"The Rest of The Story"

Ok, so apparently you don't mind being my therapist? Well you are back to see how the story plays out so I know you are at least curious.  I'll try not to bore you with too many details!

So when I left off I was improving......Great right?  I thought so too....then we had a set back.

All of a sudden, severe pain, I can't bend, I can't lift....something was wrong.  Back to Dr. Webb and and MRI was ordered.  The MRI showed that I have two bulging discs that were irritating the nerve....that was the pain.  So, a round of steroids, and more rest....more time not being able to do what I needed to do here on the farm or off the farm.

During this time, I started doing some research for natural ways to heal the discs and combat the pain. I learn about a wonderful herb, Comfrey.  Doing research and talking with some friends who also knew about Comfrey, I decided to give it a try.  I ordered some dried, cut Comfrey and set out to make my own poultice with some arnica gel.  Armed with my new medicine and a supply of large bandages I started putting the comfrey poultices on my lower back....and guess what?  They really did help....a lot!  I told Dr. Webb of my findings and she was intrigued.  She said to continue with them and keep her posted as we continued working on my issues.  After a couple of weeks of off and on again use she said if it works we'll take it.

My back continued to improve, but there was still something not right.  My right leg, hip and lower back wouldn't let up.  It wasn't the same pain as the lower back injury something different.  Dr. Webb did some tests and found that I had also injured my Sacroiliac Joint aka SI Joint.  Great!!

So we now tried an SI belt to help support this little joint that only moved 4 cm, but can hurt like heck if it is inflamed.  That helped some, but didn't really fix the issue. So the next recommendation was to see a pain management doctor and see about an injection into the joint. Really??   I wasn't thrilled about this idea at all, but went ahead because I wanted all of this to be done.

Well......I did not have a good experience at the pain management doctor AT ALL. Unfortunately, this doctor did not need to be practicing medicine any longer.  You see, he is now disabled and has a hard time actually doing injections!!! Beyond that they did not have the correct instruments to do the procedure, but went ahead anyway....it wasn't good.  The really bad part is the injection did NOTHING....NADA...NIL...except make the pain worse for several days.  We contacted Dr. Webb and told her of the visit and we decided it would be best not to return to the pain management doctor.  We even went as far as trying to talk with the doctor about the botched procedure, sent a letter with our concerns and problems with our visits, etc....we were contacted by his office manager and rudely told we would receive a zero balance bill and hung up on us. That is not what we were trying to accomplish by our letter, but ok.  I am sure in his day his was a great doctor, but unfortunately, his physical disabilities, poor planning by staff, and just poor staff have made it dangerous, in my opinion, to be practicing medicine. In fact, in doing my research....after the fact....I learned that this type of injection SHOULD be guided by either ultrasound or fluoroscope as recommended by the AMA to help the doctor in the placement of the medication....neither of which was used. Studies have shown that an unguided SI Joint inject is less than 40% effective...wish I had known all of this before the visit.  Folks, do your research!

Anyhow, I went back to using the comfrey and just moved my poultices over to where the SI joint issues were and it worked better than any medicines I had been taking prior.  I did some more research on SI Joint issues and found some stretches specific for the SI joint injury.  These helped tremendously and as long as I do these several times a day it is manageable.

I have been plugging away doing all I was supposed to be doing and and had even gotten to the point where I could mow the field some without much discomfort!  I LOVE to mow the grass so this is a huge step as far as I am concerned. Let alone I hate having my farmer man having to do extra work around here after he gets home from his "real" job....the farm is my job!

All was working fairly well, with a couple to good weeks and just a few bad days here and there...until last month.  Last month something started changing.  I started having more days where I had to be careful what I was doing or I would hurt...hmmm....ok more rest and applying ice when needed, doing the stretching exercises religously. I got this!  Then my right knee started hurting, muscle hurt pain, and tightness.  I mentioned it to Dr. Webb and she said my back may be out and pulling on that leg. Ok, makes sense. Massage therapy was in order as well as muscle stimulation therapy.

I am blessed to have my son's girlfriend, who is a licensed massage therapist!  We scheduled a massage and it did improve! Yea!  In fact the next morning, while being attacked by a certain kitten, I sat straight up in bed only to have my lower back give out a loud CLUNK!  I was afraid to move at first...then the burning pain started. Oh My Goodness!  It was intense!  I took it easy that day and the next morning it seemed as if maybe, just maybe, that hug clunk was my back finally settling back to where it was supposed to be as things calmed down and it actually felt much better.  There was a little soreness like I had overworked muscles, but much improvement.

