tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20721072308670048492012-02-27T21:13:56.091+11:00~~ On a small farm the fun is concentrated ~~Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.comBlogger941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-54070093052437369972012-02-27T21:13:00.000+11:002012-02-27T21:13:56.103+11:00

We got the new horses, then Frankie got sick not leaving any scope for working him.  Actually, it left no scope for treating him either so thankfully he came good on his own.  Last week the Mr went away for work so no progress was made in that time either, but over the weekend the Mr got to spend some more time with Frankie. Further to these photos from yesterday, Frankie now pretty well

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-83711660142081262142012-02-21T21:40:00.000+11:002012-02-21T21:40:57.868+11:00

\ The former rabbit shed is now empty of anything rabbit related and being used as a feed room.  It is a big improvement as far as the shed is concerned and I love having somewhere stock proof and weather proof to put the feed. The recent rains have made a few jobs move up on the 'to do' list.  The carport had ridge capping on the roof, but it was only held down by telecom rope and it had

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-85742605970167959882012-02-18T08:45:00.001+11:002012-02-18T10:28:21.834+11:00

Yesterday the new horses arrived.  The mare is handled, but not broken in.The foal is 2 months old. The pony is 1yo and unhandled. Busy times ahead for us.  

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-33902092170201992952012-02-08T18:19:00.000+11:002012-02-08T18:19:16.932+11:00

Once upon a time someone here bred rabbits in a serious way.  Not us, we don't even own one, so we are ripping everything out of this shed so we can use it to store the load of hay I just bought. It seals well and has a good door on it which makes it a handy storage space.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-42266859014735038752012-02-02T11:53:00.001+11:002012-02-05T12:09:05.035+11:00

To be picked up when the rain stops, whenever that may be... Unbroken, 1yo and approx 12hh. A project, because there isn't enough to do around here already... Fun times ahead. edit 4-2-12: And these two horses too.  A grey TB mare with a 2 month old foal at foot. The foal is losing his foal hair and will be a grey too.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-19145325388445455852012-01-06T14:25:00.000+11:002012-01-06T14:25:50.707+11:00

After the bigger than expected flood in November, we knew we would have to replace a fence line over the holidays.  I use the term 'we' lightly as my job was mostly in watching the children with a bit of 'sighting in' thrown in. This is what sighting in looks like.  Staring down a row of fence posts making sure they are put in a straight line.  As an extra tip, don't wait till one is in and then

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-17509263074710986832012-01-06T14:13:00.011+11:002012-02-21T20:05:41.253+11:00

My online rain chart: FEBRUARY 1st - 58.5mm 2nd - 24mm 3rd - 3mm 7th - 2.5mm 8th-10th - 7.5mm 12th - 2.5mm 19th - 8mm 20th - 17.5mm JANUARY (95mm-3.8inches) 5th - 27mm 7th - 7mm 15th - 4.5mm 22nd - 0.5mm 24th - 3.5mm 25th - 5mm 28th - 1mm 29th - 1.5mm 30th - 5.5mm 31st - 39.5mm Previous years recordings here.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-81967639080958674182012-01-05T13:03:00.000+11:002012-01-05T13:03:35.941+11:00

We have finally had a taste of Summer which has let us enjoy the creek. It really is beautiful here, the children love it.  So do we. There is a catfish in this pool that swims around as we do.   And it isn't far to walk home. Bliss.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-39259284252029598642012-01-04T18:18:00.000+11:002012-01-04T18:18:10.594+11:00

Keeping an eye on the goings on in the yards.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-25654715133820096772011-12-24T17:37:00.000+11:002011-12-24T17:37:42.325+11:00

Via here 2012 is the Australian Year of the Farmer!   I am sure 2012 will be exciting.  I am looking forward to making improvements about the place and continuing to enjoy our home and the wonderful community we have found here.  I need to set some goals and get organised, but for now I will enjoy the holiday and see what happens.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-63727748642937579862011-11-27T21:21:00.002+11:002011-11-29T11:24:39.507+11:00

In my last post I mentioned that we had never seen flood water come into our paddock.  Naively I thought that would be about as high as it would get so we went to bed happily and slept well.   The next morning that water was up a bit more, but nothing too scary as yet. Then it kept getting higher...  We played 'watch the gate post' and I took photos throughout the morning thinking each one would

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-86300448152971768552011-11-25T17:13:00.000+11:002011-11-25T17:13:19.308+11:00

In the past two and a half weeks we have had 7 inches of rain. This photo was taken from my back door.  You can see the flooded creek in the background.   In the time we have been here, this is the first time we have seen the creek high enough to overflow into our paddock below the house. The gate into our creek paddock. This is where we usually swim. This is just to the left of where our

