tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78403708750837715712024-02-19T01:03:10.240-05:00My Happy AcresWelcome to My Happy Acres! Located in the rolling hills of Central New York our approach to life is with patience and humor knowing that everyday will provide another lesson.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-82559582914640463972016-10-12T21:04:00.003-04:002016-10-12T21:04:48.827-04:00Update on the kids, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So everyone has been asking: 'how are the kids?' 'want to see what's going on with the kids!' 'bet they're getting big! what's new with the kids?'<br />
okay, okay here is a nice dose of things to make you smile:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJWd0ZxPnx_bLVwLdAOQHejBX7zVu_YPdABwt1AcZpEHGzub01x-aKxN0m3KTi7EOcuZ-zEO7l96AnJY4_WMRYGHbsx29hFYNGwp1kz2MpoN_1O683cUKye4k680XKlAlUoz4_vH8wKU/s1600/Buddy+and+Precious.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJWd0ZxPnx_bLVwLdAOQHejBX7zVu_YPdABwt1AcZpEHGzub01x-aKxN0m3KTi7EOcuZ-zEO7l96AnJY4_WMRYGHbsx29hFYNGwp1kz2MpoN_1O683cUKye4k680XKlAlUoz4_vH8wKU/s320/Buddy+and+Precious.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby goats are very busy. There is always something that needs exploring, tasting, or to be fluffed up and laid on for naps. It's funny how they never walk anywhere but rather race and bounce where ever they go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWe2zgdv60Y-doDX6vWaOKXnAyV4riHifpoPhEFxcITzVp_b4cNJLHXCgQXkK8GwpXWQ3oxuKVQKKind9ZgOlspIzMs6dkqW9OiWOxNogVihLtJIQPdZuWZbbELSbQ9RKwC4GkS6Rk5M/s1600/Buddy+vrs+Bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWe2zgdv60Y-doDX6vWaOKXnAyV4riHifpoPhEFxcITzVp_b4cNJLHXCgQXkK8GwpXWQ3oxuKVQKKind9ZgOlspIzMs6dkqW9OiWOxNogVihLtJIQPdZuWZbbELSbQ9RKwC4GkS6Rk5M/s320/Buddy+vrs+Bug.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy finds a bug.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt-8WBFb8lEO3WiOzfr1lXAcItKp1Cbv97ffMpKl6L_5o50zqqCSVp1T02mU9m2k-tEPw-KLi7nUANs-PzZXfbC5ORhnMm_WxaEDdOX3rwPZx21fyCvSm3S2AmyrTlaBaD0BcSlTiLXI/s1600/IMGP2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt-8WBFb8lEO3WiOzfr1lXAcItKp1Cbv97ffMpKl6L_5o50zqqCSVp1T02mU9m2k-tEPw-KLi7nUANs-PzZXfbC5ORhnMm_WxaEDdOX3rwPZx21fyCvSm3S2AmyrTlaBaD0BcSlTiLXI/s320/IMGP2605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a few weeks old they were ready to go outside and explore. Moma laid quietly in the shade while Grandma babysat. Up until about 12 weeks old, most of the babies' diet consisted of mama's milk (with a little extra from Grandma). They watch mom carefully to see what's good to eat and what to leave alone. But like all babies, they're constantly mouthing and playing with all sorts of stuff they find in the play yard. </td></tr>
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They grow fast. More to come.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-41875012801271776182016-09-16T10:49:00.002-04:002016-09-16T10:49:58.262-04:00September, where does the time go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm always a little surprised when I realize that another month has slipped by and we're sailing into a new season. Summer was very dry this year. Central New York has areas that have been deemed drought zones, including My Happy Acres. We've been fortunate that our well hasn't gone dry but we also make an effort to conserve water whenever possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwoVPwnhvd5dbtrD2NdjERxTm6or_Bkpwu_QCgKVRLooOY7XAM8u3itRYGPRhV3hF82bTbVfCXLKzov_riFUbpz9dTiw9wtmRkAjVGtrBIpO9DuKBPtSvc7k6BGO6zs0lgtACOj2lgnk/s1600/IMGP2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwoVPwnhvd5dbtrD2NdjERxTm6or_Bkpwu_QCgKVRLooOY7XAM8u3itRYGPRhV3hF82bTbVfCXLKzov_riFUbpz9dTiw9wtmRkAjVGtrBIpO9DuKBPtSvc7k6BGO6zs0lgtACOj2lgnk/s320/IMGP2762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The garden was not planted as heavily as last year. We have lots of plum tomatoes. Unlike last year, the poblano peppers are doing really well. We have enough to enjoy fresh yet enough to freeze and enjoy this winter. When you want to add a flavorful, yet sometimes spicy kick to you meal, substitute the bland green bell pepper with a poblano. It's a real flavor treat! (for recipes, check <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipes/2278/fruits-and-vegetables/vegetables/chile-peppers/poblano/" target="_blank">this </a>out.)<br />
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Of course, it wouldn't be Summer without fresh green beans and <a href="http://myhappyacres.blogspot.com/2012/07/green-bean-paradise.html" target="_blank">fresh three bean salad</a>. One of our favorite parts of Summer are all the cool summer salads. Such a shame to see the season come to an end. Our dog is also very fond of fresh green beans so I have to be watchful when the bucket is being brought in from the garden. He gets a few, but only when I give them to him.<br />
