This is my last week of "real" full time work at Goddard College. There is so much to do here still, and I'll stick around part time thru June, but I am really looking forward to a job that doesn't require me to sit on my butt for 7-8 hrs. a day. Granted I currently begin every day hauling water, hay, etc. However I'm looking forward to cleaning pens, milking goats, making cheese, weeding the garden, sheep herding, and all that other farm stuff - with some agility training mixed in of course - none of these things require that I sit on my butt.
Construction on the farm is coming along. All the new rooms are constructed, next we'll complete the finish work (painting trim, additional lighting, built in shelving, etc.) and then comes the installation of the vacuum system for the milking parlor and then the cheese making equipment. My mom's friend, Jim, did an amazing job in such a short amount of time. It looks fantastic! Now though our attention is turned toward the new goat housing. We're changing a ramp housing off the back of the barn to just an overhang and plan to abut a clear span building to that for goat housing. I ordered the new clear span building yesterday and construction on the ramp and excavation for the new shelter site starts next week.
Sometime this month we'll also install new pasture fencing, about 1600 feet of fencing. Rob, my mom and I are going to be doing most of the work by ourselves. The new fencing will consist of a perimeter fence and two large interior fences that will be just wide enough to be divided into smaller grazing areas with our existing electric net fencing.
Perhaps it is my impending changeover to life as a farm girl, but I've become more interested in eating locally and seasonally over the last year or so. I find my thoughts turning to this year's garden, what to plant, what I will want to preserve by canning and freezing as well as what we'll raise for meat this year. I always think that places like our local co-op are focused on local, seasonal food as well. However, I was really surprised to find ice cream recently at our local co-op that was from the west coast? What is the carbon footprint of a half gallon of ice cream that has to travel from coast to coast and retails for less than $5?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Farm Update
By day I work at a remarkable institution of higher education. While many of you may have never heard of Goddard College, I would venture that someone in your life has been touched by contributions made by a Goddard alum or an alumni of a program from another College tailored after Goddard's educational model. One of my favorite descriptions of Goddard learning is this. While most institutions tell you what you need to learn to be someone, Goddard asks you what you want to be.
I recently read the blog of a Goddard Alum about how a book by the late J.D. Salinger impacted her life while here at Goddard. In particular, a quote she referenced from Salinger's book " Franny and Zoey" caught my eye in particular and it has been on my mind ever since. “An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s.” That quote really defines a lot for me. I see it in my everyday life and also in my approach to training my own dogs as well as helping my students with their own. You set your own standards. Sure we may strive to meet a level that someone else has decided upon but it is your choice to pursue that and do what is necessary to get there. You get what you train!
So begins another blog post from the farm. We currently have 23 new kids, with another 25 does due to kid between now and the end of May. Amidst all of the new arrivals, the barn itself is getting a little new life as well. Construction is about to begin on our new milking parlor, cheese make room, etc. It's all very exciting and overwhelming. Some of the changes are small but will make a big impact - like a convenient place to fill water buckets (goats love their warm cider vinegar tea). Other changes will bring new adventures for both Mom and me in cheese making. We'll start experimenting with our cheese making process in March and have already begun brainstorming new flavors for the soft chevre we'll be making. Chocolate chevre anyone?
On the agility front, entries open today (by postmark) for our May 8-9 CPE trial here on the farm. While it doesn't look like much now, in a couple months the agility field will be crowded with spruced up contacts, new jumps, and even a new rubberized table. I almost forgot, as part of the spring construction going on at the barn we'll be running some additional wiring to the agility field and by the end of May - LIGHTS!!!
I recently read the blog of a Goddard Alum about how a book by the late J.D. Salinger impacted her life while here at Goddard. In particular, a quote she referenced from Salinger's book " Franny and Zoey" caught my eye in particular and it has been on my mind ever since. “An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s.” That quote really defines a lot for me. I see it in my everyday life and also in my approach to training my own dogs as well as helping my students with their own. You set your own standards. Sure we may strive to meet a level that someone else has decided upon but it is your choice to pursue that and do what is necessary to get there. You get what you train!
So begins another blog post from the farm. We currently have 23 new kids, with another 25 does due to kid between now and the end of May. Amidst all of the new arrivals, the barn itself is getting a little new life as well. Construction is about to begin on our new milking parlor, cheese make room, etc. It's all very exciting and overwhelming. Some of the changes are small but will make a big impact - like a convenient place to fill water buckets (goats love their warm cider vinegar tea). Other changes will bring new adventures for both Mom and me in cheese making. We'll start experimenting with our cheese making process in March and have already begun brainstorming new flavors for the soft chevre we'll be making. Chocolate chevre anyone?
