March Sunday Walkabout 3-31

You know, when I decided to limit my farm blog entries to once a month, I thought it would free up lots of time and mental space, allowing me to focus on writing other things.

But.

I was wrong.

While the time I would have spent focused on composing, editing photos and posting those blogs has become free, no “other writing” has magically happened. 

As a matter of fact, it’s a struggle to write. At all. I spent most of the winter, all that precious “off-season”, trapped in a sense of limbo. Waiting, waiting for resolution for a number of things. After months and months (literally) of waiting, we finally got an appointment with a rheumatologist to determine the source of my oft-debilitating pain and exhaustion.

Did you know that 2 – 8% of the population suffers from the chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia?  That’s about 5 million people in the US. https://www.fibrocenter.com/fibromyalgia-facts  I guess that’s 5 million plus one, as I finally received my diagnosis. Reading through the symptoms, it shouldn’t have been unexpected. I am at best, a poster-child for the disorder, the embodiment of almost every possible symptom.  In some ways, it seems like a rather vague, “catch-all” diagnosis that some people don’t even acknowledge as real. Finding a suitable treatment seems every bit as vague and somewhat daunting. But, at least I know that there is an explanation for my symptoms. It’s most definitely not “in my head” or something I am imagining or exaggerating. Honestly, that long-awaited doctor visit (it took over 3 months to see that one doctor) was one of the most validating experiences of my life. And, ironically, it opens a whole host of subjects for future blog posts. (assuming I have the energy and focus to write)

But, since you’re here to read about the farm and find out what’s been happening here on the hill, let’s get on with that.

HOME on the hill

I’m pretty sure I could just substitute some bits and pieces from past March blog posts and no one would ever know. Yes, life here on the hill is truly that repetitive and predictable and this March 24 marked our 22^nd year as owners. Surely, you read THIS ONE. So, while I am a complete supporter of “constancy” (you should really read this article) and I appreciate the rhythm of the seasons, it does indeed make for a challenge when it comes to writing interesting copy, particularly after so many seasons of "the same old, same old."

Although, there are always a few unexpected things...

Karma got a 'possum
(it took the Boss two days to get it away from her)

Neighbor was hoping to work on clearing the creek
but, found it was far too WET...

had to get his bulldozer to pull it out!
the Boss gave a hand
(you know what they say about "boys and their toys")

Tess turned the boot-scraper into a bed

I saw a muskrat carrying a bunch of grass to its home upstream

these weird tracks aren't crop circles
it was finally dry enough to seed the unused garden spot

I admit it
I freaked out a little when a skunk followed me on my trip to the mailbox!

But…

March is a time of transition.

It seems that man, woman and beast are all impatiently waiting for the growing season.  Chicks arrive, chicks go outside, seeds arrive, seeds get started. We pick up seed potatoes and onion sets. The “hungry time” of late Spring means the sheep can sense the grass growing somewhere, just out of reach. We can’t allow them free access, or it would stunt the growth for the rest of the season. So, we make one last trip to the hay guy’s stockpile to have enough to make it to that blessed day when the sheep return to pasture. Trees and flowers begin to blossom and birds begin to sing. I think I heard spring peepers at the creek…

forsythia blossoms

icestorm #10!

mama cardinal

1st day of Spring

papa cardinal 

the biggest snowflakes EVER

daffodil sunshine

raindrops keep fallin' on my head

1st honeybee of season

spring flowers

peach blossom

crocus

baby broilers

first batch out on grass

They looked surprised when I told them they were headed OUTSIDE

moon through the maple branches

But, the weather is capricious, beautiful blue sky one moment, swirling snowflakes the next. This year has been no exception. Although we haven’t had the snowfall totals of past years, we did have 10, count them, TEN, ice events. I lost track of the days of drizzle and rain. And, there are no indications that the the ground will dry out anytime soon, leaving many to wonder just how to cope with this new, weirdly wet environment. Our weather woes locally are not on the scale of those in the Mid-west. Have you seen the photos from Nebraska, Iowa and the like? Check out these photos or read this.  This is scary stuff that will indeed impact the nation as our food supply will be affected for a long time yet to come. This will spell the end for some farms, I am certain.  But, those in Ag will have to be open to some sort of adaptation and change as the long-term forecasts show no real end to the near-continual precipitation here in our Valley as well. 

While many people seem to think that “farmers love rain” (believe me, I have lost track of the number of times people have said this at the Market) too much moisture can be a curse in many ways. It is possible to irrigate during a drought, but I don’t know anyone who has found a practical way to stop rain from the heavens.

The last rain event (which also included the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen-some were the size of my hand) occurred during the vernal equinox, which coincided with the last Supermoon of 2019. Somehow that combination seems like it should be monumentous, or at the very least noteworthy. So, I should not have been surprised when I heard baby lamb voices when I walked in to do afternoon chores.

What?

