To My Blogger Friends And Visitors

Veterans Day

Heroes Die for Me
by Jamie Burns

I am the flag
I look down upon this land called America.
I have been here since this great nation was formed,
I have seen each battle fought
I have seen the heroes die for me, for my country

Thank you all those of you
Who have kept me flying in the breeze
Keeping this country united as one.
Thank you those of you who have sacrificed your lives,
Giving up all that I may still fly,
Watching over the citizens of this nation.
Thank you all those of you who have ever fought,
I am ever grateful for you.

You risked everything; you faced death each day,
Faced fear, faced many terrible things.
And because of you, my thank you's ring out,
Filling the sky, echoing from the hills
They find their way to the graveyards,
And to all of you still living,
You are a special kind of person.

To anyone who has ever served this country,
And to those serving today
Thank you.

As I watch life from atop my flagpole,
As I think of all you've done,
My feelings become too powerful for words
And all I can say is thank you.

I would like to personally say to all Veterans who have given their lives, to all who have served, and to all currently serving...

We care.

We remember.

We appreciate your service.

We say thank you.

Featuring A Brynwood Needleworks' Post

I wanted to highlight this post at Brynwood Needleworks, because I know quite a few people have dogs, and I think this is worth passing on. The moment I read it, I knew I had to mention it specifically in a post. So, head over to Brynwood Needleworks for her post "Just My Dog..." an awesome poem from Gene Hill. It is my first time reading this poem and a great find. I love finding firsts from other people's blogs!

Pronounce Your Words Clearly With Goats-Part Two

Well, apparently I didn't learn my lesson the first time. Recently while feeding the goats, I noticed Vivian had quite the full belly. I asked her if she was bulging. She looked at me as if to say "No Grammy, I'm not Belgium." Could it really happen again, I didn't pronounce bulging clearly enough? Now of course the human factor plays a big part in this situation, we want to believe they understand us and I personally believe they do. I know, I know, do they really understand? That's actually another post all itself coming soon. Plus, some might ask, why are you talking to goats in the first place? These funny moments with the goats just make me smile, so I'm sure I jump at any chance to find the humor. Will there be a part three to this? Of course I'll let you know!

Emma

Emma at Popham Beach.
One year ago today, we said good bye to our wonderful dog Emma. I know everyone feels their furry family member is the most special. Emma and I had a unique bond that surprised even me. When Emma first came to our home, it appeared she would be closer to my husband. It was not surprising, since her previous home was with an elderly couple, and the last number of years specifically with the elderly gentleman. I don't even know when it happened, but things changed and our bond grew so strong. There had been many pets in my family through the years, and they were loved dearly, but with Emma the bond seemed so different. It's so hard to put into words to explain the bond between Emma and I. I will not try to, and accept it for the beautiful relationship it was meant to be. I now cherish every memory of her I have. Her time with us was too short, but I'm glad it was with us. I truly believe she was meant to spend her last years in our home, to love us and be loved. I think often of Emma, and the smiles come easily with the joy she brought to my life and the memories we shared. She was a classy lady, who will always be loved to the moon and back again.


This picture was taken in our barn of a little snowy Emma.

This is what I posted in the goat forum I am a member of, after her passing last year. I wanted to share it here today, because it was so important to me at the time for my grieving process.

Friday, October 9, 2009
Remembering Emma

The beautiful Emma came into our lives December 22, 2006.

Already nine years old, that did not matter, it was an honor to adopt you.

Your first family raised you to be a wonderful loving being.

When you whined after I would sneeze, I always believed it was your way of saying "God bless you."

I loved the white at the end of your nose, that's how you got the nickname "Flashlight girl." It stood out against your black like a light.

Thank you for letting us call you "Emma Smemma" another quirky nickname.

During the almost three years we shared our lives together, an incredible bond grew between you and I. It's one I will treasure and will live on in my heart.

I miss you being in the kitchen, when I do the dishes and your chair is empty, but our home is filled with incredible memories to sustain us.

You are so loved by all of us and dearly missed.

We laid our Emma girl to rest September 22nd under the beautiful Autumn trees. She passed at the age of 12 years with dignity and peace, on her own terms.



This was the first photo of Emma taken in our home.

This was the arrival story I wrote about Emma on a dog forum on December 28, 2006. I wanted to share it as part of remembering her.

Emma was adopted from a different shelter than we normally go to. I was talking on the phone to the staff at the shelter about another dog we planned to adopt; found out he couldn't go with other dogs. She mentioned that Emma was there, because her hufamily had passed away. Emma lived more recently with her hufather and 18 CATS. I met my husband at the shelter and we walked Emma around. I could sense she would be a good fit for our family. Emma was adopted December 22, 2006! Emma is a great dog! In Loving Memory of Emma's first hufamily-thank you for the wonderful care of her while she was part of your family.

