The sky is brightening and the eastern horizon is tinted with pink. Snow fell on Friday and still blankets the ground. From the kitchen window I watch the early birds, small finches and chickadees, eating at the feeder. They flit from the branches of the evergreens I set up earlier this fall. Five trees form a crescent around the feeder, designed to give the birds protection from the elements and a place to perch as they feed.
In the living room, the windows are painted with the fanciful etchings of Jack Frost; fans and swirls carved in ice crystals on the glass. In the corner is a balsam fir we cut two weeks ago from the "Choppings". Its branches are airy and light leaving lots of room for the dangling ornaments to catch and reflect the glow of the lights.
It is Christmas morning and I'm waiting for Rob to wake up and reflecting on our blessings.
We spent last evening with his some of his family in Riverdale. Tomorrow we travel to Pictou. Today we'll have lunch with Wally, Jen and the kids.
Newman is in the barn crowing. Our flock of hens is giving us between six and eight eggs a day. We're constantly amused by their antics.
I hear stirring upstairs. It's time to start our day...Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
November on Farm
I tried to post this a week ago.
It is November 13 and I just returned from my garden plot with a handful of finger-size carrots. I planted these as part of my late season replant either the end of August of early-September. They haven't had a lot of time to grow and certainly with the cooler, shorter days they won't get much bigger. However, I'll be able to harvest them until the ground freezes, at least another few weeks, perhaps a month. Meanwhile, the carrots I picked this afternoon will become part of this evening's supper.
The carrots fared much better than the beets and turnips which I planted at the same time. The turnips are little bumps and the beets aren't even big enough to harvest the greens. I could possibly fashion some type of shelter for them, but I don't know if I will this year or not. When we replace some of the windows I'll salvage the old windows and storms and create cold frames to extend the harvest season.
I just finished reading "The Good Life" the story of Helen and Scott Nearing and their sixty years of self-sufficient living. They are considered pioneers of the movement and while I do not subscribe to all of their philosophies, the foundation of what they created can serve as a blueprint to all of us who want to live a simpler, more self-sufficient life which is less tied to money and our reliance on fossils fuels and more to the season, what we can provide ourselves and finding a healthy balance.
We walked around the fields this afternoon. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I kept an eye out for fir boughs for a wreath, and we noted several apple trees we'll try to prune the winter, with the idea of improving their bounty. It just to goes to show, while one harvest season winds down, we can start planning and preparing for the next.
It is November 13 and I just returned from my garden plot with a handful of finger-size carrots. I planted these as part of my late season replant either the end of August of early-September. They haven't had a lot of time to grow and certainly with the cooler, shorter days they won't get much bigger. However, I'll be able to harvest them until the ground freezes, at least another few weeks, perhaps a month. Meanwhile, the carrots I picked this afternoon will become part of this evening's supper.
The carrots fared much better than the beets and turnips which I planted at the same time. The turnips are little bumps and the beets aren't even big enough to harvest the greens. I could possibly fashion some type of shelter for them, but I don't know if I will this year or not. When we replace some of the windows I'll salvage the old windows and storms and create cold frames to extend the harvest season.
I just finished reading "The Good Life" the story of Helen and Scott Nearing and their sixty years of self-sufficient living. They are considered pioneers of the movement and while I do not subscribe to all of their philosophies, the foundation of what they created can serve as a blueprint to all of us who want to live a simpler, more self-sufficient life which is less tied to money and our reliance on fossils fuels and more to the season, what we can provide ourselves and finding a healthy balance.
We walked around the fields this afternoon. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I kept an eye out for fir boughs for a wreath, and we noted several apple trees we'll try to prune the winter, with the idea of improving their bounty. It just to goes to show, while one harvest season winds down, we can start planning and preparing for the next.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thanksgiving
The leaves are changing color and reflect their autumn raiment on lakes and streams; brilliant burning reds and crisp bright oranges. This morning their reflections were softened by a soft curling mist, rising through the morning air. It is a beautiful day, following a gorgeous weekend, following a brief period of downright chilly weather (we had flurries and hail on Thursday last week).
The pigs are now butchered. We hired out the job to a mobile butcher and he dispatched the pigs on Thursday last week. The barn yard seems far less interesting without their antics. We visited Ross Farm Museum on Monday and watched their Berkshires for awhile. They have a sow which is probably twice the size of our Berkshire. Her piglets are the size of Labrador retriever puppies. Such a contrast.
