The Story Of Nitro (part one)

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Willow Run in the far away land of Ohio a handsome little buckling named Willow Run Tome' Nitro lived with his daddy; Willow Run Thetis Tome' and his mommy; Willow Run Playboy Novella. He lived a exciting life being trained as a show goat. His owners were very proud of all wins and places Nitro got in the shows and fairs. Being a show goat was lots of work and he had to travel alot. The owners knew Nitro longed to stay home and have his own family one day so they decided to find a new home for him. A very nice lady came to the far away land with her son to take Nitro to her kingdom: Cedar Farms in Vass, NC. Nitro was so happy there. He had lots and lots of land to roam and he finally had his own family. He was the daddy to two girls and a boy! How he enjoyed seeing his kids grow and play but he still longed for something else. He loved his goat family but he wanted more. He longed to be part of a human family. His owner saw that and since she had back problems she couldn't play or take walks with Nitro she looked for him a new family. The search didn't last long. Soon a lady and man came from a kingdom called Hidden Haven. They talked with Nitro and scratched the favorite spot on his head. After talking to Nitro and his owners it was decided Nitro would travel to Hidden Haven. Nitro had a couple of weeks to tell his goat family goodbye and get ready for his new adventure at Hidden Haven. The one thing he wouldn't miss at Cedar Farms was the dog! That german shepard nipped at his heels every chance he got! Hopefully at Hidden Haven he would be able to take walks without worrying about dogs. It finally came time to say goodbye to Cedar Farms and his family. His daughters already had a new home to go to and his son left before he did on a new adventure. The lady came and Nitro was loaded into the back of a truck with a nice cover to keep him dry and warm. Memories of traveling to fairs and shows came back to Nitro and he hoped he wasn't going to be traveling alot. He wanted a home, family and humans to love. He finally arrived at Hidden Haven. It was alot smaller than Cedar Farms but it seemed comfortable and there was only one other goat there. Man was she pretty! His new owner soon became like a mom to him. Nitro was settled in his new home and loving the humans and getting to know Ms. Diva who he hoped soon would become his wife. It wasn't long before mom told him the honeymoon cottage was ready and he could marry Ms. Diva. Finally he had what he had been searching for. He had a home, a future wife and a human family. Life was good! To be continued.

Nitro (written by William)

We awoke early today to get the feeding and milking done ahead of schedule. A appointment had been made for Nitro at 09:00 in Raleigh at the state veterinary hospital/school. Where Nitro's two oldest sons(here at Hidden Haven)were dehorned last year.
In the past few months,he had been not feeling his best. Peggy had pulled him through what seemed to be a bad cold or possibly pneumonia earlier this year. But in recent months he continued to lose weight and act lethargic. At times he would swing his lower jaw from side to side which made us think that he may have injured it playing with his sons and Leonard.
Traffic was heavy on the way from Fayetteville to Raleigh which made us about 20 minutes late. The receptionist paged the vet(Dr. Foster) as soon as we checked in. He came to the waiting room and started the process to get a history on our concerns. Within a few minutes,we were backed into a unloading dock and encouraging "Nitro" to walk off the back of the pickup. He easily did this and walked to the holding stalls for large animals.
Dr. Foster asked more questions and intermittently examined Nitro. He seemed to be leaning toward thinking that the jaw injury or a impacted tooth was likely the problem.
After a x-ray he said that a tooth or injury was the probable cause of his discomfort. However he said that there was a slight possibility of cancer. We ok'ed some more tests,blood work and extracting a sample from the glands under his jaw.
We left to take care of some paperwork and get bite to eat. Arriving back at the hospital late afternoon we or I was expecting the news that a injury was the problem and with some continued good care all would fine. Peggy had expressed more apprehension about news to come.
Sadly to say this but she was right! Nitro has a aggressive cancer that is incurable (Maxillary lymphosarcoma). The Dr. explained our options of the near future. He could put Nitro down at the present time or we could take him home and have it done in the next few weeks. I'm not sure which would be the better choice but I opted for him coming home and take some medication(steroids) for a short time, and then--------.
Nitro is a champion billy and even in discomfort he continues to be the most gentle,yet massive built goat in this part of the country.
Peggy is being the remarkable lady she always is,while hurting deeply,crying some,she continues to be the Hidden Haven mainstay center.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Peggy at Simple Woman has invited us to take part in her Simple Woman's Day book each Monday. Please visit her blog to see all that have joined or if you would like to take part. Here is my entry in my daybook for this week a day late:

For today Tuesday May 27th:

Outside my window I see the baby goats all laying in the sun sleeping. A cardinal is sitting on the birdfeeder eating. I see the breeze gently blowing the leaves on the trees.

