Ranch Update: Sunday's Projects.

It's been raining since this morning.  Everytime I go out to do some ranch chores.  It starts to rain again.  I really need to get a work shed for rainy day projects. 

After morning service this past Sunday, I did some cleaning around the ranch.  The Guinea rooster was reported missing Saturday.  When I went to do my morning checks.  I found him back there near the pens with the caged guineas.  I cleaned out the drinking containers for the dogs on the perimeter.  Duchess was released from her perimeter lead.  She's now back on roving patrol. 

I moved Stormie back up to the North Side where she used to be stationed.  Cleared out the area the day before.  Oreo is back with Pepsi where Stormie used to be tied off too.  Pepsi will help train her.  That leaves Nugget and the other pup.  Nugget is out in front of the house by the driveway.   Still working on this one.  Will have to figure it out later. 

Noticed two bunches getting ready to ripen.  Will harvest them Tuesday or Wednesday. 

Inifresi (Offering - Chamoru pledge)

Inifresi (Offering - Chamoru pledge)

 

Ginen i mås takhilo’ gi hinasso-ku

I mås takhalom gi kurason-hu,

Yan i mas figo’ na nina’siña-hu,

Hu ufresen maisa yu’

Para bai prutehi yan hu difende

I HINENGGE,

I KOTTURA,

I LENGGUÅHI,

I AIRE,

I HANOM yan I TANO’ CHAMORU

Ni’ irensiå-ku direchu ginen as Yu’os Tåta,

Este hu afitma gi hilo’ I Bipblia yan I Banderå-hu,

-I Banderan Guåhan.

 

...In English...

From the inner-most recesses of my mind,

From deep within my heart,

And with all my might,

This I offer.

To protect and defend

The Beliefs

The Culture

The Language

The Air

The Water and The Land of the Chamoru.

My heritage come directly from God,

This I affirm on the Bible and my Flag

- The Flag of Guahan

Ranch: Afternoon adjustments.

I was in the ranch today after watching the Cowboys-Giants game.  I walked around, overlooked the layout of the ranch, and did some work.  I forgot to get a video recording of Larraine's chickens.  She asked me a couple of days ago, if I would be able to.  Since I am free tomorrow...I'll get do that in the morning during my morning checks. 

This afternoon, I noticed that I have a lot of lemon seedlings on the ground.  I'm going to transplant those along, but inside, the borders.  That would be a great physical barrier to deter  poachers coming into ranch, also, a lot of lemonade too.  The mango tree is flowering again...after it pushed out new leaves. 

The banana crop is doing really great.  So many bunches for this season.  The bunch I harvested the other day is now ripe.  They're amazingly sweet for Saba.  My mom made Turon this morning for breakfast.  It was good.  I'm looking forward to making Gollai Appan Aga tomorrow for the Life Cell's Party.  I prefer eating cooking banana to rice in season.

I moved the ranch dogs back into the ranch this afternoon.  Duchess and Stormie are now back there on rotation.  Stormie got to close to Pepsi and the two of them went at it.  That little rumble reminded me that the pack has not determined who is the new Alpha Female, since Lucky passed away months ago.  I'm going to have them go at it to find out.  Or else, I'll have control problems later on. 

Stormie is on perimeter post at the South-side of the ranch, Lucky's old post.    Duchess went to the East-side, her old post to guard.  Once I put the fence up, I'll have Duchess back out on rover duty.  I prefer her in that role.  She's good at it.  The three pups from Duchess: Nugget, Onyx, and Oreo will be placed around the house.  Nugget went to the front of the house to Stormie's post.  Oreo is at the back porch.  She will not be there for long.  I'm going to relocate her to the back side of the storage container next to the mango tree.  Onyx is currently at the barn shack.  She'll be relocated to the ranch side.  I might partner her up with Scout aka Brownie to learn more. 

I'm still working to schedule felling three huge trees in the ranch.  I'll have to clean around them first before I do anything with them.  Another chore would be to gather all the corrugated tin, stack them, then later on...use them for fencing around the garden. 

