tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35917877952382702492024-03-14T11:52:30.952-07:00The Farmer's DaughterThe ramblings, insights and thoughts from a young dairy farmer.Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-25906253978492223072015-06-01T19:30:00.000-07:002015-06-01T19:30:01.178-07:00Hello Guernsey Dairy Mama<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you enjoyed following me? You can now find me at: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.guernseydairymama.com/" target="_blank">Guernsey Dairy Mama</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's almost with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this space! This has been my blogging home for the past four years, and it definitely feels like home! But I have finally taken the plunge to have more creative freedom with my little space on the web. It's a whole new adventure and challenge that I am really looking forward to! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seriously Thank You for joining me here, reading my posts and following along with my journey. When I <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/12/2014-year-end-review-agvocacy.html" target="_blank">decided to re-brand last Fall</a>, I didn't really know what a journey it would be. But I am excited for the future and where this fun little hobby can continue to go. So I hope you'll all join me:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.guernseydairymama.com/">www.guernseydairymama.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5No6xBY5gqI8RPUs3_zGSBKttpVbaVRv0apxxBd82i4sTYY0i1EbbaB8c1yqfDKN2XQuo57-Dl0EWvSunyc-2uIBmPLlrUC-S4Z4fLN8o05-fAbnQBI1xZTY92JFmMTfBHn_d5DMlxyk/s1600/Guernsey+Dairy+Mama+Logo+Final3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5No6xBY5gqI8RPUs3_zGSBKttpVbaVRv0apxxBd82i4sTYY0i1EbbaB8c1yqfDKN2XQuo57-Dl0EWvSunyc-2uIBmPLlrUC-S4Z4fLN8o05-fAbnQBI1xZTY92JFmMTfBHn_d5DMlxyk/s400/Guernsey+Dairy+Mama+Logo+Final3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-56883590864893699752015-05-21T14:38:00.000-07:002015-05-24T18:40:03.430-07:00Mid-Week MealSo I am always looking for recipes that make good grab and go meals, cause lets face it there are lots of times dinner is literally consumed on the go around here. Our big meal for the day is consumed at lunch time, where we actually all sit down together and eat. Dinner is usually more thrown together or left overs because we often don't get in from the barn until it's time to eat. Last night was one of those nights and I was staring into my fridge trying to figure out what to whip together with what I had. The chickens are laying like crazy so I wanted to use up eggs, and I remembered seeing recipes that cook eggs in a muffin tin. And they came out great, even better they might be one of our new favorites!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDcQq3LDZpmUS4rtvtd62H8TttGaYMo0ZWH_MUPyKmcbxP36eKC3ntHvHXlDaGoAi7uTUPUCmXhtV6POWJuMfEXCte84rzyH8CWHbleuSJ6giApDpeEsB0tcAK25D95MrugTgRM2QSDo/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDcQq3LDZpmUS4rtvtd62H8TttGaYMo0ZWH_MUPyKmcbxP36eKC3ntHvHXlDaGoAi7uTUPUCmXhtV6POWJuMfEXCte84rzyH8CWHbleuSJ6giApDpeEsB0tcAK25D95MrugTgRM2QSDo/s320/IMG_5645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll call them <b>On the Go Eggs:</b><br />
<br />
1/4lb lean hamberger<br />
1/4 cup diced onion<br />
10-12 Farm fresh Eggs<br />
<b> </b>1/2 cup frozen tater tots<br />
Pepper jack cheese <br />
Spices to taste: Salt, pepper, garlic and I used paprika this time<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350. Throw in your frozen tater tots as the oven is preheating.<br />
Grease a muffin tin and set aside. <br />
In small frying pan cook the onion in a dollop of olive oil until translucent. Add hamburger and lightly brown.<br />
In a separate bowl crack eggs and whip together. I added probably about 1/4 cup of milk because our yolks are so thick, helped the eggs to whip up better. Add spices and mix again. I really did just go on taste and you could use whatever spices you wanted. <br />
As the oven reaches temperature pull out your tater tots (I'm sure frozen hashbrowns would work well too). Crumble into small pieces, they should just fall apart if they have cooked enough. Let cool slightly.<br />
Fold in the hamburger mixture and tater tots into the eggs.*Update* I forgot, that's the problem with making up a recipe as you go. I shredded in some pepper jack cheese, probably about 1/4 cup. <br />
Divide equally into the muffin tin. I kind of poured the liquid egg into the tins and then spooned the thicker mixture in after. That way you got the same consistency in each tin.<br />
Bake for 25 mins. They should really puff up, and just be the slightest bit brown, don't over do it!<br />
Let them sit for about 5 minutes before serving! If you have littles eating with you, I would pull a couple out and break them open, they really do keep the heat in as they are so dense!<br />
<br />
This was my first attempt at these and I see doing lots of different varieties. This is one of those recipes you can't really mess up and would be a good place fot that stuff you want to use up sitting in your fridge! I was somewhat worried they might be a little crumbly, but they really do make awesome on the go eats. My husband grabbed a couple as he was running out the door for drill as a volunteer firefighter. His first comment was how easy they were to eat while driving!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYGuGy0rruTLLLl52W8n1KhnKDDsx9jcuek9jbqHM8Ti6eyQXeqKhfQFwp23xPTCte6CRBuN5Y8_YF_GWsfe3WLTKpNYiZq_WRWU1I5RAWPWI8odsHlWKTCoBo5e0OLPIDNU5-VIyuV8/s1600/IMG_5643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYGuGy0rruTLLLl52W8n1KhnKDDsx9jcuek9jbqHM8Ti6eyQXeqKhfQFwp23xPTCte6CRBuN5Y8_YF_GWsfe3WLTKpNYiZq_WRWU1I5RAWPWI8odsHlWKTCoBo5e0OLPIDNU5-VIyuV8/s320/IMG_5643.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
We all have those meals that are on the go, make them a good one!<br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-35159011777948362742015-04-22T22:34:00.000-07:002015-04-22T22:34:31.687-07:00Happy Earth Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQuWjTbhLcitOCe-y8mfj_UlQSVzpcoPjt7cxORfgsNxSYjV5wM6asG49Vvkh__CNlaZXWh-cURUJ5AaTleqByeAMvtuLoIHSUVhhBtninKyiVy_Y-L6weIP5S31wzBukWtm3y-Nn-VQ/s1600/FARMER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQuWjTbhLcitOCe-y8mfj_UlQSVzpcoPjt7cxORfgsNxSYjV5wM6asG49Vvkh__CNlaZXWh-cURUJ5AaTleqByeAMvtuLoIHSUVhhBtninKyiVy_Y-L6weIP5S31wzBukWtm3y-Nn-VQ/s1600/FARMER.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Farmers don't just think about Earth Day once a year. For us Earth day is Everyday! That means taking care of the land that in turn takes care of us, our farm and our Ladies! My hope as a farmer is to leave the Earth better for future generations! Proud to part of the industry that is the original caretakers of this amazing planet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpTAArEYiGNBVMZ8UdOmF-3TUAm68_htMVBopAPJPYMJqOFRWnOK68O-XZSeKm7ok6dY4vk19tSygkyp8t610crbrI1ktEnK5B7rESefLpUYg0aHEwVwaAZIellcA640L7wW1nbm6Vdk/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpTAArEYiGNBVMZ8UdOmF-3TUAm68_htMVBopAPJPYMJqOFRWnOK68O-XZSeKm7ok6dY4vk19tSygkyp8t610crbrI1ktEnK5B7rESefLpUYg0aHEwVwaAZIellcA640L7wW1nbm6Vdk/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-64609837155701148612015-03-14T23:30:00.001-07:002015-03-14T23:32:53.175-07:00Dairy Farmers visit the Capital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Democracy only succeeds with engaged citizens.</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK048Wz9TjqH9IIwbf5hZ4Zmsp57ek1WfOIsimlRaavOC9e2IbTy9yD1ROcRgCnGTbMIkNOZ9A8eKIgiFq5sDznCV1x5R06Esa_6ArGW1mn9VIabi3YOMKBqjwT7LEODvr53CoO6xlST8/s640/blogger-image-779092410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK048Wz9TjqH9IIwbf5hZ4Zmsp57ek1WfOIsimlRaavOC9e2IbTy9yD1ROcRgCnGTbMIkNOZ9A8eKIgiFq5sDznCV1x5R06Esa_6ArGW1mn9VIabi3YOMKBqjwT7LEODvr53CoO6xlST8/s640/blogger-image-779092410.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm excited to have begun my journey with the Oregon Young Dairy Leaders class of 2015/16. The first session certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone as we headed to Oregons Captial. We spent the day behind the scenes and met with 12 representatives. Truly interesting to see the inner working of our state government and those that govern us. I honestly have never been a very " political person", but I know if we don't make our voice heard, then someone else will tell our story for us. Especially in this legislative session there are several bills that would be extremely harmful to the whole of agriculture in Oregon. I was really impressed with the openness of those we met with and their encouragement to truly feel that the Captial is our building. They really want us telling our stories and how pieces of legislation will impact us so that they can make informed votes for the betterment of their constituents. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Really a great kick off to becoming a better voice for the dairy industry. Looking forward to the next year with this great group of young adults from the Oregon dairy industry! </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjbzrCnr7rlwzTTB4C0W7wvqxpXfjUR4YSUgSEeyHz5wZyTG27_ZLzp2UMllU7OmEwcFdr3DzOCkRefarUY4OHoypHZRVo0pcDtCYMZB4V4O5zAXzObnvU57dAyZ5j2Elrm92aUkeEcA/s640/blogger-image--1096746545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjbzrCnr7rlwzTTB4C0W7wvqxpXfjUR4YSUgSEeyHz5wZyTG27_ZLzp2UMllU7OmEwcFdr3DzOCkRefarUY4OHoypHZRVo0pcDtCYMZB4V4O5zAXzObnvU57dAyZ5j2Elrm92aUkeEcA/s320/blogger-image--1096746545.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rep Mike McLane is an FFA & 4H supporter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT0IBe8wWevT6q-2YDCk6PithPcSEymoTec4PAH0TH6YfWmWw6Z0dKWcqjk8mgoMJ9TaXb9DVebid-PW5FvJ_xpatgRiUH9CyQze41fbw3E-u1F03qV2PTMEdrEPdmeQHVCk1u8K0nz4/s640/blogger-image-727541407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT0IBe8wWevT6q-2YDCk6PithPcSEymoTec4PAH0TH6YfWmWw6Z0dKWcqjk8mgoMJ9TaXb9DVebid-PW5FvJ_xpatgRiUH9CyQze41fbw3E-u1F03qV2PTMEdrEPdmeQHVCk1u8K0nz4/s320/blogger-image-727541407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoyed our time with Senator Betsey Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wsl-revwS0zHcXOqyFJxYbNrmsT0JlRpxmw5gdK1eZKF4-8wARu8FQxzb-hHz2Xm_mrd3H5aZXHHolIbgQxiBzfHg9yg3l5085CQUwxi8ndbJyWJqP_kd9AS-33miewbsMJEZcw45Yw/s640/blogger-image-768206507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wsl-revwS0zHcXOqyFJxYbNrmsT0JlRpxmw5gdK1eZKF4-8wARu8FQxzb-hHz2Xm_mrd3H5aZXHHolIbgQxiBzfHg9yg3l5085CQUwxi8ndbJyWJqP_kd9AS-33miewbsMJEZcw45Yw/s320/blogger-image-768206507.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OYDL with Rep Greg Barreto </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A big thank you to all the representatives that took the time to accept appointments with our class. Great introductions with them and I look forward to building on those relationships.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>~</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4DfBg87c4_dDpnV_9lB3cH4d6I02VWlaiRWsNrXUGD6f4FdS3fPiWXG_ee5FOLZEMEK6YYd-mTRXXpkueW6tmbsT6hsrPKP1qAezgXbzxz6ZQS7DaBakqhO57NvBX61WGPzKbzjuk1U/s1600/IMG_4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4DfBg87c4_dDpnV_9lB3cH4d6I02VWlaiRWsNrXUGD6f4FdS3fPiWXG_ee5FOLZEMEK6YYd-mTRXXpkueW6tmbsT6hsrPKP1qAezgXbzxz6ZQS7DaBakqhO57NvBX61WGPzKbzjuk1U/s1600/IMG_4380.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
P.S. if you get a chance to visit Oregon's stunningly beautiful capital, seriously an amazing building! Make sure to check out the carpet on both the house and senate sides. More than certain it gives the PDX carpet a run for it's money! ;-) It also fun to wear non barn clothes for the day! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>~</b></div>
</div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-81372251796583296542015-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:002015-02-12T16:41:09.125-08:00Cows on PastureMy favorite day of the year has arrived! And a whole month earlier than <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/03/spring-is-here.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. Today we let the <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_10.html" target="_blank">Ladies</a> back out onto the pasture! It is always so much fun to watch them return back outside to the lush green grass. After a little bit of fun and kicking up their heels they got right down to business grazing and then taking a snooze in the warm sunshine!<br />
We do everything we can to make <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/11/as-pasture-gate-closes.html" target="_blank">their winter care</a> the best that it can be. The reason we pull the Ladies into confinement for the winter to protect our ground. The pacific northwest just gets too wet in winter, and if we allowed the cows to stay outside they would make a complete mucky mess of the pasture. This break throughout the winter not only protects the grass, but also allows it to get a wonderful healthy growing start. This in turn helps to provide feed for our cows.<br />
