November 23, 2007

South of the border

Today we took a trip to Pennsylvania to go to an auction. Here's a tip: if you ever want to sell firearms, sell them at an auction. They always command top dollar. In contrast, if you ever want to buy a large tractor, buy one at auction and you will save yourself a lotta money (unless it's a Deere then all bets are off).
For once the few things we were interested in at the auction sold first. This is a rarity. It was a nice day, but cold, and we took a drive.
We were in Leraysville and if it is one place you have to see when in Leraysville, it is the Cheese Factory.
Each year (we seem to only visit once a year) they add on another room. If you like cheddar so sharp that you cannot cut it with a knife -- instead it just crumbles into little tangy bits that melt in your mouth -- then this is the place for you. You want to take PA467 and head up the hill at the Y with all the signs. It's the first dirt road on your left.

Just don't plan to go on Sunday. It is an Amish store and open every day but Sunday. Other times I have visited, a buggy has been parked out front. Today it was some tourists, some area hunters, and us.

We drove around some more and took in the local scenery.
It's farm country. Many farms are Amish.
All too soon, it was time to head home. It gets dark around 5pm, and we had chores to do.

And cheese to eat :)

Posted by roosterh at 5:16 PM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

Murphy and Big Tom say, "Celebrate Turkey Day every day!"

Posted by roosterh at 4:00 PM | Comments (0)

November 11, 2007

Field trip

We drove to Canandaigua yesterday for a horse auction. Gary has been to several - it was my first. Although there were some riding horses there, the sale was aimed toward the Amish and Mennonite population of the area. The first round of sales were draft horses, singles and teams. Then the carriage horses - the trotters, Standardbreds mostly - were sold one by one for hours. I was surprised to learn that many of the horses used by the Amish start their lives on the track. Compared to buying other animals at auction, horses seem to be the most difficult. Many ailments and illnesses can be masked or go unnoticed. I sat next to an Amish man who bought several horses that day; he toold me he knew the horses or owners previously and was confident in his purchases. That has to be the way to go.

canandaigua is also cabbage country and many farms sell cabbage on the roadside.
Quite a selection! This stand had both green and purple cabbage, andn the fields where they were grown were all around us, still loaded.
We went home with some cauliflower too.
Butternut squash, and they still had peppers!

Posted by roosterh at 7:19 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2007

First snow on the ground

The past few days we have had snow in the air but nothing stuck. This morning was different.
There is something magical about the first snow.
The morning light changes and things seem to glow in the still and silence of the snow.
Just wait until there are shovels involved. This the magical stillness will quickly wear off!

Posted by roosterh at 7:06 AM | Comments (0)

November 4, 2007

Fall Back

Signs of fall:

Daily frosts. This is comfrey in the chickens' garden.
Late sunrises, and the angle changes through the trees.
Lots of leaves on the ground.
The poplars hold on to their leaves.
The locust don't.
Blueberries turn red.
Corn turns brown.

Another sign of fall is setting the clocks back - and changing batteries in your smoke detectors, and flipping your mattresses (flip in fall, spin in spring). We lose an hour of daylight at the end of the day. From now on the days will seem so much shorter (even though they are about the same). Winter is on its way!

Posted by roosterh at 6:08 AM | Comments (0)

November 1, 2007

Nablopomo - what?

November should be interesting for us, and hopefully not too boring for you! Starting today, November 1, I will be posting to this blog every day. Now relax, I won't be going into the same amount of detail as I did when we posted our daily journal entries as part of our article in Farm and Ranch Living. You will not be reading through what we had for dinner every day (although I might throw a recipe in here and there because I do that).
So sit back and enjoy, and if you blog, maybe you want to join Nablopomo yourself?

Posted by roosterh at 6:20 AM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2007

First Frost

It has finally happened: our first true frost. This had to be a killing frost for sure: everyone's water was covered in a thin sheet of ice this morning. Temperatures have changed these past few days, only reaching in the 60s during the day. Finally fall. Next week it must be winter ;)

Posted by roosterh at 8:51 AM | Comments (0)

October 11, 2007

World Egg Day

Today is World Egg Day. At the same time (coincidence?) Mother Earth News has a huge new story on why free range eggs are better for you than commercial eggs. But all of us already knew that! ;)

Posted by roosterh at 6:40 AM | Comments (1)

August 28, 2007

New at the fair this year

Of course the Faiir has to change it up a little each year to keep (some of) us coming back. Don't worry, State Fair, I will always come back! But it is interesting to see the new displays.

