Wednesday, January 13, 2010

And so it begins...

I suppose that since I'm new at this, I'd best start with a mission statement. I hope to share a glimpse of life on a 10-acre farm in the foothills of northern California, where I live with 8 goats, 1 sheep, approx. 40 chickens, 1 dog, and 2 cats. I want to give hope to those who dream of country life, or perhaps to confirm the convictions of dedicated city dwellers. I'm a woman of "a certain age," a widow, and other women should know that limitations start with self...pull on your big-girl panties and give it (whatever "it" might be) a go. What's the worst that could happen...failure? So you try something else!

This morning started like every other morning...let the chickens (the little girls) out of their house. They come tumbling down their little ramp like kindergartners let out to recess. It's a pretty blustery day, so I shut their big door to keep the rain out and a little warmth in. Then it was down to the goat barn. The welded bar on one of the latches broke, so I had to innovate a latch with a couple of carabiners. Hey, it ain't pretty, but it works. Milked the three big girls who still produce, and cleaned the stalls while the nonmilkers ate their breakfast. Let the young wether and his sibling doe out of their stall. Of course, it started pouring rain while I was coming back up from the barn, and Bessie Anne (dog) and Frank and Pearl (sibling cats) beat me to the front door, yelling to be dried off. Animals first, me second. I strained the milk and got containers ready for my buyer, who comes tomorrow. Looks like it's going to be one of those days to stay inside by the woodstove. I might even get ambitious and dust...or not.

Welcome to my world!

7 comments:

Phil Walton said...

Congrats! Glad to see you're up and running. Hope you continue to keep us posted from Fairview for many, many, many years to come.

Linda Cox said...

So very glad to see you publishing!

Unknown said...

Congrats Mom and have fun! btw...the wasabi mashed potatoes were outstanding~

alexandra said...

absolutely fantastic and ABOUT TIME. my best to all the critters you write about - and thx to all who begged for a blog...can't wait to read more - daily, of course.

Kathryn said...

So.........did ya dust???

Cally Kid said...

Love your blog. Appears you are not only proficient as a "goat Lady" but you're finding your way around the "techie" stuff to connect us to the hidden farm in Fairview. Your blog may inspire me to create one of my own. Keep it up!

Cally Kid said...

Yodel ey, yodel dee, WordRuddelling is the new way to be! "Heidi, gather the goats. It's time for shearing, milking and cheese making". "Yes, Grandfather. Then will you light your pipe and tell me a story?" "Yes, Little One. I will tell you another story of the infamous and much loved Goat Lady of Farview Farms". "Oh Grandfather (giggling) her stories are my favorite ones. Did you know her, Grandfather?" "Oh yes, Little One. People would come from far and wide to read her Blog on the internet." Wow, Grandfather! Grandfather? What's an intnet,itnet, entanet?" "Well, Little One, it's where city folk go to learn about what us Mountain People our animals do with our day!"