Waft

I don't know if it's a Highland trait, a cow trait, or just a trait with my cows, but when they get very relaxed with me brushing them, they thank me by belching in my face. Sometimes, my life flashes before my eyes because the breath is so foul. 

Brogan was the reigning king of noxious burps to my face. Well, until tonight. Tonight, Fiona dug deep into her deepest recesses to give me the most potent one imagine. I almost puked. I almost fainted. I was glad I had nothing in my stomach because it wouldn't be there anymore. 

She was so happy and relaxed though! The calmest I've ever seen her. She even let me pluck a loose hay stand from her eyeball with complete trust. I even gave her selfie time (they love seeing themselves on the phone camera)... And then, the waft. Anyone know of any cow breath mints???

Fiona's best selfie shot today

Idiots Online

I'm so sick of people shooting their mouths off online. Whether it's (not so) anonymous commenters or those who just want to find fault with anything you say, it's disheartening. It's not "social" media, it's yellow bellies who wouldn't be as brave in person. I can't wait for school to start so I can start communicating with those about similar interests. 

Don't get me wrong, I value differences of opinions. As long as communication is cordial and respectful on both sides, knowledge transferred from both parties becomes wisdom. 

But anyway, I'm trying to post about the puppies and it's not going well. I'm a responsible breeder who chose this breed because their numbers were almost extinct before and they are a wonderful breed. On most platforms, you can't write anything but where you are located or your post gets denied or removed. Even if idiots comment things against standards, the original poster gets their post shut down. 

Fortunately, we're taking new pics of the puppies this week and posting them to our new website going live. Anonymous people won't be able to hide anymore and we're in total control. Although, I'll leave you with this funny thing I saw someone do. They listed their goats as four wheeler lawn mowers to get past the banned words. Of course, some idiot who probably uses real lawnmowers as his profession will find fault in it. 

The Work of Puppies

We have potty pads that mostly cover every inch of floor space. We change those potty pads every few hours. Yet, when I walked out of my bedroom this morning, the stench about knocked me out. 

Fortunately, it was a beautiful day. We had to wait until about noon for it to warm up enough to put the puppies in the outdoor kennel. Then, it was time to get to work. 

First, we removed all the potty pads. Unfortunately, a few potty pads were scrunched up and then other areas soiled in addition to that. Ok, step two. Rob and I got on our hands and knees with scrub brushes and mop water. We scrubbed up all the floor and then let it dry. Step three, we then swept up what we had scrubbed loose. Y'all know what I'm talking about. Step four, I steam mopped the room. Step five and six, deodorize and spot clean any missed spots. 

Five hours later, we're about to bring the pups back in. These last few weeks are going to be the most trying. 

Off Week

On a farm, there's always a project. If it's not the animals themselves, it's usually something for the animals (hay storage, cattle chute, etc). Well, for the week between Christmas to New Year's, I'm making the house the priority. 

Today's task was to go through the pantry. First, to eliminate any expired food. Then, to better organize the pantry system. Our pantry is a somewhat walk in L-shape and what we've been doing with it wasn't working. Other than waiting for a couple of more bins and a spice rack, it's done and I'm happy. 

Tomorrow, the guest bedroom will actually be finally unpacked and cleared out. We've been in the house for eighteen months and haven't touched it since. I'm assuming it's going to be a three day project. Then, the master closet! 

It actually brings me joy to organize. It's amazing how much can be accumulated in a year! 

Final note, the puppies are starting to break out of the baby gate and invading the rest of the house. The next three weeks (possibly longer) are going to be trying. 

Reggie likes to sleep with all four paws tucked in

Merry Christmas!

I'm going to take tomorrow off with the blog, but I wish everyone a happy Christmas. The last quarter of this year has been difficult on my family and I'm just enjoying what each day brings. 

The puppies are five weeks old today! I've already started teaching them to sit. We're at 40% success with that command. There is one, Clyde, that truly has it locked down. I can say sit at any time and wherever he is, he sits and stays until I come pet and praise him. Diamond is almost as good, but not sure there yet. 

We were also fortunate to get a thunderstorm today. It was a brief one, but the thunder was perfect for introducing the puppies to that sound without fear. Reggie and Kenzie are still petrified of storms. 