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-46252210914230038812011-11-22T16:03:00.000+11:002011-11-22T16:03:30.209+11:00

Sunday and Monday saw us drenching, tagging, marking and vaccinating the sheep. Note to self, do it earlier.  Some of the lambs weighed in heavier than I do I reckon.  Also, we lost a lamb to tetanus the other day. Hopefully the vaccine offers the others some protection from that problem.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-9685687902516837942011-11-04T09:12:00.000+11:002011-11-04T09:12:55.062+11:00

Have you heard of the National Rural Woman's Network?  I hadn't until recently. The NRWC is one of six National Women’s Alliances funded by the Australian Federal Government through the Office for Women, and has been working since 2002 to inform government policy and create better outcomes for the regional, rural and remote women of Australia, their families and communities.Recently I applied to

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-62882013386858301032011-10-31T16:41:00.000+11:002011-10-31T16:41:20.461+11:00

A week and a half ago the spray contractor arrived after the agronomist and sprayed our paddocks. before, weeds with native grasses and clover. We have had plenty of rain heading into Summer and now that the spray is starting to work it's magic things are looking good around here.  Fingers crossed for a good season.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-83280320327113082842011-10-12T13:42:00.003+11:002011-10-12T13:43:20.326+11:00

Doing the rounds on the internet at the moment.  It it interesting isn't it?!

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-48927032329773933622011-09-20T09:21:00.000+10:002011-09-20T09:21:39.817+10:00

We tried leaving the washing out on the line and washing the car, but after a long dry Winter we decided to up the stakes.  Nothing was more guaranteed to bring on the rain and overcast days than buying a solar hot water system.  Harness the power of the sun?  What sun?  The rain was needed and very welcome so all is well. We do love it and have not run out of water since it was put in.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-26406442021509731362011-09-05T08:52:00.000+10:002011-09-05T08:52:35.404+10:00

The latest set of twins the other morning has our lambing percentage at 167!  Sounds impressive doesn't it? Very few ewes were joined when our good ram died right on the cusp of breeding season causing much panic.  Our agent picked us up a new Dorper ram on sale day because after numerous calls to breeders we were out of luck.  We got the new ram home and tossed him right in with the ewes, we

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-56486325399700210292011-08-25T09:20:00.000+10:002011-08-25T09:20:11.664+10:00

The other morning I went out for a walk to check the sheep and found these two.  Black is the new Black! How wonderful to be able to capture this moment and look on (from a distance) while the ewe cleans her moments old twins.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-86052035792918394972011-08-23T15:54:00.006+10:002011-08-26T08:46:53.177+10:00

Did you see the SBS Insight show on The Ethics of Eating Meat?  You can WATCH IT HERE if you like.  I have not watched it yet, but I am going to talk about the subject anyway.  I was on the show and I have no desire to see myself on National Television and as such have not watched it yet.... ethic -plural of eth·ics (Noun)1. Moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior.2. The

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-26872250545047091292011-08-19T19:08:00.001+10:002011-08-19T19:13:15.538+10:00

A couple of nights ago we had rough winds and rain.  I have only been a sheep cocky for 12 months but I am a quick study so I took a wild guess and thought perhaps that was the kind of night a lamb would choose to put in an appearance. I was right!Our first Dorper x Wiltshire Horn and first lamb for the season.Funny looking thing but I am already starting to get used to it.  The colour of the

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-53659985284588298762011-08-16T17:09:00.001+10:002011-08-16T17:17:52.126+10:00

If good fences make good neighbours we had some work to do... Over the past few weekends or so we have straightened fences, tidied up wires and put electric outriggers up with a hot wire.  We have done two boundary fences and have two to go in addition to any internal fences that would benefit from some work. The creek paddock is next on the agenda as these are the neighbours cows that have

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-27237093970390445002011-08-02T09:13:00.000+10:002011-08-02T09:13:52.386+10:00

60 Minutes - Live Export Ban The story run by 60 minutes shows that despite the Government lifting the ban nothing has changed for the many families in this industry. There is also a transcript of the live chat with Marlee after the show aired.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-27492641892248543382011-07-16T15:48:00.002+10:002011-07-16T17:03:09.801+10:00

One of the most interesting things about having added some White Leghorns to the chicken coop is the difference in the egg colours we are now getting.  The warm brown eggs are from the Isa Browns and the white eggs are from the new White Leghorns. The other interesting this is that one of the new White Leghorns is actually a light brown colour. I just expected them to be all white given the

