Family Tree

Spring is here and there are chicks on the dryer.  I brought home a few that were the oldest and put them in a box on the dryer tonight.  There will be others, but there appears to be a lot of losses.  Apparently one of the experiment partners wasn't so good about checking incubator conditions.  All of the eggs developed, but they aren't hatching.  Sooooo, we're only working with the hatchlings from a little under two dozen.  The numbers still appear to be pretty good. 

I stopped at the farm store on my way home and they will have a shipment of chicks in the next day or so.  I think I will buy some to throw in with these and round out my butchering pen.  I will let you know the progress on those.  But in the meantime, here are the hopeful parents:

And here are the little mutts.  I had forgotten just how tiny day old chicks are and just how darn cute they are.  The one on the right is named McNugget.  Oh wait, they all are...

Have a peep of a day!

TJR

Cheep Cheep

Well, we've got some chicks, but it appears to be slow going.  They are going to bring me what has hatched as of tomorrow and then see what else develops.  Not that I am asking for a huge flock, but I have my mind prepared for a bunch.  I hope it isn't a bunch of duds that died in the egg.  These city folks have been really impressed with the whole process.  I keep getting emails addressed to The Chicken Whisperer.  Is that a good thing?  I think I would rather be known for other things.

This weekend I spent a whole day preparing the new pen area.  I needed to do some dirt work with the tractor and then hauled the temporary pen panels from the pasture up to the machine shed.  By the time I hauled all of those panels and restacked the extras behind the shed it took all day.  I had been wanting to clean up that area since we moved in but waited until there weren't any wasps circling my head.  Those buggers are building nests all summer in that kind of stuff.  I still ran across a big nest of mice (complete with younguns) and do you think I could get any of the lazy cats to come out there and take care of business?  Sheesh!  It's time to start rationing that food and make some lazy cats interested in their job!

As I was running back and forth with the tractor I thought of the fuel prices more than once.  It made no sense to shut it off as I was on and off every few minutes (and we know how those 6-volt tractors can get angry with that), but I still thought of all of that fuel I was pushing out the smoke stack.  Oh well, there are some things you just have to do.  It didn't stop me from using a cup or two to start the trash burner later in the day.

I also moved the big loader tractor into the machine shed to start the engine rebuild.  I want to use some tax return money to do that and have it finished by the time things start to grow and I need to use it a lot.  I have to rip into the engine to see what specific parts I need to order, as I am sure that some things have been changed over the last 60 years she has been pullin' implements.  I am of the mind that every few decades you need to do some things to maintain your equipment.  That's the same reason I washed the wheat truck.  I try to wash things like that every 55 years whether they need it or not.  I found it was a different color than I thought, so I guess it needed it!

On another note I just ordered $250 worth of fruit trees.  How exciting!  It appears that they won't ship for about a month - by then I will have spring fever for sure!  I ended up with two (more) apple trees, another peach tree, a couple of apricot trees, a cherry tree, and a couple of mulberry trees to add to the apple and pear that's already out there.  I am going to put the mulberries out in the pasture as a lure away from the good stuff (and to keep purple poop away from the house!), but will still have them to shake for jelly fixings.  Those things are such a weed that you would think there would be some on the place, but there is only one scraggly one left in the pasture.  Ordering that bunch of trees made me think of a rather memorable event from my youth.  In a (horribly) failed attempt, my parents planted an orchard of fruit trees between the house and the barn.  Nothing fancy - apple, cherry, pear, and peach.  One by one they all died for some reason.  Who knows, other than my brother continually running into the apple tree with the 65 Ford pickup.  I do remember that the cherry tree got quite big and one year produced more cherries than you could chase a stick at.  My mom got me to climb it and sit and pick cherries so she could make a pie.  I ate one (or two) and put one in the bucket.  I ate so many of those cherries I should have been sicker than a dog.  When mom went to make a pie she had to throw them all out because every one of them had a worm in it.

