A Sad Day On The Farm

Pip and Rock Candy

Cherry Blossom, the baby I kept

Today was a sad day on the farm.  Farms are full of change, new life, death, excitement, and a healthy dose of reality.  This weekend I realized our squash plants completely shriveled up and died while our jalapeño plants were bursting with crop.  There always seems to be something happening on the farm and today was no different.


After many months of contemplating and watching and stressing and worrying, we made the decision to sell two of our goats.  One is a male and must be sold or castrated.  We chose to sell.  The second is his mother, Pip.  Her horns have been a nuisance lately with her head stuck in the fence and their knife like quality in barnyard brawls.  She has been wearing her beautiful and fashionable tennis ball horn covers and still manages to repeatedly strike Augusta Belle in the throat leaving her without a Maaaaaa.

Chloe, walking them to the neighbor's house

This morning I hooked her on a leash and made the trek, with her son in tow, to the neighbor's house.  Charles, the pony, was very worried where I might be going and followed us all the way to the fence line through thick brush and fallen trees in the thicket.  He did not know where we were taking his goats.  Once we crossed over he did some wild kicking and whinnying before he ran back to the paddock to check on the rest of his herd.  The rest of the day when I stepped outside I heard the cries of Pip and Rock Candy at my neighbor's house and little Cherry Blossom down at the barn.

Charles, very upset to be separated from his goats

fresh, goat's milk butter 

I tried to spend the day doing busy work.  I cleaned the house, did laundry, made bread, made butter, and even had a friend over for a visit.  I was able to remove the sound of their cries from my head for short spurts at a time especially while my friend and I took turns shaking the butter jar.  I know it can be done in a processor, but it takes the fun out of the process.  Oddly, I've been waiting for some milk I set aside to separate well enough to have more than just a tiny speck of butter.  I put the milk aside for three weeks and today when I skimmed the cream off the top and shook the jar, I placed the butter in a bowl and salted it.  It was incredibly delicious!!  Pure, white creamy butter!  The freshly baked warm bread was the icing on the cake, but I could've eaten the butter with a spoon.

In the evening I went over to deliver bread and butter to my neighbor as a thank you for taking my goats to the auction house.  There really is not a way to thank them since she had to see all of her goats and mine being herded away.  As we talked about the scene I began to cry.  What had I done?  How could I be so insensitive to my poor goat?  Her horns were dangerous, but there had to be a way to live with the problem, right?  I contemplated driving to the auction in the morning and buying her back.  The reality of the farm is she wasn't good for the farm.  When I returned home to milk my girls I realized how easy it was to do without Pip's horns.  Harmony on the farm comes at a price.  Sometimes it means roosters get shot and other times it means goats get sold.  I will likely cry a little more tonight as I think about her and her some being separated.  I will cry when I think of his fate of being food and pray her fate will be as a breeder and milker since she still has milk.

Fresh baked bread with fresh butter melting down the sides!

Today was full of goodbyes, but soon we will be welcoming a new addition.  The Golden Goose is expected to debut within the week.  Thank God there is constant change with hellos and goodbyes to keep life fresh and exciting.  I am thankful for the year I had with Pip and hope a her new family will love her as much as we do.(Day 181).  Unfortunately, I couldn't write the last sentence without starting a flood of tears.  I bid thee farewell until tomorrow.  Goodnight Friends!

As I started to sign off and post this blog, Thadd informed me of a raccoon in the pony/goat/kitten barn.  Another life ended too soon when the life of a raccoon collided with that of my tiny kittens.  I can't take the chance of them hurting one of my mousers in order to get food or risk disease by sharing food with my cats.  Today was a hard day.  Tomorrow will be better as I think my children get shots at their well visit.  Shots are so much fun!  I promised Chloe that I will record her next encounter with a shot to play at her wedding for my entertainment.  Ahhh, how I love parenthood!

Lots Of Excitement

Chloe brought me slippers from the hotel

Lately my blog has been less than stellar, but I assure you my life has been plenty entertaining.  Brett recently returned from a week in Laredo and Chloe from a week in Washington D.C.  I was able to catch up with some friends, run errands without extra opinions(minions), eat every meal out, and go to the movies with my husband without having to also supply and pay for a babysitter(brat-sitter).  I also managed to schedule and attend a doctor's visit and a manicure and pedicure.  You might've caught my hands or feet in a photo lately where you can see my once signature red nails.  This week I also acquired seven new animals on my food budget.  I think the count has exceeded any number I can safely count to without looping back to 5-6-7-8.

Chloe in her room

Brett spent a week with my mom where he caught fish, went hunting for arrowheads and even acquired a new pet.  Chloe's trip was equally as eventful except she was unable to secure a pet as her aunt and uncle only allow stuffed animals in their lives.  She did, however, visit many museums and eateries.  I believe the 4th of July to be the least popular day of the year to be found in Washington D.C., but Chloe and her aunt and uncle found their way around via public transportation and even a town car to the airport.  Although all of the excursions were enjoyable she boasts most about her private hotel room with a never ending supply of frappuccinos and a soaking tub with bath salts.  It is amazing how simple this child can be when given a large soaking tub and a book.