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-4807947432023260822011-07-15T09:04:00.000+10:002011-07-15T09:04:36.841+10:00

We have had some lovely frosty mornings here over the last couple of weeks.  The best part about a frosty morning is knowing it will turn into a beautiful day by morning tea time.  Until then we sit in front of the fire. Splitting wood with the block buster is a great way to warm up although I do find it a bit hard on the good hard wood.  I suspect I swing like a girl... I think we will need one

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-17795458080432607272011-07-10T17:44:00.001+10:002011-07-10T18:35:23.057+10:00

It is hard to believe that we have been here for a year now.  We have loved the past 12 months and are looking forward to the next 12 months too. We have done a lot of work cleaning up and renovating, and have a large list of things to do both in the house and outside.  Lucky for us we have no time pressure to do anything as it is a slow process. We celebrated our milestone day by going to

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-17590681164393143472011-07-03T18:39:00.004+10:002011-07-04T21:37:21.685+10:00

The Australian cattle industry is hurting due to the live export ban in place after the horrid footage shown on Four Corners some weeks ago.  Nobody denies the footage was bad, but did it warrant a knee jerk reaction to ban all cattle from leaving Australia?  Did you know that there are in fact abattoirs in Indonesia that do meet the industry standards needed to process cattle but they have also

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-52228315995495983602011-07-03T08:57:00.000+10:002011-07-03T08:57:14.841+10:00

When the shearing sheds are silent and the stock camps fallen quiet, When the gidgee coals no longer glow across the outback night, And the bush is forced to hang a sign, 'Gone broke and won't be back' And spirits fear to find a way beyond ...the beaten track When harvesters stand derelict upon the wind-swept plains, And brave hearts pin their hopes no more on chance of loving rains; When

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-58816057963703037912011-06-07T20:11:00.000+10:002011-06-07T20:11:56.813+10:00

Last weekend the chicken watch began.  I was lucky enough to have been offered the loan of an incubator and some eggs to try to hatch.  Things were touch and go at one point with a storm and 6 hour blackout but we kept fingers crossed that the eggs would be ok. The first chick 'peeping'.  Did you know that you can hear the chickens cheeping in the eggs before they have even peeped a hole?  It was

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-76216063312599340222011-05-23T20:42:00.000+10:002011-05-23T20:42:39.300+10:00

After the fox got 7 of my 8 chickens I was pretty upset. The one remaining bantam was pretty upset too so we didn't waste too much time in buying 3 more Isa Brown hens to put back into the hen house. In the meanwhile, one of the Playgroup Mum's heard of my plight and lent me her incubator and some eggs that should be Silkie Bantams when they hatch. I have to turn the eggs twice a day for 18 days

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-15428721715105557852011-05-20T15:11:00.000+10:002011-05-20T15:11:08.092+10:00

Not everything we fix around here is exciting.  The bracket for this down pipe used to fall down the beam when the fat possums used to run up and down it.  Given the pipes had not been glued this made everything come adrift, not great for catching water.  New and improved made with another upright support in the middle of the pipe.  This is now welded in place and the pipes have been glued.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-45929654163377981642011-05-16T14:01:00.000+10:002011-05-16T14:01:19.604+10:00

A water trough does not sound like a big thing, but when we moved in nothing was plumbed in so we had to fill up bath tubs from a hose to water stock.  This makes it hard to get away for a weekend, especially in hotter weather. We sat a large round trough in the middle of a small fence line the Mr and his Dad pulled out.  The Mr made a steel panel to go over the trough then they rebuilt the

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-26150241140741121302011-05-15T20:18:00.002+10:002011-05-16T13:46:09.281+10:00

On Friday we had a warning of what Winter will have to offer with a cold snap.  The trees all dropped their leaves en-masse and Nellie decided to have her calf. It is a very cute Black Baldy of unknown sex at this point.  edit 16/5/11.  It's a girl!  This means Possum has told us her name is Lola.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-38960784269028861662011-05-14T20:58:00.006+10:002011-05-14T21:06:43.528+10:00

Spotted while out for a walk last Sunday... There were a few but this one swung around my way and I managed to snap a quick shot on the small camera I just happened to have in my pocket. The horse does not look happy!

