Archive for December, 2007

Big babies

Remember our runty, drought calves that we bought from our friends because they were too small to go on the truck? All six of them arrived in a horse float and looked like dwarf teddy bears.

Well, look at them now. They’ve grown out into nice calves.

We’re so thrilled with them and they’re thrilled with the grass. We’ve let all our stock onto the paddocks we had shut up for hay.

It’s great for now as there’s plenty to eat, but come the winter time, things could get bleak as our hay reserves are pretty low.

We’re planning on being understocked so the animals we do have will get all they need.

Bring on the rain!

Keep on truckin’

Our kids love big trucks so they were extra excited when our neighbours, Tate’s Transport, rolled up to take some of our wool away.

We have a tiny shed with very little space so the Tates are always kind enough to make some room for us.

I need to research modern trucks for my new novel so I’m looking forward for going for a ride in one of these big babies!

Golden Fleece

Some of the wool this year was good enough to make you want to roll around in it — it was so soft and divine! It beats me that people go for nylon when you can wear woollen blends.

I saw a documentary on SBS the night before shearing about fossil fuels.

Nylon is made completely of fossil fuels and the process of making it and turning it into a garment is incredibly environmentally taxing.

Read more…

Tuckered out

Who said sheepdogs shouldn’t come inside? This week as we had shearing, Diamond took it upon herself to come in and use our floor space as a place to rest.

She’s such a great worker we felt she deserved the company and comfort so we didn’t have the heart to tell her to go outside.

When she retires, she’ll become a full time house companion.

Such is the versatility of a well-trained dog.

Mustering Musings

I love moving stock with my horse and dogs.

We had to take this small mob of bush wethers extra slow as it’s been a dry year and if you push them too hard the stubborn, crook ones just lie down and refuse to move — then they take off and go bush.

So Jess and I like to dawdle on behind.

It’s the perfect chance to dream up characters, plots and twists and turns in the novel that I’m currently working on.

I love riding Jess for this purpose, as she’s like a big round arm chair.

Sunday Muster

A ride out the back country to muster our bush wethers for shearing was a good chance to see the changes made by our new neighbours, Gunns, for tree plantations.

My horse, Jess and I surveyed the valley that looks towards Mt Hobbs.

It’s been incredibly dry, but the hybrid trees are as tough as thistles so they kick off and grow like stink, whatever the weather.

It will be interesting to take the same snap next year to document the plantation’s growth.

What am I bid?

I love clearing sales, but at the same time loathe them.

Last week I went to one on the back Levendale Road. Guess what was going to be done with the farm? Trees.

In this case, the land was marginal land being sold for the monoculture of gums, but it does neighbour onto prime farm land and talk at the clearing sale turned to the danger of fires in the future once all the plantations grow up.

We were losing bidders on the blue tractor with the bucket — now that would’ve been a Chrissie Pressie and a half — but I did get a barbecue for five bucks and a roll of wire.

John got some old bikes for the kids and a tow rope.

Missed out on the cupboards and the old copper, but we’ve just cleaned out the shed so we’re not too fussed.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

Carols on Horseback

Last week we rounded up the kids, put them in a stockcrate on the back of the ute, got every pony we could find and rode from the Levendale Cricket Club, to Runnymede Cricket Club singing Aussie Christmas Carols on the way.

(Oh and did I mention having a few social drinks.) Santa turned up in his buggy and did a fine job of waving to the traffic.

It was an hilarious adventure. One that is sure to be repeated next year.

Time to make tracks Jack!

Today we said goodbye to our last Diamond puppy, Jack.

Now, eight months old, Jack will make his new home with his fine young friend, Angus, on a cattle property at Ouse, Tasmania.

We’re confident Jack is heading to a happy home as we’ve known Angus’ family for a long time and they have enjoyed several Working Dog Education schools over the years — so Jack’s new owners know what makes Jack tick — and that’s the starting point in creating a great dog.

At eight months of age, Jack is a ‘started dog’ but will need a lot more training before he can be called a full time employee on the family farm.

Best of luck Jack — you’ve been a champ.

Oh the humiliation!

This week I was asked if my dogs could be ‘Santa’s helpers’ for his visit to our little country primary school.

Poor Diamond and Gippy had to endure a lavender bath each, then costume fittings and finally, performance!

Despite the task (which is not in the job description of a working dog) the kids loved them and they were very well behaved… except for peeing near Santa’s chair and the play equipment.