The pig carcasses were taken to a meat cutter who lives a few kilometers away. He's letting the sides of pork hang until today when he'll cut them up. We should have it in our freezer this afternoon or tomorrow. We sold one side, our first "commercial" farming effort. It should pay for the cost of butchering and cutting the two pigs.
We're left only with the laying hens. Sunday we returned from visiting my family to find an egg in the pen. A lovely, light brown egg. A second was laid yesterday. We think it may be one of the Rhode Island Reds. Now with the pigs out of the shed, we're converting the space to a chicken house. Rob started making two nest boxes yesterday and I reattached the shingles the pigs pulled off. I'm short shingles as they cracked a number of them. I'll filled in the gaps on the inside to stop drafts and predators. We hope to move the chickens into their new digs by Wednesday, as the beautiful fall weather is slated to change to rain.
I dug up the raised bed yesterday, leaving the carrots and turnip to continue maturing. Where I grew lettuce during the summer I planted two varieties of garlic. If they do well, I'll harvest it early next summer.
All in all, we feel our first season of farming was successful. And we're looking forward to the cooler months and planning for the next season.
The pigs are now butchered. We hired out the job to a mobile butcher and he dispatched the pigs on Thursday last week. The barn yard seems far less interesting without their antics. We visited Ross Farm Museum on Monday and watched their Berkshires for awhile. They have a sow which is probably twice the size of our Berkshire. Her piglets are the size of Labrador retriever puppies. Such a contrast.
The pig carcasses were taken to a meat cutter who lives a few kilometers away. He's letting the sides of pork hang until today when he'll cut them up. We should have it in our freezer this afternoon or tomorrow. We sold one side, our first "commercial" farming effort. It should pay for the cost of butchering and cutting the two pigs.
We're left only with the laying hens. Sunday we returned from visiting my family to find an egg in the pen. A lovely, light brown egg. A second was laid yesterday. We think it may be one of the Rhode Island Reds. Now with the pigs out of the shed, we're converting the space to a chicken house. Rob started making two nest boxes yesterday and I reattached the shingles the pigs pulled off. I'm short shingles as they cracked a number of them. I'll filled in the gaps on the inside to stop drafts and predators. We hope to move the chickens into their new digs by Wednesday, as the beautiful fall weather is slated to change to rain.
I dug up the raised bed yesterday, leaving the carrots and turnip to continue maturing. Where I grew lettuce during the summer I planted two varieties of garlic. If they do well, I'll harvest it early next summer.
All in all, we feel our first season of farming was successful. And we're looking forward to the cooler months and planning for the next season.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Full Cupboard
Tonight my kitchen is filled with the fragrance of vanilla, cloves and cinnamon.
I am canning pears for the first time.
It is a rich, spicy aroma reminincent of Christmas cookies baking and oranges stuck with cloves. It makes me look forward to winter and evenings when I can enjoy the foods I've put away this fall.
The pears are the latest in my efforts to stock the pantry instead of relying upon the grocery store. To date I've made two batches of salsa, chokecherry jam and blackberry jelly (the fruit I picked along the edges of our fields). Tonight's efforts netted three large jars of pairs and one small. I think I will probably make more, but use the middle-sized jar the next time. Rob isn't the biggest fan of fruit and the large jars will be too much for one sitting.
I feel really good about our efforts this year. Our goal is to eventually produce half of what we consume. Although we were late starting this year and the garden was small we're pretty pleased with ourselves.
We put butchered 26 chickens this fall and our freezer is now full of poultry. The meat kings ranged from a low of seven pounds to a high of just over 10. The cockrels from the layers weighed in around four pounds each. We cooked two earlier this week and enjoyed them for supper. The meat was darker than grocery store fare, and I felt it was more flavorful too.
The pigs are weighing in around 200 pounds each and I expect we'll have them butchered in another few weeks.
Plus, from the garden, we enjoyed lettuce, peas and beets. I was also able to grow a good crop of onions and shallots. I planted a late crop of carrots, beets and turnips, we'll see, I may yet run out of growing time.
The hens should start laying soon. I expect to see the first egg in the next two to three weeks.