I am thinking: Of grilling burgers for supper tonight if William is still home and making home fries and a nice salad from the garden.

I am thankful: William got to be home for a few days and for the extra money I earned on some projects.

From the kitchen: there is the scent of freshly made soaps. I brought them in to wrap and package and enjoy the scent they leave behind. There is also the scent of bacon still lingering where William cooked a big country breakfast for us this morning.

I am wearing: jeans and a teeshirt. I discarded my shoes as soon as I came inside so am barefooted.

I am creating: A new sign to replace the one hit by a car. 2 new soap scents and working on a scrapbook project for the grandkids.

I am going: to go help William put up our new sign and new mailbox

I am reading: The Bible in 90 days with Andi and her husband.

I am hoping: I get to visit family soon as I didn't make it to the reunion this year.

I am hearing: a car way off in the distance, the wind blowing, birds singing, roosters crowing and whiskers meowing for lunch

Around the house: there is laundry to be folded, laundry to hang on the line, paperwork on the desk to take care of, but its all things I am thankful to have to do.

One of my favorite things: listening to the goats crying for breakfast as soon as I turn on the kitchen light each morning. It brings a smile to my face as I hurry to feed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Deliver a local soap order, restock my soaps and supplies, catch up on paperwork, work in the gardens.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

My uncles and aunts from my mother's side at a picnic in 2006. Uncle Bob passed a short time after this picnic. My thoughts have been on the reunion I missed Sunday and that I will get to see everyone that was there sometime soon.

Happy Memorial Day

Hope everyone has had a wonderful day. William has been home so we spent the day trimming goat hooves,worming and building a milking stanch. A young guy lost control of his car last night and took out our mailbox and sign post. His father talked with William and is going to pay for us to replace everything. We went to Lowe's this evening and purchased new mailbox, posts and materials. William will be out early in the morning putting everything together. I spent the evening in the soap shop and will be delivering local orders tomorrow morning after milking. After trimming the dwarfs hooves we milked the 2 does. We have been weaning the babies. Its different than milking our Nubian's but it all worked out. We did our holiday grilling last night. We had a lady truck driver friend that was visiting Wendy come over and we grilled steaks. Had the usual fresh salad, baked potato, garlic cheese bread, watermelon, cantaloupe and chocolate cake. Tonight we just picked up a hotdog while out at Lowes. We both are dragging tonight. Had a busy day and another one tomorrow. I hope to take pictures of the goslings swimming but have been so busy I haven't taken any pictures. This past Sunday was my family reunion. William was on his way home and I was busy with the catering thing so didn't make it. I hope to get up to the mountains in June to visit family. Just don't seem to have time to go anywhere lately. Everyone have a blessed week!

Finally Blogging

I think I am almost caught up on projects. I have 2 big wholesale soap orders to get out then I should be back to the normal every day projects for a while. I finished the DVD and the veggie and fruit sculptures. The mom was so happy with the way everything turned out and so was I! All I can say is I purchased 10 boxes of 250 count toothpicks and used 7 of them so that's a lot of fruit and veggies! I made 3 fruit ones because the mom said the kids would eat more of those.

Here they are up close.

And here is the veggie sculpture

It was so good to get them finished and delivered. Now I am off to make soap! Everyone have a blessed day and a great Memorial Day weekend!

Wednesday Already?

William made it home in time to grill steaks I had taken out of the freezer earlier. We had a nice dinner of steak, baked potato and a salad made fresh from the garden. I did his laundry and we walked around and checked on the animals and gardens. Yesterday we were up early feeding and milking so we could go pick up hay. William fixed a flat tire on my van then we hooked the trailer to the truck and took off to get hay. While they were loading our hay we trimmed goat hooves. Gillis Farms sells lots of my soaps and lotions besides giving us a good deal on hay so we enjoy trimming their goats hooves. After getting home we have lunch and rush around to get last minute things done before William heads out for New Jersey and then Missouri. He made it out before the storms hit. We had gumball size hail, bad lighting strikes across the road, heavy downpours and funnel clouds. There was one tornado touched down on the other side of the county. I went out a couple of times to make sure all the animals were staying dry and safe. Storms scare a few of them. Today the sun is shining and there are tree limbs to clean up and things to put back in order. Got lots of projects to finish as well as daily tasks to get to. Everyone have a blessed day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Peggy over at The Simple Woman has started The Simple Woman's Daybook. I thought it a great ideal and joined in!

