We will not be over come....

I will fight the good fight as long as I there is breath in my body.

I will not take for granted the sacrifices made

by those who fought and fell before me.

Freedom is not FREE.

Please pray for our country.

Psalm 138

1 I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple

and will praise your name

for your love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

3 When I called, you answered me;

you made me bold and stouthearted.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord,

when they hear the words of your mouth.

5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,

for the glory of the Lord is great.

6 Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly,

but the proud he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever—

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Sweeeeetttt!

I am really flying high this week. My tech guy "hubby" hooked up my barn cam. It is wireless and I can now sit in my easy chair at night instead of dragging off to the barn in my pajamas! LOVE IT!!! I can check on my goaties anywhere there is internet...even from my Itouch. How cool is that:) It has already paid for itself a couple of times allowing me to get there and help with kidding that otherwise might have been disaster.
We have been in kidding overload with 26 on the ground and doing well. We are almost 50/50 with sexes and have had a very healthy vigorous group despite this kooky weather.
We go from frigid cold,snow,65 degree days and monsoon rains in the span of 3 weeks.
I am pretty skeptical about the global warning issue .God must be having a hayday saying"take this and tell me who is in control" LOL!! We think that we can control the weather ...get real.
I have only 17 more does to kid with about 10 of those being young first fresheners kidding in May. I am sure glad that I sold so many and got my numbers down HEE HEE HEE!

On another note, I have been really lucky in finding great deals on the equipment that I need for the Grade A dairy and cheese license. It is amazing how things are falling into place.

I have searched for over a year for the things that I wanted to no avail but suddenly ...unbelievable deals seem to be falling in my lap. I now have my pasteurizer/cheese vat (C Van Reit no less!),3 bulk tanks with compressors,temp recorders,sinks,tables,3 hp DeLaval pumps, stainless milk lines and collection jars,washing systems and so many other little things. I am eternally grateful to all the fine folks that I have meet and their generous help in obtaining these things.
I have a few road trips to make but will love that part too.

We are totally revamping our herd this year in anticipation of the cheese making. I have begun spacing out my kiddings in two groups for extended milking.We are also adding a very select Lamancha herd to the mix. I might as well get earless ....Nubians would be in a tough fix throwing them in with a bunch of evil Alpines.While our Alpines have consistently high butter fat this should boost our components. We will maintain the highest conformation standards and continue to be on DHIA tests to ensure we are pushing production efficiency.
We will also be doing another research study with Fort Valley University on forage and parasites. I really found the results very interesting last year as well as the parasite and Johnes study with USDA.
I plan to make my microscope work overtime this year in helping with our herd management.

As promised the last link in the "Dig Another Well"series is being posted.http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_another_well_part_three.pdf
It talks about adversity in a new way..please take the time to read it carefully.


This has been a very trying past year and the uncertainty continues to grow. I am a very controlling person and want to micro manage things a bit too much at times. Well, some things are just out of my control right now. I am so happy that I can just sit back and relax and know that it is in better hands than mine....God will prevail!

Kidding has begun!

Well, here we are in a perpetual "calm before the storm " mode. Our 2010 kidding season started off with a set of triplets from my favorite doe and our best buck. We had 2 bucklings but sadly the doeling was still born. We have been on constant baby watch day and night this week . The stubborn girls just seem to be waiting for me to turn my back. Two does are overdue and obviously miserable but still very prego!
The rain just keeps pouring in and the mud is unbelievable as the temps continue to hoover at 33 degrees. I soooo wanted to go to Virginia next week but they are snowed in by the record snowfall. I guess that I will spend my time working on cheese recipes and a proforma. BLAH!
As I promised, here is the link to Dig Another Well II http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_another_well_part_two.pdf. It is well worth the read for anyone who is struggling now and questioning Gods role in their life. Sometimes we see every failure or strife as God forsaking us or not being blessed. Issac felt the same. Persistence and perseverance are what God teaches in tough times. Living by faith and being diligent in you efforts when things are rosy is just "easy peasy" but in times like we are seeing lately it is easy to question.....
I am continuing in my own quest as to which direction our lives should take. I am still working on the idea of a dairy and creamery as time allows. I am so very thankful that while our country is in a state of turmoil and financial downturn I am rich beyond measure to have a loving family, my husband and soulmate, with my faith in God to give me confidence.
I am at the age that "living simply by simply living" is becoming my motto. I no longer see value in material things . I see them as things that cost many hours of my life and my family time to pay for them. When I see things that tempt my fancy I now stop and mentally evaluate just how much of my life,energy and family I must sacrifice to own it. Fewer and fewer "things" seem worth that cost these days!
I have kept a little sign for at least 20 years that says this"Lord,please help me not to hold on to the things of this world as it hurts too much when you must pry them from my hands"
I guess this will also help when the current Administration steals the last bit of bread from our table and clothes from our back.

