Journey to farmlife

1st November 2009

Johnny was home this Sunday again and we spend the day catching up with a few chores around the farm. Not nearly as much as I would have liked to get to but I have to remind myself life is full of balances. So it was a little lawn mowing, some house cleaning chores, some socializing and some relaxing. I finally found one of Iris’s shoes that Spot has been stealing off her verandah. She has been over twice now to explain that Spot is coming over and taking her shoes off the verandah. I have apologized profusely and offered to buy her some more shoes but she has refused. Now that I have her size I will replace the shoes. Spot is really trying my patience. Iris is being so nice about it though and for that I’m grateful. Today Meg one of Johno’s friends mum came over with her puppy for a play date with spot. It was amazing and so good for Spot. He was such a gentlemen and played so well with Lizzy who happened to be just taller than him. They raced around the garden together and by the time Meg left Spot was exhausted. It was so good for him and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

The weather conditions were perfect for another bonfire. We have collected over months, yet another pile of tree cuttings and have been waiting for the perfect moment. It was so nice to stand around the bonfire and watch the wood burning once again. The stars were out and there was no wind. The flames burned straight up and cause no smoke. From the middle of the pile all of a sudden there was a loud explosion. We all got such a fright. It sounded like a gunshot going off but only ten times louder. Johnny thinks it was the cement block that accidentally got into the pile of cuttings. Apart from that the burn went off smoothly. The following morning it was smoldering still but a large section was turned into ash. I’m looking forward to burning the rest of it but Johnny will have to move the unburnt section closer with the tractor before that can happen – its spread out. It is so nice to hear the sounds of summer approaching. The kookaburras are back again to welcome in the warmer weather and the jacaranda trees have made a carpet of purple which is so pretty.

Today I got four eggs. This is the first in a very long time which indicates the new chickens are laying eggs now. It is wonderful and I expect it will increase from here. The chickens are doing exceptionally well. The rooster who I’m determined to find a name for now is slowly growing some spurs. I must admit I’m rather dubious about them finally arriving. I’ve heard hard cold stories of abuse to egg collectors. Of scars and bleeding chickens. I heard today that you can remove the spurs if they become a problem with an angle grinder. Now I know this sounds barbaric but you don’t cut them off right up against the skin but remove just a little of the end, much like cutting your own nails. It will stop some damages to the girls and us too I suppose.

07 November 2009

Johnny has noticed that the rooster whom I have decided will be christened “Theodore”
is not an Australop rooster. He happens to have two white pieces of skin on the sides of his face. Australop roosters should not have that! In addition we see now there are two other rooster as well. I will be contacting the breeder for an exchange. It’s quite a pity really as “Theodore” is a beautiful specimen. However be that as it may Johnny does not want him messing up our girls eggs. He will have to go.

As I look back on this entry it’s hard to believe just two days ago I was still wandering how we were ever going to find a horse for Michaela. Life can change fast. It doesn't really change any other way I guess. I’m happy to report we have found the most suitable horse that we could imagine for Michaela in a matter of hours. Thursday night I found an advert for a white thoroughbred aged horse which was listed as a beginner’s horse. He is 12 years old and is, a been there, done that kinda horse. He’s done years of pony club and is so polite and very quiet. I rang up the lady and arranged to see him on Friday afternoon. He was a dream and Mel covered all the possible angles that we could be worried about. Saturday morning I showed Kristy and Jess (Michaela’s trainers) and they both agreed that this was the right horse for Michaela. All the pieces had fallen into place. The time had come. I immediately contacted Mel and arranged to pick Ozzie up that afternoon. By the time Michaela got home from riding club Oz was safe at home. He was an absolute gentleman to float and started grazing the grass as soon as he got off the float. Michaela was over the moon needless to say and she spent the rest of the day riding him bareback. Hold on – Johnny and I joined her too. She was not going to be the only rider. Bareback riding is good as it forces you to concentrate on your balance. Oz was loving the attention.