One day, at a time.

ESTA...

Ranch: Working my Banana Crop.

Putting the new ranch plans to paper.  It's been more than a year since that I let my fields go fallow.  Mowing them now and soon to be tilled under.  I'll be putting seeds down next week.  Also, transplanting lots of lemon, kalamansi, lemon-china along the borders.  I'll take pictures of my progress from now on.  Have to start keeping pics as part of my paperwork for audits to move into organics. 

My banana crops look really good this year.  I've counted 10 bunches already and more flowers budding out.  This afternoon, I trimmed out a lot of suckers.  I only need the mother plant, one daughter, and maybe a granddaughter on the mat,  The other suckers are just competing for nutrients from the mother plant.  When new sword leaf suckers show up next week.  I'll cut those out and plant them in the South-side of the ranch. 

My Saba (cooking) Bananas are doing really well.  I was able to harvest a bunch today.  Looking forward to roasted banana tomorrow.   I have to work more on my Macau, Manila, Fiji, and Williams varieties. 

It's weird how many names each variety has depending on region.  We have Lakatan bananas here.  But it is a different Lakatan from the Philippines.  The Lakatan variety we have is a cooking banana that looks like horns.  The Lakatan banana from the Philippines is the Williams or Chiquita.  The Manila banana is also known as Lady Fingers.  These are very sweet dessert bananas.  I prefer the Fiji variety better than the Manila. 

Normally, I check on the banana crop once a week.  When the bunches turn dark green to light green.  I check them daily.  When one hand in the bunch is light green.  That's when I harvest it.  Some farmer's say you'll need to people to harvest a bunch.  Especially, if that bunch is big.  I've learned over the years that you can harvest a bunch solo.  You just have to know what you're doing. 

I noticed that I have a lot of coconut saplings.  I'm gonna pull those and replant them along the Eastern and Southern borders.  These will make great living fence posts for the new cattle herd I'll acquire next year.  That reminds me, I'll be putting up the new goat pen soon. 

Para Hita Todu -- Show Me the Money!!! It's All About the Money!!!

A new group  has formed on Guam, called Para Hita Todu.  They're proclaiming to be the "Silent Majority" on the island in "Support" of the U.S. Military Buildup.  In the last couple of weeks, they have started their website, see link above, and facebook page.  A couple of days ago, they garnered over 5000 signatures, 10,000 short of the 15,000 they had hoped to gain. 

Most of their membership are village mayors, business managers, and others looking at the bottom line, financial gain.  They're selling their soul to the devil in hopes of getting more financial resources to their institutions, and lining their pockets.   

They have publicly stated they are not going to comment on any issues about the military buildup; not a word on the potential land grab via condemnation, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts.  I guess they believe that those issues have been talked to death.  So, why beat a dead horse? 

But those issues have not been properly answered by the U.S. Military.  Are those members of Para Hita Todu, willing to give up their homes and property to the U.S. military for this buildup?  Yet, they're willing to sellout, through their support of this buildup, three families who live in Pagat on a family compound.  Who have three generations living on that compound.  Who actually farm that land that they are living on.  The very land that is now a proposed firing range for the U.S. Marines. 

Their subtle misinformation about those who are not part of their organization, are labeled as unpatriotic, anti-military, anti-buildup, and fear-mongering.  They now use detractors, as a new label for those against the buildup.  Will they also call us anti-christian to demonize us?  Time will tell. 

Lee Webber in today's newspaper article states that people on welfare should not be protesting the buildup.  They're practically biting the hand that feeds them.  The article implies that only the rich can protest.  Mr. Webber, why?  Why cannot anyone who sees the wrong in this buildup, not protest it?  Isn't that our right, as citizens of this country, we call the U.S.A.?  Don't we have the right to Freedom of Speech and Assembly to voice our concerns.  It really surprises me that a military veteran and former publisher of the Pacific Daily News would now invoke Socialist's Filth!  I forget, most media are now socialist trumpets. 

