Yes…..That’s My King!
I come humbled at the feet of my Savior, for the Grace and Mercy He has shown to me. He changed my life.
Do you know Him?
I pray you all had a very Happy Easter.
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
27 Mar
Oh….What A Night!!!
Sunday marked a week since Violet’s babies were born. They seem to be strong, healthy and happy.
It is exceptionally neat that they have each other….and Billy. All the babies think he is their daddy….and love to go wherever he goes.
They push and shove to get fed first…they romp and play on the rocks in the back yard….and cuddle together when they sleep. They even include Lucy whenever she wants to join in.
Today, as well as this past weekend…. was rainy and cold, so the babies are still being kept warm by the wood stove. They have advanced to where they can be fed every 6 hours. That is a schedule that isn’t too hard.
We have gotten a pretty good routine going. Of course that means Lucy is still among those being fed.
Needless to say, we are going through a lot of milk around here. Billy said….hey, we should start milking the cows to get the milk we need. I looked at him as if he was talking in a foreign language.
You do know that it would be a whole lot more work than what we are doing now….right?
Can’t you just see us milking the cows twice a day to feed the goats, four times a day…. Whew…no thanks…we are not at that level of farming just yet. I don’t know that we ever will be. Besides, this schedule won’t last for much longer…well….a month….. or two….or….
I’m pretty sure we don’t have any more goats expecting any time soon. But, before long….it will be time for some baby calves to be born! I think as long as we can have a little down time in between.. things will be fine.
We try to start morning feedings around 6:00 or so. That puts another one around noon…dinner time and one at bedtime.
Monday was another COLD, COLD day. After dinner…Billy rounded up extra wood for the stove, while I prepared bottles for everyone. Billy came in the house quickly and ran his hand under cool water. He had burned his hand on the wood stove. Somehow, while reloading the wood ring, he performed an acrobatic move over the little fencing where the goats are. Loosing his balance he knew he was going down. He chose to brace the fall with his hand…instead of a full body burn. Bless his heart….he burned his palm and the tips off almost every finger. I don’t think he has any remaining fingerprints. Seriously…we weren’t really sure just how bad it was, until the next morning. For hours he FELT the burn. (Thankfully Billy’s “WORK ” hands were tough enough to take a burn like that….If it had been the top of the hand it would have turned out much worse…he is blistered…but we think it will be alright) Once his pain subsided around 11:oo p.m…..he headed toward bed. I warmed bottles and headed to the sun room, for the last feeding of the day. Just as I went out the door I heard a cry.
WHAT? OH…NO……
I darted back into the house and approached Billy with the news……..
Guess What?!?!?!
What?
I just heard a cry from the back yard……Pearl must have had her babies!!!!
OH…. NO…..ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!
I wish I were……
I will have to admit….of all nights…it was just not a good time.
Quickly I fed the babies their warm milk bottle and grabbed a flashlight. I saw Pearl behind the goat house in the woods. Once again….I heard a little cry. I entered the gate….that is when I saw two precious babies. Shivering in the cold night air. They were beautiful of course!!!!!! One looked like a little gray rabbit…and the other was white with a black/brown head and spots here and there. OH…. BOY!!!! Now what…..
Back into house I went to report what I had found to Billy. Poor guy….he bundled up…burned hurting hand and all…. to take a look. Mama seemed fine and must have delivered without any trouble. This was her second time to give birth. She had Hoot-n-Nanny around this same time last year. Pearl…the mama…was Violet’s first daughter…. anyway, the babies were wet and cold. The wind chill was 26 or so earlier in the evening.
Trying to decide just what to do….we checked out the babies. They were so cold…..especially the little boy…..he was limp and could barely hold his head up. We started brain storming again. How can we keep them all warm and together. It is always best to keep Mama and babies together.
Billy with his bummed up hand started gathering materials. Tarps, saw horses…blankets…Maybe we could do this….maybe we could do that….
But……looking at one another with that look……well…you know what happened next. We took the babies inside to warm them.
I know….I know….trust me…it wasn’t our first choice. We debated and debated, but it was our only choice if we wanted the babies to live.
Billy took the little boy and worked with him. He held him close, to get his body temperature up, while standing near the heater. The little girl was wrapped in a blanket and we placed her near the wood stove…all while Violet’ two were crying and trying to see what was going on. Lucy was in a cage in the sun room too…because it was so bitterly cold. Meanwhile, I warmed a bottle of colostrum for the newborns. I was able to ease a little bit down the little girls throat….then just a tiny bit down her brothers. When the babies are cold like that….they can hardly swallow. It is a slow process….warming them and getting nutrition in them.
