Activity Detected

Upon moving to our little slice of paradise coming up on 4 years ago, there was one thing I struggled with each night. Is everyone okay in the barn? Why is one of the guard dogs barking like that? I've heard about bands of raccoons attacking chickens at night. I've read that night is when your farm animals are most vulnerable. I was new to having a barn - and having precious animals in there that I love and adore without knowing if everything was okay, was not okay. Granted Whisper and Levi have always done a wonderful job protecting all the animals......but sometimes I would lay in bed and "think" I heard something that needed investigation out in the barn.

It wasn't long before I figured out that a Barn Cam (security camera) would be beneficial for my (regular nightly) concern that I had regarding everyones safety i.e. so that I could sleep at night. After a little research, I decided a Canary brand would be my choice - and have not regretted it one minute. The Canary security cameras are durable in the extreme heat and cold in the non-climate controlled barn. No where does it say "for outside use" - but after installing a wifi extender in the barn, the Canary security camera was set up. It has always been set on a table, edging of the barn, etc, so that at anytime I can chose to move it's location based on which part of the barn I want to monitor. Maybe I want it to watch the chickens, the sheep, or a particular door to the barn. So whichever area or whatever animal I wish to monitor - it's doable. It works so well out there - I bought another one. These cameras have been placed in many different areas of the barn depending on the current set up or activity going on. It's fun to use at story times that we have, or when the ewes are going to be birthing their lambs soon, but most importantly, it's always at my fingertips to (using the Canary App) view the goings-on in the barn anytime, day or night. 

Since we are constantly changing the configuration of the inside of the barn with movable fencing, one might find that from the inception of the security camera that we have had multitudes of areas with different animals for various reasons. That's the fun of it! I think the chicken area is the only area that has primarily not changed (maybe just increased in size). Let's take a trip down memory lane, along with some current day activities:

Older version

Present day
The area has been opened up for them as we expect lambs in the Spring.
This also allows the dogs and sheep to come in and out via 2 door options.
That's Deuce on the dog bed. 

The sheep pen. This particular area has ebbed and flowed in size, depending on the number of sheep we have. The sheep and guard dogs can come and go at their leisure. The camera (above) caught all the sheep chewing their cud and resting, along with many of the chickens. I'm guessing that it might have been raining and everyone is waiting it out together. Where is Levi and Whisper you ask? Either still outside the barn, or under the camera where there is more room for (esp) Whisper - as her favorite hang out spot when it rains/storms is "behind the bar", or hanging out laying with the sheep. **Side note: The prior owners had the barn set up with a pool table, bar, refrigerator, pool lights and was generally used as a Man Cave, from what we understood. They left that pool table there, too, as it was SO heavy that they dared not move it. We put it on CraigsList for Free.99 and had some takers come and attempt to lift and take it. And they did. 6 guys took it away and we were most grateful. 

Transition at move-in

Here's the hot mess it was as we attempted to take out what was left and begin moving in things (back in 2016). This was back when we had 2 chickens, Ginger and Butterscotch (RIP). Ginger is still the lead hen and well respected by the flock. Now, the pool table is in the left back corner with a cool pool table light hanging over it. I mean, it was okay. Any pool table would be difficult to remain in decent condition being in this environment. #AlwaysDusty.Always.

Sheep shearing time - Lauren is in the foreground watching
this all take place. These two young ladies can shear a sheep
like you pour a cup of coffee. #BadA$$

The events that occur in the barn are often caught on camera. Good and bad, mostly good. The sheep shearing is hard to replay and watch because it's so stressful for the sheep. This particular year, Lauren was my stand-in for assisting with this project. Thanks, Lauren! I got to watch it remotely from my phone. That's the thing about the Barn Cam, the App on my phone allows me to see it Live or go back (up to) 2 weeks and watch any activity that took place during that time. 

I'll pause here and say that at first, I used a setting on my phone that alerted me to "Barn Activity". Then, I could go check it out. Any movement in the barn would trigger this. As you can imagine, it was constant notifications. I now just check it randomly myself. At work, lying in bed, in the kitchen or anywhere - I can see what's happening inside the barn. It's my personal reality show right at my fingertips, on my phone. You likely have these same type of security cameras in your own home. Same thing, you can hear all the noises and watch all the action. I often check it during the day to see what's shaking in the barn. 

Story Time Event
We project the book pages up on the side on the barn (right), and I read the stories,
while my AV expert, Farmer Graves operates the Projecter.
This is all after we sing Old MacDonald and do the Chicken Dance.

On this occasion, the Barn Cam was strategically placed so that we could get a birds eye view of the event. We've had anywhere from 70 (first event we had) to 120 adults/children (this last event) that come to these events to pet and feed the animals, along with singing and read books. When everyone leaves with all 10 fingers, we're pleased. 

