Today is the day for lovers! It has been a great day for us. This morning, I taught Toby and Tonya (calves who are about a month old) how to drink from a pail, rather than a bottle. They both took very well to it. Toby gets SO excited though and she put her front feet up in the bucket. It was cute.
After chores, we met my mom for lunch at the Joy Wah chinese restaurant in Bellows Falls, where the boys had a blast eating rice and talking about the woman prepping snow peas. Then my mom took the boys with her for the night.
This afternoon, I baked Joyce a French Vanilla Raspberry cake for her birthday today, and then headed over to the barn to help my love with barn chores. Toby and Tonya did even better with the pails tonight, not even needing direction. YAY! I stayed in the barn and helped more than usual since I didn't have the boys waiting for me. It was really nice. Sometimes I forget how much fun Philip and I have when it's just us. (Well us and the cows anyway.)
We kept our Valentines Day pretty low key, since we just went all out for our anniversary last week. Which is fine. We are pretty low key people anyway.
So, I am ending todays blog, with wishing you all a very Happy Valentines Day, may you all enjoy the ones you love so dearly, not just today but everyday! And also wishing my mother in law a very happy birthday! We love you Grammy Joyce!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine The Ox
This is so cute!! This little calf was born this week with a perfect heart shape on his forehead. He is simply adorable! Too cute not to share!! This is in Japan. Here is the link...
http://news.aol.com/article/valentine-ox/210953?icid=200100397x1218452516x1201265416
http://news.aol.com/article/valentine-ox/210953?icid=200100397x1218452516x1201265416
Monday, February 9, 2009
Our Anniversary!!
Philip and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on February 2nd. This past weekend, we celebrated with Philip surprising me to a WONDERFUL dinner at The New England House restaurant, complete with a fireside table. He also snowshoe'd PR+TR 7 into the snow in the field on front of our house!! I can't believe it has been 7 years since we said our vows. I have truely been blessed with my soulmate, partner, best friend, and husband all in one. I could not have found a better match and I love him more every single day!!
Birthdays and an Anniversary!
We have had quite the run of Birthdays in the last few weeks, plus Philip and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.
Today, February 9, 2009 would have been Philip's little brother Garys 27th birthday. For those who have never heard, Gary passed away 10 years ago at the age of 16 in an auto accident. We celebrated the day with Sawyer and I taking his mom out to lunch, and then this afternoon, Philip and I trudged through knee deep snow to visit his stone. We often wonder what Gary would be like today. What he would have become, would he have a wife? Kids? Make millions? Farm with us? No matter what, we love him and miss him dearly.
January 20th, Philip's dad turned 65. Same day as Barack Obama made history in the White House! WOOHOOO!!!
January 24th, Philip turned 29. The day before his birthday, the boys and I surprised him with gifts and balloons. The boys had a blast hiding out in the dark and yelling SURPRISE! when Daddy walked in the door. Philip was so excited, especially to hear the excitement in the kids voices and on their faces. It was priceless. That night we had Kevin and Stevie over for a yummy ham dinner and cake. The night of his actual birthday, him and I went to the Olive Garden for a "date". It was great. We ran into some friends so the wait was tolerable and the meal was delicious! The boys spent the night at Grammy Kellys house. My sister also had a Birthday recently... (I don't know why but sometimes... my blog won't let me enter to a new line and sometimes it will> Sorry for the funniness.....) anyhow! Kurstin turned 21 on January 31st. We went to Sophie and Zekes for dinner and then to the Heritage for a night of good food, friends, family and music. It was a great night out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!!!
Today, February 9, 2009 would have been Philip's little brother Garys 27th birthday. For those who have never heard, Gary passed away 10 years ago at the age of 16 in an auto accident. We celebrated the day with Sawyer and I taking his mom out to lunch, and then this afternoon, Philip and I trudged through knee deep snow to visit his stone. We often wonder what Gary would be like today. What he would have become, would he have a wife? Kids? Make millions? Farm with us? No matter what, we love him and miss him dearly.
January 20th, Philip's dad turned 65. Same day as Barack Obama made history in the White House! WOOHOOO!!!