As apple season kicks into full gear I'll acquire some fruit and makes apple sauce, as well as freeze some for pies later on.
This winter I'll be looking at the seed catalogs with new purpose as I plan for next year's bounty.
I am canning pears for the first time.
It is a rich, spicy aroma reminincent of Christmas cookies baking and oranges stuck with cloves. It makes me look forward to winter and evenings when I can enjoy the foods I've put away this fall.
The pears are the latest in my efforts to stock the pantry instead of relying upon the grocery store. To date I've made two batches of salsa, chokecherry jam and blackberry jelly (the fruit I picked along the edges of our fields). Tonight's efforts netted three large jars of pairs and one small. I think I will probably make more, but use the middle-sized jar the next time. Rob isn't the biggest fan of fruit and the large jars will be too much for one sitting.
I feel really good about our efforts this year. Our goal is to eventually produce half of what we consume. Although we were late starting this year and the garden was small we're pretty pleased with ourselves.
We put butchered 26 chickens this fall and our freezer is now full of poultry. The meat kings ranged from a low of seven pounds to a high of just over 10. The cockrels from the layers weighed in around four pounds each. We cooked two earlier this week and enjoyed them for supper. The meat was darker than grocery store fare, and I felt it was more flavorful too.
The pigs are weighing in around 200 pounds each and I expect we'll have them butchered in another few weeks.
Plus, from the garden, we enjoyed lettuce, peas and beets. I was also able to grow a good crop of onions and shallots. I planted a late crop of carrots, beets and turnips, we'll see, I may yet run out of growing time.
The hens should start laying soon. I expect to see the first egg in the next two to three weeks.
As apple season kicks into full gear I'll acquire some fruit and makes apple sauce, as well as freeze some for pies later on.
This winter I'll be looking at the seed catalogs with new purpose as I plan for next year's bounty.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September Already
It is September again. A year ago today we took possession of the farm. Our only regret is we didn't do it sooner, a decade sooner. We love this lifestyle, we love this property.
We've had successes and failures. We read a lot of books and struggle to find the best way to do things. The Internet is a favorite resource answering many of our questions and our local co-op is on a first-name basis with Rob.
We've survived the first year with our enthusiasm intact, and that alone says a lot.
We've cut down saplings, raised chickens, our pigs are thriving, we have a great crop of onions and we're getting a wood stove next week.
We've lost three chickens (one was crushed as a day-old chick, one was a meat bird who died of heat stress and the third was our silver-laced Wyandotte who we had to put down because her neck was suddenly twisted and she couldn't hold up her head; the last one was the hardest as she was a beautiful, gentle bird).
The garden was a small version of what I planned. We weren't here enough early in the spring to get it ready and then the wet weather played havoc as well. But the onions and shallots did well. The lettuce flourished and we're now feeding it to the livestock because it has gotten too big. I have beets and tomatoes and cucumbers as well. The late carrots and turnips are growing and hopefully will be ready for a late fall harvest. I've learned mulching works well, but the site we're currently using probably doesn't get enough full sun. We'll look at relocating it for next year.
The days are already getting shorter and cooler; a sign of the passing season. This month I hope to get some tomatoes and make tomato sauce for the winter ahead. We're also harvesting two chickens a day (thank goodness Wally and Jen loaded us freezer space; we're having a delay in getting our own.) We'll have the pigs butchered late-October or early-November and be comfortable with the fact that we're providing the bulk of our meat.
While I don't look forward to the winter, there is a sense of personal satisfaction with all we've accomplished this year and we'll use the coming months to plan for the next season as well as enjoy the fruits of labours (as well as some farm-fresh eggs as the hens should start laying in another four to six weeks.)
We've had successes and failures. We read a lot of books and struggle to find the best way to do things. The Internet is a favorite resource answering many of our questions and our local co-op is on a first-name basis with Rob.
We've survived the first year with our enthusiasm intact, and that alone says a lot.
We've cut down saplings, raised chickens, our pigs are thriving, we have a great crop of onions and we're getting a wood stove next week.
We've lost three chickens (one was crushed as a day-old chick, one was a meat bird who died of heat stress and the third was our silver-laced Wyandotte who we had to put down because her neck was suddenly twisted and she couldn't hold up her head; the last one was the hardest as she was a beautiful, gentle bird).
