tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81185218662184096652024-03-12T22:09:17.091-07:00Blue Rivers FarmA family adventure to turn 4 1/2 acres into a working farm. We are focused on organic, heritage food and bringing the community together to support the slow food, local food movement. We raise heritage breed animals and hope to bring public awarness to saving these breeds.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-21422863011011154282016-04-05T17:47:00.001-07:002016-04-05T17:47:33.969-07:00Dirt between their toes
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather has been beautiful and
my kids have been outside most of everyday. They have climbed trees, played
with the baby goats and stuck bare toes into the dirt while looking for worms.
So when the calendar reminded me that we had a regular check up at the doctor’s
office I did what every good parent does and pushed them into the bathroom to
wash their faces and scrub their little hands. We even changed clothes and
packed snacks. I was feeling like mother of the year, totally prepared, on time
with all my medical cards and had even brushed my own hair. Then it happened,
the nurse ushered us into a little room to measure and weigh them and said
“please take off your shoes” That’s when I realized that not only was my 4 year
old not wearing socks, but his feet looked like they hadn’t been washed since
the start of the Californian drought. Mud and grass clung to his little toes
and he left a muddy foot print on the scale. I was horrified as the nurse
pulled out the sanitizer wipes, wiping off the scale then offering me a wet
paper towel to clean my sons’ feet. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBkIJLW4rSFV5Jj1j5VjmL5vYoSeBodZi57xxcefcoOLbIAvZo0j8XUGxx5RLWvVUkGLQnXHG9GdpbXnaqWMeA6ncYjOdafLCg58qWudpRQ3MEcFOA-tkF3Dgz6ncPobdcFtCwsdDS2g/s1600/IMG_5242%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBkIJLW4rSFV5Jj1j5VjmL5vYoSeBodZi57xxcefcoOLbIAvZo0j8XUGxx5RLWvVUkGLQnXHG9GdpbXnaqWMeA6ncYjOdafLCg58qWudpRQ3MEcFOA-tkF3Dgz6ncPobdcFtCwsdDS2g/s320/IMG_5242%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I knelt down cleaning the caked
on mud off of his feet, feeling embarrassed that the nurse thinks I don’t bath
my son, I realized that those muddy toes had memories. Memories that will feed
his soul as he grows up, they know wet grass, the slippery cold feeling of dew
drops in the morning. They knew warm sticky mud, the kind that oozes between
your toes when you scrunch them up tight. His feet know the pain of a thorn
that feels so sharp that you think you will never walk again and then it’s gone
and you’re running again in the dirt like you have never been hurt before. They
know the way bark is ruff, but is so much easier to climb with your bare foot
to the top of the trees, because shoes slip but little toes can grab. It will
be this knowing of the earth, as an experience, that will allow his feet to be
roots, roots that dig his heart and soul deep into the dark rich soil of our
home and our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-59185228704475679962012-01-16T18:22:00.000-08:002012-01-16T18:22:46.400-08:00Buying on the Hoof 101 (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the best ways you can make a difference is by buying your meat on the hoof from a local farmer. I love some of the phrases out there that support this exchange like "Meet you Meat" Just last week we bought a pig from a local farmer, it was butchered on the farm by a local butcher and then sent to a butcher shop to be smoked. Let me list all the ways this helped the community and the environment.<br />
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1. First all the money stayed completely local. I bought the pig from the farmer living 20 miles from me, who bought his feed from the mill 20 miles from him. The butcher came to the farm and butchered the animal and then sent it to a shop in town for smoking. Not a penny, for over a years worth of pork, left my community.<br />
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2. Animal welfare is very important to me. I am not interested in eating tortured meat. The pig was raised on a farm, in a pasture and killed quickly and efficiently. When one person is killing and butchering one animal, there is a lot less room for error and if there was an error the butcher would control the situation immediately as apposed to what often happens at processing plants. You can do your own research on that topic.<br />
<br />3. Environmentally it is extremely important. I bought over a years worth of pork for my family and left a carbon foot print of less than 50 miles. Even if you added in the drive time for the butcher and for myself the pig moved less than 50 miles. I've seen blueberries with more stamps in their passport than I have. we need to eat local. Now lets talk about the feces waste from industrial meat plants. When you have hundreds or thousands of pigs in one spot that's a lot of nastiness that goes no where but into the soil and then into the water table. Raising only a few pigs allows the natural environment to recycle the waste.<br />
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Now lets go back to the cost. I will admit that upfront you do need to have the cash available to pay everyone. The farmer got $1.40 per pound hanging weight, that means the whole pig. My pig was 240lbs. Then the butcher charges $60 and finally the butcher shop costs will be between $250 and $300. (I'll give the run down on the cuts in tomorrows blog)<br />
Overall it is a win win for everyone, well maybe not the pig, but at least I know that he was able to injoy his time on earth and was not left standing in his own feces for days before getting electrocuted in a shoot with twenty other scared animals. <br />
Part two will give you a step by step account of how we found our farmer, and what you need to know to buy your own pig. If were going to eat meat we need to make conscious decision about how the animal was cared for and how it was killed. <br />
