country living

water problems and dirty kids.

2011-01-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

Around the hollydays, we had some water problems. It had us practically living in the basement, manually turning on the water pump to get the water we needed. Hubby and friend worked really hard at getting it fixed. Lot's of hard work later, and two very very dirty kids, and we have water again :o)

Here are the boys playin' with there toys.

The big trench from the house to the barn.

One very dirty kid, but ho so happy!

And the other very dirty but happy kid, including our farm chihuahua, getting all muddy.

fresh from the farm.....
-5c, cloudy with light snow falling.

first snow fall

2010-11-02T10:17:00.000-04:00

Last saturday, we had our first official snow fall of the season. It came down quite hard at times. Audrey was up at the crack of dawn the next morning, ready to go out.
They sure enjoyed playing in the snow.

Rosalie enjoying the snow.

Even Lacey had her first taste of snow, and she looooved it.

My favorite thing to take a picture of is my sugar shack. Just makes every season look soooo good.

It was also Miss Moo's first snow. What a pretty beast.

Fresh from the farm.....

trick or treat

2010-11-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

Even though all the stores are putting up their christmas merchandise, halloween just ended. We did something different this year, we went to a party. Got all dressed up, had good laughs and lot's of fun. Girls found it hilarious to see Mom and Dad in costumes.
Here's Dad in his hippy 70's costume, Nice bling!

Mom, the scary/friendly witch.

Beautiful miss Audrey in her fairy costume.

Miss Rosalie in her unicorn costume.

Angus and Noé, what a scary santa he is, and it's all his fault for all the snow we got that night!

Three days later, still in halloween hangover, just too much candy around the house.....

Fresh from the farm.....

enjoying the fallen leaves

2010-10-18T10:03:00.001-04:00

With the cold weather just around the corner, it's also time for leaves to fall. Kids and pets enjoy this time of year.
Lacey is new to all this outdoors stuff, and she is amazed and fun to watch as she discovers new things.

We still have a few flowers in Audrey's garden blooming, we always take a few minutes to smell them.

Our pond has never been as full as it's been this summer. Geese and duck are sure happy about it.

catching up

2010-10-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

I haven't been on my blog in a little while, so I have catching up to do.
First we had out annual corn roast, third edition. it was a success even if it was very windy and cold. Food and friends were a plenty.

Family and friends fiested on good foods.

We added a new member to our pet family. This is Lacey, our one and half year old chihuahua. Never thought I'd be one to dress up a dog, but it's kind of fun :-)

With the western/country festival in our local town, Audrey's school had a cowboy day. Doesn't she look good in her cowgirl outfit? HEEEEEHAAAAA!

back to school

2010-08-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

Finally, it's back to school time. But the summer sure went by way tooooo fast.

We were all ready, even with a new bus driver.

+30c, sunny

Fresh from the farm.....

a proud papa

2010-08-30T09:34:00.000-04:00

Not having a son, Paul has to make do with daughters. That's ok, nothing his girls can't do that a son could, even ride a motor bike.

Audrey was still too nervous last year, but this year is another story.
She got on..........

and rode off.......

+31c,sunny

Fresh from the farm.....

end of soccer season

2010-08-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

Audrey played soccer for the first time with the U8 Glen Sandfield girls. She somewhat enjoyed it, but just didn't seem to get into it. But she still had a lot of fun playing, and made plenty of new friends.
Her fovorite position was playing goalie.

She got a really cool medal, she was very proud.

And this is her team.

+28c and sunny

Fresh from the farm.....

hot summer days

2010-08-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

Nothing can cool off kids better than freezies on a hot summer day. Keeps them quiet and under control for a good 5 minutes...

Do I dare to ask Cowboy Joe to watch them? Doesn't look like he's up for the job.....

18c and cloudy

Fresh from the farm.....

rained out but fun day

2010-08-16T11:54:00.001-04:00

We've been planning to take the girls' to Mont Cascades water slides. We decided to go Sunday morning, even though the weather was cloudy, but hot. but by the time we got to Ottawa, the skies opened up, heavy rain, lightening and thunder.

Once we got there, we were told they would open up the park, and if there wasn't more than 50 people by 1pm, they would close up.

Three of us got to do one slide, when thunder and lightning did it's thing again and we were all ushered into the chalet to dry up and eat our pic nics.

We were told to leave the park, it would close up do to severe thunder storms. Having only half the day gone, we decided to head into ottawa to hit the museums. Started off at the museum of civilisation.

We decided to take the girls to see shark 3D at Imax. It was a first for all of us, and I must say, I will be going again. It was really cool, just like you were swimming with the sharks. The girls kept trying to pet the fish as they swam in front of us. We all got to where those "cool" glasses too.

Overall, we a had a super fun day. We will be going to the water slides again on Sept.06, hopefully, we get sunshine.

27c, feels like 38, some sun, and thunder showers warnings.

Fresh fromt the farm.....

silly goose

2010-08-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

I have the weirdest animals. A skate boarding goose. Who would have thought!

Meet Miss Moo

2010-08-13T10:07:00.002-04:00

We finally got a friend for Ice, our run away artist. Meet Miss Moo. She is a 6 week old heifer that is recovering from pneumonia. She needs a good washing and A LOT of TLC, Which, I'm sure, she will get plenty of. She was born on July 1st.
Not having a trailer, we had to improvise to go and get her. Lucky me, I have a big truck. Got her in the back of my suburban, she lied down, and stayed that way the whole way home, putting her head on my lap for some cuddles.

Here she is having a drink, i'm loving this farmer thing........

sunny and 27c

Fresh from the farm.....

weird trees

2010-08-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

If you walk across my yard, you can see all sorts of weirdly shaped trees. If you sit there long enough, you can imagine different shapes living in there. This one is my favorite. I see the head of a cat, more like a panther.

a lot of rain, a lot of fun

2010-08-03T22:08:00.001-04:00

Seems that this year it's been the year of thunder storms. The come out of nowhere. The garden is very thankful, and so are the geese.

The girls found this puddle to play in after the rainstorm. Mosquitoes drove them out.