January 24th, Philip turned 29. The day before his birthday, the boys and I surprised him with gifts and balloons. The boys had a blast hiding out in the dark and yelling SURPRISE! when Daddy walked in the door. Philip was so excited, especially to hear the excitement in the kids voices and on their faces. It was priceless. That night we had Kevin and Stevie over for a yummy ham dinner and cake. The night of his actual birthday, him and I went to the Olive Garden for a "date". It was great. We ran into some friends so the wait was tolerable and the meal was delicious! The boys spent the night at Grammy Kellys house. My sister also had a Birthday recently... (I don't know why but sometimes... my blog won't let me enter to a new line and sometimes it will> Sorry for the funniness.....) anyhow! Kurstin turned 21 on January 31st. We went to Sophie and Zekes for dinner and then to the Heritage for a night of good food, friends, family and music. It was a great night out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bitter COLD!
Ugh!! We are being hit with some bitter cold temps today and tomorrow. Tonight's low is going to be around -7 and I think it lingered around -1 for the most part today. This weather is hard because Philip can't let the cows out of the barn or the barn will freeze up. The barn isn't heated, but he has it buttoned up real well and it stays a pretty comfortable temperature. I had to give him a few of the kids flat sheets we don't really use, to take to teh barn to hang over a couple drafts. Now the cows can enjoy looking at Batman, Sharks and Finding Nemo =)
Last night our neighbors horses got loose and enjoyed an engorging feast on our NICE 2nd cut haybales that we're in the yard. Hopefully they didn't get sick. That good of feed isn't great for horses and their sensitive tummies. They were having a grand ol' buffet though. Instead of opening one bale and eating from that, they opened about 7. Two of which will have to be fed right away so they don't spoil, and our neighbor did his best to repair the wrap on the others. For those of you that don't know, round bales are put in green and wrapped in plastic to cure. They get HOT in the center and keep. If any air gets in, they will mold and spoil and freeze this time of year. You can only imagine Philip's surprise when he pulled into the dark farmyard at 5 am to see about 7 HUGE animals. lol. I bet he was glad to know that they weren't his cows out though. The neighbor was pretty grateful to Philip for calling him, and was really sorry about the bales. Oh well. Our cows have done their fare share of damage. It sucks, but it's no ones fault. Animals tend to escape.
Garrett started winter sports with his class last week. They go Ice Skating at an indoor rink on Fridays for about half an hour. He had a fit last week because he didn't want to go. He went anyway. I told him he HAD to try it, and if he still hated it, then I would not make him go again. Guess what? He LOVED it and is so excited to go again tomorrow. Silly boy!
Sawyer officially started preschool yesterday at the Village Early Learning Center in Saxtons River. He had a blast. His teacher, Joy said he had one of the best first days she has ever seen, and was not happy to see me at noon, knowing I meant he had to go home. I was a little sad about that, but glad that he had fun. They have a big bunny named Freckles, and of course my little animal lover LOVED her.
I have been thinking about getting a job. I am really not sure where to even begin though. It's hard. I didn't think it would be this tough, but I haven't worked but a little here and there since I was pregnant with Garrett, over 6 years ago. With the price of childcare, and the few jobs available out there, the task is daunting, but personally I am ready. I need the people interaction I used to get, and my babies are getting older, and we could really use the extra income. It won't really be worth it though if it all goes to the cost of daycare.
Well that is enough rambling for now.....Philip just got home and I am sure he's hungry!! Thank goodness for Stouffers~ =)
Until next time.....
Last night our neighbors horses got loose and enjoyed an engorging feast on our NICE 2nd cut haybales that we're in the yard. Hopefully they didn't get sick. That good of feed isn't great for horses and their sensitive tummies. They were having a grand ol' buffet though. Instead of opening one bale and eating from that, they opened about 7. Two of which will have to be fed right away so they don't spoil, and our neighbor did his best to repair the wrap on the others. For those of you that don't know, round bales are put in green and wrapped in plastic to cure. They get HOT in the center and keep. If any air gets in, they will mold and spoil and freeze this time of year. You can only imagine Philip's surprise when he pulled into the dark farmyard at 5 am to see about 7 HUGE animals. lol. I bet he was glad to know that they weren't his cows out though. The neighbor was pretty grateful to Philip for calling him, and was really sorry about the bales. Oh well. Our cows have done their fare share of damage. It sucks, but it's no ones fault. Animals tend to escape.