We pulled out the blow dryer, rubbing and warming the baby boy. He slowly started moving around a little. He really grabbed Billy’s heart. Finally, we were able to get a little more food down him. The warm milk also warms them from the inside too….from what I understand. Billy had him in his coveralls all warm and cozy. Baby girl finally started sucking the bottle. That was a really good sign. About an hour after bringing them in….baby boy also started sucking the bottle a little bit.
So about 1:30 p.m. we put them to bed in the sun room with all the others….cuddled up in their own little box.
They were worn out……and so were we.
The next morning…..we gathered them up to see if Mama would still take them.
She looked excited to see them.
Checked them out carefully.
Poor Billy…. he had Lucy at his heels, the newborns under the tarp….and Mama just walks away.
So, we stepped back, waited and watched. The only problem with slow progress is that the temperature was still at freezing. That is brutal to a baby without heat from their Mama’s body. Pearl had decided to go to her house….without them…..so he took them to her.
He placed baby girl in first….
and then baby boy…..
Ah….progress….She laid down in the back of the house. We hoped that things would all fall into place now.
But…Mom decided to go into the woods with the herd. I checked on the babies throughout the hours to make sure they were warm. The little house provided a good bit of warmth, so that is where they spent several hours.
Eventually they toppled out of the opening. After crying and picking themselves back up they snuggled into the straw.
They were pretty strong for a good part of the day.
Then came the tricky part. Do you feed them to keep their strength up, or do you wait for them to get so hungry they scream and cry and cry and cry……and MAYBE she will come feed them?
So….we waited….hours…..
Meanwhile between the cold and the hunger….they became weak.
She would walk near them…but wouldn’t offer to feed them or lay down with them to keep them warm.
I know it is our fault….because we moved them the night they were born. The boy would have surely died and the girl…had a 50/50 chance.
You make the call at the time. It is just hard to go to bed knowing they will die due to the harsh elements. Especially when you can warm them and feed them…and they will probably survive without problems.
Baby boy was crying…hungry and cold. He looks strong here….but actually it is all he can do to stand. He can’t walk …he is so drained. Now, I was worried that I had let them stay out too long…waiting on Mama’s instincts to kick in.
Baby girl walks a little distance…. then takes a little rest. Both are ready for some food. It is amazing how much that energizes them.
Meanwhile, Violet’s girls…Viola and Freida….are playing full steam ahead…..
I have actually been able to let them play in the fence with Lucy when the temps go into the 40’s during the day.
Poo-pa took Riley and Layla to lunch and brought them by to see the new babies.
They arrived just in time to help feed the babies. Notice how this baby is all sprawled out….she needs nourishment. Their little legs slide out from under them and they don’t have enough strength to pull themselves back up. After food and rest she will regain her strength.
I really appreciate the girls help…we fed five bottles at each feeding yesterday. The babies will have to be fed every 4 hours for the first week or so. I hope and pray they progress as quickly as the other ones have.
Billy and I worked with Pearl and tried to get them to nurse yesterday. They aren’t strong enough to fight for it yet. This morning we milked her. By dingo’s we are trying our best to keep her milk producing, at least the kids were able to benefit from that. We are still hoping that we can have her take over….somehow…someway.
Meanwhile….we warm more bottles!
22 Mar
Sweet Violet
A few years ago my brother, Tommy, called and asked if we wanted to give 4 goats a home. His neighbor had to move back to the city and couldn’t take the goats with him. I talked with Billy about it and it didn’t take long to decide.
Tommy did let us know that the daddy goat was tied up at the moment, due to eating the other neighbors flowers. We weren’t sure what we were getting ourselves into but thought maybe they could clean up the woods at the farm. Besides, we had plenty of room for them to wander around and hopefully they wouldn’t get into any more trouble.
Since we were new to all this farming stuff, my brother said he would help us transport them to our land. Sure enough when we arrived to pick them up….poor Bubba was tied up and looked pitiful. But I have learned that they have a way of looking and sounding pitiful even when they are fine. Tommy and Billy loaded them all up. I was a little leery of those horns they were all sporting. I remember seeing on television how goats always ram you when you aren’t looking. I didn’t want that happening. I like all the animals to just be nice. I know you have to respect animals and their instincts…because they are just that….animals. But I don’t want to be afraid of any animal that we have on the farm.
We all arrived in one piece and turned them loose in our pasture.
They were so cute. They looked so happy, this is one of my favorite pictures of the whole family.