One of the biggest new displays was one for NY breweries. Not the likes of Annheiser-Busch (although they were there) but small craft breweries.
It was a large display detailing the beer making process as well as its affect on NY business and economics. There were also samples with very very very long lines. Each day, a new craft brewery was highlighted and offered samples. AB was there every day with samples of their crafty-er beers and energy drinks. And long lines. I would say it was a very successful event.
Another new and permanent display was for war veterans. This is outside the Horticultural Building.
A new long house is being built in the Indian Village. Their previous structure was damaged by snow last winter.
New roof on the sheep barn, same reason.
I am pretty sure the goat shows had their own tent last year but they certainly did this year. This is not only because more folks are showing their goats, but because the sheep barn is just too small for all the animals that are housed there. Not only are the sheep classes HUGE, but also shown in the same building are the pigs, llamas and alpacas and who knows what else. A tent next door serves as another ring for the goats. Ironically, the second floor of the poultry barn was completely shut off. The pigeons did not have their normal big corner coop. My first thought was perhaps the poultry barn suffered some winter damage too, but looking around I noticed the poultry classes were smaller. There just weren't that many birds this year, although there were some pheasants and I don't remember seeing those shown at the fair before. Even 3-4 turkeys.

Posted by roosterh at 7:00 AM | Comments (0)

August 27, 2007

State Fair Visit

I know I have said it before, possibly many times. But I could go to the State Fair every single day.

Of the year.

They are little horses.
And big horses.
Cars with lots of horses (SUNY Morrisville project).
OmLet chicken coops. No, really.
Sheep.
Goats.
Pigs. Lots of pigs.
Cows.
Rides (we didn't go on any this year).
Educational displays and demos.
NY produce.
Flower shows.
Traveling homes made from a single log.
What, you don't believe me?
Butter sculptures.
Sand sculptures.
Spas (to quote Bill Engvall, "Since when did spas become an impluse buy?")
And lots of entertainment.

And that's just after a 6 hour visit! Imagine what we would have seen if we went every day. We did miss the rodeo which ironically was held the night we were there. If only we had known! Here's a tip - if you ever see an event on the schedule called "Bulls and Barrels," make sure you include that in your State Fair tour. That's what we are going to do next year.

Posted by roosterh at 10:36 PM | Comments (1)

August 25, 2007

Road Trip!

It has been in the 90s all week and too hot and miserable to work outside. What better day for a road trip! Unfortunately my camera batteries crapped out early in the day.
First stop, Doug's Fish Fry for lunch, then onto Moravia and Jennings Department Store. We each picked up some warm and waterproof gloves, and Gary found some work pants on sale.
Next stop: New Hope Mills! I have wanted to visit this place forever. It's open Saturdays until 2pm although their website doesn't say anything about this location.
I came home with raspberry rhubarb jam, garlic jelly, apple cherry butter, biscuit mix, pancake mix, some postcards and an old recipe leaflet.
Then we checked out Skaneateles, NY since neither of us had really been there before. Here's a tip - if you are taking 41A be sure to get gas before starting the journey - there is no gas the entire stretch of the lake!

Posted by roosterh at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

August 18, 2007

Gary wins at bull riding

Gary entered the mechanical bull riding contest at Groton Old Home Days this year. There was a good crowd and 11 entries.
For some reason the person operating the bull had a tough time. Gary's first ride stopped at 30 seconds. Just stopped. Gary was left just sitting on a non-moving bull.
They started the ride again and Gary was well on his way to a long ride.
When the bull stopped again. Dead in the water. Gary had to sit and wait.

The operators finally figured out what was happening and Gary started up again. The person who stayed on the longest won - Gary won at 35 seconds! That's just counting his last ride. ;)

Posted by roosterh at 8:18 PM | Comments (0)

May 9, 2007

Sprung

Well spring has sprung around here. We have had warm sunny days for the past week. I got my first sunburn, the gnats are out, the mud has dried and the daffodils are on their way out. Orioles have arrived and when I look out across the grass the air is filled with insects of every kind, including the carpenter bees that Hank cannot stop chasing.