It's all one big circle that dairy farmers care greatly for; we care for the land so it can in turn help care for our Ladies. It is definitely my favorite view to see those gorgeous brown and whites on the lush green Spring grass!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d4M3lDeFRLnahMjXmjpE8UdT0Gt0jk5seP5IDjvtMkVADgjvGXfFkR1V-vV2HEE2NmxswCGQ3Q5edC3U5UonInGcEN0iDC_AqNm56GLd4r5zRxy2nP2o2uvGzEmA4khBgm6I94gJPBQ/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d4M3lDeFRLnahMjXmjpE8UdT0Gt0jk5seP5IDjvtMkVADgjvGXfFkR1V-vV2HEE2NmxswCGQ3Q5edC3U5UonInGcEN0iDC_AqNm56GLd4r5zRxy2nP2o2uvGzEmA4khBgm6I94gJPBQ/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freckles leads the herd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjE7AMV0bnu5Z2Ffgmt20kNECvf_aB8aHIAjRXzFFa1zDcacEnIhKa4kfuHE4rOY-AtfTAtwPNQSS3RVoxJlK66FMMx6aPlmlwndFhlON2NURa7vwhr7HyUGWC-bKr-FRdQ9S-ZgwzRs/s1600/DSC_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjE7AMV0bnu5Z2Ffgmt20kNECvf_aB8aHIAjRXzFFa1zDcacEnIhKa4kfuHE4rOY-AtfTAtwPNQSS3RVoxJlK66FMMx6aPlmlwndFhlON2NURa7vwhr7HyUGWC-bKr-FRdQ9S-ZgwzRs/s1600/DSC_0795.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bette takes off running!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSfr2dG_Msw0TNX_kulX6WCW4WKJxyFCCu61KGCFo9pOiwZYxu8daREzEhcDWCaJCUj7tYpNUBoTRlM02bfKHCTp9CqzEpk8stWO4U_b8pxtfW2l6JWLA-95K9G0Jg4gCFCSoKveKstQ/s1600/DSC_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSfr2dG_Msw0TNX_kulX6WCW4WKJxyFCCu61KGCFo9pOiwZYxu8daREzEhcDWCaJCUj7tYpNUBoTRlM02bfKHCTp9CqzEpk8stWO4U_b8pxtfW2l6JWLA-95K9G0Jg4gCFCSoKveKstQ/s1600/DSC_0811.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookie and Ramira butting heads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdSozT3fdYWZ6gb_9dQGcjeCWR4mWCM6yWLguf-w-dCnp9TaRm0HtvGRTYwRgravdq05fY0hcxwRXtJdE1apmmFuBR-7Lx4CgoWP1q_7HfjvG9m_ftdAO0T0-fNJVWioFpc6jGQItAE/s1600/DSC_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdSozT3fdYWZ6gb_9dQGcjeCWR4mWCM6yWLguf-w-dCnp9TaRm0HtvGRTYwRgravdq05fY0hcxwRXtJdE1apmmFuBR-7Lx4CgoWP1q_7HfjvG9m_ftdAO0T0-fNJVWioFpc6jGQItAE/s1600/DSC_0819.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice Jolanda jumping for joy in the background?!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DPGXsoYGIao1ZYjyS1etgKDIwjNSuKF4DF746TeggnFK_R3oA6bN4-0iA_md85PSydzdR1O4g3lWYSyVeq_AwbJpiRz9dqMn-TiHkAMlLYKmo1G_fknhUwf_5IgHQXROpADHO5t2ZbA/s1600/DSC_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DPGXsoYGIao1ZYjyS1etgKDIwjNSuKF4DF746TeggnFK_R3oA6bN4-0iA_md85PSydzdR1O4g3lWYSyVeq_AwbJpiRz9dqMn-TiHkAMlLYKmo1G_fknhUwf_5IgHQXROpADHO5t2ZbA/s1600/DSC_0830.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muzzle deep the grass is lush! Jesusita and Anna are enjoying!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR-XZ7o2yENw67KPlrKg393ymp86oU63FWcvLzc6NGKCq3kBkAqwXmVCBuQ8tU_0czeOIJ2eUAqupr0mCZMdD2FqyCDYjpZfu0gAeCXLTZgQLqX472vm4F5GloLR-e3CCHIfAGAPrnzw/s1600/DSC_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR-XZ7o2yENw67KPlrKg393ymp86oU63FWcvLzc6NGKCq3kBkAqwXmVCBuQ8tU_0czeOIJ2eUAqupr0mCZMdD2FqyCDYjpZfu0gAeCXLTZgQLqX472vm4F5GloLR-e3CCHIfAGAPrnzw/s1600/DSC_0840.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All settled down for a nap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mA5T6UHLjpIYGkwVXQkjoTE4htRcquHF3ywh6V54Fqm7a6wZGW5XtP_7qsTSgMT6rsV1-Hyxc64oRu8k1CvK_EkzlnSVNCd-uEQaczjELG5ei96Gzl5ycnOLMLhyX42IHRlureOz6oc/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mA5T6UHLjpIYGkwVXQkjoTE4htRcquHF3ywh6V54Fqm7a6wZGW5XtP_7qsTSgMT6rsV1-Hyxc64oRu8k1CvK_EkzlnSVNCd-uEQaczjELG5ei96Gzl5ycnOLMLhyX42IHRlureOz6oc/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn soaking up the sunshine! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Seriously my favorite day! And it was so warm here today, the sunshine felt amazing! I hope you had an equally great day! Happy Thursday! Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-26947470660178863762015-02-05T15:51:00.001-08:002015-02-05T15:57:15.310-08:00Robot TourWhen I throw the word robot out there, dairy farm probably doesn't come to mind first. But that is exactly what I am talking about, robotic milking on the dairy farm. We are excited to be launching into the adventure of transitioning our farm to robotic milking. After much discussion we felt it fit our management style and where we want to take to our herd for the future.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6hSM4H7gtzwhric1fijOB7SkbRVCRN3O-ic_Ab5IZKJZ2MZk6p3KrGEdBEQ6ei8kk-BPnbMVog43xPQTKDFWcshYBlY8krzyCMQJcQYPZE6fxlR9VqbFlZVKvhjJUmWrShizZONcI88/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6hSM4H7gtzwhric1fijOB7SkbRVCRN3O-ic_Ab5IZKJZ2MZk6p3KrGEdBEQ6ei8kk-BPnbMVog43xPQTKDFWcshYBlY8krzyCMQJcQYPZE6fxlR9VqbFlZVKvhjJUmWrShizZONcI88/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So while our start of date is still a ways away we are currently taking the time to visit as many farms as we can that are currently using robots. We are in the research and development phase of our plan and touring other farms lets us learn from them. Last week on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuernseyDairyMama" target="_blank">my facebook page</a> I mentioned we were headed on a little adventure; that was to tour 3 farm in Washington that are robotic. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47deV7mP45te3597u76J_sD66Ay4lhCh5JbRB0keprVB9KzMtMN7LzAojrlTbmh7RW6njiftqUZTzJPA3UhAdyne5YajLSlRVVY7ByjQkZCxDf5poqh7dbmCZ82XjoRZKK-VPaQP9Xdk/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47deV7mP45te3597u76J_sD66Ay4lhCh5JbRB0keprVB9KzMtMN7LzAojrlTbmh7RW6njiftqUZTzJPA3UhAdyne5YajLSlRVVY7ByjQkZCxDf5poqh7dbmCZ82XjoRZKK-VPaQP9Xdk/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the collar the cows wear. I think they enjoy them as a fashion statement! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On a robot farm the milking is done by a robot that lets the cow visit and be milked as she likes. She enters an individual stall, much like our current parlor, and her information is read from a collar on her neck. That information includes pretty much everything under the sun about each cow, but it gives the robot a map of her udder so she can be prepped and milked. While she's being milked she's eating grains fed according to how much milk she is producing. Each quarter of her udder is on an individual take off, so they come off as she is done giving milk. Once she is completely done she is sprayed with teat dip, the stall opens and she goes back to her day. It's pretty much exactly what we do now, just a robot is doing it. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hojnPpvI6-I" target="_blank">Click here to see a robot in action</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9R2D2p4g8kk-rx3wPrA7g7GCPJSpnRnoCqfBlrhReV_ut_3t0gB5WvVyk65irDjNZmFuX7E35PLhWwGzhJfHbIsFv-S3_AntKMO2T17r-u8VftqSnK9nlf18krN4r9ewPOrb7DyHtXA/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9R2D2p4g8kk-rx3wPrA7g7GCPJSpnRnoCqfBlrhReV_ut_3t0gB5WvVyk65irDjNZmFuX7E35PLhWwGzhJfHbIsFv-S3_AntKMO2T17r-u8VftqSnK9nlf18krN4r9ewPOrb7DyHtXA/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A big part of success in a robot barn is the layout and design of the barn. As the cow is free to come and go as she likes, the flow, as it is called, is very important. The three farms we visited retrofitted their robots into their existing barn, instead of building new like we plan to, but it was still beneficial to see how the cows moved through their designs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0bhyYzdhPdjoQgR-xCuA0M92_IZ0HbOiMA7a4PZj7Uw8I485YH7hRoaITr9wS4JCZ7hg6hIU1-92g3JOq1KZhZYGCyWV-NAlIQ0v-TsAxHGwQe75YUgRLFzHDNOD0TaPm-TKPUAo5YU/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0bhyYzdhPdjoQgR-xCuA0M92_IZ0HbOiMA7a4PZj7Uw8I485YH7hRoaITr9wS4JCZ7hg6hIU1-92g3JOq1KZhZYGCyWV-NAlIQ0v-TsAxHGwQe75YUgRLFzHDNOD0TaPm-TKPUAo5YU/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was also great as all three farms also graze their cows as we do for as many months as the pacific northwest weather allows. Those insights on grazing were very beneficial. Part of grazing success is a sort gate the cows must go through before leaving for the pasture. This gate reads her information on her collar much like the robot and either lets her out to graze and sends her back into the barn as she still needs to be milked.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vQ9HbXs_YOF_suT4rUEG7f1ViksYMRBB0U5LYlmnkNUUvveyM1Z3BkkDoBewfM6Fqzh5tXvUhRMIS9Djn6AeOgaHWazozQY4HdeAJR1EpOc4-tO-F30viXToN_nPEeL1Ct3Tt7kygqg/s1600/IMG_3853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vQ9HbXs_YOF_suT4rUEG7f1ViksYMRBB0U5LYlmnkNUUvveyM1Z3BkkDoBewfM6Fqzh5tXvUhRMIS9Djn6AeOgaHWazozQY4HdeAJR1EpOc4-tO-F30viXToN_nPEeL1Ct3Tt7kygqg/s1600/IMG_3853.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graze Gate </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing completely evident on all three farms is how calm, relaxed and contented the whole herd of cows is. They really enjoy getting to pick their own schedule and that frees up the farmer's flexibility. Since we've announced our plan to move to robotics we've heard lots of people ask what we are going to be doing with all our free time if we aren't milking cows. A farmer doesn't put in a robot to not manage his cows, it's simple another tool we can utilize, I guarantee we won't run out of things to do!<br />
<br />
We are all very excited for this adventure. But there is definitely still a lot to learn and decide, it almost all feels very overwhelming at times. Without a doubt though we are excited for this future and what it will bring to our farm, our family and our Ladies! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizvDbJSmSyLIyjWoheT2HVSUWtiKH0eybYEN9V4Ex6RNKUnFZ2FWCi_evITy8kXGc2UzHVPDnEZzwQjNCQXq7tS6JlXRPpSxH4j2KyaiYtkHLqNW6trM4Kwe32cqxE89m4UvitTFAc84/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizvDbJSmSyLIyjWoheT2HVSUWtiKH0eybYEN9V4Ex6RNKUnFZ2FWCi_evITy8kXGc2UzHVPDnEZzwQjNCQXq7tS6JlXRPpSxH4j2KyaiYtkHLqNW6trM4Kwe32cqxE89m4UvitTFAc84/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Robot Cows! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-82730069177693458392015-02-03T15:33:00.000-08:002015-02-03T15:33:22.592-08:00Healthy Start<i>Hello February! </i><br />
<br />
Sometimes it take some healthy determination to make a difference. This month I am determined to carve out a little bit of time for myself! After a few months of just feeling blah by the afternoon, I knew I needed to make a change. It's easy to feel like I just need a break, Mama's need a break, and nap time is my usual down time. But this month I've decided to add in a little movement to help my body feel healthier.<br />
<br />
I am not a workout person, and things have to be simple and easy or I won't stick with them. So I am simply trying to move for 20 minutes every day. Yesterday I simply carved out 5 minute intervals in between house clean up. One time I walked our stairs, the next I did a few easy exercises; push ups, plank, lunges and squats and lastly during chores I pushed myself at a little faster pace than usual. Those ten minutes during the afternoon really helped to boost my energy level and clear my head.<br />
<br />
So after day one I am sticking to it! One more thing I threw in for fun is drinking more water. I get plenty of water every day, in coffee form, so I'm making a conscious decision to grab a glass every time I think of it.<br />
<br />
Small changes, simple baby steps for a healthier and happier ME.<br />
Cause we all need some time for ourselves!<br />
<br />
Join me on instagram #30x20challenge, we'll keep each other accountable! Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-20557320851384538712015-01-23T16:31:00.001-08:002015-01-23T16:31:13.989-08:00Christmas in the Country Reveal! Merry Christmas.........Happy New Year..........Oh wait it's the end of the middle of January.......so this will just be a <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/01/christmas-in-country_22.html" target="_blank">tradition that my Christmas in the Country post is late</a>! This year I didn't have the excuse of having a baby, but I was busy the first half of January getting ready for my littler farmer's first birthday. Yes excuses, excuses! But don't let that diminish my enthusiasm for probably my favorite blog activity of the year again: <a href="http://unchartedrhoade.blogspot.com/2015/01/christmas-in-country-2014-gift-reveal.html" target="_blank">Christmas in the Country 2014</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7tHm3E_MbFNPyIs9NZqtM69n9BFj-0cLk1zC86wSsjHwSTuh8fv6VInkJa4h1jbfsEMj3zRSqjTT69E5rtXEM-Lj7YCgyxWs2WTaX4EomPmVpJOkcjfgZd1LFlgRyZHqZU1V1yZ71Ms/s1600/blogger-image--1154321030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7tHm3E_MbFNPyIs9NZqtM69n9BFj-0cLk1zC86wSsjHwSTuh8fv6VInkJa4h1jbfsEMj3zRSqjTT69E5rtXEM-Lj7YCgyxWs2WTaX4EomPmVpJOkcjfgZd1LFlgRyZHqZU1V1yZ71Ms/s1600/blogger-image--1154321030.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
