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Fun on the farm

8/21/2011

2 Comments

 
Good morning, Sunday again and if the weather forecasters confident ( aren’t they always ??) prediction of increasing clouds follows through, today should be a little cooler for our team of 5. Last night Greg and I were counting our blessings as we crawled into bed after a long hot and very busy day. Yesterday was our first full day with Wesley, our newest Woofer intern and if appearances are anything to go by, and they usually are, she is going to fit right in here at the ranch. As usual, Derek and Lesley were up to breakfast bright and early but there was an additional voice joining in the early morning banter and it was clear that Wesley was going to be fun to have around. Derek and Lesley have been with us for almost two months and are sadly  leaving here at the end of the week. It is feeling like we are losing family but we are excited by their promise of keeping in touch as they begin their farming journey together.

One of our projects for the Woofers was to raise a variety of broiler chicken breeds, from 2 days old to processing, so that they could compare the commercial viability of the fast and slow growing birds. Lesley and Derek have come to a conclusion and we are pretty certain that it will be a lifetime memory…..they ALL smell, fast growers slow growers , red birds and black birds seem to poop equally efficiently as they eat and grow. The more they eat the more they poop and it’s bad! Saturday was processing day and L and D were enthusiastic to perfect the new skill that they could add to their resume. Confidently they rounded up the loudly objecting chickens, Wesley was looking a little (lot) less confident but prepared to give it a try and under Greg’s watchful eye the team got to work. All was not going to go smoothly, poor Derek had an attack of pollen poisoning ( allergies) and snuffled and sniffled miserably but soldiered on. Lesley suffered the revenge of the chicken and tried to add a little extra protein to the project. Happily she does still have all her digits, didn’t  require a transfusion and was still smiling as she sported her bandaged finger at lunch time. Wesley is still with us this morning so I guess we didn’t frighten her off. Thanks team

Derek had a huge DOH moment when he very kindly locked up the old Ford truck but unfortunately locked up the truck keys in the vehicle. I almost think that the swear jar may have profited from the event but I guess I was mistaken,…not Derek.

Wesley got up close and personal with cantankerous Molly the milk cow as the Dexter munched on her dinner in the milk stand. Knowing Molly there was an ulterior motive but it was a cute moment and Wesley didn’t become part of the cows dinner.

The team, apart from Derek who was still snuffling and sneezing took to the saddle as the sun began to set. Lumpy Lady, beauty with attitude Charm and Roman who wants to be a bully but hasn’t yet perfected the art, set off up the farm road together. Lesley, Wesley and Greg all arrived back, still with their respective mounts so I guess the ride went well.

Well, the cuckoo clock hasn’t cuckooed the half hour yet but the team has disappeared to get ready for the day and Greg just informed me it is 7.22 so I guess I’m done for the day. Time to go, Take care, keep safe, M
2 Comments
Annie
8/21/2011 06:04:02 am

Hi there
Another woofer .....I'm sure she will have a good time
Love you Annie and Mal xoxo

Reply
Mom E
8/21/2011 10:51:39 am

What a variety of hats you have....looks like Lamb Chop is ready for the Easter parade.
Benadryl, Sudafed & kleenx for Derek, but he keeps smiling!

Reply



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