Yes, I said lambs. Lambs. Weeks and weeks after I thought lambing season ended. After the jug pens were pulled apart and the heatlamps put away. Lambs. LAMBS!

The skinniest of skinny old ewes (who I figured was too old and skinny to breed) was talking sweet baby-talk to two teeny, tiny lambs!

Well, now, that was unexpected. To put it mildly.

Despite her somewhat pathetic appearance, mama-sheep is raising her lambs without human assistance, and they are growing out quite well.  Thank you very much.

And, that is the end of lambing season. Really. Truly.

mama sheep and the teeny-tinies

This year lambing season started with the loss of both ewe and her twin lambs, truly bumming me out and casting a pall over the entire operation. But, it ended with the totally unexpected arrival of two healthy lambs. So, our numbers are not quite as dismal as they could have been. While it’s a little glib to quote Jerry Seinfeld and say we’re “even Steven”, (watch this) , the truth is, things do have a way of working out…

I don’t know why that’s so hard to remember when we’re in the thick of things.

And, speaking of working out, I’m sure we will find a way to work around the weather issues and health concerns as our 22^nd consecutive season as Market vendors begins in just 6 days. Six days! I must admit, this is the least prepared that we have ever been for Opening Day. I don’t know if that bodes well for the season…but, it is what it is.

 this guy turned FOUR!

I want to take this opportunity to say THANKS for stopping by! I hope you’ll come back again soon.

Until our next “visit” …

Happy Sunday!

 

...maybe you can work a nap into your schedule...

       Happy Spring!

...or, have some cake, y'all!

Sunday Walkabout 8-12

I gave some serious thought to changing the name of this post because this week’s “walkabout” isn’t going to deal with a whole lot of walking…

…but hobble-about sounds downright silly.

When I left you last Sunday, it was to join the Boss at the barn for a little ewe management and sheep herding.

However, I didn’t get too far…

Before I could even get into the shop to pick up the supplies, I stepped wrong and sprained my foot.

No kidding.

No great story, no funny incident…just the inability to put one foot in front of the other without somehow injuring myself. Wincing in pain, I called for the Boss (who couldn’t hear me because he was in the barn with the ewes). I honestly thought it was broken. Oh, it hurt. I leaned up against the shop and hoped I wouldn’t cry. The Boss finally responded and was ready to take me to the Emergency Room.

ewes ready for Ram Day

But, I was bound and determined to get that job completed. You can call it stubborn. Maybe even pig-headed, the Boss certainly does. I call it tenacious. And, it generally serves us well. Quite honestly, we couldn’t very well leave the job half-finished. He had most of the work already done. The lambchop crop of 2019 hung in the balance. Over the Boss’ (very repeated) protestations, I hobbled down to the barn and stood on one foot to work the ewes.

working the ewes 8-5

With the girls readied, Angus needed to be outfitted with his harness and then the Boss could open the gate and allow him to run in with the girls. Prior to this exciting event, Angus needed to be de-wormed. Since he weighs well in excess of 300 pounds, this is not a one-person job.

Using a short-handled shovel as a crutch, I made it out to the ram paddock, where the Boss had everything at the ready. Angus was most cooperative (it’s almost like he knew). 

getting ready for Ram Day

Angus is ready
and look at the size of those broilers!

After I managed to get out of the way (I was already in pain, I certainly didn’t need to add tangling with a feisty ram to my morning) the Boss opened the gate, the ewes went in and Angus started his rounds. HAPPY RAM DAY! Breeding season has begun. It’s always so anti-climactic.

here they come!

the shepherd in charge of "introductions"

Angus says "hello"

Angus is an awesome specimen

But, the walk back to the house was looking pretty long by this time. A ride in the tractor bucket is not my idea of a good time, but, it sure beat hobbling/hopping all that way.

taking a ride to the house

The next “excitement” for our Sunday was a trip to the Emergency room. (where I did NOT even try to explain that we had worked sheep before coming in)

I will say this. The new emergency department at the hospital is beautiful. And, everyone was very nice.  But, I can think of a lot better ways to spend a Sunday morning!!

it doesn't even look bruised!

X-rays revealed that nothing was broken, so they gave me a little brace, some crutches, told me to "take it easy" and sent me on my way. An appointment with the Orthopedic doc was made for next week.

Super bad timing on my part!

With broilers to process the next morning, we were going to have to figure out something in a hurry. The birds were already large, so we couldn’t let them go any longer. Since my part of the process could be done sitting on a stool, we just went with the plan. The Boss would just add chicken-catching to his round of morning chores (which also included all MY morning chores).

Now, before somebody fusses that I should have asked for help…here’s the deal. It’s the middle of summer and everyone is at least knee-deep in their own stuff. To get help requires some advance notice and some juggling of everyone’s schedule. But, this job absolutely had to be done first thing. So, you just do what you gotta do.  

And, I am still calling it tenacity.