Cloudy with big rain storms, 24c

Fresh from the farm.....

adopt-a-kitten

2010-07-31T21:28:00.000-04:00

What was supposed to be temporary, turned into permanent. I was brought an orphaned kitten, looking for a mother. The poor thing was abandoned in front of a pet store. He was just a tiny little thing, starving for food and attention. We decided to try and put him with my female cat that had kittens already. If it didn't work, it was ok, another bottle fed kitten. Ho well!

As it turned out, she accepted him like one of her own, right from the get-go. He, and we fell in love. He was quickly named Simba. Thought it was appropriate, he had that face.
He is now a permanent member of our family, and he's here to stay!

25 and sunny

Fresh from the farm.....

Double pot of gold

2010-07-30T21:55:00.001-04:00

Ever wish you could find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Is there really a leprechaun waiting there? This was a very special moment. We saw the clouds moving away during a rain storm, with bright sunshine on the other side. We just knew there would be a rainbow. We saw, color by color, a rainbow coming to life, starting with the purple, right into pink. To our surprise? A second rainbow appeared.
Now if only I could find the end of those, get my daughters to talk to the leprechaun into a stupor, so I can run away with the gold.......Then I wake up!

sunny and 18c

fresh from the farm.....

happy birthday to me!

2010-07-29T14:43:00.000-04:00

Today is my 38th birthday. It's a day like any other, but not to Audrey. According to her, your birthday should be a very special day. Adults shouldn't have to go to work on their birthdays. They should spend the day having fun. Which I do agree, but unfortunately, can't be done.
So starting at 6am, as she came running into my room to wish me a happy birthday, she's been giving little special treats. Seeing as I don't get any presents on my birthday, she felt really bad about that, so the daycare kids and her picked up a bouquet of flowers for me, how thoughtful. She's got such a big heart, she makes me proud.

sunny, 22c

Fresh from the farm.....

"Mom, I brushed a cow!"

2010-07-28T20:14:00.002-04:00

It's always enjoyable to come to my home. Always something exciting to do or see. Most kids that spend the day, go home pooped right out. Most days we stay out from morning 'till they go home.
This morning I woke up to having Ice, my cow, in the yard. She's a very funny and friendly cow, she walks on a leash.
I tied her up so the kids could brush her up and put bug spray on her. Not many kids can say "Mom, I brushed a cow today!" at daycare.

sunny with cloudy periods,28c felt like 34c

Fresh from the farm.....

back for more

2010-07-27T22:51:00.000-04:00

I must admit, I let myself go! No, no, this one doesn't smell. I just didn't tend to my blog like I should have. I'm taking inspiration from a friend blogger, whom has been posting one or more picture, for every day of the year. I must say she's doing a very good job at sticking to it, so I will give it my best shot, and try it too. Why not? Here we go!!!!!!
For those that know me, I haven't been very lucky with my chickens, let's just say I have very fat and well fed raccoons. I now have one! She's named MaDame Poulette, and we've relocated her to the garage, so she can be safe from the Raccoon family. She roams free all day, and loves chasing the cats. She actually loves it when I feed the cats leftover. Her favorite? Deer steak! She dominates all the cats, and gets to eat first, way to go MaDame Poulette!

Beautiful sunny day,+27c, felt like +35

Fresh from the farm.....

new look

2010-03-27T09:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a friend blogger, I noticed her cool new look, and wanted one for myself, so here it is!
Maple sugar season has been one to remember. We enjoyed it, got good sugar out of it, and still a bit more to more, or I should hope so.
Easter is just around the corner, time to spend with family and close friends. Good food, laughs, and did I say good food?
Flowers are sprouting, birds are coming back, animals are waking up, that's all part of living in this beautiful world.
Hope everyone is in high spirits with spring here, brings smiles to faces, and warmth into our homes.

-8c and sunny.

Fresh from the farm.....

maple syrup making time

2010-03-04T08:59:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. Maple syrup making time. Weather is being cooperative so far, hopefully it will hold for a few weeks. Give us plenty of time to stock up on the sugary stuff to last 'till next season. It's very time consuming, but HO so worth it. Kids love it, and so do the adults.

-1c very sunny, should be +5c later

fresh from the farm......

impressed

2010-03-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

Last night was then end of 17 days of hardship, tears and joy for a lot of us. I'm not a big sports fan, and I have to admit that I was dreading, with only one TV station, having to watch the Olympics for two whole weeks. Surprisingly, it was quite amazing to watch. CTV, hats off to you, you guys did a good job of keeping us up to date, and having the TV on all day long, I didn't miss a thing, and I have to say that the commentators and hosts were quite amusing.
I can say that I'm very proud of everyone that played in the Olympics, Canadian or not! It's my first olympic experience, and I'm proud to say, i enjoyed it from beginning to end.

+1c, cloudy

fresh from the farm......

living with loss

2010-02-23T14:33:00.000-05:00

On February 20th, at the age of 14, Cesar Millan's beloved pitbull Daddy passed away. Having never personally met Daddy, but watching him on the dog whisperer, I have come to know and appreciate his sense of balance. The impact this dog has had on so many people and their dogs is remarkable. It made me change my mind about certain breeds of dogs that we believe in being "dangerous", when they are simply misunderstood.
Being the owner of an older dog, Tubby, now 12, and having him in our family since he was 5 weeks old, I tear up thinking that their is not all that many years left for him to enjoy. He is the best dog I've ever owned. Calm and submissive, almost human-like at times, you wonder how much they understand. He's learned to pick up on some of our queues almost perfectly. He's been the companion of our daughters for their entire lives.
Tubby would not even think twice about putting himself in harms way to save one of us. He is and forever will be the most loyal dog ever. Even though he seems to favor Paul over me, I learned to live and accept it. He's always had the best life could offer, exercise, discipline, affection.
Knowing that his last days are becoming closer and closer, we cherish every moment we have with him. He is and has been THE dog in our lives. No other one could replace him.

+4c, cloudy, with a bit snow here and there.

