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Sometimes there are things I just don’t write about that happen on the farm. Like the hen that I found dead one morning, fallen between the slats on a pallet gate. Or the half-grown chicken that somehow got mashed between the side of the feeder box and the wall of the chicken house. Or the time 52 was working on one of the sheep shelters and a lamb was eating off a bale of hay a few feet away. The lamb walked away from the bale about four or five feet and fell down dead. Fell. Down. Dead. 52 was so shocked, he tried to stand it back up….
One time I was taking a nice little break in the evening sitting in front of the chicken yard watching the ducks and chickens and guineas, and a guinea killed a chicken. Right in front of my eyes. In the blink of an eye. No notice. It was one of those things where you’re blinking your eyes and saying, did that just happen? I’ve never seen anything like it before or since.
There’s a saying in farming: If you’re going to have livestock, you’re going to have deadstock.
It’s true. Animals are sturdy but fragile creatures at the same time. I’ve lost two goats before–Honey, our little wether, and Pepsi, our first Fainting buck. I have no certainty why either one of them died. Sheep can be particularly difficult. A saying about sheep is: As soon as sheep are born, they start looking for a way to die.
I’ve had Jack running down the road to the river when he got away from me. I’ve had sheep running down the road to the river. I’ve had Rhett running down the road to the river. Even BP got out one day. You can’t build a fence or gate animals can’t figure out how to get out of every once in a while.
I don’t think we have the perfect farming set-up, but I don’t know anyone who does because if you waited till you had it, you’d probably be dead before you could get any animals. We have a pretty good goat house. There is a large dog house inside the goat house. The goats like to climb in there on cold nights. The goat house itself is packed with hay and straw, but they like to snuggle in the dog house for the extra protection. Wherever they sleep, in or out of the dog house, they pack together at night, which is a risk with babies around. Everything is a risk with babies around. Goats, and sheep often go into heat in the fall, which is why there are a lot of winter or early spring lambs and goats. Would I choose to have winter goat babies again? No. But they’re here now. And I can’t tell you how many times I watched, Clover, her two (summer) babies, Mr. Pibb, Nutmeg, Sprite, and Fanta all climb out of the dog house in the morning, which was then in the goat pen. Goats and a dog house are like teenagers and a VW bug. Goats are natural packers. It wasn’t even cold then.
Sometimes I hesitate whether to tell certain stories about life on a farm. There are always people who will second guess and judge, and I don’t really enjoy telling sad stories anyway. But not everything that happens on a farm is sweet. Some of it is sad. And if you care about your animals, it’s hard. And if you have the guts to take it, sometimes you write about it. Sometimes you don’t. Either way, you get up the next day, do the best you can with what you have all over again, and hope nobody dies.
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on February 11, 2011
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Death is a part of life. I once read that living creatures only ever do two things perfectly – being born, and dying. I appreciate the fact that you talk about all the aspects of running a farm – the positives as well as the negatives.
I let my kids read your blog. I know that it is a family-friendly blog with real-life lessons and impacts. Some might criticize my parenting, that I would allow my children to experience death – but if I don’t let them experience that aspect of living, how will they learn how to handle it when I am gone?
Condolences on the loss of the little one. ~HUGS~ for you and Fanta.
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I have been following your blog for awhile, thanks to my mom.
I am so sorry for the loss of the little one. As much as we want life to be perfect, we know it doesn’t always work that way. Sad things happen–things that are out of our control. Your stories remind us of the reality of life. Just know that your animals are loved and well taken care of–that much is evident in your blog. Please keep posting your stories, sad or happy. We love reading them and sharing your experiences.
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I lost two goats this year (and a chicken). One of the goats, Thorn had bottle mouth. Had I realized what was going on sooner, I might have been able to save him. Lesson learned. His brother, Tamarind was killed by a dog (not mine). These were 2 of the saddest times on our fledgling farm. Happens.
I gave my sheep away before they could fall victim to some random disease and keel over!
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I am in awe of your fortitude. You share stories of your life with us, knowing that sometimes people won’t be kind. You open your heart to your animals, knowing that on a farm, animals sometimes die prematurely. That takes courage and strength and heart. Hmm, the same qualities it takes to be a farm woman.
I sometimes wonder, do you feel yourself growing in ways you never imagined when you first moved to the slanted little house?
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My youngest daughter raises Great Dane Dogs,she has the dogs breed, and she helps with births. Even the children help with the births, and have watched there Mom on occasion give mouth to mouth to a struggling pup, some make it ~`some don’t. It is not uncommon to see any of the 4 kids crawl in the birth kennel and stay with the Momma dog.THE DOGS ARE PART OF THE FAMILY! I can tell you this my grandchildren learned about life & death from this experience.Can’t hide or guard every subject in life…
~~HUGS to YOU,it’s always a sad day when you care~~
P.S. My daughter is a Hospice Nurse and deals with death on a daily bases, with compassion and dignity..
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When I was 24 years old, right out of school with a Medical Technology degree, I married and moved to a 102 acre farm with my husband here in West Virginia. We lived in a camping trailer until we could build a log cabin on the property. During our time in the “Gypsy Trailer” we drank from a spring, routed water from the creek for showers and built our own septic tank. I cooked and heated with a wood burning stove. In 1976 we had the coldest winter in years. I would get up in the morning and go to the creek to get buckets of water because the water system was frozen. There was one morning when I chopped ice off the creek and put it in my bucket and carried it to the house to put in the big kettle on the stove and when I went right back out to the creek for another bucket the creek was frozen again! Amazing.
I have busted coal and chopped wood to keep the fire going. I have driven roads and hillsides in a Rambler station wagon that would put a Dodge Ram Truck to shame. We had two dogs and a cat when we first moved to the farm, and they were in and out of our abode freely. When we moved on to other projects it was with the wisdom of his parents and grandparents. Plot and plan before you accrue. Just like a garden. Sit down and plan your farm. If you do that for plants in your garden for heaven’s sake do it for fellow beings.
My husband’s grandfather (Fred) helped me erect a fence for the little abused quarter horse I came across and could not disregard . Fred and I rented a gas powered post hole digger and commenced to digging holes. I may have weighed 120 pounds – Fred probably the same or a little more. That piece of equipment whipped the shit out of us a few times. But I tell you what, before that horse was on our property, she had a fenced in area within an apple orchard with bluegrass and shade and water. Now don’t forget we had to string wire after those fence posts were set. It doesn’t stop there. Instead of working on our house, we started on animal shelters. My husband and I could both fell poplar trees and dove tail them for building. We had friends in Roane County that ran their own sawmill so we could get cut lumber. Plans were always drawn up before a project was implemented. Be it dog houses with straw and waterproof roofs, chicken coops with double boarding and heavy bedding, stall and feeding buildings (miniature barns), or storage buildings, etc.