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-74434344301213339442011-04-28T09:35:00.000+10:002011-04-28T09:35:16.425+10:00

It is wonderful to have a well to pump water from, but not so wonderful when it is not covered and safe for the two small children.  The Mr and his Dad spent a day putting this together.  Bolted, hinged, and secure using all recycled products from about here.  They did a great job and I am glad it is no longer a risk, just an asset.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-63126145963592671652011-04-26T14:09:00.000+10:002011-04-26T14:09:27.777+10:00

We were excited when we moved here because there was a cubby for the children.  It is home built from timber grown here too.  The only problem with it was the stairs were broken, and that it was sitting next to the carport and shed.  Not exactly the safest place for children to play. We decided to move it, which involved lowering it to the ground and sitting it on some timbers to act as skids.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-56285272649030966322011-04-22T09:37:00.001+10:002011-04-28T09:28:09.233+10:00

Yesterday we had a permit to burn some rubbish about the place.  We have had some decent rain over the last week so it seemed like a good time.  We still had the fire trailer ready just in case something went wrong, which it didn't.  There were six fires burning. The small boy calls these 'spikey things'.  He is often covered in them.  They are Cobbler's Pegs, or farmer's friends or sticky beaks

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-65996899158597065512011-04-18T15:39:00.001+10:002011-04-18T15:40:50.139+10:00

Noisy Cockatoos, and a real fruit and nut eating pest.  They squawk as they fly about in circles around us and are not loved much here.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-11615785124378303772011-03-20T08:36:00.001+11:002011-03-20T08:40:14.409+11:00

I need to plant my Autumn seeds and get organised, but we are so busy it has been hard to find the time. I have new veggie beds built, and a load of soil from the feedlot to build them up. Soon! Yesterday we harvested the last of our potato crop.  Another 9 kgs of spud!  It has worked well for us to leave them in the ground until we needed more in the kitchen.  If I had of dug them all at once

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-49273605057400953382011-03-16T11:45:00.000+11:002011-03-16T11:45:59.300+11:00

A week and a half ago we fenced of part of the creek paddock and moved the horses out there.  Not the little pony, she stayed with us in the house paddock instead as there is too much feed about. We have lived here 9 months now, and this is the first time we have moved any stock into the creek.  It is still flowing well, clean, and lovely.  We had a splash and paddle while we were there and Gem

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-20074806298552137732011-03-08T17:53:00.000+11:002011-03-08T17:53:47.881+11:00

The road to the East is bumpy and dusty... But it is a pretty drive. With the creek, animals and a great view. I don't go this way often, but it is nice when I do.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-16842911708565829042011-03-04T17:34:00.000+11:002011-03-04T17:34:41.865+11:00

Drenching the horses today.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-65672074855526089572011-03-02T19:00:00.000+11:002011-03-02T19:00:19.602+11:00

Gem is our new pup.  I picked her up after a tip about a good litter of working dog pups needing new homes.  The local vet vouched for both parents as being good dogs and the rest was history. Gem is a Kelpie x Stumpy tail cattle dog.  She is 10 weeks old. The children are both excited to have a dog again, and if I am honest I am too.  I really miss Sam, but I am thinking of how much I will

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-53492063165477392322011-03-02T14:40:00.000+11:002011-03-02T14:40:32.008+11:00

Yesterday afternoon, with no warning, a fierce wind storm swept by. We have some cleaning up to do in the side yard, but thankfully no damage to any property occured.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-20274606319400836852011-03-01T12:54:00.002+11:002011-03-01T13:15:03.777+11:00

Our Wiltshire Ram got sick moments before breeding season started so we had to quickly buy a replacement or risk having no lambs this season.  Our local agent did a good job and picked this guy up for me at the local sale. He is a Dorper ram, which I hope will be a good cross over the Wiltshire Ewes we have here.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-81475302123071387602011-02-25T05:06:00.002+11:002011-02-26T15:44:00.803+11:00

The last few mornings have had a chill about them which makes me think of Autumn, which is not far away.  We have been sleeping under blankets and the days are getting shorter.  Autumn is such a beautiful time of year.  It means we need to stockpile wood, and that the sheep will be joining soon. I have planted some seedlings this past week.  Beans, peas, cauliflower and cabbage.  I need to get

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-61179881751298448962011-02-19T18:56:00.000+11:002011-02-19T18:56:53.985+11:00

I found out that squash can be grated and frozen in the same way as zucchini.  It can then be used in stews, to bulk out mince meals and in soup too.  Hurrah for that because we have a squash glut right now! We also discovered that squash was delicious when thinly sliced and fried in garlic and soy sauce.  A great way to add another serve of vegetables to a meal that even the children love.  We

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-69127256670204413892011-02-18T20:12:00.000+11:002011-02-18T20:12:09.713+11:00

