Dead chickens in the morning

Best efforts couldn't save her.

And then there were 14.
Clumps of scattered feathers across the paddocks, chickens wandering in the morning fog, and the chicken coop door wide open greeted us this morning. It was a stark reminder that foxes are at work. On the previous occasions where we have forgotten to close the gates we were just lucky, unlike today.  The loss of six chickens overnight, follows the loss of a single chicken the night before, who stupidly flew into the dog yard while we were looking after the neighbour's hound. We tried to save her, wrapped her in towel and put her near the combustion stove to keep warm, but the trauma was obviously too much. On both accounts I was responsible. Some days it just sux.

We are fortunate to have not lost them all. The remaining girls are in reasonable health although a couple seem short of a few feathers.

New mulch = less weeds

Cold mist,  no wind

On a positive note the day did improve with the visit of two of my daughters, just ahead of friends Carol and Zac (our faithful farm hands). We had just finished mulching the rose garden and cleaning out the chicken pen, therefore collecting a few more bags of fertiliser, if anyone wants some. Timing was perfect for our visitors. After a cup or three of tea, a few munchies and casual conversation it was time to work again.

Just a little more tension

Despite the misty rain, we donned coats and boots and headed to the front boundary fence to strain some barbed wire. What should have been a relatively quick job, even for us amateurs, took a couple of hours. Endeavouring to be frugal we tried to use an old run of wire and use as a puller for the barbed wire, but despite the best of intentions it created more problems and it was soon passed in for new wire. This soon improved the pace of the job, coincidently the rain also increased. Using the quad bike to run messages between the workers and provide tools as needed we soon had the job running efficiently.

Mia, always willing to help

Quad getting a tow home

Before long we were adequately drenched, cold and unable to see through our glasses but the fence was tight and well strained. With a plan for hot lunch (albeit late), a well earned drink and dry clothes, Carol and I got ourselves ready to go, but then I broke the quad bike! Seems the gear selector stripped - the bike was towed home.

Carol and Zac have headed home, Daryl has gone off to work (night shift on no sleep) and I am left with my new computer, a warm fire and my youngest girl resting next to me as we watch the English murder mystery Shetland.

Time for another cup of tea.
Until next time.
N

Love a long weekend

Early start may not have impressed the neighbours

It is the end of the long weekend and the prospect of heading to the office tomorrow is not so thrilling. We are sitting in front of our lovely fire, the two cats are cuddling each other, as close to the heat as possible and the pup is running laps (in her sleep) as she rests comfortably on her new blanket.
Daryl and I have enjoyed a bottle of wine and I am just about done in, sleep is calling me.
After an early and very crisp start this morning, the eyelids are heavy.

But I cannot complain in any way. My dearest friend, also writes a blog, and she explores an entirely different world - one where making small talk is a challenge, as is shopping or driving the car, and some days making the bed is simply overwhelming - so I am thankful I can be tired because I have been busy (and slept like garbage last night).

We decided to get our butts out of bed early as we knew the day would be shared with friends (birthday brunch) and we didn't want to rush them away because the farm wanted our attention.

Crispy greens anyone?

So at 7 this morning we donned gloves and a few extra layers and crunched our way toward the wood pile and fired that chainsaw up. In less than an our we had a nice pile of wood ready for the fire in the coming days and the trailer was full.

Even too chilly for the pup - she rode inside

We are currently burning through about a metre of wood per week. We burn two fires - the slow combustion stove in the kitchen and the large wood heater in the lounge. I certainly would not want to be buying wood. Ouch, that would be expensive and we would be investing in a few more jumpers! After the wood was stacked we did the rounds, counted cows, tended to the horse (Bek was sleeping in at a friends), collected eggs and marveled at the beautiful morning we were enjoying. Mia was more than happy to make tracks in the ice and she tore through the paddocks chasing whatever rodents she could find.

Found this guy wondering what all the noise was!

We bought some winter vegies and they are now planted in the garden beds, hopefully the frost will not burn them before they get a chance to establish.

We did indeed enjoy our friends and daughter's company and celebrated a birthday with crispy bacon and eggs rolls, tomato and cheese optional. A zillion cups of tea and a few birthday beers later, it was time to say goodbye. Hastily, we rushed around getting night time jobs done before the blackness overtook us. We weren't quick enough and found ourselves feeding hay in darkness. Once again the chill began to etch into our bodies, but the warmth of the fires soon welcomed us indoors.