FOR TODAY: Monday, May 19, 2008
Outside My Window... the garden is growing,the squirrels are playing tag and the goats are sunbathing.

I am thinking... of a project I have to complete by Friday

I am thankful for... the many blessing God has given me today

From the kitchen... the scent of stew cooking in the crockpot, cheese fresh made cheese draining in the sink and veggies waiting on the counter to be made into a nice salad.

I am wearing..... blue jeans and teeshirt

I am creating..... a dvd of photos for a mother to give her daughter that is graduating

I am going... to TSC to pick up feed and a new garden hose.

I am reading.... Billy by Albert French

I am hoping...William gets home today in time for supper

I am hearing...birds singing, roosters crowing,plane flying overhead

Around the house.... things are all straightened and tidy for a change

One of my favorite things... is watching the baby goats running and playing games only they understand.

A few plans for the rest of the week... finish the dvd, finish the catering project, finish making soap and cheese and work in the garden

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

Love feeding the chickens and gathering eggs. What a wonderful simple life I live!

Come On In The Kitchen

Its a rainy dreary day to be outside but a perfect day to see what we can cook up! Annie over at Real Life Living shared a yummy recipe that I just had to try. All I can say is there is no way you can eat just one! They were perfect for breakfast plus I froze some for William and have some to give our hired hand.

After saving the cream off the top of the goat milk for several days I finally had enough to make butter. My stepson and daughter in law gave me a antique butter churn for Christmas and I used it for the first time today. Works great! I did add a little yellow food coloring to the butter so it wouldn't be so white.

I had some leftover ground turkey, onions from the garden and lots of cheese so thought I would make a pizza. There are several dough recipes I use but today I used this one. I will have pizza for supper tonight with a nice salad with fresh veggies from the garden.

I will freeze a couple slices for William and give the hired hand a couple slices. And since the oven was still hot and I had a can of pumpkin I made pumpkin bread! Made single loaves with some being heavy spiced and some lightly spiced. Yes William, I am freezing some for you!
Have a fresh pitcher of ice tea in the fridge or you can have a nice tall glass of ice cold goats milk. Have a seat and help yourself!

Afternoon Delight

A nice afternoon checking out the new baby bunnies, gathering eggs, milking, watching the goslings, watching Lady dig a hole to lay in, plant some okra, pull weeds in the cabbage patch, wonder what Whiskers is thinking. Just a nice afternoon at Hidden Haven

SweetPea

Sweet Pea passed away last evening. She spent the day inside yesterday as we had storms all day. She had a really good day, ate well, and would walk around crying if she didn't see me. After a long nap I stood her on her pad while I fixed her bottle. When I came back into the room she had what looked like a seizure and fell over. She died in my arms a few minutes later. I know she is a animal and living on a farm I should be use to animals dying. I'm not. She was very precious and very loved. She had her own sweet little ways about her. SweetPea will be missed .

To those that left diagnosis comments and emails when I posted about her being sick: SweetPea was up todate on her vaccines and worming. The Vet did xrays and labwork. SweetPea had problems that started by not having room or nourishment in her mothers womb. If you have more diagnosis please keep them to yourself today. SweetPea is gone and I just don't want to read them.

Happy Mother's Day

To the Mothers I miss

My Mother
Ms. Fran
To the Mothers that call me Mom

Maggie, Melody and Megan

To stepdaughter Lisa and daughter in law Sharon (can't find photos. guess I need to clean my photo folders so I can find people instead of animals. )

And Happy Mothers Day to ALL Mothers Everywhere!

Sweet Pea spent the day outside with her siblings so after her bottle and evening feed she walked over to the sofa and stood there. I think she was trying to tell me she wanted to go to bed. As soon as I put her on the sofa she laid down and closed her eyes. She didn't even watch TV tonight like she usually does.

Molene has two goslings today and still sitting on eggs. Maybe we will have more tomorrow. Between getting soap orders out, picking up day old bread for the chickens, feeding bottles, giving shots, cleaning house and doing laundry I didn't get to planting my okra seeds. Hopefully I can get to them tomorrow before the storms come. I am just grumpy that the more I do the more there seems to be done. I feel like that guy in the commercial saying its time to make the donuts and meeting himself in the doorway. I did have a wonderful phone call. HomemakerAng called me and chatted! I felt so happy, she took time from her very busy schedule to call. So many exciting things going on around her farm. One sad thing is her granddad passed away today. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Do You See What I See?

Molene is finally hatching her eggs! This little cutie was looking out at Larry doing the proud poppa suffle and Curly reminding Molene that some of those eggs are hers. I just love Hidden Haven babies!

