Aaaaaah

Aaaaah, how nice the sun feels today. 40* bright sunny WONDERFUL!!!

Chickens seem very glad to be about as well.

The Melt

Dare I hope?  Hope that perhaps warmer weather is on the way?   Well,  I'm going to do it anyway!!!  The creek has already risen and gone back down, runoff from the north seems to be abating.   Ok, look back at my hill.... waaaaaa!  snow still over 6" in spots.   That's ok, I know spring is on it's way.  Birds are singing and returning, chickens are out and about.

I spent the last weekend driving to Iowa with Theresa, a  friend to pick up a dairy Dexter for her.   It was a long day of driving but it was nice to be out and about, the only downer was that I was unable (no money) to purchase another dexter that was already being milked.   I will have a dairy animal this year!!!!!!!   Met Larry Graber and his wife, enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with fresh, unpasteurized cream and a glass of milk also.   Theresa is also the proud owner of the little bull calf whose picture graced the blog in February.  He is doing well at ox school and is anxious to get a buddy/team mate.  

Spring?!

Well at least the sun is out today,seems like we haven't seen it much this winter.

We have a few Dexter Calves available for sale at this time, 2 dun heifers and a dun bull. Email for details

I love my little cows!!!

FROSTY!!!

Although it's warmer here this morning than the previous days, the cows and horses seem quite comfortable outside of the barn. The little bull calf ( although huge for his breed) ended up in the house as I think he must have had a longer, delayed birth and was quite chilled when I discovered him in the nursery. Warmed up and full of food, he decided to help out with the laundry. Here at the 'funny' farm we have had; a rooster, a lamb and now a calf all spend time in the house recuperating. Elroy, the calf was quite fun watching how to learn to walk and then jump and even moo while in the house. He has gone to live with a friend of mine where he will learn to be an oxen. I wish him well

Thought for the day

Patrick Henry
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."

Glorious Days

After what has seemed like perpetual dusk, the sun has finally broken through the clouds for the second straight day. I wonder if it's a primal instinct to feel more optimistic on sunny days. All the animals are following the sun around the fields and soaking up the warmth. Followed by running and playing, it gives hope that the spring and warmth will come back.

Following up on a FB post I made yesterday, I don't care what car you drive, what you eat or even what color you are. We all eat, breathe and sh#@ the same way. Rank is not an indication of character neither is your position or social standing. I'm free to have my own opinions, just don't try to shove yours down on me. Use of violence doesn't make your opinion 'right' to me it makes you look ignorant, have you even looked from another perspective? Don't be a 'sheeple' use your brain, look outside the box for more info, before you pass judgement on others.

K, I'll get off the soapbox now. Keep in mind accepted scientific fact is being disproven all the time,

By DANIEL ESTRIN, Associated Press Daniel Estrin, Associated Press – Mon Dec 27, 6:13 pm ET
JERUSALEM –

Israeli archaeologists said Monday they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man, and if so, it could upset theories of the origin of humans.

World's Smartest Horse

I’m very excited and pleased to have the opportunity to spend some time with Mark Peterson, trainer of the “World’s Smartest Horse.” (www.markanddusty.com ) Dusty, the horse has appeared in many TV shows, commercials and equine presentations. The relationship between Mark and Dusty is wonderful to watch, it’s the win-win scenario that makes it a pleasure for both man and horse. Many of you know that I strove to have my Vet. Tech. students appreciate animals for what they are inherently, to not be arrogant and realize that animals ARE very capable of learning our language. The win-win situation is great for both owner and animal, each gets a paycheck. Many people (scientific & equine community) have stated that horses are not capable of problem solving. WHAT!!!! Come people use your common sense, if horses were not able to problem solve how do they survive in the wild? Isn’t survival at its basis, problem solving?

Once again I wonder how many times an event has to occur, be recorded, documented before science ‘accepts’ it as fact and not anecdotal evidence? Just because a method is new or seems unusual, isn’t the way it’s always been done; ask yourself; does it make sense to me? Am I getting willing participation from the animal? Do I have to use force or does gentle persuasion gain the effect/action I am looking for?

Dusty has learned an incredible vocabulary of verbal request and is able to carry these requests flawlessly, (but not w/o a smile see his website). I am eager to learn from Mark and Dusty, I hope that I may be able to have Mark look at something a little differently so it will be a win-win for both of us as well. That’s what it is all about, having both parties feel that they have gained whether animal/animal relationship or human/animal etc….

Go hug your animal (2 or 4 legged) and remember they are smart they learn our language, how much of theirs do we learn?

Mark and Dusty also have a facebook fan page at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dustys-Fan-Page/153059171389300