While the kids were away I spent time catching up with old friends(former students) and eating at new places(BIRD bakery) more times than can be counted on one hand.  I would leave after milking and return late in the evening in time to feed the animals and discover the unfortunate incontinence problem suffered by my new dog, yeah the outside dog who lives ONLY indoors!  I managed to find pools of wetness throughout her favorite sleeping spots only to conclude, while watching it leak, that she was suffering from a problem most woman report after a few kids.  Unfortunately, I can't just sign her up for Pilates to strengthen her pelvic floor, I have to pay lots more to see a vet and secure a prescription.  I am happy to report after only four days she is showing great signs of response to the medication.  The various idiosyncrasies of this dog have led my husband to nickname her BD(Broken Dog).  If someone acquired me after this many years of life I imagine they would refer to me as BL(Broken Lady).  Regardless of her flaws, we still love her and she still sleeps like a queen, indoors, of course.

Brett's frog, Mr. White

I scheduled an undue visit to the doctor to find I have serious deficiencies in some areas and others are on the abundant side.  If you imagine the deficiencies to lie in sanity, you suppose correctly.  After a few tubes of blood the doctor altered my thyroid compound and  encouraged me to actually use the elliptical machine that resides in my bedroom.  My husband is currently keeping track of the days missed and minutes I need to make up to reach my goal.  I told him to hold me accountable, but now I'm just annoyed by his constant reminders.  Truthfully, my complete lack of testosterone doesn't bother me much since the hair on my legs grows slower and lighter.  She also informed me of the unusually low levels of Vitamin D.  I explained to her my grand bikini farming plan and how I've been attempting fifteen minutes of sun exposure to my belly a day.  She was NOT impressed and told me to go ahead and try taking the 5,000 strength caplets.  She did give me a thumb's up for effort.

Along with a doctor visit was my annual mani and pedi.  I painted the nails red.  Bright, shiny red.  They decided since I had one broken nail to cut all of my nails super short which makes my fingers look like stubs.  I figured it wasn't worth the argument or the mean words spoken about me in Vietnamese.  Annually, on my visit, I make a mental note to study up on the language to have a better time while at the salon.  I'm sure I would find there outbursts and loud ramblings to be a source of entertainment.

I know you are dying to hear about the recent additions to the Stricker Family Farm food budget.  We now feed five does, a buck, a White's tree frog and an entire box of crickets(food for the gecko and the frog).  We also added five more goldfish to our water tank in the goat/pony enclosure.  I'm a little sad to return from my vacation this week where I have two children at home, I clean, and I cook meals.  Now hiring a maid and chef, inquire here.

I am thankful for the time my children have had this week with the people they love so very much.(Day 181).  Goodnight Friends.

Home AT LAST!

Ink in the Pond

The pond was getting a little green with algae.  We purchased a natural algae inhibitor that happens to be blue.  It was fun to watch it work.  It was also a little creepy.

The beginning

Starting to spread

That is the bluest water I've ever seen!

It looks like ink.

Still spreading!

Welcome to the Caribbean!

That sure is a nasty green color over there!

The pond is a source of entertainment for us from turtle sanctuary to swimming hole.  The sun and algae can put a damper on the fun, so Thadd found a natural way to combat the algae and to create a lovely pond again.  It a couple days it will look like normal water, I think.  We may possibly have weird Disney water.  I'll keep you posted.

I am thankful for the beautiful pond and the fun it brings daily.  Even sitting long the edge watching the "ink" spread, we were able to enjoy each other's company and a nice warm breeze.(Day 180).  Goodnight Friends!

Will You Change The World?

Nelson Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his anti-apartheid role and leadership in South Africa.  He was born into the Tembu Tribe and was later schooled at two different universities.  He served time in jail in much of his adult life(on and off from 1956-1990.  As a prisoner he became revered and more respected leading to his eventual leadership over the African National Congress(ANC) when he was released from prison where he was to have served a life sentence.

Some of his ideas may have been said to align with the communist agenda, but the one thing that he undeniably changed he did with his dedication to a cause.  He believed that his anti-apartheid agenda was the only future for South Africa.  He refused to back down leading him to remain in prison for many years.

Nelson Mandela is clinging to life and will likely not make it much longer, but at 95, he changed the world.  He did not allow his tribal birth, unfortunate circumstances, or prison to keep him from making a difference.   Scheduled to be released this year is the movie with the same title as the book, Long Walk To Freedom.  Authorized and written in partnership with Mr. Mandela, this book and film are an incredible look in to the life of an amazing man.

I hope you won't allow prison, tribes, or circumstance hold you back from changing the world.  I am thankful for Nelson Mandela's example and pray for peace as his family prepares for his passing.(day 180).  Goodnight Friends.

