Filed under: April 2020 | Tags: baby horse, family time, filly, Suffolk Horses, Suffolk Punch
April 25, 2020
Our filly is now one week old. She is growing very well. It is so much fun to have a baby horse here again. She is an independent little girl! Strong willed for sure.
We are seeing many good traits from her breeding.
Once she grows up, I am sure that she will make a great work horse.
In the meantime, we will just enjoy watching her grow up. To see her run and frolic makes us smile. This is a good distraction these days…and unlike our children and grandchildren…we can get our hands on her!
Filed under: March 2019 | Tags: 3-horse hitch, family time, maple syrup, old-fashioned, percherons, Small Farming, thankfulness
March 30, 2019
Our 2019 maple syrup season has come to a close. We had a cold start to the season and a warm end. It was almost hot (51 F) on the last day we gathered sap. I put our filly Abby in to help the geldings. The sled pulled hard on the dry ground, but three horses pulled it easily.
Abby did a wonderful job. This was her second time hitched in a 3-horse hitch, where we actually did some work. She was alert, attentive, calm and willing. The plastic sap bags, shiny and fluttering caused her no issue at all. The banging of sled, tank and bucket didn’t shake her at all. She knew that as long as the boys and I were there, everything would be okay. She preformed like a champ. Her training and my invested time with her paid off in a big way.
The season was much like this hitch, a tough job, made easy by friends and family. More than once I realized, just as Abby had, that everything would be okay as long as “they” were all there. So, thank you to everyone for the help, the company, the meals…some very late at night, as we harvested the season’s maple crop.
Now, the big job of clean up begins. It takes awhile, but well worth the effort. The woodshed will need re-filled, all tanks and such will get pressure washed and put away. Then in late winter, just before the next season, the clean up gets repeated as we get ready for the 2020 season.
Next however, will be the fun, satisfying job of spring plowing. Abby and the boys will get a work out, as we head towards summer and the work that farming brings. I love this farming life. I see God in the new born babies, the emerging crops and in the sweet, golden, reward that is maple syrup. I am thankful for the knowledge and where with all to make it happen. I am thankful for folks teaching and sharing with me like my grandparents and others who saw in me a light…I hope it shines for the world to see.
Filed under: August 2018 | Tags: children, equine, family time, horseback riding, horses, Ponies, Pony, responsibility
August 31, 2018
Our son has had ponies ever since he was a small boy. We got him his first equine companion one year for Christmas. Her name was of course, “Noel”. She was a very old girl, just right for a small boy. She was gentle and did everything right. Jake loved her. He learned a lot about horses and ponies from her.
Over the years, our son has had quite a few horses and ponies. One of the last ponies he trained, was named “Patches”. He was a small, powerful little guy who hated me. The little imp would do anything for our son, but delighted in making me angry. In fact I saw “Patches” a week ago. He now lives on an Amish farm and gets daily use by a bunch of children. I walked up to the little calico pony, called his name. He ran right over to me and promptly bit me…Just a nip, but just enough for me to be sure he still doesn’t like me.
Our son is teaching his children about horses. He is passing his love for them on to his own children. “Jumping Judy” is becoming my grandchildren’s best friend. They are learning all about her daily care. They realize she needs to be brushed, fed, petted and looked after. Responsibility is good for children, supervised and corrected by an engaged adult, creates many loving bonds.
This little pony is a gem. I am sure there will be countless hours spent riding, driving and simply just spending time with her. She even tolerates me. Ms. Judy comes over occasionally. She interacts with my horses in the barn. She is polite. Everybody gets along. Judy’s usual day, however, is spent in her own barn. My grandchildren take care of her. They put her in and out of the barn. They clean her stall and fill her water, much like their daddy did…not so many years ago. I think a pony and a child is a connection made in Heaven. Once you see the smile and confidence on a child’s face, while they are caring for a well broke equine…You will think so too.
Filed under: April 2018 | Tags: family, family time, labor of love, Small Farming
April 5, 2018
I do not care how tough or cool you are….when an almost 2 year-old tells you to put on Easter bunny ears…you do it!
As I write this post, I am reminded of how love makes the world go around. Of course there is love of family and friends, that goes without saying. I also think jobs like birthing baby animals, mucking stalls and making maple syrup are all labors of love. There is not a lot of profit in any of those jobs, but there is joy in all of them…at least for me!