That was Sunday...by Tuesday evening....my pain levels were increasing and my right foot was going numb.  These are not good signs.  By Wednesday morning the pain levels were high.  I could not get comfortable and we made an appointment with Dr. Webb for that afternoon.  By the time we got in there it was all I could do to walk.  Some tests were performed and it was determined that I have major inflammation around the spinal cord once again.  Once again, steroids, rest and ice were the prescription with a revisit scheduled to see if there are any improvements.  They even prescribed pain meds this time because the pain was so severe. There is some question that I may have torn a few more fibers in the discs...not good news.  We won't know for sure unless we do an MRI.

That was last Tuesday, and I am still confined to either the couch or the bed.  Unfortunately, I do not tolerate pain meds well.  We tried the prescribed pain meds and the side effects were almost worse than the pain.  Severe stomach cramps, nausea, and passing out.....not a positive experience with pain meds once again. Even a quarter of a tablet produced the same effect. The good news is I am improving and the pain is lessening.  I can be upright for 15 minutes or so before the pain becomes severe enough I have to lie back down.

So, why all of this info?

Mainly, I think some times we all put our best out there and we don't keep it real.  Well folks, this is my real for right now. BUT there is still a lot of GOOD to find even with all of this mess going on.

My farmer man....I can't express how much this man means to me.  He is my helpmate, my support, my friend, my love, and my rock.  He has been so awesome through all of this.  He takes care of all the animals and me in the mornings, then works 9 hours a day off the farm at his "real" job, then comes home to take care off everyone here once again...including our "Rudy" who is battling another case of bumblefoot. This requires injections twice a day and soaking and flushing out the foot daily too.  He has been so supportive, so understanding and so patient through all of this.....especially when I have a melt down because I can't do anything. THIS man prepared a whole Thanksgiving Dinner for my family....that's love folks. He knew how important family is to me and he asked if I wanted to cancel and when I said no, he said ok, no problem, I got this. He did an awesome job. <3

I have some awesome family and friends that have been here ready and willing to pitch in and help out whenever and whatever we need. Anything from picking up something for us while they were in town, to coming over and helping out with chores.  I am blessed to have family and friends close by.

I have had plenty of time to just relax and think.  I know I had to refocus my thinking from what I CAN'T do to what I CAN do.  Now that the pain has subsided some and I can think clearly, I am taking this time to work on some projects for our Etsy store.  I had been saying that I couldn't find the time to try out some new items...well, guess what?  I have nothing but time now! lol

 I have this crazy, 8 week old kitten to keep me entertained! We bottle fed this little orphan and now he is helping me pass the day.  (My next post will be ALL about Max)

Even though I cannot tend to the animals, I can hear them through the opened doors and windows.  Our rescued ducks and geese swim up to the back porch and quack and honk back when I call to them.  I can at least see them from the house.  I managed an assisted trip to the Chicken Inn II yesterday evening and I cannot believe how much I miss seeing our big turkey girls, all our guineas and chickens too and this morning I could hear one of our Wood Ducks had returned to the pond.  That made me smile.

 You know, it is ironic.  My last post was about being overwhelmed with so much to do and still finding the blessings in it all....and I would give anything to have my back healed and be able to do ALL of those things now.  Maybe that is what this is all about...maybe I just needed a kick in the butt (or back!) to remind me of what a blessing it is to be able TO DO.  Lord knows, I am a doer and I have a hard time when I cannot do. I am learning to be content in just being...... Being happy, being content, being humble, being vulnerable, being....just being no matter what is or isn't going on around us.

I know healing will come, and I must be patient.  Please keep us all in your prayers as we move forward.  I am asking for answers and direction on how to proceed with this injury...it's been a year and I am sure ready for a cure!  I really would love to get back to being able to take care of everyone and everything here on the farm.  I miss it! But until then, I will just be....

Doctor visit soon so I will keep you posted.  Thanks for your notes of encouragement and prayers!

Back to regular, fun, photo filled farm stuff next post...."Introducing The Old Five Notch Farm's You Have Just Exceeded Your Maximum"

Has It Really Been THREE Months Since My Last Post???

Wow!  I have been meaning to post a blog update for some time....I just didn't realize it has been this long since I posted. I had to read through the last post from September 1st.....that's exactly what I needed right now. 

You see, I am flat on my back with a aggravating back injury and I am having a hard time mentally. I am not a person to sit (or lie) around while everyone else, mainly my farmer man, takes care of everything...including me.  Honestly, I decided to post to the blog today because writing is such therapy for me.....and I could use some therapy right now, so if you are game and don't mind me sharing....here goes....


Here's a little history on how I got here...this will probably be several posts as it is a year's worth of info!

Last November...November 7th to be exact...I was down in the barn working when my sweet farmer man calls me as he does every evening when he gets out of his "real" job.  We were chatting while I was working on a few things in the barn...nothing too exciting. Well....I attempted to step over some PVC pipe that was lying on the concrete floor of the barn....and I failed...miserably!  I managed to step ON the pipe, which rolled out from under my feet. I did my very best Charlie Brown kicking the football impression as his dear friend, Lucy, pulled the football away.  Landing flat on my back on the concrete and pipe, my cell phone flew out of my hand and across the barn hitting the barn floor.