Later this week, I'll try to introduce the puppies to the livestock. Individually and just them getting to sniff and look at everyone. These puppies are going to be given the best start I can possibly give. Now, if only potty training was easier! 

"Clyde" the perfect sitter

Spirits Bright

As it's almost Christmas, I'm trying to make the holiday festive and fun. That takes time and it's something the livestock don't understand. I was twenty minutes late feeding them tonight. Twenty minutes. You would have thought I had starved them for a week! 

I've got cookies baking and puppies that are trying to take over the house. While I'm thoroughly impressed y'all know the time, please exercise a little patience. 

I'd record all the braying and mooing and bleating, but honestly it's annoying. Instead, I'll just continue to make spirits bright and have Singer join me tonight. 

"Singer"

Mule & Bovine

Every time we feed the cows, we use the mule (side by side), but not every time we use the mule do we feed the cows. This is a Confucius Riddle for the cows as they don't understand. 

This morning, after they had been fed by the mule delivering their feed, I went driving through all the thirty acres. This caused quite a stir with the cows as they didn't understand why they weren't getting more food. It took them almost an hour to calm back down. I'm not going to start driving the mule daily around the thirty acres to get them used to it, they'll just have to get upset when I do. 

Everyone is doing great as we head into the Christmas week. I'm baking, cooking, and wrapping my way to the day. My special joy though is cuddling a different puppy on the couch each night for a little bit all by themselves. Scout got the first time last night and he loved it. 

"Scout"

Field Trip

Ok, with four adult pups and two adult humans, we were able to take all ten puppies on their first "field trip". That meant letting them outside for the first time and introducing them to the outdoor dog kennel. 

It was so much fun! At first, they were a little nervous, but then they soon enjoyed all the smells and the sunlight. Kenzie was the enforcer at the backline to make sure they didn't go out of bounds. Reggie was the lead showing them it was ok to follow. Teddy and Tootsie kept running up and down the line keeping them all as calm and assured as possible. Rob was in charge of burr removal and I was their checkpoints. 

They sounded just like birds and kept flocking to me in five step increments. It took a long time, but they finally got in the kennel where Rob and I sat inside with them to get them acclimated. Once they were beginning to fall asleep, we brought them all back in! 

Enjoy the weekend! 

Tootsie's Checkup

Tootsie had a vet checkup today and she's in perfect health. Originally, she was supposed to get her vaccinations, but as the pups aren't weaned, the vet and I decided she could wait one more month. It wasn't a spa day of relaxation for the mama, but at least she got a little break from her pups. 

One thing I learned though is that I'm not behind on giving the pups deworming. The Internet with "trusted sites" has varied when to give the pups the dewormer and that was my need for expert guidance. Online, I've read two weeks, four weeks, six weeks and eight weeks. Vet recommends six weeks, but with the holidays, it will be seven weeks. Somehow, we'll have to get ten puppies and Tootsie to the vet the first week of January. That should be fun! 

More Triplets

This isn't a repeat blog. Cookie Doe had triplets today! One girl, one boy, and one I didn't get a chance to pick up before mama got testy. We've got to find a home for Oreo soon. He's way too virile! 

I'm trying to spend time with all the animals, but I'll admit, the puppies are monopolizing most of my time. If I'm not feeding them, I'm cleaning up after them. There is playtime, new experiences time, and sleep time (for them). Today, they were introduced to my steam mop with fifty percent success. 

Half of them were curious and unafraid of the low rumble it emits. The other half weren't exactly frightened, but they weren't curious about it either. Regardless, they made quick work of destroying the clean floor before it had a chance to dry. 

However, they are 80% successful at using the potty pad for their poops. They all choose the same place, so that's where a potty pad goes and only two are opting out of the system. They're four weeks old today! 

Fast Friends

I've been a little neglectful on training Teddy lately with the livestock. I'm still getting him used to the patterns, but it doesn't help when I keep adding new little ones to the mix!

Though, he's enamored by the new kids. What's funny is Spice always likes to lightly headbutt against the fence with Teddy and here her latest Peppermint wants to show Teddy her jumping skills. No other goats or kids intentionally go to the fence to interact with Teddy except for Spice and her offspring. 