Yesterday saw some more house keeping jobs completed - our rose garden was finally freed of weeds. Daryl managed to drill holes into 30 red gum posts along the front fence line in preparation for wire. What a job! As the timber is green the drill bit continues to get clogged up. Daryl has discovered extra brute force and a screw driver are helpful ways to push the drill bit through.We enjoyed the noise and nonsense of kids and grand-kids who travelled over for tea, and after a whirlwind visit they left us to enjoy the serenity.
 
The first day of the long weekend was pretty chilly here and finally cold enough to convince Daryl it was an inside job day!! Yeah success. I suspect I may only get one designated 'inside job' day every year so I need to make the most of them.

What a way to start the day.

It has been a great long weekend filled with plenty of work, family, friends and fun times. Tonight I suspect I will sleep soundly.

Goodnight to you all.

N

Daughters

Life at Rivergum is not always about pasture, produce and paddocks. Some days it is consumed by our offspring.

I have three daughters.

I am blessed. I am also stressed. My three girls are never far from my thoughts or worries. There is roughly five years between each of them and if I combine their personalities, they remind me of a younger me. Which is a good reason to be concerned.

Recently my three girls caused my ageing heart to beat a little faster.

Daughter number 1 announced we were going to be grandparents for a second time and if that was not enough of a surprise, she is half way though the process - 20 weeks -no idea- unbelievable. Shock, Joy, OMG let's get organised - baby on its way!!
 
Daughter number 2 - Blows up her little car - this is bad, but not so bad when you compare it to crashing her grandfather's little car a few weeks later; now car-less (we have run out of little cars) she tops it all off with the breakdown of her washing machine... she is thankfully  physically recovered but no doubt a little frustrated (especially when it keeps raining and she has to walk everywhere.)

Daughter number 3 - Following her hospital stay, shocked us all by deciding she would like to spend a year in Italy in 2017 - 365 days away from me, not just up the road but 14,373km away - come è successo? (How did this happen?)
Now the plans are gaining momentum and in a few heartbeats I will be standing at Tullamarine airport whirling in a world of worries as my baby heads off on the adventure of a lifetime.

I'm not fussed how many 'gender gurus' sprout about no difference with boys and girls, I will disagree with them. They are different and I am thankful for that. We should not be striving to make everything the same - difference and diversity bring colour to the world and I am glad while my girls have similar traits, similar looks and similar styles they are unique in every way and (thankfully) very different to their brothers. 

Life, as new farmers, brings challenges all of its own and when you add a couple of jobs, multiple responsibilities, large extended family and 8 kids (you know the adult kids), daughters-in-law and a granddaughter  - days can get crazy busy. 


 

The farm never completely lets you go, it demands your attention,whether you are present or absent and we are learning to juggle competing priorities, sometimes simultaneously, day by day.

Crazy or calm we are indeed blessed. 

Til next time

N

Patch of paradise

Low cloud in the mountains

It's hard to resist the opportunity to get back to the wilderness.

So when the message came through that my father-in-law, Max, wanted to celebrate his birthday by heading up bush, we initially jumped at the chance. That was until the weather gods turned their wrath on us and decided to send showers of rain to most parts of our region and beyond. In the lead up to the birthday bush trip some words were exchanged between family members about cancelling the trip, rescheduling to a day with a more optimistic weather outlook or changing the location, preferably to indoors, with a fire. However, my 88-year-old father-in-law is not like most men his age and he was set to go regardless of the "100% percent chance of rain for Licola" according to the weather app. I have no doubt Max would have set off on his own if the family had abandoned him. 

So this morning, after seeing to the animals, and sending a message to our neighbour letting him know we would be out of phone service, in the unlikely event something happened, Daryl and I headed off for Licola, while the rain poured around us. A quick call to our brother-in-law, Tony, and he said the weather was fine at Toongabbie and that he and Geoff (another in-law) were on their way to light a fire and set up shelters in the Alpine National Park, Licola. We doubted Tony's weather report. 

Daryl and his father-in-law

En-route we picked up my father Guy, from his nursing home in Heyfield - it was still raining - quite heavily. My father has dementia and suffers further cognitive impairment following a stroke, 18 months ago. He talked alot about the weather. As I get nasty travel sickness I took over the driving from here and we ventured up and over the mountains, wipers swiping all the way. The rain kept us company and I wondered if the fire would cope with the continual soaking. We arrived at Red Box Camp ground on the Wellington River and drove into an oasis of dry skies, an established camp fire and familiar faces of family. The rain gods were clearly on Max's side! I'm not well versed in weather gods but my bit of research revealed some interesting results. 

