Things feel like they're finally falling into a rhythm around here. It's about damn time. I'm not getting alot done on the garden front this year, but I'm at peace with it. The livestock end of our farm has grown exponentially in the last 6 months, and something's gotta give.
Our first intern, Steve is here and settled in. He's got a good handle on the daily chores and is hungry to learn more about organic farming. He's an Aussie who's been living in NYC for the last 5 years, and all of this kind of living is new to him- but he's doing well. I hope the next interns are as easy going.
Thanks to the break created by our electric milker, and the help of my rolfers and acupuncturists, my hands and forearms are healing up from a major brush with carpal tunnel. Getting enough rest is obviously key to the situation and is always a challenge in the summertime.
The animals are happy and healthy... I love not being able to find the sheep and goats because they are off in the bushes feeding themselves what they're hungry for, instead of dining on pricy, imported alfalfa. The birds are laying eggs everywhere and each day is an easter egg hunt.
Beginnings and endings of days are always marked by milking and feeding, but the middays are sort of up for grabs. Wednesday is my Monday, with 10 hours of driving and meeting with shareholders on the agenda. Thursday is my Sunday, when I try to rest up from the hectic day before.
Fridays are random... who knows what I'll fill the middle of the day with. Saturdays and Sundays are cheddar making days. Monday is often for feta and sheep cheese. Tuesday it's crunch time, making yogurt, chevre, cream and sour cream and getting things ready for the big tomorrow.
Of course, there's always other things to take care of... trimming feet and other basic management tasks like moving the pig again. This time she'll go down below the chicken house to turn fresh ground for a future garden.
Oh, and we're getting ready to plumb the dairy shack with modified running water to make cleanup easier and more self-contained. Always always building and improving. And such is the life of a homesteader.
So, it's all good. Absolutely lovin' our life up here on the mountain. You should come visit. We're pretty doggone busy during the week, but try to squeeze in visitors between 11 and 5 Friday through Monday. Hope to see you here!