For those who are members of Para Hita Todu,"Ti Maigu Si Yuus"! 


They are now the immediate arch rival to grassroots group, "We Are Guahan".  We Are Guahan was started by concerned young adults on this island.  Most of the active members are in their 20's to early 30's.  They are a courageous group of young men and ladies who are taking a stand against this buildup, especially the possible land grab that may take place.  They have taken the time to do research on the buildup and the socio-economic and environmental impacts that will affect this small island.  They are not in it for the money. 

 "We Are Guahan" and the many grassroots groups who are against the buildup, or who prefer a limited buildup, are the Silent Majority. 

GCA's 16th Annual Safety Conference.

Walking into the the Holiday Resort to help setup OSH Solutions table at 0700.  I ran into Primo Al at the parking lot.  He had just come from Matapang Beach trying to catch Manahak (juvenile rabbit fish), a delicacy to Chamorros and Guamanians alike. 

Upstairs I looked around for the OSH Solutions table.  I figured I should arrive early to help Ann Marie setup the table.  Instead, I met the ladies from GCA; Chantel, Desiree, and Francine.  They were setting up their registration table and sponsor banners. 

After I secured my bags at the table in the banquet hall.  I went out to meet and greet the other Safety Officers arriving.  I greeted Anthony Quidachay and Tony Andersen from OSHA On-Site Consultation Office.  Samoan Joe, Safety Training Officer from Black Construction; Tony Shioli and Patrick Rivera from NAVFAC.; Terry Badley from AMPRO Safety; Chris Pantino from CMS.  There were more people coming in who I didn't know.  But we all had one thing in common: we were there for Safety. 

At my table, I met Mila from Westin, Leah and Fred from Outrigger.  There was one more but I have already forgotten his name.  I'll find out tomorrow.  We talked a bit just before they opened the conference.  They attended the Intro to OSHA Course.  I was there to observe the speaker from Region IX.  After the morning's opening conference, it was time to head downstairs for lunch.   

I know most of the topics that I'm attending today and tomorrow.  I didn't realize I knew the topics until I saw the Conference Itinerary this morning.  Now, I'm just there to network and observe the other trainers for those courses.  The Safety Professional Development will be interesting.  I'm looking forward to that class on Friday. 

Being at the Safety Conference is like being around the "Who's Who in Guam's Safety Industry".   My time is well invested.  None of my training group was able to attend the safety conference.  Hopefully, I'll see them at the open house on Friday. 

ESTA...

Cleaning Ranch Equipment and Barn Shack.

Cleaned up my barn shack yesterday.  Pulled out my ranch equipment and washed it all down.  Most of the equipment were dusty and not caked in clay.  Which was good, it made washing it all down easier.   I aired up all the pneumatic tires from the the dolly to the rear-end tiller.  Now, I can use the material handlers to their load capacity. 

All the paint buckets that I picked up from Sis. Krystal's will be made into Earth Boxes.  They can nest into each other which makes it really easy to use.  That will get me ready for the next planting season. 



I collected the rabbit manure from the catch area below the rabbit pens and put it in the compost bin.  Nice, Black Gold.  Gonna use that to fertilize my fruit trees and vegetables.  I separated that buck and placed him in his own cage.  Now I have 3 bucks  Only 2 bucks are needed for my rabbitry.  I may have to cook up one of the extra bucks.  I'll wait until I get 2 more to cull from these 2 new litters.  The white doe is pregnant.  She was growling and snapping at me yesterday.  She bit me while I was trying to remove the buck in their pen.  She's blessed she's pregnant.  Or she'd be stew last night. 

Baby Rabbits

Here are pics of the new kits, about two weeks old.   I'm using an old USPS plastic box as a nesting box, shredded paper for nesting materials, and a 2x4 locked in place with a concrete block to keep the kits in the nest.  It'll be awhile before can tell the genders.  The pic above is from last week.  The nest box is no longer in there.  The kits are moving around on the wire. 