Sunday morning we went saddle hunting and were happy to find a good deal just around the corner at the stock supply store. The rest of the day was spent grooming Oz and riding him time and time again. He got so much attention from us.

I’m so very happy the search is now over. I was getting a bit worried there for awhile. I had visions of not finding one in the end. It all worked out well though and we found the one and only horse for Michaela at last. One Christmas present down, one to go. The next search is for a motorbike for Jonathan. These are very early Christmas presents I must add.

13th November 2009

I had to cancel Michaela’s first ribbon day at Pony Club today as I unfortunately double booked her. She had her first party invite from a friend she has made in the new school and she was very upset when I told her she couldn’t go because of the ribbon day. So I decided to cancel the competition and let her go to the party. There will always be another ribbon day but the parties are few this side of the country. She is so looking forward to it. I’m happy to be at home this morning to catch up on some computer time and house chores too. I worked four days last week and am rather behind with laundry etc. Does it ever change?

Johnny has been hard at work in the garden again to catch up with all the needed chores. I’m so glad that the garden is back to a decent state again. It’s back under control again and that is a wonderful feeling.

We have enjoyed Oz enormously and Michaela is slowly learning what he responds too and what doesn’t work. He has a tendency to want to gallop which is a bit worrying but I think it has something to do with the big open space he is being ridden in. The paddock he comes from was a quarter of the size he’s in now. I guess he reasons “Freedom and lets go!” We have moved Michaela and him into a smaller paddock when they ride and it seems much better. I am very proud of Michaela. She has handled him very confidently and he loves her. There was once upon a time that I wondered how I would know how to saddle up a horse having never done this in my life. I had to learn quickly as most of the time Johnny wasn’t around to help me. My word base has increased quickly as I have learnt new vocabulary for saddles, riding gear and tasks as Ozzie has joined us here at Pine Haven. He gets lots of love morning and night and has added such joy to our lives.

I contacted Ingrid regarding “Theodore the rooster”. I was disappointed to hear she has no grown chickens to swap and the only way we can correct the equation is by taking “day olds” again. Johnny is rather annoyed by this and hasn’t said much about what he wants to do. Quick honestly I wouldn’t mind Theodore going, as beautiful as he is. I think the thing Johnny is most upset about is that Theodore isn’t an Austrolop chicken. He doesn’t want a mixed up brood. It begs the question “How could the breeder get it so wrong? It makes one wonder what if some of the other chickens are mixed breeds and we have no idea.

22 November 2009

Today our brand spanking new ride on arrived. After much consideration the other day we had to admit that a new ride on was the only solution. So Johnny took the day off and we went to see a John Deere model. It feels like the “rolls Royce” however it’s not the fanciest one around. It sure makes life a lot easy and I guess that was the aim at the end of the day.

It’s been a busy few days. Between working and catching up on the chores around the house, I’ve had Jonathan and his mates in and out the house and birthday parties with Michaela. School life starts winding down now and it will be good to have a break for awhile.

Today we had to go out for awhile and on arrival home I was devastated to find my beloved vegetable garden was destroyed. I’m not sure who I was angrier with. Johnny for leaving the gate open or the goats and cows for chomping down my plants. They didn’t touch the tomato plant strangely enough and the cucumbers have a few strands of remains which I may be able to revive. The mielies, strawberries, chilies and most of the granadilla plant are gone. It is so disappointing. This will only happen once I’m determined about that! As compensation for his crime of leaving the gate open, Johnny will replant all the eaten plants! There is no mercy for those who choose to leave the gate open.

As for an update on Theodore – will Ingrid will order the two new day olds and Theodore along with the other extra rooster will be exchanged for the babies. We will start this cycle all over again. It will be better this time as it is warmer and the chicks can live outside.