My husband was a bio-medical photographer (at the same hospital where I worked) and I soon picked up my own SLR Minolta and we had loads of photos to document what we were doing.
We were cramped in our little Gypsy Trailer, but my son and the animals were always taken care of before us. We cleared land with future projects in mind and were looking at 20 years down the road. Most of our time was actually spent out of doors. If it hit 40 degrees it was a heat wave!
From these experiences take what you care to take and ignore or question what you will. But the preceding blurb is to let all those who assume I am witless, negative and should just be a go away person, I ask you, Would you rather have four bathrooms and two laundry rooms or a barn and two bathrooms and one laundry room? Suzanne, you have been talking about a barn for a long time. Too bad it was only talk and not building when you knew you were getting into raising livestock you were going to breed and sell for (hopefully) profit.
I was hurt and angry to see such a pretty little baby die. I think you need to make a decision soon before you add more livestock to your agenda. Your animals deserve warm, clean, roomy and dry areas. My perception of your love for animals has been, get now and provide as soon as I can get my shit together.
I have followed you through your many transitions to living here in West Virginia and I have seen some beautiful epiphanies occur in your outlook to this new environment. Made me feel so joyful. Someone mentioned jealousy in their comment. There is no jealousy; I do not want what you are doing or what you think you have. I have my own agenda. All I am saying is you need to slow down – way down and really look around at what you have and what you want to do and slow even further down before you implement anything animal being. Believe me, it will be easier on you and definitely on the animals. Of course, when I was living on the farm I was not trying to make a living to support my air conditioned, granite topped kitchen counter, four bathroom home. I was working to have money to buy cement block. mortar, gas for power tools, etc. When you were asking for donations to keep your blog going, I could not wrap my head around that as I live so much more frugally than you would ever even imagine. I was hoping for more from this blog, but your ostentatious house and whining still reeks of spoiled suburban mom. Just call me Ornery Angel II. I will drive slowly on the road I’ve driven on for years before you plopped your ass here and rutted out my road with your big SUV tires and don’t even have a inkling what the hell you’re doing. I live here because I like being able to stop and move a turtle. You have a long way to go Suzanne. I hope your big house payments don’t deter you from better housing for the animal products you are so quickly trying to raise to make a profit.
Before you hate – think.
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I keep trying to find the right words to express what I’m thinking here and I can’t figure out the best way. I’m just gonna say it: You take great care of your animals. I’ve seen horrifying things (working in rescue and at a vet) and neglect you can’t imagine. You do not, under any circumstances, make any calls regarding your animals that would cause me or anyone else capable of reading, any concern. They’re healthy, happy, well-cared for, and loved.
Mean people are an unfortunate part of having a public blog. Some folks just like to kick a person when they’re down. All it really did in this case was show how much love you’ve got in your life, and what an unhappy person that must have been to say something so inappropriate.
I’ll admit the stories you don’t often share are the ones I will sometimes skip for a time when I’m feeling a bit stronger, but I’m thankful for every one of your posts, because you share so much with us and I learn something new each time. You guys are great, Suzanne.
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Rose
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@knancy: she has an email address. If you don’t want to be disliked, maybe don’t post such wicked diatribes in a public forum. If you’re so worried only about the animals, try privately contacting a person before being so vicious.
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I am an urban career woman who lives as close to the opposite of your life as you can get. But I read your blog because you are real. You have a great story to tell and aren’t afraid to tell it, blemishes and all. While I certainly don’t want your life
Sorry for the loss of that cute little goat.
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If you aren’t prepared for some very bad, sad times, you better not live on a farm.
That story about the guineas was a surprise to me; didn’t know they would do that.
Also it takes a long time to get the farm set up the way you want it. We were very fortunate that the previous owners had lived on our farm for 50 years and it was already set up in a very convenient way for us.
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knancy, please email me.
I am still sad about the goat baby. It took me days to stop crying when my rooster died. I have to shut off the tv every time one of those humane society ads comes on. But….I will defend anyone who wants to speak their mind.
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@ knancy – I admire the way you went about your journey as described in your post. I think you make very legitimate points.
Suzanne has come a long way. But, she also had 3 children who needed a home which she had to provide. If it had just been herself she would have probably approached her own housing needs differently. She also had her partner, 52, who has been building the fences and animal shelters.
Suzanne has learned many things. Was the way she did things perfect? Of course not! She is human like the rest of us! But she and 52 have provided shelter, good food, water and veterinary care for the animals. She does this blog to educate and inform. Many of you have learned and stated that you would approach things differently based on the trials that Suzanne has experienced.
Suzanne’s countertops are not granite. They are composite material.
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The best barn money could buy wouldn’t have saved The Little One, unless you had her in her own pen with floor heating. But she would have been a lonely, lonely girl. Goats cuddle.
You live on a farm. You deal with losses. You don’t post every time it happens, but thank you for sharing this with us. We can mourn with you.
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Suzanne, I’m so sorry this woman’s inappropriate diatribe has gotten to you.
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Neither of them offered any constructive criticism. And even her very long, third comment was mostly written to tell all of us how much better than Suzanne she is.
So again, I’m sorry you’re being subjected to knancy’s venom, Suzanne. Please don’t take it to heart.
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It’s easy to be face-less and judging; and one who takes the high road will be the winner.
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Sorry for the loss of your little goat. I’ve so enjoyed watching your farm and animals grow. Barns don’t save animals. My friends and uncle have wonderful barns on their property and yet the loss of animals continue. It’s the course of nature. Some would call it natural selection, others would say survivial of the fittest. I call it life. My mother had a saying that she used when I was younger “If it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger”. I hated it when she would tell me that but at 51 I now understand what she means. If you have animals there will be loss but don’t let that stop you. You have become so much stronger and wiser. Thank you for sharing ALL of it with us. Be well.
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knancy, your own venom will eventually kill you – a slow death indeed.
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Farming is a difficult way of life and a hard hobby to have. Which ever you care to put yourself in, there is ALWAYS loss to deal with some in the young, some in the old and some just because. I also have about 40 head of various livestock. They have very good care and live a good life BUT we have lost them just as we’ve raised them. This other reader is throwing stones with no concrete reason. Because they are not in a BARN? Barns don’t save things… They are lucky to have shelter, there are many that just loose kids, lambs, calves etc. when the weather turns. Your goats are fortunate for the cover and the care that they get.
