Well, today I was supposed to go back to work after a 4 day weekend - full of fun, food, friends, cheese making and chores; but I didn't sleep much due to the hand cramps and a horrible headache. I'm not one to take anything for my ailments, but really wanted to today... I refrained and finally got on up to help Ben get off to work and start my milking routine.
I was just going to milk Belle, but after seeing the condition of Stella, I knew she couldn't wait until tonight. We have been doing Belle 2x a day, Stella, every third milking an Missy once a day.. I was trying to dry Stella up and wanted to start to milk her every other day and eventually not at all. Also drop Belle back down to 1x a day -- but she's so endowed; we could milk her 3 - 4 times a day and get a solid 2 gallons from her. Missy was borderline. I really could milk her 2x's a day --- but we have so much milk and the time it takes to do them, I just don't have the time on workdays.
Anyway, after my morning milking and hanging out laundry - my headache and sinuses were just not better and I was an emotional wreck. So -- I did something totally against my nature and called in sick today. Especially after having vacation days. I typically would just fight thru it.
I napped and took it easy until lunchtime -- watching TV (FoodNetwork) and kept an eye out for a UPS delivery. Finally, I was able to keep my eyes open without tearing up and do a little check in at work. Geez.. I've really got to get to work tomorrow no matter what! But for today, will walk away and finish my 'sick day'.
More milking tonight and call it an early evening...
Hugs to all...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Belle and a long weekend!
A Nice Friday at work and ready for a long weekend after being on call last week. But while milking Belle Friday morning; she was so engorged and tender I couldn't get anything out of one of her utters. She fought me, kicked me in the cheek and just was not cooperating. I called the neighbor and the vet and "guessed" she had a touch of mastitis. Poor girl!!! After many counseling sessions and several website options - Ben and I head down to the barn Friday night with a hot compress and homemade utter balm (olive oil, coconut oil, lemon balm and peppermint oil) to see if we can give her some relief. Fortunately, it works and an hour later, she is milked dry - with little fuss!
Saturday, we start early off to Home Depot for project supplies; (of course not until after the morning chores - again Belle is doing better). Ben was able to get my dishwasher installed last weekend and now we need to anchor it to keep it from tipping over and he would like to experiment with concrete countertops. We actually went to dinner. Had a Groupon $50 of food for $25. Sounds like a good deal, until we checked out the menu.. But it was worth the splurge.
Sunday - Regular chores, goats, dog, garden -- NO RAIN... so dragging hoses around trying to keep everything alive. Ben collected supplies to get started on the concrete counter tops. Lots of measuring, calculating and measuring again. Oh yes -- don't forget YouTube University!!!
I worked on the bee feeder -- It has been dripping a steady drip of syrup. It seems to be defective. So I found the frame feeder we got with the original box and added wire mesh to the feeder so the bees don't drown. It appears this will hold 1 gallon of syrup - so should last at least a week. While adding the new feeder, I was able to inspect the bee hive -- it looks GREAT! We have some happy bees, with honey, pollen and brood. Will check again next weekend to insure they find their new food source and be prepared to replenish the supply if needed.
Monday -- Cheese making - two pots going at the same time with two temperature gauges. Similar process, different cultures and curing process.
Tuesday --
Now we wait! 4 days to wax the Cheddar a store to sharpen 6-9 months.
Removed the Parm after 24-36 hours from brine and coat with olive oil - Store in wine fridge 6-9 months to age. -- Cheese making is teaching us patience!
Ben assembles the concrete forms for the concrete counter tops. Step 1 of another project started...
Saturday, we start early off to Home Depot for project supplies; (of course not until after the morning chores - again Belle is doing better). Ben was able to get my dishwasher installed last weekend and now we need to anchor it to keep it from tipping over and he would like to experiment with concrete countertops. We actually went to dinner. Had a Groupon $50 of food for $25. Sounds like a good deal, until we checked out the menu.. But it was worth the splurge.
Sunday - Regular chores, goats, dog, garden -- NO RAIN... so dragging hoses around trying to keep everything alive. Ben collected supplies to get started on the concrete counter tops. Lots of measuring, calculating and measuring again. Oh yes -- don't forget YouTube University!!!
I worked on the bee feeder -- It has been dripping a steady drip of syrup. It seems to be defective. So I found the frame feeder we got with the original box and added wire mesh to the feeder so the bees don't drown. It appears this will hold 1 gallon of syrup - so should last at least a week. While adding the new feeder, I was able to inspect the bee hive -- it looks GREAT! We have some happy bees, with honey, pollen and brood. Will check again next weekend to insure they find their new food source and be prepared to replenish the supply if needed.