Today was a big day in town.  In addition to a boy's first haircut we also picked up a few new animals to welcome onto the place. A new week old poddy calf from the dairy.  Possum has named him Charlie.  He is being bucket fed and when he is weaned he will join Nellie and Terry out in the paddock.  And I found some Pekin Bantams!  I have wanted some more chickens for awhile so this was very

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-84924045600160669322011-02-16T22:03:00.000+11:002011-02-16T22:03:54.038+11:00

I picked as many pistachios as were ripe for harvest and spent the afternoon, and some of this evening removing the outer hulls.  I have learnt a bit about this in one evening.  When pistachios are ripe they will fall off the tree with little coaxing and be easy to shell.  Don't pick them if they are not ready yet as it is a case of 'softly softly catchee monkey'* with these nuts or it is hard

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-33661903730024139612011-02-16T17:10:00.001+11:002011-02-16T17:13:04.871+11:00

Work has moved along enough that I decided to move the bed back in.  2.5 weeks in long enough to sleep in the dining room I think. We still need skirting, cornice and door frames. Painting needs to be done which means I have to make up my mind with colours....  I love the shape of the ceilings in the bedroom, as well as the board clad walls on the external side of the room.  It will look great

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-1772566932470157242011-02-12T19:29:00.001+11:002011-02-12T19:33:05.115+11:00

 Sheep work today for our 6 ewes, the ram and 8 lambs.  Drenching (with Alban), vaccinating, and in one case a dust with some fly strike powder. We don't own many sheep, but our yards are so bad that it is hard work treating them.We did use some portable panels to add an extra holding yard which helped but the main timber sections are in need of replacing too. I bought back a couple of the

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-74075860640258869492011-02-08T19:58:00.001+11:002011-02-08T20:00:06.451+11:00

Working in the lounge room this weekend past.  We found another paper dated 1918 (above). I did keep a couple of the wall paper samples for the photo album too. I was not always the best offsider as I was easily distracted by the old newsprint and looking for ads and things of interest. When we pulled the old cladding off we discovered (again) a lack of studs and noggins so we had to re-frame

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-66057512799726238552011-02-07T20:14:00.000+11:002011-02-07T20:14:14.412+11:00

Yesterday we harvested 13kg of potato.  This takes our total to about 17kg dug so far and we still have another couple of rows to do yet. We picked 750g of cherry tomatoes too.  I think these will end up as chutney to compliment the cold meat we eat through the week. Our Pomegranate shrub is covered in fruit, but not quite ready for harvest as yet.  I don't think they will be far away.  We are

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-87765551585302848512011-01-31T08:54:00.000+11:002011-01-31T08:54:07.426+11:00

I had thought we would be further into the renovation plans by this stage, but I have a couple of great excuses for why we are not. 'I will fix this hole' said Possum as she tried to 'hamm' a screw in.  We gave her a nail and then she did much better.   'Bubble' said Blue whenever he ran off with the spirit level to measure a wall.  He also ran around saying 'noisey' whenever a drill  was in

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-21504538880527394052011-01-27T16:00:00.000+11:002011-01-27T16:00:03.559+11:00

When you chase a red belly black snake under your house you may start to dwell on the fact that the walls in the main bedroom are so warped that the skirting boards have fallen to the ground below the floor space. So there are not too many sleepless nights dwelling on this I came up with the plan to re-sheet that room, the spare room, half the lounge and some of Blue's room too.  Better safe

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-91209521654802455162011-01-27T13:32:00.002+11:002011-01-27T18:18:03.894+11:00

Our house is rather old in places as evidenced by newspaper paper covered walls dated 1923 as above.This is a spare room, not doing much now but I have plans for it.   An ad for Henry White Jamaica Rum and what appears to be an ad for an interesting sounding book... The slab hut construction of the original part of the house.Some of this will be plastered over in this room so I can put in a

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-14779186910061790812011-01-21T11:31:00.001+11:002011-01-21T11:31:56.721+11:00

Project 52, one photo every week in 2011 following the theme 'Rural Life' {week three}

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-66477900374757744782011-01-15T20:39:00.000+11:002011-01-15T20:39:57.347+11:00

Project 52, one photo every week in 2011 following the theme 'Rural Life' {two}   All the lawn mowers had a busy day. SOOC

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-1512077157785689142011-01-09T17:47:00.001+11:002011-01-09T17:52:06.630+11:00

1. Our chooks now live in the orchard in their new cage. 2. We made the cage ourselves. 3. We used only materials that were here.  Recycling at it's best!  Even the nesting boxes, tin feeder and water drum were salvaged here. 4. The chooks will eat the fruit fly from the dropped fruit off the trees.  They will be mostly free range chooks that will be let out every day to roam in the fenced off