Teddy and Tootsie's jobs aren't as livestock guardians, that's what our donkeys are for. Instead, they were chosen because of their gentler herding abilities. They're being trained to herd whichever animal to where I want them. Right now, it's general areas, but next year I'll be switching things up some. 

First Feeding

Saturday, I introduced the puppies to wet food. It was a messy hit! All of them got some and enjoyed it immensely, so now we're weaning. That means four feedings a day. Completely doable. It's the potty times we're still working on. I don't see that getting better anytime soon. 

Spice's new kids are doing well. One boy (Frost) and one girl (Peppermint). Those kids are bigger than the other kids already and love to run and play. All of them do. All seven. 

Lastly, the two bull calves have found playmates in each other, but also others. Rory likes to hang out with Jewel, while Coinneach likes to play with the donkeys. We're just one big happy farm! 

Spice's Turn

Shortly after the morning feeding, Spice freshened. She actually birthed three, but one came out stillborn. Unlike the other two we lost this week, this one was fully formed and would have been a cute one. 

Fortunately, two others were born healthy. Spice let me take a quick pic before she asked me to leave. Ok, she didn't ask. She just stepped over the kids and then turned her bottom to me. I understood the subtle clue. 

So, rounding out this week, we've got seven healthy kids, ten healthy pups and one healthy bull calf that will be looking for a new home in the months ahead. Message us on Facebook @FurRealFarms

Tootsie's Tired

I don't know how Tootsie does it. Her ten puppies are quite active and the only way to give her peace is to remove her from them. 

Well this evening, I let her out with the rest of the dogs, but when they came back in, there wasn't a Tootsie. I gave her an hour and still no Tootsie. She finally came running from the pasture, so I'm thinking she would rather be working the cattle than dealing with her pups now. Sorry girl, not too much longer now. 

And no, we don't have any homes lined up yet for the puppies. We're waiting to be approved through some official websites, but I'm also not listing them everywhere yet until I get really good pics of them. I'm thinking by this weekend, I should be able to try a photo shoot. 

Them just waking up

Power of Three

Not only are Tootsie's pups three weeks old today, but one of our goats had triplets! We weren't without casualties, another of our goat's birthed two that were way too young and weren't fully formed yet. While sad, sometimes animals abort them for whatever reason. At least the triplets and the two mamas are doing well. 

The dynamite pup litter is really earning their two handful quota. All have found their voices and all are doing well socializing with the other indoor animals in supervised visits. Teddy is actually helping Tootsie now with the pups with cleaning them and trying to herd them back to mama. Four out of ten easily get out of the whelping pool now and the rest aren't far behind. 

All I know is we've got some really awesome animals on this farm. I'm enjoying every minute of it. 

Eggnog & Cider

Stepping out from the baking terms, but keeping to a yummy thread, I've decided to name the two newest kids Eggnog and Cider. Eggnog is the white male and Cider is the gray female. They're both adorable and Cider actually loves to be held. Eggnog is more on the adventurous side, but he'll come around. 

Rory and Coinneach are each growing well. Rory has a puffy coat which I'm not sure if it's because of the last cold front, or if he's going to be a particularly shaggy coat highland. I'm hoping for the latter. 

Overnight I believe we're supposed to get a real cold front. Good thing I decked the halls today. I'm keeping Christmas simple this year, I've given enough the whole year through. Time to just enjoy my beautiful hearth and home! 

Rory with Cíarín

Wintery Kid Mix

On Friday, Sugar decided to give us twins! I believe it's one and one again, but they might be both males. I've only gotten to verify the lighter colored one. Everyone is doing well, and I'll give them sugar sweet names here soon. 

We've also been working on getting the pups listed through the reputable sites. To make Teddy and Tootsie look even better, I need to get their hip x rays from the vet as all shepherds have a risk of hip dysplaysia. Plus the little pups will need to be seen to get started on their stuff as well. 

I am still working on my art, but I'm taking longer with each piece now. With the pups, I don't get as many solid hours as I used to get! 