Garrett started winter sports with his class last week. They go Ice Skating at an indoor rink on Fridays for about half an hour. He had a fit last week because he didn't want to go. He went anyway. I told him he HAD to try it, and if he still hated it, then I would not make him go again. Guess what? He LOVED it and is so excited to go again tomorrow. Silly boy!
Sawyer officially started preschool yesterday at the Village Early Learning Center in Saxtons River. He had a blast. His teacher, Joy said he had one of the best first days she has ever seen, and was not happy to see me at noon, knowing I meant he had to go home. I was a little sad about that, but glad that he had fun. They have a big bunny named Freckles, and of course my little animal lover LOVED her.
I have been thinking about getting a job. I am really not sure where to even begin though. It's hard. I didn't think it would be this tough, but I haven't worked but a little here and there since I was pregnant with Garrett, over 6 years ago. With the price of childcare, and the few jobs available out there, the task is daunting, but personally I am ready. I need the people interaction I used to get, and my babies are getting older, and we could really use the extra income. It won't really be worth it though if it all goes to the cost of daycare.
Well that is enough rambling for now.....Philip just got home and I am sure he's hungry!! Thank goodness for Stouffers~ =)
Until next time.....
Monday, January 12, 2009
Calves!
We have a whole bunch of heifer calves right now. They are so cute. There is Sugar and Spice, who were just weaned off from the bottle. Sugar took right to the pail, but Spice was a little unimpressed. I had to try her a couple times, and she refused to do it for Philip. He ended up giving her a bottle. The next morning she was good for me, and drank with the first attempt. She has been weaned since. That was a few days ago.
Then there was Stevie and Sue, 2 sweet calves about a day or two apart, born about 3 weeks ago. They had been in the same pen since birth, and were too cute. A woman inquired to me about selling them a heifer and we really need some space, so we offered her Stevie and Sue, a small bargain for taking them both, as we were hoping they would go together. The woman and her family loved them, and took both of them. Philip was so happy after they left with them, because of the fact that they went together, and to a great home, with kids, and other animals and he just felt REALLY good about where they were going.
Well, good thing we made the room, because 2 days ago the FIRST CALF OF 2009 was born!! Joanne, one of our proven dams was bred to a proven sire, gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL heifer calf we named Tele...short for Teletha. She is absolutely the sweetest thing EVER. So pretty, so soft, and so lovey. Philip calls her "Princess".
Another heifer was born yesterday, Lydia had an adorable little girl we named Tonya. She has a white patch on her head, and white "stockings" on her legs. She is a good girl too.
Sydney, my little heifer calf from my birthday present, Paisley, was really sick for awhile. We had to treat her for both Pneumonia and Coccydia, and give her Deliver for a good while to clear up the runs. It was touch and go for awhile, and I was so worried about her. For about 3-4 days she couldn't get up without Philips help, but was still eating and drinking good, and she was getting pretty bloated which was scary. With lots of love, and TLC, and a few prayers... alongside Philips medicinal care, she pulled through and it was a great morning when I came clamboring down the steps of the milkhouse to see my baby girl had got up on her own and was bellering at me to feed her. I almost cried. YAY! My little Sydder-bidder as I call her lovingly... was back to her sassy little self again.
As you may have noticed in the paragraphs above, that we have switched from S names, to T names. With our naming method, we go by the alphabet, starting each new year with a new letter and use the same letter all year long. Every single heifer calf born in 2009 will have a T name. In 2010, however, we will start again at A. We don't use Q, U,V,W,X,Y, or Z.
Well that is about it on the calves for now. They are doing well and growing so fast!!
Then there was Stevie and Sue, 2 sweet calves about a day or two apart, born about 3 weeks ago. They had been in the same pen since birth, and were too cute. A woman inquired to me about selling them a heifer and we really need some space, so we offered her Stevie and Sue, a small bargain for taking them both, as we were hoping they would go together. The woman and her family loved them, and took both of them. Philip was so happy after they left with them, because of the fact that they went together, and to a great home, with kids, and other animals and he just felt REALLY good about where they were going.