This year I sent a taste of my hometown to the lovely <a href="http://littlehouseonthehorizon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katy of Little House on the Horizon</a>. My gift was packed full of my favorite things made right here, coffee and everyone's favorite chocolates form our local chocolate shoppe. I also including some homemade jam,. *Note to self for next year, pick lighter items to ship! Hehe, but I truly had so much fun putting Katy's gift together, and even though I haven't heard from her I am hoping she enjoyed and had a wonderful first Christmas in their new home!!<br />
<br />
I was so excited when my package slip arrived on the 23rd, I knew it must be my exchange gift! I couldn't wait till Christmas so I opened it early and found an awesomely packed box of goodness from <a href="http://highheelsandshotgunshells.com/" target="_blank">Danielle of High Heels and Shotgun Shells</a>. She did an awesome job of "stalking" me to put together a meaningful gift.<br />
First out was a box of Christmas cookies, that I didn't waste any time breaking into! I even shared some with my boys, they loved the ones filled with M&M's and pretzels! I throughly enjoyed a chocolate cookie with my coffee, great combo! We finished them off Christmas morning as we were opening presents.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wo7GtDbJ1MU4XMSM1p_D5DR4v5e3XzEodhd9VvWedojYgZtLbC3VdEVxI3e75HKq4w57kzOSOHC6EW2U0aqDV7yZvjSXbknJgB052dWpbYnu9dypSDC-tsxbtAm5v2LWlW6ztzjX_fU/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wo7GtDbJ1MU4XMSM1p_D5DR4v5e3XzEodhd9VvWedojYgZtLbC3VdEVxI3e75HKq4w57kzOSOHC6EW2U0aqDV7yZvjSXbknJgB052dWpbYnu9dypSDC-tsxbtAm5v2LWlW6ztzjX_fU/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
Next I spied something lacey! Danielle was SO thoughtful to throw in something girly for me, cause she's right, I am overrun with boys around here! An awesome pair of boot socks! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuYl2IIe9EKN1vladaMLm0iLYC8K_51JwBWyZoR5NodBX2wawzQm_ypjL9gWjOvptiPt7Tt2mugjYCpgmelFQpkuUV7_kyWajWF8AyT30ao3qR0vebc30NPGm7pct9ASCcwKHzUhBTcU/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuYl2IIe9EKN1vladaMLm0iLYC8K_51JwBWyZoR5NodBX2wawzQm_ypjL9gWjOvptiPt7Tt2mugjYCpgmelFQpkuUV7_kyWajWF8AyT30ao3qR0vebc30NPGm7pct9ASCcwKHzUhBTcU/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
The rest of the box was filled with awesome pieces from Danielle's new home state Kentucky. BBQ sauces that I can't wait to try out, thinking it will go great on pulled pork sliders! Salsa......mmm Salsa! I kind of have a thing for good Salsa, don't think I've ever admitted that, but chips and Salsa are definitely up there with my favorite snacks. This one did not dissapoint, sweeet, spicy and all around awesome! It was a perfect snack after a long night just the other day. Of course some Kentucky Bluegrass seed, which will some in handy, I have a strip in our yard that is still resisting regrowing after two summers ago pipe work. And lastly, but definitely not least Danielle caught onto the idea that I kind of collect ornaments from trips around the States. So now I have a Kentucky one to proudly hang on my tree!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94lnqL418fjKiZYz0aakg5cpn5hYROB_Kha6LAtIppkNMhDUBtv_Q5fgHeRvZj7W1iPPwa9kK4ghkYuGP8AvkQB4f8oqD9dRgx0G8gUG8juGlqGHlmKLc1fTyRwMQtOHZWWDyWIbqezQ/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94lnqL418fjKiZYz0aakg5cpn5hYROB_Kha6LAtIppkNMhDUBtv_Q5fgHeRvZj7W1iPPwa9kK4ghkYuGP8AvkQB4f8oqD9dRgx0G8gUG8juGlqGHlmKLc1fTyRwMQtOHZWWDyWIbqezQ/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
Didn't waste any time on getting it put on our tree and it looks pretty awesome if you ask me! Enjoying my little piece of Kentcuky that will get to join us every Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Danielle rocked my present! And I've been having so much fun following along with her on all her channels. She's fun and has great style, go check her out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://highheelsandshotgunshells.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighHeelsShotgunShells" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/haydanib/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really enjoyed participating again this year in <a href="http://unchartedrhoade.blogspot.com/2015/01/christmas-in-country-2014-gift-reveal.html" target="_blank">Christmas in the Country</a>! A huge shout out to our hosts who help make this happen! I am still friends with my gift giver from last year <a href="http://themagicfarmhouse.com/" target="_blank">Jenny from The Magic Farmhouse</a> and I think it's an awesome way to connect and make like minded friends from across the country! Looking forward to Christmas in the Country 2015!! </div>
<br />Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-7934920815920315462015-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:002015-01-05T05:00:02.760-08:002015 ResolutionsI've never really been one for New Years resolutions, but I seem to always find myself thinking about all the possibilities that seem to be more readily available as the calendar turns over. Why is it that we are more ready to make a change when the date changes? I'm all for motivation, and anything that helps is great, but I find resolutions seems to hang a heavy weight over some heads. So I'm here to encourage you to let go!<br />
If anything that has been my theme for the last year, anyone hear the Frozen song <i>Let it Go </i>playing in the background? In all reality embracing that thought, and only attending to what has to be done, has been liberating. I'll be honest that some areas of my life have suffered greatly from this mantra: my house is literally a disgusting mess, my long lost friends rarely get to see me and my to do list is literally a mile long.<br />
So what have I been doing? Surviving, living, and even sometimes enjoying motherhood with two young boys and a dairy farm. I've embraced the thought that I literally can't do it all and am completely alright with it! Don't get me wrong, it took me a while to get here, and at times it feels like a lonely dark hole that I dug myself. But I find I am so much more happy, less stressed and free. And let's truly be honest, if we don't take care of ourselves, it's really hard to take care of the others in our life.<br />
I am all for making positive changes in your life, just don't be afraid to examine them realistically and be easy on yourself if you don't at first succeed. Above all, take some time for you. Enjoy that extra cup of coffee and chocolate without counting the calories, leave the laundry for tomorrow and play with your child instead, pick up that book you've been meaning to read, go for that run because you want to!<br />
I understand this fast paced crazy life often leaves us with little time for the things we really want to do. Stop longing to do them and make them a priority! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Above all don't believe that investing in your own happiness is selfish!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ-kjnByKfPFC_YyxX_zgLB2jVfToWSHiwVCX4-nlNKz4cdoK0zh_OklRhRutuh4nUZ7oTNIn0XnTU-mhsDDXDDJuEfEngjQv1dHcIkEq5AcGzW49odwatEb9aNk9v8-0GpNeEmweQIw/s1600/Sucessis+liking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ-kjnByKfPFC_YyxX_zgLB2jVfToWSHiwVCX4-nlNKz4cdoK0zh_OklRhRutuh4nUZ7oTNIn0XnTU-mhsDDXDDJuEfEngjQv1dHcIkEq5AcGzW49odwatEb9aNk9v8-0GpNeEmweQIw/s1600/Sucessis+liking.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Happy New Year! I hope 2015 is a blessed, healthy, prosperous and HAPPY year for you! ~Darleen</b></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-8044729351317750262015-01-04T15:45:00.000-08:002015-01-04T15:45:04.612-08:00Hello 2015!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first calf, a heifer, arrived this afternoon! A great way to Welcome in 2015!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlqWhvd-qyhYuGj8jrJJHlVKS66cipPfsUAXNXJ7NVaO4FzBf_VSsetdL9UZ4Nay5bNHEpnDXFGKdkaxm4eHalW2p-Bi5Qb63eblMOGwqOfmSk8ZJ6qphN3lB3L_5AgOdydsoGkLruaM/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlqWhvd-qyhYuGj8jrJJHlVKS66cipPfsUAXNXJ7NVaO4FzBf_VSsetdL9UZ4Nay5bNHEpnDXFGKdkaxm4eHalW2p-Bi5Qb63eblMOGwqOfmSk8ZJ6qphN3lB3L_5AgOdydsoGkLruaM/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-62589906527932327942014-12-30T19:08:00.001-08:002014-12-30T19:08:57.266-08:002014 Year End Review: Farm After I <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/12/2014-year-end-review-agvocacy.html" target="_blank">highlighted my efforts in agvocacy in 2014</a> I thought it would be fun to take a look at what happened on our farm this year!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV_RIH42sE4132yXPQwzQNMoachUBxWyNTxFvqBBFLXbYd-7aVjr6SN5NLL4q9mfI5o7iBnK15JIhAZoxHrYILXWF7IoxvPODYnPCEboiXSgUwavire4O_CzLsS1mg1-7e9Wsmgdz-D4/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV_RIH42sE4132yXPQwzQNMoachUBxWyNTxFvqBBFLXbYd-7aVjr6SN5NLL4q9mfI5o7iBnK15JIhAZoxHrYILXWF7IoxvPODYnPCEboiXSgUwavire4O_CzLsS1mg1-7e9Wsmgdz-D4/s1600/0001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The biggest change for 2014 was the number of cows in our herd. For the second time ever and in the last two years we opened our closed herd to bring in animals from two Oregon herds that were selling their Guernseys. We used to say the future was near that we might be the only large number Guernsey herd in Oregon, sadly that day arrived. So with mixed emotions we welcomed 16 head from the Bosch family, Kilchona Farm in Tillamook, at the beginning of April. We have never brought that many animals into the herd at once, but the transition went smoothly and the timing could not have been better being out on pasture. Then in November the opportunity to bring 8 cows from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WilReneFarms?fref=ts" target="_blank">Wil-Rene</a> herd,
of the Jansen family from Forest Grove, presented itself. The timing
was opposite, but we couldn't say no to these great genetics and again the transition went smoothly. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLyUnequ4JNwRInoNdvIDua5kaNTklfFvx998zqH0mcOhC6_LyTILiinZzVrN0Q8_dXNUYOPumeWzmtvdEvl7ZZh8C6fDqfWzigGiT_c2vOsTqaoZ96VyvM0cYX903528RQcBUWGHUiE/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLyUnequ4JNwRInoNdvIDua5kaNTklfFvx998zqH0mcOhC6_LyTILiinZzVrN0Q8_dXNUYOPumeWzmtvdEvl7ZZh8C6fDqfWzigGiT_c2vOsTqaoZ96VyvM0cYX903528RQcBUWGHUiE/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bette & Baja two days after their arrived!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This brings our milking cows number to consistently over 90 cows and at max for our facility. We wouldn't push our facility if we weren't already planning an expansion into a new robotic facility by 2016, with 120 milking cows. 2015 is going to bring a lot of change, crazy busyness and challenge, but we are so excited to meet this new venture and build the future of our farm!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So let's look at what these lovely Ladies achieved in 2014.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We shipped 1,402,447lbs of milk. That is 163,076 gallons!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Received a quality award from our coop for producing milk above the standard requirements for the 2013/2014 fiscal year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEWV-MLBvOV8nYxEVtuF_47gIxDvFTEwjbn8kAf5_NI_aOzeNTawu8VHuuEI8LjxvX7I3GGrrnpH9CbcNS-ylpm57JExgTjopzi2n4xpJUE7PvYJgm8hdnKOUFlbCOLqYikYzyfWj4CI/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEWV-MLBvOV8nYxEVtuF_47gIxDvFTEwjbn8kAf5_NI_aOzeNTawu8VHuuEI8LjxvX7I3GGrrnpH9CbcNS-ylpm57JExgTjopzi2n4xpJUE7PvYJgm8hdnKOUFlbCOLqYikYzyfWj4CI/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We welcomed 80 new calves! 41 Bulls and 39 Heifers. And had a record breaking 5 sets of twins, two sets being born on the same day, which has never happened here before! One set of twin heifers, one set of twin bulls and three sets of heifer and bull.<br />