Time to mow the lawn!

Posted by roosterh at 9:33 AM | Comments (1)

May 8, 2007

NY Agriculture Documentary to Air Statewide on PBS during May & June

New York Agriculture Documentary to Air Statewide on PBS during May & June

A new PBS documentary, “The Performers: Taking Center Stage in New York Agriculture” will air on all nine New York Public Television Stations with a potential audience of more than 18 million people.

PBS Schedule by date & region:

May

WPBS (Watertown) Tuesday, May 15 at 10 pm and Sunday, May 20 at 2 pm

WMHT (Capital District) Thursday, May 17 at 9 pm

WCNY (Syracuse) Monday, May 21 at 9 pm

WXXI (Rochester) Saturday, May 26 at 6 pm

WSKG (Binghamton) Thursday, May 31 at 8 pm

June

WNED (Buffalo) Wednesday, June 13 at 10 pm

WNET (New York City) Sunday, June 17 at 2 pm

WLIW (Long Island) Tuesday, June 26 at midnight

WCFE (Plattsburgh) in June TBA

This one-hour documentary examines agriculture today and the variety of products being produced on New York State farms, plus cutting edge technology that will keep agriculture competitive in a global economy. Hosted by Liz Ayers, WCNY’s vice president of Television and Media Services, the documentary takes viewers on a journey across the state to capture New York’s bounty and explore the impact of 21st century farmers.

“This is agriculture like you’ve never seen it before, with high-tech equipment that drives us to the future,” said Ayers, “It’s an entertaining way to discover what is going on backstage in today’s agribusiness.” Meet these farm families and discover how they embrace yesterday’s traditions along with today’s innovations.

This special features the following farms:

*Intergrow Greenhouses in Albion (Orleans County) growing hydroponic tomatoes and peppers

*Satur Farms, Cutchogue (Suffolk County) with its gourmet vegetables

*Indian Ladder Farms, Voorheesville (Albany County) with its use of experimental tunnels to extend growing seasons

*Evans Farmhouse Creamery, Norwich (Chenango County) an organic dairy

*Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Hammondsport (Steuben County), wine-making

*Ivy Acres, Baiting Hollow (Suffolk County) specializing in supplying bedding plants throughout the Northeast

*Patterson Farms, Auburn (Cayuga County) focusing on technological changes at a traditional dairy farm

*Ridgeline Farms, Clymer (Chautauqua County), a dairy farm using methane gas to generate electricity

*Plainville Farms, Plainville (Onondaga County), using organic feed in raising turkeys - the largest turkey farm in the state

*Roxbury Farm, Kinderhook (Columbia County), focusing on agri-tourism

*Reeves Farm, Baldwinsville (Onondaga County) selling local produce to major grocers

*ESF Willow Plantation, Tully (Onondaga County) growing willow trees to be used as fuel

The New York State Agricultural Society suggested the idea for the documentary and contributed toward its production. The film received accolades from many of the more than 500 people in attendance at a premiere screening at the Society’s 175th Annual Meeting in Syracuse in January 2007. “One of the Society’s goals is to promote a better understanding of the state’s agricultural industry and its importance in the lives of all New Yorkers,” comments documentary committee chair Bob Bitz, “This documentary meets that goal and will help many recognize the contribution made by the state’s agriculture to healthy food, a safe environment and sustainable resources.”

DVDs of this educational program, “The Performers: Taking Center Stage in New York Agriculture” are available from WCNY. To order, contact Joyce Hamlin at 315-453-2424, Ext 270 or e-mail joyce_hamlin@wcny.org. The price for a DVD is $19.99, plus shipping and handling.

Posted by roosterh at 3:31 PM | Comments (0)

April 26, 2007

And the winner is ...

NY Farms! has an annual contest called "I Love My NY Farmer." They have several categories where folks can be nominated. They summarize the competition this way:

With the "I LOVE MY NY FARMER" Awards, NY Farms! is encouraging consumers to talk with farmers and to develop a more personal relationship with those who grow our food. NY Farms! invites you to share with all New Yorkers the reasons you love a NY Farmer and, in so doing, to underscore the importance of supporting New York's farmers through purchasing locally-grown products and helping to preserve farmland in our state.

