Yesterday John’s little nephew arrived just after the milking, so Berit and I loaded the hay on the hay rack and they sat on it as I drove the tractor, pulling the hay rack, all the way to the old barn. Everyone needs a ride on the hay. It is actually a peaceful exercise chugging slowly through the landscape. Then we unloaded the hay and restacked it.
Once we got back I ran about doing waters and then Berit’s father arrived down from the city to give him a hand rebuilding the back wall of the Rat-house Hen-house. Which was very kind. Then my neighbours turned up with left overs from their garden, (they were pulling out all the old sweet corn.) Daisy and Queenie love sweetcorn stalks. Then the lady vet turned up with her mother and children to take blood from Queenie and Daisy for their pregnancy tests and dehorn Aunty Del. The children went egg hunting and played with Tima. So the farm was alive with people. And I missed breakfast and lunch.
I had walked out the door at 5.30 and walked back in at 3.30. Then I bottled the sauce, set the yoghurt to drain, started up the sour dough mother, loaded another batch of tomatoes and cleaned the kitchen up from the night before because I had been just too tired to do the dishes that night (bad move.)
Last night I declared it a make your own dinner night. And do your own dishes!
Daisy is not good. The mastitis in her injured quarter has surged up and is the worst I have ever seen. The quarter is swollen and so compacted with infection that I can only milk out the tiniest amount and it is bad. Even though I tried to milk it three times yesterday. The lady vet gave me some strong medicine that goes straight into the udder, but she is not sure if we are going to beat it this time.
Daisy and I have worked so hard to get this quarter up and running again. And we will continue. But it is best to remember that I will not win every battle. Though I am doggard and determined and am not known to give up easily. But no-one can win every challenge they accept. Sometimes the odds are just stacked against us. I will work very hard to get her healthy. But she is in a lot of pain. In fact she is refusing to even come into the milking parlour now. I have to cajole her in. Everything has turned on its head in the last 36 hours. But one way or the other we have to get her healthy. It is and will be a long battle.
However that is the part of farming that you and I are getting better at managing. We must be pragmatic and sensitive to the animals needs. Not our own selfish emotions. We must look at the big picture without the sad face. 
I hope you all have a lovely day. Daisy and I are in the trenches but I am sure that I will still find some loveliness somewhere during the day. You too.
Your friend on the farm
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
52 responses to “Helpers”
Celi, you must look after yourself and eat properly if you’re going to work so hard. You take responsibility for all your animals, you feed and water them carefully, please take the same care with yourself. They need you. We need you.
Sending best wishes to your Daisy, I´m sure you do all you can for her to recover! Take care!
Wild Oil of Oregano essential oil, mixed in with olive oil, can be rubbed on topically to help handle infection. Oil will go into the body through the skin quite easily. Essential oil is so potent, only a tiny amount is needed. Oregano is one of the best anti-bacterial, anti-viral herbs known to man. Thyme oil is also good. I usually put about 20 drops of the EO in with an ounce of organic extra virgin olive oil, bang it on my hand 80 times to mix it (called percussing), and use it a few drops at a time on an infection. I think this might help Daisy with her mastitis. My prayers for a healthy and quick recovery are with you for Daisy. Talk to her like she’s a person and explain what you are trying to do for her. Animals don’t talk back but I believe spiritually they hear us.
I have used oregano every day now for months, it has been part of the routine for Daisy since she started out with mastitis in her other quarter.. massage and milking together antibiotics are the only things that might work for this injured quarter now, this is way, way past herbal remedies, we are in big trouble. Thank you though Dianne, I even make my own oregano oil. it is extraordinary stuff.. c
Yes, what Kate said. 🙂 You give so much, just don’t forget to give to yourself. Big hug for you and for Daisy or rather a scratch on the top of her big, beautiful head.
Sending healing thoughts to Daisy.
🙂 Mandy xo
The whole fellowship is pulling for you and Daisy. If that doesn’t do it, it can’t be done.
Healing thoughts for Daisy, and yes, you must take care of yourself. The animals will be nowhere if you are not able to look after them, and you will be very unhappy as well. xx
Poor Daisy – I hope things improve soon 🙂
Celi. look after number one. If you become ill, who will care for the animals? There are also two trips to NZ up ahead, you will need energy. Putting regular meals in your body is like saving the pennies in a jar for the holiday. Hugs from across the pond.
I would not think of eating in front of people who I am not feeding though. You know how it is. Once I was not busy I could make the food for them, but animals first.. c
That’s terrible news about Daisy. I can feel her pain, having suffered that way myself. And you’re a naughty girl: missing meals will make you ill, and then where will all your dependents be?
It sounds as though the Farmy was rather crowded yesterday!
Have a better day,
love, ViV x
I am so sorry about Daisy. But I am pulling for her … and I am with everyone pulling for you, willing you to take care of yourself too. A hard life. But beautiful too. All mixed up.
Thinking of you and Daisy and sending positive, healing thoughts. xo
Poor Paisley Daisy — I hope she turns a corner soon. And you, Miss C., need some rest and some food.
That’s sad news about Daisy, sending healing thoughts too, least she is in good loving hands, and I agree with the others, do not skip meals it’s not good for you x
I’m exhausted (and hungry) just listening to your tasks. Please take care.