If you notice where the hammerhead shark is, we have since opened up that wall to include a door, and added fencing there as well. It all started because we needed a place for Whisper to be penned for 3 months after her surgery. Then, it became a stall for the horses and goats, who have access to the side and back pasture (sheep have access to the front pasture). 

         

Dora and Diego love their stall.                        They share (pretty) well with Chia and her kids Petunia and Dotty.
                                                                    The goats and mini horses rival whose feistiest. 

The goats and mini horses make great roommates because of their particular demeanors. Since the sheep are so docile, it's best they do not pasture with these bad influences. 

Kiddos at night, with the night vision on

Love these cuties!

Even at night, it's easy to see what everyone is doing. The goats and mini horses go in and out of stall at will - and often off and on all night. Sometimes they sleep in the stall and sometimes outside, weather dependent. They all prefer to be outside if possible, unless there's inclement weather or food in the stall. 

Shut in their stall awaiting the farrier, very patiently 

She arrives, and keeps their hooves looking pristine.

I learned something (many things!) from the farrier, whose name happens to be Shannon. Shannon is a horse person. She talks horse, has horses, and is a wealth of information that I so desperately need. She informed me that she thinks Diego is Dora's colt. AND that Dora is not 10 years old, but 20 years old. And that Dora appears to have likely been used as a baby horse maker and is not in that great of health. Poor Dora, you are safe here and can rest easy now. It all explains so much though! Dora and Diego are so close....because they are mother/son. Geez, the lady that gave them to me told me nothing really, looking back. It's all becoming clear now. I'm happy we can provide them a good home, and look forward to helping Dora get on a better path. We've started her on medication, as well as a new diet to help her be her best self. I also found out she must have birthed a mini horse not that long before coming to us, as her milk is still there, and trying to dry up. Wow. It's almost as surprising as it was to buy goats that were already pregnant. Just saying. Lots of secrets going on in the world of farm animals on CraigsList. 

Levi and Whisper's Dinner Table

Whisper and Levi eat in the barn, in the Sheep Pen area, on their table. Sometimes the sheep bother them while they're trying to eat, but the dogs "bark them off" and let them know not to eat their food. The sheep then usually skedaddle out the door and head back outside. Whisper and Levi deserve time to eat and enjoy their food. They work 24/7 after all. There is no food that goes to waste here on the farm. From plate to animal, there's animals that will eat any left overs, aging foods or extra food. Rarely does any food go in the trash. I even have people at work bring me their extra unwanted food that would have otherwise been thrown away, and depending on the food genre, it gets fed to an animal. Between the ducks, chickens and goats.....they eat most things. The mini horses diet is strict due to the nature of that type of horse, and the sheep are pickier (you'd never know it by looking at them).

What's wrong with this picture 

It's 2:35 in the afternoon, and I'm at work. If I look at the Barn Cam, it shows Maybe in the barn, eating the chicken food/scratch off the barn floor. So that explains her weight gain. Chicken food - she loves it. She's a sneaky sneak who waits until we are gone, and although having breakfast of her own, cleans up in the barn. There may or may not being some chicken poo eating going on, too.

Curious Maybe

At one point, the Barn Cam was placed on the ground to watch some possible possum activity. Maybe decided to investigate what exactly is in that shiny box.

There's been many things seen (funny, happy and sad) on the Barn Cam from chicken butts in front of the camera - to terrible tragedy's that are recorded in the life of having a farm. Throughout this continuing transformation of barn life, there is always hope and faith. Hope and Faith are two mainstays in my life. They are what I cling to every day, and every night when I lay my head down to sleep. Whenever there's a situation of the unknown (every night), having hope and faith (along with trust and prayer) is my way of coping and thriving. There's so many predators that want what we have. There's also unfortunate accidents and the circle of life swirling all around. The Barn Cams give me the connection I desire, to those I love.

I'll close with a few favorite photos.



Atop this wonderful barn is our mermaid. She tells us wind direction, and swims beautifully with perfect form, every day.



At the entrance to the gravel drive, we deemed our road as Lovebird Lane. Behind that sign, is our Purple Martin bird houses swaying in the wind, high above the pond. You'll often find Whisper and Levi out here monitoring things, and the sheep grazing and enjoying their lives. Now, with the beautiful white ducks sailing on the pond, they make it all complete.



At the end of the gravel drive, this is what you find. Simple and sweet. When the barn is bigger than the other buildings, that's when you know you've arrived Home.

Stay well,

Cyndi

Tour de Barn

Psst

In the grand scheme of things, I don't think I've ever given an exact layout of our barn. Likely because it's always ebbing and flowing, changing and evolving along with all the right-sizing of the animals. There's a couple of areas that have remained the same over time, one in particular is the chicken coop area. Chickens are like (some) people, they don't do well with change. Since we have an abundance of temporary fencing, we have been able to create temporary areas in the barn for baby lamb birthings, goat holding areas, and spaces needed for shorter periods of time such as Whisper's recovery pen for 3 months, after she had surgery. This, all along with the areas that remain in tact at all times (sheep pen, chicken coop area) make the barn a place of constant - and a place of change - all at the same time. The temporary fencing we purchased upon moving on this property has been one our most valuable investments. It's been set up and taken down more times than I can count. We are the Temporary Fencing Experts. Maybe there's a retirement opportunity in there somewhere.