A little slippery

There are four options when it comes to the divine power responsible for our fine weather:
The first could be Tlaloc, "He Who Makes Things Sprout" is the god of rain, lightning and thunder. He is a fertility god, but also a wrathful deity. He is responsible for both floods and droughts. Clearly today however, he was in fine mood and only sprinkled occasionally.
Or it could be Zeus, Ruler of Mount Olympus, known by many names, including Lord of the Sky,
Rain-God, Cloud-Gatherer, and Zeus of the Thunderbolt. 

Red Bluff

If Zeus and Tlaloc don't tickle your fancy, then how about CHAC the Mayan rain god, he is the god of agriculture, fertility, rain and lightning.
And finally, if none of these gods answered the call, then maybe the Christian deity did a good deed and blessed us with a small patch of paradise in the high country.

Regardless, those that made the effort to drive up enjoyed a perfect bush barbecue. A few of them even went fishing! Bush walks were enjoyed and the billy was boiling.

Always a fire

Birthday in the bush

Max's official birthday is Thursday, he will be 89 years young. He is such a gentleman, father of five, grandfather of  seven and great grandfather of four, step-grandfather of  six, step-great grandfather of one and a half. He still cooks a smashing roast for the family (up to 15 at any one time), drives independently, and is always keen to get up to our farm and lend a hand. Max exudes calmness and wisdom,- he has suffered great loss and experienced great love - he is a true role model. He loves the bush and has spent more than 50 years exploring and fishing the rivers of the high country. He raised his children to love the bush environment and now Max is returning to places filled with happy memories and  the sweet sounds of  natural bushland. We pray there are many more birthdays by the camp fire with Max.

No fish, still fabulous

Remember that text message we sent to our neighbour, the one just in case something happened while we were away?  Well something did go wrong! Nine of our calves went for a walk down Fisks Lane and thankfully Corey saved the day (again) and returned them to their rightful home. Little schmucks then played chasey with the 4WD as we tried to get them back into the right paddock. The Kelpie, Mia, escaped the house yard and before we found the calves she had bolted up the paddock to 'help' us. All this in darkness, I'm amazed I didn't go arse over in the slippery paddocks.  Maybe Tlolac or Chac were watching over us.

Always nice to be home :)

Until next time

N xx

Exploring childhood memories (Daryl)

Calving crisis

Labour pains at Rivergum

Calf number seven decided to make a more dramatic entrance today and she has given us our first lesson in calf pulling.                      Both Daryl and I noticed her yesterday looking a bit saggy, baggy and rotund and agreed she would drop any day. If you recall, yesterday the weather was fine, warmish with some sun and no wind therefore no calf was born in these perfect conditions.Today was squally with sleeting rain and gusty westerly winds howling across the paddocks and of course our little cow went into labour and her 'not so little' calf got stuck.
After numerous calls back and forth between Daryl, who was thankfully at home, and me, at work, it was clear some human intervention would be required to save both cow and calf. Now, I grew up on this property and recall seeing many calves pulled from their mothers, both dead and alive, but I must admit I have no recollection of technique or equipment used to enable such an intervention. So I am as useless as a novice farmer (that'd be Daryl). However, knowing help would be required Daryl managed to get the impending mumma cow into the yards and called the vet, who as expected, was unavailable to assist at this particular time. At this stage the calf had its front hooves, tip of its nose and tongue protruding from the mother's vagina. Mumma cow was clearly having trouble pushing the head through and chances of her giving up were high. Naturally, we do not want to lose either of them and we knew the baby would have to be pulled out. Hence a rush call to the neighbour for cow rescue duty. We are most fortunate to have generous, helpful neighbours, especially ones who have pulled calf or two before. Today, it was Cory to the rescue. Racing from his own workplace he quickly transformed himself into a farmer/vet and went to work. Unfortunately the labour was too much for our mumma cow who decided to promptly sit down on the job (very tricky with half a calf hanging out her girl bits!)  - check out the Rivergum3851 Facebook Page for more video footage as it won't upload on blogspot due to size restrictions.

