Isn't it always nice to connect with someone from your past?
It's even nicer when it's someone who had a positive influence on you, whether they were kind to you when you were in need, or supportive, or just generally a good person.
Today a teacher I had had in High School contacted me through FaceBook. I was extremely pleased, since this was a teacher who I still think of from time to time. She was kind to me when I was having a very hard time of it, and kindness is never forgotten.
It was good to hear about her present life, and I sent back some of mine. I admit to bragging just a little about some things, but really, its not a bad thing to be proud of how far one has come from what might have been dark beginnings.
There are other people I still think of as well. Some of these people may not even realize they had an impact on my life. Some of them I don't remember their names, and some perhaps I never knew their names.
What matters is that they are forever immortalized by their actions or words. Never forget that when you are speaking to someone. It could be a little thing that affects someone for their entire life.
Life can be a difficult road (how cliche is that?) but the path you CHOOSE to travel is the one that determines your end destination.
Never blame others or circumstances. There is so much I could lay "blame" on for things that have happened to me. Sure, some were quite awful and some had impacts that were unforeseen and damaging, but it all boils down to one thing.
I, and only I, choose how to proceed from there. I can wallow in unhappiness and be miserable and shake my fist. Or I can stand up, try to find the joke in all of it, and keep on trucking.
Roof gets ripped off by a freak tornado days after you close on a house? Hey, can't possibly make the house any uglier! (It did though...LOL)
Just find the joke and keep moving. Find a solution.
Roof gone? Get friends together and put it back. Still leaks? Well, Summer is coming and it will rain less! (JK, plans are already in motion to finally stop those few leaks.)
Just remember. Choose your path wisely. And kindness is never forgotten.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Texas
Only in Texas! Beautiful 60F one day, four inches of snow the next, and back to 50F the next.
Crazy Texas weather.
Not much happened today. I was awoken an hour early by the goats screaming at the top of their lungs. I guess they decided since the snow was gone, they deserved extra hay. I drug myself out of bed to feed them and used the extra hour to get some household things done.
Someone came and picked up the mean game rooster I have; he was becoming too aggressive with me and guests, so he just had to go. He has a new home with other roosters now and I can go outside without putting a foot in his tail.
I was pleased to see my bonus was applied at work for working the Olympic weekend hours, so I took my time making my goal today. Only finished a little late, and I'm right on schedule now, despite missing one day of work, because of the bonus. So that's going along quite well.
Otherwise I admit it to be a pretty boring day. Perhaps the future brings something of interest.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wintertime
It snowed today! And I mean, REALLY SNOWED.
I think we got nearly four inches. Can you believe it? That makes three times it's snowed here this Winter. How crazy is that!
And how crazy is it for me to admit I've never seen this much snow in my life. I don't like the cold, hate it, but I will admit it was interesting to see this much snow.
I even made an effort to play in it. I made a dorky little snowman and popped him into the freezer. Don't laugh!
The poor goats were horrified, as you can imagine. I think between the cursing they were doing, they were wondering who the heck tripped over the power cord to the sun. And I don't blame them. The day before yesterday, we had beautiful warm weather with sunshine and happiness.
Welcome to Texas, the bi-polar state. Don't like the weather? Wait ten minutes!
That brings me to a thought I've always had. It's no secret that my house right now has no heating, so that we've had some issues. We've had ice hanging from our faucet and you can generally see your breath in the living room.
So my thought is, all these people that claim to love Winter? No, you love the feeling of being able to "defeat" Winter. This is not an insult of course, just a general thought I've had.
Take away someone's warm heater, comfortable house, nice things. How much would you love Winter then when you are freezing cold?
I detest Winter. I hate it even when I do have heat, and have suffered many a Winter with no or substandard heating. I don't like being cold. It makes me miserable and I can't sleep. On the other hand, I delight in heat that would cause other people to be absolutely miserable.
I guess it's all about balance. And remembering to be grateful for everything you have.
When you're sipping that hot chocolate in your warm house, remember for the briefest moment those people who don't have those things, and remember to be grateful everyday for the little things. They're what you'll miss the most when they are gone.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hobbies
I'm forever trying to think of new topics for this blog, so people won't become bored. Not that very many read it to begin with of course, but its not really here for people to read.
Or is it!
Lol.
How many of you have had hobbies that you let fall by the wayside? I mean serious hobbies, not little things.
I used to be a major "gamer." I was on top of all the hottest games and knew my way around them. I was good! I loved video games and enjoyed playing, many times for hours upon end.
As time went by, I found I played less and less. My eyesight is part of that I think, but it will often happen that I'll get a game I was looking forward too, perhaps play for a while, and then just not have the motivation to continue.
The most recent game was World of Warcraft. I started playing last year and man did I get into it. They didn't joke when they call it addicting. I played for a long time, then took a long break during our move, then played again for a while.
Then just stopped again. I was bored. Still am, although I may try to move my "character" to a different server where my dad and brother play, and see if that makes a difference.
Who knows?
I'm known for picking up interests, trying them out, and dropping them when I figured out it wasn't for me. There's only a few interests I've kept my hands on: computers, video games, reading, and goats.
But I've done everything from rock collecting (still have most!) to raising show rats. I enjoyed them while I was taking part, but always in time I would grow weary of it and know it's not something I would like to do forever.
How about you?
Or is it!
Lol.
How many of you have had hobbies that you let fall by the wayside? I mean serious hobbies, not little things.
I used to be a major "gamer." I was on top of all the hottest games and knew my way around them. I was good! I loved video games and enjoyed playing, many times for hours upon end.