Marianas Grazing and Livestock Academy: Workshop 3.

Been occupied with lots of classes, this week.  Today and Yesterday was the 3rd workshop for the Marianas Grazing and Livestock Academy.  We covered topics on Ranch Management Planning, Meat Goats, and Pastured Poultry.  Really good topics for the ranchers on island. 

Learned  a lot again for this field of interest, even though...I know a lot about Meat Goats and Pastured Poultry.   I've been doing the Ranch Management Planning.  That was taught during the Organic Workshops. 

I was able to talk with Bob in regards to the Organic Inspector Grades/Certificates.  Seems there is a procurement issue with the university.  That issue is holding back our grads from the IOIA.  I'll just have to wait a little longer on that.

I've been working on the articles and bylaws for the Guahan Livestock Association.  That's another post in itself. 


ESTA...

Ranch Afternoon Walk.

After returning from Home Depot this afternoon, I took a walk around the ranch.  I already knew what I wanted to do in my head.  This afternoon, I wanted to visualize it walking through my ranch.  I walked back toward the Guinea Fowl pens.  I stood there for awhile taking in the scenery.  I imagined what the new layout of the ranch would look like taking in the whole area.

The Guineas would have to move towards the north paddock to make room for the Goat holding pens.  The new Boer and Kiko herds that I plan on investing in from Hawaii would stay out in the paddocks, rotating from one paddock to the other.  I plan to build a mobile hoop shelter to drag along to each paddock that their in to provide shade and shelter from the rain.. 

The new horse fencing would be use for perimeter fencing, supplemented with 3 strand electrical polywire on the livestock side.  My interior fencing would be 2 or 3 strand electrical fencing between paddocks and 6 strand at main ranch area and house. 

The piggery operation will be pastured pigs.  I picked up the concept from Polyface Farms in Virginia.  That will save on lots of facilities costs.  The pigs will be in their natural environment albeit controlled.  With the pigs, I'll only have to run single wire electric wire and rotate them every month until slaughter. 

The apiary operation will be on the roof of the house.  I'll be getting a new 32' extension ladder to use, until the wooden staircase is built, to manage the bee hives.  I'll start with one hive and increase it to one hive a month, until I get 10 hives up there on the roof.  The bees will help pollinate the crops and vegetables that will be planted this year and in the future.  They will also provide honey that I will use and sell.  The price of honey is going up on island.  I might as well start raising my own honey for personal use and sell the surplus.  The reason why I'm putting the bee hives on the roof.  It's to keep the toads and frogs from setting up any ambush to the hives entrances, like if they were on the ground.  I got the advice from a former beekeeper here. Several toads will wipe out a whole bee colony. 

We'll be going back to raising egg layers as well.  The new mobile coop based on Polyface design will be built next to the new goat pens.  The eggmobile will follow the goats, from paddock to paddock.  I'm still debating if I'll raise 50 or 100 hens.  I know, I won't be able to eat all those organic farm fresh eggs. But, I'm thinking of selling the surplus to family and friends.  The last time we did this.  My niece, Arissa, was in elementary.  She enjoyed going out collecting the eggs.  Because of that, she started baking cakes using the organic fresh eggs from the ranch.  She would then share her cakes with her cousins in the compound.  Back then we had a dozen egg layers.  Each hen averaged 4 eggs a week.  With 12 hens in full production, we were getting 48 eggs a week on average.  Those eggs were really good. 

The duck operation is still in the air.  Raising Muscovy ducks is easy.  They're great to get rid of snails and slugs on the ranch.  That helps cut down on the nematode issue.  Also their meat is nice and sweet, especially when you roast it.  I just don't want to grow to fast where I won't be able to handle it.  We'll see how things go during our start up this year. 

It would have been great if I was able to get that chipper.  That would have helped me in making my own feeds.  Next time...

