Garden Bounty
The garden vegetables have finally reached their peak here on the farm. Madison, Garett, and Nana (my mom) have been busy stewing tomatoes, making spaghetti sauce, freezing peppers, and processing corn. It’s become a daily ritual to gather the ripe produce from the garden and deposit it on the log house porch for Nana and her little helpers. I stay so busy I haven’t been much help with the preserving this year. At least I’ve been able to help pick and dispose of the scraps to the goats. It’s pretty neat to watch them fight over corn shucks and watermelon rinds. They really will eat anything.
I’ve had the brush hog on the 6000 the past couple days clipping the pastures and getting the hay field edges. We’re planning to do a bunch of re-seeding this fall so the grasses will all have to be short. I’ve moved the goats, calves, and a few horses to a different pasture to keep it short. We’ve been working with Thumper a little this week to get him broken to lead. He’s now out in the pasture with other horses and he is much happier. My friend and neighbor Wade borrowed the Mahindra and the Vermeer roller to put up some hay this week. It will soon be time to start cutting mine. My dad picked up a used disc a few days ago. I haven’t seen it yet, he is supposed to bring it down to the farm in a week or two.
Madison is having a terrible time with her thumb sucking device. One side has come loose and she is slobbering like a rabid dog. The dentist doesn’t have an emergency number so we will have to hold on until Monday. I feel so sorry for her. I suppose I will leave work early and take her to have it glued back in.
Kaylee hurt her wrist at cheerleading practice Wednesday night. Luckily it’s not broken. It is sprained though and very sore. She has been keeping it wrapped with an ace bandage. Someone told her vinegar takes the swelling out so she has been stinking like vinegar a lot.
The children started school this week. Garett and Kaylee wanted to ride the bus, but Madison wanted me to take her. Needless to say I took her and spent a little while getting her accustomed to her new teacher. We made sure to go check on Garett. I got a cute picture of her giving him a hug that morning. They seem to be fine with school. The heat is hard on them though.
My heart has been very heavy this week. I am so very sorry for the Utah coal miners and their families. My prayers include them. I have lots of memories of coal mining. My dad worked in the mines for many years in SE KY. Actually he even owned a mine at one time. I myself have my mining card and still consider going to work in the mines from time to time. It is terribly sad that miners put there lives on the line every day. I cannot help but think mining would be a much safer occupation if more miners were represented by the United Mine Workers of America. I know that here in McCreary county there was a horrible strike over safety. It started shortly after the Scotia mining disaster in Oven Fork Ky.. Both mines were owned by Blue Diamond Coal Company and the miners here felt unsafe enough they organized with the UMWA asking for a safety committee with authority to shut down parts of the mine. The miners were already making close to union scale all they wanted was a safer working environment, but the company didn’t want them to have that. The strike was bad for everybody and eventually the Justus mine closed.
Well there is lots to do so I better get at it……………….Be sure to check out the pics I’ve added to the site and check back soon!
August 21st, 2007 at 9:01 am
Hello Joel,
I have to say it’s been a joy to go back and read all your blogs. I think what you’re doing here is a real credit to you. You’re right, kids today and a lot of adults don’t really know where food comes from. I was just in KY at the end of June for my youngest daughters wedding and it is beautiful country. I’ve lost her to KY for good it seems and I can see why. She now lives in Lenore City but we are from Washington State and she moved there a little over a year ago and met her now husband. I will be keeping up with your blog and will be passing it on to others that I know. I lived in small towns for quite a while and when I had to come back to the city and leave my goats, chickens and horses behind, it broke my heart. I will always be a country girl no matter what. I do have a horse again but I really miss my goats. You’ll be my connection to my old way of life, that you for your efforts here.
Karin in Kent WA
August 21st, 2007 at 9:03 am
Oops that was supposed to say “thank you for your efforts, still a bit sleepy LOL.
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Hi Joel,
Hopefully you got Maddie back in to the dentist by now and got her dental appliance adjusted. You know, I think we can all relate to being a small child and being embarrassed about something. Hopefully this will be over soon, and she can be back to her normal self.
I understand about the mining situation. My Uncle worked for awhile in one of the lead mines in SE Missouri. It helped him to pay the mortgage on the farm until he got a job working for the Post Office. His only son went into banking after college, so he wound up working it up until a few years ago when it all just got to much for him. He sold off all but 50 acres where the house, barn, chicken house, farrowing house and machine shop are located. Whenever he and my aunt decide to sell out I am sure they will have no problem selling, other than they lack enough acreage for haying. Most of the place is in hillside timber.
Well, take care of yourselves. Tell Kaylee not to do those aerial stunts! Too many kids and cheerleading coaches are trying way too dangerous stuff when the kids are not yet up to it. (They need to allow thier bodies to grow more, and get more physical strength/agility before they try them.) I’m sure all she was doing was something simple, just landed or twisted wrong.
Kevin
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Oh by the way! I got a flier in the mail from one of the local Mahindra dealers. Lots of nice equipment, and some reasonable prices too. If I knew I could cover the payments I would look into buying one of the package deals (tractor with loader, mower and blade or tiller.)
August 25th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I read your diary about once a month and have enjoyed reading about what it is like raising a family on the farm. Your pictures and writings are terrific !
City Guy
Columbus, Ohio
August 31st, 2007 at 2:44 am
Great Blog. I am sitting all the way on the other side of the globe in Singapore and just stumbled on this blog. You write very well and your picutres speak a thousand words. It is a wonderful place - sitting in this concrete jungle I see the beauty of G-d in your photos. Keep writing.