Where I go, they go

Storage for the fencing is behind the barn, so at any time we can set up and tear down fencing, when needed.











Bugs Not Drugs

A shout out to all 39 chickens for being bug exterminators, snake and mice deterrents (chickens will kill and eat small snakes), table scrap clean up crew, all the while looking like little dinosaurs walking the earth. The chickens have full ability to free range the property - and that they do. But wait, you ask, who puts them to bed at night? They do. They are masters of heading-to-the-house (coop) when dusk arrives. It's just what they do, and they typically go to their same sleeping spot each night. Granted, the ECF (19 remaining experimental chicken farm) hens mostly sleep in the Belle Tower coop we have set up for them there, the 13 old school girlz all sleep in the barn, while the 7 silkies have their own coop set up. Let's take a closer look....

Coop area, with side roosting ladder

Party area, with mirror included

Inside the barn, the chickens have a coop along with fencing setup on sand/dirt whereby they enjoy dust bathing and socializing. This is their favorite afternoon activity, and spend time fluffing their feathers in the dirt to clean themselves all while sharing the latest gossip. We use diatomaceous dirt primarily which helps to repel mites/fleas, among other unwanted pest on the chickens. Then, at dusk the chickens all go to the favorite spot to roost for the night. Many of them roost on top of this fencing in their sand area, while others go into the coop just right next to it. It's a personal preference thing. Our original 13 hens all roost in the barn each night, while the others......

Side quarters for those who need to be alone

Silkie B&B

This coop is just outside the barn and is intended for the 7 silkies, Post (our one and only rooster), Chompchi, Frankie and the 4 Dots (all named Dorothy). This location works well for them, and although all the chickens get along well, we initially separated them while they adjusted to their new home with us. They free range with everyone else. Currently, two of the Dots are sitting on eggs.

One sitting, other out eating

Since those little silkies have a rooster, maybe, just maybe they will hatch some baby silkies. I believe they are on about Day 11 of sitting on their clutch. 21 days is the magic number - and then we'll see if anything is really cooking inside that coop. Wish them cluck!






And then another (non barn) coop is located in the Belle Tower. The ECF girlz roost out here, and call this their home. They, too are friendly with everyone and free range together with all the others. It's one happy family of 39 chickens who happen to go to their own homes each night. This also means looking in all these places for the eggs they lay. And laying eggs are what they are doing!

Nesting boxes are just up the stairs,
and to the right

The Belle Tower is a wonderful size for the ECF hens and it houses them well, providing wind protection, warmth, nesting boxes and a place of their own. All 39 chickens move about the property during the day as if they were at Disneyland playing, eating, moving about freely and being grateful that they do not live in a gated community.

Duck this

Although obviously not in the barn either, is the Duck House. David was able to build this from a pallet frame found at a dumpster, along with supplies we had here at the farm. I love repurposing materials!

The ducks love their little house.
The biggest issue is the guard dogs
eat the duck eggs before we
can get to them.

Get Your Sheep Together

Okay, let's get back to the barn. The sheep pen is one of the main stays in the barn. David has so kindly made signage for the different areas in the barn. Belle, our sweet now-almost 3 yr old, was only 1 day old when she came to us and was bottle fed as if she were our own baby. She was the catalyst for our future sheep acquisitions. Otherwise, if we didn't get her some sheep friends, she might ended up being more like a dog. After all, her best friend was Maybe.

Our little helper

BFF's Best Fur Friends

Even though Belle lived her first couple of months in the house wearing a diaper, we did get her some friends who taught her how to do sheep things. She did eventually move out to the barn with the other ewes, and has since grown into a beautiful ewe who mothered a lamb of her very own. Although Belle never had a sheep mom (besides us) of her own, she was the best mama any lamb could ask for. Just ask Lulu, her one and only baby, thus far.
Currently, we have 4 ewes (Belle, Lulu, Grace, Licorice) and our newly purchased ram, Deuce. We are in the midst of breeding Deuce with the ewes and hoping for some spring lambs.

Notice a deep sea fish theme yet?

There's sweet Grace and Licorice

The Sheep Pen in the barn is large enough for the 5 sheep, along with sleeping accommodations for Levi and Whisper, our LGD's who protect and guard so that everyone is able to be safe and comfortable. The large barn doors can be opened and closed, depending on the weather and wind. We also happen to keep one of the mowers and trailers in their area, too.


Neigh Neigh Hooray!

The horse and goat stall is located in the north west corner of the barn. The miniature horses and goats share this stall as it seems fitting, as they are the most feisty farm animals we have. The goats have their own GoatVille just outside the barn, and you'll often find them perched on top of one of their own little buildings. Yet, the option to come inside the barn is available to them anytime.

Our little three ring circus

Dora and Diego share this nicely with the goats,
most of the time

Diego enjoying the space

This stall in the barn is well protected by a hammerhead shark, and surrounded by bins of feed. Corn, grain, alfalfa cubes along with chicken feed and scratch. Lots of yummy treats to be had. As you can see behind the goats, in the back pasture is also another open barn for them and also where the round bales of hay are placed. Either way, the miniature horses and goats have choices when it comes to their accommodations.









Anything is pawssible

The Tack Room is an all purpose room that houses the cat condos, square bales of hay, other feed, tools, brooms, horse halters/ropes, and just about anything you'd need while out in the barn. The best part about the tack room is it also has access to the second story of it, which is available to the cats and chickens, as a kitty-climber is strategically stationed so that they may go up there. We have more cat condos there for the barn cats, extra chicken feeder supplies and is also where we keep the heated water buckets during the off season. It's a great storage area that has access with a ladder (and kitty climber if you're a chicken or cat).

Blackie sleeps in the far left cat condo,
and happens to have a heated setup for winter
Yes, he's a spoiled barn cat.

Stairs (left) take you to the top of Tack Room.
All purpose table holds cat food/dish.
Yes, the chickens eat the cat food.

Those chickens think they can reach the bird
feeder. It's a long way to the ground,
luckily they can fly.

Cat and chicken access to the top. This bar
is handy when storms come so Whisper
can hide behind it, poor thing.

From a birds eye view (there does happens to be bird feeders, bird houses and birds in the barn) here's the layout:



This panoramic shot is helpful to see all around the barn from left to right: it's the dog and sheep pen, around to the chicken coop area, then far right is the horse and goat stall. All the areas have outside access, as the sheep are in a different pasture than the horses/goats. Yet, everyone can always come in the barn. Everyone has wood name plates designating their areas. This is helpful when visitors are over and ask, Now what was their name?


Being schooled

The barn is not only a place of therapy and retreat, it's my classroom. There's plenty of do overs, lots of sloppy copies in progress, and often times, a sh$tstorm in the making. It is a working barn, a place of learning, love and labor. Animals get loose, get out and chaos ensures. It's usually because the humans have left a gate unlocked, open or mismanaged. Coming home everyday is a surprise. Sometimes good and sometimes not so good. It reminds me of the Life Is Good mantra. Life is good, and when life isn't good, it's still good. Because in the barn, through the chaos and cleaning, there is a bright light that shines through these animals hearts straight into mine. I'll clean up their poop anytime. It's the least I can do.

Did I mention we have a Barn Cam, actually 2 of them. Therefore, I can see what's shaking in the barn from the comfort of my phone so I won't miss moments I'm meant to see. That's a whole nother blog, my friend.

Let's meet here again soon,

Cyndi

Stare down in the barn

Double the fun

Who's seeing double

That would be me. David's birthday came along this month, and he decided to give un-birthday gifts to us. Mine? 6 more ducks. I had gotten 6 ducks a few weeks ago (see prior blog where David falls in duck poo poo) yet David thought we might need 6 more. They really are fun to watch and see on the pond. The difference this time? I would be the duck-getter at the feed store, and not him. Luckily, it was much smoother this time, and we traveled back home with 6 more ducks - who happen to be girls this time. We already have gotten a duck egg or two. Double the fun makes a total of 12 white ducks up on the pond.



Here's The Dozen. They do everything together, in unison.



Instead of an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, the ducks have a swim-up eating area. Why, you ask? Otherwise, the sheep would hang out and eat the ducks grain and corn. Not okay. In an effort to feed the ducks without others eating their food, this fencing secures an area that ensures they get to enjoy their own food. Spring will come to give them grass, bugs and food from the ground. For now though, we need to supplement them until nature can maintain them.


The better to see you with

Have you ever wished you had that extra bright and long lasting light to help with the things you do in the dark? I mean like looking behind the dryer, walking the dog in the dark, trying to see in small spaces that are inconvenient to use the light on your phone, because you need both hands. I had been looking around for a headlight for running, and came across one that I'm not sure how I've lived without it. In the early morning or later evenings, having a bright and dependable headlight is critical while running - or even just doing things around the farm after the sun goes down. Rechargeable, reliable and a solid headpiece were the top three priorities for me when it came to buying a hand light (lamp). I found one, ordered it, loved it, and then noticed I used it in place of a flashlight. After David began showing headlight-envy, I decided it would be an appropriate birthday gift for him. He too, now wears his headlight while out at his bbq pit(s) after dark, when it's dark around the farm, esp in the pasture checking animals, and many other times a light is needed, and esp when you're trying to do something with both hands. This head light/head lamp is made by ledlenser and is the MH10 model (outdoor series) that is rechargeable and is 600 lumens bright (think motorcycle light).