When we have sad loss we still have to get up and go take care of those that are left, something that helps with the healing and pain of the loss. So keep your chin up and make some cookies for those adorable goats. Somethings are better left to fix themselves.
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Your animals have it so good! For God’s sake, you give them homemade cookies! I want to be reincarnated as an animal on the farm!
Blogging can be a hurtful business, because under anonymity people can be extremely judgmental and cruel. Please don’t let those commenters get you down.
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Beth
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THE RECIPE IS THIS 4 TABLESPOONS HONEY, 1 TEASPOON SALT, 1 WELL SCRAMBLED EGG ( I MEAN WELL for protein) 1 QUART WATER THE TEMP. FOR A BABY BOTTLE. YOU HAVE TO USE ONE OF THOSE FORCE FEEDER BOTTLES TO PUT THE MIX DOWN THE CALVES THROAT SLOWLY AND BE SURE IT IS GETTING AIR IN THE BOTTLE WHEN ADMINSTERING. YOU MAY HAVE TO GIVE A DOSE OR 2 OR EVEN 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY ARE OUT OF THE WOODS. BUT, THE GOOD PART IS WE HAVE SAVED SEVERAL CALVES WITH IT. IT WORKS.
We don’t know why, but there she is. We can only pray we don’t lose any more this year. I agree totally with you. It is the hardest thing you can go through, especially when you spend time with them every day and they are more than just providers of food for the table.
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I’m truly glad for both of us to have had such a fulfilling life. In retirement, I visit this blog to enjoy her life and re-live those times when I was young.
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Just because you can state an opinion doesn’t always mean you should. Have some decency and common sense. Just as you are upset that a goat died, I’m sure Suzanne is, too. Rubbing salt in the wounds doesn’t make it better. I makes it hurt worse. Choosing to hold your tongue is often one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.
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We recently went through a horrific incident on our farm, and reading your post helped me feel not so alone… knowing that someone else is also learning through painful experiences.
@Knancy – I am grateful to those experienced older farmers around us who rallied to help us through what could have been a devastating experience. They did not do it with blame, they did it with kindness, showing us how to get through it and how to prevent it from happening again. It looks like you still have much to learn.
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I grew up in a very small town where everyone knows way too much about everyone else. I moved there when I was 5 years old and it wasn’t until all of the old timers died that my family (and many others) became members of the community. knancy’s post just reminds me of that. I try not to judge someone who’s shoes I have not walked it – no one but you knows your circumstances. I don’t believe any of the people who read your blog benefit in any way by reading what was posted. She may have valid points but also sees them from the outside. I don’t believe you are a bad host to your animals in any way.
She really gave me insight with her comment about the rutted road she has to travel over now. That just smacked of mean spirited neighbor.
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”Everyone thinks their opinion matters. Don’t argue with a nobody. A farmer doesn’t bother telling a pig his breath smells like sh*t.”
HEE! don’t feed the trolls my dear!
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You can know exactly what to do and try to do it. Things still go wrong. Some breeds of animals will find anyway possible to hurt themself.
Horses are born with flight and fight. They will and can hurt you and themselves in a heartbeat.
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True, you might have some ideas on how to help them, but maybe you should do it in private?! Or maybe rethink your delivery, so it doesn’t sound like you are belittling them, or that you think YOU are BETTER than they are, just because you have been doing it longer than they have. Just because she has a nicer home than you do, doesn’t mean you should bitch that her Animals don’t live in the palace with her. They are animals…they have shelter…and love…so they have more than some animals do and there is no need to be bitchy.
I’m a pretty new reader, so didn’t see the post about her home, however it really doesn’t matter how big and fancy it is or isn’t. Her animals have shelter, even if it’s not a big fancy barn, so get over it.
Goats love to pile. That’s what they do. No matter HOW large or fancy an area you give them, they will still pile on each other. That also means the little ones, no matter how old they are, are at risk. It’s just how goats are. Giving them a larger place to live wouldn’t change that. We have lost adult goats, because they were on the bottom of the pile. There was plenty of room for everyone to spread out, but…they are goats, and like I’ve mentioned…they love to pile up. Goats don’t do well alone, they are an animal that needs a “friend”, and if they have a friend, they sleep with them…or on top of them…and things happen.
Timing the breeding can be done…but not always. We leave our buck with our doe’s full time, so it happens when it happens. This year a lot of them aren’t due till April…however, we don’t really know about some of them, they could have them any day. It’s just the way we choose to do things; it’s OUR business…not anyone else’s if we choose to let the buck be around all the time for added protection. We’ve had them born in January before, it’s just whatever happens, happens.
As for having the buildings built BEFORE getting animals….I had to laugh at that one. Seriously, that’s what I wanted to do, however we were given our first chickens and goats by my father, and when we get free stuff…umm well we don’t turn it down! So we brought them home, made a temp place for them to stay, and set to work building a home for them.
Animals don’t really care if they have a scrounged together barn (like ours do) or a fancy palace, they just want a home and love and plenty of food and treats. If you are rich enough to give your animals that palace, and prepare it before you get them, then go out and buy what you want, more power to you. However don’t bitch; just because someone else doesn’t do things the way YOU would do them, there isn’t just ONE right way. What is right for you may not be right for the next person…or animal.
I could go on and on, but as it is, I’m sure I’ve put anyone who thought they would try to read my comment to sleep, so I’ll shut up. Sorry for the extremely LONG comment. LOL I just think that before throwing stones at someone, you should walk in their shoes for a while…know more about the subject matter (goats) or learn to change your delivery so it doesn’t sound like you think you know more and are better than them. Life is hard, especially on a farm. Why make it harder for someone, just because you don’t agree with how they do things. Move on to a blog you DO enjoy, and be done with the one’s you don’t without leaving behind grief.
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Knancy, I, too, ran across a blog whose writer MADE ME CRAZY. I knew in my heart that her intentions were good, but I thought she was WRONG. Rather than read her blog and get high(er) blood pressure, I dropped it from my list of blogs. There’s enough in life to raise my blood pressure, so why choose to add something if I don’t have to? Once in a blue moon, I’ll stop by to see her pretty blog (it really is very pretty!); I look but don’t read. Just saying that if Suzanne’s farming
makes you nutty, why add stress to your life? Life is too short for that hassle, don’t you think? The rest of us will follow her along happily and will avoid those blogs that don’t work for us.
