Rivergum3851: July 2017

Steel rods and an auger, the only way to break through the ground

It's been a productive period of time here at Rivergum. While the winter chill is causing frosty damage to many plants, it has not deterred us from getting outdoors and getting busy.

The little bulls have graduated to the big paddock and they are now contendedly munching on hay and 'crunchies' plus enjoying warm milk twice a day. It took some convincing for the boys to realise that the calf muesli, otherwise known as 'crunchies' is very tasty. After some helpful advice from our neighbour, Daryl shoved some of the muesli down their throats and in no time at all they got it happening all by themselves. Growing at a rapid pace, the boys are demanding and vocal if we don't get down to their paddock to feed them when it suits them, and when we do its a battle to keep the feeders on the fence without getting covered in milk, as it is thrown everywhere with a couple of bucks of their hard heads. Despite their impatience we are thrilled to see them thriving.
Since I last wrote we have only had one more calf born to our herd, another bull. We have 17 cows ready to calve and a six week gap is most unusual. Hopefully the girls get a move on very soon.
As mentioned earlier the harsh frosts this season have hurt our new fruit trees and we have lost a number of them now. Some of our native saplings are burnt on the top, but hopefully they will hang in there. We spent some time planting 21 native tree seedlings down the driveway and it is finally starting to look new and improved. At the end of our planting session Carol and I were so thankful we have a small auger to dig the holes. The ground is so hard we managed to bend two steel rods

The beginning of our new front entry

used to create holes, so the bamboo sticks could support the tree guards. Daryl and Zac had their own challenges getting the ripper to drop deep enough to rip the trenches ready for the pipe and after much adjusting and perseverance the pipe was in the ground, perfectly.

Thanks to the efforts of our friends, Daryl's dad, sister and brother-in-law, we have managed to complete more fencing, plant trees, oil the fence posts and new front feature fence, lay new pipework for the troughs and hook up the bore pump. Daryl has worked relentlessly on his days off, making huge improvements and still managing to keep fixing and sorting everything else that breaks down or collapses - like the morass fence line. In the gale force winds of Sunday we were left with no choice but to sort the cattle back out after the fence fell down allowing our pregnant mumma cows to walk into the morass - a big no-no at this stage. The cows did not appreciate our efforts and our efforts were thwarted by the howling winds and frayed tempers. The quad bike got a severe workout, as did my legs trying to hold on everytime I had to go back and round the beasts back up. In the end we won but it really was hard yakka.
With no rain in sight and the grass unable to grow we have had to make the decision to buy more hay. The cattle will need to be fed for longer and we have little to offer them on the ground. Soon we will endeavour to fatten up the steers and move them on to market. Keeping them, as we would prefer, is not looking possible without a major injection of feed. We will be sad to see them leave us early, but I'm not sure we have any other choice.

Growing boys

In amongst all this productivity we have spent considerable time working with aged care staff to transition my father to a more suitable facility where he can receive higher level care. Despite anticipated challenges the move went well and he is slowly settling into his new surrounds. The location is closer to our home and this makes it easier for us to support him and drop in for a quick hello. His health continues to decline however, his stubbornness and negative tongue does not. Growing old with dementia is not dignified. It does not afford you quality of life in your twilight years and it challenges family and friends around you in ways you can never imagine, unless you have, or are, experiencing it yourself. The system is under-resourced, like so many others where dollars are more important than people. In an industry which is supposed to be about care and dignity, its a shambles. It is only thanks to certain individuals, who care for the residents, that make the process even a little palatable.
On a brighter note, Daryl and I were fortunate enough to spend an evening attending a fundraising event to raise money for a friend who is struggling with cancer. What a wonderful way to raise people's spirits and generosity and support someone in such a difficult position. The trivia night was fun (we came third place) and there was lots of reminiscing, on Daryl's part anyway, as they were mainly from his school days, laughter and fun. Who knew so many gold coins could add up to so much. I don't personally know the lady suffering but I am so thankful she has friends around her who have rallied us all to help. It was indeed a grand gesture and while it may not cure her it will alleviate some financial woes and hopefully allow her and her family to enjoy life as much as possible.
This weekend we are leaving Rivergum for some much needed rest and relaxation and leaving the farm in the hands of my daughter and her partner. I hope they enjoy a little country life and we are so grateful to have people we can call on when we need a hand. We are indeed blessed.

I hope you enjoy the following photos.