part 1

Well, I am strongly rethinking the ARK thing tonight. I am pretty sure that I own 2 of 1/2 the species on this continent . At least it feels that way at feeding time:)
We have gotten the most rain that I can remember in 20 years. Our drive is washed away and the kennel partially flooded.We have 14 inches of gravel piled up at the bottom of the hill.
All the critters are a bit miffed I'm sure but are fine. The tornadoes passed over without touching down. I had planned to start my seed shopping list tonight but am a bit reluctant.
Anyway, for those who are interested I have provided the link to the first part of Dig Another Well. This is a study that shows that Issac was exposed to the same trials that we are today.
When times are tough and we are feeling down its easy to forget all our blessings that we do have.



http://www.jobclinic.org/uploads/Dig_Another_Well_part_one.pdf

Dig Another Well

Dig Another Well.... Some of you might think that I have lost my mind entirely thinking of well digging after this past year of down pours and flood! You might say how about an ARK! There have been times that that has crossed my mind. On one hand, I remember not too distant years of doubt when we all BEGGED for rain. Even our Governor sent out pleas to God to sent rain to our parched earth. We cried, we ranted, we cursed but there was not one thing that we mere mortals could do but sit and wait. Then came the rains that we have screamed for! Boy, the rain came!! Now that we have what we implored of God it is not the right amount to please us LOL! I always say its not the rain that is the problem it is the MUD.
That being said it is becoming increasingly clear how after years of drought followed by these floods we are brought literally to our knees. Farmers have lost crops that shriveled on the vines and then crops rotting and topsoil washed away as the rains swept in.
Anyone that has been around me for very long knows how much I love Paul Overstreet. I have really been thinking of Issac lately and the song "Dig Another Well". I feel compelled to share these with you .

Paul Overstreet Dig Another Well lyrics

Well Ike had a blessing from the Lord up above
He gave him a beautiful woman to love
A place to live and some land to farm
Two good legs and two good arms

Well the devil came sneakinG around one night
Decided he would do a little evil to Ike
Figured he would hit old Ike where it hurts
So he filled up all of Ike's wells with dirt

And when Ike went out for his morning drink
He got a dipper full of dirt and his heart did sink
But he knew it was the devil so he said with a grin
God blessed me once and he can do it again.
He blessed me once and he can do it again.

So when the rains don't fall and the crops all fail
And the cows ain't puttin' any milk in the pail
Don't sit around waitin' for a check in the mail
Just pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

Now me and old Ike got a lot in common
The Lord blessed me with a beautiful woman
He gave me a job he gave me a home
He gave me a well to call my own.

Now when I go out for my morning drink
And get a dipper full of dirt my heart does sink
But I think of old Ike and I have to grin
Cause God blessed me once and he can do it again.
He blessed me once and he can do it again.

When the rains don't fall and the crops all fail...
And the cows ain't puttin' any milk in the pail
Don't sit around waitin' for a check in the mail
Just pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

--- Instrumental ---

Well, the good book says Ike finally won
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
The devil got tired and he left him alone
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
All I know someday I'm gonna win too
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
'Cause the good book tells me what to do
(Pick up the shovel dig another well)
Pick up the shovel and dig another well.

Pick up the shovel and dig another well.
Pick up the shovel and dig another well...

After reading these lyrics thru a couple of times please check back to read part 1 of a 3 part series on trials and job difficulties . God equips us with what we need ; if we have the fortitude to use it.
The Bible written even hundreds of years ago still has answers, if we seek them....