Suzanne, keep up the good work, girl. And remember: Cookies solve life’s problems. Fanta gets extra for at least a week.
The rest of
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Truthful, to the point, REAL LIFE.
I totally understand about those who judge and condem.
Suzanne, you are such a good writer and role model.
Hang in there.
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Don’t lose heart because of some mean talk. Keep your spirits up and have faith in yourself. knancy seems to be trying to put you down to try and make herself look better. She just has a lack of self esteem. Too many people are getting out of the farming business and it’s great that you are choosing to get into the farming business. I’m like you and got into this business a little over 15 years ago. I never stop learning, the hard way and from others. We all do our best with what we’ve got. My father-in-law has been a farmer all of his life and just yesterday he lost an elk. It was nobody’s fault and just an accident that couldn’t have been prevented. That was a heartbreaking loss as well as a big monetary loss. You’re very courageous to tell the bad and good. After all, that is just life. Thanks, Suzanne and keep trying that’s what we all do no matter what type of life we lead.
Patty
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But…I have to say knancy and jane have some valid points. Only because I always wondered how, while going around the country, collecting animals, Suzanne would manage to care for them. It really does seem like an afterthought. As though – oh, I now have a free cow, where shall I house it.
I am not implying she caused the death of any of her animals, but having grown up on a farm we always made sure we had structures and means before we brought [bought] one more animal to the farm.
Suzanne, you have, on occasion told about having a tight budget, hence the advertising and the “donate” button on your blog. That is your right and fine – but I think the next time someone offers up four sheep or a free cow you might want to reconsider.
I know it is just a description, but the fact that the baby goat was crushed in the “dog house” – might be a little of a warning sign. Perhaps knancy and jane are right – you aren’t equipped for as many animals as you have.
Please reconsider before you bring another animal to the farm or you breed the goats again. Your hands are pretty full as it is.
You are living your dream and that is wonderful. Good for you.
And farm deaths are to be expected, but I think that with a little more education, experience and knowledge you might be able to avoid some of them by stopping your collecting.
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How fine her home is or for that matter how expensive is none of our business! She opens her life to us on this blog in many ways but in doing so we, as readers, have to respect that this is her life she is living. Her PRIVATE life. She can share as much or as little as she pleases. Whether or not you like her, whether or not you agree with her practises, or even if you think she is the most backward city girl you have ever seen…….if you don’t like it …don’t follow her blog.
Barns cost a hellova lot of money and her first priority was to house her HUMAN children. Sounds like her priorities were right on spot to me. And yes, she has added a lot of animals since then but you know what…they are cared for every day, loved, fed, housed, and mourned when they pass. She is just a normal person doing the best to build a nice quiet life and likes to share her experiences. I for one love her blog because I learn so many things.
Just because she chose to build her dream differently from the way you built yours doesn’t mean she is wrong. It just means she did it differently.
If you didn’t want to be attacked by the “cult” then you should have thought before you typed something so ridiculously snide in reponse to her pain.
If you had constructively stated your opinion without making it such a personal attack on her choices it probably would have been taken as such.
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I grew up on a farm and understand where you are coming from.
I think it’s better for you to not share most of the sad stories, just because there’s people out “here” that do not understand life on the farm. They will judge, criticize and second guess what *you* did wrong in the situation. As they say, “Hind sight is 20/20″, especially for people that are looking from the outside in. You don’t need that, especially after having been through such a situation.
I empathize with you, sweetie.
Life on the farm isn’t always butterflies and roses.
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What I will say is in regard to the direction of the blog. Suzanne, I want to tell you I for one enjoy the honest posts. I love the happy, funny stories and find myself even telling my husband what’s happening at your farm. But I also am interested in knowing what your life is really like. Not a generic “life on a farm” but your life and your experience. I want to hear about the hard times. I thought it was crazy when people were upset about the pig castration and was disappointed not to hear about what became of the pigs. Life is not always a storybook (though as I said I love those kinds of posts too). I just want to encourage your honesty, which can’t be easy when people feel they have the right to judge everything you do. And sometimes you may make a valid mistake and then it’s good for people who may be thinking of having a farm to learn from it. I admire your honesty and bravery and hope you choose to tell it like it is in the future. I hope you don’t let the occasional thoughtless comment censor you. I would understand if it does, but I want you to know there are those of us who really appeciate that you put yourself out there and share what’s happening.
I’m very sorry about the little goat Suzanne- it must have been so hard for you. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
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First I am so sad you lost the little black baby.
I felt the pain in your post. I wish I were not so far away I would like to hug you in person.
I also would request that we pray for the sad soul that took your inventory in such a mean spirited way.
Had she truly cared about you or your animals she could have written privately. Her mask of caring is so transparent.
Carry on we love you and your heart.
Blessings, Patty
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I sure hope knancy and her little coven keep enjoying their lives in their ivory towers though. I also wish they’d pull up their drawbridges and stay inside them. I’ve raised goats, chickens, horses, pigs and worked with cows, sheep and even more horses. Life happens, and death is part of life. I wonder if they are vegetarians? I lost a horse to colic, should I worry they’ll be sending the sheriff? Oh yeah, had a goat die, and we butchered our own hogs and I’ve had chickens die too. Should I worry now?
People like THAT is why I would NEVER adopt an animal from a rescue org, though I have saved more animals than I can count when people throw kittens and puppies from moving cars, when someone calls me because there are animals that need homes, or just from the pound. My property meets most of the requirements I’ve seen on those nosy applications, but they don’t meet mine.
I’m sure Suzanne will modify how she posts things now thank you very much, but I hope no one believes only millionaires are going to keep loving their animals.
I guess this has turned into a rant after all, but I can’t bring myself to edit it either. Sorry if I got too mouthy Suzanne, I’ll understand if you need to edit or delete it.
10:09
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A quick factual note about the donate button that has been mentioned a few times, in case someone new here is looking around for it, LOL. The donate button has not been on my site in over a year and a half. It was on my blog for a few months back in early 2009, at the request of readers who wanted an easy way to contribute by clicking a button. Later, I took it down because, for one thing, it made me uncomfortable, and for another, a donate button tends to make you a target.
10:10
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Yes, she does have more animals than “normal” people do. There are her livestock, they are more than just pets. How many animals do you think die on factory farms? They have barns, shelters, medicine, more people working in factory farms, but I’m pretty sure much more die and not just from being slaughtered. I’m not trying to preach, but really, now? She lost some of her animals, and you’re really going to tell her what’s what?