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<br />Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-34520189432415142502012-01-15T12:20:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:49:12.623-08:00Pomegranates!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp6NW8LFXqm3hPnPak_O2jsBQNfg2mKJzz2PFokKWFh2yWIKY9TLuaGhM97D_ViZRRPwrJW2Vprdrumfu8zWNWc17e_yDh6TidhoaMB_cPD3CKUI9607sUMBAQKkTWJXUfWkFAS8jBsk/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697962453907928226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp6NW8LFXqm3hPnPak_O2jsBQNfg2mKJzz2PFokKWFh2yWIKY9TLuaGhM97D_ViZRRPwrJW2Vprdrumfu8zWNWc17e_yDh6TidhoaMB_cPD3CKUI9607sUMBAQKkTWJXUfWkFAS8jBsk/s320/010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I just love pomegranates. The dark red color, the sweet and tart taste even the way the seeds pop in your mouth...it is all sooo sensual. I remember the first time I had one. I was about 10 years old and playing at a friends house. I was raised with fruit trees so picking a warm juicy fruit right from the tree was an experience I knew. When I saw my friends fruit tree I was completely confused. It certainly didn't look like any fruit I had known. We shared one, sitting on her grandparents back porch. We pulled each little seed out eating them one by one. I think we must have spent the rest of the afternoon like that. picking one tiny seed at a time. Staining our mouths our clothes and our hands to the great disapproval of my mother.<br /><br /><br />I have lost some patience for the fruit over the years or maybe I have lost that freedom from time that children have. Picking the seeds one at a time from it's shell would use all of my will power as I attempted a meditative state of Divine acceptance.<br /><br /><br />So since meditation is not one of my strengths I've opted for a faster, easier approach.<br /><br /><br />1. Fill a bowl with warm water.<br />2. Make a small slice through the skin of the fruit<br />3. Submerge the fruit in the bowl of water and gentle peel it apart. Using your thumb to push the skin and membrane away from the seeds.<br />4. The membrane will float and the seeds sink to the bottom of the bowl.<br />5 Drain and serve.<br /><br /><br />There are so many wonderful uses for pomegranate seeds which are actually called arils.<br /><br />My favorite is sprinkled onto vanilla icecream.<br /><br />Put them on your salad, infuse vinegar, infuse vodka and I'm trying my hand at infused white wine vinegar. I'll post my recipes over the next few days.<br /><br /><br />The pomegranates that I am using where gleaned from our neighbors trees but we will be planting some ourselves this year so that we can include them for our members.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-61908375495319157142012-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:002012-01-14T08:53:52.060-08:00Kickstarter!!!I am so very happy and excited to be joining up with kickstarter to help fund our first big project. I learned about kickstarter at the end of last year and was VERY impressed with the idea.<br />I have always loved to support individuals who are working to make their dreams come true. I love art, music and food. Kickstarter puts all of this together in a grass roots way to support each other. This is the true American Dream in a high tech way.<br />All of the systems that are currently in place cater to BIG business and ignore the enterpreneur, the dreamer, the musician, the artist. On kickstarter YOU can support the independent film, YOU can help the dreamer, YOU can say YES to the American Dream!!!!!!!<br />This is the real occupy movement. If the 99% would help each other, buy from each other the world will change.<br /><br />Please take a look at our dream and give just a little. Can you give $5? can you pass the website on? Post on Facebook share with your friends. Skip the triple grande mocha today and make that $5 mean something!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/828817213/heritage-breed-chicken-coop">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/828817213/heritage-breed-chicken-coop</a>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-25773254943104779522012-01-11T13:38:00.000-08:002012-01-11T14:11:48.948-08:00To Vet or not to VetThat is the question. I recently took a poll asking if I (as a farmer) used a vet for my livestock. It was a multiply choice with answers such as:<br /><br /><br />No, if it's sick I put it down my self<br />No, I do all of my own treatments<br /><br />Yes, all the time<br />Yes, for financially important or emotionally important animals<br />Yes, when I can't handle the situation<br /><br />I realized that I am a Yes for some animals and a no for others.<br /><br />I've never taken my rabbits to the vet. I treat them myself giving shots as needed but when there is an illness or trauma that is beyond my abilities I dispatch the animal. I have never contemplated calling a vet, though financially they are my money makers right now.<br /><br />My Nigerian Dwarf goats on the other hand have had Vet visits. The first was an ultra sound on my very first goat to see how many we were expecting and that everything was going smoothly. I haven't done that since, mostly because I feel confident that birth situations will be normal. I hope that if I am faced with a breech I will get right in there, literally.<br /><br />The second visit was for a dislocated hoof. I tend to think that as my herd grows larger I will be less inclined to take them to the vet for minor injuries.<br /><br />Most recently was the birth of two Nigerians from a first time mom. We had been gone for the morning and by the time we got home, after lunch, one of the babies was happily chasing mom around for another drink, but the other was almost lifeless, and cold.<br />It was great to see my kids go into action as they grabbed blankets, hot water bottles, baby bottles and most important the bag of fluids and needles needed to give the baby subcutaneous fluids.