Latestarter's ramblings/musings/gripes and grumbles.

[Pastor Dave]

In the summer or before started school, would ride with Dad to a diner or the elevator, Co-op or somewhere for lunch where all the guys would be sitting. All the talking was done for the day, and the wives would be at home on the party line doing the same. More chores to do back at home, feeding til supper, and then in for the night. The days before internet.

 

[farmerjan]

LS, just home from testing and when I came on one of the first things I noticed was the name change. But I am confused, why the "maybe" part???? Thought that the goat acquisition was a pretty sure thing??????

 

[Latestarter]

Well... It's been so long at this point I figured I'd change it to reality until such time as I actually acquire some livestock. I will be visiting @goatgurl on Thursday... 2 days hence, to see what we can arrange as far as animals, numbers, when, where, how, etc. Since she has Lamanchas and that's one of the primary breeds I really want. She was needing to downsize and I'm needing to upsize... I'm of the idea that those kinda go together if we can come to an arrangement/agreement. I also have Nigies waiting for me from @animalmom but that's not till May or a bit later.

You may remember me saying that I had a lead on possible piglets? You might also have noticed GG's comments regarding a sow of hers that recently had piglets? One and the same... but at last report only one was still alive. Don't know if that one will still be there or available. I'd really like to get a couple of heritage breeds as close to full blood as I can and cross them. Was thinking/leaning toward Tamworth and Old Spot: https://dhn-hes.ca.uky.edu/content/heritage-hog-carcass-yields But it's really going to depend on what's available. If I cross 2 heritage breeds, from what I understand, they can still be shown 4H as they will still be considered heritage hogs. I was thinking a couple of gilts and a boar (or two with one wethered strictly for 1st year freezer). That way I could potentially sell wieners or feeders and keep some for future breeding and freezer.

I'd also like to get some sheep... I really would like to follow Bay's lead and get some Katahdin ewes and a Dorper ram. They will be bred strictly for meat sales. Maybe to expand our herds, Bay and I can swap rams for genetic diversity as well down the road... just a thought...

So yeah... none of that is reality at this point... all still dreams.

 

[NH homesteader]

Oh brush up on your hog lingo, it's not called wethering. sorry just picking on you. Ok I LOVE old spots. They are so sweet and adorable, and are fatty but delicious. Crossing with a leaner breed (like Duroc, but I believe Tamworth would work great too) is fantastic for leaner (still plenty of fat) and amazing meat.

I know nothing about showing, it's not my thing. When are you getting poultry? Still thinking chickens and turkeys?

 

[Mike CHS]

I think we have shown that you can go from "maybe some day" to massive change in a short time.

 

[Bruce]

I think we have shown that you can go from "maybe some day" to massive change in a short time.

He can use that rush from the Pats win to get in a half mile of fence!

So did the Falcons.

You can say that again (well not really necessary). Probably wore themselves out partying at halftime.

 

[Latestarter]

I know castrating a hog isn't called wethering... DUH... mind isn't all there anymore couldn't think of the term. So yeah, make one a barrow and keep one a boar. Yes... I still want chickens and turkeys as well... still really on the fence about ducks/geese... no real interest in them but may need to get some for slug/snail control. I imagine I'll just start out with chicks from TSC or something. Got to get a coop/run put together as I'm NOT having chicks in the house again... been there, done that, have the T-shirt. One of my biggest issues is I don't really have a lot of "flat" land near the house and existing outbuildings... my property slopes pretty well. Excellent for drainage and run off, not so excellent for building out buildings, especially those required to be of larger size like a barn... Can't afford to do everything at once so need to do stuff in some sort of order that doesn't screw me up down the road on the other things I need to do (like that barn). So need to be sure of fence placement and gate placement etc. I'm about to go stake everything out where I eventually want it to make sure it all works, then commence running fence and gates for the initial holding area and first pasture for the goats/sheep.The pig pen I can throw together pretty quickly with 4-6 hog panels and hog rings. Until they're ready to farrow, they shouldn't even really need a bldg... just not that cold here.

On another note, my slicer is at the post office (I called) & I asked them to hold it for counter pick up. I'll swing over and get me a roast on the same trip and I hope to post more food pics later today for your salivary consideration

 

[CntryBoy777]

Just gotta Admire a man/woman with their "Feet on the Ground". However, a "Plan" only becomes "Reality" with Action and that starts tomorrow. IMO, there is a difference between a "Plan" and a "Dream", though I do agree that "Action" changes one into the other. It has been a very bumpy road ya have traveled to get to this point, so the frustration of it all is understandable.
In the short time I have been aquainted with ya, LS you have always had focus, determination, and certainly are a man of "Action". It is always the first step that is the hardest, and getting started takes desire, courage, and determination, all of which ya have an abundance of, because ya attempt to give it to others that need that "Nudge or Push", along with understanding. It is because of you and others here that gave me the encouragment to trek out with the diggers and dig that first post-hole. Now, tho progress is a bit slow, it is being accomplished. If ya wait for the "Stars to Align", then it will never happen, but having dealt with animals in the past and the miles and miles of "Print of Advice" that has been given to others, you are fully aware that a person's "Start" can be much different than their "Plan or Dream". The key to moving towards the fulfilment of the "Plan or Dream" is to get started moving, once there is motion it is much easier to adjust the direction one is heading in. When ya see a few posts in the ground and the "Chores" can be seen infront of ya, those "Plans and Dreams" really do become "Reality". Nobody ever starts out with things Exactly as "Planned or Dreamed", but is developed as they move forward. So, don't wait for just the "Right Situation" to present itself, or there will always be an acceptable reason to wait. Even if ya just get a few animals destined for the freezer, such as a couple of feeder pigs, whether the breed ya want to raise or not. Then ya can look for the right ones, but ya are working on getting a start on your freezer and own meat production.
I'll always be here to encourage ya, along with the whole "Herd". So, don't get too down and critical on yourself. You have crossed a bunch of hurdles to get to where you are, and there are a few more to get over, but you certainly are up to the task.

 

[greybeard]

Start with goals, not dreams. Once a realistic goal is established, develop the plan, then implement it.

 

[Pastor Dave]

@greybeard and @CntryBoy777 you two have got it together and beat me to the chase. A dream that stays motionless is just a nice thing to desire and think about.
LS you have a plan and goals. Good luck in those endeavors.
I know exactly what stock I want and what space I need. That is my dream and part of that dream is having the land with buildings, etc. I like to daydream abt it, but have no serious plan or good way right now to implement it. I still have some time. I just hope by then I still have the energy!