Webster defines apartheid as the following:

apart·heid

 noun \ə-ˈpär-ˌtāt, -ˌtīt\

Definition of APARTHEID

1

: racial segregation; specifically : a former policy of segregation and political and economic discrimination against non-European groups in the Republic of South Africa

2

: separation, segregation <cultural apartheid> <genderapartheid>

 See apartheid defined for English-language learners »

See apartheid defined for kids »

Origin of APARTHEID

Afrikaans, from apart apart + -heid -hood

First Known Use: 1947

Not Your Garden Variety

Brett returned today with his new frog Mr. White-ee(How do you spell this correctly?) and we did farm chores.  There were trips to all of the important places, Sears, Home Depot, HEB, and Tractor Supply.  In some cases there was more than one visit to the above named places.  On one of the visits, in which I did not accompany the boys, Thadd bought Brett a utility knife.  Another one.  When I arrived from buying groceries I was greeted by a little boy with a sharp knife.

We arrived home to prepare some delicious naan whole wheat bread pizzas with the bounty from the garden.  Eggplant, basil, onion and tomatoes all sorts of deliciousness were found hiding in the garden. My squash was also found, dead.  I'm, not sure what happened to the squash, but all of the plants are completely shriveled and dead.

This week I received my farm trailer plates.  The next time I wheel the trailer around it will be with my fancy new plates.  I am also considering getting personalized plates for my Yukon XL.  I'm thinking GOATLVR or KTNLVR or CRZLDY would all serve me quite well.  STRKRFM is also a good one.    I would love to hear some of your license ideas?!?

This evening it was very calm and quiet at my house with Lynn, my mom, and neighbors sitting on my patio stairs watching fireworks all over the hill country.  Independence Day, indeed.  Happy 4th of July and may you enjoy a safe and fun-filled weekend.  I am thankful for the delicious garden treats and the visitors who made the fireworks show more fun. (Day179)  Goodnight Friends.

Chloe sends love from Washington DC

Let Go, Let God

At Six Flags Fiesta Texas last week I saw a guy with the following words tattooed across his chest:  Let Go, Let God.  It was written in that swirly script lettering that you often see in tattoo art.  From a distance, as he walked toward me surrounded by his friends I thought (judged him), why would anyone tattoo something across their chest like that?  As my 30+ year old eyes adjusted and he got closer I read the phrase.  I wanted to stop him and apologize. 

Imagine me standing in the middle of a waterpark with my swimsuit on and shades looking like a stereotypical soccer mom apologizing to a nearly twenty year old kid for judging his artwork.  I wanted to know, though.  I wanted to know how terrible his experience was that he decided he needed the phrase tattooed on his chest.  For a moment I thought how great it would be to have it on my forehead.  

How many times have you tried to control your way out of a situation?  Have you thought, "If I was only strong enough, rich enough, smart enough, successful enough, tall enough, thin enough..." the list goes on and on and on.  How many of us go directly to God?  How many of us stop trying to be in control and say, "God, you do it!"  I think it is only when things get really hard or desperate or scary that we say, "Okay God, I can't do this anymore.  Please take over now."

Today I want you to consider tattooing the words, "LET GO, LET GOD" on your heart.  I'm not sure I'm completely there yet.  Obviously, I'm a judgmental soccer mom control freak.  I'll get there, someday.  Join me.

I am thankful for the people who aren't afraid to tattoo their convictions on their chest and to wear God proudly. (Day 178).  We should all be so bold.  Goodnight Friends.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning

At 6:30am, Chloe and I left Boerne to 57 degree temperatures.  I was so chilly this morning, I got dressed and then put on my big winter bathrobe.  I know, excessive.  Still, it was a lovely and cool respite compared to the crazy high temperatures of last week.  At the airport, she walked the concourse confidently with her bag in tow and a vanilla chai tea latte in hand and her unaccompanied minor creds hanging around her neck.  Not a care in the world.

At 1pm I received an "all clear" text of a photo of Chloe walking through the gate at her destination.  It will be a restful five days of fun and spoiling.  There is nothing like an aunt and uncle visit to remind her that she has an option if she decides to run away from home.  She enjoys the "only child" treatment and they enjoy having a child they can see twice a year for a week.  I imagine when she leaves they lay in bed and talk about how much work it is to be a parent!  Next year I'm considering sending Brett!  They likely won't make it a week or a day.

Brett remains quite happy in Laredo.  Along with the fishing, he had a visit with Grandma Alex and Grandpa Melvin who bought him a tree frog.  The original story was more similar to, "We went hiking and in an abandoned house we found a tree frog."  Later the truth came out, he was purchased from a pet store.

Some of you may recall my father's shenanigans from previous Facebook posts.  He is the original pet buying offender in the family.  He bought Chloe her first hamster.  The hamster was pregnant, it had babies, ate the babies and then died.  We were then required to buy her another hamster.  Like I said a few days ago, grandparents make their own rules.  I used to fight their rules and get all worked up.  The truth is, I gave up.  I can't wait to break all of Chloe and Brett's parental rules when I'm a grandparent!! Is it bad to be excited?

The evening ended with a movie with my honey.  I have a feeling we will be at the movies every night this week.  I even had time to have four cats fixed, my annual manicure and pedicure, and a twenty minute nap.  I think I might send both of my children away more often so I can get the cats fixed, I mean, wait, a twenty minute nap.

I am thankful for grandparents, aunt and uncles who find it valuable enough to spend time with my children.(Day 178).  Goodnight Friends.