Good Clothes Are A Thing Of The Past

People who do any type of farming sure learn this quickly, if it's not already obvious going in. I have never even attempted to wear a new pair of pants, while in the barn, or doing any farm related task. It's pretty much a guarantee that the nail you were certain wasn't there before, will snag those new pants, and voila a hole. If not that, you'll kneel in a spot that is muddy, and there's your first stain. I have chew spots from the goats on the bottoms of my shirts. Their back teeth are sharp, and this can happen very quickly, even as you're telling them no. Of course I have reserved a few pair of pants and shirts, for errands around town, but the moment I get home I'm back in the farm clothes. My supply of farm clothes seriously outweighs my good ones.

"HenPals Chicken Nesting Box Giveaway"

Life on a Southern Farm



"The Giveaway will end midnight EST on Friday July 30th 2010. Winner announced on Saturday July 31, 2010."

See this wonderful giveaway and hurry and enter. Do you need more chicken nesting boxes or don't want to wait to see if you win? Then, be sure to check out their store site HenPals Chicken Nest Boxes, they have many sizes to choose from. Former customers and winners of these boxes rave about them too. "Handcrafted by a Georgia farmer in the USA." Don't miss this!

Video Of Our Severe Weather Tonight

I captured these short videos, while I was out in the barn feeding the goats tonight. This morning our weatherman talked about the possibility of severe weather tonight, and boy he wasn't kidding. Sorry about the quality, I captured it with the video on my digital camera, which is an older camera.


Amazing how hard it poured at times.



At one point the weather report was giving tips on what to do in case of a tornado!



The sound of the thunder was incredible at times.

Love/Dislike Relationship Among Goats

I’m always amazed by the dynamics of their relationships. One moment they almost can’t stand one another, and yet, if someone is missing they cry until they come back. One time my doe, Ellie was being naughty at breakfast, and I had to put her outside to eat with her kids. Kalan, one of my wethers, cried and cried until I was done feeding and let everyone back together again. They scuffle with each other, and I know it’s serious, when the ridge of hair stands up on their backs with ears positioned back. Then when it’s time to take a nap, if it’s not too hot, they are best buds again and sleep so close you can’t get a piece of paper between them. I guess in reality their love/dislike relationship is no different than any other family.

Mare Stare, LLC

I learned about Mare Stare, LLC through the goat forum that I'm on. Ever since then, I've been hooked. Although it mostly features cams for horse farms, it does have cams for other critters too. Donkeys, sheep, dogs, and more are featured. It's a wonderful concept, whether for someone to monitor their own animal while away from home, people to see a birth of an animal for the first time, or see the birth of an animal they purchased at a distant location. Also, the community they have there of the cam view providers and the viewers, is just awesome. Sometimes, someone can't be home when an animal might be birthing or they need to get some sleep. Their viewers will watch their animal via the cam, and call, if they see an impending birth. It's wonderful too, to see the interactions between the owners and the animals. Once, I watched a horse after giving birth, nuzzling her owner almost as if to be thanking her for being there during the birth. When you go to the site there's a Barn Alarm tab, that gives alerts from the cam view providers, if they expect an impending birth. There's also a list of the public cams they feature. I've found some wonderful farms, ranches, and other breeders and their websites via Mare Stare, LLC.

Where's The Rest Of Kalan?

Here's a wonderful family picture. Zoe (middle), Violet (front), Dash (right), Sage (back), and Kalan (left). Uh, that's a body, but where's the rest of Kalan?


Here's the rest of him crashed in the hay tub, in a very, very deep sleep. He slept through my husband getting the camera, and taking the different pictures. He's known for deep sleeping-gotta luv him!

My Obsession With Quotes

It's probably easy to tell that I like quotes. I don't remember how it started or when. I love to search through and read quotes. I have a quote in my signature on the goat forum I'm a member of, that I try to change weekly/bi-weekly, and I put a quote of the week on my twitter page. I think the reason I like quotes so much is, because they are like little ah-ha moments. They also can be quite powerful and evoke a truthfulness that can't be denied. ~Like stones, words are laborious and unforgiving, and the fitting of them together, like the fitting of stones, demands great patience and strength of purpose and particular skill.~ Edmund Morrison

Have You Seen My Udder?

