Happy Birthday Kuma

Yesterday was Kuma's birthday. She wasn't too happy with me in the photos as I made the mistake of putting her leash on her for a walk and then taking pictures. She wanted to go on her walk!
We went on a walk and then she got a bath and another walk in the sun to dry off. After that Kuma got a big can of dog food all to herself along with a rawhide pigs ear. I think she enjoyed the walk most of all and need to get back in the habit of walking her everyday. Debbi, Kuma sends her love and kisses.

Set out tomato plants and more eggplants and cucumbers yesterday. Also did some cleaning and rearranging. Have lots of boxes of stuff in the livingroom I need to price for the yardsale we are having with Gerda. Sold some baby chicks but still have lots running around. Have found a new home for Bud the Iguana and he will be going there Monday. I just don't seem to find the time to pet and talk to him as much as I use to and want him to get the attention he needs and deserves. Rusty and Troubles make sure they get their attention. They climb all over me in bed and poke and nudge until I pet or scratch their bellies. They follow me every step I make around the farm.

Megan is disappointed she won't be going home Monday. They had to change her medication and she needs to stay a few days longer to make sure its going to work. She ask us to continue praying for her. Here is the updated post Sheri wrote about her husband:



today- more of the same.

they back off of his sedation just a wee bit, then have to give blood pressure meds and nitroglycerin till he settles down. repeat.

he'll be quiet, then his legs/arms twitch and he breathes heavily and chews on his tube (they've got a stopper for that) and scrunches up his face in a frown. When he does that I stop reading, stand up, stroke his forehead and tell him he's OK, that they are just waking him up really slowly to be sure the graft is safe- always aware that he won't even remember going BACK into surgery and once he can think straight his first thought will be WHAT THE HELL???? and he'll fight like a Big Dog.

So I tell him to try to be calm, to try to concentrate on my hand in his, and the words of the book, which are all wonderfully descriptive and do an excellent job of pulling the reader/listener into the quiet, peaceful wilderness of the Dark Divide of southwestern Washington State.

Twice this afternoon, once when I first arrived and stroked his forehead and told him I was there, and once when I told him I had to leave to get Alec, his face frowned up and a single tear squeezed out of his closed eye.

Absolutely. Completely. Broke my entire heart.

Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.

Happy Birthday

To my mom Debbi. My mom and dad are in Germany so I can't give her birthday kisses. My foster mom is letting me send her birthday wishes, love and lots of kisses through this post.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA DEBBI!
I love and miss you so much! I hope you have the happiest birthday ever. I get to celebrate your birthday with a can of O'Roy so I am very happy! Have lots of fun and know I will be sending good thoughts your way all day. Oh, and mom just think how old 40 is in dog years! (just kidding)
Love you,
Kuma

Rainy Monday Doesn't Get Me Down

Just kept me busy in the kitchen. I am very blessed to have a friend that has "connections" with a produce stand. She blessed me with well over a bushel of apples, tomatoes, green beans, strawberries and lots of other veggies and fruits. I made 12 pints of apple butter, canned 12 quarts of tomatoes. Made 2 loaves of strawberry bread and have my beans all ready to be canned in the morning. I just love seeing the pantry fill up with the only cost being the canning lids. I am going to be canning applesauce after I get the beans going in the morning. The animals are loving all the veggie and fruit scraps they have been getting the past few days. I still have to think of something to do with all the oranges and tangerines.

We had a heavy rain last night and several rain showers throughout the day. Made the garden stand up and look nice. The radishes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, and peas are growing fast. The broccoli, brussel sprouts, and peppers are standing so pretty and tall. Tomorrow I hope to set out more of my herb seedlings and egg plants. Its suppose to get up to 85 by Friday. Spring is flying into summer around here.