Monday -- Cheese making - two pots going at the same time with two temperature gauges. Similar process, different cultures and curing process.
Cheddar Cheese (Ben's experiment)
3 gallons raw goat's milk = 3# cheese
Parmesan Cheese (my experiment)
2 gallons raw goat's milk = 2# cheese
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| Curds and whey |
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| Homemade Cheese Press (this is the Cheddar) |
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| Cheddar on Left - Parm on Right |
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| Cheddar removed from press and air curing. |
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| Parm resting waiting for is salt bath. |
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| Placed the Parm in salt brine. |
Tuesday --
Now we wait! 4 days to wax the Cheddar a store to sharpen 6-9 months.
Removed the Parm after 24-36 hours from brine and coat with olive oil - Store in wine fridge 6-9 months to age. -- Cheese making is teaching us patience!
Ben assembles the concrete forms for the concrete counter tops. Step 1 of another project started...
Sunday, July 14, 2013
GOT MILK? -- Ice Cream & Kefir.... then a Scorpion in Bed!!!
Friday night ends with a hoot!!! Ben decides he's going to be the goat milk mad scientist and make butter from the goat milk. He pours a full quart into a bowl and proceeds to whip with the hand mixer. It didn't work. We will have to try it from the cream later.
Saturday starts off a little late since I had to do some work at 8AM; but Ben heads to the barn with me to help with the milking chores and I'm very grateful. My hands are still cramping overnight; but now I go to bed with Icy-Hot and gloves. It helps and I know it will get better.
After the milking, I text my neighbor to see how's she's doing with her youngest mom goat that had been giving her grief during the milking process and ask her what type of ice cream maker she uses. She again, being SO generous, offers her maker, to borrow and see if we like it before we buy. I also commandeer her Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Ben's butter extravaganza!
I made plain vanilla ice cream today.
Ben & his science projects -- Gave birth to Kefir today and has to keep it alive!!! It's like yogurt, but you drink it. I'm not game yet, but will try it at some point.
You decide which is better and better for you!
Sunday night ends with a huge laugh!!! While watching a new "STUPID" new show on TV, "Naked and Afraid" to wind the weekend down... Ben is startled with a scorpion in bed! -- after a few screams (like a girl), I flicked it off him and smashed it... He had to clean up the mess. Needless to say, I had scorpion in bed nightmares the whole night.
My on call starts for me again at 7am tomorrow!!! So no Life to speak of until next week... -- I'm thankful for my job and what it give me... Technology Challenges, Brain Stimulation and Funds to eventually retire on!!!
Keep on smiling....
Saturday starts off a little late since I had to do some work at 8AM; but Ben heads to the barn with me to help with the milking chores and I'm very grateful. My hands are still cramping overnight; but now I go to bed with Icy-Hot and gloves. It helps and I know it will get better.
After the milking, I text my neighbor to see how's she's doing with her youngest mom goat that had been giving her grief during the milking process and ask her what type of ice cream maker she uses. She again, being SO generous, offers her maker, to borrow and see if we like it before we buy. I also commandeer her Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Ben's butter extravaganza!
I made plain vanilla ice cream today.
Ben & his science projects -- Gave birth to Kefir today and has to keep it alive!!! It's like yogurt, but you drink it. I'm not game yet, but will try it at some point.
You decide which is better and better for you!
Sunday night ends with a huge laugh!!! While watching a new "STUPID" new show on TV, "Naked and Afraid" to wind the weekend down... Ben is startled with a scorpion in bed! -- after a few screams (like a girl), I flicked it off him and smashed it... He had to clean up the mess. Needless to say, I had scorpion in bed nightmares the whole night.
My on call starts for me again at 7am tomorrow!!! So no Life to speak of until next week... -- I'm thankful for my job and what it give me... Technology Challenges, Brain Stimulation and Funds to eventually retire on!!!
Keep on smiling....
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Too Funny!!!
Ben at the Teat-ie Bar!! I have the best husband in the world. He's willing to help me milk the girls. Such a relief and he was very good at it. But not without some chaos...
The girls show up for their evening treat and milking and Missy is missing. We call for her and don't find her anywhere. I help Ben help me get started on milking. He takes over, then head to the bottom of the pasture, on foot, to see if I can find her. Nothing - back up to the front pasture, still nothing. We switch places and he goes to get the truck to drive the pasture fence line to see if I could have missed her. While I'm milking -- I hear a "MWAHAH", which sounds like a moo and a bhaaa together; coming from an area of the barn there are no goats quarantined. Sure enough; Missy climbed into the back window of the tack room, what we fondly call "Eddie's room" where we has placed the feed for easy access during milking. She was happy for the moment; but I'm sure hurting later. She ate at least 1/4th of the 50# bag. So we had to get a new strategy with storing the feed. BUT, at least she was safe and I'm guess unharmed.
