Auctions and Give Aways

On Monday, John and I brought the ewe to the auction. It was initially just supposed to be me going alone, but when I called John to tell him I would be there, he said he would drive me. So, as I get to John's place, I don't see him or the truck. Hmmm. I have like two minutes on my cell phone and I call him. He tells me he is stuck in the back field, and to get the chain and bring the trail blazer. Okie dokie. I hop in the TB and drive ahead toward the field near the road, and then stop and think- I have no idea WHAT field he is in. So I call again, this time with like one minute left and he says the back field by Kathy's. That's on a whole different road and the big field I videotaped. I have never been there from the other road before.......... So, I take the road I think is it, and I finally get there.

John's truck was stuck in the wet area outside of the field. Evidently, the bull got out and John used his truck to chase him back in, but then got stuck... The fence is not on. Of all the Bovines to get out... And this was the second time this week...

So, John hooked up the chain and I drove the pick up and he pulled it out. Then, we loaded the pen on the truck and I followed him to the farm. I had Dan bring them up, I put a dog leash on the ewe (I am going to buy a halter or two so I don't have to do it that way), and led her up the hill to the truck. She wasn't bad at all. I had a hay bale to get her started and John and I got her in. She really was no trouble.

We got to the auction and a guy was unloading adorable Holstein calves. We waited, and then they took my girl. She hopped right off the truck and walked in to the building, absolutely calm, and I really appreciated that. This sort of stuff is stressful to me, as I identify with my animals, maybe too much. We did not stick around for the auction, so I will see what I get for her. Prices are down, and she is old, so probably not much.

The next day, yesterday, my neck and back hurt so much I could barely function. John's truck STINKS for seating- the seat leans way back and no support. I have several levels in my neck fused and that means a lot of torque is put on the lower vertebral junctions and it means pain and spasms. I could not do much yesterday at all. When I stopped at my parents to try on a nice suede jacket I was given, I could not put my arm in it. My father actually had to put it on.

I got home, ate lunch and took a hot shower, I mean hot. And just got in bed. I am better today. Not riding in that truck again without some serious back support.

Plan today is to work Dan, clean out the barn, and clean my house. It really needs it!

So, that's it. Oh, and I am going to announce the give away tomorrow. I think it will be something you could all appreciate :)

Sheep move, that is going to wait until Spring. I have decided that given my sheep's needs being different from John's, in addition to all the hay I have stacked, moving them now would be well, folly. So, that will wait, but I am very excited about this.

Thanksgiving, let's see. It was a very very busy day at work and I was spent afterward. Nevertheless after going home chilling for about an hour, I headed up to my parents and set forth helping get dinner ready. It was a great meal as always. The Turkey was stupendous. The rest was also amazing. But, I simply cannot eat like I used to... Evidenced by the....

Most horrible indigestion I had on Friday. I ate Tums like they were candy. Friday we were taking my parents out for their 50th anniversary, and I really needed to be better by then. Tums worked! Anyway, I could see as my parents were getting ready that they were both very happy to be going out with their whole family and both my parents were dressed to the nines. I followed them to the restaurant and when we got there almost everyone was there. The place was gorgeous- it sits atop a hill over looking the town, and the view was wonderful. We had the big dining room to ourselves, which was great. The food and service were both top shelf. AMAZING salads, followed by excellent appetizers (I skipped this, but the crab cakes and Calamari looked excellent, and got rave reviews). Then, dinner, I ordered a T-bone, and it was succulent. Everyone loved their food. Great conversation, everything. Then we brought in the cake I had ordered at the Pastry Garden, which had their wedding picture printed on it. It was a chocolate layer with raspberry mousse as the filling and butter cream frosting. Quite likely the best cake I have ever eaten. Not heavy, not too sweet, just absolutely perfect.

When we finished eating we all went and had our pictures taken. My parents had a great time- I don't think we could have done better if we tried.