The garden was a small version of what I planned. We weren't here enough early in the spring to get it ready and then the wet weather played havoc as well. But the onions and shallots did well. The lettuce flourished and we're now feeding it to the livestock because it has gotten too big. I have beets and tomatoes and cucumbers as well. The late carrots and turnips are growing and hopefully will be ready for a late fall harvest. I've learned mulching works well, but the site we're currently using probably doesn't get enough full sun. We'll look at relocating it for next year.
The days are already getting shorter and cooler; a sign of the passing season. This month I hope to get some tomatoes and make tomato sauce for the winter ahead. We're also harvesting two chickens a day (thank goodness Wally and Jen loaded us freezer space; we're having a delay in getting our own.) We'll have the pigs butchered late-October or early-November and be comfortable with the fact that we're providing the bulk of our meat.
While I don't look forward to the winter, there is a sense of personal satisfaction with all we've accomplished this year and we'll use the coming months to plan for the next season as well as enjoy the fruits of labours (as well as some farm-fresh eggs as the hens should start laying in another four to six weeks.)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Year Two - Still Cancer Free
I had my two-year check up on Wednesday (August 3). It's hard to believe it is just about two years since I had the bilateral mastectomy. I admit to feeling nerves as I waited for Dr. Ginny to complete her examination. But the good news is there is no sign of any lumps or bumps. She thought the reconstruction looked very good.
In farming news, the tractor arrived on Friday. A pretty mid-sized John Deere. We used it on Sunday to take the old hay out of the main floor of the barn. We're going to reinforce the barn in that area in order to store the boat and tractor for the winter.
Saturday I picked the last of the peas and pulled the vines (which I fed to the pigs). I then planted turnips, beets and carrots with hopes of getting a fall crop of each. The rain this morning should help things along.
Jessica and I took our first riding lesson together on Friday evening. She has grown so tall this summer that she has been moved to a larger mount and she has to mount from the ground. I, on the other hand, get to use a mounting block (which after years of riding western, still feels rather foreign).
Also on Sunday, I cleared a bunch of weeds out of the flowerbed by the kitchen wing. I plan on moving everything to a temporary bed this fall to facilitate construction in the spring, but I had no idea of what was actually in there because it was so overrun by weeds and an annoying ground cover. It looks much better now, and I have a much better idea of what I'll need to accommodate in the new bed.
We have Oscar for the week. Wally and Jen are camping with the kids and Max is with Jen's mom.
In farming news, the tractor arrived on Friday. A pretty mid-sized John Deere. We used it on Sunday to take the old hay out of the main floor of the barn. We're going to reinforce the barn in that area in order to store the boat and tractor for the winter.
Saturday I picked the last of the peas and pulled the vines (which I fed to the pigs). I then planted turnips, beets and carrots with hopes of getting a fall crop of each. The rain this morning should help things along.
Jessica and I took our first riding lesson together on Friday evening. She has grown so tall this summer that she has been moved to a larger mount and she has to mount from the ground. I, on the other hand, get to use a mounting block (which after years of riding western, still feels rather foreign).
Also on Sunday, I cleared a bunch of weeds out of the flowerbed by the kitchen wing. I plan on moving everything to a temporary bed this fall to facilitate construction in the spring, but I had no idea of what was actually in there because it was so overrun by weeds and an annoying ground cover. It looks much better now, and I have a much better idea of what I'll need to accommodate in the new bed.
We have Oscar for the week. Wally and Jen are camping with the kids and Max is with Jen's mom.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Peas in the Garden
I have peas growing in my garden. Not just vines, but actual pea pods filling with sweet green peas. Although small the garden is growing lush and green and it is a battle to stay ahead of the weeds. It is kinda of like staying ahead of the dog hair in the house.
In addition to peas, I've already been eating lettuce out of the garden, in fact this week I must think about re-seeding some more lettuce. I believe the beets are also just about ready to harvest. The tomatoes all have flowers on them and I may try pulling a shallot to see how they are.
I went to the Middleton Market on lunch yesterday. The Valley floor was a whopping 38 degrees. It was marginally cooler on the mountain and by supper time the fog crawled in and cooled things off, making it almost comfortable by bedtime.
