Finally

While the word Finally is one of my favorite words, I thought using it in a manner of "Finally, a blog post with pictures" would be appropriate. I enjoy using the word Finally:

adverb

1. after a long time, typically involving difficulty or delay.

   
   

   "he finally arrived to join us"

   
   

   synonyms:

   eventually, ultimately, in the end, by and by, at length, after a long time, after some time;More

   • as the last in a series of related events or objects.

     
     

     "a referendum followed by local, legislative and, finally, presidential elections"

     
     

     synonyms:

     lastly, last, in conclusion, to conclude, in closing, to end, last but not least "finally, wrap the ribbon round the edge of the board"
   • used to introduce a final point or reason.

     
     

     "finally, it is common knowledge that travel broadens the horizons"

     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     Finally is a word I use when a sheep had her lamb(s), or I'll use it when Chia will give birth to her kid(s). I use it when something I've been anticipating has occurred, and just saying it makes me feel like I've wrapped something up in a bow, pretty and pink. Finally. 

     
     

     
     

     
     

     So, finally, I will post a blog with photos, that will help tell the story of us, our farm, and some of the farm animals. It's always nice to be able to put a face/body to a name. Before I begin, here's the Population of The Graves Farm:

     
     

     
     

     
     

     LGD (Livestock Guard Dogs): Levi/Whisper (guards sheep) and then Davis/Dixe (guards goats) - both brother/sister combos, who guard different pastures. 

     House Dogs: Maybe and Sugar

     Barn Cats: Smokey, Fi (i.e. May), June Bug, July, Kitty, Finn, Sweet Pea + two black cats, one short hair, the other long hair who have taken up residence here. Both named Blackie. **Preston has ran off/showed up missing now for quite some time. 

     Sheep: Belle, Lulu, Eve, Grace, Clara and Licorice

     Goats: Nona, Twizzler, Peanut, Chia and Georgia (Chia is expecting soon)

     Chickens: Ginger, Pebbles, Pepper, Sunshine, Butter, Cali, Veronica, Goldie, Peaches, The Twins (2 chickens, one name), Storm, Coco, Frizzle, and Snow White

     Donkeys: Mama and Papa

     
     

     
     

     
     

     Population 43 (although it ebbs and flows at times, esp with stray cats, chicken losses, etc)

     
     

     
     

     
     

     To start, our property "came with" Levi and Whisper, and Mama and Papa donkey (as well as a baby donkey of theirs, whom we gave to a neighbor to guard part of their horse population). These dogs and donkeys are KEY to the success of having sheep, goats and chickens. They guard the pastures relentlessly, up all night doing so (and guard during the day), and give the property a sense of security. They are the Security Department. They took a little time to adjust to us, but after over 3 years now, they are 110% ours. Our loves and our life. We could not do this without them. 

     We came to our farm owning two chickens, and have fell in love with "everything chicken". They gift us everyday, with their fresh eggs and chitter-chatter. I love when they sing their Chicken Song after they lay an egg. Every time. We are holding strong at 15 chickens, all of whom get along nicely, all hens, and live a grand life of free ranging.

     Then, one day at a local feed store, I was gifted a 1 day old lamb, who we named Belle. She opened the door to our love of sheep, then to goats. We bottle fed her, and she is our first baby lamb. She is our heart and soul, with a bond that will never be broken. (I'm sure I blogged about most all these events over the years)

     The barn doors opened, and the flood gates of sheep, goats, lambs and kids have flowed. We have exactly what we can handle, and have right-sized our population such that we do not become overwhelmed with care taking. We have two barns, and ample room to house and provide pasture for the animals. 

     
     

     Let's talk animals.....

     
     
     
     
     This is Ginger, our Head Hen. She's a wonderful leader of the flock. David is holding Sunshine. 
     Ginger is a Rhode Island Red, and Sunshine is a Orpington. We have many chicken varieties! Side note: We entered Ginger in the Texas State Fair a couple of years ago. She did not win her Beauty Contest of the Rhode Island Red Group. It's not a Win or Lose thing. It's Win or Learn. We learned she's not a State Fair competitor.  
     