Things are falling into place. 


ESTA. 

Transitioning from Conventional Farming to Organic Farming.

I've been attending these organic workshops provided by the Cooperative Extension Service from the University of Guam, for a couple of months now.  The workshops are great and very informative.  The last one dealt with Organic Certification and the process to go about getting it.  It was for both the producer and those interested to become Inspectors. 

It has piqued my interest somewhat attending all the seminars and workshops.  I didn't think it would be feasible for a local producer to go into organic farming.  But when I heard Marty talk about how he transitioned from conventional farming methods to organic.  I became more interested in the process. 

Marty Mesh is from Florida and owns an organic watermelon farm there in the Galveston area.  He was brought out here by the University of Guam CooperativeExtension Service on a grant to give an organic workshop to the local producers.  I learned a lot during the organic certification seminar that Marty presented. 

In hindsight, I have been moving towards doing organic farming.  But more towards raising organic livestock and poultry.  So instead of farming, it is organic ranching, a play in words.  Most of the local producers present at the seminar are interested in organic farming.  I was the only one interested in raising organic livestock.  Which is a lot harder to do by the National Organic Standards (NOS). 

One of my farmer friend's asked me why am I going organic.  Well, certainly not to get rich.  Although the prices for organic products are high, but affordable.  I'm doing it for my family.  I want my children to be able to eat fresh produce and meats raised on the ranch.  None of that store bought adulterated processed junk that we're all eating.  Because we think it's cheaper.  That is what we were taught.  I want to provide good clean healthy food for my family.  Any surplus, I'll sell to family, friends, and clients.  If I make money, so be it. 

A lot of the transition would be on paperwork: doing a farm plan (done that), farm map (done), and record keeping (needs improvement-working on it).  The next step is preparing my land areas.  I have gotten rid of lots of chemical pesticides and fertilizers prohibited on the NOS the last couple of years.  So the ranch area has been cleaned the last 8 years.  I don't spray chemicals for pest control or fertilizers.  So I'm good in that area.  I do need to get rid of lots of metallic junk on the ranch grounds.  That is a work in progress. 

Having gone through and reading the NOS,  I'm about halfway done to transition.  I'll have 3 fields in Transition as of today.  The other four, I can get certified this year using the 3 year rule in the NOS.  I may hold off until next year though to actually get certified.  There are no inspectors on island.  If I do pay for my certification, an inspector will have to fly out from Hawaii to inspect my ranch areas.  So in the mean time.  I'm working on my Farm History and building up my funds for the certification application.

Today, I grow "organic" Cherry Tomatoes.  All my fruits; mangoes, bananas, siniguellas, lemai, are raised organic by the NOS definition and standards.  All my livestock are organic in a sense.  But because I am not certified organic by an accredited certifying agency.  I can't use the term organic on my products.  All in time...  I'll use "Ranch Fresh" for the time being. 


Keep Smiling 

Snake Lilies Blossoming.

A blossoming Snake Lily outside my bedroom window. 



This one is on the planter above the first one. 


There are more snake lilies blossoming around the house and ranch.  The stench is unbearable.  I don't like this plant.  If you have ever smelled a rotting carcass.  That's exactly what it smells like.  The flowers last for a couple of days, then dries out.  But with many blossoming.  The smell around the house is unbearable. 

Moving Forward for Something Better.

Woke up today at 0600.  I had a restless night, waking every now and then, then falling back to sleep.  I looked at the clock and decided to sleep in a bit.  No, need to rush to get ready.  Had no work to go too.   Yep, I got laid off again.  Or, placed on standby as the boss calls it.  I doubt if I want to go back anyway. 

At 0800, I finally got out of bed, went and got cleaned up.  Then out to breakfast, which consisted of a hot glass of Lemon flavored Vita Plus, 2 over hard eggs with bread, and fresh ripe mango.  The morning air was warm.  Not one bit of cool in it.  I went out to the back and moved the goats south in the jungle.  So they won't be in the sun during the heat of the day.  I really miss working on the ranch.  These weekend ranch work doesn't cover what I want to do. 