Yesterday, after work, I went up to the farm, and see my ram lamb being extra attentive to one of the Border Leicester ewes. And, sure enough, he got busy. I wonder if his first markings were just trial runs. She was clearly in heat. So, I guess I will have later lambs, if and when I do!

Tomorrow, I take the old ewe to the auction. I think I have a good place to back the truck up to- if I can get it in there.

Today, well, I made an nice breakfast, and all animals are taking their morning siestas. I will begin to function in a little bit!

Big News

Well, for me it is.... I am moving my flock over to John's place. TONS more grass and you have SEEN some of the fields. It's a win win- I will help John out and will have an excellent supply of new sheep to work with on a regular basis. I cannot wait. PLUS this place is half the distance from what I am driving now! Can't wait! May move them this weekend!

It poured all night. Jeez. I am so glad I got the leaves done. I hate doing leaves. Wish there was some sort of animal that would just eat them....

Today it's pretty dreary out. I may or may not work Dan today, maybe tomorrow. He's doing well, I think, so no rush. He helps me with feeding every day. Ginger kitty, my old one, is doing well. For the first time in several months, she sleeps just about all night, has normal output and well, you can tell she feels better. Those pro-biotics are worth their weight in Gold to me.

Tomorrow, Thanksgiving, we will eat dinner at normal dinner time. My sister and her sons will go to my parents to help prepare today, and then stay over night. It will be a great meal, as usual.

Friday, we take my parents out for their 50th anniversary dinner. I ordered a cake from a great bakery in town, and will pick it up after work on Friday. It is a chocolate (dad loves chocolate) with raspberry mousse (mom loves raspberry) with a white butter cream frosting that will have their wedding picture some how, printed on it.

Taking one of my ewes to the auction on Monday. She's one of the older Border Leicester ewes who just does not appear as fat as the rest, and I think I need to sell her now. I will borrow John's truck and take her in.

Well, that's it for now.

Here are a couple of shots of my sheep. They all appear to be doing well, and I am specifically pleased with the Cheviots.




Here is a video I took of Dan. His breeder wanted to see him work, so I just did this. He is so fun to work, I never have to lose my patience, and he's such a partner, and so keen.

So, this year is quickly coming to a close. It's amazing how fast time goes these days. I feel like I am on a steep learning curve these days, and not terribly prone to quick learning... I plan to make next year, MY year. My year to do what I like- take a vacation, grow my sheep operation, and with that, get some help. I need help. I need someone close to the farm who can feed/health check for me, and give me some time off. I need someone who wants to learn how to raise livestock, and someone who will chose to go above and beyond, to ensure the animals are in good shape. I worry about that- a lot. It's in my blood. That one thin ewe again looks thin to me, although nothing is different from her, except for that, but I don't think I want to try to lamb her out. She was bred, according to her butt, but maybe she did not take. I thought last night I might have everyone checked for OPP, just in case. Of course, she may just be fine, but I think I will make the call. I may also give her away, even though she may be bred, to someone who will dote on her.

The rest of the sheep look great and are now looking longingly back at the other field. I believe that they just want access to both at the same time. This is something I plan to do, but I have to get the barnyard which will connect them, built. My brother knocked a big tree down so I can't do that right now. I may move them back soon, we will see. I also have to rebuild (and make bigger) the winter pen. Such fun.

I watched Dr. Pol and Pbs and Parolees last night. Both good shows. Wouldn't you know one of Dr. Pol's jobs was to test a flock of sheep for OPP! I stayed up late, and then didn't sleep that great.

Today is picking up leaves I put in a huge pile yesterday, and then I may be done with the laves. I also may mow the lawn one last time. Thank God. Mainly, I am doing that just to use up the gas.

Hunting season has begun (shotgun) and my brother has friends who come up to hunt. This means that the dogs and I stay away from our normal walking area. My brother got an 8 pointer yesterday. Needless to say, Dan and Lucy, especially Dan are just a bit hyped... Well, better safe than sorry.