As time went by, I found I played less and less. My eyesight is part of that I think, but it will often happen that I'll get a game I was looking forward too, perhaps play for a while, and then just not have the motivation to continue.
The most recent game was World of Warcraft. I started playing last year and man did I get into it. They didn't joke when they call it addicting. I played for a long time, then took a long break during our move, then played again for a while.
Then just stopped again. I was bored. Still am, although I may try to move my "character" to a different server where my dad and brother play, and see if that makes a difference.
Who knows?
I'm known for picking up interests, trying them out, and dropping them when I figured out it wasn't for me. There's only a few interests I've kept my hands on: computers, video games, reading, and goats.
But I've done everything from rock collecting (still have most!) to raising show rats. I enjoyed them while I was taking part, but always in time I would grow weary of it and know it's not something I would like to do forever.
How about you?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thoughts
Things are pretty much same old same old. I've been mulling over a lot of different things lately though.One of which was registering the whole herd with the NMGA. I went back and forth, weighing the pros and cons of it, and finally decided not too. It's not the issue of the paperwork or anything, but honestly, my goats sell really well without registration, and I don't see the point of fussing with it when it really won't add anything to it.
I will of course register goats who are eligible with the bigger more respectful registries, such as NDGA or AGS.
Otherwise, I'm not going to worry about it really. It's just not worth it honestly.
The other big thing I'm going over is disbudding. I really think if I begin to disbud my kids, I'll have even better sales since most of my babies are sold for pets and hornless goats make them safer. I had some trepidation over a few issues, such as the possibility of goats without their horns overheating and dieing from heat stress, but I have been told by a lot of more experienced owners that this is a really rare occurrence, and any goats who did die from this likely had something else going on.
So while the registration went in the garbage, it looks like disbudding is in the "to-do" box. I plan on getting the 1/2" Rinehart X30, which is small enough for Nigerians but large enough for little buckling buds and possible future Mini-Nubians. The very thought of burning their little heads quells my stomach, but I think I can handle it.
Thankfully, I have a new friend, the breeder I am buying two lovely does from, who has offered to help me out by showing me how to do it. I look forward to learning!
Another great bit of news, the breeder I am doing website work in exchange for a buckling teased me with a post.
"My camera is hiding again, but I had a BEAUTIFUL blue-eyed buckling on the 14th. I've never seen one quite like him. I'll send pics as soon as I discover my camera's whereabouts : )"
How cruel of her to post such a teaser and then not follow up! I can hardly wait to see the little guy, he just might be "the one." I really wanted blue eyes and dashing color, because in the pet industry, it SELLS!
Not to mention I'm a huge sucker for color myself of course.
The weather has been really nice lately. It's warmed up and the ground is drying up even. I love it. I'm able to go out and spend time with the goats again, something I couldn't do in the cold. They of course are delighted with the attention.
I have been a bit sick on and off, but that happens every time the weather changes, so I tend not to fuss about it too much.
I think I'd like to plan on doing two "waves" of kids each year. Early kids (March) and mid-year kids (May) about. This way I can breed the Junior does I have at a good age and not have to wait another year, but also not have to breed them too early. It will also be an opportunity for "early" breeders to settle if they don't the first time around without spending a year as a hay burner.
And when there's a ton of interest and my "early" kids are sold out, it's not too long for those who joined my ever growing waiting list to wait for the "mid-year" kids.
I just hope we don't have problems with the heat. We did really well when old Cowbell kidded in June or July last year and didn't have an issue, so I'm hoping it will work out. If not, we can always ease everyone back to being bred for early year kids and just enjoying the inevitable "flood!"
I guess it all just depends on how things go!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Website
Today was productive!
It started out with a lovely young lady and her daughter coming to meet Hope's little boys. They had a great time playing with the goats and asking questions. I was amazed at how tolerant the little ones were about picking picked up, handled, and loved on.
She put down a deposit on both of the boys and is very excited to pick them up when they are weaned. It sounds like its going to be a GREAT home! And she took some pictures of her little girl and the goats, so I can't wait to see them and feature them on my website.
Speaking of, I completely overhauled my website today. I was tired of the dark cramped look it had, so I fussed with it until I had it better. I even added some great elements, such as kid pictures under their dams and sire and dam pictures on the young ones I had those available for.
I tried hard to keep it organized, but I may need to go back in and re-size the larger pictures. What do you think?
http://www.knsfarms.webs.com/
I got all of my usual chores and work done as well today, so it was quite a feat. I can hardly wait until the real work starts!
ChaCha for now.
It started out with a lovely young lady and her daughter coming to meet Hope's little boys. They had a great time playing with the goats and asking questions. I was amazed at how tolerant the little ones were about picking picked up, handled, and loved on.
She put down a deposit on both of the boys and is very excited to pick them up when they are weaned. It sounds like its going to be a GREAT home! And she took some pictures of her little girl and the goats, so I can't wait to see them and feature them on my website.
Speaking of, I completely overhauled my website today. I was tired of the dark cramped look it had, so I fussed with it until I had it better. I even added some great elements, such as kid pictures under their dams and sire and dam pictures on the young ones I had those available for.
I tried hard to keep it organized, but I may need to go back in and re-size the larger pictures. What do you think?
http://www.knsfarms.webs.com/
I got all of my usual chores and work done as well today, so it was quite a feat. I can hardly wait until the real work starts!
ChaCha for now.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Dogs
There's a dog that's been hanging around on our property, stalking the goats through the fence and barking.