And believe you me, I had looked at REI, Dicks Sporting Good, etc, and found nothing that could compare to this. Thank you, Internet. Running in the dark has never been so bright.


First impression rose goes to

Drum roll......the Food Saver that Lauren gave David for his birthday. He's been wanting one for awhile now. Every time he bbq's anything (brisket, ribs, burnt ends, etc) he's pine-ing for one. Today, after bbq-ing several types of red meat items, he used that Food Saver like he was working in a meat packaging factory. And you know what? It really works AND now we can have lots of red meat things saved in the freezer. It looks like what the food at the store looks like - except it was made here at home.




You can see that he's polishing his prized possession, while he waits for more bbq to finish up on the smoker.


For when you needed a cucumber but ended up with a zucchini

Sometimes, letting someone else shop for us is a good thing. Recently, I came across Imperfect Foods. Have you heard about them? They are not a food delivery service that gives you meal prep items, and then you cook a meal. They are a grocery (delivery) service of imperfect food that does not meet the criteria to be sold at a retail store - at a good price for you. It's like the grocery store for unwanted delicious food, like carrots that have grown together, or avocados with too many 'big' bumps, or tri-colored quinoa that has too many of one color and no longer looks appealing for grocery store shelves. Whether you want organic, vegan food or any type of groceries they have veggies, fruits, meat substitutes or meats, plus many grain options. I've ordered once thus far, and plan on doing so every couple of weeks. Yes, I'll still go to Kroger, but this is an inexpensive supplement for my own grocery shopping needs. Plus, as an added bonus, they are a no-waste company. All packaging can be recycled or reused, and they will even pick up the box they ship in when they deliver the next time.



Imperfect shape means perfect flavor, so bring on the real food with real character.


Shaken, but not stirred

Was it just a couple of months ago we picked up some silkies from a nice couple in Denison who no longer wanted theirs (Thank you, CraigsList). This has been a blessing, as the silkie chickens as a breed are so docile and sweet that I adore having them in our flock of egg-layers.  Granted, these silkies lay eggs regularly, and are the smallest eggs - but tasty just the same. Even our lavender splash silkie rooster is kind. He's our only rooster, and sets a good example for the rest of the flock. Recently, we took down the fencing that we had around their small coop, so that they could mingle and free range with everyone else. At first, they were all a little shaken up, but quickly settled into the idea of moving about the yard freely.



Here's Post, and he has a crew of 6 girls consisting of Frankie, Chompchi and the 4 Dots (all named Dorothy) who are all doing very well.



The best part is Sugar now has access to eating their chicken food, and June Bug loves to sit up on their coop and watch the world go by. The other (larger) egg layers live in a separate coop in the barn, and the experimental chicken chickens still sleep in the Belle Tower, and consider that their coop. So with 13 original chickens, 19 ECF (Experimental Chicken Farm) and 7 silkies, we are sitting at a total of 39 chickens. Good news? Many of them are laying eggs now, and as the ECF chickens grow up, they will begin to all lay eggs. Some days, we have a dozen eggs we pick up from all the coops. The chicken farm is working out nicely, and even though I'm still giving my eggs away to friends and family, I've learned a lot about how to manage so many chickens. I've reached my happy maximize for now.



Chicken Nivana



Hitting the forward button

As we move through winter, the animals have their full coats on and the ground is dormant. It's amazing how during spring and even summer, that the animals can feed from the ground's plentiful food. Winter time is a time of buying feed, hay and the resources to keep everyone full and happy.



The donkeys enjoy their round bales, the horses and goats want their grain and hay, and somehow the sheep stay large while grazing still, although we do supplement them, too. Everyone is at a healthy weight. Some, maybe too healthy. Luckily, there's not an animal judging taking place around here.

Speaking of wellness, as I was out on a run the other day and was listening to Oprah's Soul Series podcast on Wellness. A feeling of wellness is so personal, and each person's perception of wellness is an opportunity for learning for me. As I listened to the podcast, and each guest spoke about this topic and what it meant to them, my take away was clear. Balance is key in my life, moderation is important in all I do, and although I want to be perfectly hydrated, with perfect 20/20 vision, have a best hair day every day, clear skin and have all my pants fit all the time, moving toward wellness on a daily basis is something we likely all think about. Whether it's being a better version of myself, being kind to others, being good to the environment or the myriad other things that float around in my head - it's all about wellness - mentally and physically. When I'm good to myself - I tent to be better to others. So even though an inbox with zero emails gives me a feeling of wellness, it is something I think about each day and am grateful for every day, that I get to get up and try to be better, again.