Once I realized I was not dead, I could indeed breathe, I started moving body parts to see what was broken.  Head and neck...ok, arms ok, feet...they moved, legs...oh my gravy.....my back!  The pain was awful, but I also knew that I had to somehow get to my phone and get back in touch with my sweet husband to let him know I was indeed alive, injured, but alive so he wouldn't kill himself trying to get home to me.

I managed, some how, to get upright and get to my phone....it was dead.  I had to make my way to the charger...thank goodness we keep one in the barn, sit down and plug the thing in.  That was no easy feat since every step felt like my back would break in two. I made it though and slowly, and  carefully got myself into the rocking chair. Once a little charged I managed to call my farmer man back and tell him I was ok, I would be sitting in the rocking chair at the barn when he got home though.

When my farmer man got to the barn, and he saw I was ok, and I saw him I felt so bad for him not me!  He attempted to help me get into the truck and that was when I realized how painful the injury was. He was determined I needed to go to the hospital, but I was just as determined that I didn't need to go.  Everything worked, it just hurt like crap!  I convinced him to just get me to the house where I could get in a warm bath and soak as I was sure it was just bruised.

Well, he agreed to let me do my own thing for a week, but if at that time I wasn't feeling much better then I would have no choice but to go to the doctor. 

Fast forward a week later, November 14th.....I was at the doctors having x-rays. The x-rays showed no breaks or fractures so they just said it was bruised and rest and anti-inflammatories were the prescription.

I seemed to heal up pretty well and was able to assume my duties here on the farm as well as off the farm in just a few weeks after the fall. I thought ok, I got this, lesson learned, and very thankful for the healing.....until January.

January found me in terrible pain and having a hard time doing my regular chores here on the farm as well as off the farm. So with some convincing once again from my farmer man, I went to our chiropractor, Dr. Kathryn Webb taking my x-rays from November with me.  Just as soon as she popped the x-rays up on the lighted box you could clearly see where two different vertebrae were sitting funny, kinda tilted to the right...there wasn't much space between them...hmmm.

Dr. Webb showed me that these vertebrae were indeed misaligned and we started working on a plan to help my body realign them....

Throughout the next several months we worked with massage, spinal manipulation, electro shock muscle therapy, physical therapy, natural supplements of fish oil and tumeric, etc. and my back did improve!  I was so excited to see the improvement and was thrilled to be able to go back to work off the farm although I was limited on what I could and couldn't due....no lifting, no mowing of the grass, limited bending, but I was getting better. Yea!!!

Well...There is much more to the story and I'm afraid if I continue I will be liable for your falling asleep at your computer so I'll save "the rest of the story" for another post...or two.

For now, I am resting somewhat comfortably, and trying to be patient while this latest back flare up does it's thing. I am looking forward to getting back up and at 'em and sharing the daily happenings of our farm soon!

Thanks for listening and being my therapist....I'll be looking for your bill in the mail ;-)

Ever Have Days When You Ask Yourself.....Why are We Doing All of This?

I have to be honest.  I am sure I am like most people out there....we post the positive stuff going on in our lives and on our farms, but hesitate to post the other stuff.  You know the stuff...the injured animals, the sick animals, the struggles in the garden with pests, the disagreement with your farmer man/woman, the stress of everyday life, etc.

Well, today I am going to share something I normally wouldn't share.  This past few weeks have been hard.  We have had a lot going on both on and off the farm and the stress levels have been through the roof. We haven't had a break from the farm in quite sometime and it is beginning to show. I even had moments when I really questioned, "Why are we doing all of this?"

Here are some of the questions I pondered this past week. Why are we spending our time, money and effort planting and tending to an organic garden? Why are we raising chickens and guineas?  Why do we have pet turkeys? Why do we have "pet"  rescued, rehabbed and released wild geese and ducks? Why do I stay home most everyday and work here on the farm?  Why all of this work...for what?

As the week went on I prayed a lot and asked for answers that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.

One morning, as I was walking to the field and coop to tend to the critters I stopped in my tracks.....there was a squirrel crossing the driveway.....nothing unusual out here, but it was.  She was carrying something in her mouth....a pine cone? No. It was smooth. Upon further observation I realized she was carrying her baby!  I stood completely still and watched as she continued to make her way across the drive and into the edge of the woods.  She climbed up a small oak tree and disappeared into a nest.  I stood there and just smiled and began to think.  If I hadn't been here on this farm, in this moment, I would have missed this beautiful scene.  I felt bad for the momma squirrel because of all the logging all around us, but thankful she found a safe place for the baby.  I also remembered learning if a squirrel baby is orphaned or abandoned other squirrel will hear it's cry and come to it's aid.  Was this here baby or had she saved a baby, a possible victim of the logging?  Had she helped another she did not even know?