Fresh from the farm.....

back in business

2010-02-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

Went last night to get my new treadmill. I'm so happy I get to walk again. It's amazing compared to my old thing I was using. Now we're back on track for our weight loss. I'm going to have to get the dogs used to this new machine now, but we'll take our time, and do it right!
Had lots and lots of visitors last night. It seems that someone would walk out, and someone else would walk in. I love visitors, I love welcoming people into my home.
Karate lessons for Audrey tonight. She's excited about that.

-11c, beautiful skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

slowly but surely

2010-02-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

We are still working on our weight loss/better living. It's a little harder without my treadmill, but one is on it's way, if we can only get organized to go and get it, should be tonight. I'm in need of walking, I've always loved walking, it's probably the exercise that I can do everyday without getting bored. I would really like to walk outside, but the weather is not permitting it, either by being too cold, or being to warm and then the skidoo's are out, so it's too dangerous to be on the trail. But we'll manage. Gotta keep moving.
It's a beautiful day out there today, will definitely go out and enjoy it with the kids.

-6c, bright sunny skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

Chore time!

2010-02-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Having animals is a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of work. Every morning and afternoon, on a regular schedule(don't be late or they let you know!), big and small creatures await their food and water. Summer time is sooo much easier, but I enjoy doing my chores, saying hello to everyone, giving them a pet, kiss or hug. Checking them over to make sure there are no injuries. And a daily brush and groom. Not to mention all that poop to pick up, bedding to set down.
Lucky for me, I have my helper. After putting Audrey on the bus in the morning, we come back to quacking ducks, snorting pig, and hungry cats, and crowing roosters. Kockadoodledoo!

changes for the best

2010-02-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

The temperature outside is a little too cold this morning to be out there walking. I can tough it out, but it's DD that gets cold sitting in the sleigh, enjoying the scenery. Will be getting another treadmill very soon, can't wait. I'm in the walking mood.
The positive outcomes to our new lifestyle is great. I'm feeling much more energetic, sleeping better nights, and so is Rosalie. We were having night time problems with her. She would wake up in the middle of the night, and wander around the house. Many a times I came to get her downstairs, looking in the fridge, turning on lights. It was beginning to freak me out. I would end up closing her door and locking it, and sitting outside it and wait for her to fall back asleep, which could take a while on some nights.
So let's just say I was tired.
Since we've taken out concentrated juices, ketchup and most if not all sugar from out diet, I can say that it's been over a week since Rosalie hasn't gotten up for her midnight stroll. And we are also working hard on getting her dry at night. No more drinking after 6pm. We are getting one pee a night, I just have to figure out around what time this happens, and take her to the bathroom. We are making great progress, let's keep it up!

-12c Sunny with cloudy periods and a bit of snow here and there.

Fresh from the farm.....

let's go!

2010-02-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

I bought an old treadmill a few months back in the hopes of using it for myself and my dogs. Two weeks ago, as you all know, I decided to get fit, and walk my dogs at the same time. This morning we did our 1k outdoors, felt good not to freeze my face off, but I can't finish off on the treadmill as it died on me last week. I took it apart, looked into it, but it needs a new motor, so off to the scrap it will go. The biggest problem is I can't afford to buy a another one, or i should say that DH doesn't want me spending.
For once in my life I made up a plan, and i was sticking to it, and now this. I will figure out a way to work threw it, hopefully get another good deal on a treadmill. In the meantime, I haven't given up, weight is going down, dogs are behaving, so let's keep it up girl!

151.3lbs.
-13c sunny with a few clouds.

Fresh from the farm....

family time

2010-02-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was grocery time. It's always a chore going to the store with both girls, so when Audrey mentioned she wanted to stay home with Dad, and Dad agreed, I was more than happy to oblige. The definition of peaceful for me is to have only one of the girls at the store. Doesn't take much to make my day.
DH got busy on an old skidoo we have, trying to get it going. Well he did! He managed to give the girls a few rides around the yard, then told me to go try it out to the end of the property. Of course, I take off , free as the wind, but not for long!!! Puh puh puh!(stall). Just my luck! Had to walk all the way back home, get a gas can, kids and DH, and walked back to the skidoo, got it going again, and all got one and drove it back home.
It was a lovely day of playing outside, enjoying the not so cold fresh air, and just relaxing with family.

-22c(-32c) bright sunny skies\

Fresh from the farm.....

a day to remember

2010-01-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

Today is a day that everyone in my family remembers.
10 years ago, my brother had a beautiful baby boy named Kevin. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Kevin didn't get to be with us. He died at birth. Today would be his tenth birthday. He is in our hearts, and always will be as our guardian angel. We love and miss you Kevin.
It is also the birthday of my grandmother. I do believe, but not sure, that she is 89 or 90 this year. She is still of life, living in her own little apartment, still enjoying life. I wish you, Mémère Ouellette, a happy birthday and may the day be all you ever wished for, we will visit you tomorrow when the weather is not so cold.

-23c(-31c), sunny clear skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

did anybody say cold?

2010-01-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

The sun is finally showing it's face, but we know that when he does, it means it's cooooold out there. I almost didn't send my daughter to school, didn't want to have to wait for the bus in this weather. It's the wind that's bad. But well dressed, we made it. The real challenge will be this afternoon when the wind has picked up. DH working outside all day, poor him. He came home very late last night, frozen to the bones.
Today at Audrey's school is crazy hair day.

Had to figure something out that her hat would fit on top of it, not an easy to do!

-18c,-28 with windchill. Sunny blue skies.

back in action

2010-01-28T11:12:00.001-05:00

I've been MIA for a few days due to a stomach flu that took over our lives. First is was Audrey, then 48 hours later is was Rosalie, then 48 hours after that it was Paul and I. I thought great, at least Paul can take care of the kids while I'm sick, but no such thing. He got it too, so we were both out of it for 24 hours. Lucky for us, Audrey went off to school, and we only had Rosalie to watch out for. And a couple of good friends came over on a whim, and ended up taking care of us, and making us feel better, Thanks Sue & Steph.
We are back in action, so off to the treadmill I go. I didn't take my regular walk outside, but i pulled both my daughters to the end of the road to wait for the bus, then came back home, attached another sleigh, put garbage bags in each one, and walked back. It was heavy, I'm sure I will feel it in my legs tomorrow, but it's all worth it.