Welcome to: Jazzelle, Jellato, Regina, Rowdy, RockyRoad, Jentle, Sprout, Babs & Bobbie, Raindrop, Diana, Super, Louisa, Blackcap, Chanelle, Blueheat, Bungalow, Jesstine, Brenna, Fancie, Jorja, Venita, Rainy, Snowdust, Moodini, Minuette, Bessy, Jessandra, Jazarah, Jacket, Spaz, Milan, Jellica, Roana and 5 more newborns awaiting names! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHC7JDB_qVViIzfo5UaMbfcuPqOl3h7eR6BHWnZdxOyHR8lnrq6tOMk_ef2n3-qOTnH1-7PuHk5TUbV-sZRVJBxI3xU9iFzIpylsgCczbViJnZ5yNuEJN8rOmCSkdjHQA-xEWeRjNl44/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHC7JDB_qVViIzfo5UaMbfcuPqOl3h7eR6BHWnZdxOyHR8lnrq6tOMk_ef2n3-qOTnH1-7PuHk5TUbV-sZRVJBxI3xU9iFzIpylsgCczbViJnZ5yNuEJN8rOmCSkdjHQA-xEWeRjNl44/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin heifers for Babette. Bobbi & Babs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli1ddhEqbxgkXTgsw720Dxul2nGbX3IloCYp9-yeMn9-kixKTgr_nqZpCR42nbBoy-d46xBc-yH-usv-iGJO9Htnck9oOq4UWIiM0rP7bGUUJAo4dSLlgbQmyB08Lk7pdiJBBzEfQ7Lc/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli1ddhEqbxgkXTgsw720Dxul2nGbX3IloCYp9-yeMn9-kixKTgr_nqZpCR42nbBoy-d46xBc-yH-usv-iGJO9Htnck9oOq4UWIiM0rP7bGUUJAo4dSLlgbQmyB08Lk7pdiJBBzEfQ7Lc/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captured this sweet moment of Velma and her 12th calf! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few personal cow achievements. Kicked off the year with one of our favorite young cows Abiqua Acres Martini Jen classifying EX-90. We celebrated Abiqua Acres Goliath Velma's sweet 16th birthday. We also had a successful show season, taking strings to the Oregon State Fair and Northwest National Guernsey Show. We took grand champion with Abiqua Acres Challenge Spirit at Oregon and placed in the top half of all our classes at the Northwest. Bittersweet this Fall as we lost our favorite show cow Abiqua Acres Aaron Meara, she has been greatly missed! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU74fo23N_X_7zNQTpMuNHUYmoU16Y6YW3BKCRywV8uPUNQSaQk818a3c8oGtvDAoi4iZ-wZsNazs8wG8pcZi_ZK9RRCXOODzHN8N09LEXjUpGGWxAZRVtzLVzehXOQk_1f6vYahENzc/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU74fo23N_X_7zNQTpMuNHUYmoU16Y6YW3BKCRywV8uPUNQSaQk818a3c8oGtvDAoi4iZ-wZsNazs8wG8pcZi_ZK9RRCXOODzHN8N09LEXjUpGGWxAZRVtzLVzehXOQk_1f6vYahENzc/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Champion Challenge Spirit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been a good year for the dairy industry. Milk prices were at record highs and feed prices stayed reasonable, meaning we saw a tiny profit this year, which will hopefully hold us through the rough outlook for the year ahead. Just like always most days saw us with ups and downs on the dairy farm. This is the life we love and we wouldn't have it any other way than spending it with the lovely brown and white Ladies we love! So Thank You 2014 and bring it on 2015! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMRHqt6TqxVBf0uLCLiRlrIuAtQtIjdonCQLtY82Y2TjkG_uTdQ-rCiCFcF_uMoPPIY0Ni-yOc9yHZEzTrJfXAGu51Q9UE1GXqVXeiu_yTgUSCVg8QpjuQ58pcn0y2TA7LN_o2X4ngmU/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMRHqt6TqxVBf0uLCLiRlrIuAtQtIjdonCQLtY82Y2TjkG_uTdQ-rCiCFcF_uMoPPIY0Ni-yOc9yHZEzTrJfXAGu51Q9UE1GXqVXeiu_yTgUSCVg8QpjuQ58pcn0y2TA7LN_o2X4ngmU/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-57967339948455307352014-12-29T22:44:00.000-08:002014-12-29T22:44:53.334-08:002014 Year End Review: Agvocacy Wow! 2014 flew by faster than the speed of light for me! I feel like it's still December 29th, 2013 and I was looking at my second child's due date! Literally, where did the year go?!? I guess you throw two young boys into the daily grind of farm life and time is going to speed right by!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSW4nSe1sEWl-eYD6KJ7PMj9q52-49JCPDCxyZhRwvAp2_tcn2UpMqu1Akl1BacCd5eaxGwFIfL0r9RFAWK6HVg0OmexfZQO4y3hR3rEEpFbxd_6LnZZTVsaBc4abJ6inudAE2iIBhVw/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSW4nSe1sEWl-eYD6KJ7PMj9q52-49JCPDCxyZhRwvAp2_tcn2UpMqu1Akl1BacCd5eaxGwFIfL0r9RFAWK6HVg0OmexfZQO4y3hR3rEEpFbxd_6LnZZTVsaBc4abJ6inudAE2iIBhVw/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Here on the blog things were a little slow, I just didn't have time with my keyboard; only publishing 26 new posts! But it was hard to compete when I ended 2013 on a huge note when my post <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/12/today-i-cried-over-cow.html" target="_blank">"Today I Cried Over a Cow" </a>went viral and pulled in over 23,000 views to my blog in December. I was in no way expecting to maintain those numbers, and I thoroughly enjoyed my social media interaction in 2014.<br />
<br />
After the birth of my second son I kicked my agvocating skills up a notch by <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/02/building-my-agvocacy-arsenal-with.html" target="_blank">attending the regional AgChat convention</a> held in Portland. It was a great experience and my favorite part was meeting many of the faces behind some of my favorite blogs I follow. It really fueled my passion to hit this year hard. <br />
<br />
Last years end numbers completely blew my mind, to have my writing circulating to that many people was out of anything I ever expected to happen. So while 2014's numbers look slight in comparison, it still makes me proud to know that many people took the time to stop by my little space on the internet. And I fully feel I lived up to <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/01/living-present.html" target="_blank">new year's resolution and my goal</a>. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My top three posts written for 2014: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-is-in-dairy-farmers-day.html" target="_blank">What is in a Dairy Farmer's Day</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/07/springing-in-dairy-cow.html" target="_blank">Springing in a Dairy Cow</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And #3 was tied with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/03/spring-is-here.html" target="_blank">Spring is Here</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/06/factory-farm-or-family-farm.html" target="_blank">Factory Farm or Family Farm? </a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My personal <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/05/northwest-farmers-fighting-hunger.html" target="_blank">favorite blog post this year</a> was a project I worked on in coordination with <a href="http://dairyfarmersor.com/" target="_blank">Oregon Dairy Farmer's Association</a> helping to promote the Northwest Farmer's Fighting Hunger campaign. With their increased efforts to promote the campaign they were able to <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/08/northwest-farmers-fighting-hunger.html" target="_blank">double the donations from 2013</a>. It was so fun to be involved in this project and I look forward to helping make a difference in continuing to promote it! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While I didn't log much time on this space here, <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-ultimate-farmher-dilemma.html" target="_blank">due in large part to horribly slow internet connections.</a> I was able to mobilely update our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AbiquaAcres" target="_blank">farm Facebook page Abiqua Acres</a> more regularly. Sharing pictures and posting on a more regular basis saw the audience there double without much effort on my part. I think I am most excited about these interactions because I am literally reaching thousands of people every week! I think most people are already on Facebook, so creating and sharing information there is a great way to reach an audience that might not otherwise take the time to visit the blog here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With the positive interactions occurring on Facebook I decided to launch my new name there first, I briefly <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/09/changes-coming-soon.html" target="_blank">mentioned it here</a>, and am looking forward to finally transitioning my blog to that in the new year. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuernseyDairyMama" target="_blank">Guernsey Dairy Mama </a>has taken off and flourished on Facebook without my pushing it at all. Launched the beginning of September and I already have 549 followers, my goal was to end the year at 500! Now granted those might seem like tiny numbers, but any number that I can agvocate to makes me happy! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am also super excited about the other projects that my social media interactions included. Most notably joining the team of <a href="http://www.askthefarmers.com/" target="_blank">Ask the Farmers</a>. I am so excited to see this group reach a large crowd and the positive direction and conversations that are already happening in this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AskTheFarmers" target="_blank">6,000 strong following</a>! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While I saw the most reward for my effort on Facebook I also enjoyed branching out to instagram this year. I transitioned my account there to <a href="http://instagram.com/guernseydairymama/" target="_blank">Guernsey Dairy Mama </a>and have really enjoyed sharing pictures I snap while working with my ipod touch. Mobile, easy and a picture is worth a thousand words; it is a quick and easy platform to be involved with. Not to mention their editing tools are a lot of fun to play with on pictures!I've been enjoying sharing a picture of all our newborn calves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my favorite from this year on my instagram account:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFJX7OFT3hEsIGYUJW1LpXMuD-mk8JpFqjtuQIy_v3BZDcMteF4cukZNYZFYXjxkPzUBFtEghyphenhyphencDfbUZElBAXr9lcbsCYpJeF42x2gJwXI5f6ExfSOijYaQDk7rpe7v0PcmUtfFkTvOY/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFJX7OFT3hEsIGYUJW1LpXMuD-mk8JpFqjtuQIy_v3BZDcMteF4cukZNYZFYXjxkPzUBFtEghyphenhyphencDfbUZElBAXr9lcbsCYpJeF42x2gJwXI5f6ExfSOijYaQDk7rpe7v0PcmUtfFkTvOY/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It really has been an outstanding year for me and my agvocating efforts. I love interacting through my writing and social media and sharing my dairy life. I haven't set an goals for 2015 yet, but I am already looking forward to all the new year may hold! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~Darleen </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Guernsey Dairy Mama </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-13279260570432074822014-12-18T16:25:00.001-08:002014-12-18T16:25:03.916-08:00Christmas in the CountrySent off a special package to someone! Looking forward to linking up for this fun event! How is your holiday season shaping up? Someone I've found myself really behind this season, I'll be playing catch up this weekend! Tonight I am off to enjoy a performance of the Nutcracker!! <div>I hope you are finding some of the magic in this season!!! <br><div><br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ej4yAx6WiyqxmGjWthlrYAGAmlwx7F_k2hDnUdr62qiPbM1Y9OLZ1n2P5cBFxaTHUbzbBnWkpYp6yh3QkQybqnGmdJcpOoiis7YtAmibvnqfT-CgLNBjJV890LjwymIUmdnx1SFFJVs/s640/blogger-image--1154321030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ej4yAx6WiyqxmGjWthlrYAGAmlwx7F_k2hDnUdr62qiPbM1Y9OLZ1n2P5cBFxaTHUbzbBnWkpYp6yh3QkQybqnGmdJcpOoiis7YtAmibvnqfT-CgLNBjJV890LjwymIUmdnx1SFFJVs/s640/blogger-image--1154321030.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-4670839530215872692014-12-03T22:44:00.000-08:002014-12-03T22:44:05.313-08:00 First Birthday Pirate PartyMy second baby is fast approaching his first birthday, and with the holidays in between (I started this post before Thanksgiving!) I figured I had better get with it on getting some planning done! While I got started on that I realized I never did share all the details on my oldest boys first birthday. So without any more ado, I give you Mason's first birthday bash!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKT7u8gQ6ln-v2wEMc5DL7o2XBPiAXvoTwEKiY3dNdua7RRfi1fDVjC5MZ8McvdXa1DF0cgVKxlnc_5rNGGxGdjWRorxjod2f4jsU3S-V6KbOqbee5t1NdiFlCqTD7qTu-De0BGtMAl4/s1600/Pirate+Party+(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKT7u8gQ6ln-v2wEMc5DL7o2XBPiAXvoTwEKiY3dNdua7RRfi1fDVjC5MZ8McvdXa1DF0cgVKxlnc_5rNGGxGdjWRorxjod2f4jsU3S-V6KbOqbee5t1NdiFlCqTD7qTu-De0BGtMAl4/s1600/Pirate+Party+(2).png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
In another life I would love to be an event planner, so much fun! I enjoy getting to be crafty and am all about the details and with a first birthday I knew I could get away with it. We chose the pirate theme because<i> ARRGH</i> was the first thing we could get our grumpy and opinionated baby to say that he actually enjoyed. I thought it would be fun theme that reflected him for who he was! He looked great in red, so I knew the typical pirate colors, red, black, brown would work well. I there in aqua as an extra fun pop of color.<br />
<br />