Stay well, my friends.

Every day is a brand new start,

Cyndi

Holy Duck

I would have never believed it if I did not see it for myself. The storm and rains that came through the other day, you know, the one that dropped about 2-3 inches in a short period of time (in our area). It was the storm system that blew in with rain and storms and then followed it up with snow.....that's the one. We went out to feed the animals in the barn, and looked up to see the newly expanded pond completely full of water. No, I would have never guessed that after a 24 hour period of time, that this would happen. Nature is amazing and I could not believe my eyes. I screeched with joy when I saw it.



It was just last weekend that David rented another piece of big equipment (back hoe, I think?). This time, the equipment had tracks instead of wheels (like the last one). And last weekend, with this heavy equipment (and dry land, at that time) he finished the pond, rolled things out, moved dirt, and most importantly - finished the trenches by which the water would be fed to the pond. Then, a waiting game for rain began. For the first time in months, we wanted rain - and it would come.

It was only a week that we had to wait for this enormous amount of rain. Silly us, before the rains came, we walked down to the almost empty pond (now doubled in size) and each of us made mental pictures of where the level was. Low, for sure. We each guessed it might come up a foot or two. After taking those mental images in our minds, we never imaged how shocked we'd be after only 24 hours later.

It was Saturday morning that we would awaken to low temps which would turn from rain, to sleet, to snow. After so much rain on Friday and all Friday night into the morning, the snow appeared next. We were in the barn Saturday morning feeding the animals who were so diligently enjoying the shelter from the elements, when David noticed it. He hollered for me to "look at the pond!" and when I did, a verbal happy squeal flew out of my mouth. We could not resist the urge to drop what we were doing, and make our way through the front pasture to stand in front of this magnificent amount of water. God never stops reminding me of His power and strength. We stood jaw-dropped in front of the pond, as more rain began to pour, which turned to sleet, then snow.



Back in the barn we were each doing the happy dance. We would wait until later in the day, that same day, once the rain and snow left, to go check the trenches and make the needed adjustments manually. And sure enough, much of the afternoon was spent with shovels in our hands and trenches being revamped to allow for proper drainage. It was a lot of work, but we were able to allow water that had settled in new and unusual areas to drain. It's a sense of accomplishment to help water move where you'd like it to go. The next rain will show us if we should take the official Irrigation Test to become Licensed Irrigation Specialist. Just another retirement idea/opportunity besides temporary fence movers and chicken farmers.

As you can imagine though, after the discovery of the full pond (before the afternoon of fine-tune trenching), I knew the first thing I needed to do was......go buy some ducks. Granted, Levi and Whisper are not fans of any fowl being in the pond. They chase off anything that flies in the pond to feed, as heaven forbid they eat the frogs, etc. They are very instinctual in regards to protecting the property, animals and that includes anything that comes into the pond without their permission. But since I knew we'd be spending the afternoon down there digging trenches and revamping a few things, it seemed fitting to go buy some ducks, and teach Levi and Whisper that it's okay for them to be down there in the pond area. After all, we would be there to redirect them, and let them know the ducks are meant to be there.

In the snow, we drive to the local feed store to get alfalfa, goat and sheep food, chicken food and scratch, a couple of square bales of hay - and ducks. White ducks to be specific. While at the Check Out counter, I asked what their best price would be for their ducks. The guy suggested that if we bought any more than 3 ducks, we'd get them for half price. So, I asked David how many we should get. I had no idea what his expectations were, regarding the number we would buy. Oddly, we actually hadn't talked about it yet. David says 5. I turned around and looked at the man behind the counter and said 6. It seemed like a good number to me. I knew if David said 5, then I could realistically ask for anywhere from 4 - 6 safely. I pick 6. After the feed was all loaded up in the back of the truck, it was time to go to their penned area where they keep their chickens, ducks, etc. The guy helping us was very kind, esp as the snow was gently falling from the sky like a gazillion feathers - and making everything slippery.

So David and the guy go in the duck pen, net in hand to capture them. Did I mention it had been raining like crazy the day before. The duck pen was a muddy, poopy brown bath house. To add more excitement to this circus, we had to put the crate the ducks would go in, inside the truck because the bed of the truck was full of hay and feed. That would turn out to be a very poor decision. Ducks that are normally white (but now yellowish brown) should never be put inside a vehicle - even if they are in a crate. I'm hoping others can learn from my bad decision.

I digress. David and the guy capture the first duck, and as it flaps its wings while being put inside the crate inside the truck I realize just how bad they stink.......and how it's getting all inside the truck. Back to the pen for duck #2. That's when things took a bad turn. The duck is bouncing around in the net, David gets thrown off balance, and down he goes. He's now laying in the gooey, brown bath of duck poo all while it's snowing - and the guy is trying hard not to laugh. I'm thinking 'Oh boy, I'll never hear the end of this one'.