By 1100, I was back in the shower getting ready to head out to my VA appointments this afternoon.  I have two scheduled today, back to back.  The first one was at 1300 with Trish, my social worker.  It's good talking to her on a monthly basis.  We talked about the family and work, and other issues that maybe affecting me.  Same hot issues as before, but I'm learning to work with it.  Rhoda is happy with the changes and new skills I've learned to use and cope with anger issues.  Kind of funny, how pastor preached about, Anger, a couple of weeks ago. 

At 1400, I was out the door and heading into my next appointment with my primary care doctor.  Dr. L.G. went into private practice.  So now, I've been assigned to Dr. Head.  I only saw her once before, when I had the spider bite on my leg last year.  She's alright.  She listens and encourages me to try different things to cope with my chronic painful injuries.  Today, though was my annual checkup.  So lots of questions was asked.   I have many answers.

Doc:  Do you smoke?

Me:  No.

Doc:  Do you drink?

Me:  Everyday...then I laughed...because I knew what she meant.  Yes, Doc....only once in a blue moon, maybe 2 or 3 cans. 

Doc:  How's the pain?

Me:  The usual...Painful.

Doc:  Why are you taking so-so pill?

Me:  Anger issues.

Doc:  You don't sound like you have anger issues.

Me:  Thanks doc.  But other people think I do.  I thought I was being normal.


Then we started talking about my kids and Rhoda in the Philippines.  What they're doing and how they are doing?  How are things here at home and there?  I tried to answer honestly.  I think. 

Looking at my medical history.  Doc congratulated me on losing lots of weight, to keep it up, and take it slow.  I mentioned it wasn't easy.  But I'm doing it for my family.  Hard to believe that I lost more than 50 lbs.  I have to give credit to God though.  If it wasn't for Him, I would have never been able to get through Crossfit, Ranching, and Construction work. 

It was good finally meeting with my primary care doc.  My last check up was two years ago.  That was long.  I have several up coming appointments with a hand specialist and nerve specialist, and the dermatologist later...when they call me for my appointment.  I may have carpal tunnel.  If I do, it may require surgery on both hands.  Looks like my construction days are coming to an end, really fast. 

After leaving the VA Clinic, I went to HomeDepot and did some I wish shopping for a while.  I went from the far right of the building where they had the ladders, down every aisle, and into the garden section on the left side of the building.  Lots of things I want to get for the house and ranch.  Taya Salape (No Money).  I did buy some bar and chain oil, and 2 cycle engine mix for the chainsaw.  I'll do some timber work this weekend, after the fiesta at St. Paul-North Compound. 

I went to the shop, to see if my check was ready.  I didn't say anything to the boss and GM as I walked in.  Just went to talk with Rita, who told me, the checks weren't ready for another 45 minutes.  I went back outside and talked with Roque and Rick.  Roque asked me if I was off.  I told him that I was for the last 3 days.  He told me to not hang around here.  Go look for another job.  I kind of gave him the nod that I was.  I found out through talking with Roque earlier this week.  That he's my primo (cousin) from the Pedan side of the familia.  When Marie, the payroll clerk, came back.  That's when the checks were issued.  I didn't say goodbye to the guys.  I guess they'll figure it out when I don't show up anymore.  They're a great crew to work with. 

I was referred to a hospice company to work as a Caregiver.  I'll check that job out on Monday.  I was told they actually pay more than what I was getting at the Construction Company.  More money is good news to me and my family. 

Roque told me to check out Core Tech and Nippo Construction.  Both companies are hiring.  I'll do that too, on Monday.  I'm not sure if I want to go back to construction.  But I'll apply just to be safe.  Have to keep all options open. 


Have a great weekend Y'all.

Keep Smiling

Ranch Log: Getting back into the Ranching Lifestyle, not that it ever left.