My silly cat managed to get in the way of the cold room door, just as I was about to shut it. Let's just say, he got hurt. From what I can tell, it's just a bad charley horse, as he's playing with the birds right now. This is Bibitte(aka Salvat) the kitten I saved at birth. He is now 4 months old, doing very well, and is now enjoying his first days of going outside to meet with the other members of my cat family.

Fresh from the farm.....

what a day!

2010-01-25T12:01:00.001-05:00

The only people enjoying the weather today are my ducks. They are out getting a well deserved wash after months of not having access to water. So let's just say that my walk was canceled this morning. So onto the treadmill we go.

Made a few more dietary changes over the weekend. Changes prepared mustard for Dijon, mayo for no fat salad dressing, cow milk for soy milk(my least favorite change so far). Now it's my 30 minutes of treadmill time, see you later.

+12c, raining. Yes +12 in January.
Fresh from the farm.....

Our Canada

2010-01-23T11:26:00.002-05:00

I've been a fan of a great magazine called "Our Canada", and it's counterpart magazine, "More of our Canada" for a few years now. The only magazine that I read cover to cover, and the one and only magazine that my husband will read. Once we've both read it, it become property of DD#1. She cuts out all the beautiful pictures and posts them on her bedroom wall. With money being tight, we had to cut on some expenses, and unfortunately, the sub was it!
Lucky for me, they have a wonderful website that I love to visit, and see wonderful stories from all across our nation. After posting these thoughts in their blog section, they contacted me and gave me a one year free membership to their magazine.
It really touched me to know that someone cared. I will be able to enjoy their magazine for another year. This is when I can say, I'm proud to be Canadian.

You can visit their website and have a look for yourself: Our Canada
-6c, bright sunshine
Fresh from the farm.....

day5

2010-01-22T12:40:00.000-05:00

Went to karate lessons last night, wanting to go out walking while waiting, but i didn't. I have no excuses, i just didn't. And now DD#1 is sick with the stomach flu. Been up most of the night with her, so we didn't go out for out walk this morning. But I will do some time on the treadmill with the dogs, can't give up right away.
I'm just hoping no one else will get the stomach flu, so we're trying to keep the kids apart, but hard to do.
It breaks my heart to hear my princess retching, and there's nothing i can really do to help her except make her comfortable, and make sure she has plenty to drink.
Mommy needs a nap, but have to wait for daddy to get home first.

-7c, sunny skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

day 4

2010-01-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

Still at it! I have to admit, it's the longest I've ever stuck to a program. Four days! But I'm feeling good. I admit, I'm hungry at times, but I don't give in, I just drink more water to compensate. Still have to do my 30 minutes on the treadmill.
Dogs are much calmer, and listen better. Less energy in their bodies.
Tonight DD#1 is getting her karate uniform, can't wait to see her, she'll be sooo adorable. She's loving karate, hopefully it will help her with patience, which she has none of at the moment.
On February(never realized that it was spelled that way, always Febuary, just learned something, thanks spell check!) 21, it will be 11 years since I smoked my last cigarette. Last Thursday, waiting for Audrey at karate lessons, some ladies got up to go outside and smoke a cigy, well, one passed by me while opening her pack. I got a 5 second craving to smoke one too, after almost 11 years, wow! Knocked myself upside the head, told myself not to be an idiot, and got over it!

Cloudy, with sun supposed to come out later, -7c(-13c with windchill).

Fresh from the farm.....

day 3

2010-01-20T09:31:00.001-05:00

Day 3. Did my routine walk down the skidoo trail, to the back of the property and back. This is not an easy task. Dress in Canadian winter garments, BIG barn rubber boots, two dogs leashed to me, and a 40 pound toddler enjoying the view and scenery from her cozy ride in the sleigh that mommy is pulling.
Dogs are walking better and better by my side, little hills are already becoming easier to climb.
Just made another change, I'm a peanut butter freak, i just LOVE IT! But the "real" pb, just not as tasty, but i guess I have to get used to it.
This is the first time i weigh myself in a while, let's see how low i can go.
153.4lbs
cloudy skies, -1c

fresh from the farm.....

day 2

2010-01-19T10:16:00.001-05:00

Well, it's official, I'm out of shape!!! I got a 30 minute walk in my schedule this morning, and that's as far as I could make it. Mind you, I'm pulling a sled with a 30 pound toddler in there, so it's OK to cut my time. The weather was nice and mild. The dogs were behaving.
I've taken over eating healthy at the same time, I've cut out pop and chips, which is a big thing for me, my addiction! Cut out all or most of all saturated and trans fats. Let's see where this will bring us, to a slimmer,healthier me? I sure hope so!

Fresh from the farm......

50 week challenge

2010-01-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

I'm an avid fan of Cesar Millan, and he has issued a 50 week challenge for us dog owners. i decided to jump in. First challenge of week #1, walk you pack for 1 hour a day. It's kind of hard to incorporate a one hour walk every day, but will do my best to accomplish it. For those Canadian days that it's just too miserable to go out, I have my friendly treadmill to do the job. So off I go for hour #1 of day #1. I should be seeing some improvements on my dogs behaviors, I'll try and keep track of it. Let's see if I can keep this up for the whole year. You are my witnesses, keep me motivated, I intend to lose a few pounds in the process.

Fresh from the farm.......

back in action

2010-01-07T13:12:00.000-05:00

I should start with wishing everyone a happy new year, may 2010 be as good to you as i hope it will be to me!
I've neglected my blog over the holidays, but I'm back in full force.
We had five new additions to our animal family, a beautiful litter of boxer puppies. We thought we were ready for this, as this is our second time around, but nothing can compare taking care of 1 puppy to 5.
No matter how cute they are, it gets tiresome trying to keep a clean house with these five little mongrels running around.
We are lucky to know that at least two of these sweeties are going to friends', we will be able to see them grow up and become what they are.

