Catching Melinda checking in on the new calf that was born two weeks ago. The wee bull is a male and is not normally named as they will be sold at market.
Melinda on the other hand is a keeper. Big Laugh, bigger heart.
Music on the Farm
There was a lot of music on the farm over the weekend. The fun started on the back porch and ultimately ended with a cake walk in the big barn.
Unfortunately, the rain was steady all day long and the crowd was small. Still, we managed to have a great time. I actually like when the music is officially over, but the musicians hang out and continue playing on their own. Playing for each other and themselves.
Debbie Has a New Hat
Debbie has a new straw hat, complete with big black bow. She’s pretty happy about her new acquisition too. Congratulations, Debbie!
Feeding Sarah
Pinning Hems
Melinda and Debbie have been working hard on a new ensemble for Melinda. The final outfit will consist of top, underskirt, and over skirt. Debbie is pinning the underskirt, a job best done with Melinda up on a short stool.
There has been a lot of hand stitching as well as sewing on the hand crank machine. Next up, buttons and button holes for the top and assembly of the over skirt.
On another note, I just love the light in this house. There is no electricity, so all of the light comes from large windows that can be found in every room.
Deep in Hot Water
Before butchering hogs, you first need to scald their carcass in water so that you can scrape the bristles off of their hide. At the farm, we use an ancient steam engine to heat the water.
Then a team of men get to work scraping the hair from the animal. It’s not pretty or pleasant for modern sensabilities. How easy it is to buy our food from the market and have no real idea of how it got there.
Melinda’s Wheel
Charley’s Lambs
Some of the ewes at the farm had twins and that means a few extra lambs that were not getting fed by their mothers. That’s where a team of workers stepped in with their giant bottles of milk and hand fed them until they were old enough to eat on their own. As you can see, Charley has taken to a few of them. Or is it the other way around? Either way, there is plenty of affection going around.
It’s the first time that I’ve seen lambs act like dogs.
Here are more images of sheep to get you through the weekend.
Undeniable Proof
I’ve worked my entire life to convince other people that I don’t know how to use one of these or that they don’t fit my hand. Unfortunately, my Friend Debbie captured proof that, I do indeed know how to use a mop. I blame it on all of those years I spent swabbing decks in the Navy.
A Little Night Music
Not much beats hearing Debbie and Rob play baroque music…other than listening to them play by candlelight.
I have some wonderful friends.
tim mcmurdo 