I seriously expect to be asked this question by one of my does someday. Oh, it's not because she wants me to take a look at her udder, it will be because her udder is gone. Gone, because the kids pounded it off while nursing. I'm not kidding, I have seen them nurse so aggressively, I've actually told them to ease up some. I jokingly said to my husband one day, when he witnessed it himself, if he ever saw an udder flying through the air he would know where it came from. It amazes me the mommas can tolerate it, but they do.

Spending Money-What Else Can I Buy?

I'm curious, if other people do what I do, when it comes time to spend money. Do you think of what else the money could get you, instead of what you're contemplating? Maybe it's more so, if you have a hobby, passion, or you raise some kind of critter. Do you think of money spent on clothing, eating out, or some other purchase, as better spent on the thing you like most. Is there fabric somewhere calling to you, upcoming yard sales that might have treasures, or soap making supplies that could be purchased and even make you money. I find myself thinking of five dollars spent on eating out, is almost half the price of a bag of grain, or almost enough for a bag of goat treats. I think my husband gets a little frustrated whenever I mention my philosophy, but I just can't help myself, maybe it's an age thing. Does anyone else do this, surely I'm not alone?

Memorial Day

Arlington National Cemetery "Photo Of The Week 5/3/2010"

"Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard” march alongside the caisson as part of a funeral with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo courtesy of Jerry Hughes"

Arlington National Cemetery "Spring 2010"

Arlington National Cemetery "Spring 2010"

Birthday Week/Weekend

On Wednesday, 5/26 the goats Kalan and Sage turned 1 year old. Today, Sunday, 5/30 is Jett and Isaac's 1st birthday, and tomorrow Skye and Lily celebrate their 1st birthday. So, needless to say, we've been singing Happy Birthday a lot lately. It seems hard to believe a year has passed since these fine beings were born and came into our lives. All their personalities, are so different, and yet they share the common thread of being so loving with us. Wow, the memories of a busy kidding season last year, and watching them grow up has been most precious.

Throw Off The Bowlines

I love quotes, and this is one of my favorites.

Throw Off The Bowlines

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines.

Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore.

Dream.

Discover.

– Mark Twain

I'm A Perfect Fit

Vivian just loves this banana box that was placed in the pen for hay. Her idea for its use is much better according to her.


She started to jump out, because the other goats were moving around, but she stayed.


Thank goodness she did, because then I got this cutie patootie picture!

Pictures Via The Barn Camera

These special moments are often hard to catch in person. That dash for the camera only to miss it. Thank goodness I got a barn camera, because I'm sure we've missed a lot already. This is Ellie and her kids, Meg (right) and Silas (back) sleeping in the early evening. Such a happy family!

Meg has graciously offered herself up as a pillow for Momma Ellie.

Pronounce Your Words Clearly With Goats

Sometimes when it's time to eat, Gabby seems to get frustrated with Lily and Skye, and she might push them away. Also, if she really likes the hay, I think she simply doesn't want to share. Usually, if I see Lily looking for another place to eat, then I know something is up. So, one day when this happened, I asked “Is mummy sharing?” Lily stopped and looked at me with what really seemed to be a puzzled look. It was as if I had said, “Is mummy Sharon?” I swear she gave me a look like I should know better, and her response was “No, mummy is Gabby.” So I learned a valuable lesson that day, pronunciation is very important with goats.

Why Did I Start A Blog?

I have a confession to make here. I did it to enter a giveaway at Momma Hen's ...everyday ramblings... Giveaway that I learned about through a tweet. Oh sure, I could have just registered at www.blogspot.com and entered the giveaway, and left it at that. After all, I’ve never thought I had enough to blog about. Then, all these ideas for posts starting flowing in my head, so I decided to go for it, and my blog was born. Now every time I think of an idea for a future post, I write it down. It really feels like this is going to be great, and I have every intention of keeping it up-to-date. Please check back often, and see, if it stands the test of time.

"Chicken Nest Box Giveaway"

Please go to HenPals Chicken Nesting Box Giveaway for a chance in a giveaway for a "made here on the farm U.S.A." chicken nest box. Also, if you're discovering these wonderful nest boxes for the first time and need one right away, be sure to visit HenPals Chicken Nest Box store site.