New Year -New Plans

2010 ! That looks strange when I actually write it. It seems like a sci fi movie title from 30 years ago. I am from the generation that Star Wars bloomed. While I am definitely not a Treky, I d0 know a few that are:)
As the New Year rolled in the Arctic air came with it. I love cold weather! Everything seems to be fresher. The stars sparkle at night a little brighter and there is always the anticipation for the coveted precipitation.
On the other hand, I do have more concern for my animals well being. Even though,we break ice they don't seem to drink enough. Reduction in milk given is an indication that their bodies are using resources for keeping warm. I do try to make sure that they have what they need but I am always watching for stress. We will be swarmed with new babies in about 3 more weeks so I am in frenzy to be ready.
2009 brought with it a different kind of stress for many folks including myself. The economy has begun to take it's toll on most. I am pondering every purchase a little longer and less productive animals are being put on the "to sale" list. The idea that they must add back to their cost has me finally pushing myself a little harder to go Grade A. We already function as a dairy for all intent but the certification would bring new costs initially in equipment and buildings. So for the next few weeks I will try to weigh the pros and cons of this emerging idea.
I know that my life will always involve animals and farming so it is not the 24/7 that concerns me. I love what I do and will always strive to self sustain. It is the strange new Government that is frighening. I have never been more concerned about the future of America. I am unsure of where this administration intends to take us but I have the little gut instinct that tells me that it is not good. I feel a bit queasy.
Oh, how I wish that Aesop's Fables were still in our school studies. I am always preaching to my children that "many hands make light work". I adhere to the 'Little Red Hen' theory. It seems that those in power do not. They insist on rewarding laziness with the earnings of those who work! Well,even the Bible says "2 Thes 3:10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever does not work should not eat." I guess if you don't believe in the Bible you might need to read the 'Little Red Hen'! I'll be damned if I am going to bust mine and continue to have it stolen away and squandered on vermin.
My New Years Resolution is to FIGHT back! I am not sure exactly how to do it, but this gal has had enough. I am sorry if I might step on a few toes this year but don't worry that I will covet anything of yours. I will pull my own little wagon . If I fail to provide, I will do without . People say that "you don't know what it is like to be hungry". No I don't,but I also don't know what it is like to sit on my ass and wait for a check from someone else to feed me. I am not a selfish person and will always share...especially with those who can't do for themselves BUT those are few indeed.
There will be a time in the near future that everyone will need to make choices that we have never been faced with before. I hear the drum beats.......

new baby

We have a first here on the farm....a December kid! We realized a couple of weeks ago that one of our doelings was building an udder. It seems that while we were away in Virginia the end of July she came in heat and was bred. I know! I was late getting our bucklings out of the doe pen and didn't want to do it just before leaving for 11 days. Well, I came home 2 days too late LOL! I will have to DNA test 3 bucks but this beauty will be worth it.
We have also had a really wonderful holiday season at the kennels. Things have been so slow that I had feared we would have almost no dogs here. Thankfully,I was wrong. Our cow Missy is coming into full production and giving wonderful sweet milk with loads of cream. As soon as we slow down from the holidays I will be frantically making as much butter and cheese as possible. I plan to start another churn of kraut soon also. I look forward to the real winter weather that comes in Jan. and Feb. Our kidding season begins the first week of Feb. so I need to get the kid stalls ready and heat lamps up.
The seed catalogs are coming in and it is time to sit by the woodstove and plan my orders. Life is good!

Christmas Day!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!! I wonder how the wise men could find their way today with all the lights on houses,trees and even cars. It has become quite a circus. A total diversion from the true meaning of the day. We as Christians celebrate this day and the virgin birth of our savior and Lord ,Jesus Christ. The son of God was sent as a gift to man to give us the opportunity to be saved from our greedy sins.
He was born of the most humble of means yet we insist on honoring him with the most garish of ways. Strange ,Yes!