I sure hope things go better here on the farm.  I'm pretty sure a person can only eat a few hundred worms and survive once in your life.  I am NOT trying again to see if that's true.  Yuck - that story still gives me the willies.  It's a wonder I even ordered a cherry tree.  That must have happened to George Washington somewhere along the way.  That cherry tree deserved the chopping down (and yes, I know that was not a true story).

Now on to order the princess trees.  I am spending that tax return left and right, but it will be so fun!

One Word:

Yikes.

I got word that the eggs I sent out will be hatching in about the next 24 hours.  The issue is that when they were candled it appeared that only three weren't going to hatch.  That's 33 chicks minus the one that they dropped about a week ago (which apparently would have hatched).  Assuming that their candling abilities are somewhat reliable, I should end up with 32 chicks out of my 36 eggs.

That's a lot of fried chicken.  Oh boy.  I am going to hatch out about 18 more in a month or so.  So, it looks like there will be lots of chickens to butcher in late July.

Anyone interested in organic chicken?

Farmers are excited by this kind of bumper crop - I don't think I could get this lucky again if I tried.  Maybe I should have planted wheat west of the house!

Whew.

It never fails to amaze me that the knowledge I take for granted from living here many other folks never know. We had guests this weekend at the farm - longtime friends. They live in town and love to come and stay overnight on the farm and walk around and look at things and learn. Some of the most basic information yields a 30 minute conversation. Sometimes it is hard to convince them of the truth. Try explaining to a townie that you don’t need a rooster to have eggs. I have no idea why that misconception is so common, but it sure is. As a last resort I often have to point at the ladies and say, “You lay eggs without a rooster around.” Ah, that usually does it. You don’t even want to know about the discussion regarding the burning stump in the yard (which is still burning 15 days later).

The last week or so I have been especially startled by the misconceptions that I run into when talking with kids. I decided that while there would likely be many more, I would list the ones from this week. There were times I just had to slap my forehead and wonder what the world is coming to.

Hot Milk:  I was talking with kids about the differences between the Amish and the way that we live. It wasn’t long before someone asked whether I had ever milked a cow. Well sure! That wasn’t something that I was around within the family, but I’ve had an occasion or two. The kids were not able to see how something that came from a cow got into the cooler at the grocery store. At some point I reminded them that the only difference between the milk from a cow and the milk in the store is that it’s cold when you buy it (I know, there‘s more to it). It was at that point someone yells, “So, we’re drinking pee?!” Huh? I’m not sure where the leap from warm milk to urine came, but there it was. I quickly realized that these kids hadn’t even seen a cow milked or pee to know that it is two different places. These kids need to stand at the pasture gate and watch some things happen. They’d be better for it.

Modern Amish:  At some point later in the same discussion we were talking about the Amish desire for a simpler life. In this desire they have chosen to live without electricity (or at least pay the REA for it, but that’s another topic). I was pretty sure they didn’t have a connection with that, so I mentioned that there wouldn’t be any TV, video games, light switches, or phones. Within milliseconds someone said, “So, how do they get on the internet?” At this point I was sure that none of them had ever gotten outside the city. In the modern city where the power lines run underground most of these children have never even had the power go out. What would they do if it went out long enough that all of the batteries on their toys went dead? They should all live out where they are the last house on the line and all of the wires swing in the breeze. They would learn to be ready to sit and be cold really quickly! Ugh.

Rocks and Dirt:  My kids ask about the pets at the farm each day. That is something they can understand - the joy of an animal. It was no surprise when one of them brought the chickens a Valentine’s Day present - two little bags of cracked corn with ribbons on them. I told her that I would take pictures of the chickens eating the treats so that she could see them. The next day she asked if the chickens had eaten their corn. It had snowed overnight and I told her that the chickens didn’t like to go out in the snow and they needed to be able to get to dirt to help them eat. She just looked at me with a blank stare. I told her that chickens don’t have a stomach and so they needed to be able to eat gravel and rocks and grit to help them with their food. “So, they eat poop?” Huh (again)? No, they eat grit to help them with their food. “Yeah, but that’s poop and stuff.” Of course, I didn’t mention that they often do because that would only reinforce the thought. I really can’t do anything to help some of these kids. Seriously.