The neighbors get one chance, then mister doggie goes bye bye. I don't have the patience or the time to deal with someone who can't keep their dog away from livestock.
It's a surprise I admit, people out here have been really great, at least in my general area, about keeping their dogs on their property or having dogs that don't go far and have yet to bother us. I think this dog is new. Well, it won't be around for long I think.
Thank goodness we're getting a Pyr. Sure, she's still just a little bit but she'll grow! And when she's mature, we'll probably bring her home a companion she can train. That way we have a working pair.
We're going to need it, as our herd continues to grow. I can hardly wait until the fencing is complete and I have all the room in the world (it seems) to expand.
I trimmed hooves today, and poor Hallie! I quicked her. I felt so awful when the blood welled up. I barely got her, but its the first time I've quicked an animal in a long time. I put some quickstop on it and it stopped bleeding in just a bit, but poor baby.
I fed her some oats out of my hand while she was on the stand waiting for the blood to clot. Hopefully she won't hold it against me. Seems like everytime I catch her, I'm doing something awful to her! Like deworming, vaccinations, hoof trims.
Today she was far easier to catch. I just put out some grain and grabbed her collar when she rushed in to get her share with the others. She's coming along quite well I think. She has a nice bit of flesh over her ribs now and is looking good.
Baby dearest decided to show the other kids how to get out of the pen, so I had to spend a while wiring a piece of chain link across that panel to put a stop to the escapades. The last thing I need is little unsupervised babies running around right now.
It's been nice for the last few days so I cleaned the goat house and put down new bedding. I hope they appreciate it before they turn it back into dirt.
The dang feedstore kept trying to sell my poor husband goat feed today. We've never bought goat feed from them, though they know we have goats. We usually just buy hay there, and get our grains at Tractor Supply. Today I had him pick the oats up there since we were out and I needed hay anyways, and they asked him about five times if he wanted a bag of goat feed with that!
Tomorrow a lovely young lady is coming to look at Hope's boys. I've had an amazing amount of interest in them, and it's filling up my waiting list. Thank goodness I will be having a ton of does kidding out next year, with good fortune.
The neighbors get one chance, then mister doggie goes bye bye. I don't have the patience or the time to deal with someone who can't keep their dog away from livestock.
It's a surprise I admit, people out here have been really great, at least in my general area, about keeping their dogs on their property or having dogs that don't go far and have yet to bother us. I think this dog is new. Well, it won't be around for long I think.
Thank goodness we're getting a Pyr. Sure, she's still just a little bit but she'll grow! And when she's mature, we'll probably bring her home a companion she can train. That way we have a working pair.
We're going to need it, as our herd continues to grow. I can hardly wait until the fencing is complete and I have all the room in the world (it seems) to expand.
I trimmed hooves today, and poor Hallie! I quicked her. I felt so awful when the blood welled up. I barely got her, but its the first time I've quicked an animal in a long time. I put some quickstop on it and it stopped bleeding in just a bit, but poor baby.
I fed her some oats out of my hand while she was on the stand waiting for the blood to clot. Hopefully she won't hold it against me. Seems like everytime I catch her, I'm doing something awful to her! Like deworming, vaccinations, hoof trims.
Today she was far easier to catch. I just put out some grain and grabbed her collar when she rushed in to get her share with the others. She's coming along quite well I think. She has a nice bit of flesh over her ribs now and is looking good.
Baby dearest decided to show the other kids how to get out of the pen, so I had to spend a while wiring a piece of chain link across that panel to put a stop to the escapades. The last thing I need is little unsupervised babies running around right now.
It's been nice for the last few days so I cleaned the goat house and put down new bedding. I hope they appreciate it before they turn it back into dirt.
The dang feedstore kept trying to sell my poor husband goat feed today. We've never bought goat feed from them, though they know we have goats. We usually just buy hay there, and get our grains at Tractor Supply. Today I had him pick the oats up there since we were out and I needed hay anyways, and they asked him about five times if he wanted a bag of goat feed with that!
Tomorrow a lovely young lady is coming to look at Hope's boys. I've had an amazing amount of interest in them, and it's filling up my waiting list. Thank goodness I will be having a ton of does kidding out next year, with good fortune.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Housework
I admit, I skipped work today so I could get a little done on the house. It's a bit frustrating, because there is so much I want to get done, and so little I can actually do.
So I pacified myself by pulling up more tackstrip, trying to rip that hideous tile up out of the bathroom, sweeping and reorganizing our room. I can hardly wait until things are they way I envision them.
Hopefully we will finally finish the roof, hubby knows where its leaking and is just waiting for a good hot day to set the tar and seal those spots off. Then we can get my brother moved out of the game room and into one of the bedrooms.
Then we can put the gameroom together as it should be, and get hubby's annoying games out of here! That will free up room here in the bedroom, so I can rearrange and have things the way I want them to be.
Of course, all of the floors still need to be done, but for now I'm mostly ignoring them. It's not easy, after all, my father is a flooring expert, and I guess some of it rubbed off.
Ah, well!
I've had a ton of interest in Hope's little boys. I sure wish the rest of the worthless herd had taken when they were bred, but alas. I do believe Rudy took from her visit with Chestnut however. I am contemplating pulling her kids and selling them as bottle babies so she'll be ready to re-breed again in late fall with the rest of the herd.
With good luck, I will have quite a few babies hopping around in March of next year. I decided January was just too harsh for me to kid in. It has its benefits, but I'm going to shoot for a little later in the year this next time.
