Monday, November 22, 2010

More Snow!

Snow!


Why in heck didn't they cancel school?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Small World or You Meet The Nicest People On The Internet


A few years ago when we first brought the pigs home I had some trouble with them. In my attempted to solve my problem I did what every modern farmer does and got on the internet. Somehow I made my way to The Posh Pig and emailed Cheryl which led to a very long phone call. She explained that pigs, as we know, are very smart animals that mourn the loss of their family and home. Pigs also need to know that you are boss and not afraid of them. Since I was afraid of them it took some good acting on my part to fool them into thinking I wasn't. I kept trying to treat them like dogs and dogs they aint. They are pigs.
Cheryl was so much help and after following her advice the pigs are now two of my favorite girls.
That was a few years ago and I haven't talked to her since so imagine my surprise when I was in Bakersfield at a farmers market with my family and I happened upon a woman selling beautiful soaps. It was Cheryl the pig whisperer in the flesh. I asked her if she remembered me and she did...cuz she's that kind of gal. We chatted awhile about our pot bellied friends and I bought some soap. I made her pose for a picture...cuz I'm that kind of gal.



The pig sisters can thank Cheryl for taking the time to give a stranger she met on the internet advice that allowed them to continue to live "Beyond the Sidewalks"

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Duck Duck Goose

Duck

Duck

Goose

Goat


Pig

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Goat Minerals


Up to this point I haven't offered my goats loose minerals. They have their run of the mill salt/mineral blocks and I saw the loose minerals as too much trouble. I tried it once when someone gave me some loose minerals they weren't going to use but it was messy compared to the brick of salt that fit nicely in a square detergent bucket.
On my quest to boost the health of my goats, and because the goatfarmer ordered some from the feed rep on the farm tour, I bought a big bag of fancy goat minerals.
The goats went crazy for them. The poor dears had to have been depleted of all minerals in their systems. This could explain a few issues I have been having lately with the herd.

So I made a mineral feeder that will rival any square detergent bucket.

Somewhere on the internet I found this mineral feeder made out of PVC pipe. I used 3" but you can also use 4" for larger nosed goats.
All you need is a Y fitting, 2 caps, a couple of feet of pipe, and 3" brackets to attach it to the wall.



Just fit it all together. I did glue the bottom cap on but don't do the top because you have to fill it....and if your goats are deprived like mine you may have to fill it often.



I hung it on the wall and the goats got in line to take their turn at the fountain of life.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The 5



We recently made our way down I-5 to visit the newlyweds in Bakersfield. I love a good road trip and since I rarely drive it is a time of thinking and snooping. Yes I look in your yard and even in your windows for a split second.

Somewhere on the way down, I-5 turns into the 5 and it stops raining. Then magically it is 80 degrees. That's the best part.

It is the land of year round farmers' markets.



Where hot peppers abound.



And our two favorite people are there.



With two of our favorite dogs.



Much too soon it was time to get back on the 5 and head north. Somewhere along the way it turns back into I-5, starts raining, and is 54 degrees.
We are home.