<br />Thankfully the heat and fluids did the trick and the baby girl was eating, pooping and walking by bed time. I will admit that I thought about calling a vet for a brief moment and then recognized that I would but it down if the fluids didn't help.<br />I'm not an animal rescue I am a farm and choices are made with a heavy leaning towards the financial concerns. I do care deeply for my animals and their well being, and would not let an animal suffer. Ultimately the care of the animals will be done by my hands and it's my responsibility to be prepared with the knowledge and tools to care for my livestock.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-17259399037672548292011-12-22T16:44:00.000-08:002011-12-22T17:08:27.432-08:00Winter on the FarmAfter days of thick fog we had our first bright and sunny day. It was as if nature herself was celebrating the return of the sun to our farm. The girls all got outside to play with animals and clean up a little after the winter winds we have had.<br /><br />We are still expecting baby goats soon. On of our Nigerians looks like she is carrying a bowling ball on each side of her. Once they are born we will let then nurse off of mom to ingest the colostrum and then bring them inside to be bottle fed. We feel that this creates the most friendly goats and most willing to share their milk once they become mothers themselves.<br /><br />Unfortunately we have lost our two beautiful Russian Orloff Roosters. We had been given them by a friend and had let them free range around our property. We have been visited recently by two stray dogs and we believe that is what got our roosters as well as two of our hens. They had also attacked our goats but we were able to run them off without the goats being hurt.<br /><br />We do have lots of persimmons left on the tree if anyone would like to come and get some. I have been drying them for snacks as well as freezing them for midsummer smoothies. I am really looking forward to making a banana and persimmon smoothie when the weather gets warm.<br /><br />Finally our pamillos are ripe and delicious. I think the flavor is like a light grapefruit but it has very thick skin. So far we are just eating them fresh but I will be on the look out for recipes to try.<br /><br />I am starting to dream of all the wonderful things we want to do on our farm this year. Starting with a dog proof chicken coop. Our dream of an organic farm has begun we have a long way to go but hope to have a CSA on a limit basis for friends and family by fall harvest next year.<br /><br />I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-3457008717126497032011-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:002011-09-26T19:48:03.984-07:00Farmer ShayneWhat is a Farm? According to Dictionary.com a Farm is a track of land usually with a house, barn or silo on which crops and often livestock is raised for livelihood. I have called myself an urban farmer for years. On my little city plot I raised goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits even quail not so much for my livelihood but more for lively living. I was proud of my urban farmer title and was honestly sad from the loss of that identity.<br />So now the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dilemma</span> is when can I call myself a farmer? What act defines me as a farm, as opposed to a crazy city girl with lots of animals. We have the track of land, with a house. No barn yet but there are plans for that, a few fruit trees and livestock but does all that make me a farmer.<br />I felt there was something missing from the definition, something that states YES I am a farmer. That something was a cow. Not just any cow, but a dairy cow, ready to be milked morning and night, rain or shine.<br />Today I became a farmer.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-64523740217064246802010-08-19T15:24:00.000-07:002010-08-19T15:58:08.052-07:00Is it spring again?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4emI1mMfalM44WKfFQ8RFO7u8RnWkZ57_0yYzhghxLOGn_W73QGZYD2KY-otQerJZSdBi-1EBwVi7mXcZkviSKThX1Pgl3_298HWTIKKTSx7zXYKTvkGbTWfxKHpGePf9J6M136nA8FI/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507259061350689602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4emI1mMfalM44WKfFQ8RFO7u8RnWkZ57_0yYzhghxLOGn_W73QGZYD2KY-otQerJZSdBi-1EBwVi7mXcZkviSKThX1Pgl3_298HWTIKKTSx7zXYKTvkGbTWfxKHpGePf9J6M136nA8FI/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" /></a><br /><div>There seems to be a re spring happening at my house.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We just got an order of Welsh Harlequin ducks eggs for hatching. These are an endangered livestock ducks that I am very proud to be hatching and , look forward to meat and eggs from them. I am wanting to start with two hens and a drake. Really hoping that they are quiet and will not disturb the neighbors.</div><br /><div>I also received 10 Rhode Island Red chicken eggs. The last of our chickens have been eaten and I wanted to start fresh with a new flock so that everyone was the same age and would get along in the pen. We really only have room for 4 hens but that will give us more than enough eggs to feed my family. I am of course disappointed that I cannot raise a roster to keep the eggs fertile but will have to be happy with the quail and ducks for continuous source of meat.</div><br /><div>Speaking of quail I put 10 quail eggs into the incubator as well. These will be for eating since i get more than enough quail eggs from them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just yesterday my daughter and I drove well past Stockton to pick up our new Nigerian Dwarf Goats. They are just adorable. Both over 4 years old but smaller than my lab puppy. I love driving with my daughter. We have the most interesting conversations and thinking about the changes that I have seen in her over the years just makes me smile. At one point she said "Mom, life is good" Yes baby life is good. There is nothing better than picking up two more animals fro our little farm. The Doe is in milk and I have started to milk her but have not gotten much out of her today. I will keep trying and hope that she will produce more as she gets use to the daily routine.