Triplets, Times Three!

Sweet Land Charlotte

This is the spring of triplets for Sweet Land Nigerians.  7 out of 9 of the babies have blue eyes, and 5 are girls.  Even first-year Calantha kidded 3 babies.  Her blonde-colored spitfire Charlotte has become an unexpected favorite.  Kizzy followed soon after with a handsome, robust buckling and - hallelujah - 2 beautiful vigorous doelings.  After a long run of males, it was worth the wait - Katima “powerful daughter” and Kaia “wise little one.”  Needless to say, we have high expectations for the milking capabilities of these girls next spring, a combination of their dam Kizzy and sire James.  Their strong and smart personalities have secured places in our hearts.  We hope the calm and steady buckling Levi will make a strong sire someday.

Finally, Calabash kidded triplets as well, 2 cute little doelings and a bonus buckling.  Like all Cala’s kids, they have sweet personalities with a bit of mischief mixed in.  Trillium will have her time in the spotlight later this year, paired with James in preparation for another lactation.  We are thankful all mamas and babies are healthy.  The pregnant mamas came through this winter of transitions with vigor and spunk, and proved again what versatile creatures goats are.  What better way to enjoy spring and the reward of hard work and dedication, in the sweet personalities and sparkly eyes of baby goats!

Capsand Creamery Trillium enjoying spring pasture
Cala and daughter Calantha grazing the new grass

beautiful Kaia and handsome Levi
Sugar Moon Calabash

Kaia "wise little one"
Katima and Charlotte soaking up the sunshine
Charlotte
Katima
Charlotte
Kaia and her brother Levi
learning to graze
Sweet Land Calantha
Kaia figures out how to eat grass
Levi

Sugar Moon Kizzy







Growing bigger

 
 

Kidding Season 2014 Begins!

what a cute bunch - Kizzy and Calantha's triplets!
first-born of the season
just born
playtime
buddies
Levi just born
just born
Katima "powerful daughter" (of Kizzy!)
Calantha's triplets
full bellies, happy babies one day old
Cala's cuties
blue eyes



Spring arrives, tally ho!




Hudson



the men prepare trees for tapping maple sap

Spring Snapshots
- Gathering sap from the maple trees: our breakfast pancakes are saturated with fresh maple syrup
- Robins arrive: a welcome sight
- Baby chicks are growing

- Female duck commences laying eggs: the 2nd generation mating pair was hatched from last summer’s eggs
- Garden seeds are ready for planting: green thumbs are itching
- Mud season:  rainboots are a North Country necessity
- Geese return
- Open windows and fresh spring breezes


The goats love soaking up the sunlight outside.  Their springtime frolics in the sunshine and fresh air are a joy to watch.  Bucks have spring fever and recommence head butting and jostling for the ladies’ attention.  The girls, of course, pay them no mind.  They have more important things on their mind, as anticipation builds for spring kidding time!

Cala and daughter soaking up the spring sunshine

awwww..... Cala

baby chicks

who knew pregnant goats crave chocolate brownies?
 no caprine was harmed in the taking of this photo :-)

more fluffy soft baby chicks

Cala and Trillium soaking up the spring sunshine

Reading....

Turn Here, Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works, by Atina Diffley

Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers' Markets, