Rivergum ramblings

I don't know about your place but it's still blowing a gale here. The wind is swirling down our fire flue and the windows are rattling against this invisible force. Our place is exposed to the winds from the east and west with no shelter belts on either side, and this makes getting out our back door challenging. Yesterdays rain pelted the windows and it was a joy to hear it. It was slippery and squelchy this morning, a little hazardous in places - caution was required especially on the quad or ag bike.

Eggs-cellent haul

The elements not only impact the human residents, but also our animals. With the wind lashing about, our four legged friends can be rather disgruntled. Kiwi, the horse, for example, cracked the wobblies today and behaved like a petulant two year old. Bek is lucky she didn't cop a hoof in her leg or her head! Our baby calves have unfortunately chosen a chilly time to enter the world but they seem to be  coping despite the chill factor. The chickens seem oblivious and continue to free range in the paddocks, producing an abundance of eggs. Mia, our Kelpie, will run no matter the weather but she is lonely ( and possibly cold) in her oversized kennel on her own. We'd put her coat on except she chewed it to bits last winter!

One of our new babies

This week it seems it is not only the weather that challenges us. One of our cows decided she would have her calf in the midst of the morass and managed to stay hidden for at least three days. With the help of our friends, Carol and Zac, we spent hours on Saturday searching for the cow and hoping she was safe. Much to our delight she was spotted with a gorgeous little calf at foot. What a relief.

While we had extra pairs of hands we again separated our older calves from their mums (as the two youngest need to wean off their pregnant mums). The plan worked a treat, however I was more than frustrated when I did a head count the next day only

Mother's Club

to find the two little schmucks missing!             Sure enough they had found a way through the fences and back to their mummas. With Daryl back on shift work, I had no chance of separating them on my own. So for now they are enjoying the comforts of their mummas - but the fence is being repaired and electrified! In amongst all this Kiwi broke through his temporary fencing and had a lovely time exploring the farm -  aaaarggghhhhh!!!

Clearly the theme here is inadequate fencing.  And this is where the good news begins - our fencing contractor, Kane, is due here on Tuesday- west and north boundary fences and horse paddock fences are on the priority list.

Things are looking up.

Despite our small frustrations,we have enjoyed some great moments and we are creating wonderful memories. We had a bonfire last weekend, sharing the experience with family and friends. It was just like camping, but better,  as it was only a short drive to a comfortable and warm bed.

Bonfire - a perfect way to start the weekend

Wishing you a cozy evening.

'Til next time

N xxx