DD#1 back in school, daycare back in full force, horses running away, cow sleeping in the hay stack....good start to 2010. keeps me on my toes.

Fresh from the farm.....

time to work!

2009-11-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

My female boxer is pregnant, and I do believe she is in labor now. She is breathing pretty heavily. Last night she took much longer than normal to eat her food. Last breeding was a loss for us, since she only had one puppy and we have to give away to the owner of the male, but this time, their is definitely more puppies in there. At this point? I can see them moving around in there. Lumps and bumps are appearing everywhere.
Ho the memories of my labors! I hope everything goes well, and I can't wait to see those little potatoes popping out of there. They will be loved and loved some more by everyone around.

.....fresh from the farm

H1N1

2009-10-23T11:45:00.000-04:00

We've all heard about this form of influenza going around the world, and putting a scare into everyone. We've heard from opposites sides of this. Should we, or shouldn't we? Who's more at risk? What's the consequences, symptoms, etc.......
I'm a little suspicious of the effectiveness of the vaccine. It's just went too fast. What are the long term effects? It's very hard to make a decision.
I've taken the conscience decision to not get the vaccines for my family and I. I hope I'm doing the right thing. But only time will tell. We will take every precaution to keep this virus away. but trying to teach 2 and 3 year old's the proper way to wash your hands, to cough, and not to share stuff with other kids is hard. But with constant supervision, we will do it.
What's your take on the H1N1? Will you get the vaccines for your family and yourselves? Feel free to post your comments.

busy days

2009-10-13T09:09:00.000-04:00

The weather is changing rather quickly. Frost over the weekend, DH putting on his long-johns, Canadian geese flying over head, got to get a move on and get our winter organized.
We finally have a bit of firewood, thanks to good friend that give a hand unselfishly. #0+cm of snow fell in BC yesterday, so we have to know it's coming our way.
DH was a brave one yesterday, he decided to get on the big mare were keeping. He looked so funny and so small on top of her. But she behaved gently, like the gentle giant she is.
I'm a little tired from the weekend, waking up every three hours to feed Salvat is a demanding job, but so rewarding. It melts my heart when i hear the little purring coming from him when his little stomach is full. It's a first time experience for me, and I'm loving it even though it's time consuming. Hopefully I can make this one into a house cat that will not attack my birds.

fresh from the farm.....

a long journey ahead

2009-10-10T22:24:00.003-04:00

I've taken on the task of raising a newborn kitten. It's going to be quite and adventure, a first for me. I really do hope to save this little guy. But I tell you, it's a proud moment when you see him latching onto the bottle, and just sucking away. Got a long journey ahead of us, starting in two hours from now. Yep, fed every couple of hours, for THREE weeks. Ho well! Que sera, sera! I will update this post threw out the night, keep track of the progress that Sal's(Salvat means saved in Catalan) doing.

3:22am- We've had successful feedings all night. Urine and bowel moments. We are doing good, or so I hope.

UPDATE: 12/10/09 Sal is doing very well! He's quite the strong little bugger. When he smells the milk near, he's hard to hold down. I'm pretty confident in saying, that Sal is saved!

.....fresh from the farm

saving baby kitten

2009-10-10T17:05:00.001-04:00

Doune, my female cat has had her share of ups and downs with her litters. Always one that dies, is not normal,or all but one of them don't make it. One litter, seven kittens, one alive. Let's just say that turned out to be one fat cat. She's always had her litters in the house, except this last one. She spends the night inside, and goes out during the day. But three days ago, she didn't come in for the night. I found her the next morning, all skinny. She'd had her babies during the night, outside somewhere. Guess i was going to become a cat stalker. We are just about ready to go to the store, when we hear whimpers coming from the basement. Seven baby kittens!!! One was not alive, so that left us with six.
For some reason, my female just won't take care of them. On the first day, she managed to sneak out of the house early afternoon, and was nowhere to be found. We called and called her all evening. She finally showed up at around midnight when i got home, only to find her kittens very weak and freezing. I rushed them into the house, placed them on the furnace grill trying to get heat to them. For some unknown reason, she just doesn't want to care for these little guys. Threw out the night, I lost five of them. Only one of them is still alive, and I'm going to fight for him with everything I have. Rushed to the pet store this morning, got replacement milk and little feeding bottle.
What a joy to finally see the little tongue stick to that nipple. What a hungry little guy.
So far, he's doing great. Only have to get a bowel movement for today out of him, and we're all set.
It'll be hard work, feeding every two hours for three weeks, but it's all worth it if i get a cute little kitten to live in the process, will keep you updated.
Now all I need is a name for the little guy!

fresh from the farm......

Newest members

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

We've been pretty busy getting things organized around here for the cold months. So much to do to keep all those beasts warm. We are starting to be known in the region as "the people that will take your unwanted animals". To some extent, we love helping out people, and we love even more helping out animals in need. We would never turn our back on any animal that needs shelter and food.

We have two new members to our animal family.

A beautiful baby belted galloway heifer that we name, or I should say, Audrey named, Ice. The owner found her half way out of her mother, with the mom too weak to keep pushing her out. So he helped the little one finish it's course into this world, as he slowly watched the mom leave. He took it upon himself to bottle feed this little creature, and loving it completely. It became man's best friend pretty quickly. And let's just say that both my daughters fell madly in love with Ice from the fist second they saw her. They can walk her around the yard on a leash just like our dogs lol.

Second newcomer is a two and a half percheron mare. She is a giant, but a gentle one. You cannot walk into the paddock without being invaded by her. She will follow you everywhere. We were a bit intimidated by her size when we first saw her, but we are slowly getting used to her. She is so gentle and careful, that you can't help but want to cuddle her. And she loves to give us kisses.

Well, it's time again to go back to my chores. Gotta get everything ready for everyone to have a comfortable winter, including us.

fresh from the farm........

fall is here!