I had no idea I was nominated. So imagine my surprise when I came home to find a huge envelope in the mail. When I opened it I found this. Ok so my name is spelled wrong on the plaque but it was spelled correctly on the envelope and in all of the press releases.
Of course Murphy had to get in on the action. Pay no attention to my grimace -- I was actually laughing at the stream of chickens running up the hill behind Gary.
Here they come!

So thank you Sharon for nominating me. This is pretty cool.

You can nominate a NY farmer for next year's awards. The deadline is November 30. Sharon tells me she got a box full of spiedie sauces and skewers for her trouble.

Posted by roosterh at 8:47 PM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2006

First Snow

Sure, we have had plenty of snow in the air this fall, but today we had our first snow on the ground. And on the rhodos, as pictured here.
But Thanksgiving Day is predicted to be sunny and 55 degrees. Gotta love upstate NY!

Posted by roosterh at 6:50 AM | Comments (0)

November 18, 2006

National Holiday

Pretty close to it, anyway. Today is the opening of gun season. This area is always written up in hunting magazines as a great hunting spot for deer and turkey. People come from all over. As I drive to work in the mornings I pass many trucks, several from out of state, parked on the side of the road. But this is the season where campers appear too.
It's a big thing.

Posted by roosterh at 6:28 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2006

Major Flooding

Thursday brought almost 2" of rain to our area, and 3" to Binghamton and Vestal, about 20 miles SE of here. The flooding damage is worse than what we received in the spring, though not as widespread.
At sunset during the storm I noted the sky's color and thought I had not seen that color since I saw a tornado many years ago. As I read the news today there are reports of a tornado touching down in the next town over.
We had a week of temperatures in the 60 degree range. The turkey poult and his adopted bantam family have been outside all week, even at night. I know we will pay for this weather soon!

Posted by roosterh at 6:24 AM | Comments (0)

September 1, 2006

Annual Trek to the NY State Fair

The NY State Fair. We go every year. One year I went about 5 times! I love the fair. We wander around and see all the animals first and then see everything else.

We went to the sheep barn.
Prepping goats for show.
This little girl one best in her class for this Duroc gilt.
These pigs are more her size ;)
We saw lots and lots of cows, beef and dairy.
Ginormous horses. Their feet were the size of dinner plates, easily 12" wide. They sure dress up nice.

Flower displays.



Annual picture of the butter sculpture. Did anyone else miss Wegmans in this building? Where were they, and where were the free cheese samples?



Rooster, dog and pig pictured inthe sand sculpture. Almost like home.



Funny woodworker outside the Ag Museum. There was a great photo exhibit inside of NY State Barns.



Smokey the Bear greeted all the kids outside the DEC cabin. I renewed my hunting license while I was at the Fair, but my annual duty to renew my subscription to the Conservationist was thwarted- I have to admit I renew at the fair to get the freebie gift (usually a tote bag) but today they were out.



Gary and I aren't much for rides but we did walk down the midway and look at some they had. Some were actually tempting but the ticket price was not. We skipped that and went for the Go Karts. Gary is ahead of me here at the starting line. He stayed ahead of me the whole race. I did manage to bump him pretty hard cutting an inside turn ;)


We bought our traditional pair of really cheap sunglasses at the Fair but didn't do too much shopping. We missed the presence of Buckn Bums outside the poultry barn. Also the winery area of the fair, where you could go and sample many wines from the state, has changed too. Instead of samples, most of the wineries are selling fancy wine drinks and slurpees. Treleaven and Knapp did not disappoint though.

All in all, it was a good Fair day.

Posted by roosterh at 6:28 PM | Comments (1)

August 20, 2006

Enduring the Enduro

Towards the end of August every year, the Speedsville Enduro cuts across the back part of the farm, through the woods.
They follow markers on a trail that they have never ridden before. It is not a race to see who is fastest but one where they must ride the course in a set amount of time.
From a distance, the trail looks easy but it parts like this that make riding difficult. These set of roots were followed by a curve and a huge mudpit. A few riders went down. Our part of thetrail was towards the end and many riders were tired, but most were happy to see us and the helping hand Gary gave to get their bikes back up.
The riders have no time for spotting mushrooms like these.
They just speed right by.