First up were the invitations. I had happened to find <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/gwenmariedesigns" target="_blank">Gwen Marie Designs on Etsy</a> for Mason's birth announcement. I loved how easy she was to work with and created exactly what I wanted, so I was excited to work with her again, and have since used her several more time. I had a design in mind that matched our colors and theme and she created exactly what I was wanting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lUD3B08hr2hBZ__rvUgDph3Th4eQJkGozDfQGAqn-KgSb0mmnbaKr5azLzjCyPbwGxcxM2S4eeffC_zkjOFIzbY8ksfNBDSBpRt3Q22QovOdAm3N0iYC_F_WbLsCaHfCgvHUUNQ4-NM/s1600/GwenMarieDesigns-Mason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lUD3B08hr2hBZ__rvUgDph3Th4eQJkGozDfQGAqn-KgSb0mmnbaKr5azLzjCyPbwGxcxM2S4eeffC_zkjOFIzbY8ksfNBDSBpRt3Q22QovOdAm3N0iYC_F_WbLsCaHfCgvHUUNQ4-NM/s1600/GwenMarieDesigns-Mason.jpg" height="228" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After scouring <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gdairymama/mason-s-1st/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> for some fun ideas I complied my own touches to make it truly reflect us and the little boy we were celebrating!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR1ru3RFQF_UY4Aoau9Qd-pDP8sR9e8t4KbfLp8YuzFEX_uA_QBLWJyt-dwtc_c7cgcI1Emnwd9mYKV6EO7PbL7xtgl0XuggI1GE5nL3TAsfWjI9NYW3I82V5XAHLhlYmfO3_pNS0I9k/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR1ru3RFQF_UY4Aoau9Qd-pDP8sR9e8t4KbfLp8YuzFEX_uA_QBLWJyt-dwtc_c7cgcI1Emnwd9mYKV6EO7PbL7xtgl0XuggI1GE5nL3TAsfWjI9NYW3I82V5XAHLhlYmfO3_pNS0I9k/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A Pirtae flag greets guests!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRc_d2zkDM9P-8v1SH0NxbVevQ8K12PKTFjloJast3SVW4aRCdB2ysFTeorGigqr8nkTWy-Ot4_DM1KpraoGQHyR2w3hw9EgtkI3sV_TbzlI9vGZryg5Qz-r88SzxKI8a7H5Kti9YUW0/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRc_d2zkDM9P-8v1SH0NxbVevQ8K12PKTFjloJast3SVW4aRCdB2ysFTeorGigqr8nkTWy-Ot4_DM1KpraoGQHyR2w3hw9EgtkI3sV_TbzlI9vGZryg5Qz-r88SzxKI8a7H5Kti9YUW0/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO5y7cOO9SRJ-AdnZIICQh2Hsj8b83iW6azgIMRmAnHCm2Vd9ObudEkF1X-M5VbQYVX0JdHT8qNVLqhVRWfz1z3Yw0LpGq7bJPr5qTfnj31PVDR6hRcaUiPNo5GG_pfeGCdrrLIWWuxs/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO5y7cOO9SRJ-AdnZIICQh2Hsj8b83iW6azgIMRmAnHCm2Vd9ObudEkF1X-M5VbQYVX0JdHT8qNVLqhVRWfz1z3Yw0LpGq7bJPr5qTfnj31PVDR6hRcaUiPNo5GG_pfeGCdrrLIWWuxs/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzits-fhD1xoJN17xSo9kIs87CMtEqU44eNbamLFs0hKMGCufuDih6WQS1sTxsuroharXn-5PDJDKrAVUtUXRglWdSFDFbkKx-gnPtbnSLN8h4gkJyTXlucAdgWYK7mxTTohj_dlN787g/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzits-fhD1xoJN17xSo9kIs87CMtEqU44eNbamLFs0hKMGCufuDih6WQS1sTxsuroharXn-5PDJDKrAVUtUXRglWdSFDFbkKx-gnPtbnSLN8h4gkJyTXlucAdgWYK7mxTTohj_dlN787g/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I made triangle fabric banners in five different prints that fit the color scheme. For an added touch I strung them on baling twine, know there is plenty of that around here! Made enough to hand in several locations for fun pops of color. Also one of my favorite accessories I picked up from the dollar store was the nets. I used them to hang with tiny clothes pins favorite pictures of Mason's first year. It worked out really well as an easy way to fill space on the walls in several spots with photos!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq7WGHMAAE4oYooIs7hiAj_-TN-clITkBKrK3-LmiPRZ-_Fr84K0XtnQfECQQ07Uwv_nJV7jkHyFtNmqqDd_I1EcQMYAp86usJ_kZOXlhviwwlv4CSy4-np936d-ZTbMzDZxc-fBOpl0/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq7WGHMAAE4oYooIs7hiAj_-TN-clITkBKrK3-LmiPRZ-_Fr84K0XtnQfECQQ07Uwv_nJV7jkHyFtNmqqDd_I1EcQMYAp86usJ_kZOXlhviwwlv4CSy4-np936d-ZTbMzDZxc-fBOpl0/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
No pirate party is complete without a parrot aboard your ship! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LobdHCYeoG2ToOvxKpVyk0F0smAUNUbA6jkfJdv7cSOw-ou-rHog05boekbXUemLAhAdDPp3XH9ksRvJdEQ94E2voM4Ndun0ke7yLqHVxQl8r1nUsiRe7QuNggTogBVfocRF9E4yntk/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LobdHCYeoG2ToOvxKpVyk0F0smAUNUbA6jkfJdv7cSOw-ou-rHog05boekbXUemLAhAdDPp3XH9ksRvJdEQ94E2voM4Ndun0ke7yLqHVxQl8r1nUsiRe7QuNggTogBVfocRF9E4yntk/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG" height="123" width="400" /> </a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdawaRc9tQmEckizZPUzFVdflNsJOkKgwm0-YLns46Pl2cf9NHhL1YU_gmuOfJtcLHUvkVVBUaAMmsrDQv5MiO_HoY__vv8qfSTzBXkJ5LDrfSuyH6y_WTYv4qUYXWYyts8w8AvbEN3M/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdawaRc9tQmEckizZPUzFVdflNsJOkKgwm0-YLns46Pl2cf9NHhL1YU_gmuOfJtcLHUvkVVBUaAMmsrDQv5MiO_HoY__vv8qfSTzBXkJ5LDrfSuyH6y_WTYv4qUYXWYyts8w8AvbEN3M/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Using "pirate language" I worded his birthday banner I be 1. Also added
fun textures and dimensions with the scrapbook paper. My favorite part
was the shell string I added and pops of color with aqua ribbon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGfSuFBhMccgF2fs1KS2uW3c_mAsMGn1uSS7ntOkRMGHTPqZqNTEBUb8DuAb_Z7wq_a4towFknu6qt4Cejyq_Lc-tQYxwaBLzZhvXMhN_czYDGccl07RKvrKXjMq7pgMWPrUNrond-WQ/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGfSuFBhMccgF2fs1KS2uW3c_mAsMGn1uSS7ntOkRMGHTPqZqNTEBUb8DuAb_Z7wq_a4towFknu6qt4Cejyq_Lc-tQYxwaBLzZhvXMhN_czYDGccl07RKvrKXjMq7pgMWPrUNrond-WQ/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKsP_RZqz-pFKvYkd0Yf5oD87rsFLV8T3qo3CTG5r_WSXBVmthbNO9eUhmw3ij9QhlEnyRxixainUjnNFpqP0MIkqc0uU4klSLlfLwwJKyP6e5t-kYKXo7a1Buvah2bbZ1-ZnzWeWBj8/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKsP_RZqz-pFKvYkd0Yf5oD87rsFLV8T3qo3CTG5r_WSXBVmthbNO9eUhmw3ij9QhlEnyRxixainUjnNFpqP0MIkqc0uU4klSLlfLwwJKyP6e5t-kYKXo7a1Buvah2bbZ1-ZnzWeWBj8/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr7CtnDEsjePH8pEc_bEuwGMNS9NaEfJSVSwR-Pt3-88zY7oLv19su89tA9bI8KWEwkPjCtDjWbYCb5T1eNe9mo0Y-Hd8uFwGK-zFPww1ds4MDa1ZwKMHPOfHrn5QdEuqpdxoRWrqqOQ/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr7CtnDEsjePH8pEc_bEuwGMNS9NaEfJSVSwR-Pt3-88zY7oLv19su89tA9bI8KWEwkPjCtDjWbYCb5T1eNe9mo0Y-Hd8uFwGK-zFPww1ds4MDa1ZwKMHPOfHrn5QdEuqpdxoRWrqqOQ/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the masterpiece, or honestly biggest pain of the party, pirate ship
cake! I was honestly impressed with my freelance design and how it all
came together, I definitely had my doubts on this one. I mushed it
together with cuttings from two separate sheet cakes. I actually ended
up having to use a third cause one fell apart on me, that was about the
moment I was seriously disagreeing with my attempt to pull this off. But
I'm glad I stuck it out, not bad for somebody who is not an unusual
cake maker! It looks like a ship, right? Finished off with blue ocean cupcakes, can't have a ship without the ocean! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkCQRu5TxY9X79DwTi5L-k38IJPfZeoDcf_s273X-H9gIdwMHImo21xw8R1vkeLAGZ5_FgwL02dzVzVlNw5SpPuLFANMJH3gkJ0ZbP7MLG4T5wM1YU6Fo8K3zJm4eWHKKctIo5xLwLr0/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkCQRu5TxY9X79DwTi5L-k38IJPfZeoDcf_s273X-H9gIdwMHImo21xw8R1vkeLAGZ5_FgwL02dzVzVlNw5SpPuLFANMJH3gkJ0ZbP7MLG4T5wM1YU6Fo8K3zJm4eWHKKctIo5xLwLr0/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CjBBNxWH_LgGfg5GP5a7QP3YzRLO8YEtFJuHUD71sTo-9-iIQwEH3JSiex4SGG5NyUfcJBI_zVsiiSdQpMHAw6LARDpm9yKI9JaqFdD0VlC0m1KNpkCgJ41ZTPCRWP4vd43RgeYrEgE/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CjBBNxWH_LgGfg5GP5a7QP3YzRLO8YEtFJuHUD71sTo-9-iIQwEH3JSiex4SGG5NyUfcJBI_zVsiiSdQpMHAw6LARDpm9yKI9JaqFdD0VlC0m1KNpkCgJ41ZTPCRWP4vd43RgeYrEgE/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I43L5DeVBN7wmdtF8-VvXF4Eg2Kwf1jeU5137RZe1HpGi73kam4LJ2WXtZGLqq_gOW1SRVOekbX5pY8ueTze4VZQK5-fKTmb19ijeZ1sXF1jaxMjf6FU-x3r5TbmYcOO604wOcTSnjc/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I43L5DeVBN7wmdtF8-VvXF4Eg2Kwf1jeU5137RZe1HpGi73kam4LJ2WXtZGLqq_gOW1SRVOekbX5pY8ueTze4VZQK5-fKTmb19ijeZ1sXF1jaxMjf6FU-x3r5TbmYcOO604wOcTSnjc/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Final decoration touches included pirate tattoos for fun and a treasure chest full of yummy and wearable booty! Our pirate party was all ready for the birthday boy who had a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/78155553" target="_blank">custom shirt</a> waiting for him. Party Time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABpm26EvjQbOhgHxkT4kBp6-saZkVzfs4C2GjHYS5bjn_UZsrHKvzv08fDpCiFpPYd4vFBlLf1sr6i3lvrWpPzd44Zy-p2aZx2DJkCG_jIGa-Ks7r-jEiO_sHwpRj7MjdOhFshGZmEoc/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABpm26EvjQbOhgHxkT4kBp6-saZkVzfs4C2GjHYS5bjn_UZsrHKvzv08fDpCiFpPYd4vFBlLf1sr6i3lvrWpPzd44Zy-p2aZx2DJkCG_jIGa-Ks7r-jEiO_sHwpRj7MjdOhFshGZmEoc/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKuGBCS9Q7KX51i0XB0gmb3xr_45HuKsSpOYDUrKuEE8aN_cddrspEMey1mVVcq8hnA70Z7P4NynPuzheMqMiPeFcHCnn0dhuhH2-xR4ccYJLx7iW-ubX3PqgfNdUElEbsmXg2qWhKWM/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKuGBCS9Q7KX51i0XB0gmb3xr_45HuKsSpOYDUrKuEE8aN_cddrspEMey1mVVcq8hnA70Z7P4NynPuzheMqMiPeFcHCnn0dhuhH2-xR4ccYJLx7iW-ubX3PqgfNdUElEbsmXg2qWhKWM/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" height="320" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmmhMI-fyRJ1qbM0AJGI0SPUIMYORA34p7DyiLicyqxupDH3tbAv10cNSIikteCJexFrkZaZYegjxGkn23wnl3Z4oqAy0m3BM2hbobSmv2phLtRPx8U8n0M8_2vuOE7CCYZJqVLMS7MI/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmmhMI-fyRJ1qbM0AJGI0SPUIMYORA34p7DyiLicyqxupDH3tbAv10cNSIikteCJexFrkZaZYegjxGkn23wnl3Z4oqAy0m3BM2hbobSmv2phLtRPx8U8n0M8_2vuOE7CCYZJqVLMS7MI/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately our little guy woke up with a horrid fever the morning of the party. But he was a true pirate and pulled through to celebrate in style. We enjoyed an amazingly warm day in April and ended up moving our bbq outside! I had so much fun putting together all the details of his party, first birthdays truly are special! Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-70643135000317155552014-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-18T06:00:07.955-08:00Transformation Tuesday Remember<a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2012/12/little-farmer-names.html" target="_blank"> two years ago I shared a sweet story about a very special new baby calf?</a> Well Marna is in with the cows and expecting her first calf at the end of month and my Little Farmer is very excited! I just love watching these girls grow up and develop, they are the future of our herd, the future of the Guernsey breed. Did you know that a dairy farmer waits two years before seeing any return on each cow? That's a long "crop rotation"! Just like all mammals a cow must have a calf to produce milk. We breed our heifers to calve no sooner than two years of age, so before she is milking, we are raising her for our future and what she will add to our herd. It's a huge investment and a long wait, that's why their care is so important to us. We look forward to the day that each joins our herd and well some just hold a very special place in our hearts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9JYeES4ATa80aJAMbQ0-_QmJZHEjeEWd4xNPsi9cYJPtWECumrPD9tNzWxws7p_YOKa723aCnYROzq-Qz-pVdasVnAYYBtmoQ7QzyAlg3rj6pT7q9IG2Lj6HOS8K5A8dmISUWn5FUKg/s1600/marna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9JYeES4ATa80aJAMbQ0-_QmJZHEjeEWd4xNPsi9cYJPtWECumrPD9tNzWxws7p_YOKa723aCnYROzq-Qz-pVdasVnAYYBtmoQ7QzyAlg3rj6pT7q9IG2Lj6HOS8K5A8dmISUWn5FUKg/s1600/marna.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-51871126325994508512014-11-02T10:51:00.001-08:002014-11-02T10:52:12.968-08:00Something has to GiveAnother month and no posts. Fairly certain many of you have given up on my writing, don't blame you! I seriously have had zero time with my keyboard and it breaks my heart! With a work force of four on our farm, my main job is caring for my family and Ladies. It is what is most important, and sometimes that means that something has to give, unfortunately lately that has been my writing!<br />
<br />
<div>
There are a few changes happening here on our farm and I can't wait to share the details with you after we get some fine print ironed out. For now I am focusing on the every day with my family and herd! Although I am absent in my posts here please find and follow me on Facebook and Instagram: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuernseyDairyMama" target="_blank">Guernsey Dairy Mama</a></b>. I at least have time to share pictures and short updates there!</div>
<div>
I am still here, and love sharing my story with you all. I can't wait to get writing back into my schedule, but until then connect with me!<br />
<br />
If you are looking for some great reading this month, many of my agvocate friends have taken up a 30 day writing challenge for the month of November. <a href="http://farmprogress.com/blogs-30-days-agriculturalists-influence-9112" target="_blank"><b>Check it out and follow along!</b></a> I know I will be!<br />
<br />
Until my keyboard and I meet again; take care!<br />
~Darleen <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVANDcaJT47Fl0NEoIe6mjICuGyvE0cyb1Z-aHSamrRVWEdMSmEVr8Npi3oit_9OmjIYqxtpxlQTjjPScZX-9EpfJhLhekh_Ij5HlEkvYbTV7PlrNo7B1XdNT7xr9RmoeXL1ysXyXAa8/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVANDcaJT47Fl0NEoIe6mjICuGyvE0cyb1Z-aHSamrRVWEdMSmEVr8Npi3oit_9OmjIYqxtpxlQTjjPScZX-9EpfJhLhekh_Ij5HlEkvYbTV7PlrNo7B1XdNT7xr9RmoeXL1ysXyXAa8/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" height="320" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween 2014! Spending time with my farm boys is most important! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-63342455741657008242014-09-16T17:23:00.000-07:002014-09-16T17:23:55.539-07:00Through the Daily Grind: The Passage of TimeI have a theme.<br />