She’s not hoarding them, she posts about her animals as well as pictures! I can see how happy they are! I’m jealous in fact. Sometimes I don’t think I’m doing a great job, but she’ll readily announce that she is human and doesn’t know everything and that makes me feel human.
but whatever, people are human, have their own minds, and will say what they want, even though it’s hurtful and ignorant.
10:15
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It’s easy to sit from the outside and judge another, isn’t it?
Suzanne has shared with an open heart with us her life on her farm. I am appalled at those, whether new or old readers, now coming along and being judge and jury of Suzanne and her life. You are now judging her from her very own words she has chosen to share with us.
She doesn’t have to spend time every day sharing about her life. We don’t pay her to do that.
Those of you who are sitting in judgement of Suzanne, I have a challenge for you. If you have a blog, why don’t you post the link here so we can all visit to see how you live your life and make your decisions. So I can sit back at my computer and decide whether I *approve* of what you have done in your life and the way you have gone about it.
I am embarrassed for you who think you have all knowledge of Suzanne’s life and circumstances.
10:15
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Might you be involved with the Humane Society of the United States?
10:17
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I have a really hard time with people who care more about animals than they do people. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals and believe they should be well taken care of, but people come first. Their feelings, their family….FIRST. I think that when you have made no mistakes, then you can criticize, but I think it is very mean-spirited to make such ugly comments about someone when they are hurting.
I am typically a quiet reader….just sort of checking in and enjoying the stories, crafts and cooking. I usually do not participate in a discussion like this, but the more I thought about it, the angrier it made me. No one is perfect, but I think Suzanne does a great job taking care of her animals. I am not a part of any “cult following”, just someone who is concerned about the feelings of other good people.
Knancy, you sound like a bitter, lonely person and I pity you.
Suzanne, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how you are hurting right now.
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now……..can you help me figure out what to do with Mr. Goose? Should I get him another lady friend or is he doomed to bachelorhood since his lady love passed?
Hugs and much love…
10:24
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I’m so sorry for the loss of the little kid. Farm life will always have death and hardships. I haven’t read the comments on this post or the one sharing of the loss yet, but since you wrote this post there must of been some negative comments? If so, I’m sorry for those too. How sad that people do so, especially at a time that is already hard. Things happen. You’re right in that very few people have the perfect set up on their farm. One uses what one has and continues to try to better it. That is farm life! Now I think I’ll go read comments.
SarahGrace
10:29
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Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your life with us. It is an inspiration to so many, like me, who want to learn how to do the things you do…in AND OUT of the house.
To the few who don’t like it, it is still a free country. Just don’t read it, but leave it alone for those of us who do.
That’s all…sorry for ranting. Have a good day. :-)
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How many bathrooms you have is NO ONE’s business but your own lol.
It’s plain to see that you take good care of your farm animals, but they are just that, farm animals and as farmers we do lose a baby now and again. The fact of the matter is there is NO way to save every one, and NO way of of insuring the survival of them all.
11:15
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I have, however, just read 87 comments and would like to visit knancy and have a talk with her about kindness. No one is perfect, miss, and I feel quite certain that, regardless of you being such a model person and farmer, there are incidents in your own life where you are more human than perfect. We ALL make errors….we ALL have regrets and we ALL have sorrows in our lives.
But we ALL have choices to be better people…to be kinder, to be less self-righteous, to help someone without being an a**. Unfortunately knancy prefers to be ugly. What a shame because being ugly means you are not listened to even when you have valid points. It’s a case of the bad outweighing the good, Miss knancy.
I don’t have a farm. I have one old cat that I love dearly and care for to the best of my ability. I lost my other bottle-raised, 15 yr old cat about four months ago to something that even the vet couldn’t figure out….I still grieve and I still wish I could have him back. Life isn’t always perfect…and death is part of life. You have to LOVE hard enough to get through the pain and Suzanne does this.
Thank you, Suzanne….God bless you and your family and your animals. My heart goes out to you.
LOVE…..
11:16
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Do many of you really want this to be only of one thought?
If you try one of Suzanne’s recipes, should you never be allowed to say you really did not like it?
Why is someone now referring to the people who have supported knancy’s right to say what she said as a coven? Ouch.
This blog is public. Anyone can read. Anyone can comment. If one does not want people to comment, one does not put it where it can publicly be commented upon.
I am sorry for Suzanne; losing a pet is a horrible thing. However, I am more sorry for the goat.
11:18
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Knancy, seems nobody cared for your a$$vice.
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11:52
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Farm Life has it’s beautiful things, and it’s not so beautiful things… but both of these are a daily part of this life and we have to accept that with grace & dignity. We rejoice together over the births, triumphs, and accomplishments. And mourn the losses. Things happen. It’s as simple as that. We lost a dear dog who’s collar got caught between the spaces between the boards on our front porch. As she struggled to pull herself free she fell off the porch & accidentally hung herself. My husband found her – his best friend, hanging from our porch. It broke his heart. But it was just an accident…not neglect. My sister-in-law lost a horse when he was running thru’ the woods & his hoof hit a small stump & broke. A tragic accident. The wee goat was an unfortuately victim of goat behavior. It’s loss was an behavioral-accident. Sad, but not neglect.
I would rather you post about the whole picture – the good, the bad, and the ugly – than see perfect Disney illusions. A good balance of it all is necessary to keep us grounded. While I delighted over the wee goats birth and their bouncing around the goathousem I also cry over the losses of the wee black kid, and the little hen. Don’t we need them both in order to truly appreciate the miracles and triumphs? Keep on keeping it real, Suzanne, just like you’ve been doing. Show us the entire picture as you see fit. It’s your blog, your life – we come here by our own choice. If someone doesn’t like it, they need to step away gracefully, NOT with venom.
My prayers are with you. This can’t be easy. But look at the overwhelming support & know that you are loved by many friends you’ve never met.
God bless you, your family, and your many animal friends.
11:59
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http://montanacowboycollege.com/feeding_cows.htm
http://www.littlehats.net/gessert01.html
Keeping sheep outside during the winter benefits both the sheep and the shepherd. The sheep benefit from better ventilation and increased exercise. Most of the cases of respiratory disease that I treat in sheep occur in animals that are housed in a barn during cold weather. The cause is the build-up of moisture and ammonia in the air. The ammonia damages the lining of the respiratory tract, interfering with its resistance to infection, and the stale moist air transmits viruses and bacteria into the airways. This combination of factors leads to coughing, sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Just like kids in a daycare, when one gets sick the infection is easily spread to the rest of the group. Sheep that live outdoors breath fresh drier air and are not exposed to ammonia fumes. Bronchitis and pneumonia in these animals is rare. The major benefit to the shepherd, besides having fewer sick sheep, is not having to clean the barn. This saves time and energy, both of which are generally at a premium on the farms I visit.