Except for one.


At the start of the race, riders are released at the line three at a time. Throughout the course, there is a lot of jockeying for position and I am sure the riders exchange pleasantries as this happens. In fact when this particular rider went down, he and another rider exchanged some nice words right there, even as the other rider was trying to help. That's one thing.


But here's the thing buddy, and I hope you somehow find this. When you see a couple of people in the middle of the woods in street clothes, they probably own that land that you are riding on. They want to have a good time and they want the riders to have a good run. So next time you yell obscenities at the people trying to help you, think about what makes the Speedsville Enduro possible - farmers and landowners donate their land and give you the privilege of riding through there. Riders like you aren't doing anyone any favors.

OK, off my soapbox. The cows in the field probably wondered today what all the noise was, but they napped through it anyway.

Posted by roosterh at 5:06 PM | Comments (1)

August 8, 2006

Empire Farm Days 2006

It's that time of year again! Time for Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls. You can bet the day was sunny, hot and sunny. We came home with several bags of literature, free samples, key chains, stickers and bumper stickers, business cards and ideas. And a brand new Stihl chainsaw that had too good a price to turn down. Best swag? Free marking sticks, marking spray, and drench guns. Yee Haw.
Here is a British White cow, her calf is hidden behind her. The Beef Council had a large tent with several breeds of cows. There was also a tent with dairy cows, meat goats, and draft horses. I stopped taking pictures with my camera after this and tried my camera phone.
One tool company had a 18-wheeler truck outfitted like a pick up truck.

The best mode of transportation at this 5+ acre show is a golf cart or utility vehicle. Or this teeny tiny truck.

There was a big tractor parade as we were leaving. Here's an International Cub, one of my favorite tractors.

Here is a bigger tractor with an old baler.


Farm Days is an excellent way to spend a summer day, in my opinion!

Posted by roosterh at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)

February 26, 2006

Cowboy Up

Following Gary's foray into bull riding, we ordered tickets for a bull riding event in May at Turning Stone casino today. Yee haw!

Posted by roosterh at 5:54 PM | Comments (2)

February 18, 2006

Bull or No Bull

It was way too cold to work outside today, so Gary suggested we go to downtown Ithaca and see what the Chili Fest was all about. For one thing, it was all outside and it was still cold! When Gary refused to buy any tasting tickets, I started wondering why we came. Did I mention it was cold?
But then we saw it. Gary was entranced. Enthralled. Drawn to it.

The mechanical bull.

We watch bull riding every weekend. Gary knows every rider, every bull, every standing.

He had to ride that bull.

I couldn't believe I had to talk him into it, but he finally plunked down the $5 fee and stepped up to ride. Cowboy up!
His first ride came up 5 seconds short of the record. No problem. This bull proved to be not rank enough for Gary - his next ride he went 5 seconds greater than the record, staying on for 1:06:27.

Not only did he get a bull riding trophy, but he also won an overnight stay at a local hotel. I am hoping they have rooms with jacuzzis!

Posted by roosterh at 10:43 PM | Comments (1)

September 20, 2005

Brush with Fame

Our first mention in national press. Woo hoo! We are mentioned in a newsletter put out by the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service in an issue entitled "The Internet as a Farming Tool."

Posted by roosterh at 12:34 PM | Comments (0)

August 28, 2005

State Fair 2005

Ahh time for the New York State Fair once again.
Our first stop was to pay a dollar to see thw World's largest Pig. He had his own room and air conditioning. He was big all right. At 1600 pounds, Norm stands about 4 feet high and measures 71/2 feet from snout to tail. www.worldsbigpig.com
Then on to the sheep, goats and pigs. Several famrs had some pigs who had just been born in the past week.
A llama enjoys his fan. I enjoyed the llama. I hope to keep one one day since they are supposed to be great guard animals, but they are a little too weird looking for Gary.
A horse gets a washdown after being in the ring.
Many beef cattle were being shown the day we went. Here is a row of Charolais cattle.
Here are some shorthorns. They are a good dual-purpose breed.
Mom and calf snuggle up to the fan.
This year's butter sculpture. Chocolate butter ....mmmmmm.......
We ended the day with Ted Nugent. Music wasn't exactly my first choice, but the commentary in between was definitely interesting!

