15 September 2018
Does bad luck come in threes? Or is it just an old wives tale? Just as we anticipate the exciting arrival of new babies on the farm (of the feathered variety) my other furry babies are both ''in the wars''.
Rex has developed an infection between his toes; a cystic response to ingrown hairs. Its common in Labradors, so the vet tells me and something that will take a few months to fix with washes, creams and antibiotics - plus the cone of shame. Yes that horrible plastic cone dogs have to wear to stop them licking or scratching at an injury. (I'm sure he tells Ruby to chew at it.)
And then Ruby has developed a limp. At first I thought it would resolve itself naturally, but as the weeks have gone on she has limped at end of the day more and more. So with the vets advice she and Rex are now tied up for most of the day; Rex to keep him out of the dam to stop wet feet and Ruby for bed rest....until she took the opportunity this morning to run off for a swim on her own. Very naughty. Just a shoulder sprain for her, but rest will sort that one out.
But so far no third round of bad luck, and the other animals are all fit as fiddles.
At dusk last night as I was putting the goats to bed, I sat on the dam bank and watched to sun setting behind the orchard, and let the goats wander about munching on any grass clumps they could find. To say I felt blessed is an understatement. The dam was shimmering with insects, the Gander stood guard over his impending brood and the evening breeze was warm and perfumed. Life is just too good. And another 8 eggs in the coop.
Previously I've talked about the methods of farming we use here, how planning work has really kept me busy. But this month has taken on a life of its own, with work driving me from dawn to dusk and each day packed to the brim with this and that to be done. Take this week for example. Quotes for work coming in each day and nuts still to be cracked, weighed and vacuum packed for order. Chasing out the cockatoos each morning as well, as they hunt out the last of the harvest, then all the paper work that a farm generates. Workers here on the farm are busy daily as well, with collecting the last of the harvest, cleaning irrigation lines and daily Natural Farming tasks as well. Then there is the Conference to prepare for next month as well. With expectations of 30 people to attend the bottom shed has had the biggest spring clean of its life - only to find a rats nest and a rogue clutch of eggs as well. Oh well at least the hens are laying.
And finally the bore was extracted this week, 120ft of pipeline removed for inspection with the pump taken away to be checked. At last we shall get some new lateral lines installed for the Finger Lime orchard and future Truffle trees. See I told you its getting busy!
With our visiting French worker I am also enjoying the cooking challenges that each night brings, dusting off the memory repertoire of French recipes to cook, and then enjoying eating them. Crème Brulee last night was a real treat, along with some French Onion soup and baguette. The cooking side to me is enjoying the extra work, as are my taste buds (but not my waistline!) Anyway with the new commercial kitchen to start renovations on 5 October we will get to grips with some serious macadamia and white chocolate biscuit manufacture, to be sold at local markets. Absolutely bloody delicious.
And yet the memories of a previous life are still there, coming to the surface to tell me "we shall not be forgotten", only to stand out in my mind like the little black pieces of shit they are. I still have to pinch myself to realise this new life is actually real, that it will be here tomorrow, next week, next year. So healing on the farm is possible, is happening and will continue.
Our only real concern right now is water. We are running out and Ill have to get a delivery in soon. The bore pump being out of action will stop that being our emergency source, and the swimming pool has gone green! YUCK. But without enough water for the house, I cannot afford it in the swimming pool. Even the dams are nearly empty. If you've ever swum in a muddy dam you will know how yucky it can be, but that doesn't stop the dogs. So anyone for a dip!!
Does bad luck come in threes? Or is it just an old wives tale? Just as we anticipate the exciting arrival of new babies on the farm (of the feathered variety) my other furry babies are both ''in the wars''.
Rex has developed an infection between his toes; a cystic response to ingrown hairs. Its common in Labradors, so the vet tells me and something that will take a few months to fix with washes, creams and antibiotics - plus the cone of shame. Yes that horrible plastic cone dogs have to wear to stop them licking or scratching at an injury. (I'm sure he tells Ruby to chew at it.)
And then Ruby has developed a limp. At first I thought it would resolve itself naturally, but as the weeks have gone on she has limped at end of the day more and more. So with the vets advice she and Rex are now tied up for most of the day; Rex to keep him out of the dam to stop wet feet and Ruby for bed rest....until she took the opportunity this morning to run off for a swim on her own. Very naughty. Just a shoulder sprain for her, but rest will sort that one out.
But so far no third round of bad luck, and the other animals are all fit as fiddles.
At dusk last night as I was putting the goats to bed, I sat on the dam bank and watched to sun setting behind the orchard, and let the goats wander about munching on any grass clumps they could find. To say I felt blessed is an understatement. The dam was shimmering with insects, the Gander stood guard over his impending brood and the evening breeze was warm and perfumed. Life is just too good. And another 8 eggs in the coop.
Previously I've talked about the methods of farming we use here, how planning work has really kept me busy. But this month has taken on a life of its own, with work driving me from dawn to dusk and each day packed to the brim with this and that to be done. Take this week for example. Quotes for work coming in each day and nuts still to be cracked, weighed and vacuum packed for order. Chasing out the cockatoos each morning as well, as they hunt out the last of the harvest, then all the paper work that a farm generates. Workers here on the farm are busy daily as well, with collecting the last of the harvest, cleaning irrigation lines and daily Natural Farming tasks as well. Then there is the Conference to prepare for next month as well. With expectations of 30 people to attend the bottom shed has had the biggest spring clean of its life - only to find a rats nest and a rogue clutch of eggs as well. Oh well at least the hens are laying.
And finally the bore was extracted this week, 120ft of pipeline removed for inspection with the pump taken away to be checked. At last we shall get some new lateral lines installed for the Finger Lime orchard and future Truffle trees. See I told you its getting busy!
With our visiting French worker I am also enjoying the cooking challenges that each night brings, dusting off the memory repertoire of French recipes to cook, and then enjoying eating them. Crème Brulee last night was a real treat, along with some French Onion soup and baguette. The cooking side to me is enjoying the extra work, as are my taste buds (but not my waistline!) Anyway with the new commercial kitchen to start renovations on 5 October we will get to grips with some serious macadamia and white chocolate biscuit manufacture, to be sold at local markets. Absolutely bloody delicious.
And yet the memories of a previous life are still there, coming to the surface to tell me "we shall not be forgotten", only to stand out in my mind like the little black pieces of shit they are. I still have to pinch myself to realise this new life is actually real, that it will be here tomorrow, next week, next year. So healing on the farm is possible, is happening and will continue.
Our only real concern right now is water. We are running out and Ill have to get a delivery in soon. The bore pump being out of action will stop that being our emergency source, and the swimming pool has gone green! YUCK. But without enough water for the house, I cannot afford it in the swimming pool. Even the dams are nearly empty. If you've ever swum in a muddy dam you will know how yucky it can be, but that doesn't stop the dogs. So anyone for a dip!!
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