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The apples are almost ready for harvest. The Galas should be ready in the next day or two and promise to be extra sweet this year. Gala apples are one of the choice apples for making traditional apple crisps and sweet apple pies. They retain their shape, yielding a sweet, lovely flavor to your baked goods. If you have a favorite apple, get your reservation in soon before they're sold out!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-24704235211317339282016-07-12T17:02:00.003-04:002016-07-12T17:02:39.900-04:00New babies first pictures, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't think anyone wants to see those pictures of the babies just as they're being born, but you might like to see those sweet little faces, happy and content in their world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvj36CKWDBWE7z2jfOf4m-aZgYc2lxnjzWrbx0yomSbXvUYohqDiIyjIBL94cz6kn8nMQhQwO33dauXDWezu6sZ0xRDM6cIl3ztoPJ0i4KBGr2ZqxwPDS4k9f8Nsy1XDr3nWA0bM0y0w/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvj36CKWDBWE7z2jfOf4m-aZgYc2lxnjzWrbx0yomSbXvUYohqDiIyjIBL94cz6kn8nMQhQwO33dauXDWezu6sZ0xRDM6cIl3ztoPJ0i4KBGr2ZqxwPDS4k9f8Nsy1XDr3nWA0bM0y0w/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first born, a precious baby girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second born, a constantly hungry baby boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number three, a baby boy, is now much stronger and more inquisitive than his siblings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGHE1xFxL9bus-ooVJIAoTwQm5PU4ykUaNjtpUKvBuQ5BSU7vxUVA_y7MRjQcTN-zD_rjrm0jdEQp87mxBYXMoBdHn_HWqoNYSrgdCAIUsJ10Klmxz2xI4_VTZy7V5URFnsrPTm6qvhU/s1600/flluffy+girlish+figure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGHE1xFxL9bus-ooVJIAoTwQm5PU4ykUaNjtpUKvBuQ5BSU7vxUVA_y7MRjQcTN-zD_rjrm0jdEQp87mxBYXMoBdHn_HWqoNYSrgdCAIUsJ10Klmxz2xI4_VTZy7V5URFnsrPTm6qvhU/s320/flluffy+girlish+figure.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy, showing off her much thinner self, wanting to know why I'm taking pictures rather than giving her more sweet feed.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-47847732742022196822016-07-11T13:49:00.000-04:002016-07-11T13:49:13.097-04:00The hostages have been released, Fluffy babies! 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At five this morning, Ms Fluffy made a face at the camera then turned around to show that she was in labor. Ah! So we're not fooling this time! A few hours later and she had three darling babies on the ground. Two boys and a girl(!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0afPe0GJBe5BLsEB4Cyxauvt38QEWfuFxETBgDPFEIMvNJlWc92Op-pYXOomHRx98FupreuQgWzIbCpaXXXfzcWV4Zwu85CzLqDAGcGcv8vlFol_OhzHvCdIo0ElTg0vacknTo-1nMZQ/s1600/fluffy+family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0afPe0GJBe5BLsEB4Cyxauvt38QEWfuFxETBgDPFEIMvNJlWc92Op-pYXOomHRx98FupreuQgWzIbCpaXXXfzcWV4Zwu85CzLqDAGcGcv8vlFol_OhzHvCdIo0ElTg0vacknTo-1nMZQ/s320/fluffy+family.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first born was the girl (on far left). She, of course, will stay on the farm and is to be named 'Precious'. The second born, a boy, is a little eating machine. Every time Fluffy stands up, he's first to the dinner table. When she lays down, he gets as close as he can to her, periodically nosing her side (is it time for snacks yet?). She softly tells him to knock it off while she rests. The other boy, had a rough time getting born and is very tired. He's had some snacks but I suspect he's going to need supplemental feeding (oh, boy. a bottle baby.). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jok7c6cjnL6ThkuyqH7vpMHgxQfXxZ04ep_aXHYmta-Z2P6l7sQ31-862C1dEffEqX_SjjvRIqY9ixKlslY6QnrVD0DsYRS1VUgeWflL0QLzYmcnJeueexxI3Q3MPjjDnMK2tTIsTtE/s1600/fluffy+proud+mommy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Jok7c6cjnL6ThkuyqH7vpMHgxQfXxZ04ep_aXHYmta-Z2P6l7sQ31-862C1dEffEqX_SjjvRIqY9ixKlslY6QnrVD0DsYRS1VUgeWflL0QLzYmcnJeueexxI3Q3MPjjDnMK2tTIsTtE/s320/fluffy+proud+mommy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy, our Proud Mommy!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-80190919511304297402016-07-06T15:20:00.004-04:002016-07-06T15:20:30.460-04:00Update on Queen Fluffy, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No, Ms Fluffy hasn't had her babies yet. The hostages are due to be released for another few days but still we have her on watch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cQZOd2qqyDqW1fJpwzY6Kb9fcdkW_9SBm8dVerKeIxEzK7ApXKVDD1H0E5_EUEbAF1F6pi7zs3PgnMQpPHFO920jyl2W6cPU7nzfBeJuRfIo8ZcGEisChztMdtnILl0g1hyphenhyphenlCZDBoRY/s1600/IMGP2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cQZOd2qqyDqW1fJpwzY6Kb9fcdkW_9SBm8dVerKeIxEzK7ApXKVDD1H0E5_EUEbAF1F6pi7zs3PgnMQpPHFO920jyl2W6cPU7nzfBeJuRfIo8ZcGEisChztMdtnILl0g1hyphenhyphenlCZDBoRY/s320/IMGP2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad-gum it! Can't reach that itchy spot!</td></tr>
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Fortunately I still serve a purpose in her life: reaching & scratching itchies, providing cookie support, shoo-ing away any bugs (or bucklings) that are bothering her... To keep her spirits up, her sisters have also been helpful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThOicBAZFsI9DLLg9dwgLQpZOa79PQclS3b5Ivdyn8vb2RQGPsCnerWaWbR2q3h2PAbieCvvUbgi-eOzB2gVQyVAacKdxP0Ces1qm-2WSi6JeUd-vFJohap4PjiFLf8OY6QmeV-H0fWI/s1600/IMGP2309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThOicBAZFsI9DLLg9dwgLQpZOa79PQclS3b5Ivdyn8vb2RQGPsCnerWaWbR2q3h2PAbieCvvUbgi-eOzB2gVQyVAacKdxP0Ces1qm-2WSi6JeUd-vFJohap4PjiFLf8OY6QmeV-H0fWI/s320/IMGP2309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy? All you need is a new hat and you'll right as rain!</td></tr>
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Everyone has been grazing for awhile before laying down and enjoying a summer day. The boys have plenty of toys to play on. If they start to bother Fluffy a little too much, their mom or even Aunt Dorothy will give them a nudge and off they go to find other adventures elsewhere.<br />
We'll continue to keep tabs on Ms Fluffy, hoping for happy, healthy babies soon! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-53504137224544712332016-06-30T13:39:00.002-04:002016-06-30T13:39:03.551-04:00When did you say you were due? Adventures with Fluffy, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fluffy is approaching her due date so we're keeping a weather eye on
her. Every time she makes the slightest grunt, we jump and check on
her. I suspect she's now grunting for her own amusement (hey, girls!