Rob cut a couple of the branches of the big ash tree at the edge of the large field. He'll probably put his tree stand there this fall. He's captured photos of a doe on both cameras in the past week and seen her in the big field as well.
The electrical work is finally done on the house, with a few small exceptions. On to the next project, getting the outside painted. We also went out to look at wood stoves. We have some hard decisions to make and some prioritizing to do. They are much more expensive to install and hook up than we anticipated and the cost of a good stove is also more than we originally budgeted.
On a more positive note, Rob ordered his tractor. He'll receive a shiny green and yellow John Deere in about three weeks. That will help with getting the firewood in and a lot of other chores too.
Too hot to think of more type. Time to kick back with a cool drink.
In addition to peas, I've already been eating lettuce out of the garden, in fact this week I must think about re-seeding some more lettuce. I believe the beets are also just about ready to harvest. The tomatoes all have flowers on them and I may try pulling a shallot to see how they are.
I went to the Middleton Market on lunch yesterday. The Valley floor was a whopping 38 degrees. It was marginally cooler on the mountain and by supper time the fog crawled in and cooled things off, making it almost comfortable by bedtime.
Rob cut a couple of the branches of the big ash tree at the edge of the large field. He'll probably put his tree stand there this fall. He's captured photos of a doe on both cameras in the past week and seen her in the big field as well.
The electrical work is finally done on the house, with a few small exceptions. On to the next project, getting the outside painted. We also went out to look at wood stoves. We have some hard decisions to make and some prioritizing to do. They are much more expensive to install and hook up than we anticipated and the cost of a good stove is also more than we originally budgeted.
On a more positive note, Rob ordered his tractor. He'll receive a shiny green and yellow John Deere in about three weeks. That will help with getting the firewood in and a lot of other chores too.
Too hot to think of more type. Time to kick back with a cool drink.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July Already
It's July already, and the middle of July at that. We are now on the farm full-time. The house in the city sold and we closed on the property on July 4. We're making headway unpacking, but it is a slow process because we have no closets in which to hide things.
The pigs and chickens are growing. As are the weeds in my garden. The pigs have double in size since we brought them home. Their snouts are now at my knees and any time I go into the pen to get their feed container I get pig kisses (at least I hope that's what they are, and they aren't thinking about making me a snack). As a result my pants are covered in mud from my calf to my knee.
The first back of chicks now look like full-grown hens. They still have some filling out to do and some are trying to crow. On Wednesday we heard a commotion at the pen and when we looked out there was a hawk sitting onto of the chicken wire roof.
The meat birds are partially fledged; they still have bald patches here and there which makes them appear partially plucked.
I picked a flat of berries today. It is the end of the strawberry season and picking was slow going. There's nothing like the smell of a berry field, the ripe sweetness of the berries tempered by the smell of dry grass. My hands are stained red by the juice of berries past their ripeness. There is a certain luster and glossiness to a perfectly ripe berry. Too dark a red you can be sure the bottom is soft, or a slug has snacked on it. Too orange and it won't be sweet. The berries are small this year due to the cold season we've had. However, hulling the flat will keep me busy this evening and freezing berries and making jam will keep me out of trouble tomorrow.
I've started working from home and commute into the city one day a week, unless there is a business need to have me their more. It's working out well so far, and I love it when I finish the day and walk out into the fields.
I showed the fields to Peggy, Mark, Sam and their friend Amanda yesterday. It's wonderful to share this property and its views with family and friends.
The pigs and chickens are growing. As are the weeds in my garden. The pigs have double in size since we brought them home. Their snouts are now at my knees and any time I go into the pen to get their feed container I get pig kisses (at least I hope that's what they are, and they aren't thinking about making me a snack). As a result my pants are covered in mud from my calf to my knee.
The first back of chicks now look like full-grown hens. They still have some filling out to do and some are trying to crow. On Wednesday we heard a commotion at the pen and when we looked out there was a hawk sitting onto of the chicken wire roof.
The meat birds are partially fledged; they still have bald patches here and there which makes them appear partially plucked.