So how much can the -- now know as "crazy goat lady" do between 6 and 8 AM?
The irony: city-girl/techno-geek meets the farm life.
Out of jars - sterilizing 750ml Vodka bottles -- YUM good milk! Have been saving up my blue glass vodka bottles for a blue glass art project; but now they come in to immediate need. Ran out of quart jars this morning to milk the goats with. We like having the lids and getting a quart at a time. They are easier to hold and once full can be secured with the lid to keep safe from any kicks, hungry chickens or airborne particles that may find their way into the milk. I sterilized them in boiling water.
Ok- yes I have a spaghetti pot so big it will hold these bottles. I feel like everything I own is having a re-purpose in life. I think I can get rid of it -- then wait!! I need that for....
Before tonight's milking there is 4 -1/2 gallons of milk in the refrigerator. So making Butter -- or something tonight and this weekend is a must!!! Time to start cooking.
The girls show up for their evening treat and milking and Missy is missing. We call for her and don't find her anywhere. I help Ben help me get started on milking. He takes over, then head to the bottom of the pasture, on foot, to see if I can find her. Nothing - back up to the front pasture, still nothing. We switch places and he goes to get the truck to drive the pasture fence line to see if I could have missed her. While I'm milking -- I hear a "MWAHAH", which sounds like a moo and a bhaaa together; coming from an area of the barn there are no goats quarantined. Sure enough; Missy climbed into the back window of the tack room, what we fondly call "Eddie's room" where we has placed the feed for easy access during milking. She was happy for the moment; but I'm sure hurting later. She ate at least 1/4th of the 50# bag. So we had to get a new strategy with storing the feed. BUT, at least she was safe and I'm guess unharmed.
So how much can the -- now know as "crazy goat lady" do between 6 and 8 AM?
The irony: city-girl/techno-geek meets the farm life.
- turn on sprinklers for garden
- make smoothies
- start database purge project at work
- kiss husband good-bye
- do dishes
- make bed
- feed cats
- feed chickens
- milk 3 goats & feed the other 2
- check honey bee syrup supply
- check back into work on project status - start another task
- feed dog
- fill bird seed in feeders
- make hummingbird water
- battle red wasps
- change bird bath water (mosquito larva growing)
- sit a minute with a cup of tea and enjoy the farm and all the animals
- take a shower
- get to work for the day.
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Girls waiting on their moms' release.
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| Hoss patiently waiting for breakfast. |
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| Neighbors come by to check out the commotion. |
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| Mom drops by with Candy! CandyCots that is!!! |
Ok- yes I have a spaghetti pot so big it will hold these bottles. I feel like everything I own is having a re-purpose in life. I think I can get rid of it -- then wait!! I need that for....
- Mason Jars for Milking Jugs instead of canning
- Spaghetti Pot for Sterilizing Bottles instead of making spaghetti
- Vodka Bottles for storing Milk instead of me hoarding them for an art project
- Old tee-shirts become rags instead of straight to the burn pile.
- Old clothes dress a scare crow.
Before tonight's milking there is 4 -1/2 gallons of milk in the refrigerator. So making Butter -- or something tonight and this weekend is a must!!! Time to start cooking.
Oh My! - Milk, cramps and cries...
I'm finally able to milk the 3 girls solo! Still takes about an hour but there is a lot less kicking and fighting. I'm getting almost 2 gallons a day; so my next dilemma is what to do with all this milk?
The girls still cry out for their boys; so it is still a bit sad around here. But I can tell when I do milk them, they are thankful for the release of pressure.
I'm awaken during the night with hand cramps - hopefully, I'll get stronger and use to the motion and these will stop.
This weekend, my priority is to improve the milking process. The stand is working out just fine, but the swapping of the girls from the pen to the stand is difficult. I'm thinking a gate to let them into the milking area and another gate to let them out when done. As soon as feed comes out; I have other girls jumping the gate to join in the feast. That's when the chaos begins. I need to clean an area for my supplies and perhaps put up a shelf or ledge; where I can rest the jars out of the way and still be safe. Either way, I'm sure I'll find more to make the process easier after I get these few things done.
I'm finally picking tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini from the garden. It seems late this year, but I guess we got a late start due to the Bermuda battle.