I'm still waiting on my buckling to be born. River Bottom Ranch has some does due in March, so I can hardly wait to see what she produces. There's lots of blue-eyed and polled possibilities on the way. Fingers crossed!
I am hoping when the lovely young woman I have been speaking to comes and sees Hope's kids, and puts a deposit on them, I will be able to turn around and put that deposit on two gorgeous does I really want: a mother daughter pair. Both blue eyed; the dam is black and white and the doeling a roan buckskin. Gorgeous!
The owner is being very generous and agreed to hold them for a bit for me, so I can gather a deposit.
Poor hubby! I wonder if he realizes I have six does right now. With two more hopefully coming. And he wants a Nubian doe on top of that! And of course, with this breeding to River Bottom's Darkened Chestnut coming up at the end of the year, I am praying Hope finally gives me the doeling out of her I want. And who knows what beauties the others will produce when paired with him? And I'll be able to keep any doelings, since by then I will have my own buck.
I'm sure to finally break that buckling streak I've had!
Thank goodness we purchased enough land to support my goat obsession. We're gearing up to extend the goat pen itself, and then we're going to work on fencing in the ENTIRE property, some in sections, so we look forward to being able to rotate pasture a bit too.
I can't wait for things to get moving.
So I pacified myself by pulling up more tackstrip, trying to rip that hideous tile up out of the bathroom, sweeping and reorganizing our room. I can hardly wait until things are they way I envision them.
Hopefully we will finally finish the roof, hubby knows where its leaking and is just waiting for a good hot day to set the tar and seal those spots off. Then we can get my brother moved out of the game room and into one of the bedrooms.
Then we can put the gameroom together as it should be, and get hubby's annoying games out of here! That will free up room here in the bedroom, so I can rearrange and have things the way I want them to be.
Of course, all of the floors still need to be done, but for now I'm mostly ignoring them. It's not easy, after all, my father is a flooring expert, and I guess some of it rubbed off.
Ah, well!
I've had a ton of interest in Hope's little boys. I sure wish the rest of the worthless herd had taken when they were bred, but alas. I do believe Rudy took from her visit with Chestnut however. I am contemplating pulling her kids and selling them as bottle babies so she'll be ready to re-breed again in late fall with the rest of the herd.
With good luck, I will have quite a few babies hopping around in March of next year. I decided January was just too harsh for me to kid in. It has its benefits, but I'm going to shoot for a little later in the year this next time.
I'm still waiting on my buckling to be born. River Bottom Ranch has some does due in March, so I can hardly wait to see what she produces. There's lots of blue-eyed and polled possibilities on the way. Fingers crossed!
I am hoping when the lovely young woman I have been speaking to comes and sees Hope's kids, and puts a deposit on them, I will be able to turn around and put that deposit on two gorgeous does I really want: a mother daughter pair. Both blue eyed; the dam is black and white and the doeling a roan buckskin. Gorgeous!
The owner is being very generous and agreed to hold them for a bit for me, so I can gather a deposit.
Poor hubby! I wonder if he realizes I have six does right now. With two more hopefully coming. And he wants a Nubian doe on top of that! And of course, with this breeding to River Bottom's Darkened Chestnut coming up at the end of the year, I am praying Hope finally gives me the doeling out of her I want. And who knows what beauties the others will produce when paired with him? And I'll be able to keep any doelings, since by then I will have my own buck.
I'm sure to finally break that buckling streak I've had!
Thank goodness we purchased enough land to support my goat obsession. We're gearing up to extend the goat pen itself, and then we're going to work on fencing in the ENTIRE property, some in sections, so we look forward to being able to rotate pasture a bit too.
I can't wait for things to get moving.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snow
It snowed here! How disgusting is that?
That means that all 50 states have experienced snow this Winter season. All 50 states!
News Link
Now, I've always laughed at the Global Warming nonsense. 30 years ago, they used the exact same information they are using now to try to convince everyone that we were going into a new Ice Age. Clever right?
Then they turn around and say the Earth is going to cook. Ha!
Nevermind the fact that this is nothing more than a normal cycle of our world. I imagine in another 30 years we'll be back to the Ice Age theory. Were you aware that the southern glaciers are growing again? Something that the Global Warming scientists said was not going to happen.
Nonsense.
I of course, am never happier than when the cold is gone and the summer sun is beating down. Love it! I look forward to summer's return, and of course, my electric bill will go down too, which is always nice.
I have someone coming on Wenesday to look at Hope's little boys and most likely put a deposit on them. I love the little guys and its nice to find such a great home for them. I'm giving her a discount because she wants to take them both. She said I changed her mind from Nubians and complimented my website. Needless to say, I am really happy! It's good to know my work isn't going unnoticed.
Sure, my goats may not be registered fancy goats, but they are hardier for it, and I ensure that all of my babies go home tame, happy, and healthy. It's extremely hard to find tame goats in my area, with the exception of a few friends who breed now as well.
As long as I have no trouble marketing even my little wethers, I'm surely not going to change the way I do things. With the possible exception of purchasing a disbudding iron, so that my wether pets are even safer for people and their children.
I am looking forward to meeting the soon-to-be owner and am hoping the mud will be cleared up by then!
That means that all 50 states have experienced snow this Winter season. All 50 states!
News Link
Now, I've always laughed at the Global Warming nonsense. 30 years ago, they used the exact same information they are using now to try to convince everyone that we were going into a new Ice Age. Clever right?
Then they turn around and say the Earth is going to cook. Ha!
Nevermind the fact that this is nothing more than a normal cycle of our world. I imagine in another 30 years we'll be back to the Ice Age theory. Were you aware that the southern glaciers are growing again? Something that the Global Warming scientists said was not going to happen.