watch this: GRUNT! Did you see how fast they jumped? ha! ha! let me do
it again!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9ZrNjSTOlqrKXV_JOfOj0SwY7Uos6mXD7nLIFW54RJqemA3LpYTEc_ZsjRrGf4izj8gNkQ9UNyjeSSAY1KoIxx4IVA5Ey-5HW8adR_bVtf4k91oV7t3h5WeNSBV_HbAjMUpBaLgIDPs/s1600/fluffy+waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9ZrNjSTOlqrKXV_JOfOj0SwY7Uos6mXD7nLIFW54RJqemA3LpYTEc_ZsjRrGf4izj8gNkQ9UNyjeSSAY1KoIxx4IVA5Ey-5HW8adR_bVtf4k91oV7t3h5WeNSBV_HbAjMUpBaLgIDPs/s320/fluffy+waiting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready for my snack!</td></tr>
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It's so good to have purpose in one's life.....<br />
Meanwhile, the boys are growing fast and soon will be ready to strike out on their own. Constantly exploring and playing, the bigger girls sometimes will join in the fun. Aunt Dorothy plays the goat version of Hide-and-go-seek which appears to consist of the boys hiding their heads behind a large object (while their other ends stick out like warning flags) while Dorothy walks around and around until someone is found. Once found the hider races about gleefully bleating then goes and hides again...usually in the same place as before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo! Where's Lightning? Where could that boy have gone?</td></tr>
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One just has to pause, watch, and smile.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-20109556989444873912016-06-26T15:53:00.002-04:002016-06-26T15:53:44.233-04:00Ninety degrees meanwhile out with the goats, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm always surprised at how resilient Boer Goats can be. This breed originates from South Africa and has become one of the best meat goats ever bred. As other animals, including the human variety, head for the shade or the AC, the Boers are all out sunning themselves, enjoying the lovely day.<br />
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I'm the first to admit, that I love our goats. They are such personalities! Fluffy is herd queen. Although very pregnant, no one challenges her. First to the pasture. First to the water bucket. First to eat. First to get pats. Everyone waits patiently until Fluffy indicates everything okay. She's sweet as can be to the boys, gently correcting them when necessary. <br />
The boys are busy! Like little perpetual motion machines with only two settings: High and Off. Like most toddlers, they race every where: hurry to the pasture! hurry to the barn! hurry to the feed tray! hurry to the milk wagon! hurry to see what grandma brought! Most pictures I take of them ends up where one or the other is blurry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I saw some cookies in Grandma's pocket! you knock her down, I'll grab em!</td></tr>
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I think I caught them sharing a secret. We'll never know.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-2792765909726979972016-06-22T11:11:00.000-04:002016-06-22T11:11:02.313-04:00Early Days of the rainless summer, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The west coast is on fire. The Mid- and Southwest are struggling with high temps. The South and Southeast including Texas are struggling with flash floods. Here in the Northeast, although temps continue to be relatively mild, we've received nearly half as much rain as we had by this time last year. Spooky.<br />
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On the plus side, the late cold temps in Spring caused many of the blossom heads to drop making culling fruitlets a much simpler task. The dry conditions add to the fruit drop. Too much water stress however can cause fruit trees to not bear the following year, so we have to be vigilant.<br />
It's easy to forget that trees need supplemental watering in warmer or dryer weather. Setting up a sprinkler in the early evening may seem like a great idea however one needs to consider how much competition for the water your tree may have. Flowers, grasses, and other trees are all taking up the water being applied. Additionally, the drier the ground, the more difficult it is for the soil to hold water and not allow it to merely run off. At My Happy Acres, we start by moistening the soil around the tree before giving each one a long drink.<br />
Determining how much water to apply to each tree is a simple calculation. Begin by measuring the circumference of the trunk. Divide this number by 3.14. This will give you the diameter (D) of the trunk. Multiply the diameter times ten to get the number of gallons needed (D x 10 = #gal).<br />
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Although there are gizmos out there that will allow a user to precisely me asure the amount of water flowing from one's hose, most households produce enough water pressure that using the calculation, diameter times five, will tell you how many minutes of water flow will provide your tree with its water needs. (D x 5 = Minutes)<br />
Remember that it's important to measure your trees. Although many of our trees were planted four years ago, some are slow growing and others are more robust. The Sansa for example are only 1.4" in diameter however the Northern Spy are nearly 3". The difference is in the variety. Some grow fast. Some grow more slowly. <br />
Take care of your trees and you will be rewarded in the fall with some lovely fruit!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-88417654640065172082016-06-11T10:30:00.000-04:002016-06-11T10:30:15.580-04:00Goats and the Apple Orchard; Spring 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not long ago a friend of mine asked why I didn't just put the goats into the Apple orchard and use them for weed and grass control. Think of it this way: offer your family a choice of salads. One salad is made up of plain lettuce. The other salad is fruit-flavored and delicious! Now offer the choice of eating grass or eating apple trees to a bunch of happy, always hungry goats. What do you think might happen?<br />
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After trimming and pruning some of the apple trees, we took a bucket of 'snacks' over to the girls to enjoy. Fluffy immediately started hoovering up leaves as fast as she could munch. The bucklings watched Jellybean closely as she sampled the branches. She allowed them to pull leaves from the branch she was nibbling on. In short order, the lightbulbs went on and boys were soon scampering after leaves of their own.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-75219387992641084602016-06-10T16:10:00.000-04:002016-06-10T16:10:08.680-04:00Warmer weather, warmer smiles to share; Spring 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is very little idle time on the farm. When living in the city, I had little appreciation for the hours spent at the park watching the kids play or quietly reading in the shade. I have no complaints. I get up with the sun. I am greeted by the happy smiling faces of my dog and goats. Even the chickens want to snuggle up in my lap if I sit down for a moment near the coop.<br />
