And boy, do we! Billions of tadpoles have morphed into tiny baby toads and are coming up to high ground from the ponds, creek, and our spring basin. You have to be so careful not to step on them as they are everywhere. I’ve even quit driving the four wheeler as you can’t avoid running them over. Hopefully these tiny bug-eaters will soon find nice secure homes for themselves so we aren’t paranoid about walking and driving on them.
We also became the proud “grandparents” of a new calf Saturday afternoon. Mamba, Will’s pet angus/holstein, bred AI to a Jersey bull gave birth to a beautiful seal-brown bull calf with no difficulty. As we knew I’d be milking her, both Will and I have been taking great pains to handle her daily for months, including her udder. When she had her calf, Will rubbed the wet calf and let Mamba lick him too. Then he milked each of her teats with her loose in the barn. No problem. She thinks we’re her calves too.
Although she has short teats in the rear and it takes a long time to strip the milk out with two fingers (that’s all I can get on them at once), she calmly eats her grain and lets me sit on a bucket and milk away. Seal, the baby, watches and noses me while I milk. Because he was handled from birth, he’s imprinted on us and is very friendly.
Mamba is only giving about 3 quarts at a milking, plus feeding Seal. But that’s plenty for us right now, especially with those short rear teats. I have a feeling that she’ll up her milk production as she has a beautiful udder. And I’m sure her rear teats will get a bit longer too. I hope… — Jackie
Diana,
Actually Mamba is coal black. Yes, this is her first freshening so her short teats should get longer. Yesterday I actually got three fingers and a thumb on one at a time and really milked, not stripped. But it is still a challenge. I saved our first milk this morning and am looking forward to all that cheese and butter and yogurt and ice cream and…..
Ben,
I’m so glad your Hopi Pale Greys did well for you. With our squash just starting to run, it seems funny that you have already harvested yours! Wow. No, I don’t have a recipe list for these squash. I use ours baked, in casseroles, stews and even grated raw on salads (very good!) or you can use them in any way any other squash can be eaten.
Cindy,
Our weeds are finally getting under control. The rains and heat have sprouted a whole lot more weeds than we’ve ever had before. But Will’s been working hard and we’ve finally got them running.
Mamba is a beautiful color – like sable. This is her first freshening? Those short teats should get longer. You’ll have to make cheese as you’ll have milk up the kazoo before long!
Been harvesting hopi squash from the seeds I bought from you and planted here in East Texas. The last one I picked I gave to some friends who will save the seeds and plant in their garden next year. Do you have a listing of recipes we can use for the squash?
Have the squash inside as it is about 90 degrees today(July 7) and the garden is burning up, but, had a great garden all organic and still picking peas.
Ben
Will and Jackie! They are both beautiful! What a color! You are so blessed. I love the little toads. So how is your garden? Weedy?
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