Clothing Breakdown: When talking about the southeast we ran across a picture of a cotton farmer standing in his field. We talked about how around my house the farmers grow things like soybeans and wheat, but the weather in the south is perfect for growing cotton. I once again had the feeling that the connection wasn’t there. I told them that the cotton in the picture was used to make thread which was woven into cloth. As I pointed out the different clothing that everyone was wearing the cotton the freak-outs started. “You mean we’re wearing plants?” At that point several of them vowed to never wear cotton again. I just don’t get it. How can you get to be 10 years old and not realize that your clothing is made from actual cotton? What have these parents been talking about with them? Obviously not daily living things.  Do they think it just appears?

It’s easy to see that there’s really no place to start. You can’t make anyone worldly overnight. Most of these kids have never seen a dirt road or a mailbox on a post. They don’t know what happens when it gets dark if there is no street light. They have no concept of living without the desire to turn on the TV all day long. It’s not hard to see that the more generations removed everyone is from country living the less able people are to connect with every aspect of their lives. There are lots of folks out there who have only eaten foods with a mystery background. Clearly I am a little bit biased here, but there seems to be something wrong with that. Although it takes a monetary commitment, it is important to me to know where the eggs, chicken, beef, fruit, and vegetables that I eat come from. These kids need to stare at an animal for six months and then know that they are eating it.  If they spent a summer day bent over weeding the garden they would likely value that watermelon just a little bit more.

We probably should just turn back the clock, drop everyone out on their own, and see who really makes it in the real world. OR, I’ll just come home each day to my peace and quiet and they can play their video games.

Rooting For The Home Team...

Now that the big kahuna of football games is over it seems that folks are in need of something to root for. There are lots of things here on the farm that I am rooting for. Hopefully by sharing them I can get a cheerleading group together to make things work in my favor. Although I cannot condone a wager of any kind, some of these things have pretty good odds, if I do say so myself. Here is the list (in no particular order):

1. The battery in the car. That battery is the one that came with the (new) car seven years ago. I know that it is on borrowed time, but when something makes it this long it becomes a point of pride. It would probably save some headache in the future if I would just buy a new one, but then I might miss the title of World’s Longest Lasting Car Battery!

2. The burning stump in the front yard. This is the one that I lit over a week ago. It is still burning! There is a cavernous hole in the yard where it used to be, and it just keeps on a burning. I wonder how long that thing can burn? Eventually it will start smoking in China and they will wonder what’s up.  I might need to build a roof over it tonight so the snow doesn't put it out.  Don't think I wouldn't.

3. The vacuum cleaner. This front porch is a disaster. Maxine has trashed it beyond belief. There are little kitty hairs everywhere and she has spread dirt from each plant all over the floor. It’s hard to fathom that one little kitty can make such a huge mess. I’m grossed out. I can see how those animal hoarders have such a gross house. It also seems like they aren’t the most clean people to begin with. There’s something about taking in 452 feral cats that makes me think that Pine Sol is not your first priority.

4. Chicks/eggs. I haven’t heard whether the folks that took eggs have candled them yet, but I am dying to know how my eggs are turning out. I don’t know what the percentage usually runs, but I am looking for lots of chickens to eat. If none of those things hatch I am going to be really hacked. I’ll probably just order some to butcher, as I just got the spring catalog from the hatchery anyway. Then I will go out to the chicken house and give those hens (and roosters) the what for. They have very few jobs, after all. Don’t mess this one up!

5. Snow. I really want a nice snow this year. I can’t believe that we haven’t had even a bit. I hate those years when I don’t have the chance to stay home and watch the snow fall. Besides the fact that I want something to watch and need a day off, I really hope we get something to reduce the number of bugs for spring. We’re going to be in trouble if we don’t get these things killed off!  Have you seen that new show Infested?  That's where we will all be.