A heifer calf was delivered with a fair bit of muscle and good team work from Daryl and Cory.
While the calf was alive and seemingly well, mumma cow was recovering slowly after suffering a bout of temporary paralysis after giving birth (I'm not sure of the technical term the vet used) but essentially she walked liked she had consumed way too many glasses of wine. We were told she would recover fully from these side effect and late this evening it looked like she was walking normally. Locked back in the yards with her new daughter, mumma cow was still unhappy as the afterbirth had not yet been delivered. She hadn't cleaned her calf and I hope she was just cranky at us for interfering and adding to her soreness. The vet has been out and checked them both. We probably didn't need him in the end but I hate seeing animals suffer unnecessarily and was pleased he could pop out. As dark settled in around us all and the temperature continued to drop, we needed to let nature take it's course and hope she allows her calf to drink before morning and give her a good clean. We have placed round hay bales outside the yards to create a wind break and shelter from this ghastly weather. We are about to go and check them both but I need to rug up first and find the spotlight. Will be back very soon for an update.

Update -  mumma and baby are alive and seemingly comfortable on a nice pile of hay. Afterbirth has been delivered and mumma cow seems much calmer. Whether baby has had a drink or not is unclear but we will be back there in the morning to check them out again. If she has, all is well and good. If not, it will be a very busy morning and I may be late for work!

Until next time,

Cheers N.

Changes and choices

Magic moment

For the first time in a long time I declined to take on a job, despite the extra income it would provide and the resume improvement potential. Today, I made the decision putting my family and myself first, and it was difficult.
Don't get me wrong, my family have always been my priority, but work was also a competing rival and my own health and well-being was low on the list.

Life is changing for us, slow and at times wobbly but changing it is, without any doubt.
And it is good. 

New front fence line

Our recent series of unfortunate incidents have reminded me about the fragile hold we have on life; the fact that we are vulnerable and despite our best preparations and care, life still happens good, bad, tragic and joyous. We are then left with the choice of how to deal with the events as they unfold.
Hearing Bek's screams after falling from her horse sent fear to my core in a similar way to when I saw the smashed tractor and Daryl covered in shards of glass.  I no longer want to be so busy working that I am unable to be available for my family or friends, or to participate in events or activities. I am working enough just now.
Rivergum is an unexpected life event and we are learning to navigate this change, day by day. Some days we do this successfully, communicating well and other days we fail on many levels.

Improvements are continuing and some 200 posts have been rammed into the ground ready for drilling and wiring.That is a lot of holes that will be drilled by Daryl and his nifty Christmas present.  We are still waiting for some calves to make an entrance and the young ones are happily part of the herd.

Kiwi is none the worse for wear after Bek's accident and is contentedly munching his days away while Bek recovers.

Not quite smiling but homeward

Bek has been given the all clear. She is not allowed to lift (no hanging out washing for her!) or do anything to put strain on her back. It is great to have her home again.

Roast pork anyone?

On a leisurely note, Daryl bought a bow and a few arrows and we enjoyed a trip to Yarram to pick it up. On our way home we stopped in at Rosedale Butchers and picked up some free range pork. Thanks to our neighbour who raises pigs we are looking forward to many delicious meals.

New toy

Our granddaughter is joining us this weekend and in anticipation of her visit we found a new pair of boots, in her size...so cute!

She will love them!

Until next time

N

Could we be cursed?

Recently, my friend suggested that the farm may be cursed. Off course you scoff at such ideas initially, but I must admit,as the tally of 'bad luck events' keep increasing, I am beginning to wonder.

My mother in her prime

 My adoptive mother hailed from Argentina, South America, and was well indoctrinated into the spiritual world often claiming to be able to 'see things' and perform other healing rituals.
I recall one of the many seances, this one held with a group of my teenage friends (which upon reflection  was a very rare occurrence, as I didn't bring friends home often). The event was memorable resulting with girls squealing as strange psychic events manifested.

Kiwi and Bek as they should be

My mother was a volatile woman who's temper could go from zero to ten in half a second. At times, the whole psychic deal was overwhelming and at generally a little scary, especially as the language was a strange mix of Spanish and something else.... not sure what.

So the question remains - could she have cursed the farm? Maybe......

Recent disasters involving personal injury on the farm are worrying. Daryl and Bek have had their fair share of bad luck and bruises. So far, I am reasonably unscathed.
As I write this I am still sitting in the emergency room at Sale Hospital awaiting results of x-rays and ultrasound after Kiwi and Bek parted ways this morning. The big boy bucked Bek off her saddle and into the air before she slammed to the ground. Her scream was heard some 300 metres away where I was unloading timber railings with Carol. In my distress I tried to run to Bek but I failed miserably and thankfully Carol was close behind me in the ute. Fear gripping my gut, we drive to Bek finding her on the ground tears rolling and clearly in pain. Kiwi was contentedly chomping grass a few metres away.