22 November 2009

Today was the scariest day of my farm life yet. It started out a hot peaceful Sunday morning. We were up bright and early. We had plans to go to a local nature reserve later on so wanted to get going with some chores. In hind sight now I blame myself totally and am still working through guilt issues. Hopefully someday soon I can forgive myself. I know we have all learnt a very big lesson here.

Johnny and I were cleaning out the chicken coop which really needed a clean. Michaela approached me and asked me to pass her the lead rope for Ozzie. Maybe it was because I was so focused on the cleaning or perhaps I believed deep down that Ozzie would not hurt Michaela. After all had I not gone to extreme lengths to buy the perfect safe horse?

About 10 minutes later the accident happened. Oz had kicked Michaela in the lower arm.
All I could think about at the moment we were rushing through to the hospital was what if it was worst. He could have kicked her in the head or chest. I questioned so many things. How could he do this? How could I have given her the lead rope? Why didn’t I stop her? I’m her mother and should have known better. I didn’t see the whole ordeal happen so I’m hazy on the details. Michaela can’t remember much and the details she has given me don’t add up. I think she’s accidentally spooked Oz and is too afraid to tell me.

Her wrist was completely malformed and she had slight grazes over the lower arm. I panicked so badly and it was so good to have Johnny and Jonathan who were very level headed. We arrived at the local hospital, having never been there before. The staff was incredibly amazing. How I managed to give the front receptionist my details is a complete blur. Michaela was taken to the ped’s ward and given some pain relief straight away. With our record of needles I was dreading this part but knew it was the quickest route to follow. The nurse appeared with a syringe but which no needle and proceeded to explain that she would put this medicine up Michaela’s nose and it would help within 2 to 3 minutes. It was some sort of Morphine based meds. Right then and there I could have kissed her I was so relieved. One, for the pain relieve for Michaela and two for not having the needle. The following few hours left us going for two ex-rays to establish where the break was. I had already settled on the fact that her arm must be broken as it looked so distorted. The doctor could find no break, only soft tissue damage and that was why it was so swollen. She did say that it could be a growth plate break and that they could not see on the ex-ray but she didn’t think so. So after that the plaster guy put half a cast for support on and we were told to re-visit the fracture clinic in 7 to 10 days and then sent home.

While in the hospital we saw some very sad cases. A tiny bub opposite us had to be resuscitated and across the way a littlie who needed dialysis. As I sat there working through all my emotions I took the time to count my blessing. Whoa, you always think your situation is bad until you see another. Imagine what that poor mum with the re- sus baby must be going through?

So after many hours in hospital we made our ways home with Michaela all strapped up and she was smiling again. We were so pleased to get out of the hospital environment. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing with chocolate and a good DVD. I had a million things to do but after this experience I re-evaluated the day and thought to myself “theirs nothing more important right now than just sitting with Michaela”. We all needed to chill out abit anyway and what better way could there be to do this. I must be honest I wanted to get rid of Oz at one point but after Johnny and I had a good chat I’ve changed my mind. Horses are huge animals and they can inflict great damage. They are to be respected no matter what and safety is never to be taken for granted. I was still wondering how Michaela would relate to Oz now and decided to go see him late in the afternoon. I strangely enough have no anger towards Oz which I expected to have. Shortly after I reached Oz I turned to see Michaela approaching. She had come on her own. Together we greeted Oz and chatted about the dangers of horses. She’s not afraid of him. The reality of the situation is that horse riding has its hazards and this was a huge reality check for all of us. I’m happy to see she doesn’t hate Oz. With a big sigh we made our way back inside. What a day. I was emotionally drained and exhausted and very happy to close my eyes. After checking in on Michaela a few times I was satisfied she was doing okay. She was starting to move her fingers and had total control of her fist. She was healing and was going to be okay. As for me, well mothers have a tendency to carry things for a while. I do hope I can put thing guilt down soon. I said my prayers and thanked God for his mercies for my little girl.