Starting from the left is….Bubba the daddy, Violet….the Mama, Jed…the son and Pearl…the daughter. We didn’t know the age of the animals…except my sister in law, Lisa, thought the kids were about 3 or 4 months old at this time.
They checked us out as much as we did them. I suppose they too wondered what we would be like. They quickly warmed up to us. The cows in the pasture seemed to be fine with the new additions as well.
Bubba did get aggressive as he aged, he seemed to be more so toward men. He took a co-worker to the ground, it took all he could do to get up and get away before the horns got him. I saw it and talked to Billy that night about it. We decided to watch him and see how he acted in the days to come. However, the very next day he did it to Billy. He brought him to the ground. Thankfully a neighbor and I both were in the fence and were able to help get the goat away long enough for Billy to get back on his feet. Needless to say….Bubba had to go. He was extremely strong and when he stood up on his back legs he was as tall as a man. I’m sure he was protecting his little woman…but we didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. So….the next morning Bubba left the farm. It was sad because we loved him….but it was what we had to do.
Violet was already expecting and before too long.. we had a baby….Jethro.
She was a great Mama….letting us hold him whenever we wanted.
This was just a little while after he was born.
He was our first baby goat….and we were both smitten.
Jethro grew…..and stayed close to Mama.
Big brother Jed, took time with him.
They stayed at the farm, but the pasture often gets too wet for their hooves. They prefer rocks and we needed to clean some other areas….so we fenced in a place near the house for them.
Once they arrived they checked it all out….Violet was leading the way.
Jethro wasted no time getting started…..
Jed seemed content…and there was certainly plenty of brush for all of them.
They fit right into their surroundings.
Once they walked around….they went back to the gate.
They were atuned to every new sight…..
and sound….
Whenever we would go for a walk….they would come to the gate….anxious to see us.
Violet was always making us smile with the silly faces …..
and expressions she would make…..
She continued to be a good mother and before long she was a grandmother. She was a protector of all of them….I suppose that is what most Moms and grandmothers do when they need to. One day we couldn’t find her with the herd. Billy walked through the whole fenced area and finally found her sitting down in the brush. She had been attacked by a predator, and her ears were shredded and bleeding. She was shivering. She apparently was worn out from the fight, she couldn’t even stand. Quickly, we gathered some things to doctor her with and made sure she had food and water. She was so weak it was pitiful to watch. Little by little we were able to get her to stand a few minutes at a time. She would move a short distance and then sit back down. A day or so later she was able to get up and walk a good distance…back toward the house. Her ears healed….but they were forever scarred. She indeed was a strong goat.
Here is a good picture of how pretty and long they were before the attack.
She didn’t have striking features like some goats….but she had a beautiful long neck, pretty eyes and was very gentle. Now if food was involved… then she wanted to be first and didn’t like to wait. But that is true with most any animal.
Last Spring we moved Jed back to the farm and bought May to be his new wife. We also purchased Freddy to be the new Male for this herd.
Recently Violet started bagging up and seemed to be doing well with this pregnancy.
We could tell that it was getting time for her to deliver. She was moving around like a Mama that was ready. Billy entered the fence to feed them Saturday morning, while I was watching from the window. I noticed that she fell on her way to the trough. It looked as if she just slipped on one of the flat rocks. She quickly got up and kept heading for the trough. Billy was ahead of them so he didn’t see her fall. She ate and seemed to be alright so we went on about the day. I happened to notice about an later that she was back at that same spot…laying on her side. Hoot-n-Nanny, her granddaughter, was softly nudging her face…like she was saying…get up…get up.
I ran out the door and through the gate. I was afraid she was dead. She was alert and I helped her sit up. I called Billy, when he got there we tried to get her to stand up. We couldn’t find anything hurt on her. But all she wanted to do was sit. I figured that labor was probably going to be happening soon, especially after this fall. Looking back, I’m not sure if she slipped on that rock or if she was weak or something.
We kept encouraging her to stand and lift her up several times…. but she wasn’t trying to help much. We continued to massage her legs and feel for any injuries, but couldn’t find anything, and she made no noise as if she was in pain.
Continually checking on her, we kept thinking… alright then…she is just ready to have those babies. She let me just sit with her some throughout the day…resting her little face on my leg, letting me pet her. She seemed fine…just tired. You could see all kinds of movement from the babies. They were kicking her pretty good….probably trying to get comfortable since she was sitting.