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Jellybean's bucklings have been growing fast. This morning they each weighed in at more than 40 lbs! All they want is to wiggle, get pats & scratches, and play! play! play! Then, after a quick snack from mom, take a nap in the sun, then play some more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Grandma! Look how fast I can run Grandma! Here I come!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm Grandma's favorite! Are not! I'm her favorite! Quit pushin! Moma! He's pushing me! Quit!</td></tr>
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Fluffy is due just after the Fourth of July. I feel so sorry for her sometimes. She's nearly 70" in circumference. I'm sure she's carrying at least twins (which is not unusual for Boer goats) but it may be more. I can only hope that she's as good a moma as Jellybean has been. <br />
Fluffy is tired of being pregnant. She's so big she can't reach all the
itchy places. She was trying to use scratch her back foot with her
horn the other morning. She wiggled this way and that way and stretched and
contorted, grunting with each yoga position she attempted, never quite
reaching that pesky foot. Finally she laid down, periodically
stretching that back leg to wiggle the foot. Poor baby. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind me. Just let me lay here and moan. A cookie would make me feel better. Just leave the bag. Really I just want one...or two...or...</td></tr>
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She might not be able to run as fast or as long as the other girls, but she still romps and plays tag. Then lays down with the boys for naps. I suspect she feels that July can't come quick enough. Hoping for happy, health babies and easy births.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-10410215535785907112016-04-30T07:50:00.002-04:002016-04-30T07:50:12.235-04:00Spring has Sprung, new babies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life has been quite busy the last few weeks with the birth of our first babies. We couldn't be more pleased! Jellybean had two delightful little boys about a week ago. Birthing went smooth and she's a good mom.<br />
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We were ready for bottle feeding just in case. As it has turned out, Jelly has plenty of milk to take care of her children. The boys have been growing at a rate of 1/2 - 2/3 lb per day and have plenty of energy to race around, explore, and get into general mischief. </div>
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Now all we need to do is think about names. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-13646200271375344582016-03-18T12:16:00.000-04:002016-03-18T12:16:14.268-04:00Spring has sprung, taking care of the itches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On the one hand, Spring is a lovely time of year. The flowers are coming up. The grass is turning green again. Brightly colored birds are returning and greeting the day with their trilling songs. Spring is also the time of mud and hairballs.<br />
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"I don-wanna walk over there! It's muddy! Icky!" the goats all seem to say as they gingerly step through the softer places in the pasture. Then, they all want to stand on the same 'high place', be that a rock or a brick or slightly raised place on the ground that appears to be a wee bit drier than where they were standing before. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkLeoS0owM11gx0LdYGEhRZdlA6KeQ05O6n-k1fUGizup65TK8vkqkPgEahV-so4b3F1l0j3i3g6_0s1XPWVAnFPRlJEGFA1QDkvgIh2zSfgBSAC7HplgUkf7yt_Ri9uB4WSrVfzsZz4/s1600/IMGP1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkLeoS0owM11gx0LdYGEhRZdlA6KeQ05O6n-k1fUGizup65TK8vkqkPgEahV-so4b3F1l0j3i3g6_0s1XPWVAnFPRlJEGFA1QDkvgIh2zSfgBSAC7HplgUkf7yt_Ri9uB4WSrVfzsZz4/s320/IMGP1387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Before you know it, the tussling starts: 'This is my rock! Get your
own!' followed by pushing and shoving and running and stamping down
whatever the coveted 'high place' happened to be.<br />
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The warmer weather also triggers everyone to begin shedding her winter coat. That lovely, thick angora undercoat that worked so well at keeping a goatie warm while rolling about in the heavy, wet snow, is now too hot and itchy. Every fence, post, gate, and pant leg that holds still long enough, becomes a place to rub against.<br />
Think about your pets. In the Spring and Fall it becomes important to brush and keep them clean. This small step keeps them happy and healthy.<br />
Using a nubby paddle brush, each girl gets in line to get some personal grooming time with the Moma. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ohhhhh yeah! that's the spot....ahhhhhh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9D-nE8TR9Kxm1-J6HuN9Vnhf9jhmY5I0HCdGT5k-DPkcLl-wfHsEQyiKvQ81rA6CewDNzbBkL4atLdH2HTqOGdyzuilGifaKoE7DCjorrzMLta6HyhQ-6foNH9efd4KLxURXvlQO0Oo/s1600/smile+pretty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9D-nE8TR9Kxm1-J6HuN9Vnhf9jhmY5I0HCdGT5k-DPkcLl-wfHsEQyiKvQ81rA6CewDNzbBkL4atLdH2HTqOGdyzuilGifaKoE7DCjorrzMLta6HyhQ-6foNH9efd4KLxURXvlQO0Oo/s320/smile+pretty.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moma's all done! don't I look pretty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-38205387708203722872016-02-29T06:00:00.000-05:002016-02-29T06:00:15.371-05:00Secret Stuff, Spring 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have a little secret that we're very excited about: two of our goat girls are pregnant! Due at the end of April we're doing our best to ensure that they are all safe and well taken care of. Special hay and lots of extra attention has been the rule of the day. If you thought the girls were spoiled before, you haven't seen anything yet! Boer goats are well known for having twins, but triplets and quads are not unheard of. We're just hoping that the girls are all able to take care of their own babies and are good mommies.<br />
For now, all is aglow at our house as we enjoy the happy thoughts about dancing baby goat feet!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-7272627791989820142016-02-27T11:25:00.002-05:002016-02-27T11:27:16.696-05:00Is it Spring yet? 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We're all getting a little stir crazy as we wait for Spring to finally arrive. Temperatures warm into the 40s and 50s, then plummet back into the teens and 20s. The chickies and the goat girls stand at the doors of their respective homes and stare out at the weather.<br />
"What? Are you nuts? It's cold out there! We want WARM food! Can't we get something delivered inside?"<br />