When I drain a tractor rut in such a manner where the water runs across the grass instead of washing mud quickly into a stream, it pleases me. When I pull fallen tree limbs out of a small stream or cut a big undesirable tree, releasing saplings of hard maple or oak to thrive in the newly opened spot, I am also pleased. I know that I am doing things that will in time offer big rewards.
When I play with a small child or teach them something new, I can also see the promise in the future. We took two of our grandchildren to a movie last week. Our eight year-old grandson held the door for us and some other people as well. Both of them said please and thank you. I was very proud, not only of them, but of their parents as well.
All of us need guidance and love. When it is my turn to provide these things, I do my very best. Reaping the seeds of what you have sown can be a wonderful thing. I feared that I worked too much when our kids were little. Seeing the generations from the children we raised, makes my heart soar. Apparently, I spent enough time to show the way, offer advice and live by example. None of the time was wasted.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to blend a big family. I didn’t always do things right, but I never quit trying. My wife and I are surrounded with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are our labor of love. They are worth every minute that we spend with them! This farm anchors us all. I hope to continue to show, teach and share with all of them…how life truly depends upon six inches of topsoil and the fact that it rains….. All that love stuff is the fun parts!
Filed under: March 2018 | Tags: family time, inspiration, maple season, maple syrup, maple syrup production, memories
March 29, 2018
This new section of road saw many trips of horse drawn sled. On the day of the photo we had gotten almost two inches of rain. I am always impressed by the small amount of disturbance the horses do. Their impact on the land, even in muddy conditions is light.
I boiled maple sap for the last time this year yesterday. The syrup was still light and yummy looking. The taste was awesome too. I take a few sips to ensure the quality! Just a few drops to swirl on my tongue is enough to make a big maple smile.
Yesterday was bittersweet. The season ends so this job is done for another year. I enjoy this time of year like no other. Sometimes its cold, wet and miserable as we gather in the sleet or rain. Other times the sun shines warm on our faces as the snow covers the ground. The steamy room echos with voices of children, family and friends. I even hear the echo as I boil all alone. My memories rush forth from days long ago, as I watched my grandparents make this sweet treat I so dearly love.
The evaporator boiled the last of the season’s sap. I watched the puffy clouds make their way out the roof knowing that the work would be over for a year, but silent too will be the voices and laughter. You see, I make more than maple syrup here… I make memories and smiles, while ensuring an old way of making maple syrup is preserved for the next generations.
The clean up part of the job begins today and will continue for a week or so. Tanks, pans and piping all get washed, dried and stored away. The trees have all already been untapped. The spiles now get washed and dried. The job of filling the woodshed again will begin and take a few months to complete. All these things must be done, because the maple season 2019 will be here before we know it!
Filed under: March 2018 | Tags: draft animal power, draft horses, family time, Farming with Draft horses, maple sap, maple season, maple syrup, maple syrup production, RFD TV, Rural Heritage, Rural Heritage magazine, Small Farming
March 22, 2018
My horses are stars again! They just had the role in a video showcasing our farm’s maple syrup operation. The footage was shot by Rural Heritage magazine and will appear in the future on RFD-TV. The CD will also be available for purchase from Rural Heritage magazine. You can look for this and other episodes made here at the farm by going to their website Ruralheritage.com
It was an amazing day. We gathered maple sap. We tapped a tree and we boiled the sap and made some syrup all while being filmed. The horses gave me a little “push back” at first , but soon settled into their routine and worked perfectly…. as expected.
Maple season has been hit and miss, but these last few days we have been very busy. We boiled for the 7th time yesterday. The next few days look pretty good too. We will be in a rush as the season will soon be at its end, but for now we will work hard, even into the night….working at times, when the stars are shining!
Special thanks to Susan Blocker for the amazing photo of Hoss and Knight pulling the sap sled!
Filed under: January 2018 | Tags: family, family time, forge, Forged in Fire, Scotland, steel, Uncles
January 20, 2018
The weather warmed up today. My uncle and I spent a few hours hammering around in the forge room. We had a fun few hours, laughed a lot and made a few memories. He brought me a bucket of treasure. It was filled with broken saw blades, chunks of steel cutoffs, a lawnmower blade even some lengths of stainless steel rod. I don’t have any idea what they may become, I only know it will be fun to sort it all out.