Evening rolled around and we assumed she would deliver sometime during the night. Early Sunday morning we headed out the door and sure enough we had a birthing bubble. That is the tale tell sign that delivery is soon. I wasn’t real sure the babies would even be alive, since she hadn’t moved around much. Finally I felt one move slightly. Billy and I gathered all the necessary towels and things….just in case she needed help. Before long there appeared two beautiful white feet. I took hold of them and when she pushed I tried to help….only when that baby moved her little legs out of my hand did I realize that it was indeed alive. That is an incredible experience. I moved and Billy worked with her on the delivery part. Violet tried but didn’t have much energy to push hard. Things did progress pretty quickly though. I cleared the airway for the baby and gave her to Violet to lick. The next baby came right away without too much trouble. Once again we gave the baby to Violet.
She tended to them…..like normal.
within about 10 minutes they were all cleaned up and fluffy.
Violet however, never even tried to get up. Which isn’t good…and isn’t normal.
They tried to nurse…but couldn’t. Often newborns have to have a little time to find things…but she was in a position that wasn’t helping.
Billy and I knew we had to get her up.
We put our heads together….to form a plan. He went to gather some supplies….meanwhile….she gave each baby some one on one time.
When I took this picture I kept thinking….she looks like she is smiling.
Same thing here….her head in both pictures is as if she is hugging them.
They all nodded off for a few minutes…
Billy rigged a device where we could lift her up and let her rest in a sling type device. This allowed her to still be able to reach the ground with her feet. I pointed the babies to the feed bags and tried to get them to nurse. It is vitally important for newborns to get their mother’s colostrum in their system quickly or they won’t make it.
Needless to say there are no pictures of her in the thing. We were too busy just trying to make it all happen. She wasn’t overly excited about it, but tolerated it for a few minutes. She was eager to get out of it as soon as possible. The babies didn’t move quick enough…so I milked her some and got what they needed in a bottle.
That night I gave them another bottle, when we checked on everyone just before bedtime. Violet still wouldn’t get up on her own, she had developed a bad cough. We gave her some medicine, but were very concerned.
Billy woke up during the night and checked on her…she was still sitting up. I got up a little later and checked on her….she was still sitting up. I hoped by morning she would surprise us and be standing. Unfortunately, when we got up for the day, she was laying on her side. Afraid I already knew what I was going to find…I went inside the gate. She looked as if she was just asleep…..very peaceful…but she had indeed passed away. I was afraid the babies might have died too….but they were fine, still cuddled up next to her.
It is just sickening when things like this happen.
We have replayed the day over and over. What if we had done this…or maybe we shouldn’t have done that…..it just make you sick.
Billy buried her on the land. I took the babies and fed them. They seem to be very healthy and are already eating almost as much as Lucy.
It had been beautiful weather all weekend…but Monday a cold front moved in. The babies are being kept comfortable near a wood heater…. in the sun room. Lots of milk is being warmed..along with Lucy’s bottle. We had just successfully moved Lucy inside the fence. I was secretly hoping that when the new ones arrived Violet would allow Lucy to join them in their family.
I suppose they will still all hang out together….just under different circumstances.
The rest of the herd seems lost without Violet, especially Jethro.
Since we have to feed the babies ,we have been able to experience their personalities. The white one looks like Violet and seems to be calm like her. We are going to call her Viola in honor of her Mother. The other one looks just like her father. She doesn’t want to be held as much…and Freddy, her father, stands off. She is much more feisty than Viola. We are going to call her Freida after her father.
It is all bittersweet. We are enjoying the babies…but we have a lot of sadness…for the loss of their Mama.
For now….We keep reflecting on the love and trust she showed us from day one…..
The kindness she showed
her sweet disposition….
and the love she so freely gave to us through the years.
We already miss her very much.
19 Mar
VIOLET AND HER BABIES
We were blessed with two more baby goats early Sunday Morning.
We felt like Violet was getting ready to deliver on Saturday. Sunday Morning we couldn’t wait to check on her, and we found her in the early stages of Labor.
About an hour later Billy helped deliver a baby girl… He is getting really good at this delivering thing.
We normally try to put the Mama goats in a good place to have their young…..but that is not how it ended up this time. She delivered in the back yard by their little house.
It was a little girl….we cleared her little nose and mouth and gave her to Mama. She immediately started cleaning her.
Daddy came over to check on Mama and look at his new baby girl.
Meanwhile, Billy was helping deliver the second baby girl.
Jethro just had to came over and take a peak at his new sisters.
Within a few minutes….this one was standing.
Only to do a face plant a minute later….but that didn’t deter her…she just kept getting right back up.
The white baby just wanted to snuggle with her Mama for a few minutes. She crawled up into this position on her own.
It looks like Violet is smiling right here. I think it is such a sweet picture of both of them.
They sure love their Mama….