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Then it happened: a warm day. DH opened the front of the barn and out bounced the goatie girls. Oh, happy day! They ran back and forth as they bounced and they played. This continued until the skies began to turn grey again.<br />
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"Awwwww Daddy! Make it sunny again! We want to play some more!"<br />
After a little more bouncing, they came racing back into the barn.<br />
"Did you see us? We ran really fast! Can we have some cookies? We've been really good!"<br />
A cookie for each with a scratch on the neck and each little girl pranced back to her house, ready for another adventure this afternoon. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-82487477576748496062016-02-14T11:30:00.003-05:002016-02-14T11:30:55.961-05:00How cold is it? Feb 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was amazed. By the end of 2015 we had had just a scant bit of snow, leaving Winter to look like a bust. Since then the temps have been all over the map. Up into the 40s and 50s, then plummeting into the teens and less.<br />
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I counted our blessings when we only got about 18" last week, barely missing the bulk of a storm that dropped over three feet of snow just 20 minutes east of us. Once the wind laid, DH was able to get out and clear a small area for the goat girls to play in (no fun to drag pregnant tummies in the deep snow). I wish I had my camera as they bounced and froliced around him, so happy to see him, so happy to get outside to play!<br />
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The weather changed abruptly. Bitter temps and high winds caused dangerous conditions for all the beings on the farm. Extra hay was added to all the coops and stalls, providing protection and a nice warm bed to snuggle down into with friends and family.<br />
How cold is it? Air temps averaged 3F yesterday. This morning, the thermometer indicated that it was -11F. So how cold is it? It was cold enough to take a warm egg out from under a hen, and, by the time it took to walk with it back to the house, it had froze and cracked. <br />
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Holy CATS! That's cold.<br />
I think it may be a good day to find warm things to do inside the house.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-59778611905513010822016-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:002016-01-15T08:57:22.368-05:00Just a little snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It looks like the snow has finally stopped. Before letting the girls out for the day, we cleared a trail leading to the hay crib (goat girls) and scratch (chickies). To see if they would voluntarily walk in the snow, a right angled path was cut. Sure enough, rather than getting their feet mussed, the little goat girls carefully picked their way down the trail. It should be said that the snow in the pasture is not much more than a few inches deep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoO10lMAnv-ikazA-GMeJUOHenKXYCdSLzeT7Jw3kDI4kTxA7OEsdi_4Vj5Vai9q2ZD7TtF9TfRR7sCUS9dHWlMT-QhRmZpDr40-ghNyp0weuEjFIhFUa4TCFAmvGoOym9cssiWNzwdc/s1600/IMGP1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoO10lMAnv-ikazA-GMeJUOHenKXYCdSLzeT7Jw3kDI4kTxA7OEsdi_4Vj5Vai9q2ZD7TtF9TfRR7sCUS9dHWlMT-QhRmZpDr40-ghNyp0weuEjFIhFUa4TCFAmvGoOym9cssiWNzwdc/s320/IMGP1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay on the path Jellybean! Snow monsters might be hiding in those drifts!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLmA6huxvUv3HrKA0ZcoTDcK4805Xf1ykIE__Nh__gbzhbfz4JfWOIyn0D7GqnDNUJn8b83NBnoVqp_bt9I-9U_g-ZO9WIqNqhKz8qmeS08lV3MgHKirRu0KIwiTqJbdbg0gcFvmkshU/s1600/IMGP1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLmA6huxvUv3HrKA0ZcoTDcK4805Xf1ykIE__Nh__gbzhbfz4JfWOIyn0D7GqnDNUJn8b83NBnoVqp_bt9I-9U_g-ZO9WIqNqhKz8qmeS08lV3MgHKirRu0KIwiTqJbdbg0gcFvmkshU/s320/IMGP1170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wadya mean Back Up? You Back UP!</td></tr>
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Guess this is why we call them Princesses.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-81639580282396056932016-01-14T13:18:00.003-05:002016-01-14T13:18:26.966-05:00Windy days and rearranging the furniture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Winter has finally arrived in the Northeast. Although we had a wee bit of snow around Thanksgiving, the storms have been steadily sifting for the last few days. Just before the drifts arrived, high winds pushed the warm weather, trees, and other things away.<br />
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One of the items, much to our surprise, was the 250 lb calf hut that was strapped down in the pasture. During the night, winds were clocked in excess of 45 mph. Apparently this was accompanied by swirling air currents which were just enough to lift the hut like an over sized box kite and send it sailing into the pasture 30 feet away. I was grateful that the goaties were are tucked into their snug little beds inside the barn. I was also grateful that I didn't have to go searching for it in the wood or in the next county!<br />
I think I'm beginning to understand why the goatie-girls aren't all that keen about the wind!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-82680283739391299092015-10-30T12:44:00.003-04:002015-10-30T12:44:53.102-04:00Why cull? (revisited) 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now that the apple harvest is complete, we can revisit what worked, what didn't, where we were successful, where we could have done better. With a little less than 100 trees, we have the 'luxury' of examining each tree and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Some trees produced a lot of large healthy fruit. Some trees were not as prolific. Some trees, although culled heavily in Spring, should have had a second culling later in the Summer. How can we tell? Why cull at all?<br />
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Culling or removing smaller fruitlets at an early stage of development, allows the tree to focus it energy on developing fewer, yet stronger, healthier fruits. Having too many fruits can also cause stress on a tree which can make it more prone to sickness, difficulty in surviving the winter cold, or even prevent it from fruiting the following year. How many times have we heard people say: 'My tree produced 100s of apples last year, but this year we were lucky to get a handful!'<br />