Nonsense.
I of course, am never happier than when the cold is gone and the summer sun is beating down. Love it! I look forward to summer's return, and of course, my electric bill will go down too, which is always nice.
I have someone coming on Wenesday to look at Hope's little boys and most likely put a deposit on them. I love the little guys and its nice to find such a great home for them. I'm giving her a discount because she wants to take them both. She said I changed her mind from Nubians and complimented my website. Needless to say, I am really happy! It's good to know my work isn't going unnoticed.
Sure, my goats may not be registered fancy goats, but they are hardier for it, and I ensure that all of my babies go home tame, happy, and healthy. It's extremely hard to find tame goats in my area, with the exception of a few friends who breed now as well.
As long as I have no trouble marketing even my little wethers, I'm surely not going to change the way I do things. With the possible exception of purchasing a disbudding iron, so that my wether pets are even safer for people and their children.
I am looking forward to meeting the soon-to-be owner and am hoping the mud will be cleared up by then!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weather
Sorry I didn't post for a couple of days!
Today's post should be pretty good, hopefully. I dunno, it might be boring. I guess it's up to you!
Let's start with today.
The weather! It sucks! Good ol "bi-polar" Texas. We had nice weather, then rain, then a day of nice weather, and now rain again. Ugh! I hate it! The goats hate it! The dogs hate it!
My roof still leaks, so it just makes me angry when it rains over and over again. It turns our road to slush and then the morons in their trucks tear it up worse. Plus its cold. Which means we have to run the heaters. Which means our electric bill will jump.
Yuck.
On a positive note, today we decided to try shopping at Albertson's instead of HEB.
WOW!
We literally saved $62.58! We spent about $68 dollars and got almost twice the worth of meat and groceries. The meat savings and specials were AMAZING!
Now I admit, the prices on other things were a bit high, but that's fine with me. I'll get my meat at Albertson's and get everything else at HEB. Win!
We also stopped by Big Lots and Ross'. We got snacks at Big Lots for really cheap, and got Steven some nice shoes at Ross' for a good price. He goes through shoes so fast. It's crazy. But these are really nice boots and should last a little longer than his normal shoes.
I hope!
Yesterday Baby decided to teach herself a new trick. I had been teaching her to stand on her high legs for fun, as she's very attention driven and it was cute. Well, she decided it wasn't quite fun enough and started leaping from the log into my arms. It's quite amusing. Check out the video I put together!
Too cute, am I right? I'm sure I'll end up regretting teaching her such a trick, but I've spoiled her. I guess that's why I've avoided bottle-babies until now!
I think Rudy settled on her last breeding, not for sure yet, but if she did I'm glad. She didn't settle when she was supposed too last year with Buckly, so I let her visit with a neighbor's buck, and I think she may have taken now. If not, she'll get another chance at the end of the year when I lease Chestnut for the entire herd.
If she doesn't take? Well, I guess nothing will happen as she's hubby's goat. He picked her out and named her. So I guess she'll continue to be placed with the bucks and stay, burning hay. If it was any other goat (with the exception of Hallie, our rescue doe) she'd be gone to a good pet home, but alas, it's hubby's goat.
And it does help she's a gentle little sweetheart with a goofy personality.
The rest of the herd is doing well. Poor little Isis is such a tiny little thing, she's nearly the same size as the four-five week old babies! She's going to be our smallest doe I think, probably even smaller than Rudy.
I have my eye on two gorgeous does; a black and white blue eyed doe and her kid, a roan buckskin with blue eyes. The owner very kindly agreed to hold them for me until the doe weans her other two kids. By then I'll have my tax money and I had promised myself some new does. And I have always wanted the black and white blue eyed combo! Really looking forward to her!
The same with the goat(s) I will get for my work on River Bottom Ranch's website. I can't wait to take a trip out there.
There's been some issues on the online game I play, a few things that have really thrown me off my "groove" but hopefully it will settle in soon. I don't like it when things become rough.
No word back on the nice job I applied for. I suppose I didn't make the cut. A shame, because it would have been a huge help. I guess I'll just keep on doing the ChaCha until the company screws the cash paid guides enough that I quit.
By then I'm thinking my brother will be working, and can contribute to the house. We were going to take him to get his license tomorrow but since the weather is disgusting we're postponing it a bit.
I think that's it for now.
Talk to you guys soon.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Writings
Boy its been a rough few days.
First, we get slapped with a nasty rainstorm. It clears up for a couple of REALLY NICE days, then bang! Rain again!
Seeing as my roof STILL leaks, you can imagine I'm not too pleased about it. And the goats even less so. I always feel so bad because they have a pretty crappy shelter. It works, they stay dry and out of the wind, but they still deserve better. And soon they'll have it, with a much larger pasture to boot.
Everyone is doing great, the cocci treatment went well and everyone seems to be growing in leaps in bounds. Baby especially. She is much larger than Hope's twins and is nearly as large as one of my weaned doelings, although dear Isis is from a VERY small doe and will likely grow to be my smallest doe, even smaller than Rudy.
Speaking of cocci medicine. To anyone who owns animals, you know better than to taste something unidentified right?
Well poor husband goes digging through the cabinets, and finds the bottle of mixed cocci medicine.
And takes a taste!
What a goofball! He was quite displeased, and I just told him, "Well, at least now you won't have cocci, right?"
That and who the heck drinks something that's sitting next to the goat's Power Punch, Nutri-Drench, Pro-bios, Corid, and dewormer?