Well,all the ingredients are purchased for the Christmas meals. Now I just need to find the recipes to start preparing the food. Everyone has a favorite dish so we never have that balanced table that you see in the magazine. We are all tired of turkey from Thanksgiving thus we will have Prime Rib on Christmas day. We will have plenty of side dishes and more than enough desserts.
It never tastes quite as good to the cook and as it should after preparing it, but the happiness inside that comes from feeding your family is always there.
My conviction this Christmas is to make sure that each and every one of my daughters learn to cook a complete dish. I must admit that I have been a near failure in being insistent in teaching them things in the kitchen. I always seem to be too tired,too busy or they were at a sports practice etc. Suddenly,I realized that time has passed much too quickly and they are young ladies without the proper Southern lady skills. Oh my,how will they ever catch a husband! This Christmas I will begin a new tradition of compiling a family recipe book. I desperately want them to grasp this part of their heritage and treasure it as I have. I want my grandchildren to eat the same Southern soul foods lovingly prepared by their elders hands. I am not being prejudiced just proud of who I am and who my forebears were. We sometimes smugly think that we are different and unique. I say that just the opposite is true. We are bits and pieces of so many before us.I lost my grandmother to illness when I was 5 and missed many of the things that grandparents do with a child. I desperately cling to the memory of me sitting on the kitchen counter watching her cook. I remember a gruff old great aunt lovingly helping my little hands pat butter in molds and indulging me with treats all the while acting like I was trouble.I remember this today when I teach my own daughters to make butter from our cows. I am always amazed at how certain foods bring back memories and emotions.Tea Cakes with chocolate icing will always belong to my Aunt Eva. I will never dig a sweet potato with thinking of Uncle Boss. Fried egg sandwiches belong to cousin Joe and chicken pie to Aunt Hesta Lou....I could go on and on.
Some things are contributed through blood and still others by association. I catch little glimpses of many in the kaleidoscope that is my life. Some colored me happy and bright while others touched my life with dark cold hues. Each and every one contribute to who I am and what I pass on to my children. We are not one whole but tiny bits of many treasures collected along life's path. When I look in the mirror and see the eyes of my grandmother or I see my husbands father in the way that he walks.
Many notes must be played to compose a song. It is the same with life. There are just so many moments to make a life. My wish for Christmas is that each child would receive the gift of heritage that I offer. It is my dearest gift to give.

RAIN RAIN RAIN!!

It has been raining since last night. This is a cold rain. I think that we are barely above freezing. I sure wish that I was in Virginia. They will get almost a foot of snow and have a beautiful white Christmas. I will have to suffice with a cold mushy mud filled Christmas:)
My poor critters are not happy,especially the goats who HATE rain. They are huddled up and grumpy. I bet the chickens won't lay today either. I am so happy that we have loads of split fire wood for the wood stove. I will just hibernate until milking time. I am making a grocery list for next weeks baking.

WOW! Christmas Eve is a week away

Time sure flies. I can't believe that next week is Christmas. It is always a stressful time of the year trying to get gifts and food bought in advance as we all work during the holidays at the kennel. It takes effort to refocus on the true event that we are celebrating,the birth of Jesus.
We were blessed yesterday with the birth of a healthy great nephew.
It had me thinking about how Mary and Joseph must have felt ...trying to find a place to deliver their child. Most of us are fortunate enough not to be wandering around homeless,9 months pregnant on a donkeys back no less. I actually pondered what it must have been like to give birth in a stable last night as I was milking Missy (our Jersey). Things were so quite and calm. All the goats were bedded down and chewing their cud. I leaned in close to Missy in an effort to keep warm and felt her velvet fur against my cheek. The rhythmic movement of her body as she eagerly ate her grain carried me in a gentle rocking motion. I was lulled into a dreamlike state. In comparison to the hustle and bustle of today's hospital the stable would have been a very peaceful place to enter this world. I know that I find peace there at night after a long day.
The night sky was bright with stars and there was a crispness in the air but inside the stall it was warm and sweet. Steamy heat rose from the animals bodies. An occasional hen chuckled softly to herself...quite happy with her days work. The day might have been created to provide life to our plants and allow us to work but the night was created to nourish our soul.
I feel very fortunate to be able to spend this quite peaceful time with our animals. Their contentment washes away my contempt of what our society has become. For a short time the peace and simplicity of the barn envelopes me and renews my faith that God will prevail. What a more poignant way to show us that life needs to be unencumbered by "stuff"and more enriched by simply living. The "King of Kings"was not born in a palace of stone but in a warm cozy stable. If it was good enough for Jesus it is just fine for me. Excuse me while I go to my quite place:)

Montage Dairy Feed

I was so excited today when our new feed was delivered! All the animals seem to really love it . I am anxious to see the results of the nutritionists work . All the water tubs were frozen this morning but the sun was shining so bright that it melted pretty fast. It was really nice to see the sun come out after all the storms .