That's when my heart started to melt.  I was reminded THAT'S why we do all that we are doing.  We have our farm to help ourselves and to hopefully help others. Is it always easy? No....sometimes it is very hard. During this past week I started to answer some of the questions I had earlier.

Why are we spending our time, money and effort planting and tending to an organic garden?

"Roma" tomatoes....organically grown

We spend our time, money and effort planting and growing our own, organic garden so we can provide for ourselves and hopefully share some of it's bounty with friends.

 Is it always easy? No.  Sometimes it can be hard and discouraging when you are battling pests, drought, squirrels, moles, etc., watering everyday when the rain doesn't come, and praying the plants in the greenhouse make it.
 

Squash bug eggs....NOT beneficial insects!

 Would I rather not be planting, growing and harvesting from our own organic garden? No, I LOVE to garden!  I believe my grandparents and parents helped instill the gardening bug in me and I am grateful for the knowledge and passion. I love knowing that we are growing without chemicals or pesticides and we are helping the ecosystem become stronger by providing beneficial insects, predators and plants. I love being able to go right outside my front door and pick produce and herbs to bring inside to make healthy, organic meals for my family. I enjoy learning about new varieties and sharing seeds with others.  I hope that I can share this passion, along with a little knowledge, to others.

One of the good guys!  We love our pollinators and do not use chemicals on our gardens to help protect them.

Why are we raising chickens and guineas?

First, we are raising chickens and guineas for the eggs. Eggs for us to eat, eggs to sell for others to eat, eggs to hatch babies and hatching eggs to sell to others.  They are a great source on entertainment and I love sharing information and ideas with others about our flock.

A Golden Laced Wyandotte Chick

A Buff Dundotte Guinea Keet

 Is it always easy? No.  Sometimes we end up with a sick or injured bird, which means time and money to make sure the bird is healed. Sometimes, during hatching season, it gets overwhelming with all the extra babies to tend to, the incubators to keep watch over,bad hatches, power failures, and the picture taking and posting to sell the babies.

"Rudy" our main rooster....soaking his foot.....15 minutes a day, everyday, injections for the infection, and bandages changed twice a day.  He is recovering nicely from a case of bumble foot. Hope to have him back with the flock in the next week.

Would I rather not be raising our own chickens and guineas? No, I love my poultry!  There is nothing like seeing that new chick or keet emerge from that egg, seeing the children's faces light up when they come to pick our "their chicks", or getting a snuggle from a healed bird who knows you have helped them.  Once again I am grateful for the farm critter bug my grandparents and parents instilled in me.  I grew up with farm animals and I love taking care of them.  I love teaching others about their care and learning from fellow farmers as well.

 Why do we have pet turkeys?

Well, we were supposed to have turkeys that we were going to breed and sell poults, but due to misinformation, we have Broadbreasted Bronze Hens and a poor gimpy, rescued, Standard Bronze Tom who we cannot breed so we have pet turkeys. Turkeys who eat A LOT, poop A LOT and we have one turkey hen that is determined I am I am her arch enemy and I must be annihilated.

Is it always easy? No.  Sometimes I really miss the fact that we cannot hatch out poults. When "Tommy" was still alive, our massive 63+ pound Broadbreasted Bronze Sweetheart of a Tom, he was so large he was unable to breed.  Artificial insemination was the only option and we really didn't want to breed Broadbreasted turkeys.  We had to let our "Tommy" go at 19 months of age because the broadbreasted breed are made for meat birds to be butchered at 7-8 months of age and at 19 month "Tommy" was so large his legs began to break down.  It was a very difficult day when we had to say goodbye to our big, sweet boy.  "Timmy" our new, little rescue tries to mate with the girls, but even if we did find that we had fertile eggs we would not want to hatch them. You see, when you cross a Broadbreasted with a Standard the hens would be the Standard size, which would be good, but the Tom's would be big ole' Tommy's size.  We just aren't interested in breeding unless we have a pure bred so we have pet turkeys.

Our sweet, beautiful, beloved "Tommy" I miss this big boy everyday.

 Would I rather not have our pet turkeys? No, I LOVE my turkeys...well at least the two who don't try to eat me! They are the sweetest, most curious birds and they provide us with so much laughter and entertainment.  We couldn't have asked for a better starter trio than "Tommy" and his girls "Baby Girl and Diva".  There will never be another "Tommy", but we are glad we were able to rescue little "Timmy" and give him a good forever home. I have learned a lot about turkeys by having these big birds and I think we will always have some turkeys here on the farm. We hope to have a Heritage breed when these birds have gone on to greener pastures, until then we will enjoy our big, feathered babies.

