Zero comes first

October 15. 2013-

The first of the goats kidded this weekend. Edd got the last run of goats into the shed and noticed that five came in instead of six. After a bit of working out we discovered zero was missing. Beni helped me search the paddock and we found her with two large white buck kids below the small dam. For a first kidder she had managed very well and the new family all looked healthy. We led Zero back to the shed and carried her kids in wrapped in old towels. I helped Edd build them a private pen in a nice warm corner of the shed so she could have a peaceful night.

Today Zero went out to graze with the herd after milking and I have just given her kids their first bottle. One little chap worked it out straight away and sucked eagerly but the other larger kid is not as sure about the new milk delivery system. I went out to buy new teats earlier in the day and came home to find a sheep cast on her back and the horses heading up our grass roof! The sheep was easily rocked back onto her feet and the horses followed me back to their paddock lured by some lucerne chaff. Someone must have left the latch improperly fastened on the gate, as it was wide open. I don’t think the horses have learnt to undo gates yet. I think I have now restored enough order to treat myself to a cup of tea.

This last weekend was very busy. We had some friends staying from NSW who were down south to run an art workshop and we also had a permaculture group on a site visit on Sunday morning. Edd had to go to the market on Saturday because once again we have produce to sell so I got up and did all the animals early so that I could do the art workshop with my friends. I do not often get whole days out with friends so it was areal treat. The subject concerned was the use of colour and I am all inspired now. I just wish there was more time for painting.

This is such a busy time of year because we are now into our growing season and all the vegetables need planting and tending. The broad beans are almost ready to eat. We have lovely lush lettuces and the snow peas are racing up their trellises.  I have fed the last of the old celery to the chooks and planted new seedlings and we have even put out tomatoes, cucumber, and other frost sensitive crops. Once again I am running out of planting space and have started to build a new raised bed. It is no good putting seedlings too close or they all bolt before they are good to eat.

The strawberries have fruit already and the mulberries and loquats are in the process of ripening. Little pears are forming and the season is off to a flying start. It must be all these rain showers that drive me crazy. The worst bit is that we are heading fast towards the Xmas season, which is totally at the wrong time of year in Australia. We also have a family wedding to plan for next March that could possibly take place here so that will mean extra planning. I do not mind. I enjoy things to look forward to.