FYI, the broilers all made it to the freezer without further ado.

Mid-week brought a flurry of activity, because not only were chicks arriving at the Post Office (which meant the Boss had to ready the brooder in a hurry) but, The Commissioner of Ag was coming to town. Not only was she coming to town…she was coming to visit the Wednesday Market in observance of Farmers’ Market week. Neither one of us wanted to miss that opportunity!

So, when the Post Office called, I headed out to pick up the chicks, not really knowing if one is even supposed to attempt to drive while in a splint. I checked…it’s not illegal. It’s also not real easy. But, I did it!

The Post Office was a flurry of activity as mail was being sorted, employees were clocking in and trucks were coming and going at the dock. No one seemed to notice me as I wandered in, following the cheeping sound that was distinctly audible over all the chaos and cacophony. When I finally found them, there was a man sitting at the desk behind them, seemingly oblivious to all the noise. He indicated that he was deaf and motioned to someone else to help me.

all the chicks arrived in good health

A girl with a broom noticed me and shouted “Hallelujah!” when I told her I was here to pick up my chicks. “They sure are noisy things! The only one that can stand them is him…and he’s deaf! She chuckled as she went off in search of the employee who has to scan the package. When she came back, she noticed the brace on my foot. “oh, girl…what did you do?” She looked concerned as I told her and then stated, “well, at least you got pretty toes! If that happened to me, I’d be wearin’ big socks…’cause my feet…they is just plain UGLY!” she laughed and grabbed her broom, calling over her shoulder as she went, “now, you feel better, honey!” I have no idea who she was, and probably won’t ever see her again. But, she made me laugh and called to mind just one of the reasons I love our area of the world. The people. 

meeting the Commissioner

And, speaking of people…we did indeed meet the  Commissioner.. She was such a warm and caring
person. I think Virginia Agriculture is in good hands.

everyone loves a baby!
 this little girl sure has a story to tell someday

interview at the Market

Thank you, Dr. Bronaugh for taking the time to stop in Staunton! And, thanks to our friend, Jeff, for the great video. I hope y’all can watch it HERE.

On the subject of videos, the episode of Virginia Farming that was filmed at the Market earlier in the year was aired this week. You can watch that HERE.

Since time stands still for no man (nor a sore, sprained foot/ankle) before we knew it, we were getting ready for Market once more. While I am pretty sure those rather vague instructions for care didn’t include vegetable harvest…we got it done!

finished moving the mid-sized broilers

Picking lettuce

picking zucchini

a makeshift boot

ready to work the lambs

hilling 'taters

we got a little rain...

they weren't impressed with my dedication to duty

the rain brought a little rainbow

pretty lettuce

the Boss is doing ALL the chores
morning...

and afternoon

Saturday dawned grey and foreboding. The threat of rain was real and I honestly didn’t expect the Market to be very lively, since school started earlier in the week. But, Market day is Market day and you just have to take what you get.

leaving for Market

As I drove down the lane, I was thinking about a message the Boss got from one of the neighbors about the other neighbor’s cows. He thought that one of the cows had come up the creek to our lower paddock. The Boss laughed and said they probably had. It just wouldn’t be summer around here if there weren’t cows someplace they didn’t really belong.

But, there in the gloom, I caught a glimpse of something…

wait a minute...
WHAT is she doing there?

I had to back up to be sure.

It looked like neighbor was right…

Yep, there was a Mama-cow, grazing away in the creek paddock. And, wait a minute…there was one of the calves…IN the creek!

calf taking a dip in the creek

Neighbor was wrong after all, there were multiple cows on our side of the lane. They seemed pretty unconcerned, so I continued on toward the Market, laughing all the way. The predictability of life around here is just plain funny.

early morning visitors

The Market was A-MAZING!  The perfect ending to National Farmers' Market Week.

couldn't fit it all in the photo
(and we only took home a little bit!)

The weather turned out to be lovely (although it did get HOT) It was super busy. The band was good. People were in the mood to buy. And, we sold out of most everything. Even the giant zucchini. Since I was behind the table, not too many people noticed my foot, so I didn’t have to do the whole “sprained foot non-story” a million times. The people I did tell agreed with me---I definitely need a better story!

On the way home, we passed neighbor in his four-wheeler doing a little cattle round-up. I think this is the first summer in twenty years that I haven’t taken part in a little impromptu summertime cattle herding. (that’s really okay!) I’m pretty sure all the cows made it back home by afternoon.

they're all back in the shade
before the thunderstorm

Today, we’re shifting gears a little and heading to a birthday party. I can’t believe that the reason for THIS POST  is turning 3!

 Nobody told me that driving the tractor means
 you get to yell "YEE-HAW!" going down the driveway!

Kenny Chesney was right, “DON'T blink! Time flies faster than you think!” For a great song, watch THIS.

Thank you for reading.

Have a Happy Sunday! 

Please come back and “visit” again soon.