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Its NOT a man's world!

8/17/2011

4 Comments

 
Good morning! I’m Lesley, a volunteer and friend of
Gentle Giant and I will be guest editing the blog today. Derek and I have been
here for almost two months and I cannot believe how much we’ve learned. There is
  something new every day. 

  For example, yesterday Greg taught us how to use a giant,
  scary nail gun and how to man the Skill saw using the truck bed as a work
  bench. Before this summer I thought that these skills were reserved only for
  men with 25 inch biceps who chew tobacco, but no! Greg shows us how to do it
  and suddenly there I find myself nailing and sawing like a pro! …like a pro
  that regularly makes 9 or 10 mistakes before they get the job done correctly
  that is. 
 
So, there we were, sawing and nailing and pounding and
  pulling and measuring and then Greg gets a smile on his face and says “We’ve
  actually finished a project!” Yup, that’s right, we have officially secured the
  corner of the big animal barn and Greg can now sleep at night knowing that it
  will not topple onto their precious sheep, cows, goats and horses. Somehow,
  Derek and I have managed to help Greg accomplish this. We’re pretty proud of
  ourselves!
 
One reason why it’s difficult to finish projects is that
  there are always other things that seem more urgent around the farm. Like
  taking care of the cutest calf in the world, Hol-ley. After a long day in the
  hot sunshine weeding and mowing, Maureen was on calf duty. We are teaching her
  how to how to walk along with us on a lead rope (like a dog leash) and this
  young calf already has a powerful little body. Maureen said Hol-ley was great
  for a few seconds and then proceeded to tug and pull and resist like the little
  wild beast she wants to be. At one point she even threw her body to the ground
  like a child in a tantrum who doesn’t want to take a nap! We are all going to
  keep working on this one.
 
Oh! Another important distraction yesterday was our
  opportunity to observe the vet who came to the farm to check the horses’ teeth.
  I did not realize that being a vet could be such a dangerous and exciting job.
  Dr. Maci Paden had to give each horse a sedative before she started her work.
  The look in Lady’s eyes was pure dopey bliss. It is odd to see a 2200 lb animal
  in such an extremely docile state. I was afraid she’d fall over, but the
  doctor’s pint-sized assistant was hilariously able to keep her standing.  Then, the vet took a tool that looked
oddly similar to the big air hammer that Derek had been using the day before and
went to work filing down teeth that were too sharp. 

Well, I have to get ready for another day down at the
ranch. I can’t wait to see what today has in store for us. 

Take care and enjoy the photos!

 -Lesley

4 Comments
Mom K
8/17/2011 01:37:25 am

Love the hat today-never knew a goat could look so dignified! After reading Lesley's note I had to go back and look at the pictues again, not having a clue as to what they were the first time. If you two don't end up having a farm, you can always become herders of some kind, those goats looked like they would follow you anywhere. Or even carpenters. Whatever it is, the two of you will find a way to make a good time out of it. I always look forward to mid-morning, on the east coast, so I can read the latest entry to the diary. I myself have learned quite a bit about farm animals this summer! This Woofer program is an ultimate win-win opportunity for all. Maureen and Greg get a lot of help and you gain a priceless education and experience you couldn't find anywhere else. Maureen and Greg are definitely wonderful examples of people who love their chosen work. You have great foosteps to follow. Love to all.

Reply
mum j says
8/17/2011 01:45:48 am

loved the pics this morn, and you did a good job leslie. have a fun day. loves 2 all mum j.

Reply
Mom E
8/17/2011 12:32:53 pm

Lamb chop sure looks dapper today, somebody has a variety of hats! I would have to be sedated too, to have that instrument in my mouth. Great job Lesley, enjoyed diary and pictures.

Reply
Annie x
8/20/2011 06:43:54 am

Haha !!
Lamb Chop looks like she/he is resting his chin on that silver bin.
Lots of activity on the farm, Lesley does a good job on your daily blog Maureen - better watch out haha
Love y'all
Annie and Mal xox

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