While I was stringing and breaking beans I enjoyed looking at the beautiful flower arrangement Kuma's mom sent me for my birthday. She is stationed in Germany so Kuma is staying here at the homestead until her return. The flowers are all a lovely lavender in a beautiful white basket. They still look as fresh as the day they were delivered and smell wonderful. Thank you Debbi!

Kuma and Rusty both got baths the other day but are already in need of another one. Kuma likes to roll in the dirt and Rusty likes crawling under things. When Charlotte had her piglets we brought the runt inside to warm it up. Rusty thought the piglet was his baby. He sat by it, licked it and when the piglet finally stood up Rusty nudged it with his nose to get it to walk. When the piglet would stop Rusty would nudge it again. We took the piglet back to its mom once it got stronger and Rusty wasn't happy. Every morning and evening when we feed he goes to the pen and stands there till one of us open the gate so he can go inside the pen. He then walks by Charlotte and goes directly to the piglets and looks till he finds Piglet. He watches for a few minutes and then turns and walks out of the pen. We had a hen hatch out chicks and one had a hurt leg. I brought it inside to see if there was anything I could do. Rusty had to check the chick out and lick it. When I took the chick back to the hen Rusty wasn't happy. He now goes and stands outside the pen where momma hen and chicks are and just watches his chick. If momma happens to be sitting on the chicks and he can't see his chick he barks. I have to make him go away from the pen until momma hen gets off the chicks so he can see and not bark. I think Rusty would make a good foster "mom" even though he is a neutered male. Whenever someone is leaving with chickens or bunnies they have purchased from us Rusty follows them to their car and actually walks on his hind legs trying to reach the animal leaving. Its like he thinks they are his and they belong here and doesn't want them to leave. Since we have sold over 100 chickens the past week Rusty has been doing alot of walking on his hind legs.

I have been getting up and going right to feeding the animals and so have switched my bible and devotional reading to right before I go to bed. It seems to work lots better as I have good things in my mind while falling asleep instead of the bad things I see on the late news. I tell my grands that I talk to God so much throughout the day that he wonders if I ever shut up. When I wake up the first thing I do is thank the Lord for a new day and ask him to bless me and mine. As I go about my morning chores I pray for family, friends, worries, blessings, etc. and the chores seem to get done in no time. I am a very blessed grandma and I hope you have lots of blessings to give thanks for tonight!

A Day At The Homestead

Days at Hidden Haven Homestead seem to go by so fast. Waking up to the sound of crowing roosters. Trying to get out of bed without disturbing Rusty or Troubles. Enjoying the sounds of the early morning while getting dressed to go feed the critters. The bunnies greeting me at the doors and even nibbling out of my hand as I fill their food bowls and give them treats. The chickens waiting impatiently till its their turn for breakfast and have them rush at me like vultures. Charlotte and the piglets hear me coming and are eager for their feed and treats. The piglets are already eating food alongside mom! Ms. Scarlett and Rhett Butler wait not so quietly for their breakfast. Checking to see the new baby bunnies, how many chicks Momma Hen hatched overnight. Making sure Momma Goose and Tessa the Turkey are doing okay while sitting on their eggs. Make sure the teen chicks aren't fighting over their breakfast and Fred the Turkey is saving some breakfast for Tessa. Make my way down to Lady and Tramp. They care more about their doggie treats than breakfast. Polly buries her doggie treat for later and eats her breakfast. Kuma enjoys the rubs and conversation over breakfast but gets down to it as I walk on to fill the bird feeders. Then its on to breakfast for Bud the iguana, Troubles, Whiskers and Rusty before I get to have my own. After breakfast its cleaning the cages and pens, raking and dumping the poo in the mulch pile. Work inside on downsizing for a little while before heading back out for yardwork, gardening, and decluttering buildings and things outside. The sounds of the animals talking to each other in the background is so calming. Watching the birds at the feeders and birdbaths is so relaxing. And then its time for evening feeding. The days are busy and go by so fast but I am enjoying every minute. I am so blessed. I hope each of you have a very blessed weekend.