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We also have quite a collection of baby rabbits. our Lilac (another heritage breed) gave birth to 4 healthy babies. We also have 16 American whites that are about 4 weeks old now. They are doing very well. I hope to sell them at the next rabbit show in September.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Finally some personally exciting news. We have been going through the process for adoption of our own children. We have finally finished the home study and will be meeting 3 little girls on Monday for potential placement. I am very excited and scared and a little overwhelmed. please keep us in your thoughts as we add more children to our ever changing house hold.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From the Blue Rivers</div><br /><div>Shayne </div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-37382534235658554692010-08-07T06:19:00.000-07:002010-08-07T06:34:10.615-07:00Fall garden planningIt is August and for me in the bay area that means another planting of crops. I love living in zone 9 for gardening. We have a lot of planting that can happen in August and September. My first frost is not until December and my last frost is in January giving me lots of time to plant. I did miss my spring window this year. We had purchased new cages for all of the rabbits and I had spent to much time and money on the animals and not enough on a garden. But I get a second chance now.<br />We caught another raccoon. That makes 6 for the summer. The animal control cop was a little upset with us because the raccoons are going to be put down and she said that they will just keep coming. I understand that this is prime raccoon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">habitat</span> but the trap is set right next to my quail cage. If they are in the trap it is because they were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">planning</span> on eating my quail. I am not putting the trap in the waterway or even on the fence line of my home. The trap sit almost in the middle of my yard. I feel terrible too but I feel worse when I have a baby bunny with half it's leg missing because the raccoon pulled it through the cage and bit it off. I just think that people who do not raise animals and gardens do not understand how hard it is. Not only do you fight your own <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">financial</span> and time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">constraints</span> to do everything but you must build a relationship with one of the most moody women I have ever met. Mother Nature.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-9449808335759006072010-08-03T10:17:00.000-07:002010-08-03T10:35:52.520-07:00Racoons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrJtQBEUE5QeLGayMxyehuTRJyOe6hwM0BOQnqOlA-2MdihHfBeSHuXYqw59c0DvxctfghE3BjjZb3Q8T08RvoTyAvfaOH3Q06ZSJX1GYsR9GYVc7bKa_XmaBWBBbcQhy0AwG-ubc_sc/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501238492625979938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrJtQBEUE5QeLGayMxyehuTRJyOe6hwM0BOQnqOlA-2MdihHfBeSHuXYqw59c0DvxctfghE3BjjZb3Q8T08RvoTyAvfaOH3Q06ZSJX1GYsR9GYVc7bKa_XmaBWBBbcQhy0AwG-ubc_sc/s320/IMG_0169.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I think that we have finally got control of our raccoon problem. It has been a war this year and now that we have the trap we are winning. It has taken some time though. They have won most of the battles killing chickens, rabbits and quail.</div><br /><br /><div>The trap is a humane live trap, I don't want to cause any animal pain, even though they have tortured most of my animals. Once they are caught we call animal control to come and take it. They tell me that they euthanize the animals but I am very suspicious of that. For some reason the same number of raccoons keep showing up. A mom and 2 babies and a male. We have caught 5 raccoons and they do all look alike. I am sure that the markings are different for each animal but I am not interested in getting that close. They are very angry little beasts.</div><br /><br /><div>One night we heard an incredible amount of noise. Rushing out to the back yard in our night clothes we found the mother in the trap and three babies in the tree. The babies were calling to their momma and it was very heart breaking moment. My husband was able to climb into the tree and catch one of the babies with a gloved hand. Of course I stood at a distance giving directions. "Just treat it like a cat and scruff it honey!" My poor husband will do any thing for me.</div><br /><br /><div>We know that there is at least one more raccoon that we have seen but not caught yet. The difficult part is that once those raccoons are caught more will move into the empty space. We hope that we have secured our cages well enough that the new ones will not learn that our yard is an all you can eat buffet.</div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-15265919526180366892010-06-25T14:53:00.000-07:002010-06-25T15:08:10.499-07:00Rooster for Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0icvyLa3-HRRneyhApml8gq4Q6B13D7T1A0jLshanF4wwfQikCw9Tn2m8DyLRdAlL3nPH8iybw-Cg9MhJ860U8IUQ3tncqNVsl16yR1RZEXethXHqQY7R5fRXUkIOamaqdZqj1Ccn1NI/s1600/IMG_0200%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486833181852083650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0icvyLa3-HRRneyhApml8gq4Q6B13D7T1A0jLshanF4wwfQikCw9Tn2m8DyLRdAlL3nPH8iybw-Cg9MhJ860U8IUQ3tncqNVsl16yR1RZEXethXHqQY7R5fRXUkIOamaqdZqj1Ccn1NI/s320/IMG_0200%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is the chicken that crowed at 5:30 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Tuesday</span> morning. It took me a few days to finally butcher him but I did it yesterday. He was very good eating but I made a major mistake in the scalding process for plucking.