The Nicknames

I suppose it’s almost always inevitable that we give goats nicknames. Molly's boy, Isaac, is often called "Professor". This in part comes from his philosophical personality that he gets from Molly. You can see it in his face and eyes, that he is deep in thought. Also, both Isaac and Jett are referred to as "the mafia boys". I know, not politically correct, but it is what it is. It’s funny to see them walking side by side casing out their territory. Zoe and her two kids from last year were called "the trio", but she has two more kids, so time for a new one. Gabby and her girls, Skye and Lily, are referred to as "chickaboom girls". That has a lot to do with how they walk together in a group. Lily is called "china doll", because she was the smaller of the two when born. My husband also likes to call her "chicken legs". Ellie and her kids, Silas and Meg, are known as "the crew". Silas on his own becomes "Silas bug", because I played a game of spider with him, when he was little. The spider game went, because he really didn't like it, but the name stuck. Also, my husband calls him "Rooster", the explanation for that will come in another post. So, those are the quirky nicknames we have given some of our goats, someday I’m sure they’ll get us back for them.

Remembering Mom

It's been one year today since Mom passed away. I love her so, and always will. Some people just have this wonderful presence in life, and then are profoundly missed, when gone. I have selected this poem, because I think it best reflects how I feel about Mom.

Thinking Of Mom
© Catherine McGhee

When I think of Mom, I think of all things good.
I think of a time when I felt safe.
Nothing makes me feel as safe as she could.
When I think of Mom, my heart feels a little lighter and if the sun happens to be shinning it shines a little brighter.
When I think of Mom, I see her face so clearly in my mind.
The shape of her nose and her eyes.
Her smile was oh so kind.
When I think of Mom, the world is not the same. Just the thought of my Mom can ease some of this worldly pain.
So I think of Mom all the time, whether I am happy or sad.
My Mom is just a thought away and that makes me very, very glad.

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com

Goats Discovering Changes

I find it so interesting the responses from the goats, whenever I make a change in the barn. I have a board that I cover the door opening with, when I'm doing work, so the goats always know something is going on. They seem to know the difference between, when I'm cleaning the barn, and when a change is taking place. They take those first few steps into the barn, looking around at the pen to see, if they notice anything. Then they keep going, from pen to pen observing closely to see what's different. Finally, they spot the change. You can almost read their minds, "Hmmm, why did she do that?" Then, they might taste or chew it, or simply jump in and try the new feature. So depending on the change, after a few passes or tries at it, you can tell overall they approve. If I gave them an ink pad, I do believe they would give it their stamp of approval or disapproval. I must admit, it would be cool to see hoof prints all over the barn. Two hoofs up they approve, and down they disapprove.

Btrie

Well here it is the answer to what Btrie is, or in my case, what it stands for. I've used Btrie for an ID for various things. Ready, can't wait or thinking get on with it already? Btrie stands for Begin...the rest is easy! Another thing I need to fess up is where it came from. It was from a fortune cookie, yep, you read that right. It has a very special meaning to me. I was planning to raise cashmere goats and I was doing the research, but you know how you can get in that phase where you over think everything. You get stuck in all the details or second guess yourself. However, once I opened the fortune cookie and read it, I took it as a sign to go ahead with my plans right away. Also, when I shared it at a work retreat and a co-worker heard the story about its meaning, it encouraged her after much apprehension to go to college to become a nurse. So, if you've ever contemplated doing something, begin...the rest is easy!

Wishing Mom Happy Mother's Day In Heaven

This is my first Mother's Day since my mother passed. I thought it might be difficult, and then since it's been almost a year since her passing, I thought I would do okay. Then it hits you, and the tears flow big time. So, on your special day Mom, the winds will carry my Happy Mother's Day wish to you. I will always love you.

The Love Of A Mother...

Goat that is. I am so endeared with how much Molly adores her girl Vivian. When Molly was still in the kidding stall with her, she had no concerns to worry about. Then, when we started getting the kids out, her worries began. Vivian would zip around the outside pen and down below and Molly would call for her in concern. There was a period of time that Vivian started to spend more time in the barn. I'm not sure, if she did it out of fear she sensed from Molly, or she just simply didn't want to come out. Thankfully, Molly's over protectiveness is starting to ease and Vivian is out all the time now. I should explain too, that Vivian is Molly's first girl. Last year Molly gave birth to two boys, Jett and Isaac. She did a perfect job raising two boys, and the one doe with the right temperament to do so. Her boys have her easy going personality. I had a feeling Molly was going to have a girl this year, and I am so pleased she did. She is beyond happy to have Vivian by her side, and I am witness to The Love Of A Mother...goat that is.

Introducing My Goats

The names of my four does are Molly, Zoe, Gabby, and Ellie. My four doelings are Sage, Skye, Lily, and Meg. My four wethers are Jett, Isaac, Kalan, and Silas. My buck is Shiraz. Zoe and Molly are the two that recently kidded. Zoe had a buckling named Dash, and a doeling named Violet on March 30th, and Molly had a doeling named Vivian on March 31st.