Why do we have "pet"  rescued, rehabbed and released wild geese and ducks?

Simply because we are animal lovers and we had the opportunity to help some wonderful people at Izzie's Pond. They are so beautiful and it is so relaxing to just go sit on the swing by the pond and just watch them.  They each have their own personality and you can tell who is who.

Is it always easy? No. Sometimes, when even more wild geese and ducks fly in, the feed bill can get quite expensive.  Sometimes we find that one of the geese or ducks has an injury, usually from a predator, and we have to catch and treat them....remember they are still wild animals! Sometimes I worry about them when they fly off and do not return. I know this is the ultimate goal for them to be free and live as they were meant to be, but I still worry about them since they were in our care.

"Duckie Dude" rehabbing after a SECOND predator attack in two years.  He is all well and back on the pond now.

Would I rather not have "our" pet geese and ducks? No, I LOVE "our" geese and ducks!  Just taking my morning coffee to the swing and getting to spend time with them is so relaxing and when one of our previous years releases come back "home" for a meal and a visit it just makes it all worth while.

"Cypress" nibbling on Scott's ear!

"Angel" letting me know... "There is still food in here!!"

Why do I stay home most everyday and work here on the farm?

It's is my job!  I am blessed to have a husband, best friend and partner who truly values a homemaker, aka Household Technician or Domestic Engineer.  <SMILE> Someone who takes care of the home:  providing nutritious, homemade meals, taking care of the daily duties of the household - laundry, cleaning, etc,  In addition to being a homemaker I am also the "Farm Operations Manager" and I tend to the daily running of the farm: feeding, watering, and medicating the animals, and tending to the gardens and greenhouse as well. I am hoping that I can soon be back on the mower and mowing the field and grass as well. I am also blessed to have the opportunity to work off the farm a little as well as the secretary/treasurer for our volunteer fire department and I also help out some older friends with housework and odd jobs from time to time.

Canning green beans - home grown, home canned

Tools of my trade

Is it always easy? No.  Sometimes I would LOVE to call in sick or take a personal day, but that's not possible.  The animals still need cared for, the house needs tending to, and the gardens and greenhouse need watered on a daily basis. I am blessed that my farmer man tends to all the chores on Sunday morning so I can have time to get ready for church. That little bit of a break really helps. Do I miss working at the veterinary clinic? Yes sometimes I miss the newness of everyday and the people and their beloved pets.

Would I rather not be staying at home and working on the farm? HECK No!  I am a home body, I LOVE being at home. I love being able to provide a clean (most of the time), organized, happy home for my hard working man to come home to right along with a home cooked meal (unless it is his turn to cook aka going out to dinner!).  I love having friends and family over for a homegrown, home cooked meal and fellowship. I love having the time to work in the gardens and see the harvest we have grown.  I love putting up those fruits and veggies we have grown or were fortunate enough to be gifted. I love having the time to be creative and make things for others and to sell on The Old Five Notch Farm Etsy shop.  I love knowing I can get an afternoon away to visit with friends and neighbors and share knowledge and learn from each other. I am grateful for the experience of working as a veterinary technician as it has been very valuable caring for our farm animals.  I LOVE the fact that my farmer man fully appreciates all that I do here on the farm and also know the only way I "get a day off" is to take some time away from the farm.
 

Oven Roasted Tomatoes...home grown, all organic, with fresh herbs, best sauce ever!

Fall garden seeds starting to sprout!

So why all of this work...for what?

BECAUSE I LOVE IT!  Well....most days.  Sometimes it does get overwhelming, sometimes you get tired and you need a break.  I guess that's what this post is really about....doing what you love and loving what you do.  That doesn't mean you don't need a break from time to time, heck, we all need a break from whatever job you do. Sometimes you need a break to take some time to step back and really appreciate what you DO have.

I am so grateful that I have a farmer man who has the same goals and dreams that I have, someone who I really enjoy working along side, someone who truly appreciates all the work I do as much as I appreciate all he does for me and our farm, someone who truly loves me...warts, mood swings, bad hair days and all.  I am truly blessed!

The "icing on the cake" for me last week was the return of one of our favorite rehabbed and released geese "Toes". Now I know most people won't understand, but "Toes'" return could not have come at a a better time.  It was just the boost I needed to refocus on just why in the heck ARE we doing all of this.  Once I realized that, in the mix of 29 visiting geese and our 7 remaining released this year, was our beloved "Toes" I literally sat down in the middle of the field and cried as I called "Toes" by his name and this beautiful creature walked right up within touching distance of me. "Toes" recognized me and he even brought his girlfriend "home" to me.  I sat there tears running down my face surrounded by 36 beautiful, healthy, free Canada geese....THIS is why we are doing this.....this.

