The Red Snowshoe

September 2010

Rooster arrives…

Rooster

We've been sans pooch for a few years now, and living on an acreage in the country it seems like something is missing without a dog... especially when we go to the barn in the dark! I have been spending some time surfing on various animal adoption agency's websites looking for a suitable candidate. I leave the profiles of dogs that I think might be a good match for us open on the computer for Dino to 'notice'. Well that computer must just turn itself off as there was never any mention of any of the furry faces staring out of the screen, until one day Dino said to me,(after viewing one of my lobbying efforts)'why don't you give them a call'. I called KAAP http://www.homes4animals.com/ and made an appointment to see two, 9 week old Rottweiler/German Shepherd crosses. Just knowing we were going to meet some puppies had me running to the book shop to buy Cesar Milan's http://www.cesarsway.com/ 'How to Raise the Perfect Puppy. We went and met the two wee lads, did a little temperament testing and chose the more laid back fellow. When you have goats, chickens, horses and cats a gentle nature is a good start. Nuff said - we'd like to introduce you to our new puppy, Rooster.

Cutest puppy ever!

Goat Grotto

Lumber for the future barn extensions

We've been planning on building an extension to the barn since we moved here and now we finally have the time to do it. After weeks of building the Wash House and tent platform Dino was certainly ready for a bigger project. Using milled lumber from the tree felled in '09 from exactly the site the extension was to go up we began the work in the dry but it soon started to rain. You get use to that in Spring...and Fall, sigh! The left hand extension is to house the Goats and milking area. The right, happening next spring, will be for equipment storage, the bike and basic woodworking tools.

Left, marking out the piers. Right, putting them in. So far so good. Goats helped a bit.It is their future home after all. Apart from a few roots from the fallen tree digging was relatively easy. Using the milled wood, 6" x 6" we erected the framing that would support the roof.

The trusses are supported at the old barn side by a 4" x 6" piece of lumber that is bolted to the main vertical barn supports. Purlins next then the sheet metal can go up. Of course it started to rain.

The horses never seem to be bothered by the building going on around them. I'm getting used to roofing in the snow and rain.

Green Maggie after treatment

The Red Green Show

Treatment begins

Out at the chicken coop one day I noticed a lump on Green Maggie's foot. After doing a little research I came to the conclusion she had 'Bumble Foot'. The treatment is an iodine and sugar poltice - what the heck, I've polticed my horse's feet many a time - I think together Dino and I can handle a chicken!

The Harvest

Blueberries

Although the garden didn't get as much attention as it should have this year, and there was a distinct lack of sun and an overabundance of rain, we were still able to put some food on the table! I think you learn more from your mistakes. The blueberries are great.

Our first Carrots

To the left our first onions
and the right our first carrots....So next year's gonna rock!

Onions

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