<br />
Where did the time go. How is it June, July, August, September already.<br />
<br />
Each day clouded by an immeasurable number of diaper changes and tasks for every living being in my vicinity except for myself, I am always amazed as the hours seem to slowly creep by in the day. And yet, the Months, Seasons, Years so quickly pass by! How is it possible to be battling both aspects of the passing of time?<br />
<br />
And how did I arrive here? 27 years have immeasurably slipped through my fingers and I look at myself in the mirror as an adult. When did that happen? A mother of two, a wife, a business and home owner, when did that happen? When did my babies sweet chubby cheeks and fat baby toes, lengthen and lean? From days that would never end, to wondering where the days, months, years have gone.<br />
<br />
Time, it's hard not to feel it looming in the background. The daily hum to which our feet must dance. Always there in our minds, all we have in this life. It's immeasurable in ways we can't see, and yet always ticking away. On our computer screens, phones, walls, always there reminding us as the numbers cycle by. How many times have you watched it, hoping, wishing, waiting, wanting?<br />
<br />
It's hard not to get caught up in the passage of time, as it leads such a role in our daily life. Yet it's not the time I wish to catch, to hold on to. I know my time here can only be enjoyed as a present, in the present. It's the moments. The life in our years!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yfle2wgD96z5GDE1wFlA_5dqYvdkfXtvWKtNEcVPdHhov04USdVkw-yqwLno1BzEuz8KnECkLCrWvBBXFt7uspifmqCuBWEm2oSBWoMynFzUc4fqobe6jDOAEVz0igcVCBasSrHJHZ8/s1600/lifeinyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yfle2wgD96z5GDE1wFlA_5dqYvdkfXtvWKtNEcVPdHhov04USdVkw-yqwLno1BzEuz8KnECkLCrWvBBXFt7uspifmqCuBWEm2oSBWoMynFzUc4fqobe6jDOAEVz0igcVCBasSrHJHZ8/s1600/lifeinyears.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-28509961446299007762014-09-03T15:35:00.000-07:002014-09-03T15:35:35.971-07:00Changes Coming Soon......In the middle of our busiest time of year; show season, harvest, the biggest calving month we've had in years, I got a crazy idea to reexamine my blog and the direction I want it to take. I love this space, it feels like home, but I am ready to take it to the next level. So hopefully in the next couple of months, you'll see a new name and new site. I've felt that I am lost among all the other Farmer's Daughters out there and am in search of my own unique name I can really own.<br />
I so appreciate all of you who've been with me on this ride so far! And I hope you'll follow me as I take it to the next level! I'll be sure to try to keep you all in loop as things progress.<br />
<br />
<i>All the Best,</i><br />
<i>Darleen </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GKXtM-5rKqZUCd2QtcGUDF4qbTVeskUmZ5VDg7aOIFbpsFNpDBtjN8B1qgEix8hAbsK7VKlYRiAH_r_ytxv7S_uIlHUPK4Ddnf_zfnYe6qkCYfA-xYV1Ykjbm7Vdnu83X59NNs5Z_nU/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GKXtM-5rKqZUCd2QtcGUDF4qbTVeskUmZ5VDg7aOIFbpsFNpDBtjN8B1qgEix8hAbsK7VKlYRiAH_r_ytxv7S_uIlHUPK4Ddnf_zfnYe6qkCYfA-xYV1Ykjbm7Vdnu83X59NNs5Z_nU/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-35887357232690394962014-08-18T00:32:00.000-07:002014-08-18T00:32:25.594-07:00Capturing our Family in PhotosWe just finished another amazing shoot tonight with the talented <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Helser-Photography/162443757138086" target="_blank">Heidi Helser Photograghy</a>. I am so happy and excited to have found her and to have her capturing our family. When our first <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/search/label/Little%20Farmer" target="_blank">little farmer </a>was born we captured pictures of him every 3 months. I loved having those pictures and seeing the changes as the first year goes by SO quickly. So I was determined to make that happen for our second little farmer. So after maternity, newborn, 3 months and now 6 months, I am so thrilled to continue to work with Heidi. If your in the Northwest and looking for a good photographer, I can' recommend her enough!!<br />
<br />
I really love spending time with a photographer and the<a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/10/family-time.html" target="_blank"> images they can capture</a>. Those moments, those smiles are so precious! Usually being behind the lens, it's nice to enjoy someone with a professional eye. I encourage you all to find someone to work with. I promise you won't regret capturing your family in photos! Now to get some of these printed and on our walls! So sharing our pictures from this Spring with you all in anticipation of the shots we got tonight!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZV10v93kt0s18qZ1XSlnaboWDwf3rmt-Yz5cOZezHu00CS1sl9OzEDLOfj7RREZHZ_HqyooylMNZnXsacoGaSflO-O3utipz3jhwq022kfuzSCN7DzUOHc2zSSO2mjQkZ_8VDBv4A6s/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZV10v93kt0s18qZ1XSlnaboWDwf3rmt-Yz5cOZezHu00CS1sl9OzEDLOfj7RREZHZ_HqyooylMNZnXsacoGaSflO-O3utipz3jhwq022kfuzSCN7DzUOHc2zSSO2mjQkZ_8VDBv4A6s/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cW2kKGis8lJ-QaZ8dTTGoEnHuX_e4Vmz7sLkjImZsnfMi6-TD1QpWTY0yFbzcu8aTjJN5bUYB2lpopPrLoQmft-rdpIqaZEaJK7duLjfz3dgWU8HI_PS9uGo8WqEj7mCagUwHk_e2lg/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cW2kKGis8lJ-QaZ8dTTGoEnHuX_e4Vmz7sLkjImZsnfMi6-TD1QpWTY0yFbzcu8aTjJN5bUYB2lpopPrLoQmft-rdpIqaZEaJK7duLjfz3dgWU8HI_PS9uGo8WqEj7mCagUwHk_e2lg/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+002.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERDSES-r69OvO3WDkpTMV-_JUrsvV5pZPg0fR4Horm274k1Y_fTz8Ard0EAAa2Zz8Wu68Xd8w2ft4_7rywXyj8aR1mxB8-wbhh068XJKZIoanwGjfUFjBRR_Cm2coFJiLVB6Jpr_vQhQ/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERDSES-r69OvO3WDkpTMV-_JUrsvV5pZPg0fR4Horm274k1Y_fTz8Ard0EAAa2Zz8Wu68Xd8w2ft4_7rywXyj8aR1mxB8-wbhh068XJKZIoanwGjfUFjBRR_Cm2coFJiLVB6Jpr_vQhQ/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-MMHfw_xPEaVNaVrrTlF1lHfcosC-BXPXDr18F0VxAbQU-Er-1OhN6K1PY77fL8Fo-iGIehEbnSG7jr6IC419SVmk30XEbJkhPRGwLDX1j57qa39uIEa2YebSOO0CtzTQn4g9qH91_w/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-MMHfw_xPEaVNaVrrTlF1lHfcosC-BXPXDr18F0VxAbQU-Er-1OhN6K1PY77fL8Fo-iGIehEbnSG7jr6IC419SVmk30XEbJkhPRGwLDX1j57qa39uIEa2YebSOO0CtzTQn4g9qH91_w/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+004.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z-T2VVato_cJrFl3NbFew4L3WRBNMGncjZ0-Vw6Zpaa5DV5Hr_F_UyzyzOrwUB_wJb3Rc2APRt72iMahLFrEOYilVlrFWNXtaaovpSBAYin2t9_u3xfu-aPqF_gyNJcQ-CSP7THfOnA/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z-T2VVato_cJrFl3NbFew4L3WRBNMGncjZ0-Vw6Zpaa5DV5Hr_F_UyzyzOrwUB_wJb3Rc2APRt72iMahLFrEOYilVlrFWNXtaaovpSBAYin2t9_u3xfu-aPqF_gyNJcQ-CSP7THfOnA/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+017.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgy9t7DLQSdoHWqVWCUjX3u3zMhlUeIqyAh4gH4Klf3CUP_UCLyUZg-oASyLQ0ZzHO1LgYQ-9pRwbLY8J8GJFenqF_SXNt0C7cZCk5T1xjnHWH8j2n_bOOBQs2afm3JMlsplo4FMqabI/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgy9t7DLQSdoHWqVWCUjX3u3zMhlUeIqyAh4gH4Klf3CUP_UCLyUZg-oASyLQ0ZzHO1LgYQ-9pRwbLY8J8GJFenqF_SXNt0C7cZCk5T1xjnHWH8j2n_bOOBQs2afm3JMlsplo4FMqabI/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd846xi4a5QwV93tNIE3Wu7RasWuqvHnFgRsWA2meo8SHqSG9FaQ6jMT1_UQQgs9hkCgBzS9tHDGFrsA6689MUjjjCfbzdjPi5r4BW6R6h-l-so9hoXGLRfD9IK4CwucadL-7jgY73ns/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijd846xi4a5QwV93tNIE3Wu7RasWuqvHnFgRsWA2meo8SHqSG9FaQ6jMT1_UQQgs9hkCgBzS9tHDGFrsA6689MUjjjCfbzdjPi5r4BW6R6h-l-so9hoXGLRfD9IK4CwucadL-7jgY73ns/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+026.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih67bvQfCm2OJUgDU8BbpjDvfUNCUMuXpyksXYGrICx8tmwlwtB30ef6f73CcviTZ3UeYoH_-l3VhA8Qp5wngLYIcZiN-KWYAqWRXdyhK-yAm3vkZjl6SWYitwwTSx0uDIRDvrkRPbMYk/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih67bvQfCm2OJUgDU8BbpjDvfUNCUMuXpyksXYGrICx8tmwlwtB30ef6f73CcviTZ3UeYoH_-l3VhA8Qp5wngLYIcZiN-KWYAqWRXdyhK-yAm3vkZjl6SWYitwwTSx0uDIRDvrkRPbMYk/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+036.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_ItW2qmCN63RI4X8g6H79_Jesckuprn1crhufbL-EKqz43o1B7azbnbQyfcTl5XDDCqjNnfQxtFlgYRpYyqGh-J4RE0cDbKukMd8NN7xlyGBikDqyiHNAag4TSX6t-8gY1xnP5t07lo/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_ItW2qmCN63RI4X8g6H79_Jesckuprn1crhufbL-EKqz43o1B7azbnbQyfcTl5XDDCqjNnfQxtFlgYRpYyqGh-J4RE0cDbKukMd8NN7xlyGBikDqyiHNAag4TSX6t-8gY1xnP5t07lo/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+038.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7XoPxPH2DDTJuUuTw-8N0BRJmgJnJM4g4YLbyMiNmt3ditLiFN9bPXk3sGcMWVyV80ZWCG-0S6uHpck87E4KhqCQ9XadUqnvDd4LBUYcQO4zFYRKHjfaVXLxIgtUxlW4ab5Bx65XFYI/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7XoPxPH2DDTJuUuTw-8N0BRJmgJnJM4g4YLbyMiNmt3ditLiFN9bPXk3sGcMWVyV80ZWCG-0S6uHpck87E4KhqCQ9XadUqnvDd4LBUYcQO4zFYRKHjfaVXLxIgtUxlW4ab5Bx65XFYI/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+033.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzoJ_5hLdRa2ciw1xLRC76xFAcMH2bHj1d7xKpnv1FAXe_Q06vYMxsJKqp9GbIhOuU90iZPMDxMRpjJwg9dh5dLaRgGY8Qrjzc60Eux1sVBdIxQtt3-VJGGle_anfGA15VRZdXf0ltu8/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzoJ_5hLdRa2ciw1xLRC76xFAcMH2bHj1d7xKpnv1FAXe_Q06vYMxsJKqp9GbIhOuU90iZPMDxMRpjJwg9dh5dLaRgGY8Qrjzc60Eux1sVBdIxQtt3-VJGGle_anfGA15VRZdXf0ltu8/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+040.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhfRH4JBz8KgRQQ8jxUVzwSYl_iTchJeUN7E6bfJJIpjXGFofGorEgSaIkbTiQNjzQk5ZyBwFNorhvHdW2vhLNqdMZf8ex0nKo7lCUBMFDDatw4MfWGmXVMVSRnGMlQpbe-0AWbr3vzA/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhfRH4JBz8KgRQQ8jxUVzwSYl_iTchJeUN7E6bfJJIpjXGFofGorEgSaIkbTiQNjzQk5ZyBwFNorhvHdW2vhLNqdMZf8ex0nKo7lCUBMFDDatw4MfWGmXVMVSRnGMlQpbe-0AWbr3vzA/s1600/2014-04-10+Spring+2014+050.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
This was such a special shoot full of so much celebration. Mason turning 3, Nolan 3 months, Ben and I being together for 10 years as well as our birthdays. April is just a big celebration and I am loving looking back at this special session tonight! Thanks again <a href="http://heidihelserphotography.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">Heidi! </a>Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-12582735558439677632014-08-07T03:00:00.000-07:002014-08-07T03:00:02.539-07:00Northwest Farmer's Fighting Hunger ResultsThe beginning of <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/search/label/June%20Dairy%20Month" target="_blank">June Dairy Month</a> I brought to your attention the <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/05/northwest-farmers-fighting-hunger.html" target="_blank">Northwest's Farmer's Fighting Hunger campaign.</a> Well the results are back and I am so happy to have been involved in such a successful year:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmr45un8PvKLi1lDpjYjU-DXoKydep1tXofdqy96FS9FEyA2qsrC7dHYiAPMs7M2rXUN-_HJ3vKVayJVaBR0_55yrjPRpiNcfs1emKrBtD3efXSi39toAQDftBifXlpgb405OPpoMZxU/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmr45un8PvKLi1lDpjYjU-DXoKydep1tXofdqy96FS9FEyA2qsrC7dHYiAPMs7M2rXUN-_HJ3vKVayJVaBR0_55yrjPRpiNcfs1emKrBtD3efXSi39toAQDftBifXlpgb405OPpoMZxU/s1600/001.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So THANK YOU to everyone who participated and helped #fightsummerhunger!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Very proud that Oregon won this little Challenge, of course everyone was a winner in this situation. Hey <a href="http://thefarmerswifee.com/" target="_blank">The Farmer's Wifee</a>, better have Washington step up their game next year! ;-) Extra thanks to her for helping spread the word! </div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-59583561055672220812014-08-06T16:23:00.000-07:002014-08-06T16:23:45.271-07:00#WhattheMuck: A Lesson in Social Media ImportanceGlad the boots on the hard working feet of our family have always been Lacrosse or Bogs. I don't have to feel remorse for supporting a company that in turn supports organizations that are trying to end our lifestyle.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TmF3gQSAuXFiVEh-RyHOSuEQkGe68IcpisqQrLFmGxd9S3cnAWX70gDP4STyRf4YI_Adw6UInfbAcA0gcKsBkKLkJuRCXaywXbG1WGDkBeCe64luOyn4qqWSw9QuJkCOfFt5WAkxxfI/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TmF3gQSAuXFiVEh-RyHOSuEQkGe68IcpisqQrLFmGxd9S3cnAWX70gDP4STyRf4YI_Adw6UInfbAcA0gcKsBkKLkJuRCXaywXbG1WGDkBeCe64luOyn4qqWSw9QuJkCOfFt5WAkxxfI/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Bogs- Sept 2012, still going strong today! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