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-61789846686077912182011-01-08T18:49:00.002+11:002011-01-09T22:18:19.437+11:00

The holidays are almost over.  We decided not to go anywhere as we had enough fun staying here, swimming in the creek, doing a few jobs about the place and having fun with the children. We now have fly screen on doors, curtains on windows (mostly), the chook house is close to complete and in the orchard and the chimney is almost properly water proof.  We still have to finish the many jobs we

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-19088685165290677142011-01-04T21:08:00.056+11:002012-01-06T15:32:52.023+11:00

A place to tally the (mostly) welcome rain in 2011. 2011 = 34.33inches! DECEMBER (88.25mm/3.53inches) 1st ~ 10.5mm 7th ~ 12.5mm 10th ~ 14.5 11th ~ 18.5mm 12th ~ 5mm 19th ~ 2mm 22nd ~ 7mm 23rd ~ 13.5mm 24th ~ 3.5mm 26th ~ 1.25mm NOVEMBER (227mm/9.08inches) 7th ~ 7mm 13th ~ 58mm Very heavy storm 16th  ~ 15mm 18th ~ 11.5mm 22nd ~ 4mm 23rd ~ 51mm Steady general rain.  Creek flooded. 24th ~ 12.5mm

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-38658818181800703002011-01-03T14:28:00.000+11:002011-01-03T14:28:17.085+11:00

Project 52, one photo every week in 2011 following the theme 'Rural Life' {week one}New chook house in progress. SOOC

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-47920300349638307742011-01-02T10:22:00.000+11:002011-01-02T10:22:50.832+11:00

It would seem that once again my fat and spoilt horse has stood between the Mr and his BUMPER CORN CROP.   And I don't think it is entirely my fault given the Mr's horse and the Small's pony were also in on the act... It would seem corn is irristable to horses, and don't think planting it safely away in the orchard will save it. It could have been worse, we got to chuckle over corn woe of old

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-52742848979892821512011-01-01T11:24:00.000+11:002011-01-02T10:24:28.989+11:00

Happy New Year! This morning we were out in the garden while the dew was still wet on the grass. We harvested carrots and rhubarb, some for the fridge, and some already blanched and in the freezer.  It is a great way to keep yourself in veggies all year and not waste the excess. I collected the eggs and fed the chooks the scraps from last night too. 

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-9925334503262654492010-12-31T10:30:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:30:32.154+11:00

The cockatoos ate all the almonds. The big wet caused all the nectarines and apricots to swell and split and the fruit fly moved in and then moved on to the plums.   I have high hopes for the peaches and persimmons.  The pistachios also look good for now. Time will tell... Today we sprayed the fruit fly and took the time to pick up all the dropped fruit and bag it in the sun to try to control

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-56174826089272251552010-12-20T10:03:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:42:00.334+11:00

It felt like we had 30 acres of dense saffron thistles but The Mr put the slasher to good use a couple of weeks ago and cleaned things up.  Despite being well into Summer, it feels like Spring so I hope the grass grows now that there is less competition for it. It is a beautiful end to the day when you can look at this sunset from your dining room window. I know I have shown this photo off

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-89161500730704976392010-11-27T14:23:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:38:49.746+11:00

A week and a half ago I picked up our new mower from in town.I am a little bit excited and have since mown all the lawn twice.  The Mr is yet to drive it, but I will let him have a turn when the novelty wears off! Hydrostatic gearbox, lights, cup holder, bumper, sliding seat and bonus trailer make mowing the grass fun again.  The orchard looks wonderful and The Mr moved a fence post so he could

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-46645449208851292722010-11-18T18:33:00.000+11:002010-11-18T18:33:03.369+11:00

Ok, they are not really man eating Triffids, but they are plentiful, and they do attack.There are a lot more than I would like, the good season with plenty of rain has given the weeds a good start as well as the grass.  Our creek is flooded again too.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-42264648612191835542010-11-06T20:34:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:35:50.996+11:00

Another sale!  I think I am a little addicted.  It is like op-shopping for farm stuff! I picked up this set of matching wardrobes.  They are the same colour but the right photo was taken in a low light room.  The Mr is now the proud owner of a stack of stiltsons, a pipe cutter and pipe wrench and another set of bolt cutters.  He also picked up a wire spinner and a pipe bender. We had a full

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-67956962093882367292010-11-06T20:25:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:36:50.362+11:00

A quick update on clearing sale goodies! Clearing sale 1 was The Mr's Carry All for his tractor.  He has used this a lot already and loves it just a little bit.  Clearing sale 2 was where I picked up my sheep crate seen here taking our first lot of sheep to the sale.  The Mr had to weld a roof on it for me because it was a little low to not have one.  Given we had the mesh already this was no

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-89373684539039677182010-10-28T19:26:00.000+11:002010-12-31T10:34:08.605+11:00

I think I need to make myself some sock-savers.  The barley grass is a menace!