I picked a flat of berries today. It is the end of the strawberry season and picking was slow going. There's nothing like the smell of a berry field, the ripe sweetness of the berries tempered by the smell of dry grass. My hands are stained red by the juice of berries past their ripeness. There is a certain luster and glossiness to a perfectly ripe berry. Too dark a red you can be sure the bottom is soft, or a slug has snacked on it. Too orange and it won't be sweet. The berries are small this year due to the cold season we've had. However, hulling the flat will keep me busy this evening and freezing berries and making jam will keep me out of trouble tomorrow.
I've started working from home and commute into the city one day a week, unless there is a business need to have me their more. It's working out well so far, and I love it when I finish the day and walk out into the fields.
I showed the fields to Peggy, Mark, Sam and their friend Amanda yesterday. It's wonderful to share this property and its views with family and friends.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Middleton Market
What a beautiful day. It's been breezy up here on the mountain, but the sun has been shining on and off all day.
I started the morning with a ramble through the fields with Cole. Rob, Ian and Dave were off to the Annapolis River early this morning to start leg one of the annual Amigos Fishing Weekend. Dave caught his first shad and I guess this means the formula used to determine who takes home the trophy will need to be tweaked as it only accounts for pickerel and bass.
When they returned from the river, Cole and I gave Dave the nickle tour of the property before they loaded the boat to head to the lakes.
I spent the afternoon visiting an old friend and learning from a master gardener. I still have to take it easy, so I watched as Debbie G. filled a bed with snap dragons. I toured their new barn to get ideas of what to do with our barn and left with an armful of fresh rhubarb and a promise for some plants this fall so I can grow my own for future years.
One the way home I stopped at the used bookstore in Middleton and picked up a copy of "The Good Life" a book which is considered the forerunner of books for people seeking self-sufficient living. I think all of the books Rob and I have purchased over the last year reference this book.
My final stop of the day was the Middleton Farm Market. I picked up two loaves of bread, a birthday gift for Trudy and two tomato plants from Annapolis Seed.
I think I'll make a rhubarb jam and try that with the bread.
Overall, a busy day and I'm feeling good. I need to behave myself for the rest of the weekend -- no heavy lifting, no stretching. Hopefully the nicer weather will hold and Cole and I can spend some time outdoors.
I started the morning with a ramble through the fields with Cole. Rob, Ian and Dave were off to the Annapolis River early this morning to start leg one of the annual Amigos Fishing Weekend. Dave caught his first shad and I guess this means the formula used to determine who takes home the trophy will need to be tweaked as it only accounts for pickerel and bass.
When they returned from the river, Cole and I gave Dave the nickle tour of the property before they loaded the boat to head to the lakes.
I spent the afternoon visiting an old friend and learning from a master gardener. I still have to take it easy, so I watched as Debbie G. filled a bed with snap dragons. I toured their new barn to get ideas of what to do with our barn and left with an armful of fresh rhubarb and a promise for some plants this fall so I can grow my own for future years.
One the way home I stopped at the used bookstore in Middleton and picked up a copy of "The Good Life" a book which is considered the forerunner of books for people seeking self-sufficient living. I think all of the books Rob and I have purchased over the last year reference this book.
My final stop of the day was the Middleton Farm Market. I picked up two loaves of bread, a birthday gift for Trudy and two tomato plants from Annapolis Seed.
I think I'll make a rhubarb jam and try that with the bread.
Overall, a busy day and I'm feeling good. I need to behave myself for the rest of the weekend -- no heavy lifting, no stretching. Hopefully the nicer weather will hold and Cole and I can spend some time outdoors.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Surgery Done
Well, the touch ups are done. We had a long day at the hospital. We were there at 7 for the pre-op routine, my surgery was at 10 and I believe it was about 5 when we finally left the building.
The surgery went fine. My surgeon seemed very please when he came to see me. Everything went smoothly. I have a follow-up with him on Monday to remove the dressings.
I was a little queasy following surgery, which seems to be par for the course, but the pain levels are easily manageable without drugs. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days, not lift anything heavy, not lift my arms above my head. I guess that means trying to get the rest of the garden is probably out.
Overall, all is well and I'm recuperating with the chicks at the farm. If the sun comes out I may go sit outside for a little while.
The surgery went fine. My surgeon seemed very please when he came to see me. Everything went smoothly. I have a follow-up with him on Monday to remove the dressings.
I was a little queasy following surgery, which seems to be par for the course, but the pain levels are easily manageable without drugs. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days, not lift anything heavy, not lift my arms above my head. I guess that means trying to get the rest of the garden is probably out.