"Toes" <3

I started this week refreshed and renewed with new ideas, new energy and new gratefulness for just how blessed I am to be here on this farm.  I am planning a get away soon, just to be sure to get some time to relax away from the farm, but for now I'm good....I'm really good. I pray that whatever your job is that you take some time to really appreciate what you have and what a blessing you can be through your job.  Take some time off and really focus on all your blessings.  A grateful heart is a happy heart.

I'm off now to go soak "Rudy's" foot once again...feeling grateful for the opportunity to help this beautiful boy heal.  Thank you Lord, for all that you have provided and forgive me for not keeping my eyes open for the many blessings.....I'm working on that.

Growing and Harvesting.....Sprouted Grains, Fodder, and Timber

One of the projects we started this past Fall was a five gallon bucket sprouted grain/fodder system for the poultry.  I found the idea online for The Dead Simple Fodder System and thought it would be a great addition for the flock especially during the Winter months when the grasses aren't very plentiful and they often spend more time in the chicken run than out free ranging because of bad weather. 

It was a very inexpensive, easy to set up and use system.  We set it outside the greenhouse for easy access to water and when the weather became too cold for the seeds to germinate I placed the buckets in the greenhouse. Once it warmed up again in Spring, I placed the buckets back outside once again. The only problem we had with the system was once the heat and humidity started the sprouts started to mold very quickly.  We stopped using the system and stacked the buckets up until Fall when we could start again.

This got me thinking!  I know there are massive, expensive sprouting/fodder systems that large farms use, but it was not possible because of space or expense to have one of those systems.  I just needed something that would be small enough to fit inside our kennel room, but make enough sprouted grains/fodder to help supplement our flock.  I went to searching online and found this picture.

It looked like a doable project so I talked to my Farmer Man. Of course he could do it!  We took a trip to Lowe's and Walmart and picked up the wood and bins and set out to make our own version of this indoor sprouted grain/fodder system.

Here is our system!

I punched holes...a lot of holes!..... in all the bins except the bottom one.  The bottom one is used for soaking the grains.  I think now I should have kept two bins without holes though.  It would make it easier to swap bins, drain the grains and still have one solid bin at the bottom.....that's why there is a towel on the floor. I'll be picking up another bin on my way to town next trip.

It has taken some tweaking to figure out how much oats and wheat per bin, how long to soak and how long to allow it to grow out, but I think I am figuring it out.  The first couple of batches, however, fermented....phew...due to too much grain. We now have it figured that one quart jar of grain seems to be the right amount for the size bins we have and we are adding a couple of caps full of hydrogen peroxide.

This bin isn't the greatest, but once I cut the green s a bit, to keep the poultry from having an impacted crop, it works.  I think our seed is a little old and our sprouting percentages aren't the greatest, but we will use up what we have on hand and purchase some new seed soon.  All a learning process!

There has been a lot of commotion and noise right next to The Old Five Notch Farm lately.  The property owners next to us are clear cutting the timber to replant in pine trees for a timber harvest crop in about 20 years.  The neighbors own half of the pond so the cutting and clearing will be very close to the animals. I would love to own the whole pond one day where we could fence in all around the pond and pasture to make it harder for predators.

My biggest concern has been the geese and ducks on the pond.  These geese and ducks are rehabbed at Izzie's Pond  and then released here on our farm.  This years releases are now all old enough to fly and can leave if they choose to....I just don't want them to leave because of all the noise.  It is one thing if they leave because they are ready and choose to move on, but I worry about them when they leave because of being scared off.

We had four of this years babies fly off with "Hissy and Prissy", a pair of wild geese that have helped raise each years releases.  I didn't worry too much since they were all together.  Saturday morning "Hissy and Prissy" were back without the four babies.  Later in the day, one baby WALKED up from across the field.  We think she must have been at a pond on the adjoining property and heard the other geese and returned.

As of this morning, we are still missing three of the babies, and the logging has resumed at 6:30 this morning.  I know these are "wild" geese and ducks, but since they were brought here to be released we have cared and feed these little ones and have become quite attached to them all.  I am praying for all to return safely....and soon.

I'd like to introduce you to "Angel" <3 on this years releases.  She is named for her rescuer Angel Durham from Izzie's Pond and because she has what is known as angel wing.  She is spoiled rotten, very friendly and very insistent when she wants fed!

It was feeding time and "Angel" was saying...."Feed me...I see the food...it is right here in the feeder!"

These birds are so very interesting!  They are very family oriented, very intelligent and each has his/her own personality.  We are blessed to be a release site for Izzie's Pond and have the wonderful pleasure of helping these amazing animals.  Thanks Angel and Izzie's Pond!

Please say a prayer for all the animals and for me too....we are all a bit stressed!!