Bathtime Is So Much Fun

Today was bathtime for all the dogs. Lady, Tramp, Sheba and Kuma got theirs. I was so tired by the time I finished Rowdy won't get his till tomorrow. None of them liked their baths but at least Kuma stood still. She wouldn't give me a smile but she at least stayed in the tub till we finished. All of the dogs are shedding their winter coats and were looking a little ragged. I got most of Kuma's brushed out except for some left on her hind legs. Poor Lady and Sheba still have tons of winter fur we need to get off them. After their baths they all took naps in the sunshine. I sure wanted to join them!

My Aunt Judy emailed me about the icebox pie recipe. She remembers my mother making it and using lime jello. She shared some really funny and wonderful memories with me. She also gave me a low fat recipe for the pie that I will share tomorrow. Several ask what size box of jello. Its the small size and you can use whatever flavor you want.

A Hot Weekend

We made a patio area over a week ago. This weekend we actually found time to enjoy it. It helped having friends from New York visiting for the weekend and a couple of neighborhood kids. William cooked breakfast and we took advantage of the not yet hot sunny morning and ate outside. Phill and Jonathan picked one of the hottest weekends to visit Hidden Haven. We sure enjoyed having them as we had help with planting tomatoes, watering, feeding and milking. They are going to be leaving the city life for homesteading this summer so while packing up they found some wonderful vintage and antique items they wanted to give us. It was like Christmas looking at each item and hearing the story behind it. William is in love with the big hour glass. He keeps timing it and is so proud to say its only a few seconds off. I love the antique tables and have been rearranging things to put them in the right spot. Thank you again Phill and Jonathan for giving us some of your precious items. You can come visit them anytime you want! LOL It has been so hot here we are having to water our gardens alot. We are having temps we usually have in the middle of summer. I hope it gets back to being spring soon. Kuma, Lady, Tramp and Sheba haven't had walks in a couple of days. Its just been too hot and they are more interested in finding a nice cool place to take a nap. I think I will be trimming their winter fur off very soon to give them a little relief. Rowdy's winter fur is almost all gone. It comes off easy when he is brushed. The goats are shedding their winter coat as well as the sheep. All the critters are getting ready for a long hot summer. I already miss winter. Have a very blessed week!

Finally a Smile!

Rowdy was very sad his first night here. The next day we moved him and the dwarf goats in the pen with the kids. The kids were afraid of him and after walking, checking the whole pen he laid down behind the goat house. He could keep an eye on the goats but be out of their sight so they wouldn't be afraid. Mandy (dwarf) started ramming Dawn (one of the kids) in the side. This went on all day. Rowdy would stand between them and Mandy would behave. Rowdy would go back behind the goat house Mandy would start ramming. We decided to move the dwarf goats back to their pen and leave Rowdy with the kids. Bad move. Rowdy wanted his goats back and sat at the gate, barked and cried. He finally jumped the fence and went looking for his goats. We brought the dwarf back. We put Baby and Tiny Tina in with the kids and Rowdy. Mandy and CC are in the pen right next to them but away from Dawn. Rowdy would rather they all be in the same pen but at least they are all where he can watch them. He has barked several times and when we went out Baby had her head caught in the fence. Rowdy was standing beside her watching over her till we got her free. So Rowdy is happy he has all his goats insight and we are happy because we finally get to see Rowdy's beautiful smile!