So funny how the white one looks just like Violet….and the red one looks just like her father…Freddy.
Eskimo kisses with Mama…..
Jethro….and Freddy…came to pay a visit and sit with Violet.
Hoot-n-Nanny watched from a near by rock….while chewing some cud. Pearl was around…but she didn’t check it out much….she should be our next one to deliver. Maybe she just wasn’t ready for all that just yet.
Lucy was all excited that their is somebody more her size around.
We put straw down in their area and everyone settled in….including…Lucy.
Then they all took a little nap.
Whew….what a day…..for all of us!
9 Mar
Lucy Jane
Little Lucy is finding her place…..
I introduced her to the back yard the other day. She shook like a little leaf when I first went through the fence with her and set her down, by my feet.
Violet is the oldest goat, the mother and grandmother of everyone in the pen….except Freddy. Violet gave her a head butt…letting her know that SHE was boss. I scolded Violet and she looked at me as if to say….that’s the way we do it here in the animal world. So, I stood corrected. However I did tell her to “BE NICE”. Violet and all the others walked a short distance away and just watched Lucy.
I stayed in the fence for a while…once I saw that they weren’t going to hurt her…I eased out and let her check out her new space.
Jethro…..which was our first baby goat born on the farm just a year and a half ago…..welcomed her.
He was soooo sweet, I was very proud of him. Hard to think I was holding him not so long ago….and now I couldn’t if I tried. He does still like for me to pet him and hold his little face in my hands. But only for a little while….then he is done. I think he remembers those days….but he’s a big boy now….and off he goes. Which is the way it should be.
It wasn’t long before they were all fine with her being among them. She did however, watch herself around Violet…..she didn’t want to get another head butt.
She looked so little. I felt like a mother sending her child to kindergarten….dropping her off to be with all those BIG kids.
Freddy was intrigued by her. Violet had given him a hard time when he first came to live with them, this past May. Now, they all live together nicely. Maybe he was reflecting on those days as he looked at her. He chose to be kind, and seemed to accept her without any hesitation.
Before long she was playing “king of the hill” with Jethro.
She is really enjoying smelling everything and even taking little nibbles of the moss on the rocks.
She looked like a little kid saying “watch this” as she showed off her new trick of jumping off the rock to Jethro.
And like a good friend…
Jethro watched….over and over again.
Hoot-n-Nanny on the other hand….
Says SHE is “king of the hill”!!!
Lucy played and played for a long time. Each day since….I have placed her in the fence to hang out with the others…and bring her in at night, until it warms up and she matures a little more.
Each day when the bigger goats decide to wander on….she stays behind. In one way that makes me glad…because I like to check on her and make sure she is alright. But on the other hand…I want her to go on…..and be a goat. Join in with the group.
She gets bored when the others aren’t around…..and well….you know what that means.
YEP….she squeezes through the fence….and scratches at the door…..just like a puppy.
That is one trick…you do not have to teach. I will be glad when she gains a little more weight and can’t fit through the fence.
But meanwhile……isn’t she CUTE?!?!?!?!?!?!
6 Mar
Here’s your sign…..
I have posted signs a couple of times. I mentioned before that I find myself thinking long and hard once I’ve read them. Interesting that these all seemed to be along the same theme.
Also, the very subject that I have been pondering about myself.
In my Bible study class we have been studying Abraham….Isaac….Esau and Jacob…..as well as their spouses. They had a lot going on in their lives. There are a lot of times in Scripture that it looks so obvious that they should have done this or that. Like if they would have only prayed before they tried to “help” God out in a situation. Often, they did pray but they must have felt like God wasn’t moving quick enough. So they started figuring out a way where they could get the answer they wanted in their timing.
I suppose if we had our lives written down and looked at all the details….with our family situations…. we too would see area’s where we have done the same thing. Moving ahead of God. Doing things that made sense to use…..at least at the time…it made sense.
I might be a little guilty….of doing that myself.
There have been times when I thought I could handle certain situations….without taking it to God first.
I know praying is communication with God. We don’t have to always be on our knees to pray….But….there are times when knees are appropriate….Humbling.
There are times too …. when face first doesn’t even seem like it is showing enough respect.
HE IS GOD.
Yet, He still longs to hear from us….
When I saw this sign I thought….hmmmm….sometimes I act as if the doorbell doesn’t work….when I pray.
Maybe I need to ring the doorbell more than once. Or maybe I should just wait…(Be Still and Know that I AM GOD) ….until HE opens the door.
When I am weary…and have a heavy heart….I go ringing the doorbell. I suppose I think that the door should OPEN immediately after I ring the bell.