I think there was one new sighting of Hattie the other day. I hope this next week brings good news. We are going into the third week of her missing.

Well, I think that's all for now, I hope everyone has had a good weekend, and you are getting prepared for the big feast on Thursday!

Something here does not belong...






I feel like I am back. I am finally ready to take the blog to a new level. For a while there, I just sort of lost who I was, and what it was that made this thing tick. I love to share the good stuff, the weird stuff and the not so good stuff. I think my life is probably like a LOT of other folks out there, and for once I sort of feel in charge of my life. It's sort of a nice thing.

So, to that end, I am going to start some details to the blog. One will be a give away, probably going to end up being something a) dog related, b) sheep related, or c) farm related. To enter, all you will need to do is comment on the blog, and of course there will be lots of notice. I am an equal oppportunity chick, so no matter who you are, should you comment and get picked- which will by a multiply system- which means I don't pick and chose, you will get your package.

Now, I would like to do the first give away, but not sure as to what to start with?

Feel free to suggest.

Today no dog work, I simply went to the farm after work, fed the sheep and watched them eat- it's something I really like doing. Both to make sure everyone is fine and also just to well enjoy their company. Two lambs were head butting eachother for fun and at one point they were on opposite sides of a trail and I thought they were going to take a run at eachother, but they wimped out ;) One of the Cheviot yearlings is being quite hoggish over the food. The ram seems to enjoy the Border Leicesters more than the Cheviots. Let's hope he did his work on everyone. No favorites. He's a nice ram. So far. Hunting season starts on Sat (gun) and a friend of my brother's is going to be hunting, so we will stay off our normal lane way walk. Why he bothers hunting there when my dogs and I are there every day of the year is beyond me. Oh, just about 20 feet from the deer stand on the lane way that we walk on was Coyote scat- complete with some ground that was disturbed- like marking. Great. I hope the gun shots scare them away.

I am so happy. The littlest things make me so. I mentioned my old kitty was not well. Well, last night, I believe she turned a corner. She did not get up at all- not until 4:30, which also means I slept all night, the first time in a long time!!!!!! And, when she did get up, she went and ate, the litter box was not on her plans. I can't tell you how elated I was about that. She seems brighter too.

Hattie was seen TWICE yesterday!!!!!!!!!! Once in the morning feeding on road kill and once last night around 8:00 pm, only about a half mile from the morning sighting. Plan now is to get some traps together- one gentleman does trapping and has offered his help. She is one wily canine.

My sheep are good, the thin older Border Leicester has gained weight and looks just like the others. When I scored her yesterday I was rather shocked. Now, all twelve sheep are just getting one 2 quart scoop of grain each day, along with hay.

I am glad this weekend is coming. AND, next week is a short week. Looking forward to a little bit of down time.


Well, that's it for now!

I have a new t-shirt that I plan to sell in remembrance of the um, slobs who um, relieve themselves at the Occupiers in Zucotti Park:
"Zucotti Occupotty" A place where we can all go to force change and fertilize the earth.

Hattie was sighted yesterday morning! She's not that far from where she started. Gives everyone renewed faith that she will eventually be found.

Every night my old kitty Ginger gets up, runs to the litter box, vomits and then has diarrhea, and NOT in her box. Of course this wakes me up and I clean everything up right away. It is getting old. I have some pro biotics and I started giving them to her and as of last night no vomiting, but yes on the other. I am crabby today, because I did not get much sleep. I am going to try some canned pumpkin in her food next.

Last night I watched Dirty Jobs, and one of the stories was Mike being trailed by Bloodhounds- talk about timely. Mike is so freaking funny. He meets my criteria in myriad ways.

Did not work Dan yesterday, but maybe tomorrow. Today it is supposed to rain a lot and I doubt I will get to it. I may move the sheep back to the other pasture closer to the barn as getting the hay to them is a royal pain in the butt. I have to cross running water/mud and I ruined my sneakers yesterday when I slid across it.

