Morgan-Meadowsong

Lambs, Kids, and Ducks, Oh My

2007-04-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Since our last entry here, we have had many lambs born, four buckling kids born (first year we have had 0, (that's zero, zilch) doe kids born), and we brought home some oh so cute ducklings from the sale barn because they were Khaki Campbell -- or so they were advertised. We've since decided they may be part Khaki Campbell, but probably are not purebred. We decided this because one had a plume on its head, and another has a yellow spot on its neck. Decidedly un-khaki-like. At least the price was right.
So, the count of lambs finished at 46 with some yearlings who may lamb later in the year, but we aren't planning for it.
The buckling kids (all out of Sherwood, the Alpine/Guernsey cross buck) came out two gold, two chamoisee like Sherwood's dam. Interestingly, one gold and one chamoisee out of each set of twins, and their dams, Fiasco, the Togg, and Tea, the Alpine, look nothing like their buck kids, so we know it is all Sherwood's fault.That makes one of the sets of twins last year a little less suspect when we had one gold and one chamoisee there as well. It was probably all Sherwood there, too, instead of perhaps Sherwood and another buck. Having a single buck to blame does simplify life.
Our other interesting tale of note is due to the wonderful production from the Togg does we brought home from Judy Smith's Krystal Kreek herd, we decided to make cheese. Ricotta cheese is now a major part of our dietary intake. We LOVE homemade Ricotta now that we have done it, and it is SO easy! We use the recipe we found on Fias Co farms. You can't miss using it.

It's Going to Be Spring

2007-02-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

I saw the first robin this week on Ball State campus Thursday evening. Friday I saw a half dozen more at work. That means spring is on its way. But, winter is determined to make a final statement. We had freezing rain last night, and today everything is icy with a thin layer of water over the top. The worst possible conditions for traction.
So, this morning, while checking on things, we saw the ducks, standing still, being blown about on the ice like ice skaters. (The wind wasn't even particularly strong!) When they wanted to stop moving, they just squatted down. The minute they lifted back up, off they would go again. We are wishing we had a movie camera right now. (That will have to be on the list of priorities along with the musical instrument wishes.)
We are winding down on lamb births -- we had one born this week, so our count is 42. We have 11 ewes that have no lambed, but Katie thinks half of those probably will not lamb this year (too young).
On another subject entirely~
Jessica is sitting at the kitchen table teaching herself Japanese. As she learns a new word, she quizzes us. I think we are all learning Japanese, whether we want to or not. Good thing everyone is agreeable. :)

All Snowed In

2007-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

The snowstorm of not-quite-the-century turned the 1/4 mile long driveway into a heap of snow last week, closing down the Greenfield site where I work, closing the schools for the week, and making it well-nigh impossible for anyone to get anywhere. But the friendly neighborhood farmer down the street brought in the heavy equipment and dug us out so I did manage to get to work on Thursday and Friday, and Rachel managed to make her STATE solo-ensemble contests on Saturday. (She placed silver in alto sax and gold in bassoon!)
However, the water heater quit Thursday. Or maybe it was Wednesday night. With the freezing temperatures outside, that means the well water coming in is about 34 degrees. Great for drinking, but horrid for washing. So, while we were out Saturday we bought another water heater -- definitely not in the budget. And, of course, it snowed (with winds) Saturday, so the driveway filled back up. We are awaiting the promise of warmer weather next week anxiously. (The poet was wrong -- February is the cruelest month.)
Meanwhile, out in the barns, the lambs are doing well -- 41 at last head count. Thankfully, no new ones during this wild weather. At least, when I see lambs I know spring is coming. New life always gives me hope. :)
What about you? What gives you hope this time of year?

Lamb pictures!	(before the big snow arrived)

Down at the Farm

2007-02-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, we are getting into this blog thing today. I just created one for my educational pursuits (see Kithaven Connections), and now here's one for our farm. Katie's been after me for some time to do this, so I made it an assignment for my EdTech class. Nothing like a grade to get motivated, right?
So, we'll both be posting on here about what's happening on the farm.
Today Katie tells me we are at 36 lambs, not counting the one that insisted on finding a cold place to sleep (twice), and in this weather, it did him in. :( (We warmed him up the first time, but didn't catch him soon enough the second.)
All the others are doing great, though -- big healthy lambs. We love them! Of the 36, we have 16 ewe lambs of various % Katahdin, 11 wethers to be, and 9 potential rams (87.5 and 100% Katahdin). So, if you are in the market for a new ram lamb, we have lots of choices, in a wide range of color (white, red, chocolate, and spotted). Pictures will come shortly.
The goats are due later this spring, and we'll talk about them in another post.