As an experiment, last Spring we left a few fruit clusters to develop as they would normally, then compared the results to branches that had been gleaned. In the above photo you can clearly see the results: the unculled fruit clusters were significantly smaller and frequently misshapen. The taste was fine however unattractive in appearance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuVxFyn6w_8isD42BqkFDVI0PPmePa0auBhH4OgPuSNbqh1axfDPP5bZvdBoc5e8eeH2kV6z2jIZ78MBwC5hJuuT5bDy2_nQKAySc1omlW7FLc2xZ0NRHhg2FGZmli36DX22cNHKPFu0/s1600/IMGP0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuVxFyn6w_8isD42BqkFDVI0PPmePa0auBhH4OgPuSNbqh1axfDPP5bZvdBoc5e8eeH2kV6z2jIZ78MBwC5hJuuT5bDy2_nQKAySc1omlW7FLc2xZ0NRHhg2FGZmli36DX22cNHKPFu0/s320/IMGP0860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some people are put off by fruits that don't look like something out of a picture book. There are also those folks that will only eat one variety of apple. Those conversations usually begin with, 'we only eat...' This is very unfortunate for all of them because they miss out on all the variety and flavors available. <br />
To broaden your experience, next time you're at the market try this: purchase one of each of a variety of different apples: Jonathan, Empire, Granny Smith, and Fuji is a good selection to start with. Also select a mild cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella to nibble on between tastes of each slice of apple. Remember: the purpose is to taste and think about the flavors. A sweet apple may be good to eat out of the hand, but a slightly tart apple may be better in salads. There are hundreds of varieties with only a handful available at your local market. Once you've tasted the first four, select a new grouping and repeat the taste test. Try not to do more than four, otherwise your taste buds may get a little overwhelmed. Who knows? You may discover some new favorites!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-803596938436115052015-10-10T12:23:00.001-04:002015-10-10T12:23:08.882-04:00Apple Harvest, next round<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You want to taste something amazing? This morning we harvested our Jonagold apples. The Jonagold is a cross between the Golden Delicious and the Jonathan apples. This red apple has the crisp, sweet yet slightly tart flavor that is terrific to eat out of the hand or for <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/carnival-caramel-apples" target="_blank">caramel apples</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQgaOUpqSoulbYfv3xPjMFe3QZuHroEhYdxspjXwgTonF15c44n1jErRS_PJMUl96-hBgR5LddxEiv4I94weX1xspgXZOah_XBaEKidEziTNymWPEw6x0w0ik-yl3GrsCPWG0PX1dRw/s1600/IMGP0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQgaOUpqSoulbYfv3xPjMFe3QZuHroEhYdxspjXwgTonF15c44n1jErRS_PJMUl96-hBgR5LddxEiv4I94weX1xspgXZOah_XBaEKidEziTNymWPEw6x0w0ik-yl3GrsCPWG0PX1dRw/s320/IMGP0855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5NyII3bygLeEHKyVRAtjTH2s8Sd1e7SJgbQs1tKW845YdeSlRR_sc4RXHSX0uuyegbf2IAcLVRDr9eFtTC9mJikbEgO4EHWUJxujcv5f9Ey1JySaIBhxZKPO8SXWLFi9FRelJ6v1WSk/s1600/Jonagold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5NyII3bygLeEHKyVRAtjTH2s8Sd1e7SJgbQs1tKW845YdeSlRR_sc4RXHSX0uuyegbf2IAcLVRDr9eFtTC9mJikbEgO4EHWUJxujcv5f9Ey1JySaIBhxZKPO8SXWLFi9FRelJ6v1WSk/s320/Jonagold.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For those that like the Honey Crisp but don't like the sky high prices that are usually associated with this specialty apple, the Jonagold may be just the right apple for you! Try some today! You may discover a new favorite.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-50342461690249672452015-09-06T17:55:00.000-04:002015-09-06T17:56:34.464-04:00When to Harvest Apples, 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzMfQFA0uQpoYav6b9hyphenhyphenik0WSNvevxYzNzL80vcX0yyLn_K4MxCAZYudxufftKwnt9TzRCRRecTYUfbTdx1JAxHPgdR_EwY_PoRrQ3n3xUea7dSjwjFisCk4h9Nn0xky_C6fYPNBMKJY/s1600/IMGP0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzMfQFA0uQpoYav6b9hyphenhyphenik0WSNvevxYzNzL80vcX0yyLn_K4MxCAZYudxufftKwnt9TzRCRRecTYUfbTdx1JAxHPgdR_EwY_PoRrQ3n3xUea7dSjwjFisCk4h9Nn0xky_C6fYPNBMKJY/s320/IMGP0653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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‘So when do you harvest your apples?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how the conversation started as a
neighbor peered over the fence at the slowly ripening fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Happy Acres offers over a dozen
different apple varieties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some apples
are good for pies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are good for
sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are delicious to eat right
off the tree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when do you harvest?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as there are different apples for different purposes,
there are different harvest times for different apples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as we wish that we could firmly
control the growth and development of our trees, there are so many variables
that influence fruit development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
get a rough estimate based on variety, but still need to check and monitor
before picking the fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rain, heat,
humidity, insects, even bird activity can shift harvest dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when do you harvest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me share a tip and a trick with you:
ignore the calendar, check your fruit.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhGijpE_7WqqSiWEJODk_ySgL6lAeZPwXMiW2td-6NN1msPGQvEavIanALHjx6wQe-7HEiQ4Sjai_CwlvJa2R2ddb5WsKYrmf-sk6RcKBerjAmD8AXFrfKAofaX0Cykd8unN1miYyMPM/s1600/IMGP0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhGijpE_7WqqSiWEJODk_ySgL6lAeZPwXMiW2td-6NN1msPGQvEavIanALHjx6wQe-7HEiQ4Sjai_CwlvJa2R2ddb5WsKYrmf-sk6RcKBerjAmD8AXFrfKAofaX0Cykd8unN1miYyMPM/s320/IMGP0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cortland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although some folks will tell you that when the apples are
red, you should pick the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
what do you do when you have a variety that doesn’t normally turn red?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonagold, Fuji, and even some Courtland
frequently have fruit that doesn’t turn red but appears green at harvest