2009-09-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

You know fall is here when:

-the leaves are changing color in our maple trees, and falling to the ground.
-you take out the hats for the little ones, and you make sure their ears are covered.
-you here the distinct quack of our Canadian geese making their way south for the winter.
-the hens,ducks and geese want in the barn before supper is served.
-the soy plants in the field are all turning yellow and are just about ready to crop.
-when helicopters start flying lower and lower, scanning the corn fields for the beloved "weed plantations".
-the dogs sleep in later and later every morning.
-you suddenly have the urge to pick everything from your garden and can them.
-you suddenly have the urge to take your knitting basket out and knit something.
-When I move my rocking chairs from my porch back into my kitchen.

and last and foremost, you know fall is here when:

Your DH asks you where his long-johns are at!!!!

So, fall is DEFINITELY here!

.....fresh from the farm

Another project almost done!

2009-09-21T11:39:00.001-04:00

Having such a large yard, with so many buildings, their is always something that needs fixing or other. We don't seem to have enough time on our hands to do it all, so we take it one step at a time. One of the attributes that sold us this farm, was the sugar bush and sugar shack. It was a total mess. Broken glass, tarps flapping in the wind, critters of all kinds getting in there.
We had big plans to move it into the bush, but after considerable deliberation, we decided to keep it close to the house for now.
Made a weekend with friends out of it, built a fire, made food outside, enjoyed the beautiful weather and nice company.
We are trying to do all of this, with as little money as possible, and I think we pulled it off.
We covered it all with old pool thins donated by some good friends(thanks Steph & Sue).

We used old windows we found in the barn, which one was brand new. Never installed. It's already looking so much better after so many nails hammered in, and so many swear words from hitting ourselves on the thumbs with the hammers. And we finished it off with slabs of cedar, donated by another good friend(thanks Buck).

But sweat and tears were paid off! What a beautiful little sugar house we now have. We'll be able to enjoy spring even more now.

The finished product:

old friends

2009-09-18T08:43:00.000-04:00

You have to love facebook! It's just awesome finding old friends that you haven't seen or heard from in more than 10 years. I'm a big nostalgic baby. I NEVER forget anyone that has crossed my path. And some people have influenced my life to a great deal, then we've gone our separate ways, but THANK YOU facebook, we have now reconnected.
About 15 years ago, I got into horses. Started taking lessons from a super coach, met lots of great people. Started working for this great coach, then went on to work for her parents. Took care of their stables for the winter while they went away to the nice sunny states. I met some great people while working and training there.
We tend to forget about friends from the past. Lives change, people move, circumstances happen. But their's nothing like the warm feeling you get when you reconnect with those friends after so many years.
Everyone should take a minute and think of all those that influenced your lives, or just did a little something nice for you on the way by, and maybe try to find them, and say "thank you!"

.....fresh from the farm

cultural differences

2009-09-14T07:58:00.002-04:00

Cultural differences are a present mind set in our society, and no matter who or how someone tries to change the world, these will always be present. With the anniversary of 9/11, it reminds us of this. But the differences I want to talk about hit closer to home. It's more of a city and country mouse story.
Having lived in both situations, I will pick country over city any day.
My city experience left me stronger for sure, but it didn't mean I liked it. Some city folks think they're so smart, and can handle just about anything. Remember January '98??? Ice storm ring a bell?? I actually lived in Montreal at the time, and it was like living in a war zone. I was one of the lucky ones that lived on the same electrical grid as the hospital, so we were less than 24 hours without power. I remember people being taken out of their homes by rescue workers, cold, hungry and in trouble. You couldn't even go knocking on your neighbors door, because you don't know them, and you make no effort to know them. You could be stuck on the side of the road, your life in jeopardy, and they will step over you as if you were last year's garbage. It's happened to me, and I wasn't impressed.
Now take me out of the city, and drop me back into my country setting, and HAAAAA I can breath. Around here, in '98 they went for more than 24 days in places without power. Communities got together, worked and helped out each other from the comforts of their own homes. One farmer would milk his cows, take down their generators, load them up, and head on down to the neighbors farm to get reconnected and start the milking process over again. Some of us ended up exhausted to the point of collapse because of their kind hearts. Some small towns got together, put up the funds, and rented mega generators that could run the whole village on power. Those who could cook, took dishes to those that couldn't. That is what community life is all about. Helping out each other in time of need, not seeing who can make it out first in line.

Born and raised a country girl, tried to become a city chick, would probably be dead if I stayed there, and came back to my roots pretty quickly.
Not because we don't have access to high speed internet, cable or other services that we are retarded. We might be a bit slower in some areas, but so much more advanced when it counts!
These is my personal experiences and opinions.

.....fresh from the farm

A success for second edition of the Carrière's corn festival

2009-09-12T08:09:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday was the second edition of the "Carrière's corn festival". It was a success. We've been telling everyone that we got close to 100 guests, but after sitting down and counting, we are more around the 60 mark! OOooops!
The weather was on our side, it was a beautiful day. It always seems that no matter how prepared we think we are, we forget things. The first year, we forgot a BIG must have, LIGHTS! We didn't get fooled by that this year. This year, We didn't have long enough prongs to get the corn out of the boiling water, that's already been taken care of for next year(thanks to end of season sales). We had our beautiful outhouse that made quite a few people talk. Now that I think about it, I didn't even take a picture of it yet. Gotta get onto that later on.
Little problems with keeping the pig on it's rod, but thanks to a very handy DH, it still worked. We had planned some games for the afternoon, but people showed up later than we expected.(Another change in next year schedule, invite people to come earlier.)
Thanks to my cousin for cooking and serving the pork, and to my crazy sister-in-law for keeping the pig hydrated while cooking by pouring everyone's beer on the roasting pig. Thanks you to all the good friends that put in time and sweat to make this what it was.
Another mistake we made? We were counting on different people for stuff we needed, and we learned not to. Do not depend on anyone, otherwise you might wait for part of the day.
Lot's of old friends, family members showed up, had good food, great company.
Some stayed over for the night in tents, trucks etc.....
The evening was pretty cold, but a bonfire kept things warm enough.
Hopefully next year, more people will come. Remind to add your name to our guest list!!!!!!