Duh.
Other than that, things are going by the usual way. We are feeling a little pinched, but we're making it and in time it will ease up I think. I wish I could help my poor brother find a job, but until we get a second vehicle and he gets his license, his options are pretty limited right now. I know how tough it is to be sitting around not contributing, but he's done a real good job helping around the house, pulling up old tack strip and helping me get some other stuff done as well.
All things, in time.
I've started working on a short story, perhaps I will post it here. Would you just be interested in reading? I once really aspired to be a novelist, I even wrote several well done (for my age anyways) novels before they became lost.
It's fiction, and about a wolf family, so I don't know how interesting that would be to you guys. Let me know.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Videos
Today, instead of boring you to death, I will delight and amuse you by providing a link to my Youtube channel.
Please forgive the quality on the first few videos, those were taken with my crappy camera. The newer ones were taken with my brother's nice video camera, which I have officially "stolen" for my own use.
The Goat Whisperer's Youtube
Try not to laugh too hard when you watch "Being Chased by a Goat" eh?
Please forgive the quality on the first few videos, those were taken with my crappy camera. The newer ones were taken with my brother's nice video camera, which I have officially "stolen" for my own use.
The Goat Whisperer's Youtube
Try not to laugh too hard when you watch "Being Chased by a Goat" eh?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thoughtful
Just a basic update on the usuals.
No more information about the bad breeder as of right. I'm waiting to hear back from the person trying to get her deposit back for the pig. We'll see what happens here shortly in the future.
The internet company sure took me on a round ride. Recently we upgraded to a higher service. Well we started having problems, as outlined in earlier blogs, and it took me around six phone calls to get it worked out. I finally had to go three supervisors up and demand answers.
The end result was we were knocked back down to our recent status, as apparently we are "too far" to get the higher service. Sure would have been nice if they had told us this when we upgraded. It was a huge ordeal and I made it very clear that we were NOT happy with the service they had been providing, especially customer service.
Then they tried to convince me to upgrade to television along with my internet and phone.
Ugh.
Cocci treatment is going well, Baby's slight diarrhea seems to have cleared up and none of the others ever showed any signs. Baby prefers to spit her medicine out (I have to put it in her bottle) but the rest, including Hope's two boys and the two weanling does, will drink the stuff straight out of the cup if I let them. Little strange weirdos.
I am really seeing an improvement in Rudy and Hope from the copper bolus I administered in December. Their coats are shinier, hooves have improved, and there is a definite drop in parasite load, not only using the FAMANCHA system but via veterinary fecals. I am really pleased, and thankful for my friend who sold me a few capsules of copasure to try it out. I plan on bolusing every six months, as well as continuing to have free choice mineral available from them.
So far we've not had a problem with Selenium, but our pregnant females do get a Selenium boost shortly before kidding.
I've learned I can put just about anything in a marshmallow, and my goats will eat it. Even Hallie, our wild rescue doe, took copper when it was folded into a marshmallow. Granted, I had to shove it into the back of her mouth while she was in the milk stand.
Baby is learning about hay and grain. I'm not sure if she is actually eating either, or just picking it up and mouthing it before dropping it, but her milk consumption has dropped a little. She continues to grow and is larger than Hope's twins, despite being a day younger.
To change the subject once again.
Anyone who knows me in the online world knows that I delight in gossip, but keep myself out of "drama" the best I can. Recently, the person who left our online game (see an earlier blog) has joined another game. Which I'm completely fine with, people have the free will to do whatever they please. What got me was that another friend, the leader of this game, actually laughed at us because we had posted a short blurb wishing the first friend well and hoping she would return to our game someday (when she first left).
How rude is that? And childish I might add. Goes to show you how true some "friends" can really be.
I'm not letting it bother me, because it's a ridiculous thing to be bothered over. I was just thoughtful, and it reminded me to always keep a wary eye on those you deem "friends." Even if you bend over backwards for someone trying to help them, it doesn't mean they appreciate the gesture.
No more information about the bad breeder as of right. I'm waiting to hear back from the person trying to get her deposit back for the pig. We'll see what happens here shortly in the future.
The internet company sure took me on a round ride. Recently we upgraded to a higher service. Well we started having problems, as outlined in earlier blogs, and it took me around six phone calls to get it worked out. I finally had to go three supervisors up and demand answers.
The end result was we were knocked back down to our recent status, as apparently we are "too far" to get the higher service. Sure would have been nice if they had told us this when we upgraded. It was a huge ordeal and I made it very clear that we were NOT happy with the service they had been providing, especially customer service.
Then they tried to convince me to upgrade to television along with my internet and phone.
Ugh.
Cocci treatment is going well, Baby's slight diarrhea seems to have cleared up and none of the others ever showed any signs. Baby prefers to spit her medicine out (I have to put it in her bottle) but the rest, including Hope's two boys and the two weanling does, will drink the stuff straight out of the cup if I let them. Little strange weirdos.
I am really seeing an improvement in Rudy and Hope from the copper bolus I administered in December. Their coats are shinier, hooves have improved, and there is a definite drop in parasite load, not only using the FAMANCHA system but via veterinary fecals. I am really pleased, and thankful for my friend who sold me a few capsules of copasure to try it out. I plan on bolusing every six months, as well as continuing to have free choice mineral available from them.
So far we've not had a problem with Selenium, but our pregnant females do get a Selenium boost shortly before kidding.
I've learned I can put just about anything in a marshmallow, and my goats will eat it. Even Hallie, our wild rescue doe, took copper when it was folded into a marshmallow. Granted, I had to shove it into the back of her mouth while she was in the milk stand.