<br />When I scalded the ducks I left them in the water for just a few minutes. The oil from the duck feathers prevents the water from getting to the skin quickly so leaving them in the pot of boiling water for over a minute was just fine. The feathers plucked easily. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Unfortunately</span> I used the same amount of time for this rooster and over did it. He was practically cooked when i started removing the feathers. this cause the skin to remove as well. The wing tips where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> cooked through. So I ended up skinning him anyway.<br />He was very tasty and gave enough meat for my family of 3 and a friend to have a nice dinner together. I don't know what type of chicken he was. A friend had purchased him for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Easter</span> pics when he was just a chick and the purchase was based on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cuteness</span> for the pictures and not breed or grow rate. The next batch of chicken I get will be a breed that has a high grow rate.<br />We still have two more chickens that I will be butchering soon. I hope to do before and after pics if I can get the scalding process right.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-22318590046132604502010-06-23T18:05:00.000-07:002010-06-23T18:34:23.602-07:00New babies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF96LJhEPDP4SxK6TZIQ3TJbvGhmy-F3jGFpc8d0VyftO6EFucpHOeAXjDSTifybnsGgseeIZe0aDVO5VvItxJ_MgsjzsRw0c9dyqlHjzX3xLcFaSkyU1MTJzGHoKiBoo7chH1IkzIzHA/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486146038090829842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF96LJhEPDP4SxK6TZIQ3TJbvGhmy-F3jGFpc8d0VyftO6EFucpHOeAXjDSTifybnsGgseeIZe0aDVO5VvItxJ_MgsjzsRw0c9dyqlHjzX3xLcFaSkyU1MTJzGHoKiBoo7chH1IkzIzHA/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" /></a><br /><div>We had two beautiful tri colored guinea pigs born this morning. They do not have a tortoise shell markings but that is o.k.. we have not started to breed for show qualities and I ma not sure that I want to put that much time into the cavies.</div><br /><div>What really surprises me about them is that they are born fully furred, eyes and ear open and looking just like miniature adults. I am use to rabbits, kittens and puppies who are born with little to no fur, eyes closed and not able to care for themselves for at least 5 weeks. The picture is of hours old cavies. They were born sometime in the night and are now walking around enjoying the day.</div><br /><div>Of the 3 chickens we have one of them started crowing a few mornings ago and I have not had the time or energy to butcher him yet. I do need to do it soon. I have realized that neighbors are willing to ignore a rooster Monday thru Friday. But Saturday and Sunday mornings need to be rooster free. The good news is I perfected the scalding method for plucking when I butchered the last two Muscovy/mallard mixes I had. The feathers came off easy and I was able to cook it perfectly. I don't have a mechanical chicken plucker yet so must do it all by hand.</div><br /><div>I read an article about a butcher that is able to clean a cow from hoof to freezer in 25 minutes. 25 MINUTES!!! That is amazing fast. Each chicken takes me about 25 minutes at this point. Though I can do a rabbit in 5 minutes.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of cows! We are getting ready for fair and hope to purchase a cow, pig and sheep at the Almeda county Auction. If you are interested in food that was cared for locally by youth, and meeting your grower consider getting your meat for the year from a 4Her or FFA kid. The meat is top quality, the purchase is partly tax deductible and you are keeping your carbon foot print. If you are interested in splitting an animal you can do that as well. </div><br /><div></div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-83720565960379125492009-12-31T17:04:00.000-08:002009-12-31T17:09:47.942-08:00New Years ResolutionI still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> gotten good about blogging away my life but I am making it a new years resolution.<br /><br />Our Christmas party was fantastic and I am very happy with how well it went off.<br />I butchered the Mallard Drake that I had bought for $5 two days before the dinner and had it curing is a dry salt rub. I was very happy with the flavor of the meat but unhappy with the skin. It was way to salty for my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tastes</span> PLUS it did not crisp up like I hoped it would. The meat was very dark and one of the guest said that it tasted like steak. I was thrilled with that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opinion</span>.<br /><br />All of our meat was humanly raised this year. We had Ham that we purchased from the 4h auction. We even had the chance to meet the pig before it was sent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">to</span> the butcher. The lamp that was served was raised with my daughters lambs so we cared for it and watched it grow. The rabbit was from my back yard as was the duck.<br /><br />A perfect feast for my hopes to be organic and self sustaining this next year.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-78513811389842552392009-11-15T11:02:00.000-08:002009-11-15T11:33:38.422-08:00Trading my bunniesI just recently traded a breeding pair of bunnies with another urban farmer (Esperanza Pallana)in the area. She has already developed a wonderful urban farm that included tasty fruits and vegetables, chickens, bees and now wanted to start rabbit raising.<br />She gave me a delicious assortment of fruits and homemade items. Figs, lemons, squash, persimmons, jelly's and a warm spicy wine that was great. I ate the figs immediately and turned the lemons into lemonade. The squash will be for tonight's dinner and the persimmons I hope to make into cookies and bread this afternoon. I received another bag of persimmons from a friend so now I have plenty for jam too.<br />Here is Esperanza's Blog. You can find recipes for the wine and jams on her site.