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-70231686264724810232010-10-27T14:27:00.000+11:002010-10-27T14:27:30.438+11:00

On Monday we took our first lot of sheep to the local market.  We loaded them in the sheep crate I bought at the last clearing sale we went to. The 7 Ewes and 1 Wether had to go in order to clean up the remaining herd here.We want to keep the better stock for breeding from. We got a fair price given what we sold and came home happy enough. Next week we have to send in a load of Rams to finish

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-90393523304346036242010-10-18T20:00:00.000+11:002010-10-22T21:16:05.734+11:00

Yesterday we took advantage of the nice day and marked our lambs.  They now all have orange ear tags to mark them as a 2010 drop.  They also have rings on and are almost ready to be weaned. We don't have sheepyards so it was a bit tricky catching them and getting organised but with the creative use of a roundyard and a few sheep panels we managed.  I am dreaming of owning this portable

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-59006046682948331632010-10-17T11:01:00.000+11:002010-10-17T11:01:04.419+11:00

Taking advantage of the cold snap that came through to get some meat in the freezer. Hogget and Mutton this round, Prime Lamb next time.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-50785857063525207562010-10-13T13:33:00.000+11:002010-10-13T13:33:06.363+11:00

The orchard was a little overgrown.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-29309018530071279912010-10-10T13:48:00.000+11:002010-10-10T13:48:44.701+11:00

The sheep are shedding their wool and we are about to mark lambs.Terry calf has been weaned and the veggie garden is growing well. Possum's pony is here now and we are getting ready to bring the other two horses in as well.It is really starting to feel like home here :)

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-18581992157677034072010-09-28T12:07:00.000+10:002010-09-28T12:07:58.746+10:00

Yesterday we went for a walk to check on things after being away for the week.  I was glad I had the camera with me when I saw how beautiful the Paulownia trees were now that they are in full flower. They are deciduous trees 12–15 m (40–50 ft) tall, with large leaves 15–40 cm across, arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers are produced in early spring 10–30 cm long and resembling a

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-78158467523899408622010-09-25T19:45:00.000+10:002010-09-30T12:03:42.990+10:00

It is fun showing before and after photos, it makes me feel like we are getting somewhere! We moved the shed forward, tossed out the junk and attacked the leaf litter with the rake.  It is a much better wood shed now.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-56202786590422347682010-09-21T02:04:00.000+10:002010-09-30T12:03:21.395+10:00

A lot of things on our block need work, and some of it is little stuff, and some of it big stuff.This is big stuff I think so it feels good to have it done. We took advantage of the Mr's folks coming up for a visit and while I had a babysitter on hand and my Father in-law to help with the hard work we cleaned out this shed before the scrap man came. We pulled the iron off the front to open up

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-33727009639415727312010-09-19T12:19:00.000+10:002010-09-19T12:30:14.487+10:00

We went to a local clearing sale yesterday which is a fun day out for everyone.  The kids loved looking at everything and Possum made a new friend in a little boy and tagged along beside him most of the day. The Mr. bought a Carry All for his tractor which he has already put to good use in bringing up some of the large blocks of wood ready to be busted for the fire. I missed out on the crate

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-42999284069825231502010-08-29T15:47:00.000+10:002010-08-29T15:47:28.314+10:00

This is Terry, so named after the local dairy farmer we picked him up from.He is a holstein poddy calf. He is just 3 weeks old and is very big for his age.  He drinks milk out of a bucket and he is living in my orchard. He is a little bit cute :)

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-79839487375831239252010-08-28T13:37:00.000+10:002010-09-06T10:03:26.754+10:00

Yesterday was a big day with the scrap men coming to clean up all the piles of junk that had been left here.  It really was exciting to see all our hard work in collecting, sorting and stacking scrap paying off as it was loaded onto the truck. Scrap is saleable so it will be interesting to see what this ends up being worth.I think the biggest benefit will be in having this place more habitable

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-42154222592356717112010-08-24T15:26:00.000+10:002010-08-28T13:39:50.000+10:00

The almond trees are beautiful in full flower and there is a hint of Spring in the air.In spite of this I am tired and feeling blue. Our shower leaks through the wall so I need to rip the tiles off, water proof and tile it properly.Same with the upstairs shower. When the plumber looked into the issue I had with the main toilet he discovered it has been double trapped and there is an air lock