No plans really, probably for the rest of the year... Money is tight and I need to get Christmas presents and any extra money I have has to go to bills, and toward my parent's 50th anniversary gift.

Well, that's it for now.

Missing BC Hattie

A friend of mine's Border Collie, newly imported from the UK has gone missing. She's been gone since the 6th of November. I truly believed she would be back by this Saturday and when she wasn't, I went into do something mode. I remember an ad I saw a few years back about this woman pet detective, but could not remember her name. I did a bit of web surfing and found her name- Karin Tarqin. She's a retired PO and did SAR while in that capacity. Anyway, after looking at her website and all the good information on it, I called her. Last night I got a call from Karin. I was almost asleep, but she got me wide awake. This woman does not fool around. Within a minute she was asking where previous sightings were, telling me things about this dog that I did not know, and pegging her roaming behavior based on her breed. It was well, incredible.

I called a friend of mine who has been searching along with Hattie's owner and for a time was talking on two phones. I then had bowed out since most of conversation was about locations the dog was seen and I don't know the area. Later, my friend called and told me that she was duly impressed with how this woman knew her stuff, and Karin told her that Border Collies are very savvy when it comes to going "roaming" as she calls it, and to not give up hope. I was so stoked after that phone call, it was hard to go to sleep. We believe based on the map of the sightings, and that dogs in the first few days circle, but then spiral, that she is moving eastward, and the sightings will become less frequent, but she will spiral back to her hub, which seemed to be near Rt 80. Other tips like driving around in cars is generally fruitless, but plastering predicted sighting areas with laminated signs is very helpful. Karin has tracking dogs at her disposal too. When we first talked, I asked her if she had heard of the author Virgina Lanier- this woman wrote mysteries based on a handler who trained Bloodhounds for man trailing. These were EXCELLENT books and really whetted my appetite for this kind of work. You know what Karin said? "Yes, I modeled my business after her". It was at this point I knew that Karin had her stuff together and I told her I would love to get involved in this work. I am going to follow up. Who knows, maybe a new sideline for me....


So, fingers crossed we can get somewhere in our search!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some shots of the field for the trial- and hopefully for my sheep to graze. It's just beautiful back here. Isn't it just beautiful?



Ginger woke me up with her stomach distresst this morning (I had to clean the carpet) at oh, I don't know, middle of the night some time. But, I was able to sleep in unti AFTER 6:00! That NEVER happens. It was so nice. I love that it was light out too. I made a nice pancake breakfast accompanied by wonderful coffee, and now the cats are sacked out in the cat bed on my bed, the dogs are either asleep or chewing their new bones, and I am just taking this morning slow. Plan today will be the usual, and since I didn't work Dan yesterday (I spent all my time doing chores around the farm) I will work him today- I better!

There is another blogger who seems to be bent on asserting that she IS a farmer. Well, I have yet to meet one farmer who says that. I real deal farmer doesn't give a rat's behind what people call them. My grandparents were farmers, I worked on farms most of my life and I never heard any of these people argue this fact. They were solid in their knowledge that they did what they did, and who cares about what anyone thinks. Maybe it's the young age, but if say, someone thinks I am podunk with my tiny flock of sheep, I smile and say to myself, well, they don't see the rest of my life. You are what you are, no excuses need to be made about it. I plan to grow my flock- not so I can reach some sort of benchmark to get some street cred, but simply because I want to get some money back on these sheep. Cripes, I could go and get all sorts of animals just to look really farmerish, but in the end, who takes care of them? Me. The moral to this story is, do what you want, and don't make and arguments about it.

Now that I am at the statistical half way point in my life, I feel like I had better do the things I want to now. There will be a time when I can't. So, spend a bit of money, enjoy my hobbies, and just seize the day! I would rather die in debt, then die with never having lived.