<br /><a href="http://pluckandfeather.com/?page_id=16">Pluck and Feather</a>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-64299417281829235262009-11-05T09:04:00.000-08:002009-11-05T09:25:06.852-08:00Animal, Vegetable, Miracle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr34vSz3tUg9UoD6J6Q9jLz8Yk0bZva0wbBUhDtAMnRqNdMpBH36lNFMlzzZFMyU8b0vy3LGy8JBY5ByOMR715pihpfBr_uSC1FCkO_VnlizH8wCFobcmSZ3jrITO16Q3WJkn74KxoaQ/s1600-h/DSC00150.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400671581870900594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr34vSz3tUg9UoD6J6Q9jLz8Yk0bZva0wbBUhDtAMnRqNdMpBH36lNFMlzzZFMyU8b0vy3LGy8JBY5ByOMR715pihpfBr_uSC1FCkO_VnlizH8wCFobcmSZ3jrITO16Q3WJkn74KxoaQ/s320/DSC00150.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I just finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. It was an inspirational book that has me thinking and planning for the summer months. I have many different projects planned for my little home. </div><br /><div>The garden is a must do this year. I have a few sights in the front and back yard that will work wonderfully for a garden this next year. The problem is I have killed just about everything I have tried to grow. I am amazed that I can keep children and a whole zoo full of animals happy and healthy but give me a green thing and it will be dead in weeks. Of course plants don't say "I'm hungry!!" in that whinny voice when your stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and it will take at least 15 minutes to get to the next off ramp. So that could be my problem. Maybe if the plants said something before shriveling up into unrecognizable dried material I would remember to water them.</div><br /><div>I am still growing 3 healthy tomatoes. We have not had really cold weather yet and I am hoping that I will get a few more tomatoes before frost hits. The other option is to make my own cold frame and attempt some winter gardening. Seems like a lot of work to fight nature and my inability to garden at the same time but I am never one to back down from a good fight.</div><br /><div>I am very happy with my guinea pig project. We are slowly moving to feeding our piggies 100% fresh and organic foods. No more processed pet store stuff for us. I am watching their weight as I make this transition. They have seemed to love all green leaves like lettuce, carrot tops, and really love root crops and stems. Broccoli stems are a favorite but not the florets. Carrots, squash, and zucchini are big yes. They do not like peanuts, or anything spicy like onions or garlic. By the end of this month they will be completely processed food free. One small step in become self sufficient. It's just a little step but if i can do that with the animals foods first while changing our families eating habits at the same time we should be totally self sufficient with our food in a year or two except for things like sugar, wheat, beef and wine. We will be only getting organic and local which is a new thing since reading the Kingsolver book. </div><br /><div></div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-16889136849228256592009-11-04T14:40:00.000-08:002009-11-04T15:01:21.631-08:00Racoons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEV_4K2ncVYZMtF9rWkygoLHKImFmJJdiUOHop4nMEB0G-47pMYSLkWzVUaDdqhlgK6wZntr4q1wrKX4M2_qlPxm10SxesvT8ACIoecBCxfGDvxCAHAimLYILPl64lica7ZJTZ8MUw2E/s1600-h/DSC07708.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400385636857372482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEV_4K2ncVYZMtF9rWkygoLHKImFmJJdiUOHop4nMEB0G-47pMYSLkWzVUaDdqhlgK6wZntr4q1wrKX4M2_qlPxm10SxesvT8ACIoecBCxfGDvxCAHAimLYILPl64lica7ZJTZ8MUw2E/s320/DSC07708.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Though most people think these masked animals are top on the cute and cuddly list I am here to tell you that they are the most evil and beastly of animals. Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of multiple nighttime encounters. Can you imagine being woken up in the middle of the night by the most terrible of sounds. The sound of an innocent animal being hunted and eaten in the middle of the night. In my bed clothes I grab a flash light running out into the yard, barefoot and sleepy. I found not just one evil <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Raccoon</span> making a midnight snack of my chickens but 4 yes 4 of these things as large as a dog feasting in my backyard. </div><br /><div>Do you think they ran for the hills when caught in their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">despicable</span> act. NO. They looked at me and hissed asking "What are you going to do about" </div><br /><div>The best I could do barefoot and in my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">skimpys</span> was grab the hose and spray them with a good blast, but we are not talking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">firehose</span> power here. They ran away but just out of reach from the hose. There was no saving my poor chickens and the back yard looked like an early snow had fallen in the moonlight. </div><br /><div>It is all out war here at Blue Rivers Urban Farm and I have to admit that the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Raccoons</span> are winning. Though I do kill and process my chickens and rabbits to eat, I have a hard time killing a wild animal for no other reason than wanting it dead. So to count: </div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Raccoons</span> 2 chickens, 4 rabbits </div><br /><div>Me 0. </div><br /><div>I have done nothing but teach them that when the light comes on in the bed room window they should take their dinner out. I also believe that they are secretly planning a full take over of the house by crushing it with a large Walnut tree but that will be my next blog.</div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-29286028488426621392009-08-28T16:39:00.000-07:002009-08-28T16:49:51.040-07:00Chicken and DumplingsI made a wonderfully delicious dinner <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monday</span> night. What made it fantastic was the fact that the chicken was from my own back yard.