Well off to the Job for the rest of the day. Hope everyone has a great one too!
The girls still cry out for their boys; so it is still a bit sad around here. But I can tell when I do milk them, they are thankful for the release of pressure.
I'm awaken during the night with hand cramps - hopefully, I'll get stronger and use to the motion and these will stop.
This weekend, my priority is to improve the milking process. The stand is working out just fine, but the swapping of the girls from the pen to the stand is difficult. I'm thinking a gate to let them into the milking area and another gate to let them out when done. As soon as feed comes out; I have other girls jumping the gate to join in the feast. That's when the chaos begins. I need to clean an area for my supplies and perhaps put up a shelf or ledge; where I can rest the jars out of the way and still be safe. Either way, I'm sure I'll find more to make the process easier after I get these few things done.
I'm finally picking tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini from the garden. It seems late this year, but I guess we got a late start due to the Bermuda battle.
Well off to the Job for the rest of the day. Hope everyone has a great one too!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sad Day on the Farm...
We spent Sunday figuring out the round-up and who gets to stay. One thing for sure is the 7 boys have to go. We are not ready for the responsibility to castrate and eventually butcher the males for food. So we take the easy way out and haul them to auction. I spend several hours in tears; as they (including the boys) have brought much laughter, smiles and fun to the farm. But, we have to do what is right.
Monday morning, my neighbor brought over her 1 male and the female we gave them last year. We didn't de-horn any of our kids last year; which made it very dangerous for her and the other animals on their farm. Many tears later; we know her decision to sell her was too, a right one. I kept them contained in the pen for the rest of the day, listening to many cries for the girl that will remain on the farm.
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| Pip & her boy |
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| Goodbye - 7 boys |
Fortunately, it is a nice drive to Fredericksburg where Ben and I get to share stories about the events of the day and reminisce over the last trips where we "didn't know how it all worked" and broke many rules, unknowingly. The line of trucks and trailers full of sheep and goat stock was about 25 sellers long; but the wait went quickly - about 30 minutes. We know how it works now; and are able to get in and out without issue. The 45 minute trip home was quite. It's done! And I'm sure I'll still shed more tears before the end of today.
I start this Tuesday morning early. Ben & I are doing a green smoothie drink for breakfast, so I get these whipped up quickly as he heads out the door for work. I do a few tasks to get my work-day started then load up to take care of the three moms that don't have boys drinking their milk.
My first attempt to milk a couple of months ago was a real fiasco! What not to do!... I'm expecting this to be quick and easy. HA! I lock up all the remaining goats in the pen and usher and coax one of the 3 moms (Belle) to the milking stand with a bucket of feed. So far so good. As she eats; I get about 2 cups of milk from her; but as she runs out of food - she starts kicking and knocks the milk out of my hand and it spills everywhere! Just as I say a few choice words and get her more feed; my neighbor shows up to help me out. She's been doing this for over a month with one of her girls and knows what works best to get the job done! Before I know it; she has 3 containers full and could get more if we kept at her. But to be honest; Belle was getting more restless and I was done with holding her still. Maybe next time will be easier with her.
We wash up and round up mom #2 and then #3 - both without any fight or issue. Missy gave us no grief and provided 3 containers full as well. Stella too was fairly easy to milk, but slow to get started. She definitely had a lot of milk; but it was locked up. Massaging helps release it and my neighbor spent face time with her to keep her calm once the food was gone.
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| This mornings milk. |
I will get it put away and figure out what ice cream, cheese, yogurt, soap or ??? to make with the milk. My neighbor did butter yesterday - but this takes about 3 weeks for the cream to separate. We will figure out what we 'like' the best and I'm sure share it with all.
A quick trip to the bee hive to top off their syrup, jump into the shower, and I'm back to work by 8:15 am. That's the morning done -- we will see how tonight goes.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Happy Birthday Hudson!
I want to wish my youngest nephew Hudson (Hud) Beaton "Happy 5th Birthday"! You are wonderful, fun boy and we love having you in our lives!Friday, July 5, 2013
Let there be light!
A task completed that I've always wished for. Silly as it sounds, lights in the barn. I've only had 1 light that was outside the barn. So, Ben installed lights in every inside section of the barn and now I can SEE! --- more junk we need to get rid of! I've spent way to many hours in the darkness, hauling a flashlight or headlamp around the barn - so I now have light to really be able to make the barn a better place for all the goats and chickens!
We have started getting rid of this year's Kids. Our first girl was given to a very nice family in Fair Oaks. This family provided us the buck to mate with our girls, plus the father of the family generously did the chore of dis-budding the horns off the girls we were going to keep. They took one of Serenity's girl triplets. Sad, but happy!