Baby is learning about hay and grain. I'm not sure if she is actually eating either, or just picking it up and mouthing it before dropping it, but her milk consumption has dropped a little. She continues to grow and is larger than Hope's twins, despite being a day younger.
To change the subject once again.
Anyone who knows me in the online world knows that I delight in gossip, but keep myself out of "drama" the best I can. Recently, the person who left our online game (see an earlier blog) has joined another game. Which I'm completely fine with, people have the free will to do whatever they please. What got me was that another friend, the leader of this game, actually laughed at us because we had posted a short blurb wishing the first friend well and hoping she would return to our game someday (when she first left).
How rude is that? And childish I might add. Goes to show you how true some "friends" can really be.
I'm not letting it bother me, because it's a ridiculous thing to be bothered over. I was just thoughtful, and it reminded me to always keep a wary eye on those you deem "friends." Even if you bend over backwards for someone trying to help them, it doesn't mean they appreciate the gesture.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
More on the "Bad Breeder"
I've been trying to help this poor soul out, the one who put a deposit on a pig, and who is now being turned away from getting it.
To follow are some of the e-mails I have received.
We haven't heard back from the grandparents. But I am 98% sure we will be driving to liberty this weekend, Saturday. To ask for the pig or 300 dollars back.. I just think its insane to even be having to go to such an extent... I have texted her,called and emailed several times voicing my opinion on her "business". But no replies,of course.
I'm just really curious and worried of the condition the pig will be in, being it weighs 5 ounces and is located in the back of a tralior during winter is very scary!!
I'm now just starting to question if it is even worth going to. Or if I should just leave it alone and forget about it. Because I'm starting to worry ill get the pig And it will get huge!!
I will be posting one tonight. Another red flag is not a single pig has been sold or even had a down payment placed on any since my purchase was made. She claimed they sold terribly fast and needed my money right away but all are still remaining.
She also claims mine will only be 25 pounds, I can only hope that IA true.
I finally got a response from her via email, it was a lengthy letter I
sent her. All that I received back was "this is the first email i've
got". Nothing explaining my ignored calls, when I can get the pig, not
explanation on why my date is continuously being pushed back. She is
Well, I did it! And she now
is not allowing me to come to the farm, she saying she will meet me
somewhere! This is all to odd for me, I cant help but wonder WHY am I
not allowed there?
absolutely mind blowing.
Oh my word, now she took back
me being able to meet her, because her mother found out cancer is
spreading through her body! This is insane!
Well, she just said she may not be able to meet me cause the cancer AND her grandpa is in the hospital! This is unbelievable
I am loling as well, just so blown away I have to laugh.. she said she has not replied to my text because she lost her cell phone charger!! Such a lie!
I've left out my replies, simply due to the amount of information I've given to this poor soul, and it would be difficult to edit it all out. Needless to say, this poor lady is not getting anywhere at the moment, either to get her money back or the pig.
I have of course, provided information that I have from my ordeal with this breeder, along with suggestions on her best course of action. I have suggested getting the law enforcement involved even, because this is becoming ridiculous. I really feel for this person and am sorry they are having to go through the same thing, only worse it seems.
With luck, one way or another it will be resolved soon, and I will be releasing the name and location of this "breeder" so all who Google it will come across this and KNOW not to buy from her.
Some people may think it's harsh, but I have no remorse for scammers. I suppose this comes from a long association in the reptile world, where we deal with a large amount of scammers and we have a huge, very popular, forum dedicated to uncovering them and calling them out. It's helped solve a lot of problems and is an invaluable resource.
Reptile Board of Inquiry
It just chaps my hide that people like this are allowed to operate, but what can you do really? I'm against more government interference, so that leaves it to us, other breeders, to call these people out on their lies. It's also up to the buyer, to do their research before hand.
As to the farm here, Hallie is no longer limping! That was a rather quick turn around. We're still continuing the treatment of course, but we're glad to see her recover swiftly from it. No one likes to see an animal in pain around here.
We've also started the little ones, including our newly acquired weaned doelings, on a cocci treatment. We've had a lot of nasty wet weather lately, and since the expansion isn't quite finished and they're in the small pen, better safe than sorry. We look forward to finishing the large pen and seeing them enjoy all of their new space.
As for our internet, we called again today. Someone was supposed to come out (charging us a ridiculous amount of money as well) and fix this. And guess what! No one showed up!
Who's surprised? Not me of course.
I felt bad for the poor guy I got on the phone today and I'll feel bad for the poor fellow I get tomorrow, but this is just ridiculous. I don't pay for internet that doesn't work properly, you know.
Before I go, I'll let you in on a little secret. I've been helping a wonderful lady with her website. And in return, I just might be getting some lovely registered Nigerians in return. She has bucks from GREAT milk lines, so as you can imagine, I'm pretty excited.
To follow are some of the e-mails I have received.
We haven't heard back from the grandparents. But I am 98% sure we will be driving to liberty this weekend, Saturday. To ask for the pig or 300 dollars back.. I just think its insane to even be having to go to such an extent... I have texted her,called and emailed several times voicing my opinion on her "business". But no replies,of course.
I'm just really curious and worried of the condition the pig will be in, being it weighs 5 ounces and is located in the back of a tralior during winter is very scary!!
I'm now just starting to question if it is even worth going to. Or if I should just leave it alone and forget about it. Because I'm starting to worry ill get the pig And it will get huge!!