Posted by roosterh at 9:50 AM | Comments (0)

August 10, 2005

Empire Farm Days

I am on vacation this week, initially planned for the sole purpose of working at Empire Farm Days at Empire State Meat Goat Producers Association's tent. It is their first appearance at EFD. Believe it or not, I forgot to take a picture of it. Well, I know why. I am sick again with the same GI malady that struck in November when I went to doctor after doctor for test after test (one more day of illness and a colonscopy was promised to me!). Needless to say I felt better after that visit. Well it is back and came back the night before my birthday. After 2 days of being laid up I thought I could manage a day at EFD. Eager to miss more than my fair share of porta-potty visits, I bought an OTC remedy and popped it on the way. That was a mistake.
It made me very light-headed and I somehow managed to be cool clammy and sweaty in 90 degree weather. And very out of it. I ended up spending the last part of our trip in the truck and Gary struck out on his own, but I did manage to take a couple pix. Just a couple.
Gary has taken the whole week off and the plan was to get work done around here but I am still laid up with this nasty bug. We hope to visit our BIL tomorrow as he is in the hospital after having a truck accident. Something about rolling a 10-wheel dump truck over an embankment on a hill is not good for your health. We stopped to see his truck on the way to EFD and were quite impressed. The man at the garage was quite impressed as well that Wiz was ok after such an accident. We are all sending healing thoughts his way and hope he gets out of the hospital soon.

Posted by roosterh at 1:45 PM | Comments (0)

July 11, 2005

NY State Breeder Auction

To be honest I cannot remember if this was part of ESMGPA or not, but some major goat producers had a breeder sale this Sunday in Syracuse. Available were fullbloods and American pure bloods as well as some percentages. Basically, some really nice goats :)
Although I know for many goats, the prices that were brought were very reasonable and practically a steal, bidding was too rich for our blood. This was the first sale of its kind in NY state.
At the sale I dropped off one of our bucks to a farmer from the Albany area. She will use him as one of her herd sires. This is a pic of one of our very young bucklings, on pasture with some roosters. We have a fly problem this season, and I am hoping the roosters will put a dent in the larvae population.

Posted by roosterh at 7:47 AM | Comments (0)

July 7, 2005

I Love NY agriculture challenge

"I Love ny agriculture challenge" leads New Yorkers on an agricultural scavenger hunt New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education, in collaboration with NY Farms! and New York Agriculture in the Classroom, have announced the start of the annual I Love New York Agriculture Challenge, a scavenger hunt contest that awards participants for finding various agricultural items available throughout New York State.

All New York State residents are eligible to take part in the challenge, which will continue through November 30. Participants must collect 15 items that represent a sector of New York agriculture in order to be eligible for the one of 13 prizes donated by various New York agricultural groups or the grand prize, an on-farm overnight stay at a Bed and Breakfast donated by the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation.
Items to be collected include:

1. A strand of horse hair
2. A puff of sheep’s wool
3. A chicken feather
4. A rose petal
5. A maple leaf
6. An apple seed
7. A pumpkin seed
8. A stem of timothy
9. A Real Milk Symbol
10. A Real Cheese Symbol
11. A Pride of N.Y. logo (as proof of purchase)
12. Any 2004 N.Y. Fair (state or county) Ticket Stub
13. A Farmer’s Market Manager’s Signature
14. A business card of a N.Y. farmer
15. A Wine Cork featuring a N.Y. Winery

Participants who submit all 15 items will be eligible to win prizes, to be awarded at the New York Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting the first week of December. Prizes include an entry to any N.Y.S. race track, an entry pass to the 2006 N.Y.S. Fair, a $25 farmers market gift certificate, five pounds of N.Y. fancy apples, and many other great prizes.
Entries should include the 15 agricultural items with a name, address, phone, and fax or email, and be sent to NY Farms!, 125 Williams Rd., Candor, N.Y. 13743. For more information contact Sandra Prokop from New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education at nysprokop@fb.org or 800-342-4143.

We can provide items 2-8, 14 and 15 to anyone in our area :-)

Posted by roosterh at 12:24 PM | Comments (1)

June 28, 2005

Make your blog count

MIT is holding an informal survey of bloggers. Add yours!