<br />At the end of the school year I was gifted 10 chicks from a local <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kindergarten</span> class. They had hatched them in incubators <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">during</span> the school year and watched as they turned from cute little fluff balls to ugly pullets. Well I was hoping that we would have a 50/50 chance of males to females. I really wanted a few more laying chickens. We have 2 little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">silky</span> bantams that lay about an egg a day but not enough to feed my family. I just want enough to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">completely</span> fill my families needs and then be able to give a dozen away to my parents when they come into town. So i am guessing 5 chickens would be great.<br /><br />Saturday morning I woke up to a rooster call outside my window. Four of the chickens decided that it was their day to crow. My husband and I caught all of them and quickly got them into the freezer. We had already had 3 crowing earlier in the week and had a small roasted bird for each of us for dinner.<br /><br />I am really disappointed that I don't have more hens. We now have the 2 bantams, one red chicken that really looks like a hen and two more black and white that I am expecting to crow any morning.<br /><br />The chicken and dumplings turned out delicious the little roosters don't have a lot of meat on them and the flavor is really light. If you like a lot of chicken flavor you need to wait until they are older but our neighbors would be a little upset with us if we had a rooster for very long.<br /><br />I have 2 in the freezer still and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">haven't</span> decided what to do with them yet. I need to get the cookbook.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-36106993489014764652009-08-28T16:30:00.000-07:002009-08-28T16:37:03.570-07:00Homeschooling!!!I am very happy to announce that Sarah is going to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">home schooled</span> this year. I was getting her signed up for public school and realized that I kept procrastinating day after day on the paper work. It didn't take me long to realize that I was not at all interested in Sarah attending public school.<br />She has been in a private school for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">the</span> last two years. That school Redwood christian school was good school for her except they didn't teach science to college standards. The teachers were wonderful and the expectations of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">children's</span> behavior was high. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Unfortunately</span> we are having to pay for my husbands and my student loans now and just can't afford private school any more.<br />I am so glad that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jason</span> agreed that we should be able to pull off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">homeschooling</span> this year. I have almost total freedom when it come to my job and believe that I can find some great classes for Sarah to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">participate</span> in for socialization.<br />I have already started her getting ready for school by working on The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rosetta</span> stone for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Spanish</span> and starting to learn the piano.<br />I was surprised to realize how relaxed i had gotten with her education once I was no longer directly responsible for it.<br />I am glad to be back and glad to be focusing on what is important again. my child and her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">development</span> into the best young woman that she can be.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-9036741126843059052009-08-14T10:07:00.000-07:002009-08-14T10:35:33.142-07:00Last day with Melanie : (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt_TvUmd5xNv6uFhezwbdiFS95u_d12ugWfB-WX-p0sRLRZRCBVtqM7TTelpDcHgLxvaJ5zKq7X4tnxS9opbYU1KdnLpLXgSL40aySkzDQ0GXSQ6pzMCCvMiVa8eGyPTeiBlwJf8AY44/s1600-h/DSC07755.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369874369147251922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt_TvUmd5xNv6uFhezwbdiFS95u_d12ugWfB-WX-p0sRLRZRCBVtqM7TTelpDcHgLxvaJ5zKq7X4tnxS9opbYU1KdnLpLXgSL40aySkzDQ0GXSQ6pzMCCvMiVa8eGyPTeiBlwJf8AY44/s320/DSC07755.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For the last 3 years my family has been accepting exchange students from all over the world into our little home. We have had visitors from Japan, Korea, China, France and Austria. Everyone has taught us something new and interesting about the world. We love showing them the beauty and diversity of San Francisco.<br />Today we are taking Melanie to the airport to meet her parents in LA. Melanie is from France and has stayed with us for the last 2 weeks. We have had wonderful adventures with her. Starting with the Golden Gate Bridge a must see even when it's covered with fog. China town was next on our list. We all ate chicken feet fried in a sweet and sour sauce, they were very good except having to eat around the little bones. Fried mini crabs were on the list next fried with the shell and all. I personally didn't like them. I don't like sesame seed and they were fried in a sesame seed batter. Melanie loved the crabs much more than the chicken feet. There are so many sights to see in China town, from the live dragon dancers to the chickens in cages ready to be taken home for fresh supper.<br />We went on many other adventures in our city and we look forward to bringing others with us to see many many more.<br />I hope that Melanie and all of our students have had a wonderful experience with us that opened their eyes to the diversity that is San Francisco.