The "Mighty Zucchini", Squash Vine Borers and Growing Where You Are Planted....

I am amazed at how tenacious living things can be!  We all have the desire to grow and be the best we can.  I often find inspiration and peace while working in the garden. Whether it is the peace of just being quiet while watering and noticing all the life in the garden, marveling at the miracle of growing food for me and my farmer man or being grateful for all that we have been blessed with I often find myself much more peaceful, relaxed and focused when I finish my work in the garden. Recently, I found inspiration, in all things.....a cocozelle squash....yes a zucchini inspired me!

A cocozelle squash is a multi-purpose, stripped zucchini squash.  As everyone knows, zucchini squash are very hardy, very productive and often bless not only the gardener with an abundance, but also all neighbors and family who come to visit!  Zucchini plants are one of those plants that just keep giving!

I noticed several weeks ago that our cocozelle squash had been attacked by a squash vine borer.  A squash vine borer,  according Clemson Extention....

"The squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) ranges from Canada to Argentina and is the most serious enemy of squashes and gourds. It causes much trouble where only a few plants are grown in gardens. It rarely attacks cucumbers and melons. Great variations exist in the susceptibility of squash and pumpkin varieties. Butternut and Green-Striped Cushaw varieties are practically immune to attack, but Hubbard squash is highly susceptible.


Squash vine borer larva (Melittia cucurbitae) and damage.
Alton N. Sparks, Jr., University of Georgia, www.insectimages.org


Damage is caused by larvae (immature forms) tunneling into stems. This tunneling often kills plants, especially when the larvae feed in the basal portions of vines. Sometimes fruits are also attacked. Sudden wilting of a vine and sawdust-like insect waste coming from holes in the stem are evidence of attack.


Close-up of squash vine borer larva (Melittia cucurbitae).
Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

The adult is one of the moths known as “clear wings” because the hind wings are almost without scales. It is 1½ inches (3.8 cm) in wing expanse and metallic greenish black in color. Hind legs are fringed with black and orange hairs, and markings of similar color occur over much of the abdomen.
The moths are day fliers and are often mistaken for wasps. Larvae are white, heavy-bodied and considerably over 1 inch (2.54 cm) long when fully grown.

The insect overwinters in the soil as a larva or pupa (a non-feeding stage where the larva changes to an adult) enclosed in a cocoon. Moths emerge in early summer and lay eggs on the stems of the plants, usually late May in the South. Upon hatching, larvae bore into vines and complete their development in four or more weeks. Then they leave the plant, crawl into the soil, spin a cocoon and transform to a pupa. There are two generations in South Carolina.

In a vegetable garden, various measures can be taken to control this pest. Till the soil in late winter to expose overwintering insects. Rotate squash to another location in the garden each season. Destroy vines that have been killed to break the life cycle. You can slit the infested vine lengthwise and remove borers or kill them with a long pin or needle. Place soil over slit stem after removing the borer to encourage root development, and keep plants well watered. Plant as early as the weather allows since borers do not emerge until early summer."

In layman's terms,  they are nasty little larva that will kill a young squash plant!

My farmer man and I performed surgery on the squash, but were not successful in finding and removing the larva.  We did, however, mound up soil around the damaged stem in hopes that the plant was strong enough to continue to produce roots along the stem where it was in touch with the ground.

Weeks went by and the squash continued to grow, flower and even produce some impressive squash....but the squash vine borers continued to do more and more damage.  This is what the squash looked like a week or two ago...

 As you can see the stem of the vine looks pretty much like Swiss cheese, BUT this amazing plant is continuing to grow and produce. That's what got me thinking....

How often are we like the "Mighty Zucchini"?  Stick with me....

We start out with all the intentions, determination and goals only to have life, circumstances and just plain old stuff burrow its way into us....like the squash vine borer.

Well....we have a choice....just like the squash....we can continue to grow, move forward, be productive and fight the nasty little bugs that try to invade our lives or we can wither, shivel up and allow out dreams to die.

I mean, look at this plant....it has more holes and hurt spots than it has stem and it is STILL growing and producing!

Folks, as we go through life, there are going to those little bugs that can puncture our dreams, those big bugs that can come and produce so much damage and chaos, there might even be a disease that attacks us, but we have to remember the "mighty zucchini".  We must continue to look up towards the light, water our souls with goodness, fertilizer our hearts with positive words, mulch ourselves with people who love us, move forward and grow and most of all.....be grateful that we are still alive!   This plant has a purpose...to grow, flower and produce zucchini....and my friend God has a purpose for you and your life too.


Here is our cocozelle zucchini today....still producing...still growing...and I am grateful for this wonderful vegetable not only for the nourishment it will provide, but even more for the lesson, reminder and inspiration it has provided.