12:08
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knancy, first, express condolences. Then, after a time of healing, if you are so arrogant as to think you have to comment, make them in private when the topic is of such a personal nature. I only hope that when your time of humbling comes (and it will) that people are gentle and gracious to you. What you did is just plain mean.
12:11
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Barns are NOT the most common or the BEST way to house goats! Her goat house set up is excellent! MY goats dont have their own screened in porch for sure! Smaller structures like her goat house are much warmer than a big barn. Being smaller with lower ceilings they hold in the goats body heat.
If anyone bothered to actually *read* her blog before criticizing her about getting *free* animals (which only the sheep were) they’d know that EVERY time she gets a new bunch of critters shes already been thinking and researching it for several months…if not years.
I did read some great comments..like the baby goat house made from the barrel and light bulb. Ive seen those and they work very well. Thats good constructive critism and ive seen that suzanne appreciates that and uses it whenever it will work for her.
I really appreciate Suzanne sharing her life with us. For one thing she makes me laugh almost every day and laughter is so golden! But she also makes me feel less alone out here on my homestead. Not just the joys but the tears too. I too have had a lamb just fall over dead. Those busy criticizing her should remember that shes just guessing that the kid was squished. Remember this kid was one of the two thats mom rejected them. Sometimes moms just *know*. It could very well have had a heart defect or something and died in its sleep. Its amazing how sheep and goats can sense that and will sometime reject their young because of it.
I have a beautiful little brown ram lamb born this morning. Usually moms will keep their newborns out away from the other sheep for the first couple days, but because of our snow she cant. I’ll hold my breath til the snow thaws and the babies a bit bigger. He looks tiny in with all those big sheep..but they walk careful around him. Could he get squished come night..yes. But hes still better off out there than in here..where the change in temps would make him likely to get pneumonia and where bottle feeding him instead of letting mom feed him offers the dangers of things like bloat. Whenever you have animals there are risks..and there is heartbreak when you lose one..but thats just the price we pay. You can second guess yourself til the cows come home but you will NOT save them all and goats are THE hardest livestock to raise. They are born trying to kill themselfs.
12:20
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From the numerous daily pictures it’s obvious that Suzanne’s animals are in wonderful health and are loved. Although I’m sure Clover might argue that she doesn’t get enough cookies…
The reason I love Suzanne’s blog so much is that it’s about LIFE and making the best out of situations when you don’t have a lot of $$, because in the end, $$ isn’t the answer. I dream about land, chickens, maybe a goat or two, horses for my girls…Maybe someday. Through Suzanne, I can dream, and that is a priceless gift.
Hugs and love to Suzanne. I wouldn’t be able to dream of my someday farm without you.
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Somehow, I dont think knancy was baking cookies for her goats…
I could feel the venom in that comment about the road & the SUV all the way up here in NH…. WOW talk about angry
12:27
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Not everyone can afford to build – or pay taxes on – a huge barn for their animals. The animals don’t mind it, though. In this case, a “barn” wouldn’t have helped, anyway.
Sometimes, the more “phD’s” and letters we have after our name does not denote intelligence, it just means you were good in school. Someimes, the books aren’t entirely correct. Everyone has different experiences.
One also has to understand the difference between animal “welfare” and animal “rights”. Organizations such as PETA and HSUS are NOT good for this country and have hidden agendas. Most of these are run by people who have ZERO idea about the real world. They see a couple little problems and equate that to the whole operation (and everyone’s operation). These people need to stay home, mind their own business and keep their nose where it belongs.
Sorry if I come across a bit rough.
Keep on doing what you’re doing, and the agenda folks can go to a very warm place.
12:30
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Re collecting (in case anyone is wondering), we have half a dozen sheep, two donkeys, one cow (and calf), seven adult goats (and a handful of babies, not all of which we will be keeping), and according to my count the other day, 29 chickens. And half a dozen ducks and a few guineas (and dogs and cats). On 40 acres.
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I let my goats snuggle in the bottom of an old remodeled outhouse! (lol, don’t worry it was VERY old and had been moved and the old pit filled in!) maybe I was negligent! Horrors!!!
12:54
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A) Like a lot of people, I stopped reading PW when she started moderating her comments. Any comment that wasn’t outright praise was instantly deleted. That’s sick, like really icky sick, and I’m glad you have the courage not to do it.
B) I’m glad you show us all aspects of farm life. If you made it too glossy, we’d all despair and think we’re alone when unfortunate and untimely things happen to us. We had great dinner-table conversation about “Sprite, the Reluctant Mom,” and had a little celebration when she finally accepted her role.
C) So many of us really love you. If you feel you have a safety issue, let us know. Many hands make light work.
D) Rock on!
12:58
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I own a little bitty hobby farm with 7 ducks, 2 goats, and 8 chickens. We haven’t always been prepared when those animals came home, but we learned what to do to provide them shelter quickly. I suppose we shouldn’t be feeding animals when we live in a 108 year old drafty farmhouse with cracked plaster walls and 30 year old carpet; but when my kids are grown they will remember the fun and the love and responsibility of caring for the animals, not the old carpet.
I love Suzanne’s blog because it’s REAL. She’s an inspiration to me. When she moved into the Slanted House with her 3 children I was also a single mom with 3 kids trying to hang onto my little farm. She encouraged me. I see her successes and have hope that someday I’ll have a NICE house. I see her failures and know she’s not perfect, and learn from her mistakes. Yep, someday I’m going to make it out to WV and say hello!
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So sorry for the loss of your baby. Big hugs for all, and I second the cookies!
Keep going with your farm life dear. The good and the bad. No one has a perfect set up. I sure don’t! But we’ll be adding a milk cow this spring, breeding our heifer, getting more chicks and poults, possibly ducks, and a cat. The 40 year old fencing needs repaired, the pasture needs seeded. We have so much to do, I add it to the never ending “5 year plan”. Live for today, you never know about tomorrow. Will that “5 year plan” get done? Maybe, maybe not. But I’ll enjoy what I have while I’m here!
And as for Joy’s comment, I’ve added my blog. Take a look if you’d like, say what you will, but in the end it’s MY decision, mine and Hubby’s. If you’re gonna gripe about it maybe you’d like to take a weekend of your time and come help with one of a million projects??