I will be posting one tonight. Another red flag is not a single pig has been sold or even had a down payment placed on any since my purchase was made. She claimed they sold terribly fast and needed my money right away but all are still remaining.
She also claims mine will only be 25 pounds, I can only hope that IA true.
I finally got a response from her via email, it was a lengthy letter I
sent her. All that I received back was "this is the first email i've
got". Nothing explaining my ignored calls, when I can get the pig, not
explanation on why my date is continuously being pushed back. She is
Well, I did it! And she now
is not allowing me to come to the farm, she saying she will meet me
somewhere! This is all to odd for me, I cant help but wonder WHY am I
not allowed there?
absolutely mind blowing.
Oh my word, now she took back
me being able to meet her, because her mother found out cancer is
spreading through her body! This is insane!
Well, she just said she may not be able to meet me cause the cancer AND her grandpa is in the hospital! This is unbelievable
I am loling as well, just so blown away I have to laugh.. she said she has not replied to my text because she lost her cell phone charger!! Such a lie!
I've left out my replies, simply due to the amount of information I've given to this poor soul, and it would be difficult to edit it all out. Needless to say, this poor lady is not getting anywhere at the moment, either to get her money back or the pig.
I have of course, provided information that I have from my ordeal with this breeder, along with suggestions on her best course of action. I have suggested getting the law enforcement involved even, because this is becoming ridiculous. I really feel for this person and am sorry they are having to go through the same thing, only worse it seems.
With luck, one way or another it will be resolved soon, and I will be releasing the name and location of this "breeder" so all who Google it will come across this and KNOW not to buy from her.
Some people may think it's harsh, but I have no remorse for scammers. I suppose this comes from a long association in the reptile world, where we deal with a large amount of scammers and we have a huge, very popular, forum dedicated to uncovering them and calling them out. It's helped solve a lot of problems and is an invaluable resource.
Reptile Board of Inquiry
It just chaps my hide that people like this are allowed to operate, but what can you do really? I'm against more government interference, so that leaves it to us, other breeders, to call these people out on their lies. It's also up to the buyer, to do their research before hand.
As to the farm here, Hallie is no longer limping! That was a rather quick turn around. We're still continuing the treatment of course, but we're glad to see her recover swiftly from it. No one likes to see an animal in pain around here.
We've also started the little ones, including our newly acquired weaned doelings, on a cocci treatment. We've had a lot of nasty wet weather lately, and since the expansion isn't quite finished and they're in the small pen, better safe than sorry. We look forward to finishing the large pen and seeing them enjoy all of their new space.
As for our internet, we called again today. Someone was supposed to come out (charging us a ridiculous amount of money as well) and fix this. And guess what! No one showed up!
Who's surprised? Not me of course.
I felt bad for the poor guy I got on the phone today and I'll feel bad for the poor fellow I get tomorrow, but this is just ridiculous. I don't pay for internet that doesn't work properly, you know.
Before I go, I'll let you in on a little secret. I've been helping a wonderful lady with her website. And in return, I just might be getting some lovely registered Nigerians in return. She has bucks from GREAT milk lines, so as you can imagine, I'm pretty excited.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Customer Service
Why is it so hard to find GOOD customer service now days?
Let me use my personal example. I have internet. Until recently, it was very good, reliable internet.
Then we had that cold snap. And ever since, our internet has acted like crap. It times out, disconnects, has constant errors and is just generally acting poorly.
Which I cannot have, since I work online.
I have called the company several times to ask them to fix it. Twice they put in a "Trouble Ticket" and assured me someone would call back to go over the issue.
Did anyone ever call back?
Hell no.
So tomorrow I will be calling and really letting loose on them. I have a lot of patience with people, because it is certainly not THEIR fault my internet is not working, but this time I am going to ask for a supervisor and really get this fixed. It is imperative that my internet works, both for my peace of mind and because I work online!
Grrr.
On that same basic subject, I've applied for a "real" job. Still a work at home, but this time with permanent hours and a "real" paycheck. I've sent in my application and hope to hear back soon. Fingers crossed, as this could be our salvation.
Hallie's limp has really improved, I really got into those hooves and got them looking better and have been treating the hoof rot. Looks like we caught it before it became bad. I'm glad to see her looking even better. It does not appear that she is pregnant, so with good luck, she will be ready to breed to the lovely buck I have lined up for the end of the year.
I have a new picture of our future LGD. Isn't she cute?
Let me use my personal example. I have internet. Until recently, it was very good, reliable internet.
Then we had that cold snap. And ever since, our internet has acted like crap. It times out, disconnects, has constant errors and is just generally acting poorly.
Which I cannot have, since I work online.
I have called the company several times to ask them to fix it. Twice they put in a "Trouble Ticket" and assured me someone would call back to go over the issue.
Did anyone ever call back?
Hell no.
So tomorrow I will be calling and really letting loose on them. I have a lot of patience with people, because it is certainly not THEIR fault my internet is not working, but this time I am going to ask for a supervisor and really get this fixed. It is imperative that my internet works, both for my peace of mind and because I work online!
Grrr.
On that same basic subject, I've applied for a "real" job. Still a work at home, but this time with permanent hours and a "real" paycheck. I've sent in my application and hope to hear back soon. Fingers crossed, as this could be our salvation.
Hallie's limp has really improved, I really got into those hooves and got them looking better and have been treating the hoof rot. Looks like we caught it before it became bad. I'm glad to see her looking even better. It does not appear that she is pregnant, so with good luck, she will be ready to breed to the lovely buck I have lined up for the end of the year.
I have a new picture of our future LGD. Isn't she cute?
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