Posted a couple of cherry attempts at video blogging aka vlogs.  It's not easy as I thought.  Camera is okay, not top of the line type.  But it'll do for now.  I still prefer writing.  It's a lot easier to back space to delete.  Than to figure out how to erase or start over on the video camera. 

I finally got the tarp up to the ranch shack.  Which is now located behind the house.  It's a lot bigger than I thought it was.  I'll take a video shot of it after I'm done cleaning under and around it.  At least I have some shade to work in, out of the sun. 

The heat has been unbearable the last couple of days.  I am now praying daily for rain.  My ranch is turning brown and fruits are drying up on the branches.  I love the sun and heat.  But this is unbearable.  I shower at least 3 times daily, jump in to cool off and out again to work.  I should build an outside shower and just wear quick dries as I work the ranch.  Whenever I get hot, just jump in and cool down. 

The goat kids are getting bold.  They've walked into the house through the back door numerous times.  Mom thinks it's funny.  I don't.  Hercules knows when I actually feed the poultry.  So he comes over and waits until I open the feed bin to get feed out.  Then he tries to force his muzzle into whatever I have that is carrying the feed.  Alinnah, Larraine's goat, is still shy with me.  But now comes close, especially when I have feed in the bucket. 

The Guinea Keets are feathering out nicely.  They are approximately 3 weeks old.  Soon they'll be molting their feathers again to the beautiful pearl design.  I heard 3 females so far in that brood.  That is great news to me.  I'll have a bunch of new eggs next season to grow my flock. 

Kyle loves to catch chicks.  He has a black one in a box.  Soon that will grow to big to be kept in there.  He still wants to buy or catch more poultry chicks. I'm glad he's active though.  I just need to dial down his enthusiasm a bit.  I need him to start thinking, "Safety First" when  working or playing in or around the ranch.  Other than that, he's a good ranch hand. 

I have so much ripe mango in the kitchen, refrigerator, and freezer.  I'm going to have to start cutting them up and making bunelos manga (mango doughnuts) and or cake.   Lots to do in the next couple of days. 

Vietnam Mango aka Russian Mango

Larraine's Chicks...Well, sort of.

Guinea Keets

Two week old Guinea Keets that hatched out from my Hovabator Incubator. 

Ranch Shack

My first attempts at Video Blogging.  Not as easy, as I thought it was. 

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE 2010

For the Chelu's who gave their lives in the fight for Freedom. 

Ranch Log: Saturday Lite Work.

Awoke at 0500, to the sound of barker frogs barking outside my window.  Laid in bed, just contemplating what I am going to do this day.  The roosters from the surrounding area were at their morning posts, battling it out during their crow fest. 

I fired up the PC to check the news and catchup on emails.  Ate some fried rice, while I was doing my morning browse on the various news sites.  After, breakfast was done.  I went out to pasture the goat herd to the south side.  The humidity this morning was really high.  I was sweating before I even got to the south side. 

Got back to the house and jumped on the PC again.  Checked my various sites and posted some things here and there.  Then I went back out and looked at my nephew Kyle's new bird.  No, it's not a chick from a chicken, but an actual bird.  I looked around the area to see if I can make the bird a bigger cage.  The box he's in was small but has a huge hole that I took as a door that was covered with cardboard.  Sooner or later, a snake or rat will discover that unsecured entrance.  I got some stainless steel hardware cloth and bent that into shape.  I need to find a wooden board for the floor, and another piece of wire cloth for a door. 

I started to move some pens toward the house.  Not to close, just close enough for Kyle to be able to feed the poultry without going to the far side of the ranch.  I'll finish moving the rest later in the week. 

During siesta, I was trying to figure out how to download video from my sister's camcorder to the PC, then upload into Youtube.  I was dowloading my first video, when the PC froze.   I'll have to figure that out later. 

Today's work was pretty light.  I'm still assessing what I will do for the ranch with this reorganizing.  . 


Keep Smiling