Farm Visitor

Michael came roaring in from the greenhouse to get me..."You have to come see the bear out there...he's heading to the pond."

So, me, with a migraine, took a ride out to see this thing.  Yup, coming right down the road ambled a big, black bear.  He didn't seem to mind the sound of the generator, nor the sound of the RTV.  I shot this video of him as he made his way to the pond for a drink.

Needless to say, the electric fence surrounding the greenhouse and pasture is up and running...full charge.  They say the charger will drop a buffalo.  Let's see what happens if a bear decides to get past the fence to see what's available to eat in the greenhouse....zzzaaaapppppppppp!

Chickens: The Good Cooperators

One would never imagine that chickens, yes chickens, would come when called.  I used this video with students to show that even a "chicken-brain" can follow directions and travel in an orderly fashion when faced with excitement...in this case, food!
The kids had a good laugh, but I think they really learned something.

Dominiques: Our Chickens

People often comment on how well our roosters get along in the big group...I tell them, it's the breed.  Dominiques are known for their docile personalities, including the roosters.  Here I am sharing a piece of bread with my little group.  You'll notice who's first in line, the rooster.  Everyone gets to snack, no one fights, and they all but climb into my lap to get a taste.

You've got to love the personality of the chicken...got to!

The Hoophouse Is Up & Running

The NRCS hoophouse we won through a grant is up and running.  We decided to side the west wall and I bet we eventually do the same with the east side.  The cool weather plants are growing well.  We've got romaine, mesclun, chinese greens, beets,  carrots, and radishes.  In the next couple of weeks the first of the lettuces will be ready for the picking.  We plan to sell from the farm and are considering the area Farmers' Markets to sell our first of the season veggies!

Let the Wood Stacking Begin

Winter 2011-2012 proved to be a warm one...well, warm by Colebrook standards.  I think we were only below zero a couple of times.  In any case, we still barreled through quite a bit of wood this year and are already squirreling away next year's pile.
Today, we began the process of the stacking.  Stacking wood at Storybook Farm is an art...one must place the wood in the proper place in order to achieve the desired "look".
Let's just say, three trailer loads were stacked today and the resident groundskeeper is happy.

This Is Great!

"This is great!" is all we hear.  Thanks to good ol' Uncle Mike, the boys have taken ownership of the go-cart.  Lord, save us all.

Scott thinks he's at Limerock.  Josh is in the stock car derby.  Good luck to their parents keeping their speeds under control!

Scott at the Wheel

Josh's Turn

Momma and Her Babies

This proud hen has been parading her baby turks around the farm all week long.  We've seen them up in the pear trees hiding from hawks.  They sure can fly!  Momma acts like the decoy while her babies hide and when she give the all clear they flutter down to continue their walk.  Too cute.