26 November 2009

Michaela has healed up wonderfully and after missing only one day at school, she is again functioning at near peak. She has complete usage of her right hand and is still able to write. The bruise came out about a day after the accident and extended right down to her knuckles and has now faded well. Today the fracture clinic called to say we must be back at the clinic next week Friday. There is still a good chance she may have to have another cast put on but if not she will be home free. Saturday following is the Christmas children’s party organized by Johnny’s employer. It is being held at a local swimming pool, so for Michaela’s sake hopefully the cast is off and she will be able to swim too. It won’t be much fun otherwise. There are so many social activities from now until Christmas; it’s going to go so fast. I have a list of things to arrange and sort out by Christmas and time is not on my side. Invitations to send out, Christmas cards to post, meat to order, parties to plan and the list goes on. Oh brother this should be fun…..

29 November 2009

Johnny has gained Crystal and Queeny’s trust and is able to touch there udders at last. At one stage I doubted that we would ever be able to milk our heifers and then came the breakthrough. Crystal is giving sticky colostrums which means she is very pregnant. At last we actually know she is pregnant. It was such a great revelation today. Queeny’s udders are extended too but there is nothing coming from her. I still guess she is in calf but probable not at far as Crystal is. I guess now we need to do some studying up on calving pretty quickly. We should have a baby rather soon. Today the temperature was way up in the 30’s again. 38 degrees to be exact. Johnny installed the air-condition in our bedroom so we could have some decent sleep again. The nights are hot and humid. The air hangs thick and warm which doesn’t help encourage sleep. The afternoon brought a storm with a little rain.

Tomorrow Theodore goes – I am relieved to say goodbye to him and his large voice. I have arranged to collect two day olds and to exchange Theodore for them. All the work starts again.

I’m haven’t been too good at taking many photos’ latterly. I need to remember to have the darn thing around my neck. Good opportunities usually present themselves when I haven’t prepared for them and I miss out.

31 November 2009

It was another very warm day again. I’m actually getting accustomed to the very warm days. The trip to drop Theodore off at Ingrid’s turned into quite a funny experience. I had to transport him in the cat cage which he didn’t seem to worried about. From time to time he crowed in the back seat but was generally calm all the way over.

I had arranged to meet Ingrid at 12 and my friend and I were a little early so decided to stop off at Mac Donald’s for a coffee. I saw the verandah was pretty much empty so there we were sitting at Mackers with Theodore in the cat cage. I understood that we were bound to draw some attention and was quite interested to see what would happen the moment Theodore let off his first cook-a-doodle-doo. Just as well we weren’t at KFC. Just imagine what that would have created! We sat drinking our coffee and he was so well behaved and as quiet as a mouse. I’d asked the attendant to bring us some water so was happy he was content. Three quarters of the way through our coffee he started crowing and the children inside Mackers were so intrigued by the sound. They could not see him on the floor but from the darting eyes you could envisage just what was going through their heads. It made us laugh. He got out of control thereafter and I quickly tossed the remaining coffee out in the flower bed behind me and we left there in a hurry laughing at the looks we were getting. I mean who usually carries a rooster around in a cat cage?? When we got to Ingrid, she said she thought the one baby was another male. So I gave her the rooster and got the one baby chick in exchange to raise instead of the two. At home Johnny assembled the box on the wall down in the kennels. It’s just like the one Ingrid uses and what we should have had from the very beginning. It has glass in the front and has a light on the chickens constantly. Best of all I don’t have the chick in the house.

We pumped some water from the top dam to use in the sprinkler this evening. The sun scorched grass is not coping under these unforgiving temperatures. It is dry and brittle and in desperate need of some water. The levels of the dams are both very low and I’m concerned that if the rain doesn’t come soon they will dry up completely.

My one remaining cucumber plant looks like it’s destined to survive. The granadilla vine is still hanging in there and the one corn plant stub is growing some leaves. I might selvage some vegetables this season after all. The pumpkin plant has come back to life again and is spreading all over the ground.