyandottes, Penny. She likes to hang out on the porch.

We’ve been able to have the windows open during the day lately, and the cats are loooooooving it. I’m thinking this little one needs a perch next to the bird feeder so she can better stalk her prey.

All this springyness has got me wanting to get sewing a whole lot as well. New dresses and skirts!

I’ve been getting a bit done here and there, and I’ll reveal all soon. But I am excited about the newest Lonsdale dress I’ve made with some lovely Moda crepe:

This fabric reminds me so much of one of my favorite sewing bloggers – Lauren over at Lladybird.

For now I am excited to get outside and get the gardening started for real. What are you excited for this spring?

Tagged: Farm, food, Garden, Pets, Sewing

Comments Off on Pre-Spring

Tagged Farm, food, garden, Pets, Sewing, Uncategorized

Tub Lamb

Posted on March 7, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

Just when all was starting to return to normal around here (and all of my seed catalogs were calling to me, reminding me I need to start my seeds), we got another snowstorm.

It was quite lovely. Of course, the town was in no way prepared for it. People were trying to drive home from work in it and there were abandoned cars everywhere on our road. Paul was out on the tractor clearing our neighborhood until pretty late, but thankfully neither of us had to be anywhere.

I love when it’s just snowed and all of the trees are heavy with it; it’s very Narniaesque!

Today it’s bright and sunny and in the upper 50’s, so everything is melting off and I am back to thinking we actually see spring soon.

It also means I can let our little Wembley outside to get some sun and fresh air.

Wembley, you see, has been living in my bathtub for the past week or so.

“I know there’s a cat there, but I am going to stare you down for more treats”.

Right before I got sick, we found her at evening feeding time laying in the hay with her head pinned back. Susan and I agreed that this looked exactly like a thiamine deficiency. But, not having any pure thiamine on hand, and out of an abundance of caution, a trip to the vet was in order.

Dr. Davis gave her an IV with thiamine and some glucose to keep her blood sugar up. She couldn’t find anything else wrong with her, so home we went, with instructions to keep her warm and keep her blood sugar levels up.

Into the tub she went, with some hay, food, and warm water mixed with molasses.

She’s been getting many, many shots of thiamine and plenty of attention. Her head is no longer pinned back to her side and her appetite is monstrous. She’s been in the tub awhile, though, and her limbs are a bit unused to holding her weight, so I’ve been taking her outside when I can and trying to get her to stand up. She tries all the time, but in the tub she cant get any traction to stand. Otherwise, she is the picture of health!

“Seriously, lady. Make with the treats.”

“Hello, cat. Do YOU have treats?”

I’m hoping her strength returns soon and she can be back out with the flock. Keeping a lamb in the tub is just as adorable – and disgusting – as you can imagine.

Tagged: Farm, Pets

Comments Off on Tub Lamb

Tagged Farm, Pets, Uncategorized

Winter Weekend

Posted on February 22, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

More snow!

I know, I’m probably the only person on the eastern seaboard right now who gets excited over seeing snow anymore. Can’t help it. Even after trudging out in it in the morning to put out fresh hay and again for evening feeding (and to knock the accumulated snow off the shelter) I was still smitten with it.

The kids stayed mostly in their pj’s all day, snuggled on the couch with hot cocoa and popcorn watching Rise of the Guardians and Bob’s Burgers.

We also spent a not-insignificant amount of time watching the cat, who was watching the birds.

She knows how to keep us entertained!

I was able to get a decent amount of knitting done on my Shepherd sweater. I’ve got one sleeve finished and I’m about a third of the way done with the second. I can’t believe how slow it’s going. Not that I am a quick knitter or anything, but man! All that cabling really slows me down.

I’ve got some patterns pulled out that I am hoping to get to work on soon as well. I want to make a few more Renfew tops, some Espresso leggings, and at least one more Lady Skater. I’ve also got some lovely Moda Crepe that I want to use to make another Lonsdale.

It probably won’t happen today, but it’s an exciting prospect to have it lined up.

I’m also toying with the idea of making a rain jacket with Minoru since I will need one in June, because……and here comes the super big news of the year……I am heading to Europe for 15 days with my sister and middle child!

Specifically, we are flying into Edinburgh, Scotland and staying there for 3 nights. Even in June I will likely need a light jacket or sweater in the evenings. My friend Jessie and her family will be there at the same time. We are already looking ahead to having a pint together in Scotland!

We are then taking the train to London (where a rain jacket will be a must) where we will stay for 5 days before taking another train to Paris. Happily, my friend Jennifer lives in London and we will be able to meet up with her while we are there. We are also lucky enough to be able to stay with my friend Aurelie at her apartment in Versailles for 3 nights. I haven’t seen her since before Oona was born, so I am crazy excited!

After Paris we are heading to Wiesbaden, Germany to stay with my friend Diana, who’s been there for work since August.

I am still amazed that we will see someone we know in each European city we are visiting!

We’ve got our tickets and our hotels in the UK booked and I can’t even tell you how hard it is now to just wait. I’m throwing myself into my knitting and crafting and garden planning to stay occupied.