We put the trailer in place to take the rest of the boy kids (7 of them) auction on Monday. I get so emotional over this and wish I could keep them all- but know that is just not the right thing to do on the farm.
We have started getting rid of this year's Kids. Our first girl was given to a very nice family in Fair Oaks. This family provided us the buck to mate with our girls, plus the father of the family generously did the chore of dis-budding the horns off the girls we were going to keep. They took one of Serenity's girl triplets. Sad, but happy!
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| The Middle Fawn Girl - before she was taken to her new home. Her sisters are keepers on the Rucka Farm! |
We put the trailer in place to take the rest of the boy kids (7 of them) auction on Monday. I get so emotional over this and wish I could keep them all- but know that is just not the right thing to do on the farm.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy 4th of July - Independence Day!
I love this holiday especially for the opportunity to have cook-outs and watch fireworks at a decent hour (just after sunset).
While making bee syrup today; I decided since I have the sugar out to take the pecans out of the freezer too and make pecan pralines. I used Emeril's recipe off FoodNetwork.com. It was so easy and turned out very yummy!
Ben's brother, Robert, called and was heading our way. Yay -- We enjoy his company. Beverages and hamburgers make the perfect holiday meal.
We headed to the neighbor's at sunset to watch City of Boerne's Fireworks from their back porch - they have w terrific panoramic view eastward over Boerne. We could see several private and sponsored firework displays for miles. A nice, enjoyable evening.
BUT - this must be said! When will our Government finally realize the reality of American's Independence and give it back to us. Most of our freedom and liberties have been stripped! Ok - I'll stop my rant and appreciate the things we do have.
I still quote and sing -- "GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
While making bee syrup today; I decided since I have the sugar out to take the pecans out of the freezer too and make pecan pralines. I used Emeril's recipe off FoodNetwork.com. It was so easy and turned out very yummy!
Ben's brother, Robert, called and was heading our way. Yay -- We enjoy his company. Beverages and hamburgers make the perfect holiday meal.
We headed to the neighbor's at sunset to watch City of Boerne's Fireworks from their back porch - they have w terrific panoramic view eastward over Boerne. We could see several private and sponsored firework displays for miles. A nice, enjoyable evening.
BUT - this must be said! When will our Government finally realize the reality of American's Independence and give it back to us. Most of our freedom and liberties have been stripped! Ok - I'll stop my rant and appreciate the things we do have.
I still quote and sing -- "GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Monday, July 1, 2013
July 1st - The year's half over.
Funny how time really does fly. I can't believe it is already July 1st. Fortunately, a front moved thru yesterday and kept the temperatures around 80 degrees. Far from our Saturday high of 104 (in the shade).
It is a short work week because of the holiday; so we'll have things to do over the long weekend.
We were laughing that is was just this time 2 years ago we started building the pole barn that is now the garage / workshop. Seems just like yesterday.
The weekend was great; Ben still working on the garden weeds and his cast iron cookware cleanup; while I made more pet food, tended the bees and battled the heat. Ben had to go back into work Friday evening and again on Saturday evening. We tried to go out to eat Friday night - but refuse to wait for a table anywhere - no matter how good the food is. HEB was our choice; in-out and fried oysters and shrimp 30 minutes later. Saturday we managed to get into Pappasitos - sat at the bar and had a wonderful appetizer sampler.
Sunday morning chores were interrupted with Rain - it came thru and lasted until almost 11AM. Yes; stayed in bed, enjoying the rain and mimosas. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful after a slow start; but we always manage to get something accomplished.
Happy 4th July Holiday to all.
It is a short work week because of the holiday; so we'll have things to do over the long weekend.
We were laughing that is was just this time 2 years ago we started building the pole barn that is now the garage / workshop. Seems just like yesterday.
The weekend was great; Ben still working on the garden weeds and his cast iron cookware cleanup; while I made more pet food, tended the bees and battled the heat. Ben had to go back into work Friday evening and again on Saturday evening. We tried to go out to eat Friday night - but refuse to wait for a table anywhere - no matter how good the food is. HEB was our choice; in-out and fried oysters and shrimp 30 minutes later. Saturday we managed to get into Pappasitos - sat at the bar and had a wonderful appetizer sampler.
Sunday morning chores were interrupted with Rain - it came thru and lasted until almost 11AM. Yes; stayed in bed, enjoying the rain and mimosas. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful after a slow start; but we always manage to get something accomplished.
Happy 4th July Holiday to all.
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