6. Spring. Does that seem counter-productive? Even though I want some snow, I am really pulling for spring. I have so many things that I want to do outside. I miss they days of working in the yard and loosing track of time. I have such grand plans for the garden. Those aren’t going to come to fruition if we don’t get the ball rolling. I envision cantaloupe and watermelons galore. Come on mother nature!

7. New trees. I am looking forward to planting the new variety of trees we found. Royal Empress trees grow between 10 and 15 feel per year, bloom like a tulip, and have leaves that measure in the feet (across). I am so excited to see how they change the place. I think I have the spots planned for the dozen we are going to order. I sure hope that we have enough room for the dozen fruit trees I am ordering, too. This place is going to turn into a park!  That will help keep the lawn from burning so bad out near the silo.  It should also give Other something to drive around with the mower.  He sounds super stoked about it.

8. The makeshift garage sauna. Yesterday the wood stove in the garage got it up to 96 degrees in there. That’s pretty impressive. The cats were laying around like it was summer. Actually, most days in the summer it is cooler than that. I like seeing how hot I can get it. It makes going out to see the kitties a nice warm adventure.  They keep coming down from the loft to get a drink.  Wood fires sure are a dry heat.

9. Taxes. I sent in my taxes a couple of weeks ago. I want that money! I have plans for it. It seems like I have given the government a loan - I am calling that sucker due! I guess I should set some aside for a new battery for the car. At least there will be enough left for the trees. I think.  How come there are always so many plans for such a small amount of cash.  Oh well.

10. Egg production. This is different than the hatching ratio, which still stresses me out. I’m talking about how many eggs the chickens produce a day. It seems like we rarely get over the dozen hump. Most days there are 11. Why we can’t get just one more is beyond me. It would make things so much easier. I also really want them to dump their eggs and hurry out to the yard. I sort of feel guilty rooting around under the hen for the eggs. I feel like I am stealing her only reason for living. They also get really hacked and start pecking when you do that. Not a big problem when you have gloves on, but it won’t be glove season for long. Then we’ll have to be having a talk about this pecking business.  Also, I know that sometimes nature calls when you don't expect it - believe me I do.  However, when you know that you lay an egg a day at about 9 am, be prepared.  DON'T just lay it in the middle of the floor.  On occasion I forget to watch where I am walking and scramble an egg with my boot.  That's a waste.  Then I only get 10, for Heaven's sake.

There you have it. The things that are anticipated here on the farm. These aren’t really the usual things that folks are rooting for, but they seem pretty important out here right now.

It appears that the vacuum isn’t going to run itself around here, so I best get cracking.

Jack of all trades

It has been a busy week on the farm. As I was in the midst of all of the random tasks I started thinking about why it is that people choose this life. Oh sure, there’s the love of the outdoors and animals, but those are both idealized views. We all know that when it is 100 degrees or blowing a blizzard you aren’t loving it with all of your heart. While cute and fuzzy, most animals can really get on your nerves for one reason or another. Then I got it.

Farm folks don’t ever want to lock themselves down to one occupation. Think about this week as an example (and as proof of why I love this life).

Friday morning started with a big storm. If it would have been snow we would have been in trouble. If it would have been ice we would be living like the Amish. We almost were anyway when lightening struck right after the alarm went off. It was so close that you could hear it sizzle in the house. The electric immediately went out and I could tell it was going to stay out. I threw on some clothes and trudged out in the pouring rain to start the generator and begin the routine that you have to follow to switch the farm over from power company to self-sufficiency. I hadn’t run the generator in a while and it took some coercing to get her started. I realized when I got it going that there would not be enough diesel to run the farm for any length of time, so I then got in the pickup and ran to town for fuel. I got home, showered, and still made it to work with five minutes to spare. Sure, it was hectic. Sure, I was soaked to the bone. I still wouldn’t have traded it for a night in a downtown loft. You can’t see the folks at the station in town at 6:30 when you do that!  Some folks should really do more with their hair.