Wonderful Wednesday

While checking out tomato plants guess what I found?

Little tomatoes! It won't be long till they are big,red and ready to eat. I can't wait as I love fresh tomatoes. When I went to bring Sweet Pea inside I found Diva and her kids settled down for the night or at least all but one was settled down.

One of the rabbits was enjoying the last little bit of sunlight.

I made a hay rack out of a old metal crib frame yesterday. The dwarfs decided it was more fun to climb in it.

I pressure washed the back porch today and moved Bud out there. He is so happy to be outside even if its only on the porch.

Even though Sweet Pea was standing with her mommy she was ready for me to bring her inside and give her a nice warm bottle. Sammi does not let her nurse at all.

You can see how much bigger her brothers are than she is. Hopefully she will catch up soon.I have had several ask how I keep Sweet Pea from leaving pee and poo all over the house. Well now you know her little secret. But don't tell anyone as she is embarrassed.

I'm Sick :(

Yesterday my human mom found me laying on the ground shivering. She thought I had pneumonia and called the Vet. My temperature was down to 97F and normal is 101 to 103F. Since I couldn't see the doctor until 2pm mom turned on the electric blanket and let me rest in her bed. It was so nice and warm I had a good nap! My temp was back up to 101F by the time I got to the doctors. The doctor said I had a bad cold, low blood sugar and under developed lungs. Since my brothers and sister took up most of the room in mommy and got most of the nutrition my lungs didn't develop fully and I am according to the doctor a cute little runt. I have to have a shot once a day for 14 days and it hurts! Mom has to feed me a warm bottle every 2 hours except at night when I am sleeping. With low blood sugar and no body fat I can get a chill even if its hot outside so mom is keeping me inside at night sleeping all wrapped up in a nice soft blanket. During the day I can go outside with my brothers if its not raining. I get to wear the cutest little shirts until it gets really warm out. The doctor told mom to keep putting molasses on my feed. Mom says it will keep my blood sugar up but I just think its yummy! I only weighed 9lb 4oz at the doctors. My siblings are twice that weight so I have a lot of growing to do. My lungs will slowly develop and I will be a healthy goat one day. Its time for my bottle so I had better go. Love and Kisses, Sweet Pea

Count Your Blessings

Marci has a count your blessings Monday each week. If you would like to take part head on over to her blog and add your name.

I am so thankful for all my blessings but today I am counting my blessings for our wonderful friends Terry and Carol. When Williams truck broke down in MO. We were at a loss over what to do. The repair would be around $15,000. He had just gotten back on the road after being home for 4 months so our savings was 0 and our bills still needed to be paid. I was stressing bad and ask my blog neighbors to say a prayer for us. Carol( she won a trip to Hidden Haven on a auction I held last year and a friendship was born) read my post and the next thing I knew Terry called William and ideals and plans started happening. A few days later William was in Kansas at Terry and Carol's repair shop with his truck. They had a 2000 Volvo that they are selling to William at a way low price and on payments. Terry let William help him at his truck repair shop while William waited on his company to process the paperwork on the truck and fax everything to him. Carol even filled out all the paperwork for William inbetween working at the shop, at her other job, visiting her grandmother that passed away while William was there and taking care of her home and husband! They are letting Williams broke down truck stay at their shop until we get the money to repair it. They opened their home to William. They fed him, let him do his laundry, hang out with them when they have so little free time to spend with each other. They made him feel like family. They don't have to speak to witness about Christian love. They live it each day in their actions. Not only to William and I but to everyone, even strangers. They give of themselves so much they don't have a lot of time to relax but you never hear them complain. Thank you Terry and Carol! You are truly my greatest blessing on this count your blessing Monday!

Once Upon a Time

Looking through some of my old posts I found the story of Diva. Thought I would repost it for those of you that haven't read it before.

http://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2007/02/princess-diva.html

Sweet Pea's New Hat

I am in heaven! First I got my milk bottle back several times a day. Then they started holding my mom so I could nurse her a couple times a day. For some reason she doesn't want me to nurse and she kicks me away. At breakfast and supper I get molasses poured over my grain. Its suppose to fatten me up. Guess I don't have to worry about a girlish figure. Today I was enjoying the sun warming me while trying to keep it from shining in my eyes. Wasn't doing a very good job until I got this hat.
Isn't cute! It fits me perfectly and keeps the sun out of my pretty little eyes. My brother Nickel is jealous and wants it. We let him try it on but then he had to give it back
I am going to wear it all day! I think it makes me look older and prettier. Wonder what my cousins and mom will think of my new hat? Think I will go show them, see you later!