September 12th, 2007 at 4:49 am
Hi Joel……..I just \’found\’ your blog I guess by accident!!……..talk about a HARD working man and family!!! You are exactly what the Great American People live and thrive on!!! I am here in So. CA..I have a horse that I board for 250. a month, because he has the start of ringbone and needs shavings in his stall. People here (boarding facilities) refuse to put shavings in a stall unless it is in a barn. So, I pay for a 12×12 indoor barn with shavings and a 12×12 outside. UGH….to ME that seems a LOT of money……but I don\’t live in Orange Co. If I did it would be over 400. a month!!!
Anyway, I get from my shoer my yearly Turkey for Thanksgiving!! His two kids raise them for \”show\” and then they sell them to local ppl……….I put my request in for a turkey…….and OMG!!! I will NEVER EVER eat a frozen turkey again!! YUMMY!! But, its funny, his oldest daughter when I see her always asks me if I want to SEE my turkey!! She has been brought up where they raise their own food, etc……I tell her umm no…..Katie…..thanks anyway, but Im a city girl…..I would rather NOT see my food walking around alive, LOL!!!!
I give all farmers credit for what they do, I know its not an easy life………very hard, depending on the rain, sun, etc……….keep your chin up. Thanks for your blog……honestly….it makes me feel a bit \”stupid\”……for all my \”bitching\” about everyday life………its nothing compared to what YOU and your family go thru!!!
THANK YOU!!!
P.S. I hope that came out right……I just know that the American Farmers……have a very rough life. And honestly, I always wanted to BE one of them!!! But, I cant cook LOL LOL!!! Make great biscuits though!!
I worked with a horse trainer for about 10 yrs……he always told me IF I was a MAN, I would be a great Rancher……..I never took offence to it….he meant that I just dont have the strength.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Karin,
Glad to have you reading. I’m kind of partial to Ky too. Been all over and always say there is no place like home. Again thanks for reading!
Kevin,
Turns out they took Madisons device out and don’t have to put it back in. Haven’t seen her with her thumb in her mouth since.
Go ahead and take the plunge. Think of all you could do with that new red toy!
Dean,
Glad to have you reading! My neighbor here is a retired union machinist from Colombus. My how the city is changing. Keep checking back! Thanks for the compliments.
Matt,
Thanks for reading! Hope you can get out of that concrete jungle someday and experience this life for yourself.
Brooke,
I try, but I’m not perfect by any means. There is certainly a difference in taste in store bought and farm fresh. I wonder how many people have never eaten farm fresh foods. I don’t see why a woman couldn’t be a rancher/farmer. Hire somebody to help for the jobs you need the extra strength on. It isn’t easy, but I love doing this. My hope is someday to be able to do only this! Thanks for reading and be sure to check back!
September 15th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Your blog is a real joy to read. It came up on top blogs once, I believe. Since it had the word “Farm” in the title, it was a grabber! My mom and dad were both raised on small farms, Ohio and Colorado, respectively, and mother ran a little two acre farm for small animal meat and a preserving and fresh edibles, fruit and vegetables, gardens. She was really a lover of seeds and could root or make cuttings of most things, soft or woody. Her granddaugher seed savers are a tribute to her.
My DDs enjoy reading your blog and about your family as well. Well, thanks again for taking the time to blog about your life. We all wish you the very best.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:00 am
Joel,
I truely loved helping out on the Ranch where I helped train horses. NO, I am NOT a horse trainer..I just store the knowlegde I have watched/experiance and apply it to my own horse. Or, IF, someone ASKS for help, otherwise, I just bite my tongue and pray they do NOT get hurt!
Of course it is MUCH easier to HELP than it is to do it on a daily basis!! If the trainer pissed me off…..I just would tell him, FINE…..I’m going HOME!! To my concrete world!
Thanksgiving Turkey is such a GREAT supper since I get it fresh!! Also, people do not realize that the eggs they buy in the grocery store are on average 3 MONTHS OLD!!! So, where I board now, I supply the feed and clean the coop, just so I can have the eggs FRESH!!! YUMMY!! There is more than enough for my family AND for the stable I board at!! Nothing like cracking a FRESH egg, the yoke is so rich…..almost an orange in color….vs the light yellow the grocery store sells!!
Thank you for the smiles……and sorry I babble too much……just enjoying your blog!! God bless you and your family.
Brooke
September 20th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
May you always prosper.Amen
September 24th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
lella,
Thanks for reading! Let us not forget all we can learn from our family!
Diana,
Thank you so much for the comment. Glad to have you reading. Check back soon!
October 28th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Hi! What kind of breed are these goats? Do you breed them for meat?
October 28th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Martin,
Hello! My goats are registered Boer goats. They are a meat breed. Thanks for the comment!
December 5th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
I loved all the pictures only now I miss it down there even more. Looks like you have been very busy. The addition to the log cabin is great. The kids are getting so big, pretty, and handsome. What made you decide to become chicken farmers? I do miss fresh eggs, ya think ya could ship them to me? Please? The double wide looks nice too with the view and everything. I see you have new toys to play in the dirt with. Looks like your animal population as multiplied x three. Wish all of you great success lots of love and money.
sincerely,
city folk
December 7th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Michelle & kids,
You’re right, very busy. Sorry to make you miss it, but you know you can always come visit. The chicken business just seemed like a good deal. You know I’ve always wanted to be home on the farm. I’ll tell you though in the last 2 weeks since I quit my job it has been kind of lonely. I miss seeing some of the people. Come visit soon! We miss you!