June and July catch up part 3
barn gutters
We cleared the lower floor of the barn so we can have the gutters filled in, which will make everything easier in there! For non-farm readers, these gutters were used when there was a dairy farm here. The cows would be fed in such a way that when they were eating out of the feed bunk, their bums would be nearly over (or close to) the gutter. Then the urine and manure would fall into the gutter and then the barn cleaner (a chain that runs through the gutter) would move it out of the barn and straight into the manure spreader! Super convenient for the cow farmer, but kind of a giant pain for us. As I write this there are 15 yards of stone sitting on the sheep patio (just outside the doors seen below) waiting to fill in these gutters. I can't wait!
I got started on my own and moved all of the heavy stuff in the giant pile above and then Chris and my Bonus Dad joined in to do the fluff work like unseating and stacking up these incredibly heavy floor planks. Sadly, that job was so dusty that it was deemed too dangerous for me and I was banished to the outdoors to eat ice cream and sit in the sunshine.
All of the stuff that was in the barn is still there, but at least it feels like it was placed intentionally rather than the panicked unloading that we did last fall. For the most part everything is accessible and I know where it is, which is a nice change from the chaos of this past year. We still can't find the spare keys to either of our cars. Come to think of it, spare tractor keys are missing too! You just can't really lock yourself out of the tractor.
deep thoughts with Tricia
I may be biased, but I think sheep farms are the most beautiful of all farm types. I mean, come on! Have you seen this?
I am going to say that a close second would be a flower farm and we are lucky enough to have one next door!! This gorgeous bouquet of dahlias was grown there. Hopefully this is the first of many bouquets!
perennial food garden
Our newly planted perennials are already fruiting! We aren't going to be putting up any jam or eating pies, but there are enough strawberries for a nice treat while weeding. Next year, people!! It's going to be berry pie with every meal!
This was supposed to be the final segment in the June and July summary, but for some reason the rest of this post didn't save. Fortunately I always write the first draft in Word and then transfer it to the blog editor, so I know what I was planning to write about, but I am going to have to totally recreate the magic that happens during editing. I am too tired for that, I am currently putting all of my creative energy into organizing the barn shop. The label maker is already out there, ready to be put into service! See you soon with the rest of July and then we can finally move on!