 Once again I have been rejuvenated by the time I have spent with God's wonderful creation and reminded that I am His most prized creation...and like the "Mighty Zucchini"...I have a purpose to fulfill.


(For more information on gardening, lawn care, flowers, etc. check out the Clemson Extention Home and Garden Information Center )

Friday Farm Fotos

Zinnas with butterflies and moths all over them.... love our pollinators!

My herb garden <3

Beautiful Green DragonFly

Blessed with fruit from our farm!  All natural, all organically grown.

A new variety of winter squash - so large they need a sling!

So thankful for natural predators!  Another wonderful reason to grow organically!

A newly hatched anole lizard on a Basil leaf...so small, but doing a great job of helping with insect control.

One of this years rehabbed and release Canada Geese <3

Have all our ducks in a row!  Breakfast time is over...time to forage in the field.

<3 "Mr. Neely" <3

"Cypress and Cedar" two rehabbed and release Wood Ducks....love these little guys!

Me and "Cypress"...he is human imprinted and has no fear of people. "Cypress and Cedar" are wild ducks that live on our pond. They were rescued as day old ducks and raised by humans...not an easy feat!  It is really cool to have a Woody Duck that comes when we call him!  We are blessed to have these two little guys here on the pond at The Old Five Notch Farm.

Fun Off the Farm and then back to work!

We had a wonderful weekend spent with friends and family.  It is always nice to take a day away from the farm and just relax, rejuvenate and catch up with friends and family.

Saturday we were blessed to spend the day with my son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Jessica!  We enjoyed breakfast out together and then headed to Columbia, SC to Repitcon a Reptile and Exotic Animal Show and Sale where we saw all kinds of snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, geckos, spiders and arachnids, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.  It was very interesting to see the many different colors and breeds. I think my favorite thing I saw was a huge monitor lizard walking on a leash!  He was massive and just hanging out like he was a dog. 

We finished looking at the reptile show and made quick stop at Dunkin Doughuts for a treat and decided to go to the South Carolina State Museum to check out the Bugs! Exhibit.

 It was ok, but I think for the extra cost it could have been a little better done. If you have younger children I think they would get a kick out of the robotic bugs!  They are also featuring a Christmas In July with a special showing of The Polar Express Movie in 4-D. 

We still had a good time playing at the museum with all the Civil War memorabilia, South Carolina History, and the favorite the Optical Illusion section.

After a great day out with family we had an invitation to dinner at our dear friends Stephen and Eydie's.  What a beautiful day!  It was so nice to just get away from the farm and all the work that is always needing to be done and just relax and spend time with those we love.

Sunday.....it was back to work on the Farm!  After a late and slow start my sweet farmer man started working on the mountain of Roma tomatoes we had covering the kitchen counter.  Unfortunately, I was feeling under the weather so he insisted that I go lie down.  I fell fast asleep to the sounds of my sweet farmer man working away in the kitchen.  When I awoke an hour later he had a huge bowl full of peeled tomatoes ready to be cored and quartered.  I jumped in and we worked side by side preserving the fruits of our harvest. 

There is nothing like spending the day with my best friend, working side by side, chatting and just spending time together.  I am so very blessed to have a husband, help mate, and best friend who I adore and can't spend enough time with!

Removing the tomato skins and processing the first canner full

Canners all loaded up, locked down and cooking!

Messy, Messy, Messy!

We worked all afternoon on the tomatoes and then green beans. 

So pleased with the garden harvest this year and thankful for my sweet farmer man's help preserving it.

We were almost finished with the last canner full when my son and his girlfriend came by to visit and have supper with us.  It was a long, hard day, but very worth the time and effort we put into preserving the wonderful harvest we grew.  A special thank you to Stephen and Eydie Tillman for the extra tomatoes! 

If you are interested in canning, please check out Ball Canning's Getting Started Page  for more information on how to safely preserve your fruits, veggie and even meats.  They have many recipes on their page as well.

The garden is still producing well, even without much rain and continuous watering!  We will have another harvest of green beans this week and probably more tomatoes to can next weekend.  So grateful for all the fresh produce.

The herb garden is growing like crazy and I am so excited about drying some herbs, making some tinctures and salves and sharing the harvest with friends.

Upper level:  Large leaf Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Thai Basil, Purple Basil, Second level:  Rosemary, Tiny Garlic Chives, Italian Oregano, Flat Leaf Parsley, Greek Oregano, Pineapple Sage, Lower Level:  Lemon Verbena, French Tarragon, Lavender, Yarrow, St. John's Wart, Plantain, Varigate Sage, German Chamomile, and Tansy.

All the animals of the farm are coping with the extreme heat well with some extra measures to try to keep them as comfortable as possible. 

Hoping to make a Farm Foto Friday post so keep an eye out for some photos of the farm!