Maybe I need to ring the bell…and leave it at the door. Letting God deal with it….in HIS timing. Besides after I have carried that burden and am weary….He tells me in scripture that if I do ( leave it) he will give me REST.
I can know that … “HE’S GOT THIS”…..and I don’t have to worry with it any more. However, if I pick it up and take it back with me….I don’t get rest….I get exhausted….emotionally….and spiritually. Still….I seem to do this over and over….when will I ever learn.
It is the Patience thing that is hard. We live in a world of instant gratification.
There are so many examples in Scripture about praying….and waiting…. on God’s timing. I suppose every generation has dealt with this. And due to impatience…. mistakes are made. Many great men of faith in Scripture…..made some HUGE mistakes in their lives. Consequences for them and their loved ones resulted from them.
That helps me when I look at the many ways I have failed God in my own life. Yes, I have paid consequences, and others have also had too…because I did things my way.
It is because of my mistakes that I am so humbled by HIS mercy. I have been and continue to be the recipient of it…..because HE loves me. He loves us all…more than we can ever imagine….really. Sometimes I have to just let that soak in a little….it is mind boggling.
He just wants us to give our hearts to Him.
HE already knows everything about me, but I have so much to learn about HIM. That is why studying the Bible and praying is so important. It is how I will really be able to know Him. His character….
I love it when I see places in the Bible where someone was really, really close to God. Like David…He was a man after God’s own heart…and Enoch…..it says that he pleased God. How cool is that….
Can you imagine being close like THAT…to GOD.
Being that close….means that even the little things were important to share with each other, which only happens when time is spent together.
Praying is obviously a big part of building that relationship.
Yes, I know He hears my knock….and the doorbell always works!
28 Feb
Little Lucy
Sunday marked 3 weeks since the goats were born.
As you know, I had to bring Lucy home to warm her up and feed her since her mother wouldn’t take care of her. She was so weak that I wasn’t sure she would even make it through the day. But…..I have found that she may be a little thing…. but she has a whole lot of spunk.
Each week she has amazed us with her progress.
It was obvious that she was feeling a little bit better every day.
She had a lot of little issues. We went through a spell where her little nose was red and swollen….and would clog up. I found that a soft wet cloth helped to unclog her nose and a cloth with Vicks Mentholatum rub hung above her bed seemed to help. She also had a tiny little mouth complete with an under bite. I was worried that she might have a problem taking a bottle. But it didn’t seem to bother her.
Because she was so small she could only drink two or three ounces at a time. Now she has no problem inhaling a full 9 ounces at a time.
We have learned a lot along the way. Like they make electrolyte formula for goats…..who knew? I really believe that was the one thing that helped pull her through until we could get some colostrum in her. We have also had to use it when tummy issues have happened. I’m learning…..
From what I have read the rumen is still developing. We have been working this week on moving her off this supplement and onto other stuff. But it is harder than it would be if her Mama would have raised her. I noticed her brother Charlie was nibbling last week on some of the goat pellets. This week Lucy started nibbling around on the grass outside in the yard. She doesn’t really eat it yet…but she is picking at it. I hope that is a good sign that she is going to make the transition well.
Now…. her little nose is all better….
and she doesn’t have an under bite anymore.
She could hardly stand…. let alone walk, one of her back legs wouldn’t work right…so when she started trying to walk she would just drag it along. She seemed to be able to get around on the three good legs, so I wasn’t too concerned with that leg. You could tell she wasn’t going to let it keep her from walking. But by week two…all of a sudden….that leg started working! WOO HOO!
When we would go to the farm to visit her Mom and brother she wouldn’t move around a whole lot. She enjoyed being outside, but she didn’t have much desire to walk around or play.
Now you would never know that anything was ever wrong. She moves around just fine.
She is busy checking everything out….even taking time to smell the flowers along the way.
The first week or so she had her little tucked tail. She was pitiful. They say that means they do not feel good.
Now she holds her little tail UP….and wiggles it….A LOT. That means she is healthier and happier!
When we first got her she would just lay in your arms while she ate. Now she wants to stand and take her bottle…as if she was eating from her mother. Of course that means milk splatters on the floor…but that’s alright….I am glad she is getting better.
She is in fine form these days. She plays until you make her go to bed.
I have given her a blue collar…I am attempting to walk her with a leash. Mostly because I would like to be able to move her from pasture to pasture easily. She doesn’t mind the collar at all…..it is the leash that she hates. But I am as hard headed as she is….so she is getting used to it.
Billy took her on a little walk the other night, without the leash, and she followed him like a little puppy. She is really walking great.