My uncle is my mother’s older brother. He has always been there for me. He is a busy guy with his own family to look after, but always found time to help me, encourage me and basically watch over me. His younger brother also keeps a close eye on me. I can never thank them enough for their gifts to me…the best gift of all…their time!
So, as we spent time today, it meant a lot to me. We talked about all sorts of stuff, including how much my mother would have enjoyed the hooks we were making. I’m sure she got a kick out of us being together…even today. I know that I sure did.
As I get better at this forging and fabricating stuff, I can see one day I may be able to make some money doing this. I feel as though an ancient Scotchman holds my fist, as I strike with the hammer. I am sure that in my bloodline from the Highlands of Scotland, a blacksmith reigns. This skill comes very easily to me. I can see the finished product in the white hot metal as it comes out of the forge. I am intrigued. I am amazed and I am blessed.
October 7, 2017
What an awesome day we had Saturday. All of our children, many of our grandchildren and even great grandchildren gathered at the farm for a wonderful day in the country. Our family has grown to a very large group. Saturday over 60 could join us. Like all families, we have our petty problems, but this day, those were set aside for the benefit of my wife and I. We had a wonderful day full to the brim…so full in fact, I little love is rolling down my cheek as I type.
Many of our “city” kids got to touch the animals and this wonderful farm life that we get to live. All of our kids, no matter where they live, got to share in the bounty this farm provides. We, Connie and I, will treasure this day forever. We are a loud, busy crazy group and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
I don’t care where you live, what you do or how far you go…Family is what matters. Also keep in mind…Mom and Dad love you, forever and ever no matter what! This applies to any person, anywhere, any family and any specie……you don’t think so? Try sneaking up on a momma cow to mess with her baby! and if you are a dog…don’t even try to have a conversation with a donkey!
Filed under: October 2017 | Tags: Cooties, family game night, family time, Holloween decorations, Party decorations, yard spiders
October 4, 2017
A harvest party will be held here soon. I got the bright idea to make a spider out of a round bale. I kept the old tile pieces just to make this crazy bug. The only problem is, I didn’t keep 8 pieces for the spider’s legs! No big deal. I just fell back on to an old memory instead.
As a child, we played games and grandma’s house. We played Chinese Checkers often, but we also played a game called “Cootie”. The cootie bug only had 6 legs, so I was in luck with our decoration! Our holiday bug would become a Cootie! I also remember that having “cooties” would keep girls away…or at least that is what they told me!
This crazy bug is now calling our lawn home. He is a friendly looking creature, even with his fangs! Hopefully the young ones won’t be scared. I am going to pause often to remember my grandparents and some laughs shared playing a game building bugs. As for having “cooties” ….I must have shed them at some point…thanks goodness!
Filed under: August 2017 | Tags: animals, anniversary, family, family time, farm life, Farm Wife, home, Love, marriage, sharing, Thanks
August 25, 2017
My wife grew up in Mentor Ohio. She was a city girl who had moved out to this rural area where we met. She has learned all sorts of things from this country boy. Over the years she has milked a cow by hand, helped castrate animals, deworm and tend to medical animal emergencies. She gardens and processes our food. She is an almost expert parts runner and flashlight holder. (Where I’m looking, he says!)
Where she excels the most is nurturing all creatures, two-legged and four-legged. She closes and opens gates. She hand feeds, bottle feeds and forks hay. She has shoveled more than her share of manure and turned the water off to overflowing water troughs way too many times!
The remarkable part to me is that she does all of those things while keeping a clean house, washing a mountain of clothes, cooking, dish washing and nest building, making our house a home. She keeps her finger on the pulse of our family. She keeps tabs on Facebook, remembers birthdays and such and keeps all of us covered in her homemade quilts.
On Sunday August 27, we will celebrate twenty-five years of marriage. I am not an easy guy to love. I come with baggage, strange smells and a menagerie of farm animals. I can be abrupt to a fault and very bossy. She takes it in stride choosing to look past my faults and into parts of me that I can’t see.
So, today, I will use this public forum to say thank you for not only choosing me, but for staying with me after learning all my faults and shortcomings. Thank you for loving me and my whole brood. Thank you for helping me blend our crazy group even when it seems the wheels have fallen off. You are my hope, my love and my best friend. I ask that you continue to hold my hand as we walk through life. Wherever and however far our journey takes us, together forever no matter what…I will love you.
RicelandMeadows 