On the agility front, entries open today (by postmark) for our May 8-9 CPE trial here on the farm. While it doesn't look like much now, in a couple months the agility field will be crowded with spruced up contacts, new jumps, and even a new rubberized table. I almost forgot, as part of the spring construction going on at the barn we'll be running some additional wiring to the agility field and by the end of May - LIGHTS!!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
It has been a while since I blogged but figured what better time to start into it again then while hanging around the airport waiting for a flight home.
I have been in Portland, OR, since Wednesday, judging a 4-day AKC Agility trial. This trial, part of the Rose City Classic, featured ISC classes which served as a qualifier for the World Team Tryouts. For those non-agility (or non-AKC) folks out there, ISC classes are international style agility classes with rules and course design a little different from what we would normally see here in the States. And the World Team is the team of agility competitors that the AKC sends to an international competition (often in Europe - next one is in Reiden, Germany) where teams from around the world represent their countries in individual and team competition, within 3 different jump heights. Very exciting to watch, even if you can't be there in person. Here is my course for small and medium dogs:
...and the large dog course:
I have judged ISC Standard previously but this was my first opportunity to design and judge ISC Jumpers with Weaves - which as a judge, was great fun. Watching some of the teams run these courses (especially the large dogs) was like watching a dance, skillfully choreographed and performed by dog and handler.
My enthusiasm for judging is renewed with every assignment and this one should last for a while. The Rose City Classic is a well run set of agility trials held as part of a larger cluster of shows spanning 5 days (1/20 thru 1/24 this year) - including Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Agility, and even an art show! I believe they were expecting over 4,000 dogs. Agility Trial Secretary, Robin Cohen, and her husband Robin are awesome! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I shared this assignment with fellow AKC Agility Judge Scott Stock. I've known Scott for a few years and he is great fun - Go Michigan! Andy Hartman was also there - for those that don't know, he is the Director of Agility at AKC and a really great guy in his own right!
Beyond agility there is a lot going on at home right now. Okay I realize that to most people it always seems like there is a lot going on in my life. I like to be busy (sorry Rob). This little factoid is true to a fault. I am getting better at saying "no."
Kidding season has officially begun on the farm. The first 2 kids (twins) were born days before I left for Oregon, quickly followed (within hours) by the second set of twins. While I was in Oregon Rob discovered the unexpected (well unannounced at least) arrival of a couple more kids! And many more kids are expected. Hopefully we'll have the "Kid" cam up and running soon with a live stream. Kids are so much fun to watch as they practice their moves. Visit the farm for updates at http://www.willowmoonfarm.com
So besides kidding season, which falls primarily on my mother's shoulders, we are also continuing plans for cheese making. Construction will really begin next month, as does our training. Mom and I are headed to our first artisan cheese making class in February as well.
Then of course there is hundreds of feet of new fencing to plan for in the spring, selecting and purchasing our new sheep (yup we're adding sheep to the farm this year!), agility trials to plan, courses to be designed for judging, new lighting for the agility yard, agility league, lesson plans/schedules, and the list goes on. For now though I am focusing on equipment building and winter training (for me and the dogs!). After making it through the bronchitis which was followed by walking pneumonia, I feel like I'm finally through the worst. While sick I also missed out on some beautiful snowshoeing weather too, something I hope to change soon!
Still a few hours to my red eye flight, time enough to file my judging report and work on some work work.
I have been in Portland, OR, since Wednesday, judging a 4-day AKC Agility trial. This trial, part of the Rose City Classic, featured ISC classes which served as a qualifier for the World Team Tryouts. For those non-agility (or non-AKC) folks out there, ISC classes are international style agility classes with rules and course design a little different from what we would normally see here in the States. And the World Team is the team of agility competitors that the AKC sends to an international competition (often in Europe - next one is in Reiden, Germany) where teams from around the world represent their countries in individual and team competition, within 3 different jump heights. Very exciting to watch, even if you can't be there in person. Here is my course for small and medium dogs:
...and the large dog course:
I have judged ISC Standard previously but this was my first opportunity to design and judge ISC Jumpers with Weaves - which as a judge, was great fun. Watching some of the teams run these courses (especially the large dogs) was like watching a dance, skillfully choreographed and performed by dog and handler.
My enthusiasm for judging is renewed with every assignment and this one should last for a while. The Rose City Classic is a well run set of agility trials held as part of a larger cluster of shows spanning 5 days (1/20 thru 1/24 this year) - including Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Agility, and even an art show! I believe they were expecting over 4,000 dogs. Agility Trial Secretary, Robin Cohen, and her husband Robin are awesome! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I shared this assignment with fellow AKC Agility Judge Scott Stock. I've known Scott for a few years and he is great fun - Go Michigan! Andy Hartman was also there - for those that don't know, he is the Director of Agility at AKC and a really great guy in his own right!
