Yesterday Connor our second woofer joined the fold.
It is a funny thing how a person begins an intense communication with me as they travel across the country and sometimes across the world to my little farm. As they get closer our txts and calls get more frequent as I navigate them closer to the farm, like an air traffic controller, until we are almost old friends by the time they arrive nervous but at least they know they are in the right place.
It sometimes feels like they become like a little red kite on the loose in the billowing wind of public transport, un-moored from their homes, not exactly sure where they are going and as they swoop past me I have to jump and grab the trailing string and haul them in and guide them down, then settle them beside me and off we go.
Connor took a train from New York all the way to Chicago, then another down into the country and at the end of a 24 hour journey practically fell off the train into my little car. He was eager to get to work but was falling asleep with his arms in the sink. So he was sent to bed early. Today he will begin to get his bearings. There is a lot to take in during the first few days and he traveled a long, long way. Imagine seeing a live pig for the first time!
Today we begin to plant the tomatoes, and finish clearing out Poppy’s pen. If she is to have piglets this rotation it will be in 8 – 10 days. I need to look up a picture from her last pregnancy at this stage. If I have time that is! And anyway a sow will look different at this stage, she was a gilt last time. H ere are a few old shots. Poppy with 7 days to go. Poppy with 10 days to go. I will try to get a side on shot of her today so we can compare. But I think we will know for sure in the next couple of days.
Things are hotting up.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
PS The magnolia in the header was hit badly by that snow and frozen weather last week. The pink one is struggling along but the yellow blooms on the little tree are all brown and that tree will not bloom. Ah well. Worse things happen at sea.
The Kitchen's Garden 
36 responses to “A little red kite”
I’m so interested in your Woofers! We live on a 26 acre homestead with a herd of Dexters, milk goats, layers and broilers. We also do our own hay, butcher said broilers, milk the goats and all that comes with that task, and garden. I was wondering if you find the Woofers looking for something larger or are they just wanting to glean all the knowledge they can, where ever they can? I would certainly have enough work to keep them busy and varying types of work too, but wasn’t sure if they look for a larger operation? We do have a wonderful guest cottage they can stay in so it really would be a working, learning vacation. We have a mutted Gingie cat just like yours!
You place sounds like a perfect spot for a woofer, with that cottage. It is work in itself though – in a strange way it assuages my need to teach and be around young people- I do miss teaching. Now is the time to sign up as I am getting requests every day but can take no more this year.
So that little “bunny” and its thousand close relatives have no eyes for your veg and kitchen garden? Maybe you can train it to herd chickens. Or eat only weeds…
Love your cute photos today very much – especially that shy hare…. and the lovely cat.
All the best for you, Celi and hello and welcome to Connor!
May you have a good time together!
Welcome Conner! What a delightful education he is about to get!
Welcome, Connor! I remember my first sight of a real pig, and touch – how bristly! Sweet bunny! I haven’t seen one around here in awhile. There was rumor of a fox in the neighborhood. Love the orange kitty in the basket!
I’m sorry to hear about the magnolia, it’s such a shame the weather is so uncertain. I do hope you have been enjoying the warmth that we’ve been getting up here. Looking forward to the stories from your new billet.
The sweet picture of the cat all curled in the basket. Love it. And the bunny too. You didn’t give him away!
It’s looking lush on the farmy. That’s a very cute bunny, but it would be straight in the pot, here in Cataluña 🙂
Welcome to Connor! May you be very happy during your time on the farmy!! I don’t think anyone leaves it without it forever being a memorable part of their life . . . The Weather Gods also smiled!!! And a bunny was awaiting to say ‘hello’ . . .
I love the cat in the basket.
I’ve been catching up on posts I’ve missed due to unavailability of data time as I travelled. It’s so comfy being back, sort of like when you’re at the beach and you wiggle your butt to have it fit “just so” in the sand. Much love, Your Gayle
Sorry I am late. but with a name like Connor, I have to say céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes)! Txiki really is growing very fast.