So, that's my Sunday sermon. Amen.

Trailing of the sheep, Oriole Hill style

So, with seeing everyone doing their sheep trailing lately, I thought I would record for posterity, our sheep trailing. It got a bit hairy at times, and I wasn't sure I could finish, but we did. We made it. Here's the video evidence to prove it.

So... yesterday when I got to the farm, I see that my sheep are near the barn grazing, which is not that unusual for them, but not that common either. I was late getting there, so I assumed they were getting itchy for their one scoop of grain. So, I didn't even run the dogs first, just set right out with Dan to get the hay and grain. When Dan and I walked into the barn, I right away noticed that it was a mess. The hay had been spread about (there were a few piles of old hay I had not removed), the almost empty mineral bag had been transported to near the hay stack and then, the smoking gun, the thing that ALWAYS rats on sheep- the droppings. The thing is, the door was shut! So, I fed them, and then went to work on cleaning up the mess. They hung out by the paddock gate, the whole time, and then when I was done they took off for the back wooded area of the field. The one Border Leicester ewe keeps looking up at the hill field every day, I know she wants to migrate up there.

So, today, I will grant her wish. I will work Dan a bit first, and then, move the girls up there. I walked that field yesterday, and there is a bit of grass in there. So, they can have at it. They won't be staying there once the snow flies, as I need them closer to the barn to feed them, but for now, they can go clean it up in there.

Slept pretty well again last night. Maybe this time change is actually good for me? Could it be?? I had pretty much given up on sleeping all night. But, this morning I actually over slept.

Boy Kitty is doing well, but Ginger has stomach issues now. She's lost so much muscle recently, that I don't think I will have my girl much longer. We spend a fair amount of time with me scratching, and petting her, whenever she asks for it.

Been thinking that I sure would love to move to the farm. Would make things so much easier.... I doubt that will happen unless one of us (my brother or I) win the lotto.
For now, it's okay, but once lambing starts, I will probably be staying over at my parents up the road some nights. We shall see.

I am so busy latey...........

Kitty is almost completely better. He's still quiet, but coming along. Is eating and wants to cuddle. Last night he didn't get up much, which is normal, and this morning, he woke me up. That's normal too :) The Pancreatic enzyme levels were wnl (within normal limits) so that's negative. It appears to me that he had a whopping intestinal bug which cost me $547.00... Truth be told, I would pay twice that, or just about anything, as I am extremely attached to my boy.

I didn't get much done yesterday, but I did drop by the junk yard on the way home to return that part I got for Mark- they have him the wrong one. Today, I have to stop by there again on the way to the farm to get the right one. Last time I was there, fisticuffs almost broke out between two customers- apparently, some guy bad mouthed the other on Craigslist.... I have to run out and get sheep supplies today and grocery shop, that's one thing. Been really poor and am out of everything. That hay buying really just tanked me- and right after my school tax bill.

Didn't work Dan yesterday, but maybe today or tomorrow. May go down to my friend's place this weekend to work the dogs. IF I have enough money I will. Also want to get back up my friend's place to work on shedding more.

I got shots of the trial field, which I put up on facebook. The fields are awesome and quite like that which you would see across the pond. I am going to see if John will let me bring my flock out there for grazing in the summer, because it is such nice grass, it would prevent him having to mow, and my dogs could really stretch out their working scope, PLUS I would save my grass. The possibilities are endless, really.

Today will be working on cleaning out the barn some more. Ick. The steer manure is packed tighter than a .............. I don't have the words. But, I want that place cleaned out so I can use it if need be.

So, that's it for now. Here's a saying I recently read, and I love it:
"I am so busy lately, I don't know if I found a piece of rope, or lost my horse".