Beyond agility there is a lot going on at home right now. Okay I realize that to most people it always seems like there is a lot going on in my life. I like to be busy (sorry Rob). This little factoid is true to a fault. I am getting better at saying "no."
Kidding season has officially begun on the farm. The first 2 kids (twins) were born days before I left for Oregon, quickly followed (within hours) by the second set of twins. While I was in Oregon Rob discovered the unexpected (well unannounced at least) arrival of a couple more kids! And many more kids are expected. Hopefully we'll have the "Kid" cam up and running soon with a live stream. Kids are so much fun to watch as they practice their moves. Visit the farm for updates at http://www.willowmoonfarm.com
So besides kidding season, which falls primarily on my mother's shoulders, we are also continuing plans for cheese making. Construction will really begin next month, as does our training. Mom and I are headed to our first artisan cheese making class in February as well.
Then of course there is hundreds of feet of new fencing to plan for in the spring, selecting and purchasing our new sheep (yup we're adding sheep to the farm this year!), agility trials to plan, courses to be designed for judging, new lighting for the agility yard, agility league, lesson plans/schedules, and the list goes on. For now though I am focusing on equipment building and winter training (for me and the dogs!). After making it through the bronchitis which was followed by walking pneumonia, I feel like I'm finally through the worst. While sick I also missed out on some beautiful snowshoeing weather too, something I hope to change soon!
Still a few hours to my red eye flight, time enough to file my judging report and work on some work work.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
My bad
Wow, what a bad blogger I have become!
Guess I'd better get working on a new post! Look for something soon :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Just Another Rainy Day...
Again with the rain...
It's been a while since I posted, spring got very busy all of a sudden. I feel like I went to bed in March and woke up in July!
We are finally settling into life on the new farm. With just a few boxes left to unpack, new chicks and kids in the barn, and the flower/vegetable beds planted summer is well underway.
It's been a while since I posted, spring got very busy all of a sudden. I feel like I went to bed in March and woke up in July!
We are finally settling into life on the new farm. With just a few boxes left to unpack, new chicks and kids in the barn, and the flower/vegetable beds planted summer is well underway.
Friday, February 20, 2009
My Soapbox...
Wow is it just me or does everyone else wonder what the H - E - double pixie sticks the car manufacturers are thinking. I was listening to a new report on Hybrid vehicles and they were complaining about how car companies offered these great Hybrid vehicles in SUV forms that just didn't sell. PULLLLLEEEEEZZZEEE! Did this reporter work for the poor sad car companies who got themselves into this mess by not thinking ahead aggressively enough? SUV and other larger Hybrid's are pricey and do not have the great gas mileage than the smaller more compact Hybrid's have, they aren't really so great and my guess is that they are priced outside the affordability of much of middle America.
Hello car manufacturers - get a clue and soon!
Make an affordable electric or Hybrid vehicle that allows consumers to carry more than 2 passengers and their stuff (or in my case carry 4 dogs and 1 passenger and our stuff) and I bet many would gladly purchase your vehicle. I'd even find a way to endure a higher car payment if my mileage was better, I felt I was helping the environment, and I could carry everyone and everything I needed! Don't get me wrong, I don't need a minivan all the time (although I do enjoy the space when I need it), but what about those CRV style electric cars they came out with for a brief time and then swiftly removed? (Don't even get me started on that whole subject!) One of those would be perfect! Yet they still offer only smallish sedans & hatchbacks or overpriced SUVs that don't measure up?
Stepping off my soapbox now.
Hello car manufacturers - get a clue and soon!
Make an affordable electric or Hybrid vehicle that allows consumers to carry more than 2 passengers and their stuff (or in my case carry 4 dogs and 1 passenger and our stuff) and I bet many would gladly purchase your vehicle. I'd even find a way to endure a higher car payment if my mileage was better, I felt I was helping the environment, and I could carry everyone and everything I needed! Don't get me wrong, I don't need a minivan all the time (although I do enjoy the space when I need it), but what about those CRV style electric cars they came out with for a brief time and then swiftly removed? (Don't even get me started on that whole subject!) One of those would be perfect! Yet they still offer only smallish sedans & hatchbacks or overpriced SUVs that don't measure up?
Stepping off my soapbox now.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
In defense of February...
The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not Puritanism but February. - - - Joseph Wood Krutch
As we plod through yet another winter of heavy snow it seems we have reached the point (as I do every winter) where I try and convince myself that spring really will come. This year we didn't even get a January thaw, making winter seem that much more endless. So, I've directed my thoughts and plan toward spring agility training OUTDOORS and thinking of things like gardens and new agility fields.