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> An easy way to determine if your apples are ready to harvest is to select a sample apple from the tree in question and cut it in half to expose the endocarp or seed area of the apple. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpC1au5UB1IJ-Pm89CkbRwn6e0xfE8O4VmO1GO8x-PhKD1eXX-q1Fem3_-kobxv0tVA3aFbdJ9NbyxHSvYDh4HwRwrPuLKe0JtKqHmHSuc6U0zC8yDwVPAQGJt8Hc7O7S6vp9a0XldVc/s1600/IMGP0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpC1au5UB1IJ-Pm89CkbRwn6e0xfE8O4VmO1GO8x-PhKD1eXX-q1Fem3_-kobxv0tVA3aFbdJ9NbyxHSvYDh4HwRwrPuLKe0JtKqHmHSuc6U0zC8yDwVPAQGJt8Hc7O7S6vp9a0XldVc/s320/IMGP0660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sansa on left is ready to pick; Cortland on right needs another week or two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Take a close look at the pips or seeds. If they are white, light tan, or have white tips, the apples are not ready for harvest. Our Sansa trees are ready to be picked. First developed by an international team, the Sansa is a cross between the Gala and Arkane apples giving it a sweet flavor and fine texture. </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">These little trees are not particularly attractive, nor very productive. What they lack in looks, they make up for flavor. Unlike other apples, the Sansa is slow to turn brown when sliced. This makes the Sansa an excellent choice for salads or slices.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-28543388388001692602015-08-16T12:49:00.001-04:002015-08-16T12:49:10.740-04:00Good stuff at My Happy Arces, August 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Late summer is a very busy time on the farm. The apples are nearing the time to be picked. The Blackberries are ripening. The vegetables are at peak, looking good, and tasting like heaven! So let's take a walk:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWfgSjiqwFOpM7ihpCezEtI0XEjTR4Jy84O0pExrCA09gvJEZTo6jB4KY4e5_v60uzedmqh_BvPr4Tbp6vSXRJIcnnjq92C4iD4a7Rqn0o0iBSylzsFpmdwol2jHVpUKQz56GC5ck3XU/s1600/IMGP0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWfgSjiqwFOpM7ihpCezEtI0XEjTR4Jy84O0pExrCA09gvJEZTo6jB4KY4e5_v60uzedmqh_BvPr4Tbp6vSXRJIcnnjq92C4iD4a7Rqn0o0iBSylzsFpmdwol2jHVpUKQz56GC5ck3XU/s320/IMGP0540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mild, warm days have been perfect for our little orchard. Although we culled heavily in late Spring, the trees are now heavy with fruit. If conditions continue to be pleasant, we can safely assume that, come October, we will have a nice variety of apples to offer our customers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f7Di5MyGxyU3fRpgZaqqnZibASYemvDr69GfSNrmXA6lUwVlAxM1ZTf0Jzl-okv7JbMHDfWjAnPzEupd93JRSOxpeEQNkP1nhj57SSr15YH2TodmsXIBbuWCsksK0U-0yiMGCJBlN5k/s1600/IMGP0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f7Di5MyGxyU3fRpgZaqqnZibASYemvDr69GfSNrmXA6lUwVlAxM1ZTf0Jzl-okv7JbMHDfWjAnPzEupd93JRSOxpeEQNkP1nhj57SSr15YH2TodmsXIBbuWCsksK0U-0yiMGCJBlN5k/s320/IMGP0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't these beautiful?</td></tr>
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Speaking of beautiful, this is the first year we have been able to successfully bring cauliflower to full maturity. As much as I'd like to say that it's due to the right seeds and careful management, I can only give full credit to following the instructions that were given to me by an elderly farmer I know. The elderly have a lifetime of experience. If one is respectful and patient, it's amazing what one can learn. In this case, I learned why my broccoli and cauliflower bolted or just plain failed to thrive.<br />
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Members of the cabbage family are mostly cool weather plants. They don't like the hot weather. They don't like getting their roots too warm. They don't like dry conditions. His instructions were simple: water in the early morning and shade them when the temps are going over 90f. That's it? Water and shade? No special compost mix/fertilizer/special cauliflower frisky blend? nope. keep em watered. Keep em cool.<br />
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Isn't this pretty? Most of the cauliflower heads are about these size of a soccer ball. Although they are the color of good cheddar cheese, they still taste like cauliflower yet have a milder flavor than the white variety. We like them. It adds a nice splash of color to the salad or vegetable dish.<br />
Summer is a wonderful time to try new things. When visiting your local farmers' market or farm stand, taste and try new varieties of the foods you love. Like tomatoes? Try some low acid yellow tomatoes, or try a new variety of cherry tomato. Some are sweet. Some are tart. Tomatoes come in a variety of colors, not just that slightly washed out red color that grocery store tomatoes all seem to have. They also come in a variety of flavors. Try something new today!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-45549589244778464802015-08-02T16:32:00.001-04:002015-08-02T16:32:49.824-04:00Bed bye Not! part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
oh -- you thought I was kidding??? this is from last night:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO88IfP9LGZa4CEwHFWibb7FXSQFxB3nZiRnAJ9Isoo3c8uyIJMNCCR2C70H8f-8cXTFczP45fARFuQksexq19DS-S1uy0oDVfjwKR0JanL0ZNjYeE_Bya2hYbDUfYM537lUNbRZs0cw/s1600/Free+ranging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO88IfP9LGZa4CEwHFWibb7FXSQFxB3nZiRnAJ9Isoo3c8uyIJMNCCR2C70H8f-8cXTFczP45fARFuQksexq19DS-S1uy0oDVfjwKR0JanL0ZNjYeE_Bya2hYbDUfYM537lUNbRZs0cw/s320/Free+ranging.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what are you doing out here? waiting for you Momma...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiS_1T3lnBa-AUwrtYDIY3VyWBrBYQljUsy38qUrRn7tH8d-neVhcOiIAbxgaa5sY8-YG6CDJzJNDfgeI1hdDgo2HVfrVohOp0TGm-YOiWc8cixf-4rvS2HLnIkwdZGGAI7Hf2sOmLCQ/s1600/mommy+carry+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiS_1T3lnBa-AUwrtYDIY3VyWBrBYQljUsy38qUrRn7tH8d-neVhcOiIAbxgaa5sY8-YG6CDJzJNDfgeI1hdDgo2HVfrVohOp0TGm-YOiWc8cixf-4rvS2HLnIkwdZGGAI7Hf2sOmLCQ/s320/mommy+carry+me.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">did you know that chickens purr when happy?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnAgYT_f4Ar4Ryj6atzFh3W_DDXP-MQjmBFQyrhxHOyRSjjgjfMSMZmRmR9-OdeCXk3nGfdi63yMy5t7qo61R-vIbZivharqqRkR8RFO7Pfsts6CxiIJbpK89JxRDnQrZ96RV8ppncYg/s1600/on+the+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnAgYT_f4Ar4Ryj6atzFh3W_DDXP-MQjmBFQyrhxHOyRSjjgjfMSMZmRmR9-OdeCXk3nGfdi63yMy5t7qo61R-vIbZivharqqRkR8RFO7Pfsts6CxiIJbpK89JxRDnQrZ96RV8ppncYg/s320/on+the+box.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's no room in there. Can we ride on top?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxhkhTAQEFbR2JOwNVz9FT4Yeag7om751hR1aa-ApeAo9PACwz4oS_gWHm3DWbMJAJ7GID0tJOsD4pvdEJbPb9c2jl8rIZRmuAME_J8OJNOaE7nuQmiS9J1y54W8N3IRfQttCD6-cd1A/s1600/waiting+her+turn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxhkhTAQEFbR2JOwNVz9FT4Yeag7om751hR1aa-ApeAo9PACwz4oS_gWHm3DWbMJAJ7GID0tJOsD4pvdEJbPb9c2jl8rIZRmuAME_J8OJNOaE7nuQmiS9J1y54W8N3IRfQttCD6-cd1A/s320/waiting+her+turn.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're next! We're next!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we get a story? I think I need another drink of water before Bed bye.</td></tr>