Cold Wind

It's amazing to me how the wind can make you freezing, but when it stops, even for a moment, then you feel a great temp. I got to tour a beautiful 1500+/- acre farm today in a Jeep and it was glorious. 

I've learned some things to bring onto my farm to make it more productive like a holding pen that was creatively and smartly done, maybe some scatter dams, etc. I also got confirmation on the brand of tractor to go for in the future. A great field trip with a friend! 

For this weekend though, I'm going to work on how to start potty training the pups. Today they started big time bathroom developments and times that by ten, it's a lot. Even if just one could use the potty pad, I'd be happy! 

Flora 

Looking for Homes

It's that time again. Time to find homes for the goats. I've learned that goats multiply like rabbits and I've decided to let go of my buck and take a break from kidding for awhile. It's time for my does to have a break. 

In addition, as much as they delight me, as they are the friendliest pair I've had yet, Almond Joy and Mounds are also ready to go. 

So package deal or singling, Oreo, Almond Joy and Mounds are available. Oreo is two years and throws out beautiful kids. He's also an extremely gentle buck. Even when he's rutting, he does not show any aggression at all. He's got the belted look, hence the name Oreo. The twins are two months old. Both with blue eyes and they know their names. Both love petting and would be great for those who want more of the pet style goat. Almond Joy is wethered. If interested, please contact 737-299-1015. 

Two Weeks Old

Today, Tootsie's pups are two weeks old! Most have fully opened their eyes and all have at least doubled in size. They are all healthy and now that they can see, they're moving around a lot more in their whelping pool. Tootsie is a champ with this litter. 

Most of them are tri-color, but a few are what are labeled Premiere coloring: black and tan. I didn't make up the name, I'm actually partial to the tri-color myself. 

It's too soon to tell which types of coats they have. Tootsie is straight coat while Teddy is wavy coat. The only other option is curly coat, but I don't think any of them will have that. 

Lastly, today Tootsie welcomed Teddy in to meet the pups. Teddy was very sweet and calm. He sniffed a couple of them and licked one on its head. I didn't get a pic as I was ready to intervene if needed. Only six more weeks with these guys! 

Imitation

For a few months before my life changed, I had done a lot of good for the town we live in. I had started the Chamber of Commerce, put out a print newsletter about the businesses and people here, volunteered my time and energy to put together a farmer's market for local people to sell their wares and more. I never got appreciation, but imitation from others I'm now seeing. 

First the farmer's market changed over to something privately beneficial for someone. Now, a newsletter (illegally named by copyright issues) is going to happen. My carcass has been mostly devoured by opportunists in that town, but they don't realize I'm down, not out. I have a golden heart that I've given out repeatedly throughout the years, but going forward I'm going to be more deliberate with who I give to freely. You can fake things for awhile, but opportunists usually get found out by themselves. I honestly do not care. Enjoy the rush while you have it, but learn from me, things have a way of bringing you back down. 

In the meantime, I'm focusing on me. Waiting to hear back on the master's program, getting the farm more functional, and focusing on who truly are my friends. I'm flattered by all the imitation and wish them what they deserve. 

Brogan grooming Rose. Maybe a belted highland in nine months?

Long Weekend

Taking advantage of the long weekend, some much needed projects were completed at the farm. A lockable storage cabinet was assembled and a canopied dog kennel was assembled. The storage cabinet is for all the stuff you don't think about being in a garage (tools etc) until you don't have a garage. The dog kennel for a safe place for the ten puppies when they get a little older. 

The puppies are slowly starting to open their eyes. Right now, you can only see the white layer, but it's getting there. They're all growing quickly and they've been moved from the full guest bath to the guest bedroom. This particular guest bedroom has a door leading outside which is perfect for keeping Teddy and Tootsie separated right now. 

This week, I'm going to try to get out and visit a friend a day. I'm getting too comfy in my pajamas lately. 

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

I hope everyone enjoyed their day. Rob and I celebrated differently this year with a harvest charcuterie board. It could also be considered Spanish tapas, but either way it was good. Took me about five minutes to prepare, which beats five hours of cooking for a bird no one really likes anyway. 