Hidden Haven Security

For over a year we have been looking for a great pyrenees dog. They are excellent goat guard dogs. They are very devoted to watching over their goat family. We wanted a dog already trained and raised around goats. Some are more of a family pet and not trained to be with goats. Some are too protective and won't allow humans in the goat pens. Some are chicken killers. So we have just looked and talked about it... until now. William saw an ad on Craigs list and made a call. We emailed and talked on the phone to the very wonderful Wallace family. William even stopped by to visit the family when he was in Lexington on business last week. We emailed and talked some more and finally today we made a rush 6 hour round trip to bring home our great pyrenees puppy. A BIG puppy! He is very very sad to have left his human and goat family. He has taken to me and loves for me to pet and rub him but I still haven't gotten a smile or happy look yet. I know in time he will grow to love us and Hidden Haven but he has to have time to adjust and grieve the loss of his old home and family. The Wallaces were very sad to let him go. Like us times are hard for them right now so they are cutting back on their goat herd and dogs. God brought a christian family looking for a goat dog together with a christian family looking for a good home for their goat dog. Not only did we get a wonderfully trained dog for our goats and new four legged family member, we got some wonderful friends that love goats as much as we do! So here are pictures of our new family member. These are photos the Wallaces took before we brought him home. I have been busy loving on him and getting him settled in instead of taking his picture. He is in the pen next to the back porch with the dwarf goats right now. I walked him around to meet all the goats but Mandy, Baby, CC and Tiny Tina were right at home with him. Eventually he will be staying in the pen with the kids but for now he is where I can go out often and love on him. He is with goats which he likes and is use to being with. He ate all his supper and is settled down to sleep at the moment. Tomorrow I hope he will feel a little less sad and feel all the love Hidden Haven has to offer. Here is Rowdy. Thank you again Wallace Family!

Windy Cool Day

I was all set to give the dogs a bath today. Walked out to get Kuma and the wind was crazy. The temp had dropped and the wind was blowing hard. Too chilly to give the dogs a bath today but decided to let Kuma come inside for awhile. Knowing she didn't have to take a bath she really had a good time. Her mom will be real proud to know Kuma didn't get on the furniture at all. She was busy sitting or speaking to gets small bites of bacon leftover from breakfast. After her treats she took a short nap, checked out the house and then decided it was time to go back outside to her house. I spent most of the day making soap and cleaning the back porch. William planted more in the garden and we did a few outdoor chores. One day that to do list is going to have everything all checked off!

Kuma's Birthday

Even though we have been busy around the homestead we're never too busy for birthdays. Kuma celebrated her birthday on April 17th. She had a small party with all the Hidden Haven critters getting treats. Kuma made sure the goats and rabbits got carrots. The geese and ducks got lettuce while the chickens got their favorite.. cabbage pinata! Kuma enjoyed a nice can of Ol Roy beef and gravy. Didn't take her but just a minute to clean her plate and move on to her present. Rawhide pigs ears are her absolute favorite thing so she got a bag of them. Kuma is such a sport and let me dress her up special for her big day. She also sends a big wet kiss to her family in Germany and says thank you for letting us know her birthdate.

From Kuma to Her Family

Hi family!! I sure do miss you! Happy St Paddy's Day. Whatever day that is. All I know is I put on a silly head piece for a picture but since momma Peggy said it was for you I didn't mind. I was sad for a minute. I was giving licks and kisses while momma Peggy was trying to take a picture and she told me no! It hurt my feelings but after she got a picture she let me give her more kisses and licks then I got a cookie! This lady sure does like to give me baths. I hope when you come home I don't have to take them so often. I love going inside! I get to sit on the sofa or lay in front of the fire and even play inside! I was in the dog pen with Lady, Tramp and Sheba and it was fun. Sheba was my buddy but then she started snapping at me. Momma Peggy said Sheba is getting really old and can't see or hear good. I have my own pen right next to them so we still talk and play through the fence. I use to go on my walk with Sheba but now I am going to go with Lady and Tramp. Sheba will get to go on a walk by herself. That way she can take her time and not have to walk fast or run. I like to run and I get in trouble when I try to chase the cat Whiskers or chase a chicken. Momma Peggy tells me no and pops me on the nose with one of her fingers. It doesn't hurt anything except my feelings. I sit down and pout for a minute but then I have to get back up and play. Its hard trying to pout for very long! I miss all of you so much and can't wait for you to come home. I hope you are having as much fun in Germany as I am having here. When you come home be sure to remember I get a treat in the morning and afternoon EVERY DAY! And I get a rawhide once a week though I like to hide mine and bring them out when Lady and Tramp have chewed theirs all gone. They sit and whine while I chew on mine. Sending you lots of licks and kisses and hope you had a fun St Paddy's Day... I did except for that silly head piece!

