The latest and last babies

We had been waiting for Zoe, one of the Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats to give a sign that she was ready for birthing and 2 days ago looked like she was near. So up she came to the nursery where Grace and twins were ensconced. Just after noon today I heard sounds of labour and sure enough she was already pushing. Grabbing fresh towels I went out to be the support. The first birth was a wee bit difficult for her since this girl decided to come into the world butt first, fortunately the other 2 girls took the proper course and within 30 min. Zoe delivered all three, they were standing and with a little help from me finding the teat and nursing. This picture was taken about 45 min. from when I found her in contractions! It is an incredibly warm day - up to 80*F so these three are having a nice introduction to the world but the sheep are less then thrilled, they are lounging out under the tree probably wondering where spring went.

It's been a week since we had any rain so I'm hoping we get some soon - the heat dries out the garden soil so fast. The potatoes from Moose Tubers, part of Fedco in Maine have come and I'm planning to get them into the trenches either tonight or tomorrow. I'm also going to try growing a few in a tire tower. Meanwhile I am making soap, finishing some weaving and measuring out the warp for some baby blankets. Last weekend I brought home a 25 y/o Glimakra loom and have been reading, studying, putting together, rearranging and generally getting acquainted- remember when you got your first bike or train set? Well, that's what it's been like for me! I think I'll wait until a couple of books come in before actually warping her up because right now I'm a little intimidated. Those papers on the bench there are what I have right now to go from; I'm sure Joanne Hall's book will help me out on some of the mysteries of this loom.
The plans for this weekend are to let the sheep graze behind the house for a couple of days while Bob and I finish fencing the tiny North area and the bigger East field, now that the fallen trees are cut back far enough to be out of the way. Shear the last three girls still in fleece and in the evening wrap and label soaps for the Farmer's Market. I hope where ever you are, it's a perfect weekend too.

Spring is about New Life

It's been a rainy week here in the Mid-East and we are so grateful for it. The grass has gone from crunchy to green and now is beginning to put on some growth. Not quite fast enough for the sheep tho and so I've been on the phone hunting down hay because we are running out. Looks like I've found some but at about $25 more than pre-drought prices. Well hopefully one more big roll will see them through to fresh green grass.

On Saturday in between the rains Faye gave birth to twin ewelings. She's always been a big girl so I wasn't sure if she was really carrying, fortunately she is also an old hand at this so she just laid down delivered these little girls, cleaned them up and was nursing them when we discovered the situation. What a great Mum eh? As usual the pairing of Dorset to Jacob has produced wonderfully colourful lambs and these 2 little girls are going to be great additions to our Adopt a Sheep fleece program. The colour plus the buttery softness of the Dorset is a nice combination that we are getting compliments on. They also are friendly and curious about us 2 legged ones.
On Sunday afternoon Grace, one of the Nigerian Dairy goats, decided it was time and went into labour. But goats aren't stoics like sheep; they yell just like we do in contractions. The first goatling was a backward delivery and not alive, very sad but we had to put him aside and look to what was coming next. Fortunately the next doeling came in the proper presentation and was alive but the third was another backward delivery, she came easily though and I kept her head down and cleared her face quickly so she wouldn't breathe in any fluids which can cause pneumonia later. Mom and babies are doing great and we haven't had any concerns. Now we watch and wait for Zoe, another Nigerian Dairy goat and our last expectant Momma.

In the meantime we have started up another "adoption" program called Adopt a Goat, the information is on a separate page of our website. We are hoping that this program will be appealing to families because kids in cities or suburbs really don't get much of a chance to see farm life up closer than maybe a school field day at a petting zoo. I know we didn't growing up and having a greater understanding may help parents and kids feel more connected to the natural things that happen around them. And it's fun for me too, since there isn't anything better than talking about our family and the farm.

In Memorium

The biggest, gentlest Rooster of our farm, was laid to rest yesterday evening. Winston, a Buff Orpington, came to us 3 years ago from a friend who knew that we would keep him until the end of his days. He wasn't named then but because he would emphatically shake his head, making all his wattles move and at the same time give low croaks and croons - I was so reminded of Winston Churchill and his low voice that the name seems very appropriate. So Winston he became and he ruled over the small flock of Buff Orpington girls but with a gentle touch. He always stood back so that a hen could have the food, was a perfect gentleman with me and will be very much missed out there in the home paddock. Over the couple of days that he lay sick, I noticed that many of the hens would come, one at a time and sit with him. He passed at night with his family around.