Matter of fact she not only walks really well….she RUNS!!!! and JUMPS!!!!!
I had plans this week to inch her into the goat fence in the back yard, since her Mama won’t have anything to do with her at the farm. I figure we might as well put her closer to us…because we will still have to feed her for a while. Maybe Violet, Pearl, Jethro, Freddy and Hoot n Nanny will enjoy her company. We will see.
It has been raining and now it is really cold….so for now she is still in her little goat condo in the house.
Today, I let her hang out with me for a little while…
I was going upstairs when all of a sudden I heard the pitter patter of little hooves……
She discovered how to come up the stairs. Nooo…Noooo….NO. We are not going there.
I try to give her a little space…but contain her. She has broken through every little barrier I build. She has definitely gotten stronger and feels good enough to play.
I am so glad we are at this point, we have really enjoyed her.
However, she has now moved into toddler mode. She is getting into everything….just like a kid going through the terrible two’s!!!
She needs her freedom so she can run and play with the other goats. She tries to talk to me…I have even tried to talk back….but it just isn’t the same. When we are in the yard the goats all look at her with tilted heads and listen to her talk. They all seem a little puzzled as they watch her.
She is a sweetie.. She thinks Billy is her Daddy…she follows him around everywhere. This morning she tried to follow him all the way to the truck as he was leaving for work.
It is cute. But she will be CUTE in the goat pen too.
18 Feb
Cruising
Interesting that we just went on a cruise a couple of weeks ago…and now there is one drawing all kinds of attention in the media. We really hated to hear that a ship had encountered trouble. I am glad however that a lot of the passengers have expressed that the staff made the best of the situation.
It had been years since we had taken a cruise, until recently.
We have traveled with the carnival line before…but this time we happened to be with a different company.
I’m not sure how a company can encourage their workers to perform their best at all times. The staff seem to keep a great attitude day in and day out. They have always seem to bend over backwards to help in any way possible. Matter of fact when we disembarked the ship, when our vacation was over, we entered the real world….it was very interesting how differently people treated one another. Employees on land acted as if you were a bother to them and as if you got on their very last nerve. I can understand that to some degree. I have worked with the public….and the public on a whole can be very demanding and rude.
On that particular day….I seemed to notice it more. I do hope that I will keep the two different types of treatment in my mind. I pray that I will apply kind actions and words in my daily life. It makes you feel good when someone greets you with a smile instead of an annoyed look. I’m afraid I will be having to do some real soul searching and constant re-evaluating with myself to achieve such a positive disposition.
Because of the attitudes on the ship….. it made our trip very enjoyable. I admire all of the hard work they tirelessly perform.
There is so much to see and do…..
They have multiple pools and hot tubs….
A Carousel….
Two of these rock climbing walls…
They even offer dance classes….
This was a flash mob dance class…which they performed later in the week. It was fun to watch people of all ages participate.
There was a putt-putt course on board….
Billy and I seem to do that better than dancing….
Here is a look at the inside of the back of the ship from the upper deck where we golfed….
They had this zip line….that went across the ship….
this is what you would see beneath you. YIKES!!!!
You could ride the flow rider….
Or just sit a spell and enjoy the surroundings.
Of course cruises are know for all the food they have to offer….
Which while I was taking this picture….I noticed Billy was at the counter…
And well….let’s just say….I think he tried one of every kind of food the ship offered…
but that was alright….there is even a gym where you can work out…to burn up all those extra calories!
Fine dining was offered if you wanted to experience it….if not they had plenty of casual places to eat as well.
We ate in the casual cafe’s during the day….and actually dressed up for dinner in the evenings.
We took this in our cabin before heading out to dinner….
He’s a handsome little thing.
This was another night ….we asked a guy passing by if he would take our picture…..
We found that dressing up for dinner…was kind of fun……every now and then. I have to tell you about the handkerchief in Billy’s coat pocket. That is actually a doo rag. We bought it on the trip so he wouldn’t burn his head. This particular night I noticed that it matched his tie…so I folded it and placed it in his pocket. I thought it turned out nice.
This part of the ship that was called Central Park. It had beautiful greenery everywhere and was so peaceful to stroll through.
Our balcony actually overlooked it….
We attended many shows that were professionally performed. The variety of talent is amazing…there was something that appealed to everyone.
After returning to the room…
It was amazing to see how the staff had prepared your room and left personal touches for your enjoyment. Like this puppy dog.
And….
this cute monkey. Does this staff ever sleep? They are up and at it early in the mornings and they continue until late at night…..amazing.