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Yes, it's true. Thirteen chicken hugs, thirteen little pats, thirteen drinks of water, thirteen bedtime stories, and off to bed bye we go. Keep tellin' ya: never a dull moment.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-12357036393967866432015-08-01T14:34:00.000-04:002015-08-01T14:34:30.262-04:00Further adventures with little chicks or Bed-bye NOT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The warmer weather has been a real plus for moving the baby chicks out to their new chicken tractor. I should say that the babies aren't little babies any more. They may be 10 weeks old, but they are fully feathered and ready to take on the world! The plastic chicken wire fence that defines their play yard is of little consequence as some of the bigger chicks loft themselves into the air like giant awkward bumblebees. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9L3iFxtA6oklUGl-LBfIYZ_qamLV0IF5aEOL0p-OWhjD1FlJaEj4Ovp08_XEwaLml_n4UC91IiTHoFfy5bx759PiioqcaF6hKfIlLuCnuE9PfLOJZYmFZCiCpYkBMRP3o3-Htfw8jTY/s1600/Ameracaunas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9L3iFxtA6oklUGl-LBfIYZ_qamLV0IF5aEOL0p-OWhjD1FlJaEj4Ovp08_XEwaLml_n4UC91IiTHoFfy5bx759PiioqcaF6hKfIlLuCnuE9PfLOJZYmFZCiCpYkBMRP3o3-Htfw8jTY/s320/Ameracaunas.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Each morning, bright and early, the tractor is opened up allowing the babies to wander out for their chicky adventures. Fresh water and chicky chow is available inside at all times but outside: the world is their salad bowl. Everything is new to these little busy bodies. If someone finds a bug, everyone has to rush over to see what it is. If someone tastes something delicious (like the bug), everyone wants a bite. What can I say? They're better than television.<br />
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Like all our chicken friends that came before, this year's hatchlings are being taught 'Bed bye'. Put simply, when I tell them 'Bed bye' all the little chickies are to head up the ramp and go to bed. Well, its worked on everyone that has come before. Of course we have a little problem with this year's group.<br />
This year I decided to introduce the babies to the great outdoors by taking them on little field trips to the garden. One-by-one I would scoop them up out of their chicken nursery, place them into a small pet carrier before toting them outside. This has worked extremely well. No one fusses about being handled. They know that I'll keep them safe from anything scary that might come along (larger birds, plastic bags, big trucks rumbling down the road, etc).<br />
At the end of the day, I open the carrier and call 'bed bye'. Everyone dutifully stops whatever she's doing and ducks into the box. Easy-peasy. When they arrive back at the nursery, each little chicky is picked up, given a little lovin's, then put to bed.<br />
When they moved to the chicken tractor, I forgot that merely opening the door was not going to quite do it. Soon as I put the carrier down, everyone wanted to go into that. Moving a small pet carrier with 13 little peepers inside is no big deal. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">150617, babies first day out</td></tr>
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Now, with only five of the children in the carrier proves a tight fit. But tight or no, they all wait their turn to go into the box so that one-by-one, they can be lifted out, given a little lovin's from Moma, and tucked into bed. Bed bye...<br />
It's going to be a long summer...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-60601819761372323072015-07-16T15:30:00.003-04:002015-07-16T15:30:41.488-04:00Out in the Garden, Beans 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It wasn't that long ago that we cleared a spot in the garden and silently planted green and yellow bean seeds into their neat little rows. Dutifully weeded and watered when necessary, the bean plants have flourished.<br />
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We've planted four rows of each type, with each row planted just a few days apart from the previous row. The reason for doing this was so that we could harvest beans thoughout the season rather than for just a few short weeks. It's pretty neat seeing the different stages of plant growth. The lovely purple flowers of the green beans with their tiny bean pods, compliment the delicate white flowers of the yellow bean plants. <br />
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It's so nice to be in the garden in the early morning. The dew misted over the leaves and flowers. The birds just starting to wake up. It's a nice reminder of the real reasons why we keep a garden.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840370875083771571.post-82551937924737197822015-07-12T10:48:00.003-04:002015-07-12T10:48:27.193-04:00Little chicks not so little any more, 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As we've been working in the garden, weeding and prepping for fall plantings, the chicks have been spending more and more time outside. Their playpen has grown from a four by six box to a 70 square foot play area corded off in the garden. They can run and play and, for the most part, stay out of trouble, safely behind the plastic chicken wire. In the early morning, Mom scoops up the chicks one-by-one, putting them gently into the carrier, to be toted out to the garden. They've been growing so fast, that soon the little pet cab will not nearly be big enough to easily accommodate its feisty passengers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! This is nice. did you see all the hay and fluffy stuff in here? It's like a big nest!</td></tr>
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In order to get them used to the idea of a new means of transportation, we've built a mini-chicken tractor using a much larger tote set on the garden wagon. Bungee cords hold it securely in place while it goes bumping along. Right now it is set up to allow the babies to explore and use it for a playhouse. A bit of carpet glued to a piece of plywood makes a fine, slipfree ramp for little babies to run up and down. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how HIGH I am!</td></tr>
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The only challenge remaining is little chicks like to try their wings. Even the smallest can fly surprisingly high once they get it into their little chicky heads that that's where they want to be. 'Lookit me! I'm an eagle! Lookit me SOAR!' In a sudden explosion of feathers and fluff they take to the air, followed by a lot of complaining about being on the other side of the fence and away from the feeder, the water, and all their little friends. Guess this is why being in the garden is a supervised activity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WM8oHmeCYr-wL3_aiCNoMiywDeqZwLqbMRRvZNAY93tg92jMkaoDxou1qskJ4lpDf7IcKaYrA2r8lBKli-hk58Bua-CbvbwqXwmb29HNYPIGH493sUwJL3J_R3-6wO9DU1F4Qu44zk8/s1600/IMGP0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WM8oHmeCYr-wL3_aiCNoMiywDeqZwLqbMRRvZNAY93tg92jMkaoDxou1qskJ4lpDf7IcKaYrA2r8lBKli-hk58Bua-CbvbwqXwmb29HNYPIGH493sUwJL3J_R3-6wO9DU1F4Qu44zk8/s320/IMGP0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're brave little chickies! wait a minute...was that a bug?</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1