As it didn't get past fifty one degrees outside, the day was spent indoors. If there was sun and less wind, outdoors probably would have been great, but inside was good. I finally watched Twisters. Not the same and not near as good as the original Twister movie. The dog show was a disappointment. I don't think the judges know what good dogs are supposed to look like. And don't get me started on the parade. A two second quick glance of Santa before giving huge air time to a Mrs Claus I didn't know wasn't my cup of cocoa. 

Now it's time to start singing the carols and decking the halls. Well, soon anyway. 

Thanksgiving Eve

This year, I'm most grateful for therapy. Yes, I'm always grateful for my family and friends, but when family disappoints or friends disappear, it's been therapy that has helped me see new avenues. 

Whether it's been professional therapy, art therapy or animal therapy, these last two months I've done them all. On the bright side, I've come through the other end prepared to do even more for myself than ever before. 

In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I'll be enjoying all the fruits of others labors (pun for my mama animals). 

The Babies

Out of all the animals and their babies they've had, I'm feeling for Tootsie the most. Those ten puppies are constantly eating it seems like. Even when they're sleeping, they're still dreaming of eating as evidence by tonight's pic. Tootsie is tired and she literally jumps at any chance to have a break outside from them. 

The other babies, Coinneach and even Rory are far less trouble to their mamas. Yes, they still eat but it's like once every couple of hours, not constantly. Speaking of cows having babies, I think Dolly might calve soon. 

Reminder, I am only speculating she's both bred and about to pop. She's one of our Dexter mixes, so even my pedantic knowledge of highland calving doesn't help here. However, she is quite round now and today she's distanced herself off from the herd. I'll see what happens tomorrow. 

Friendsgiving

For the first time ever, I went to an official Friendsgiving. Don't get me wrong, I've spent Thanksgiving with friends before, but not a special event not on Thanksgiving. It was fun and I'm truly grateful for the friends I've made here. 

Other than that, it's been puppy central around here. Tomorrow, they'll officially be a week old, but already I notice some changes in them. They've gotten a little bigger, their ears are starting to flop out, and they are finding their voices. With ten of them, the sound of all their voices together gets a little loud so I completely understand when Tootsie begs to go outside even when she doesn't have to go potty! 

Coinneach (kon-YAHK)

Y'all, Maisie's son is the absolute sweetest calf I've ever come across! I've decided to name him Coinneach, which means handsome in Scottish. 

From day two (Thursday) and everyday since then, Coinneach will readily come up to me and get a nice throat scratching! He's so curious and friendly that everyone in the pasture absolutely loves him. Rory, who is noticing all this attention, is slowly starting to come back to me. He's not letting me touch him yet (not since the banding), but he's getting really close. Then I turn around and little Jewel is eyeing me like she wants petting, but she doesn't understand she has to let me get close to her for this to happen. 

The weather is great and I'm just having fun with the coos. Have a great start to the week! 

My Patches

Out of all my "outdoor" animals, Patches was always consistently sweet, loving, adventurous and only a little mischievous. She had learned out to pick out the gate chains to get herself and Fancy free at times. She more than once found feed bags that weren't hers and got into them (donkey proof bins aren't donkey proof FYI). She loved to run with the dogs and get hugs from me. She's irreplaceable and I'm really going to miss her. 

See, the guy we got Patches from is also the same guy we got Faergus from, and we lost Faergus rather quickly and discovered later he was much older than we had been told. It's possible Patches was also older or had some other underlying condition. I feel I failed her and with the chaos of the new births happening, I wasn't there for her when she needed me most. I pray she knows how much I loved her and I'm hoping her, Faergus, Sundae and Coorie along with others will meet me at the park gates when my time comes. 

Rest in peace my sweet girl. With all my love. 

Patches, Pups and A Calf

Highs and lows happen all the time on a farm I'm learning. Last night, Tootsie gave us ten puppies (she added one after I wrote the blog). Overnight, Patches died from what was either bloat or colic. She was my sweet girl and I'm going to miss her very very much. 

But, life goes on and this morning, Maesie finally delivered her calf. He's a boy and bigger than Rory was at birth. I don't doubt it, I really think Maesie held onto him longer than she was supposed to. He's extremely healthy as is his mom. He's actually more curious of us than Rory was at birth as well. I guess when you are born late, you are more cognitively developed. 