Well, good thing we made the room, because 2 days ago the FIRST CALF OF 2009 was born!! Joanne, one of our proven dams was bred to a proven sire, gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL heifer calf we named Tele...short for Teletha. She is absolutely the sweetest thing EVER. So pretty, so soft, and so lovey. Philip calls her "Princess".
Another heifer was born yesterday, Lydia had an adorable little girl we named Tonya. She has a white patch on her head, and white "stockings" on her legs. She is a good girl too.
Sydney, my little heifer calf from my birthday present, Paisley, was really sick for awhile. We had to treat her for both Pneumonia and Coccydia, and give her Deliver for a good while to clear up the runs. It was touch and go for awhile, and I was so worried about her. For about 3-4 days she couldn't get up without Philips help, but was still eating and drinking good, and she was getting pretty bloated which was scary. With lots of love, and TLC, and a few prayers... alongside Philips medicinal care, she pulled through and it was a great morning when I came clamboring down the steps of the milkhouse to see my baby girl had got up on her own and was bellering at me to feed her. I almost cried. YAY! My little Sydder-bidder as I call her lovingly... was back to her sassy little self again.
As you may have noticed in the paragraphs above, that we have switched from S names, to T names. With our naming method, we go by the alphabet, starting each new year with a new letter and use the same letter all year long. Every single heifer calf born in 2009 will have a T name. In 2010, however, we will start again at A. We don't use Q, U,V,W,X,Y, or Z.
Well that is about it on the calves for now. They are doing well and growing so fast!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Last post of 2008!!
Well, Christmas came and went. Crazy, wild and exciting. It was awesome. The boys had a blast. They loved everything. I am glad to be moving on from all the hustle and bustle though. Tonight is New Years Eve, and we don't have anything planned. That is par for the course of being a farm family. Philip still has to get up at 4:30 am and milk. The girls could care less what day or year it is, or what is going on... These are the times I seem to feel it the most. I won't lie. It does bother me. Oh well. The boys had their first overnight with my mom since Sawyer was a tiny baby. It was nice to have the break. I still had to get up and do chores in the morning which sucked but atleast I didn't need to cart the boys down to the barn. They are going to stay again on Friday night and I won't have to do chores so that will be nice. Philip and I will be able to go and get breakfast and pick them up together. Philip's great aunt Caroline Ranney turned 100 yesterday. She is doing well. We went to see her and Donald and June and some others and had Cake and Ice cream. It was really nice. Caroline isn't talking too much, but she listens. She has in home care round the clock now, which is good. She has for only about the last 2 years or so. She is such a remarkable woman. Well I guess that is all for now. I got to get our pizza ordered. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe 2009!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Fudge, Fudge and MORE Fudge!!!
I have been making FUDGE all morning! Mmmmmmmm!!!!! I have made chocolate walnut fudge, plain chocolate fudge, chocolate coconut fudge, chocolate peppermint fudge!! I still need to make the Peanut Butter Fudge, which is our personal favorite!
I used the recipe on the back of the Nestles chocolate chip bag for Nestles Famous Fudge!
The recipe is...
1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
2/3 Cups evaporated milk
2 tbsp butter or margerine
1/4 tsp salt
2 Cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 Cups Semi Sweet chocolate chips (9oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Line 8 inch pan with foil or wax waper
Combine Sugar, evap milk, butter and salt into medium saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Do this about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in chocolate and marshmallows at the same time, along with vanilla. Stir vigorously until melted. Pour into prepared pan, cool 2 hours until firm. Lift from pan and cut into peices.
This makes a great base fudge. Add in options-
crushed peppermint candy (on top)
walnuts
coconut
I will let you know how the peanut butter fudge comes out and post the recipe as well!! :)
I used the recipe on the back of the Nestles chocolate chip bag for Nestles Famous Fudge!
The recipe is...
1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
2/3 Cups evaporated milk
2 tbsp butter or margerine
1/4 tsp salt
2 Cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 Cups Semi Sweet chocolate chips (9oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Line 8 inch pan with foil or wax waper
Combine Sugar, evap milk, butter and salt into medium saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Do this about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in chocolate and marshmallows at the same time, along with vanilla. Stir vigorously until melted. Pour into prepared pan, cool 2 hours until firm. Lift from pan and cut into peices.
