A lot has been going on at the farm the last couple weeks!  With Winter finally behind us, and the warmth of Spring in the air, it is time to finally get some long awaited projects going!

  • It’s still a little chilly to put the turkeys out in the barn.  They still reside in the garage, but likely only for another couple weeks.  I can’t wait to get the garage back!  They are definitely getting bigger.  Now about the size of an eagle.  (Although not as beautiful)  It’s hard to believe that Benjamin Franklin once nominated the turkey as our national bird! What an embarrassment that would have been.  Three cheers for the Bald Eagle!
  • Also arriving since the last update is our ducks.  We only got three this year, and they are not the Jumbo Pekins (meat ducks) this year.  This year’s choice is the Blue Swedish Ducks.  Just because.  Not sure what we will do with them after the fair.  Probably the Brukner Nature Preserve or the Garbry Big Woods Reserve.
  • With Spring and warm weather, it’s finally time to put away the electric buckets.  They seemed to have survived the winter.  Usually, the dogs destroy at least one of them.  Since these are $40 buckets, it’s a nice thing to see they all survived!
  • We also took down the plexiglass window covers.  They were a nice addition this winter because the dogs got the best of both worlds.  They were protected from the nasty winter wind chills, while still being able to see out.  I do think though that they were happy to see them come down since the windows provide a nice air flow.
  • After all of the rain, recent snow meltoff, subsequent flooding and mud, it was nice to see this recent span of somewhat drier weather come in.  It allowed for us to pull out the mower and get the first mow of the season in.  Of course as I type this, nasty and rainy weather is returning.  It’s to be expected in April.
  • Next weekend, we hope to accomplish our annual “Spring Barn Cleanout”.  A lot of scrap wood, trash, and other non-useful items get hauled away.  Then hopefully the project of adding 3 new stalls will get underway. 
  • One major thing we hope to accomplish this year is a new small tool barn/shed.  We have been looking at them, and have one design picked out.  We are hoping to get this by summer’s end.  This is something we deemed necessary since tools in the current barn don’t last very long.  Between the dogs kicking up dirt and the hay loft, the dirt and dust settles quickly on the tools and they must be cleaned often.  If not, the lifespan is shortened drastically. 
  • The web pages from the most recent litters are finally complete!  They are up and running on the website.  I still have several pictures to upload to existing pages, but I am finally catching up!
  • Puppy Update:  Mylah’s 2 pups are doing great.  Both are sold.  Thanks to the new puppy owners!  Rose is coming along as well, and we expect hers to arrive in about 3-4 weeks.  Unfortunately, We don’t believe Phoenix is pregnant.  Nature can be somewhat predictable, but is never exact.  The last 6 months of the year should be very busy!  We figure on 6 litters to arrive between July and December.
  • One final note...C'mon Reds!  Last summer was a drag without having a decent team to root for after the 4th of July.  If the first 2 weeks are any indication, it could be last year all over again!  :-(