So, boy kitty, officially named "Lad" was not well on Sunday. He had several trips to the litter box, and didn't eat much. On Monday he seemed a little better- ate a little. But, Sunday night he was much worse. He had vomiting and diarrhea, and by Monday morning was definitely punk. He was clearly sick. So, I called the vet and said to a member of the staff, that my cat was sick and he needed to be seen. Surprisingly enough she said to bring him in. Usually it's a rigmarole just to get an animal in without an appointment. I loaded him in the big cat carrier and along with Danny and Lucy we headed to the vet. Vet looked at him while my boy just purred. He was so good. Vet was concerned. He was dehydrated. Could be lots of things- Diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel disease, Pancreatitis, who knows, but in any case he wanted me to leave him there. So, I did that.

I then went to the farm, ran the dogs, and then worked in the hill pasture picking up downed limbs from the snow storm. I find that when I am stressed about something I just get to working on things. Then, I went to my parents who live near the farm. I hung out with my mom and dad, and killed time. The vet called, said Lad had gotten b-work drawn, an xray, and they wanted to do another xray with a barium swallow later in the day as 1) barium soothes the GI tract, and 2) there was something funky in his stomach. I was finally able to pick my boy up at 6:00. The last xray did not show anything wrong, and I was sent off with Metronidazole tablets and information about what vet thought it was. He believed it to be a combo of Pancreatitis and Inflammatory Bowel disease. He said try to get him to eat, if he would not, then to force feed him.

When we got home I fed the dogs, and momma kitty, and gave my boy some canned food- which he ate :) I did get the 1/2 tablet in him, but let me tell you, I really worried that he would bite down on my finger... We need another method.... So, anyway, he slept pretty well, got up once to use the litter box, and this morning he ate his breakfast. And he wanted the Pounce treats I have, but vet said ixnay on them, so he got just one.

I am so glad he is better, but will have to wait for the final blood work results to see if it was his Pancreas or what.

What a day it was yesterday. Today is just brighter for me.

Selfishness

If there is one thing that gets my goat, it's selfishness. Everyone has it to some degree- it's part of how we humans survive, but then there are those who are bestowed, it appears, with an extra dose of "gimmee gimmee gimmee". I can tell you there are myriad of things I would like and many things I need, but I would not ask for people to give me money to do these things. The sheep thing, I love what I am doing, but it costs a boat load of money, and it is tough. Owning a house is tough. Owing money is part and parcel of living in the USA, and it really stinks.

Besides those who deign to solicit funds, there are those who cannot seem to wrap their heads around thinking about others, and maybe once a year, others who are in need come to their mind and maybe then, they may write about it, but that's really just a wee break from the "me me me me" disease.

Isn't what I do cool? Isn't my place cool? Isn't what I did cool? Do you think? If you give me money, I could do more and I could be cooler! Just hit this little button, and you can be part of my success. Not that you really are, of course, but you can feel like you are! Egads, it's like a bad scene of a tv evangelist preaching for money from you so you can get to the promised land. How people who do this solicitation for money and constantly go on and on about themselves, sleep at night is beyond me.

One thing you will not see from me is 1) a donate button 2) Speeches about how cool my life is and doncha want to be part of it- if so, go back to #1. I hope that what I write is a little more than that, a little less commercial and a bit more real. A romantic I am not. Once you hit the far side of 40, that happens.


Okay, rant done!

We have been having just beautiful weather lately- just had to say that.. Yesterday, when I got up I knew I had things on my plate- first, work, and then grocery store, then to the farm and meet with Mark to go get hay. It was pretty late when we ended up meeting. When I called the hay folks, I characterized him, rather unfairly (maybe) as "lazy slow pants". I sort of chuckled when I said that, because it's cute, and not as offensive as other things I could say. In truth, I owe Mark a lot- because all he gets in return for using his truck, and he loads the hay and helps me unload, is a meal at the local diner- and he always gets a meat lovers omelet, and yesterday, I just got a burger.