.....fresh from the farm

godd time with friends and family

2009-09-04T08:52:00.002-04:00

It's once again the time of year for our corn/pig roast. It's in it's second year running. Last year was a complete success, even if we weren't completely organized. But this year we are, or at least more than we were last year.
Nothing like being the host of a get together for family and friends, and have everyone congratulate you on all the good work you've done! A pat on the back is always appreciated.
And thanks to good friends, who offer their time and machinery, to make this place so much better.

They're still is area's that need improvement, but we'll get there in due time.
Last year we received around 70 people. This year, we're looking more into the hundreds. We hope to make it bigger and bigger every year.
Nothing like a nice big gathering of friends and family to catch up on old times. Eat good foods, drink good drinks, and laugh a good laugh!

.....fresh from the farm

berry season all over!

2009-09-01T08:46:00.002-04:00

Well, we can almost officially say that berry season is now over! When you say berries, I've got them! or almost! We did have strawberries, but the first year we got Miss Pitchounette(our goat), we let her roam free in the yard, and she ate all of them, plants and all. So we are replanting those next spring.
Nothing like fresh fruits for the kiddies. First thing DD#2 does when going outside? Heads for the raspberry patch. I didn't even get to collect any to make jams, they were being eaten' faster then they were growing. Same with the apples, had to watch them as they would grab them right off the ground, bugs and all, and eat them.
They say the dirtier your kids are, the healthier they will be, immune system will build. Well my kids must be super healthy, cause they sure are dirty!

another milestone

2009-08-31T08:55:00.005-04:00

As a mother, I always wanted my daughters to have a something "special" in their lives. DD#1 didn't get attached to anything, blankie, pacifier, teddy....... But DD#2 has a doudou. A small blanket crocheted by my aunt as a gift for her birth. It all started has only in bed.....but now she has started to want it outside of bed, which I denied. But now she has started waking up during the night, asking me to cover her with her doudou. No, she is not cold! She always has on thick pj's, and other blankets cover her. So I try and put a stop to that, with hours of screaming and throwing fits threw out the night, I've had enough!
The doudou is officially gone as of this morning. She will be going down for a nap very shortly. Her first nap without her doudou. Ho! How that will go!

.....fresh from the farm

update: The first night with out her doudou went without a hitch! I explained that she was a big girl, didn't need her doudou anymore, that it was now gone with her pacifiers. She understood! Said it was ok! What a intelligent little girl!

.....fresh from the farm

Proud Mommy

2009-08-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

DD#1 's first day of school didn't go as smoothly as I thought. She told me yesterday that when she got off the bus at school, no one knew who she was, what class she belonged in, or where she was supposed to go. Her name didn't appear on any of the class lists.
I had to swallow hard not to cry when she told me that. Bad enough she's going to a new school, when she gets there, she feels like she doesn't belong. How scary is THAT for a six year old little girl, having to fend for herself, in a completely new environment, and having to deal with irresponsible adults.
But I'm so proud of her. She took matters into her own hands, and got things done! Figured out where she had to go, found her class, and said "hello, i'm here!" She said she wasn't even afraid, she knew she would figure it out somehow. That's mommy's little girl!

.....fresh from the farm

the weather is changing

2009-08-27T06:26:00.003-04:00

It's cold out there this morning. +4c, everything is covered in white morning dew. The sun is getting up later and later, and setting earlier and earlier.
I love this temperature. Having a long driveway, it's always a nice, quiet walk to take my daughter to the bus. The cool air wakes you right up! Bring along the four dogs, sometimes a cat that just won't stay home, and it gets pretty noisy quickly!
I keep checking one of our maple trees that is the first to have it leaves turn orange. So far, still green, but sure won't be long 'till it turns.
Had to get our sweaters out this morning. Soon it will be jackets, hats and mitts. But it's still officially summer, so let's enjoy it for as long as we can.
I just started collecting veggies from my garden, no time for ground frost now!

.....fresh from the farm

change, for the best?

2009-08-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

Threw out life we always have important decisions to make, and the ones concerning our kids' future is always the hard ones to decided. I do believe I made the right choice, but only time will tell.
I have to explain. When DD#1 was just about one year old, I started babysitting an English boy. So DD learned to talk while playing with him, therefor learned to talk English first, even though we are completely french.
So we decided to play off on that, and send her to English school, thinking that the french she would get at home, plus the french learned at school, would be more than enough to hold her threw life. We were wrong! Her french is just horrible. Her two year old sister can speak french better than her.
She came to me one day, and told me "Mom, I think I was born in the wrong family!" It broke my heart that my kid is thinking this, but ho why???? "Because I don't speak like you do!" That made my decision easy, she is now entering french school.
I had to do it for the first grade, otherwise she would've been too far behind to catch up.
Kids are very resilient, she will be making new friends on the first day there, plus she already has three friends that attend that school.
And the good thing about french public schools????? We don't have to buy any school supplies. Right up to the pencil case. They only need school bag, lunch box and a pair of inside shoes, how cool is that!!!!!

.....fresh from the farm

good friends...

2009-08-24T10:10:00.003-04:00

In time of need, you realize who your good and real friends are. Weather it be for a ride, help around the house, or just a shoulder to cry on.
Having so much to do here, we tend to ask friends for help. But nothing worse than having a friend say they will do something, only to find out they're a no-show! While others offer their help without even you having to ask for it!
I started this blog because of a friend. I've never blogged before, and i started reading hers, and figured it would be a cool way to keep everyone in touch with our life, and to keep souvenirs of all our event.
I want to take the opportunity to thank my friend for introducing me to blogging. Even though i made serious mistakes in our past relationship, she found it in her heart to forgive me, and i learned the most valuable lesson of my life, "do not betray friends". She's had more than her fair share of hardship in her life, but she as always managed to pull threw, coming out stronger than ever. She's an inspiration to all that know her.
I wish this DF everything she's ever wanted in life, and so much more.

a summer evening at it's best!