This year I have 2 young dogs "coming out" (3 if you count my boyfriend's dog), one middle of the road dog and sadly one dog retiring. So, indoor agility training continues to focus on contact performance and weave poles, as well as distance skills. So winter heading into spring will be busy! On top of that we're moving which requires prepping the new living space for occupancy and cleaning up and prepping the old space for showing, then there's two trials to plan (running my own CPE trial & trial secretary for a June USDAA trial for a local club), expanding the family farm, and then of course figure out where in the heck I'm going to teach outdoor agility classes and train my own dogs this summer! I'm not sure how I have time to actually hold down a real job in there but somehow it all works, always does.
To keep me honest about what my plans are with my 2 younger girls (a sheltie and a mini aussie for those keeping track) I'm posting my plans and progress. Both girls already have some foundation work (we can always use more of this) and good jumping skills, as well as a good familiarity with all obstacles and some distance. Since this is the first post, I'll just address overall goals and at the end of the week I'll update with status, progress, etc.
Weave Poles: Mia weaves (but not independently) and Izzy does not at all - both will start from scratch with 2x2 method of weaves (Susan Garrett).
Contacts: Criteria for both girls will be the same. Running a-frame, 2:2 on dog walk, running/down & go on teeter.
Handling System: I'm not sure about this yet. I know I need more consistency (despite what I teach my students, I fall prey to bad habits quickly) but I'm not sure yet exactly whose train of thought I follow on this. I imagine that I won't conform to any one style but will inevitably create my own, taking what I like from each. I hope to learn more about Linda M's handling system to add to my choices when designing mine. So until this is better defined by me I'll work on the things I know I like and want to include like pre-cues, lead changes, rear crosses, start lines, etc.
Goals: Well ideally goals for first year of competition for both girls will include finishing novice level titles in all venues we compete in regularly (CPE & USDAA for both girls and also AKC for Mia). I'd actually like to get Mia finished in AKC Novice and through Open/into Excellent. I think it's doable but depends a lot on how many AKC shows we can make this year.
An important part to this equation is of course me. So a key part of the agility goals is that I need to improve my sprinting ability (and agility!) which of course means lose more weight and keep working out! So far so good but a long way to go.
As we plod through yet another winter of heavy snow it seems we have reached the point (as I do every winter) where I try and convince myself that spring really will come. This year we didn't even get a January thaw, making winter seem that much more endless. So, I've directed my thoughts and plan toward spring agility training OUTDOORS and thinking of things like gardens and new agility fields.
This year I have 2 young dogs "coming out" (3 if you count my boyfriend's dog), one middle of the road dog and sadly one dog retiring. So, indoor agility training continues to focus on contact performance and weave poles, as well as distance skills. So winter heading into spring will be busy! On top of that we're moving which requires prepping the new living space for occupancy and cleaning up and prepping the old space for showing, then there's two trials to plan (running my own CPE trial & trial secretary for a June USDAA trial for a local club), expanding the family farm, and then of course figure out where in the heck I'm going to teach outdoor agility classes and train my own dogs this summer! I'm not sure how I have time to actually hold down a real job in there but somehow it all works, always does.
To keep me honest about what my plans are with my 2 younger girls (a sheltie and a mini aussie for those keeping track) I'm posting my plans and progress. Both girls already have some foundation work (we can always use more of this) and good jumping skills, as well as a good familiarity with all obstacles and some distance. Since this is the first post, I'll just address overall goals and at the end of the week I'll update with status, progress, etc.
Weave Poles: Mia weaves (but not independently) and Izzy does not at all - both will start from scratch with 2x2 method of weaves (Susan Garrett).
Contacts: Criteria for both girls will be the same. Running a-frame, 2:2 on dog walk, running/down & go on teeter.
Handling System: I'm not sure about this yet. I know I need more consistency (despite what I teach my students, I fall prey to bad habits quickly) but I'm not sure yet exactly whose train of thought I follow on this. I imagine that I won't conform to any one style but will inevitably create my own, taking what I like from each. I hope to learn more about Linda M's handling system to add to my choices when designing mine. So until this is better defined by me I'll work on the things I know I like and want to include like pre-cues, lead changes, rear crosses, start lines, etc.
Goals: Well ideally goals for first year of competition for both girls will include finishing novice level titles in all venues we compete in regularly (CPE & USDAA for both girls and also AKC for Mia). I'd actually like to get Mia finished in AKC Novice and through Open/into Excellent. I think it's doable but depends a lot on how many AKC shows we can make this year.
An important part to this equation is of course me. So a key part of the agility goals is that I need to improve my sprinting ability (and agility!) which of course means lose more weight and keep working out! So far so good but a long way to go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)