Posted by roosterh at 3:58 PM | Comments (0)

January 29, 2005

Went to auction

Sunny but cold day for an auction. Came home with a 12' bunk feeder, 2 tube gates that were factory-seconds (yeah, but they'll get banged up anyway) and a set of drags that were just $5. Oh and we each bought a fleece-lined sweatshirt for $7. They are extremely warm. Wearing that plus 2 fleeces is enough for me to do chores in the morning in sub-zero temps.
A good day.

Posted by roosterh at 7:49 PM | Comments (0)

December 26, 2004

Happy Day after Christmas

Missed saying Merry Christmas yesterday.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We did not have a white Christmas but the snow is due to fall today.

Missed saying Merry Christmas yesterday.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We did not have a white Christmas but the snow is due to fall today.
We were greeted in the morning by a goat miscarriage. Gary found it in the big shed, frozen and in the hay. Looked like an apple he said. It was about 3 months along we estimate (goat gestation is a touch over 5 months). The hooves were perfectly formed even though they were only the size of pencil erasers. Doe seems fine, eager to eat and run around.
All the birds received some bread I had bought after Thanksgiving. Birds _love_ bread. I usually bake something up I call Bertie Bread, named after my cockatiel. I make cornbread and add sunflower seeds and other seeds, and a can of mixed veggies. No time this year. Maybe I will get to make it for New Year's.
Santa Gary gave me 2 cookbooks I cannot wait to try. One is on Amish cooking and the other crockpot cooking. And gift cards to AC Moore and Michaels so I may be able to pair a gift card with a coupon and get some Denise intercnageable needles for cheap. Santa Sharon gifted me with a big set of pyrex refrigerator dishes. Now I have red AND blue and yellow. My MIL gifted me with many many things chicken. I gave holiday soap to all the family.
I finished the purses for the girls just in time, although I neglected to take pictures of them. There were based on this pattern, http://sarahpeasley.com/freepatterns/sistersister.pdf only I made them with fun fur yarn. They were just the right size to hold some gift cards from area stores.
Among other things I gave to my MIL a small neck scarf I had made with ladder yarn. She loved it. I have another ball of it so I can make one for myself too :D
I have this week off from my fulltime job. I hope to get many things done. Not much knitting planned although I am sure I will find something. I have a lot of yarn coming from CO that I may be able to start making something with.

Posted by roosterh at 7:15 AM | Comments (0)

October 3, 2004

Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival

This weekend was the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival. Despite some rough weather, and the fact that there were 2 other soapers there, I did wonderfully well.
Even had repeat customers from Sat to Sun and best yet -- had a repeatr customer from the Tomato Fest! How cool is that? Thank you so much, everyone.
Saturday's weather was iffy-- cold, raining on and off. But the worst part was the wind. Since I was on the end I got the brunt of it until the wind suddenly shifted in the late afternoon and came whipping down Cayuga Street. Some vendors lost their tents. Sunday was one of those wonderful fall days where the sky was clear, the sun was warm and just amazing.

Posted by roosterh at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2004

State Fair

The State fair was different this year, almost seemed smaller.
We go to so many events at the fairgrounds throughout the year that
some of the setups we thought we would see we later realized were
part of another show. Great weather while we were there although it
absolutely poured right after we left. We missed seeing the giant
bagel, but couldn't miss the butter sculpture. Hardly any boers
were in the goat barn. :(

The butter sculpture was a farm scene this year, complete with cows, a vegetable garden and playing kids.

It was so hot that the glass case had too much condensation for clear pictures.

A mama pig with A LOT of babies.

Getting sheep ready for the ring.

This little boy is a pro already.

A couple places were selling shea butter right from the nut.

Speaking of nuts....

This was Gary's favorite stop. Judging by all the magnets and free samples we got, I think we went through line about 5 times.

Gary tries on hats. Didn't buy one though.

Statue of Three Sisters in the Indian Village.

Don't I look tough??

Posted by roosterh at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)

August 21, 2004

ESMGPA Picnic

Host John Bloomer talks about washing and drying goats for the ring. Be sure when you dry the goats you move their hair back following the body for a longer look.