Overall, all is well and I'm recuperating with the chicks at the farm. If the sun comes out I may go sit outside for a little while.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Final Surgery
On Tuesday I have my final surgery.
Unlike the others, this one will be short and sweet. Day surgery only, I should be in and out of surgery within a couple of hours and home in the country again before the end of the day.
The country is where the action is happening. Two weeks ago we purchased three-day-old chicks from a guy in Wilmot. Rob picked up eight Rhode Island Reds, six Barred Plymouth Rocks, a silver-laced and a gold-laced Wyandotte. We originally were going to purchase a dozen Chanteclers, a heritage breed developed right here in Canada, but it didn't work out. The lady wasn't at her home when we arrived, nor had she provided directions to her barn (where she was).
The chicks will grow into our layers and so far they have provided lots of entertainment. We have nick-named the flock the "Tick Disposal Unit." The wood ticks are quiet prevalent right now. Every time we walk through the fields we come back with at least one on us. Cole usually has several on him as well. Two more adventurous chicks will come right up to the edge of the cage to peck a tick from the tip of a finger.
Holding a worm out for them starts a foot race from one end of the dog crate to the other as they engage in a game of keep away, until the worm is gobbled.
We'll pick up two dozen meat birds from the Co-op in mid-June. At which point we'll put the first flock out to pasture. Then their fun and games will have prepared them for foraging for wild food.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
No News is Good News
I've had people complain that I'm not posting, that I haven't updated my blog recently. The main reason is simple, no news is good news.
This week I learned the last surgery in the rebuilding process is schedule for May 24. A couple of hours on the table and home the same day. The surgeon puts on the finishing touches, does a little fine-tuning and removes the ports. After that I'm done -- until the 10-year tune-up.
In other news we're selling the city house.
This week I learned the last surgery in the rebuilding process is schedule for May 24. A couple of hours on the table and home the same day. The surgeon puts on the finishing touches, does a little fine-tuning and removes the ports. After that I'm done -- until the 10-year tune-up.
In other news we're selling the city house.
We list it this week. We've decided, even though its a long way from my work, we want to be in the country full time. We'll figure out a way to make it work. If I go back to the whole analogy of The Hero's Journey, this final move is part of the elixer, the essence of that with which the hero returns. The journey has shown me this is how I want to live me life, closer to nature, more self-sufficient and in-tune with myself and my surroundings.
We started our garden in the country last weekend, planting cold-hardy crops of spinach, shallots, lettuce and swiss chard. We're anxious to see what pokes up through the established flower beds and I'm waiting expectantly for the apple trees and lilac bushes to bloom.
If you check back you may find this blog is about a different journey. One where we explore the land, and learn its secrets. One where we share with you the thrill of seeing a hawk sitting at the edge of the field or the deep satisfaction of hearing the first frogs of spring.
One truth we've learned since we began this journey: you never know what's around the next bend, or over the horizon, so you best make the most of it and enjoy each moment.
Blessings to you all.Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Looking Ahead
It has been about a month since my last post. All of my drains are removed, I've completed a round of antibiotics for an infection and I'm getting ready to head back to work in a couple of weeks.
I have an appointment on January 31 and I believe at that time my surgeon is planning on adding some volume to the implants.
Meanwhile I'm working on regaining my range of motion and building up my stamina. For the most part I've been doing my recovery at the farm and I've been making it a habit to get out and walk around the fields at least once most days. The recent snows have made the task more challenging and I prefer to walk with Rob so he can break the path for me. This week I got out my cross-country skis and I've been doing laps around the front field (very slow laps).
Other than that I've been doing a lot of reading about gardening and have already ordered a couple of seed catalogs.
I have an appointment on January 31 and I believe at that time my surgeon is planning on adding some volume to the implants.
Meanwhile I'm working on regaining my range of motion and building up my stamina. For the most part I've been doing my recovery at the farm and I've been making it a habit to get out and walk around the fields at least once most days. The recent snows have made the task more challenging and I prefer to walk with Rob so he can break the path for me. This week I got out my cross-country skis and I've been doing laps around the front field (very slow laps).
Other than that I've been doing a lot of reading about gardening and have already ordered a couple of seed catalogs.
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