We did not get as many bales as I wanted, as we ended up doing one less level and so I have to go back at least one more time with the Ranger, myself. I ended up being on the stack, rather high and even at that, throwing bales way up over my head to stack. Take THAT arm flab! After that, I fed the sheep, and then, on the way home stopped and saw John. This woman who gets sheep from John was picking up two old ewes to butcher today, for a party- this woman is just plain odd. Most times questions are answered by her with a silent smile. Anyway, her son and her get them in the back of her Explorer and left. These particular ewes had no teeth left, so it was time for them to go, but still.... She gives me the heeby jeebies.

My sheep are good- I am cutting back on the grain, Favey, my favorite ewe (original, I know), is fat. She's at a 4 and well, now that they are getting hay/grain they just don't need all that grain.

Today I woke up early, as the time change takes me 6 months to adjust to, and have made some pancakes and excellent coffee, and now I am just chilling, writing here and will be going to the livestock swap meet at the local Tractor Supply. I want to meet one guy in particular there, who I may get pigs from. After that, I head up to the farm, walk the dogs, and maybe work Dan. Will see.

Then, it will be home to relax (this is my one day off a week) and watch football.

What I Love

What I Love

I love that my sister is always there for me, any time, any place

I love that when I come home at night, I feel at home and at peace

I love settling in at night surrounded by a couple of cats and a dog or two

I love that look in my old kitty's eyes when she wakes up from a deep slumber, sees I am there realizes all is well with her world

I love that look in my Lucy's eyes when I ask her to come over for a cuddle, and to, the look she gives me when she gets that cuddle

I love that look that Dan gives me when we have finished working and he is bursting with pride for having done his best for me

I love that look my sheep give me when they have finished eating and are sated and happy to be in a good place

I love red skies in the morning, even if they are a warning

I love that no matter what stress, or negative issue comes up during the day, that I can leave that issue in that day and awake to a new day the next day

I love that I have found my calling in life, and am happy not only with what I do, but how I live

There are a ton more things I love, but that's a good start

I keep meaning to post more often, but......... Anyway, I am trying to remember what's been happening for the past week. Not too much. Been working the dogs, and handling stuff at the house. This Saturday night we got a big storm. We got about 12" at the farm. The day before I set up the barn room so that they could go in through the sheep door (it's basically a BIG dog door) if they so chose during the storm. Saturday night I was psyched, as the new show "The Amazing Dr. Pol" was on at 9:00. It's about an older large animal vet and his cases... Well, we lost power at about 4:00. Power did not come back on until 24 hours later. That night it was cold in the house, but survivable. I drove up to my parents in the morning to get coffee and a shower. After that, I headed to the farm just up the road, and I did not see the sheep. They were in the back 40 - Dan flushed them out- what a good boy. I checked the barn- yes, they had been in there. I fed everyone and we headed home.

On the way home, I stopped by John and the Scottish Highlanders had come down from their back field, just as he had predicted. So, we gave them a round bale, and I also fed the sheep another bale. Something about animals not having hay at all times in the winter or when no grass, bothers me.... So, anyway, that was done. I went home for a bit but could not relax. It was 46 degrees F in the house and I was just frozen. Went back to my parent's house for a nice roast chicken dinner (their power had been off, but they got it back) and as we watched football, my dad called my house and told me my machine came back on! I had to call myself to be SURE. So, I went home... On the way, my car antenna hit a branch and it flew off to God knows where. So, now I have to get a new antenna. Stopped by the junk yard the other day, and no Ford Escapes there, so will stop by a parts place today....

Sunday night when my house was warm, I slept like a baby. It was amazing. I worked Dan a bit yesterday, just to keep him fresh- for what I don't know- I don't think any surprise trials are coming up ;)

Last night I slept like a rock. The difference in my mood when I actually GET sleep, is incredible.

This week I head up to a friend's to work Danny on shedding and then, this weekend will get more hay. Time marches on, time marches on....

Here is video on Sunday morning on way to farm...


Here is video feeding the cattle - the last zoom in is of this year's first born bull calf.