Here's a doe getting washed. Special guest Brenda Larner of Agnew Boers recommended horse shampoo, especially one that is good for white-haired animals. Her secret? Mix ladies' salon peroxide 1:1 with the whitening shampoo for a bright white. Be sure that conditioner is used, especially if the goats are washed often. One brand,Peppy, is a spray-on conditioner that is great for sheen.

A goat in the stand, waiting to be clipped and groomed.

Speaker Brenda Larner talks about grooming and clipping. Some of her favorite tools are on the table behind her.

Clip the hair around the feet. She uses a size 10 blade.

Trimming the hair under the tail, and shaping the rump.

Shaping the hair at the rump. She is still using the #10 blade.

Make a line following the line of the belly. At the naval, go back towards the tail the width of the blade. Back at the naval, go against the hair up to between the front legs. This opens up the goat. No other belly hair is trimmed.

Inside the leg, Brenda gives a close trimming. But overall you want the goat to retains its hairiness.

John Bloomer and Denny Hamm (Poplar Ridge Farm) look on.

The tail area is clipped but the rear legs need to be blocked. In Brenda's hand are some good grooming tools. The brush is used for the clippers. Be sure to lubricate often as well. A scotch comb is good for removing loose hair and for directing hair. For shedding after winter, a double edged horse comb is also useful.

Don't forget to wash and dry your goat's face before a show too! Here, Brenda trims the doe's chin. She will move on to clean up the area where her horns would be.

When prepping the horns for show, use dry wall sanding paper to smooth surfaces. Be careful not to rub too much or too hard as you can cause some bleeding. You can use hoof ointment on the horns for polish and shine, but never ever use water-repellant hoof treatments on horns or risk your goat's health.

Face all done!

Trimming feet. Repeat after Brenda: Font side, inside; backside, outside. This means, when trimming feet, trim the inside of the front feet a touch shorter than the outside hoof. With the back feet, leave the outisde a touch shorter than the inside. This follows the way a goat naturally distributes weight.

Front side inside. See how the inside is trimmed shorter.

Working on the back feet. Be sure to square off the toes as well, and leave some of the heel. Even though it is the easiest part of the foot to trim, leaving some of it high helps the goat's pasterns and helps her to walk better.

Using a grinder for a smooth hoof.

You may see some blood while trimming feet. Stopping when the hoof is pink is a good practice but not always realistic. The chip on the side hoof there was caused by a split in the hoof wall. Trim that off and spray with a foot treatment. Brenda highly recommends Hoof Master from Mid States.

The finished foot.

Teaching a goat to lead can be easy, or so Brenda says :D This the day the goat had other thoughts. Brenda uses a correcting collar and a show dog lead. For children showing goats in the ring, she recommends using a halter on the goats for better control.

Using the short lead.

Everyone enjoys a fine spread of food for lunch, including some goat meat dishes. Afterwards we adjoin to the horse barn to watch Boer Goat 101, an informative slide show of good and bad points of selecting stock for breeding. After this point, we headed out, flanked by several other guests who wanted to take advantage of the break in the rain to get some work done at home.

Posted by roosterh at 2:07 PM | Comments (1)

August 8, 2004

Spiedie Fest

Gary bought me this tent and his mom bought me side walls. When I took down at the end of the show, I was happy to learn I could clean up and dismantle my tent faster than my neighbor, who had an EZ-Up and about 5 other people helping her. :)

Sold soap at the Binghamton Spiedie Fest/Balloon rally this weekend. Did ok despite the fact our aisle was blocked at the bus loop and folks did not have a clear path.

There were also a total of 6 soapers there. I was thrilled when people came to my tent and told me I had the best soap, and the best smells.

Met some other vendors there who really made the weekend for me. It was also my birthday this weekend.

Posted by roosterh at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)

June 20, 2004

Strawberry Fest in Owego

My first street fair Sold soap at the Owego Strawberry Festival this weekend. Despite having only 2 hours of sleep, I think I did really well. We had a pattering of rain in the morning, followed by some nice winds in the afternoon that lifted my tent canopy off the frame, but other than that everything went smoothly. It was quite a group effort. I had my stuff, and some of Kirstin's products, planters that Gary had made, plants from a friend's greenhouse and borrowed the tent in exchange for web site development.

Front of booth Right side, soaps, lotion bars and balms Left side, more soaps and gardener's soap

Posted by roosterh at 4:43 PM | Comments (1)