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-57627805973327042212010-08-17T13:58:00.000+10:002010-08-17T13:58:59.729+10:00

Twice as cute! We have 2 sets of twins amongst 8 lambs.  The herd is growing.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-47397243686146131792010-08-15T18:20:00.000+10:002010-08-15T18:20:12.576+10:00

Lambs! We had three lambs born last night!Our first since moving so it is a bit exciting! They are Wiltshire Horn sheep which self shed their coat so no wool for my spinning wheel.  On the plus side there is no crutching or shearing either so these girls are easy to look after.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-61352796758310484652010-08-12T09:43:00.000+10:002010-08-12T18:21:32.899+10:00

The Mr. proudly drove home his 'new' tractor and slasher on Tuesday.  He is quite chuffed with it!It is a Ford 4000 which is about a 1965 vintage tractor, one day I will take note of the serial numbers and work it out properly.  The slasher is almost new. The best thing about it is we already have several implements for it that the vendors left here.  The Mr is dreaming up uses for the rear

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-28199703865371136872010-08-08T08:11:00.000+10:002010-08-08T08:11:30.433+10:00

The Mr designs sheep and cattle yards for a living.  Can you tell? The beds have been placed to form a wing to help get the sheep through the gate. This was how the yards were when we moved in.  They have been added to the list of things to fix...

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-8863363324685739812010-08-02T19:08:00.000+10:002011-01-01T16:48:20.189+11:00

Somewhere to record our rainfall in 2010 from July 10th when we moved in. DECEMBER (124.25mm / 5 inches) (1st-5th) 56mm 6th ~ 5.5mm 9th ~ 18mm 10th ~ 14mm 14th ~ 1mm 16th ~ 8.25mm 19th ~ 5mm 23rd ~ 3mm 25th ~ 1mm 26th~ 12.5mm NOVEMBER (137.25mm / 5.5 inches) 1st ~ 13mm 5th ~ 1mm 6th ~ 5.25mm 7th ~ 20mm 8th ~ 1mm 9th ~ 5mm 10th ~ 11.5mm 11th ~ 25mm (12th-14th) ~ 4mm 15th ~ 18.5mm 16th ~ 16.5mm

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-34486387998110336472010-07-31T14:57:00.000+10:002010-07-31T14:57:07.380+10:00

Our creek before the rain: And After: We had another 35.5mm overnight and I suspect they had more further up into the hills!

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-15619755815657435382010-07-29T14:53:00.000+10:002011-01-02T10:25:45.822+11:00

The veggie beds in the front yard looking through to the orchard. 2.5 weeks post settlement and I have already been busy outside.  There has been hard work clearing rubbish and cleaning up.  Already I have turned the soil in the garden beds ready for veggies. I have pruned over 30 fruit trees in the orchard which is something that I suspect has not been done in some time. It was hard work with my

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-82935081782358039162010-07-10T05:02:00.000+10:002010-08-28T13:38:21.449+10:00

Finally it is moving day.  It is just after 4:30am and I am already up drinking coffee.I can't decide if I am nervous, or excited, or both.Both! Image I am picturing us planting our ordered potatoes and pruning the orchard soon, but I think it will be all about the boxes, unpacking and trying to find enough firewood to get us started for the first couple of weeks. Wish us luck, for the adventure

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-90657450476261583512010-07-01T15:05:00.000+10:002010-07-10T05:05:51.711+10:00

There is but a week to go. This moment feels like it has been forever in the making and moving too fast all at once. I am EXCITED, NERVOUS, and BUSY. Goodbye old house.

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-33485283855979301972010-06-17T08:43:00.000+10:002010-07-05T19:15:36.143+10:00

It has begun... These boxes were saved from our last move so have been recycled once.  I will keep them this time too, not that I want to move again in a hurry! I am a slap happy box tape kind of person.  The Mr is very careful in his tape usage and application.It is funny that in some things we are so different, and in others, the same.Possum does not care who tapes the box, as long as she

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072107230867004849.post-28759276098908745152010-06-02T07:31:00.000+10:002010-07-10T05:04:17.558+10:00

30+ acres, 30ish sheep, 4 cows, a small orchard and various pumps and plant as well.There is a lot to clean up, and a lot to do but we are really looking forward to the challenge. We dream of turning this into our home, where we can be mostly self sufficient and can raise our children as well as we can.   We both have an interest in Permaculture and this is our chance to put that to a practical

Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.com8