Chin up Suzzane!!!
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I’m sometimes very grateful that my own blog is not nearly so popular as yours,since the support and true admiration that a popular blogger recieves really seems to bring out the nasty jealousy and negative judginess in certain individuals. I’ve always had the very bad habit of taking things very personally, and it would probably sting too much to deal with mean comments. I know it’s a risk all bloggers and writers take, especially when writing about their own lives, like we do.
I’ve gotten some pretty mean comments on the articles that I write for Associated Content, and honestly, they’ve really bothered me, made me angry, one even made me cry.
But I look to you as an example to follow when it comes to these things. You’ve shown me what patience is needed when dealing with the negativity. You always respond kindly to comments that make me gasp with their snarkiness. Pointed questions meant to show you in a bad light, not to share or teach. And you answer like they are simple curiosity, not personal attacks on your intelligence and character, avoiding the drama.
I’ve learned as much about blogging from your example as I have about goats. Thanks for that!
1:26
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Bottom line, in between the cheering and jeering comments I have read here, I have learned a lot or at least had a lot of good food for thought. I’m certain Suzanne has learned too (and will continue too). But my final hope is that knancy did too. Let’s take a big breath. Exhale. Sit awhile with this sadness. And realize that finding a “reason” or someone to blame won’t make our pain/sorrow disappear. Feel the pain, it’s ok. There are so many more joys than sorrows in this world. Count on it.
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I come here every morning with my coffee first thing. I came looking for advice on canning and making cheese. I got suck in completely by the animals. Suzanne is living out my little fantasy. I made choice in my life that prevent me from doing what she did, but it’s a window for me to get that. I have never met her, but sometimes she seems just like best friend. Suzanne has has shown more grace than I think I ever could. Stregnth as well, because she hasn’t been sucked into a fight with you and I hope she hasn’t wasted one bit of time letting you get in her head.
Knancy you are nothing but a jealous and spiteful person. You lived the life you did by choice. But now, it just burns in your brain, that someone else has something you didn’t and you think She doesn’t apreciate the way you would. You are the evil part of me, that I have worked so hard to keep in check. Thank you for reminding me that I am not that bad. You probably have no friends because you have no tact or care for other feelings. You take the first chance your get to attack someone else who has what you didn’t have. I had a chance to do just what you did and I am so proud that I was better than that.
Go somewhere else if you don’t like what you see here.
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That Knancy was blessed to have TWO incomes AND a husband with FAMILY to help they out doesn’t ever occur to her. She had the ability to do what she wanted as fast as she wanted it. It would seem her premise is that only those with the idealic lifestyle should be allowed to own animals and property. Only “natives” can live in WV? Wow, too sad. But she runs into problems with the “Native” thing :
“I married and moved to a 102 acre farm with my husband here in West Virginia.” So, she’s not originally from WV and yet she comments: “I will drive slowly on the road I’ve driven on for years before you plopped your ass here and rutted out my road with your big SUV tires and don’t even have a inkling what the hell you’re doing. I live here because I like being able to stop and move a turtle.”
I think that says it all! It’s simply a version of “D… Yankee, go HOME”. The idea that only “certain” people get to live somewhere is really sad! And at least you have YOUR family that has lived in that area for generations!
And as for the ANIMALS. ARE some of you NUTS??? They have lived OUTSIDE for THOUSANDS of years!!! Now all of a sudden, we’re to bring livestock inside? Good grief, yeah, PETA strikes again. So, let’s call out the cops on Suzanne because she doesn’t have a multi-million dollar barn – and YES, they DO exist! I’ve been through racehorse country in FL and the BARNS ARE AIR CONDITIONED and nicer than the house I lived in! But then, the inmates in them are worth $$,$$$,$$$.
And let’s all chant “Seig Heil” while we’re at it. Because each day we’re loosing more of our God-given rights and looking more and more like Nazi Germany in the late 1920′s. Everyone is now to make sure his neighbor is following government mandated rules – no matter that those rules are UNCONSTITUTIONAL! (Nowhere in the Constitution is the government given authority to interfere with farming, education and health – among many other things.)
I’m also glad that Child protective services wasn’t called to investigate the housing situation for her CHILD! Where I come from, it’s ILLEGAL to house a CHILD under THOSE conditions! You are REQUIRED to provide indoor plumbing (THAT WORKS), a second exit to the abode (and travel trailers are NOTORIOUS for only ONE exit! And are you nuts? A wood stove in a dwelling that only had ONE exit?? Oh, wait. What business is it of MINE how you try to get on your feet.
Suzanne, I’m so sorry for your loss of the baby. She was a cute little thing. I’m even more sorry for the hate that has been directed at YOU. I’m absolutely furious at the “do-gooders” who left nasty comments. (Not to be confused with a couple of people who left contrary opinions, but phrased it nicely.)
I hope you will either block completely or delete the couple of people who make hate filled comments – and it seems on a rather regular basis. These people are NOT constructive nor are they kind. They add nothing to the rest of our reading enjoyment. Their “rights” ended when they got hateful. I would also hope that they can find some kinds of peace in their lives. People that are filled with that much hate and anger can never be happy. They’re too busy hating/being angry to feel happy because somebody is ALWAYS doing something “wrong” and needs to be chastised by them, the Moral Police.
Ok, off my soapbox now.
4:32
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Reading your blog and looking at your pictures, one can tell that your animals are well fed, cared for and happy. If Knancy or any of the other (few) critics from Sunny Brook Farm have ever raised goats I would be surprised. Mamma goats generally choose the coldest day of the year to give birth–It is a law in the goat world. If you housed your goats in your lovely(and appropriately sized home) they would still find a corner and pile up on each other at night. The wealthiest farmer, the best supported zoo, and even God in the natural world all have something in common–their animals die from time to time! Accidents, illness, and mysteries happen. Yes, animals (and people) get stuck between the slats and die, happily eat a meal and drop dead, and don’t wake up sometimes.
Suzanne, you have never indicated that you don’t appreciate and welcome advice from your readers. I have contacted you before with a tip or two, and you graciously responded. Knancy, if you or others really had concerns about the number of animals Suzanne had or their care, why didn’t you email her with your thoughts? You most certainly do have the right to express your opinion, but your diatribe was more like coming to another person’s party and rudely expressing your anger in their home, without warning, and frankly, without the rest of us wanting to hear it. If you do not enjoy Suzanne’s blog, don’t read it. Don’t get yourself upset. The rest of us–farmers and greenhorns, old and young–love and enjoy her writing style, her daily activities, her humor, and her friendship. I’ve never met her, but if she will have me, I’ll gladly claim her as a pal.
