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Welcome! For up to date happenings of Life On CT Farm, visit and follow my Facebook page under "CT Farms"...I will only blog when I get the itch to write or when I am reviewing books or feel inspired in some other way. So, come. Explore. Enjoy your visit!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Time With A Little Guy

I had the opportunity to spend a few days with my oldest nephew, Ethan. He'll be nine years old in July and this was his first time away from home for more than a one-night sleep over. His younger brother, Jared gets really homesick, so he didn't get to come since it was going to be more than one night away from home. But, I have little broiler chicks coming in July and they will both be coming to stay overnight when I pick up the chicks from the hatchery.

The first day we went swimming, including Uncle Matt. A fun time was had by all, even me--a total land dweller. I swim like a rock...if you get my drift.

Tuesday, we started our day with breakfast, a rarity for me and then it was off to do morning chores. Ethan is in Cub Scouts and as part of a project requirement, he could help feed and care for the chickens. I showed him how many scoops of food the chickens got and helped him fill waterers and sweep the floor. I then created a monster! He became completely intrigued by handling the chickens and made it his duty to catch all the ones he could. After some time in the coop we went in and chilled out. He played "animal catcher" with my many cats and dogs and put them in the cages I used to use when I had my boarding kennel. Thank goodness they are so good-natured! Periodically, Ethan took it upon himself to go out to the coop and check for eggs.

Later in the day, we went to the farm where I help milk cows. It was fun for me. I hadn't milked in a while. It was so hot in the parlor! Ethan looked the part with his rag, work boots and rubber gloves. I explained what it took to prep the cows and the importance of knowing what red leg bands meant. (Leg bands indicate a "dry cow"/ pregnant and due to calf, a cow that may have mastitis, a cow that just had a calf/ "freshened" or a cow that is on medication.) He checked the legs as the cows came in and would say "that one has a band", or "no red-bander's here!" He helped count cows to let me know how many needed to fill the parlor for that round of milking. He even got to help pre-dip, strip and post dip teats. A big help for never doing it before. He hung in there pretty well till he got sweaty and itchy and wanted to leave. But, Al was milking by himself since Stan was busy baling hay and I wasn't going to leave Al to do it all himself. I sent Ethan to the milk house to wait by the bulk tank. We only had a few cows left anyway. He just couldn't take the "itching" anymore. I think he was just hot and sweaty, but he chalked it up to no fun and deemed cows made him itch and they smelled funny.

He got to help weigh eggs and I even taught him how to make scrambled eggs! He soaked up all that I taught him.

He didn't want to leave, and I admit I was enjoying the company. As for the chickens, I'm not so sure... But, he went home convinced that he wants to be a chicken farmer.

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Gone But Not Forgotten...

Even though you may be gone from this earth, you will always live on in our hearts!

Roscoe

Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.

Tuffy

Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.

Cranky Thomas

Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.

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