That might sound a little rash, and potentially this entire situation has been blown out if proportion, that's my guess at least, but I can guarantee that The Original Muck Boots company is reevaluating the importance of their social media posts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In two posts they managed to create a total uproar and turn away hundreds of customers by "accidentally fundraising" for the HSUS. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/10563130_10201540838563365_6455714488086806223_n.jpg" style="height: 621px; width: 479px;" width="246" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Despite your views of the HSUS, (if you do support them and fall victim to their sad puppy and kitten commercials you should probably read up on their recent status and <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3848#.U-KxAWOBUxE" target="_blank">donor advisory from Charity Navigator</a>. In fact Humane Society shelters <a href="http://www.humanewatch.org/the_humane_society_of_the_united_states_and_pet_shelter_giving/" target="_blank">see virtually none of that money that is raised</a>. Want to help your local shelters, donate directly to them!) this is a total reminder to all companies to be aware of who is behind your social media and have an action plan in place to quickly resolve issues should they arise. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The first posts (which have since been removed, another no no in the virtual world) were posted on Friday. The company did not make a response to the negative posts flowing in until Tuesday. 4 days is an eternity in virtual time. You have to be ready to respond in an instant or things can get out of hand. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUU4A43KZ8rrzGfH4G0Q27p_fKkGXN7AYrLqBCtHTKlMUx85-Jz0l2arrAb4FS1IP7JSofDL-o3uRyrDp3twhBcptf2cWFq_6V-ySqkh9lYWOIf0sqW6W9RTacdYT8V651x2zm_AveeE/s1600/muck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUU4A43KZ8rrzGfH4G0Q27p_fKkGXN7AYrLqBCtHTKlMUx85-Jz0l2arrAb4FS1IP7JSofDL-o3uRyrDp3twhBcptf2cWFq_6V-ySqkh9lYWOIf0sqW6W9RTacdYT8V651x2zm_AveeE/s1600/muck2.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People were honestly burning their boots in response!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
And they certainly did. The response has been huge from their main community of supporters: farmers, hunters, outdoorsmen and agriculturists. Hundreds of posts across all social media sites, even to the extreme of burning their boots. Finally an official response was made Tuesday afternoon 8/5/2014: </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7vg4fShF1kLTQmPezCOyWYL1eGvJGFe4cGv1Xxs7H_hy1uHKtkb8mgeyR63Hx6CDVtqa9l5xU-TF6vp1th5MBWC3Su1ePG-HOPO97b3zaWPTVhOY9ZwwDpEjaX4JyCAi1lgqdTu6FDA/s1600/muck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7vg4fShF1kLTQmPezCOyWYL1eGvJGFe4cGv1Xxs7H_hy1uHKtkb8mgeyR63Hx6CDVtqa9l5xU-TF6vp1th5MBWC3Su1ePG-HOPO97b3zaWPTVhOY9ZwwDpEjaX4JyCAi1lgqdTu6FDA/s1600/muck.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot from The Original Much Boot Company Facebook Page 8/6/2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now we all hate auto correct, and tagging can sometimes jump, but for it to be guilty if changing The Humane Association of Northwestern Rhode Island to HSUS and tagging it is unlikely. To further complicate the situation, RI stated on it's Facebook page that is has no knowledge of the donation. If this is true, Muck has just completely committed company suicide, you certainly can't lie about an already bad situation!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Horrible situation for a tiny donation that was meant to memorialize a coworker. Muck will be regretting these two tiny posts for years. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So to ALL the companies out there; if your going to utilize social media: </div>
<div>
*Be aware of who is posting and decide what is appropriate. </div>
<div>
*Always be on top of any situation. Time is important in the virtual world. </div>
<div>
*Using social media is an awesome way to reach customers, one of best of our time. Be aware that ONE post can make or break you!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have a feeling every company in the country is currently double checking their social media procedures!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy posting!<br />
<br />
<b>Update:</b> 8/6/2014 Just a few minutes before I was ready to post the above (cranky baby did not want to nap today!) my friend <a href="http://thefarmerswifee.com/" target="_blank">The Farmer's Wifee</a> received this on <a href="http://thefarmerswifee.com/2014/08/05/muck-boots-response/" target="_blank">her story</a> asking for the truth from Muck:<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">"Krista.
I read your post and I wanted to respond to you directly hoping to
clear up a lot of confusion. To be clear: The Original Muck Boot Company
did not make a corporate donation to HSUS. Yesterday was not a good day
for our brand, and especially not for our social media team who made an
honest mistake by ‘tagging’ the wrong organization in a few posts last
week. We are very sorry that a this mistake has caused some of our loyal
customers to be so upset.</span><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">Corporate
statements aside, here’s what happened…we suffered the loss of a
colleague from cancer a few months ago. As you can surely understand,
that’s never easy. In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations be
made to a local animal shelter in his honor. Our colleague loved cats,
so we know that’s what he would have wanted. The local shelter that was
identified, the Humane Association of Northwestern Rhode Island is close
to the Muck Boot offices whose primary mission is to help stray cats.
To make the confusion even greater, when our Facebook statement was
issued yesterday, the employee contributions were still being collected
internally and not yet distributed to HANRI, the local shelter. We have
since been in contact with HANRI and cleared up the confusion. They are
thrilled to be receiving over $2100 this week in contributions collected
by and donated by the employees – not from The Original Muck Boot
Company.</span><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$20:0">We’re sickened by the fact that our customers feel as is we’ve let them down. It was never our intention.</span><br data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0">— Sean O’Brien, Director of Footwear, Muck Boots."</span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0">I have not seen an official confirmation of the personal donation from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hanricats" target="_blank">Rhode Island shelter</a> yet, but their post saying they had not received a donation has been removed. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment811281532236404_811414448889779:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<b>Take note companies: social media matters!</b> </div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-64517450148946547062014-08-03T00:15:00.000-07:002014-08-03T00:22:00.279-07:00Dairy Farmer Roadtrip "Vacation"Dairy Farmers are a wonderful breed of people. Each caring for and producing the best quality product they possibly can. I am reminded of this time and time again as I forge more friendships throughout the dairy world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMehHeDk3Ucw8v2h_mWWT7a39-hVZXdCUncmz0tuz4LDBWvuZQlxJBSLnRY9IZIHinwf_P_lHit3aFt4eWE_AMqRJdcO1Hp28lYkkqn2RQ33eAmzsc6Wpjyz1-VpgoBHWSP-sAjxGT2f0/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMehHeDk3Ucw8v2h_mWWT7a39-hVZXdCUncmz0tuz4LDBWvuZQlxJBSLnRY9IZIHinwf_P_lHit3aFt4eWE_AMqRJdcO1Hp28lYkkqn2RQ33eAmzsc6Wpjyz1-VpgoBHWSP-sAjxGT2f0/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This latest expansion of my "dairy family" took me to eastern Washington state near the town of Spokane. We sold one of our Ladies, to <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spokane-Family-Farm/148639349984?fref=ts" target="_blank">Spokane Family Farm</a></b>. They run a herd of Holsteins and Jerseys and process their own milk. We were interested in seeing their processing facility, so made the drive up to deliver them their "prize" Guernsey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfLGz73UruocsMm69dsz2AYEtvecY9-iJ6U0OaT6YkRUa6ebWAJJcfK-Cths_q4eXvnNyqt3ZkU327L8_qVpfl6YMV4r1nOlEqpLpU2CVW1DjRGp-4Izkb2qdiXPmFVYX7zxIo-XyRdc/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfLGz73UruocsMm69dsz2AYEtvecY9-iJ6U0OaT6YkRUa6ebWAJJcfK-Cths_q4eXvnNyqt3ZkU327L8_qVpfl6YMV4r1nOlEqpLpU2CVW1DjRGp-4Izkb2qdiXPmFVYX7zxIo-XyRdc/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQi1xkCYns72_JqwenXCO4OW4fF6hiPTx_fLtxhTC1sLhAAscEpw0cUdIbG1OObbQ8nfuvEjI4eIyIKdlzpK0PIzVuc-SYvLnLQcfCdK6emzablpuEajFyTAzIDwhplE_tBPV2LSWIXQ/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQi1xkCYns72_JqwenXCO4OW4fF6hiPTx_fLtxhTC1sLhAAscEpw0cUdIbG1OObbQ8nfuvEjI4eIyIKdlzpK0PIzVuc-SYvLnLQcfCdK6emzablpuEajFyTAzIDwhplE_tBPV2LSWIXQ/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Hutchins are a great dairy family. That is clearly reflected in their pride and care for their herd and their products. I am so excited and inspired by their success in the short amount of time they have been running Spokane Family Farm. I can't wait to see where their venture takes them. Obviously great places with some Guernsey milk in the tank now! ;-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbEUzg7phoZQ_fNn7sYXtoB3M5qA7FBvcMK1Bop72pFSi5UkvocPMaX5CyuPQOBYrJ1zUsIr940eaIiKnituboSXZSbX4Ghh7HQtLkLh5McXbbjG7RnSfrcaPVeDl0kHSkWOPaAZkpRg/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbEUzg7phoZQ_fNn7sYXtoB3M5qA7FBvcMK1Bop72pFSi5UkvocPMaX5CyuPQOBYrJ1zUsIr940eaIiKnituboSXZSbX4Ghh7HQtLkLh5McXbbjG7RnSfrcaPVeDl0kHSkWOPaAZkpRg/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sii0uQ118CQZtQVdsbJ1fe1p912sDmPmrZyw1at8DPO1EDpLEDtb-judiOhVyPmMRSJzmqgaTpEupyjHQmD_9guevvfFcnaLlOyiLYZSxpNMMuGlW2Pn22B8A2dJXQyvQco0Zw0bbKo/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sii0uQ118CQZtQVdsbJ1fe1p912sDmPmrZyw1at8DPO1EDpLEDtb-judiOhVyPmMRSJzmqgaTpEupyjHQmD_9guevvfFcnaLlOyiLYZSxpNMMuGlW2Pn22B8A2dJXQyvQco0Zw0bbKo/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since we were "in the neighborhood", we drove a little further north to visit with the Stauffer's. I had "met" Krista online as she started her agvocacy with her blog <a href="http://thefarmerswifee.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Farmer's Wifee</b></a>. If you aren't following her there, you should check out her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StaufferDairy" target="_blank">facebook page </a>as well. Being a fellow <a href="http://www.darigold.com/" target="_blank">Darigold</a> producer and Northwesterner we had followed each other for a while. We got to meet up at the <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/02/building-my-agvocacy-arsenal-with.html" target="_blank">Agchat Conference in January</a> and it was great to meet her in person.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0XIqaUPBvyATZpIjqr129Dh-hdJnxqitsk9upPXmH3T3IKvXYqj9ca2zniltADGT2AXjEf5C9CFLxZ42-Dyz3ErASactNg7WGIVWiXc7gvcdHhTo6OwbB8JZmnW29Te0Rg7U_mTdkaA/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0XIqaUPBvyATZpIjqr129Dh-hdJnxqitsk9upPXmH3T3IKvXYqj9ca2zniltADGT2AXjEf5C9CFLxZ42-Dyz3ErASactNg7WGIVWiXc7gvcdHhTo6OwbB8JZmnW29Te0Rg7U_mTdkaA/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Even better to get to visit her at her farm. They run a mixed herd of Jerseys, Holsteins and crosses. Beautiful farm, nestled in the foothills with obviously happy and well cared for cows. It was great to get an inside look at their operation and catch up with each other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58PTFRGcFWhfMkWkJOLUFWDDL0T847ZQtTpVXeFzjW3IAWsKOHMBbOhc0wpQDLmRR7qJCIDKTC6PXQYRMWe5egdE3KrZiqBoUUBz-rsMc_I6fpWSfn8yOtydwPnUjzgS9qlzghsZn-7o/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58PTFRGcFWhfMkWkJOLUFWDDL0T847ZQtTpVXeFzjW3IAWsKOHMBbOhc0wpQDLmRR7qJCIDKTC6PXQYRMWe5egdE3KrZiqBoUUBz-rsMc_I6fpWSfn8yOtydwPnUjzgS9qlzghsZn-7o/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
I have to laugh, because it seems to be true for every dairy farmer, if you are going on "vacation" or a trip somewhere, you always look for farms you can stop at along the way. Dairy farmers are always learning and looking for ways to improve our own operations. Seeing other farms and talking with other farmers is a amazing way to not only build friendships, but share and grow knowledge.<br />
<br />
Time and time again as I walk away from new farms I am always impressed with the common cause of healthy and happy animals. Dairy farmers truly do love their cows and this lifestyle. Your milk production is in good hand folks!<br />
<br />