Suzanne, I’m sorry for your loss. It will happen again some day. It is the penalty for being an animal loving farmer. You’ve made no mistake and do not need to apologize.
Keep up the good work.
Your friend…
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I really enjoy your stories and I especially like that you do not gloss over the rural life. It is a good mix of sad, happy, struggle, accomplishment. And adventure and encouragement. You teach and entertain. Been coming here for a long time because of that. Please, put this behind you and move on. What would your mom tell you to do about all this? That’s what I try to ask myself most times like this.
I saw a saying the other day, I can’t remember where, that said…
Choose kindness. Even if it’s difficult, every day, choose kindness.
6:31
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All just keep in mind that even though we are friends and we all are in each others lives because of this site. That it is still YOUR life and MINE. I care about everyone on here. I have been reading for awhile now and think the world of everyone. I almost feel like you guys are part of my family. So please take that with a grain of salt what I had said earlier, I dont want to hurt feelings just smooth things out.
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I know that when this week began, you had no idea it would end as it has. I’m so sorry. The loss of the little black goat baby was traumatic enough, and then the aftermath of comments must have exacerbated the hurt. The truth is, most of us just try to do the best we can with what life gives us. We make mistakes, and sometimes things are just beyond our control, but we get up the next day and carry on because that’s all we know to do. I am so thankful that you will be here when I stop by tomorrow morning.
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Knancy, you weren’t BORN with that spelling were you by the way?? Go away! Obvious jealousy,sour grapes, and prejudice! AND, I can’t IMAGINE what you put your child through with that awful lifestyle you took up on YOUR “farm” when you were obviously too green to know better!
Suzanne, you’re my hero,raising merit scholarship kids,kids who serve our country, on a farm,learning as you go, and sharing to boot!
Death on a farm? Well, this isn’t Captain Kangaroo folks. It’s real life. SUZANNE’S REAL LIFE. Be kind.
How nice that a single mom can provide a home, a kitchen with HEAT ,RUNNING WATER and countertops! For her family! You go girl!
Suzanne, don’t hold back.Please keep sharing. The meanies will drop away and go bother someone else.
I believe a blog is meant for LIKE MINDED people to hang out together. To me, Really, the weirdos and meanies are just not welcome and should hang out with their own kind!
HUGS!!!!!!TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, humans and animals!
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Please keep sharing the good bad and ugly, through your exp. I now know that pigs and sheep are not going to be an animal I want to have, but goats yes
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Your choice to share your journey with folks like me far away in different lives is a gift to us….and I guess those like some posters feel as if they can look that gift horse right in the mouth and say “hmm…bad teeth”. For me, I just say, thank you for all you do.
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I haven’t commented in a while- I’ve been a little busy and haven’t been reading every day. Just wanted to say that I always enjoy your writing and sharing your life with us.
Life is hard.
People are not always kind.
But I’m sure you know that.
3:44
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Be calm and carry on.
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Maybe you’re the one who should do more thinking next time you go to post a comment here and ask yourself if you are truly being helpful (you are NOT) or if you’re just being bitchy? Hint; it’s number two.
2:46
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Today I was on a work conference call, looked up and there were my three horses running across the yard,down the driveway and out onto the road. Thankfully, no traffic and I managed to get them back on the property, but I shudder to think what would have happended if I had not been here(of course the driveway gate would have been shut, but who knows what they would have damaged.)
Also this morning for the first time, my mare decided she liked the chicken run. We have 330 ft of mesh electrified fence. We have the electric off because the chickens no longer test it, but there she was right in the middle with all the chickens under her feet. I got her out and 5 hours later she was right back inside. Guess I have to turn the electricity on and hope she doesn’t get tangled up in it.
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Maybe I better stop watching Criminal Minds, eh?
But this is only my little opinion.
Anyway, a touching blog, Suzanne! Best wishes! Here’s to livestock living.
9:37
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Dont hate a woman just simlpy because God has chosen to favour her.
Obviously she is not doing what ever she is doing perfectly, so if you really know it better, simply give her helpful advise, correct her, but please do it in a nice way.
It would have been better to just tell her how to do things better next time and in a nice way, you dont lose anything, I think Knancy has missed an opportunity to share with us the valuable information and lessons that she has, having done it all before Suzanne. Really an opportunity to be a bigger and better person.
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1:16
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First, I am ashamed I am from the same field as Knancy. I am an MLT, going for my MT. I have to say, she should know first and foremost that in EVERYTHING we do, there is human error.
I doubt Suzanne loses an animal and goes “oh well”. I am sure the thought of “What went wrong” goes through her mind, and she tries to correct said action.
And who cares if she has two laundry rooms and 4 bathrooms? Who cares if she is acting “suburban” because she doesn’t want to live in a shack wth a whole in the ground as her toilet? Everyone has different means, different walks of life, different wants and dreams. You wanted an extra 60+ acres, so you get to live in a trailer. She wanted only 40, so she balanced it with a nice house. Where is this unwritten rule that you need to live in shambles to be a farmer? Because if thats the case I am not going to buy my hobby farm. I work too damn hard day in and day out to not have my home what I want it to be. Sorry.
7:34
pm
I was appalled to read the heartless, judgmental comments made by some readers. I commend you on building your home before the animal houses and truly having your priorities straight. I also commend you on the shelters you have provided for your animals (one does not need an fancy barn to supply warm/dry housing, your goat house is more than what some have). You are doing a wonderful job both for your children & for your livestock!
knancy, I agree with several others that if you wanted to offer helpful advice it would have been better said in private email or at least with tact and compassion, not judgment, venom and foul language. You spouted off about your “perfect” way of building a farm, using the phrase “Plot and plan before you accrue.” But while you degraded Suzanne’s priorities you showed your own misplacement of priorities. You stated that you lived in a severely less than adequate “Gypsy Trailer” (with no running water) with your husband and son…why was it not your FIRST priority to provide safe, sufficient, un-cramped housing for your child? I fully understand and agree that all living things need and deserve warm, dry, safe shelter but as parents it is our duty to put our children’s need above all else. You might want to take notice that what Suzanne has done is provide for her children FIRST while still providing adequate shelter for her animals.
I look forward to everything you post, keep up the great work Suzanne! And THANK YOU for keeping it real!