Friday afternoon I came home and tore into one of the tractors. The lift on it was bleeding off and causing the implements to slowly (or rather quickly) drop when you didn’t want it to. This can prove troublesome when your toes are under it. So, I drained off five gallons of hydraulic fluid and ripped apart the tractor. I had grease up to my elbows, but had it fixed in a couple of hours. Those hours were very enjoyable as I worked at my own pace and listened to the radio. Would I do it every day? Not on your life. I won’t hesitate to do it when the tractors around here need it, though. I also won’t hesitate to sing at the top of my lungs or sing the wrong words, either. Those are good times.

Later on I put lights on the same tractor. I’m not sure why someone thought that it would be a good idea to remove the originals (including the switch and all of the wiring), but that clearly is not an option out where there are no street lights. If you think that all situations needing a tractor happen during the daylight you might just want to reconsider. Farmer’s Law (cousin of Murphy) says that everything breaks or happens when it is pouring rain, in the middle of harvest, or about midnight. It’s just the way things are. When we lived in town I can never remember needing to put my clothes back on and go outside after going to bed, but it seems to be just another thing around here. I’ve been known to traipse around in my underwear, but it IS February, after all. Comfort and warmth are considerations. Fashion is not, as you may be able to attest on many occasions.

Yesterday I had someone cut down the dead tree in front of the house. It was 2 feet from the power line and 10 feet from the house. If you are wondering if it was $245 well spent, please see the Farmer’s Law reference above. Enough said. So, I spent all day yesterday and today cutting limbs with the chain saw, hauling off firewood, and burning all of the things I didn’t want to keep. You couldn’t pay me enough to do that stuff every day. Or give me enough Tylenol. Seriously, I am typing this with the one toe that doesn’t hurt. It will when I am done. I will also sanitize the keyboard. Yuck.

Today while hauling off the last huge load of large limbs and bark I got the grain truck hopelessly stuck behind the burning pile (thank you two inches of rain). As I crawled through the mud under the truck and hooked up the chain (and convinced Other that he WOULD NOT get the tractor stuck pulling me out) I had to laugh at the luck of it. I’d imagine that this whole episode would cause some folks to scream and throw a fit. Didn’t bother me a bit, other than to remind me of every other time I (or grandpa) had gotten a tractor stuck. After it was all done and Other made some comment about how HE hadn’t gotten anything stuck today I realized why it was we were never suppose to mention grandpa’s misfortunes after the fact. There’s something about misjudging the driving conditions and sinking a large vehicle in the mud that sure makes you wish no one was around. It also makes you wish that you had the ability to pull it out yourself and go about your business.

As I was cutting up wood and burning out the stump Mr. Roper stopped by. He was pulling the grain wagon for the other neighbor (who looks a LOT like Don Knots) down the road. He was adding extensions so that it would be ready for harvest the end of June. We also talked about replacing the U-joint in my grain truck so that it would be ready to haul wheat at harvest. Sitting in the 100 degree heat in a truck with no A/C or radio? No problem - sounds like fun to me. Mr. Roper also checked to make sure that his post hole digger would fit on one of my tractors so that I could put in the posts for the new chicken coop. Digging holes and making fence for another batch of chickens? No problem. Sure, I would rather be doing other things, but it won’t be torture and I will enjoy my time just fine. I will also enjoy lots of fried chicken.

So there you have it. Early morning electrician, heavy machine mechanic, electrician, arborist, tow truck driver/passenger, truck driver, construction crew - not bad for an average few days on the farm. See, that’s just it; I was able to do a little bit of all kinds of things. Just about the time that I wished a job was done and I was tired of it, it was over. Country folks have no fear of the unknown. Things we haven’t done are just opportunities to practice something that we will likely have to do again. There isn’t anything around this place that I would want to do each and every day, but there are millions of things that I really like doing occasionally. I guess that’s why folks in the country don’t consider it a job. It’s just a way of life.

TJR