I'm going to give a special tribute to Patches tomorrow. For now, I'm going to celebrate life. 

Tootsie the Mama Bear

I knew she was close, and today was the day. Tootsie Roll has had her puppies! Originally, I thought she was done at seven puppies as she stopped contacting, panting, etc. Nope, I came back later and two more were there! Nine puppies and I'm actually not sure if she's done. She wants to be done, she's tired!

All the pups are predominately black and all are healthy. Since she has more pups than teats, I'm going to have to somehow keep track of who has eaten and who hasn't as best as possible. Again, they're all mostly black and jumble up to each other, so it's difficult to make out who is who. Tootsie is a fabulous mom though, so I'm sure she'll figure it out for me. 

I don't have any favorites, but there are a couple who stand out. One is a chunky one compared to the others, another is a wandering one who keeps thinking Tootsie is hiding more food on her back, and another is the explorer who Mom keeps having to bring back to the fold instead of him/her trying to scale the baby pool they're in. 

I'm so proud of Tootsie! 

Rory's Woes

Gator came by tonight and we were able to somehow capture Rory and get him banded. He took it like a champ, but mama Cíarin was scared to death for her boy. Even Brogan came up at one point to see if he should intervene, but then he saw what was happening and he decided to take his manhood elsewhere. 

At the end of this week, Gator will come back and we'll put some Blue Kote on to help him. I'm just so thankful I'll only ever be steering one bull. All others born on the farm will be sold intact. That's not a joy I wish to do again. 

I'm also going to have to figure out something for Patches. She bloats real easily after we get a heavy rain like what happened this morning. Other than hay and the water trough, she doesn't have access to anything that should cause bloat. Does she just open her mouth and guzzle the rain as it falls? At least now I know to keep bloat blocks on hand in the future. I'll have to pick them up tomorrow. 

Another Thing

Every time I think Wonderland is getting to the completion part, more things pop up. A plumber has to come out to check the water heater, the front door needs to be replaced and the bathroom door needs to be planed. Curtains still need to be hung and little decorating touches still need to be added, but it'll happen when it's time. 

The doors aren't really a surprise. When the house was brought back up to level, that particular area was the most out of whack. The water heater is relatively new, but I think when the electrician rewired some things, perhaps that got cut off and the pilot light needs to be relit. I'm getting a licensed plumber out there first to make sure and then go from there. 

Bottom line, the next housing venture I partake upon will be starting from scratch again like the barndo. And yes, I have plans to expand my real estate "empire". My long range goal there is the lake house for short term vacation rental and something in the future for long term rental. I've got lots of plans! 

The completely full lake from the house

Waiting Game

Remember, this is a farm blog primarily and you might learn more than you bargained for when reading. 

There's been a long waiting game going on around here. I've got Maesie ready to calf and Tootsie Roll ready to birth her litter. Well, to me they look ready at any rate. Both are big and round. Both have their mammary glands engorged. And I'm ready for both, but they seem to be happy giving it more time. 

Granted, I'm not the best in tracking these things. When you have so many animals, it gets a little difficult charting when the deed occurred. I thought I knew the ballpark on Maesie, but that passed last month. Now, I'm just winging it as I usually do. Regardless, I'll be having some more babies here soon to cuddle and love on!

My latest piece on perspective. 

Cows drinking water in the distance

Sneaky Cows

My cows will take absolutely any and every opportunity to get into mischief. A week or so ago, the gate was left open and they took that chance to get out. Today, a particularly big gust of wind hit the storage container door open enough that my red headed cows took full advantage. I mean, the wind has to blow just right for it to open, but that's what it did. That door is a pain to close by the way with the latching. 

Inside this magical container is hay bundles. Nevermind there was hay already out for them. Nope, Brogan, Fiona and Flora decided the hidden hay must be tastier. I got out there and shooed them off, but Brogan gave a disgruntled sigh. Never in my life did I think I would be chastising a bull with an attitude, but here we are. At least Fiona took my look of warning and decided not to test me. Flora, of course, acted surprised she was even there like she had just woken up from sleepwalking or something. Y'all have no idea how much personality cows have!