After David gets up, the duck is still in the net all while he's covered in duck poo. I know now that he's going to have to walk home in the snow. But turns out, after all 6 ducks are placed in the crate in the truck, having David covered in duck poop probably won't make a huge difference in the impact of it all. The truck stunk so bad, I can't believe either of us did not throw up on the way home.




It was obvious that David would need to go no further than the laundry room when we arrived home. And his clothes would be washed twice. But first, it was about getting the ducks to their shelter up by the pond. That was the easy part in it all. Once we arrived home, he took the crate to their shelter and let them out. They were scared - really scared. I thought they would make a break for the water, but they did not. They huddled in their shelter trying to figure out who just transported them away from their family and friends.



It was at this time that David and I would go change clothes to dig and make some slight trench changes around the pond to help the areas holding water, drain better. And that's what we did. With David's clothes in the washer on 'super, heavy-duty wash' we headed back up to check on the ducks. Levi and Whisper were intrigued for sure. Dinner! is what I think they thought. And each time they would go up to the ducks, we would redirect them, and teach them to leave them alone. Those dogs are smart - and caught on that the ducks were to stay - and okay to be there. I would not know for sure until the next morning, after a long night of darkness, if this would hold true.

After the trenches were adjusted and ducks settled in, we head back up to the house. All the while saying a pray for the ducks and their safety in the darkness to come. Luckily, so far anyway, Levi and Whisper only wanted to eat the duck's food. Now, I really was thinking that the ducks would eat what's out in the pasture and in the pond - which happens to be nothing right now. But since they've been caged and fed for awhile, we shall feed them until nature's food becomes available to them.



The next morning I was curious to go see how the night went for all of them. And sure enough, I'm happy to report all 6 ducks were doing well. They move together as a team, honking the whole way. It appears most of them are males, due to their curled up tails (thank you, Google). We gave them some lettuce and feed, and would check back later in the day to see if they ate. Which they did some, but mostly it was Levi and Whisper enjoying a snack every now and again.

Did they get in the pond? No. Did they go down to it? Yes. And promptly turned around and back to safety in their shelter. Time will take them there. It's not time yet.

I wish to tell David "Thank You!" for doing all the dirty work to bring the ducks home. I sat in the truck all the while during this experience of duck buying. Granted, there was a big clean up I performed to get the truck back in a No-Poop Smell state. But that's different than falling in it.

It's been an interesting and learning experience regarding expanding a pond. It's not as easy as I thought it might be. We had many people come and go who said they would fix the last ones mistakes. All the people we hired did contribute to the effort, but it was David renting equipment himself that really ended up propelling us forward with a completion. See?! Just one more retirement opportunity waiting for him. Back Hoe operator. Especially now that we are getting our Irrigation license, right? CraigsList ads do not ask for credentials.

There's a lot of good news around besides the 6 duck's transition. My dad's foot is healing after having stress fractures - which puts him back on the tennis court. My mom's birthday is coming up - as is David's! Brooke was promoted to Interim PMO Manager. I asked for more time off work in lei of a raise. Time is not something I can buy, so I'll trade it for a raise. And, Lauren got moved and settled in a new place in Dallas. All's well.

More good news? Everyone is thriving through this cold snap and rain/snow. The sheep, horses and donkeys winter coats are in full bloom. The chickens are hardy and handling it well. Frankie is growing back her feathers once missing on her back, and will be re-introduced to the other silkies once that's complete. The goats are loving the insulated dog house, and can all three fit inside it. If they're not inside it, they're usually on top of it.

Here's to a new year with many new learning opportunities,

Cyndi

Bye Bye Bye

It's the last day of 2019 and in typical fashion, I think I need to write. It's New Year Eve, yet another day in the life of the universe - and us. If the calendar didn't tell me otherwise, it'd be another day, just  like all our brand new days God gives us. Every day is special. The calendar tells me it's an extra special day, one when we get to start a new year and reflect on the year we just lived. Each time this comes around every year, I do enjoy the variety of reflections that people compose. Of those who died this past year, those who made huge impacts in our lives, and the myriad of other lists from 2019. It's a great reminder of how much has really happened this year and far we've come. Answer: a lot and a long way.

I learned that marriages continue to change and grow - and never stop changing and growing despite my best efforts. I learned that I've learned so much about caring for farm animals and land. I learned that watching my daughter continue to mature into her 20's is like a movie I enjoy watching every day, over and over, and can never see it too many times, with sequels. It's like Ground Hog Day meets Freaky Friday meets The Little Mermaid meets Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory where we're always looking for the gold coin somewhere. Since I don't watch movies, my selection to choose from is very limited to use for examples, but that might have just covered it pretty well.