<br />We will miss Melanie very much. She has been a sweet and friendly addition to our family.</div>Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-6817640860351476222009-04-25T16:59:00.000-07:002009-04-25T17:23:22.827-07:00Rabbit showThis is a Junior American Blue from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rabbitry</span>. They are a solid grey color and should have no stray white hairs or white toe nails.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKWSI4w2dOUtvQg781MGQjtG1AQZKZtKOFAFC3tp-5KSqik2LmbFZzACFSsu5sR9ZQqu2XNSRkn1OuG6mKeNoq_P-N1DZXrDhGBgS4ETzzjQVzu9ab2ncV9-z5IJbuLEyIYScd1DJ7lM/s1600-h/DSC06517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328783354271538002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKWSI4w2dOUtvQg781MGQjtG1AQZKZtKOFAFC3tp-5KSqik2LmbFZzACFSsu5sR9ZQqu2XNSRkn1OuG6mKeNoq_P-N1DZXrDhGBgS4ETzzjQVzu9ab2ncV9-z5IJbuLEyIYScd1DJ7lM/s320/DSC06517.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today we are in the beautiful coastal city on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">monterey</span>. The weather is cool and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">breezy</span> but that was perfect temperature for my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rabbits</span>. My daughter Sarah and I are staying at a hotel very near where the show is.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Unfortunately</span> we did not do as well as I had hoped in the show today. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sarah's</span> Californian broke a nail. A broken nail on a rabbit is very bloody and very painful.<br />All 3 of my senior blues were Disqualified for being underweight. I must find a way to pack on the pounds. The are currently eating 18% King with black oil sunflower seeds and calf manna mixed in. This has not added to their weight yet.<br /> So we are finally at our hotel and I read the no pets policy which I really think is a terrible policy for a hotel to have. I understand that there are animals owners who are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">irresponsible</span> but I think that is someone is willing to vacation with their pet they are probably caring owners and will not let the animals tear the place up. I have to admit that we have been sneaking the animals in one by one. O.k. so I am sure you are thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">OMG</span> what about all of the people who have to sleep in that room after your rabbits have been there. I think that if you are worried about what animals have been in your hotel room you should NEVER bring a black light into your hotel room and look at the floor or the walls<br />I have 4 rabbits and a kitten in the room so far. I might need to wait till dark to get the rest. I did have to bring my kitten with me because s<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">he</span> just can't stay home alone yet. She is too small and will get into all kinds of trouble. We have the most difficult time trying to find her when she has gone off exploring because she can get into any little space.<br />Oh my husband by the way was off on an early morning fishing trip with my son and father. He caught 2 trout and will be bringing it home for dinner. Yum I will post the reciepe that I use to cook in the next few days.Shaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8118521866218409665.post-46817381710754881022009-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:002009-04-24T20:44:10.563-07:00Day oneThis is my first and very first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">experiance</span> with blogging. I hope to share with others how I am learning to create a urban homestead in the middle of the bay area. We are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">luckly</span> enough to be in an unincorporated city so we have less laws than others do but I feel that creating a urban homestead is possible for anyone.<br />Let me tell you a little about myself and my family. I am married to a wonderful man that puts up with all of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">strangness</span>. I have 2 fantastic children. My son Justin is the oldest he is 17 and leaving for Basic Training on May 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. Go ARMY.<br />My daughter is 12yo. She has some difficulties that no little girl should have to deal with but I guess I will tell more about that later.<br />We also have Deuce a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">siberian</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">huskey</span><br />6 cats and 1 kitten that we are fostering for Friends of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fairmont</span> Animal shelter<br />1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">quinea</span> pig<br />2 red ear slider turtles<br />2 pygmy goats<br />2 chickens<br />25 rabbits<br />I raise rabbits for show and food. Yes I eat my rabbits and do all of the butchering, cleaning and cooking. I will also eat my chickens, goats and I have thought about the turtles. When I say that i am creating an urban homestead that is exactly what I mean. My goal is to raise all the food needed for my family here on my property. We will get milk from our goats after we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rebreed</span>, eggs and meat from chickens, meat and fur from rabbits and of course my garden which has been started finally.<br />No I will not eat my cats or my dog. I think everything else is fair game.<br />There are many other interesting things happening in my life. Sarah adoption will be finalized in August and we hope to add a sibling group of younger children to our home by the end of the year.<br /> Tomorrow we leave for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Monterey</span> for a rabbit show. I am showing American blue and whites and my daughter is showing Californians. Wish us luckShaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167665447417067530noreply@blogger.com0