     
     
     Here's 9 of our 15 chickens. We have small to large breeds, fluffy to feathered feet, from shy to outspoken in the flock. From left to right (sort of) Veronica, Frizzle (small, black), Pebbles, Cali, Storm, Peaches, (in back) Butter, then The Twins. I'll highlight a few others.....
     
     
     
     This is Veronica, one of our smaller batams. She would likely win our Chicken Beauty Contest. She's beautiful, smart, quick and always first to bed in the barn.
     
     
     
     Snow White, who is a Silkie. She's a chatterer who hates being chased, and will tell you all about it. She's quite the egg layer, as most all our chickens are. 
     
     
     
     Brigette (RIP) and Butterscotch (RIP) are two we miss greatly. We lost Bridgey to old age, and we lost Butterscotch to a respiratory illness. This reflects our farm well. Everyone comfortable with everyone. 
     
     
     
     Mama and Papa Donkey. They are full size, rescue donkeys who are gentle and kind to all humans and esp love children. They will tear-up any predator that comes across the fence line. When we have had public library Farm Story Times, they are surrounded by children, and love it. 
     
     
     
     This is when they are happiest. Children loving them, feeding them, brushing them. Simply amazing donkeys. And, they love it when I read books in the barn. 
     
     
     
     They are very interactive with the whole story-time-farm experience. They are All In. 
     
     
     
     I can't say enough good things about them. They add sparkle to the farm. You either love or hate donkeys. Everyone always loves Mama and Papa. They never disappoint. 
     
     
     
     Another crowd pleaser are Levi and Whisper, our two Great Pyrenees who also have the instinct to protect and guard. They allow no one to cross the parameter of the fence line. They are the first to make you feel scared upon arrival, then immediately know when to love those around them. They love hard. They love children, who usually stand eye level to them due to their large size. We adore these sweet dogs, and could never imagine other LGD's who could compare. 
     
     
     
     Levi and Whisper are brother/sister, best friends, and companions. When Whipser had her surgery last year (TPLO), she had to be penned and not allowed to run (or be free) for 3 months during her recovery. It was tough on these two, but she did it. She recovered from the surgery, and now has 100% use of her back left leg, and smiles all the time. It was a rough go of it, but she's a strong girl. She has her leg back, and is back to guarding - and back with her brother. We are proud of both - as they are why everyone is alive. The chickens, barn cats, sheep. We can't thank them enough. 
     
     
     
     Davis, you are a good boy. It was when Whisper had her surgery that we made the decision to get two new Anatolian/Great Pyrenees pups to be trained by Levi. The new pups were also a brother/sister duo who learned from the best. Levi taught them well, and their instincts kicked in full gear. Davis (along with sister, Dixie) guard the back pasture, along with 5 goats. They have grown into wonderful additions of our guarding community. With vulnerable sheep, goats, and chickens, these dogs are necessary. 
     
     
     
     Dixie Shy Dixie. She's an introvert when it comes to people, but loves to chase and bark after animals that do not belong on the property. She wins the award for longest ability to bark. She does not back down. She's a chip off the old Whisper Block. The female LDG's do not disappoint. 
     
     
     I'll close this blog out by saying that donkeys and LGD's are key to most everyone's ability to nurture animals like sheep, goats, and chickens. More importantly for us is having the privilege to care for Levi, Whisper, Davis and Dixie. They show us what real dedication and loyalty is - and unconditional love. They never take a day off. Our gratitude for all they do is returned best by feeding them well, loving them, taking good care of them, and providing them a comfortable and warm environment, safe from rain and storms. It's the least we can do. 
     One of my favorite things to do is spend time with the donkeys. Mama is extra lovey, wanting not just human touch, but real hugs. She will let you brush her as long as your heart desires. It seems I can't ever hug her neck enough. She holds still and leans in. Papa is not as fond of any of that, but gets his enjoyment by watching that from only feet away. He keeps his eye on Mama, and when she's happy, he's happy. It's true even in the Donkey World. When Mama's happy, we're all happy. Especially Papa. 
     
     I'll introduce the sheep and goats next time. They are just as loving, kind and attentive. How this all has happened is a God Thing. He's blessed me with creatures who give more than they could ever take. This has shown me by example of true belonging. True authenticity. True love. 
     
     More next time,
     
     Cyndi