And you my friends, are living your wonderful lives with your special stories all your own. That's the best part about life, that we are free to live our lives. This is where I (we) have the military/special forces to thank. Veterans, reserves, active duty and those enlisting as we speak - everyone who touches on this endeavor. Thank you for allowing us to be free and for the sacrifice you've made, and continue to make. It is our most precious gift.

So many people around to love, so many good people in this world. So much love on our little farm. I'll share some random, yet favorites from 2019:



Sweet Maybe. 2019 started out with the addition of a new friend for her (oh, and me):





Sugar JuJu came to us a little broken, yet with a big heart that allowed her to slowly gain trust, and settle into her forever home. These two sweeties (Maybe and Sugar) have a close bond, and Maybe's happy nature has shown Sugar what it's like to be settled and loved. The big success story with Sugar this year, was when she allowed David to pick her up. Sugar's Circle of Trust is growing, and now two people on this earth can reach down and pick her up. Her opportunity for growth is wide open now.




2019 was a first for baby goats being born here. I've never seen such cuteness in my whole life. The miracle of life never ceases to amaze me. Chia is the best mom we've had on the farm (besides Belle), and Petunia and Dotty are just two of the most fun, kind and spirited goats we've had. They are a tight knit group, as these three goats share a pasture with the mini horses and will remain the only goats we have for awhile. We found that goats and mini horses attitudes are much the same. They know what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. They make wonderful pasture mates.




My 12 year old self got those pony's I've been wanting. They do well with each other, and have settled in nicely here. I adore their genuine beauty, their fun personalities, and their Nah's make me smile, every time.




My girl Ginger looked good in her tutu. She's our oldest chicken, and well respected by the flock. She's a rhode island red that although not a winner at the State Fair, she's 1st Place in my book.




Oh, and Lauren and I biked to Oklahoma.....among other long bike rides and rallys we did (she's fun!). We had so many biking experiences together this year. Priceless. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

We increased the size of the pond (meet some scary people along that journey), bought and sold animals throughout the year, gave some away, and did our fair share of right sizing. So many changes, including the start-up of the experimental chicken farm, which has gone from 24 hens now down to 19. Turns out, (so far) two of the supposed hens are roosters. Rude. These chickens are so big already, that the roosters were like having mini dinosaurs walking the earth again. So, when you crow, you go. The Sheriff was right all along. An exception was made for Post, our lavender splash silkie rooster who since silkies are small chickens, has a pass to stay around. He's very non-aggressive, too. You're a nice guy, Post Malone, you stay.

We did  things like putting up more run in-sheds, and purchased another mower so that during the growing seasons, we can both tackle the mowing and double the fun. I had my fair share (and more) of health concerns that have luckily all settled down. I think I met my deductible 3 times over this year. The silver lining is that there's great dr's who made sure I was good all along the way. And I am! They got me back up and running, working and living my life - and I'm so grateful for them, insurance and health care in general. Dear Lord, I'd prefer that next year I can take a year off from health scares. I understand, if not. But when you're passing out the cards for 2020, can I Pass Go and head straight to Boardwalk, please.

One of the main topics of conversation in 2019 was the possibility of retirement in about 5 - 10 years. When you get this close, it's fun to talk about, much less make sure all your ducks are in a row. And as much as I want all the white ducks up at the feed store for my new pond, that's not the ducks we are working on. It's kind of like going on a vacation that requires a lot of planning and strategy. You know, the anticipation of it (every day is Saturday, except the Sundays), sleep in til you want, then play the BTB card (back to bed) after breakfast. We are in the anticipation phase, which is actually a lot of fun and brings about a stirring in your soul of  'is this really going to happen in my life?'. We have no date planned, and are still fully capable of working - and still enjoy work. But it's a "vacation" that we anticipate to have in our future, sometime down the road.

To round out the year, David found the ram he was looking for. Our 4 ewes will be sheep mamas in 2020 - or at least that's the plan. His favorite farm animal? A baby lamb.



There's Deuce! He's smaller than the ewes right now, but old enough to do things. He has a little white diamond on his forehead. The ewes seem to like that about him. Welcome, and let's have some baby lambs in about 5-6 months!

To round out 2019 in a happy fashion (besides a new ram for David), we found that after separating Frank from the other silkies (because his back feathers are all missing)......



That Frank is actually Frankie. She laid an egg in her little separate accommodations. And the next day, another egg. So, she's not a rooster after all, and after growing her feathers back, she'll be released back with the other silkies. Since we are still trying to figure out who's who with these 8 silkies we adopted, we ended up giving away one of the silkie roosters who was in contention with Post. So the silkie count is down 1, to 7. We are thinking the only rooster in the batch is Post, but only time will tell that for sure.

The chicken math continues 13 + 19 + 7 = not quite as crazy of a number of chickens

So many things happened in 2019 with you, with us, with the world. We are but a tiny blip on the earth, and grateful for that. I can't wait to find out what 2020 and the good Lord brings to us all.

Blessings,

Cyndi