We went with some friends and had a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. It was also fun getting to know some of the staff and learning where they were from and about their families. Over 62 countries were represented on that ship. That is amazing.
The staff made a huge impression on my life. I learned a lot from them. I will have to say I felt bad about being waited on, watching others work, while I vacationed. When we talked about it…they expressed how grateful they were for ships like these that brought a job to them and an income to their families. They were just doing their job….and they were more than happy to work. I saw that they truly were grateful, they showed it in their actions and their smiles everyday. They make great sacrifices by being away from their families for months at a time. We often complain if we have to work a little overtime. Most of us get to go home after work and see our loved ones….yet we complain about our jobs. They tend to make the best of the situation….and are appreciative for the opportunities that they have been given. WOW….talk about humility.
I hope that I will be that gracious as I go back to work here in my corner of the world. I pray I will have a grateful heart and good attitude….and treat others the way I enjoyed being treated that week.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
16 Feb
Barnyard Brawl
Say hello to our newest additions…..
This is our new Rooster. He is very handsome…if I say so myself.
He has beautiful colored feathers and his tail feathers are long and fluffy. I did happen to notice that he also sports SPURS on his legs. (SCARY)
Roosters have some good and bad points.
He will announce to the girls that he has found food. My neighbor said her rooster will call all the girls together and show them where some worms are. Allowing them eat first….that’s sweet.
He will also protect the girls from predators and fertilize their eggs so they can have babies.
And then of course they have that early morning wake-up call that they are famous for!
One of the bad points is….he could hurt the girls with those spurs.
Another bad point is….he could hurt me with those spurs.
The absolute WORST point is….he could hurt my grand children with those spurs…..and HE DOESN’T WANT TO DO THAT!!!!!
As you know from previous post…. I still cannot tell my hens apart. They all look alike. Well…. now I have 4 more that look just like the others.
So for now….only the rooster will have a name…..and it is Roo.
When I first saw them join my girls I thought they looked slightly different in color. Like they might be more beige toned…..but then again….it could have just been the way the light was shining on them. They started to mingle and go here and there….and before long…I couldn’t tell which ones were my regular girls and which were the new girls.
I was all smiles…thinking…. well now….they all seem to be settling in just fine…….Isn’t that nice.
BUT THEN:
Two of the girls decided to take it out back. They started into one another….and it didn’t take but just one minute and the MAN stepped in and broke it up!
They backed down, walked away and joined the others….
but it was only a few minutes when…..
Two more girls started up again…..
It is pretty interesting how that Rooster runs and gets to them as soon as the fight breaks out. He steps right in there and lets them know that HE is the boss.
Then he strolls or maybe I should say he…..struts….away.
I hope the girls work out this pecking order thing.
I just want them to be one happy family….but…that may take a little while.
So, now we have a total of 10 hens and 1 rooster. One rooster is suppose to be able to handle up to 10 girls.
Good luck ROO!
I don’t mind him keeping order as long as he doesn’t get too aggressive. This breed is suppose to be docile. So far….they have been. However our first rooster didn’t live very long…so I’m not sure how he would have been as an adult.
Roosters tend to scare me….so he better be nice….or he won’t be staying long. We CAN do without him.
Hens can lay eggs if Mr. Roo is around or not. We wouldn’t be able to have baby chicks….but I suppose I could buy some if I really think I need them.
So, Mr. Roo…..watch your step….you may be king of the roost….but Billy and I are King and Queen of the COOP!
14 Feb
Happy Valentines Day from us to you
Valentines Day…..the day of Love.
It is always nice to know that you are loved, I like Valentines Day. However, I think our true Valentines are the ones that show love to us not just on this day but…..all year long.
My Valentine does just that. He was a real sweetie today as well.
I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband.
Love is patient and kind…..Billy shows these things to me every day.
He has also been very patient and kind to our little baby goat.
She is doing great. We actually can’t believe how much better she seems to be.
We decided to section off a little space….kind of like a play pen area. That way she could practice walking around. Yesterday she even hopped a little here and there.
I couldn’t help but think that she might be lonely. I found this stuffed animal tucked away in a toy box….perfect for the occasion.
She snuggled right up to it.
We really hope she continues to make great progress and will be able to return soon to the farm.
Today was a really nice warm day….so we took a treat to her Mom and brother.
I think they liked it…..
We decided to name the little boy Charlie and the little girl Lucy. Charlie wanted to play…but he was a little too spunky for her.
He liked running all around.
Lucy just savored the warm sunshine and the fresh air.
She even posed a little for me….
Complete with a SMILE.
We have all had a great day…..we hope you did too.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I've Gone Country 