Great team to transport  and treat Bek

Today did not play out as planned and I wonder is  this another sign of invisible forces working against us.
Bek is finally sleeping after the painkillers kicked in; the poor girl is braced at her neck and the sweat, dirt and mascara are streaked on her face. even as she sleeps she is not restful today. Her forehead creases in pain and she wakes frequently.
Despite setbacks at Rivergum we continue to work hard and plan for improvements. The fence posts are all ready to go after the final pieces of rusty wire were taken away.

Front boundary fence posts

We are very excited to finally have fences, well posts at least, wire will follow shortly. The calves are also separated and they are unable to get through 9kv of  current to their cranky mothers. Sadly the loss of one of our new born calves (the same one the mumma cow trampled in her efforts to attack Daryl) reminds us how quickly good things can turn sour. On the shiny side of life we have five gorgeous calves who can't help but make you smile when you see them frolicking in the paddock.

West boundary posts

A worming opportunity

Meanwhile, Bek is laying flat on the hospital  bed hooked up to all manner of wire and tubes . She is unable to move her head at all and the ceiling is not very inspiring - she is hurting, frustrated and bored - like me :)

While we languish in ER, Daryl and our farmer trainees have been busily working at home. A bbq lunch, in the picturesque surrounds of the bush, was a highlight of the day. I'm sorry we missed it, Bek and I were looking forward to it.

However, before the 'fall' Daryl and I were excited to give Carol and Zac a gift and presented them with a pair of  'his and hers' yellow bolt cutters.

Oh, the things we do!!

The cutters were one of a few bargains we found at the clearing sale, however we took the trailer home empty this time. The remainder of the weekend was taken up with groceries and lung function tests for my father. I'm not sure if you have ever had to do one, let alone get an elderly man who is deaf and has dementia to do it, but I tell you the challenge is significant. We took him out for coffee an cake after the appointment, lovely idea, except he lost us after going to the gents room. Lucky he shuffles and we can catch him quickly.

So we have been at the hospital for some seven hours and it has been decided Bek will stay overnight for further observations and more test tomorrow. On the bright side x-rays reveal no breaks. She is not excited about the overnight stay but I am so relieved the injuries are not more serious.

I know she will be battered and bruised for a periods of time but she will heal and she is whole.

We are blessed.

Lunch with an audience

Keep safe.

Until next time,


N

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

Farewell our furry friend

"This one Mummy, let's get this one" said my son as his glasses fogged up from the slobbering kisses of a four-legged bundle of cuteness. Look Mummy he's chasing me!  His laughter rang through the air and he continued to bond with his new furry friend. As I looked on, I watched my seven year old son rumble and tumble with a golden Labrador who was all paws and kisses. The two, with their odd gait, found a friend that day. What shall we call him? I asked and Jacob, ever thoughtful, replied "Milo". I looked at his sincere little face and had to ask why? " It's my favourite drink" and with that he ran back to Milo and the rest, as they say, is history. This reject of the litter, with his big brown eyes and wagging tail, became a permanent member of our family that day. Milo joined my brood of six children and was soon chewing and cuddling way into our hearts.

Milo on his last bush bash with us

Now 12 years later, Jacob has grown up and Milo sleeps on our lounge room floor, for the last night.Tomorrow night he will go to sleep forever after the shock diagnosis of  advanced bone cancer.

Loving the beach with friends

Two days ago we took Milo to the vet to find out why he wouldn't walk on his back leg.

He has recently had issues with his hips and everyone, including the vet, presumed it was hip dysplasia (common in Labs) or arthritis. On Saturday morning we took him in hoping for some pain relief so he could move easier, instead we looked on in horror as his x-rays showed his bone had been eaten away and the cancer had spread to his lungs. With tears streaming, we listened to the vet give us our options, they were all awful, nothing could save Milo.

A gentle soul

We have brought Milo home, to spend some time with him before we say goodbye; he is heavily medicated yet his tail still wags with enthusiasm when we talk to him or pat him. Daryl has started to prepare his resting place, under a beautiful old gum tree on our farm. A grim task.

Winter nights

Faithful friend

We know it is the right thing to do, we know he is in pain, we know he will never recover, we know it is his time. But it hurts, it hurts so much. Milo is part of our family. If you have never owned a pet you will not understand, but if you have, then you will know the pain losing them brings to a home.

Milo and Mia

Every adventure is a good one when you're a dog

“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Milo taught us about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught us to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the bush, a run on the beach, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught us about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught us about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.”
(Adapted from John Grogan, Marley and Me)


Rest in peace my furry friend, you have been an incredible companion.

Until next time

Natasha