This makes a great base fudge. Add in options-
crushed peppermint candy (on top)
walnuts
coconut
I will let you know how the peanut butter fudge comes out and post the recipe as well!! :)
Poking Hay...
I hate it. WHY do I hate it so much? Because the mother in me can't stand when each cow doesn't have the "same". LOL. Yes. It's true. It drives me crazy!! Most of the cows could care less, but every now and then I get one girl that looks at me as if she were saying..."They got MORE!" Silly I know. :)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas is coming!
The goose is getting FAT!! lol. Just kidding. (About the goose anyway!) Life sure has been hectic around here preparing for the big day! We had Sawyers "Wemo Paaarty" (Nemo Party in sawyer-ese). It was great. We had pizza and wings and it was a pretty mellow gathering for the most part.
My christmas shopping is almost done. The boys pretty much are. Now if only I could stop seeing things I think they MUST have! I have a few extended family left to get for, and alot of baking to do next week :)
We got hit pretty hard Thursday night/early friday morning with rain/sleet/ice. We lost power for a short time here. About 2:30 am until about 4:15 am. I had been up with a sick Sawyer when it went out. and was up with a disgruntled farmer when it came back on... lucky me :) In all seriousness though, we were concerned about the barn, milking with the generator and Philip not getting oatmeal for breakfast!
Sure enough though, the barn was flooded. Big time. Poor Willie was standing in about 2 inches of water, and the girls in the last section near the end of the barn were totally flooded as well. Wet udders and all. Our little sump pump was NOT going to work. Philip milked, wading through rough waters, and after he was done, called around to find a pump that was bigger. We did, and it worked. Thank Goodness! We were able to get all the water out of the barn before the temperature dropped below freezing. We would of had a skating rink!
Every calf that could get loose that morning did, although it was quite cute, and their spunky little attitudes and total cuteness, entertained Philip and I, and kept us from losing our minds with all that had gone wrong.
There are still quite a few without power, and it really makes me think about how lucky we were this time around. And how blessed we are in general to have the things, luxeries really, that we have, and just how much we take them for granted. Farming is alot of hard work for sure, but it was alot harder back in the days when they did everything by hand or horse. Sometimes when everything seems to go wrong, it's easy to forget that things really could be worse. Alot worse.
So that is about all for now. I most likely won't get a chance to get back to update again before the holidays.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! (and to all a GOOD NIGHT!)
My christmas shopping is almost done. The boys pretty much are. Now if only I could stop seeing things I think they MUST have! I have a few extended family left to get for, and alot of baking to do next week :)
We got hit pretty hard Thursday night/early friday morning with rain/sleet/ice. We lost power for a short time here. About 2:30 am until about 4:15 am. I had been up with a sick Sawyer when it went out. and was up with a disgruntled farmer when it came back on... lucky me :) In all seriousness though, we were concerned about the barn, milking with the generator and Philip not getting oatmeal for breakfast!
Sure enough though, the barn was flooded. Big time. Poor Willie was standing in about 2 inches of water, and the girls in the last section near the end of the barn were totally flooded as well. Wet udders and all. Our little sump pump was NOT going to work. Philip milked, wading through rough waters, and after he was done, called around to find a pump that was bigger. We did, and it worked. Thank Goodness! We were able to get all the water out of the barn before the temperature dropped below freezing. We would of had a skating rink!
Every calf that could get loose that morning did, although it was quite cute, and their spunky little attitudes and total cuteness, entertained Philip and I, and kept us from losing our minds with all that had gone wrong.
There are still quite a few without power, and it really makes me think about how lucky we were this time around. And how blessed we are in general to have the things, luxeries really, that we have, and just how much we take them for granted. Farming is alot of hard work for sure, but it was alot harder back in the days when they did everything by hand or horse. Sometimes when everything seems to go wrong, it's easy to forget that things really could be worse. Alot worse.
So that is about all for now. I most likely won't get a chance to get back to update again before the holidays.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! (and to all a GOOD NIGHT!)
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