Before we get there, spring will come. The garden will be planted and the bees will be out gathering pollen and nectar. And most important of all, Susan’s baby will be here!

It’s going to be an incredible year!

Tagged: Farm, Garden, Knitting, Sewing, Trips

Comments Off on Winter Weekend

Tagged Farm, garden, Kids, Knitting, Sewing, Trips

Chore Day!

Posted on January 19, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

I don’t usually sing the praises of warm weather in January; mostly because it’s enough of a tease that it makes those bone-chilling February days seem cruel after the fact. Today, though, we were lucky enough that it was both a holiday AND the weather was nice enough that we could tackle some more important farm work with Paul home. And BONUS: I had my phone with me so you can see some sweet sheepy noses!

One of our lambs, Finchley, has been scouring (he has diarrhea), and since they can get super dehydrated, super fast, I’ve been giving him a supplemental bottle of lamb milk. The dogs absolutely LOVE it. Here’s Orzo having a bit after Finchley’s evening dose.

I’ve also discovered that I can’t mix this stuff up in the kitchen if the kitten is around or she will tear me to bits trying to get at it.

Lamb congregation. They were expecting me to produce their evening food.

Yeardley and Wimbledon seem to be having a conversation.

Mabel got moved to the back coop.

Fairfax is looking sassy.

Get my good side.

Fresh bale, delivered into the new shelter……

….which hopefully can withstand Caramel.

Check out Perivale’s spotted ears!!!!

Staunton.

Perivale.

Wembley still likes to get all up in your business.

Suspicious Wimbledon is suspicious.

We also finally got our Christmas tree out to them, and they dove right in.

Hannah loooooooves the taste of pine!

We also got some fresh bedding into the prison coop and discovered an egg had been laid. Fingers crossed this means we will start seeing some production out of these girls at last! (We’ve been threatening them with the stewpot but they’ve been unphased.)

Now that we’ve had this lovely mid-50’s weather I wonder how long before I’ll be posting super snow pictures!

Tagged: Farm, Pets

Comments Off on Chore Day!

Tagged Farm, Pets, Uncategorized

Winter Work

Posted on January 13, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

Now that we’ve finally started seeing some winter-appropriate temperatures we finally ventured out for the weekend motivated to achieve some important farm progress.

It was apparent after last winter that having our water lines partially buried out to the back field was not a great idea; the above ground portions would thaw out in the sun and allow water to flow in the warmest portions of the day, whereas underground saw no benefit whatever from those warm rays. Not wanting a repeat of that this year we dug up the buried hoses and moved them into a different field along with the water troughs. After a long year of wet weather the troughs had begun to sink into the mud, which never seemed to dry or freeze completely. I was sick of the mess, the sheep were sick of the mess, and we were hoping by moving the water we could keep them out of the muddy areas altogether.

After that we decided it was time to install a better shelter against the possibility of freezing rain AND take back the chicken coop that we’d been using as a makeshift lamb shelter.

There’s plenty of room under there for everyone when they want to get out of the weather – it’s about the same size inside as the run in shelter on Susie’s old barn. I even put their feed troughs in there. Not that it made any difference at all in yesterday’s monsoon; they would have zero to do with it. I will probably put their next bale of hay inside both to encourage them to go in and also to help pad the ground a bit with the waste hay.

We started putting hens from the coop out front into the back one now that it isn’t overrun with goats (there is fencing in front now to keep said goats out!).

Look at all the room for chicken-related activities! (One of which better be laying eggs, because I’m tired of this egg drought we’ve been having).

Obviously we will still have to knock off any heavy snow that might come our way, but the pitch of the roof on this shelter will make that far easier than the flat-topped ghetto shelter of years past. Our biggest concern was simply a wind/sun/rain break for them, and I think this will accomplish it marvelously.

Tagged: Farm

Comments Off on Winter Work

Tagged Farm, Uncategorized

All That’s Fit To Spin

Posted on January 8, 2015 by WoolyMama | Comments Off

Happy New Year! It’s been a quiet one for us so far.

The day after Christmas Paul packed up the kids and went to see his parents in New York for 5 glorious, peaceful days. They saw the tree at Rockefeller Center, went ice skating, went to the American Girl store, and saw the holiday show at Radio City Music Hall.

I spent the entire time getting to know my new spinning wheel and catching up on my favorite shows and podcasts. I watched Broadchurch TWICE. I’m just that excited for the new season to start in March!

I spent a lot of time watching Top Gear and Doctor Who reruns as well. Just me, my wheel, plenty of wool and British television. Bliss!

New Year’s Eve we had our annual tradition of game night with friends, and we’ve enjoyed all of us being home and lazy for awhile.

We are officially back to school this week and it’s not been the easiest transition after such a wonderful holiday season.

As for my spinning, I’d say it’s going better than great! I enrolled in a Craftsy class for beginners (“Foundations of Spinning”) and it really made it click for me. I even plied my single spun into yarn! Real, actual yarn!