2009-08-23T09:41:00.003-04:00

Sunny, with a few clouds, 25 degrees, DH, DDs, and myslef! What a perfect summer day!
We are now 2 weeks away from our annual "corn festival"(the event proudly named By DD#1),
and we are getting ready. It's mostly all cleaning of the grounds that is left to do. Final coat of paint goes in the outhouse today.
I spent part of the day pulling out weeds from my garden. I let it go for a while, and now it's overgrown,oops! But I did collect my first vegetable, a red pepper! Ho what to cook with it???
Then I got on the lawn tractor, and got rollin'. The kids were well behaved, always staying within eye sight.
DD#1 figured out how to get herself swinging from a stand still on our swing set. The sun was setting behind the trees, DH was picking up branches, building our fire pit wood for our bonfire.
It was a perfect picture of a perfect family.
It's too bad that we're already mid august. School starts in 3 days. Will mean having to go into the house earlier, but back to the routine of life!

.....fresh from the farm

tried, tested and true!

2009-08-21T08:09:00.003-04:00

A mother's patience is the grandest thing that exists, or at least mine is.
DD#2 sure tried it last night! She's been waking up during the night lately for no apparent reason, other than wanting her doudou. So I finally had enough last night, and didn't go see her. HO WELL! That didn't go to well for her.
She started crying, and grew into a total tantrum. After putting her back in her bed too many times, I proceeded to place a gate in her doorway. Low and behold, it's the end of the world.......
Tantrum grew into hysterics, screaming, cryings, gagging, choking etc.....
But I held on, barely, to dear life, wanting to just go and put her back into her bed and tell her it was all OK, and to go to sleep, but it would never end!
Almost two hours later, she finally gave up! Went to bed.
Mommy gave a BIG sigh of relief, and fell asleep too.
Round one went to mommy, what will tonight bring????

.....fresh from the farm

Introducing Tubby

2009-08-20T23:03:00.003-04:00

Tubby was the first member of our pet family. He basically got here pretty much at the same time as the relationship started between DH and I, 11 years ago.
Tubby is a lab/husky mix. He is now 11 years old, and still going on strong. He's the best dog anyone could every have. Never in your way, requires a small amount of attention. As long as DH is around, Tubby is happy. Remove DH, Tubby is NOT happy! He's spent days upstairs in our bedroom, waiting faithfully for the return of his master.
Tubby "tolerates" me. He does what I ask of him because he's got nothing else better to do,lol. He loves winters, snow, and swimming in our pond during the summer months.
Is favorite thing? Riding in the back of DH's truck.
Tubby's been to a lot of places, and met a lot of people.

.....fresh from the farm

Corn festival preperations

2009-08-19T22:06:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year once again. Time to prepare our annual(in it's second year), corn festival. We've learned from our mistakes of last year, so we're a little more prepared this time around.
We pulled out this old outhouse from behind our shed. We figure it's the original outhouse, 1916. It's the cutest thing ever! It used to be a two seater, but we're converting it to a real, working toilet. There was a drawer that came out the back, so you could get rid of the waste, and we found an old vodka, some other liquor and beer bottle. Somebody was hiding their drinking.
DH got his tools out, and got it to stand up straight on it's own, and got everything ready to install the toilet. But doesn't DD#1 tell her little friends to do their business in the whole!!!!! It's not installed yet!!!!! lol, kids!
I finally got to painting the inside, with DH telling me it's a water based paint , so it washes off your hand with water. IT DOESN'T!
Now both hands are almost completely covered with white paint. Thank you DH!

......fresh from the farm

Coincidence or meant to be?

2009-08-19T08:36:00.004-04:00

It just seems like life is full of coincidences, or you can believe in "meant to be!" if you prefer. I've known my husband since I was 13 years old. He was my brother's roommate, and I was his then almost 2 year old daughter's occasional babysitter. We lost contact a few years later, never even crossed paths even though we always lived less than 10km from each other.
We found each other again, 15 years later, over 1000kms away, amonst tens of thousands of people. Our tents were set up right next to each other.
Coincidence or meant to be?
We fell in love, and have been ever since.
In 2005, on a Sunday afternoon, our next door neighbor informed us that his sister wanted to buy our house, which wasn't even for sale. Half an hour later, our house is sold, and we are moving out in less than two weeks.
Coincidence or meant to be?
A friend puts us in contact with some people that own property, not for sale, but thinking about selling. We clicked, signed some papers, and took ownership of our dream property on September first, 2006.
Coincidence, or meant to be?
The same day we are moving in, I find out I am now pregnant we DD #2.
Coincidence, or meant to be?
I now believe in meant to be, or better known as "faith", do you?

.....fresh from the farm

death of a family pet

2009-08-18T08:18:00.003-04:00

We sure get attached to all these little and not so little creatures that become our pets. Ranging from a small pond snail to a horse, they are all cared for and loved equally.
Our beloved beta fish, Pretty Pink Purple passed away yesterday. She'd been with us since January, a birthday present for DD. Let's just say tears were flowing last night from poor DD. She cherished feeding times, watching her fish come up and eat right out of her fingers.
It's always hard to explain to a six year old the reason why her pet fish had to die. But she is reassured that PPP is now with Grampa in heaven, enjoying the biggest aquarium a fishy can imagine.

.....fresh from the farm

the joys of country living

2009-08-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

We moved out to the country, on our lovely piece of land, almost three years ago now. It was the best thing that could happen to us and our DD. Nothing like being able to let the kids go play outside without worries of roads, cars, strangers and all other dangers lurking out there.
I remember spending all of my childhood outdoors. We didn't have satellite tv, game consoles and such. We spent our days playing cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers, riding our bikes or playing hide and seek. And that is how my DDs are spending their childhoods too. Surrounded by all kinds of animals and creatures.
A once ladybug terrified two year old daughter, is now an avid bug collector.
They say dirty kids are healthy kids, well, mine must be really healthy,lol.
Having a private daycare on the farm is a lot of fun. Some people are turned off and go elsewhere because of all my animals, but what a better way to end a day then to bring in the baby ducklings and geese, while trying to avoid getting boinked by Pitchounette the goat.

........fresh from the farm!