The first of the summer people has arrived. His name is Alex – he is from California and he is going to be great.
I got his arrival date wrong so he is here a week ahead of my schedule and right on time for his.
Already he is fully engaged. Last night we took the dogs for their evening stroll together and the air was full of the sounds of frogs in the fields and the ditch.
So today the summer work begins. Even though this week has a blend of wintry weather ahead of us – even a nasty snow storm forecast for Thursday, we will be setting up for the summer but we will not be planting – not with an inch of snow due on Thursday. Most of the work will be focused on seed sowing, barn cleaning and organising the systems for the summer – the boards, the lists, the books.
Molly is still in one piece. I really need her to wait another week now – next week looks much better for babies. Mid week this week will be cold and very windy.
It is nice to have Lady Astor home. My old milk cow. All the big cows are still locked off the big fields – the ground is still too soft. The three calves are out in Pats Paddock though, they are lighter on their feet and less destructive to the pasture.
By rights I should allow the pasture to grow to about eight inches before bringing in stock – but I can seldom wait that long. I get as antsy as the cows do watching the grass grow, and feeding out hay is like sitting on a thorn. Because Lady has that trouble with her udder overfilling she will stay on dry tucker until she calves. As long as I have enough dry hay that is. Our John bought 50 more bales off a friend of his – that should hold us for another twenty odd days.
The next wave of plonkers are selling well for next month. My goal is to sell four a month of any size.
Good morning. It looks like Boo will spend his day hiding in the wardrobe – there is rain and thunder coming by mid-morning and it looks like it will rain all day. But my new volunteer – Alex – is a sturdy chap, I don’t think rain will bother him.
Have a lovely day.
Love celi
Todays forecast:
Day: Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. High around 60F/15C. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The Kitchen's Garden 
37 responses to “So it begins”
Welcome Alex and I am happy that you have an extra pair of hands.
Good morning and good day!
OK, sounds like we’ll all be encouraging Molly to cross her legs for just a little longer… Autumn has finally arrived here, with a couple of lovely cool nights. What a pleasure to need some covers on the bed instead of flinging them off because it’s so hot.
It must be good to have some help and company as well.
Weather be darned! Just reading ‘… and the summer work begins’ has bolstered my spirits! Welcome Alex! I hope you didn’t have to hike out to the farmy on your own.
No, he drove in his car – and , poor boy, I was not even here to welcome him.. c
Where do your volunteer helpers come from? WWOOF? HelpX? some other organization? Just curious as you always seem to have them and they sound helpful and friendly.
So far these are all wwoofers.
Welcome Alex! I have help coming this week too. Hallelujah!! You’re a little ahead of us in the Spring department. We got 5 inches of snow Saturday and then it was in the 60s yesterday, so thankfully, a lot of it melted. I feel like Winter doesn’t want to let go here!! Still, planting in the nursery with hope in our hearts… Baby wait continues…
Let’s see if this posts…..
Hello Alex!
I hope Molly can wait. Snow in April – odd odd winter to have little to no snow and then spring and wham, snow.
Have a great day!
Umm I’m thinking Molly should hold onto those babies for another couple of weeks, otherwise it looks like she will be expecting you to feed them all, as we watch all over the world. Laura
Alex is going to have a blast working with you on the farmy.
Have a wonderful day C and send some of your rain our way please.
🙂 Mandy xo
Stalker oinker reporting in. I’m on Molly watch. I want to see piglets – snorts with piggy laughter. But we want to make it safe so next week Miss Molly. XOXO You’re No. 1 Fan – Bacon
That is wonderful news on the pig sales.. so happy for you that they are moving, and that more on the way.. Enjoy having a helper, I am sure you will get lots done in so many ways.. I hear you on the hay.. but there is nothing green at my place yet.. so I enjoyed the view of your pasture growing 🙂
I’m so happy you have some help and you have the strangest forecast for weather. I hope Molly waits too. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you,
I am glad you got another pair of helping hands.
That sounds very handy 🙂