Saturday Visitors

Saturday my stepson Ray, his wife Sharon, their sons Josh and Wayne came for a visit. Actually they purchased our camper and came to pick it up. Sharon and I hit some thriftstores and flea market while Ray and the boys put good tires on the camper to move it. They hadn't been down in months so of course they had to do the tour and see all the new animals. Here is Sharon's day with the camera.Such a big size difference in CC and Tina!

Of they all fell in love with Tiny Tina. It was a nice visit and hopefully they won't wait so long to come back. On Sunday I had a blogger visit with her family. Will post that later

We Are Still Here

Sorry I haven't been posting. William has been home since Friday and we have been catching up on chores. We also did the thing we hate doing... disbudding the baby goats. Thank goodness that terrible chore is over and they all are doing fine. William came home with a virus and of course gave it to me so we both have been trying to get things done with no energy. I have been in bed before 9pm each night. Just didn't have the energy to stay up plus I could never get warm. We seem to be getting over it somewhat. William has to pick up a load tomorrow morning and then heading to PA. I will be back to doing chores by myself after enjoying having someone help with the feeding and milking. All the critters on the homestead are doing great. You can tell they are getting itchy for spring. The ducks and geese have their nests built and are laying eggs. Won't be very long till they will be sitting to hatch out their babies. The baby goats are growing by leaps and bounds and are so much fun to watch. Kuma took some of the money her mom sent and treated herself and the other dogs to rawhide bones. She treated the chickens to cabbage which we tied on a string so they could peck at it. The geese and ducks got mustard greens which they inhaled quickly. The goats got cookies and the rabbits got lettuce. Everyone sends a big thank you to Kuma's mom Debbi in Germany!!

Unhappy Goats

Goats are creatures of routine. They want to be fed the same times every day. They want to do the same things every day. If you change from their routine you have very very unhappy goats. Since we are going into kidding season I moved Mandy, CC and Baby out of the maternity pen. I moved Sonya and DiDi into the maternity pen but they made such a LOUD fuss I moved them to Diva and Sammi's pen and moved them to the maternity pen. I didn't put Sonya and DiDi back in their pen as the sheep have gotten so comfortable they are being bullies. Sonya, DiDi, Bridie and ViVi (when she isn't in time out) are in the bigger pen and pasture area. They don't like it. No one likes where they are right now except the sheep and the bucks. As soon as they hear me go outside they all start to whine. They continue to whine the whole time I am outside. 4 of them are due to kid in January so hopefully they will settle down and start nesting. ViVi stays in lockup most of the time because she likes sneaking out and eating all the chickens feed. It is just a whinny, noisy time around the homestead. Kuma loves playing with Lady and Tramp but the minute she sees me she whines to be back in the house. I go inside and she starts playing with them again and forgets me.

Bad News- Good News

We volunteered to foster 2 dogs while their family are in Germany. Friends of the family that had been keeping them brought them last night. It was raining, dark and the dogs were scared. Kuro the male slipped out of his collar when they were getting him out of the truck. He ran away. Kuma the female I took and put in a pen while we tried to find Kuro. He was found down the road later last night hit by a car. He was dead. Very bad news to have to tell the family about their sweet Kuro. The good news is Kuma spent the night inside with me. She got a nice warm bath and brushing. She has decided I am hers and follows me everywhere. Wherever I am she lays at my feet. The owners are sad about Kuro but very understanding. I sent them pictures of Kumo this morning and she smiled for them. I know she misses Kuro but I think she is beginning to warm up to being at Hidden Haven. Afterall she already knows where the treats are!