So who will we visit next!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YEtCcXvvgQP-3uUtjnpEODZKf7Xz6RbJjijFpEs51pKbagIHjKtW8Y_1oFBJj2xEcfhKXjkcV_EDrD4GXz0Wa3hJEkBIIQHS0tdnnJF8oXJj11lrQ03gveSJR9PkR4yWzc-xe1-PnLM/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YEtCcXvvgQP-3uUtjnpEODZKf7Xz6RbJjijFpEs51pKbagIHjKtW8Y_1oFBJj2xEcfhKXjkcV_EDrD4GXz0Wa3hJEkBIIQHS0tdnnJF8oXJj11lrQ03gveSJR9PkR4yWzc-xe1-PnLM/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbRmi7Xdqvp6zGV_5nITrqnmMtASaPXQIKvujNMhqS9Rzb1vspsOwBHIJwe9Tvr_GICER8kfVIb7Bnage2LE_1_C8cu6-8byNcOj79lWsmMOgeAwbItkoVHiQFwjgdyvhlX4Cc5QnMDc/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbRmi7Xdqvp6zGV_5nITrqnmMtASaPXQIKvujNMhqS9Rzb1vspsOwBHIJwe9Tvr_GICER8kfVIb7Bnage2LE_1_C8cu6-8byNcOj79lWsmMOgeAwbItkoVHiQFwjgdyvhlX4Cc5QnMDc/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6x9GtVad2XzuyP_y6Hp_sjivPjEy7OqbZnljVKX5gfjKajmR8BUgeR_EI1KTWeROhQKLqk0MI2xB6cmKnjcL7X9CoX6EDx_TThzpfKGBUbF3XjHmUyDekwwIt-XnorzvDl9-aGxBwAY/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6x9GtVad2XzuyP_y6Hp_sjivPjEy7OqbZnljVKX5gfjKajmR8BUgeR_EI1KTWeROhQKLqk0MI2xB6cmKnjcL7X9CoX6EDx_TThzpfKGBUbF3XjHmUyDekwwIt-XnorzvDl9-aGxBwAY/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-84376101013833340882014-08-02T21:15:00.000-07:002014-08-02T21:15:45.123-07:00My Ultimate FarmHer DilemmaOh hello August! Yet again my posts are missing here! I had big plans and quite a few posts brewing for July, but slow internet has completely SLOWWwwwwed me down!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love sharing my story and pictures with you all, but when it takes 10 minutes just to upload one picture, I simply run out if time! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So as I bang my head against the keyboard in frustration, my ultimate blogger <b>FarmHer Dilemma:</b> is rural internet availability!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How anyone got anything done in the "Stone Age" of dial up is beyond me! And I am hoping that something a little more high speed comes to our area soon!! Wishful thinking! So bear with me, as I continue to try to bring you my story!! </div>
Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-35069469491076939732014-07-31T22:13:00.000-07:002014-08-03T00:23:47.439-07:00Springing in a Dairy CowEvery Lady on our farm gets at least 60 days of dry period before calving and starting a new lactation. Dry period means that she is not milked, basically like maternity leave. She gets to relax all day and basically do what she wants, while her body focuses on her baby and preparing for a new <a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_10.html" target="_blank">lactation</a>. This is custom practice in the dairy industry to allow cows at least 60 days before they calve again. Our Ladies enjoy their dry period on a separate pasture. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitjCVdiVFT_iLeyQS1ygA1WfLph4TLvn0mUld1bQl0VyX531hn2sDGTxA6wRChaspzSjzKzX5u6UWzhH-1wvceyC_YG3cj7a6IEaNUB1FSNtEn3EKoSLy57ZJ62aW64PfmdfMHta6UOQ/s1600/DSC_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitjCVdiVFT_iLeyQS1ygA1WfLph4TLvn0mUld1bQl0VyX531hn2sDGTxA6wRChaspzSjzKzX5u6UWzhH-1wvceyC_YG3cj7a6IEaNUB1FSNtEn3EKoSLy57ZJ62aW64PfmdfMHta6UOQ/s1600/DSC_1066.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn, Angel & Blackberry in the dry cow lot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A cows gestation period is the same as humans, 9 months. At least two weeks before their due date we bring them in off the pasture and out of the dry cow group into our Springer Barn. This is a special bedded pack pen, for the sole purpose of calving. We like to have them in here so we can watch for signs of calving and keep an eye on how they are springing.<br />
<br />
Springing, defines a cow that is starting to make the changes that mean calving is close. We don't put a lot of weight on the due date, as a cow can very easily and safely calve within 2 weeks of either direction of her due date. And our herd of Guernseys seems to always be on the later side. We instead closely watch her body, attitude and appetite for changes and then any signs that their might be a problem. A cow that is really Springing will have swelling in her udder, you can tell her milk is coming on. A very loose, floppy and swollen vulva. Their might be a slight change in her manure, to a smoother, lighter side. And clear, mucousy discharge might be present. Also another little fun fact, the term Springer or Springing, meaning a
cow is close to calving, came from the ideal calving period being in the
spring.A farmer would be wanting to see these changes on his cow in the
Spring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKTRPS49D-u-OJV3OrngKSkZbnfyRsBAIZr546ENSba4-gjbLF52Odi60bDGaf1IZKY3SxHmMlpFSJCPJYHKEnLXY74tGqF0n0dqibUPYymegiUGyRehzuN5luvJgq2guKAFZAxWO-1o/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKTRPS49D-u-OJV3OrngKSkZbnfyRsBAIZr546ENSba4-gjbLF52Odi60bDGaf1IZKY3SxHmMlpFSJCPJYHKEnLXY74tGqF0n0dqibUPYymegiUGyRehzuN5luvJgq2guKAFZAxWO-1o/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" height="200" width="136" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxCo6lMIdtVNX5IIjhql7Rvy9CoGBBSZkoJ3aZyxslBySvrNDYU5QFpZEJ6sdY6JhYRRvEFVAet20E0mKgk7sTCCKoNZxd_ALROMo1Fn4r2NT1HjJQQdTm-eaJunMmaYg4endFhpIOdY/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxCo6lMIdtVNX5IIjhql7Rvy9CoGBBSZkoJ3aZyxslBySvrNDYU5QFpZEJ6sdY6JhYRRvEFVAet20E0mKgk7sTCCKoNZxd_ALROMo1Fn4r2NT1HjJQQdTm-eaJunMmaYg4endFhpIOdY/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" height="200" width="95" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgTIr8shszE6vji0NtVbG5CKj7DZUGUZrrXZsuKtKqAV1uywUXpw8-p7ew8xhHtdERKrGqfW-pDUD7UEF3MwnbmfDdceI6mqtbobWTn5Byal2zfI_8tVn3G3II3GX-_MRm9yG2oa66Dc/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgTIr8shszE6vji0NtVbG5CKj7DZUGUZrrXZsuKtKqAV1uywUXpw8-p7ew8xhHtdERKrGqfW-pDUD7UEF3MwnbmfDdceI6mqtbobWTn5Byal2zfI_8tVn3G3II3GX-_MRm9yG2oa66Dc/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
1. Jesusita just came in off the dry cow pasture a week ago. Her due date is August 2nd, obviously she is going to go past that date. This is a typical look for a dry cow. No obvious bagging up, tight unswollen vulva. Everything looks great on this dry cow.<br />
<br />
2. Charity is a Springer heifer, meaning her first time calving, so not the best comparison, but it's what I had in the barn right now. You can see her udder is starting to change a bit, showing a little filling. Her vulva is a little soft and swollen. Her due date is August 6th, she is showing signs of being closer to calving, probably still a week or so. <br />
<br />
3. Jenelle calved 7 hours after this picture was taken, she was 14 days past her due date. Excuse the udder, there is definitely more swelling here then we like to see and will be working closely with her to get this down. We tend to see a little more udder swelling in the summer months. But this is a good representation, her vulva is obviously loose, floppy and slightly swollen. And her udder is very bagged up, filled and swollen.<br />
<br />
Each cow is different, but this is the typical progression for a dairy cow that is springing. I'll try to snap some progression pictures of Jesusita as she springs and gets closer to calving, so you can see the progression of one cow. Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591787795238270249.post-59267188024753009462014-06-26T15:10:00.001-07:002014-06-26T15:13:08.731-07:00Factory Farm or Family Farm? I'm sure by now you have heard the term factory farm thrown around. Quite frankly I've heard it more times than I ever care to have ever heard it! I am really curious as to who came up with this term, as it really has no definition, but it seems to have painted quite a picture in people's minds. Over mechanized farms that are inhuman, cold and run by Big Ag corporations. Honestly every farm I have ever been on comes no where close to falling under this category. Most all farms, 98% of farms in our country are solely family owned. The other 2% also contain family farms that for tax purposes or other reasons have become incorporated. Farmers are a minority of our population though, those same numbers appear as farmers make up just 2% of the population feeding the other 98%. <br />
<br />
As a farmer I am SO confused by the term factory farm, I have yet to encounter one and being in agriculture all my life I've stepped foot on quite a few farms. What does factory farm mean to you? Does it paint a picture in your mind? Have you been to or know of a factory farm? Does it mean so many acres or a certain number of animals? Because families are behind large and small farms, farms that produce crops and animals, farms of all kinds. <br />
<br />
This week a campaign was launched to purchase drones to spy on these factory farms. An independent journalist is determined to get to the bottom of what is really happening on these farms. Farms like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuHM8ifcOpWh1xqP65xm9hKsCLBRrmu2w-4rVzozM1hyphenhyphenESsC6tXJu1n8o21GOgC1JRAPGe3WuN1f_tmWUXYqpuc74AUdl91c0RTFHe-II52qw_P6kUnNzrRusq5cWMMCvYyDtFcPKo6s/s1600/drones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuHM8ifcOpWh1xqP65xm9hKsCLBRrmu2w-4rVzozM1hyphenhyphenESsC6tXJu1n8o21GOgC1JRAPGe3WuN1f_tmWUXYqpuc74AUdl91c0RTFHe-II52qw_P6kUnNzrRusq5cWMMCvYyDtFcPKo6s/s1600/drones.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking at this picture I see a farm, a small farm, one that probably isn't even active anymore for it's original purpose as the two barns on the bottom right have damage to their roofs. I see a farm much like many of the family farms I have been on before. A farm that is even smaller then our own farm.This farm could even be an organic farm. This is what they want to spy on? You can imagine my concern, they want to spy on farms just like mine and many of the people I know.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uY1kLRqqiX3dsj1X3kFyuiWPmvvsanEiSYPxKYBRhsY2aOqieTxXoLzs4MuckCTPT9NsI0UT4kR6N6S7UoIoX2ZVWf-zl8mPAM-MlnKGlcJMyM933o1YPftT7U-B7usm2N2KwtPLC4Y/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uY1kLRqqiX3dsj1X3kFyuiWPmvvsanEiSYPxKYBRhsY2aOqieTxXoLzs4MuckCTPT9NsI0UT4kR6N6S7UoIoX2ZVWf-zl8mPAM-MlnKGlcJMyM933o1YPftT7U-B7usm2N2KwtPLC4Y/s1600/001.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Farm looks much like the one above, are we a Factory Farm?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijg86fNgzgzl6WTNEPxO83J51Y-1fxDAMwjMsNesWfYSPWRr3EAr0_7l-J72nKGe58Cpo1KqdbFz8ydljrHzFk-29WGnmx7QIQZLCQ3RMdwRl9ZCC97bdLoS-ExVWuv3lSbIPyXLQDEBA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijg86fNgzgzl6WTNEPxO83J51Y-1fxDAMwjMsNesWfYSPWRr3EAr0_7l-J72nKGe58Cpo1KqdbFz8ydljrHzFk-29WGnmx7QIQZLCQ3RMdwRl9ZCC97bdLoS-ExVWuv3lSbIPyXLQDEBA/s1600/002.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So why drones? I am wondering if this journalist (who I am not linking to for obvious reasons, let me know if you want more information) has even tried to visit these farms that he considers factory? I have yet to meet a farmer that would refuse a interview from a genuine person looking for truth. I think he could go to much less trouble and expense to find his truth is he just visited some farms. Speaking of expense, I am sickened by the amount of money he has raised in <i>5 days</i>, his original goal was $30,000, he's surpassed that now at over $40,000 and is now wanting $90,000 for this little project. And People Are Donating!!!! I can think of a million more worthy causes than spying on my neighbors. How about we <b><a href="http://theoregondairyfarmersdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/05/northwest-farmers-fighting-hunger.html" target="_blank">start with feeding them</a></b>, that seems like a much better use of those funds! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I am done with the term Factory Farm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Because when I look at agriculture in this country I see </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Family Farms! </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-tqPQFP8_m3EhPUesELeDU2Ccn1BJBFsz0t5GsUGyynA-A6C6f582BM-7xYleZkPBDbexSnMXJ2BPi9z808hn8kNZq9RizK8yiHe_DSOwmJLe-0gxBYeQg-guDftlUjamRdRIP7hEl8/s1600/mffCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-tqPQFP8_m3EhPUesELeDU2Ccn1BJBFsz0t5GsUGyynA-A6C6f582BM-7xYleZkPBDbexSnMXJ2BPi9z808hn8kNZq9RizK8yiHe_DSOwmJLe-0gxBYeQg-guDftlUjamRdRIP7hEl8/s1600/mffCollage2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
Do you have a family farm? Do you disagree with the term factory farm? I invite to join us in spreading the word. Create a photo collage and share with your social media outlets. Be sure to include the hashtags #myfamilyfarm and #factoryfarm when sharing! And then also be sure to link up below! <br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<div class='InLinkzContainer' id='419421' >
<a rel='nofollow' href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=419421" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script type='text/javascript' src='http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007'></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Darleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17820893958644021246noreply@blogger.com1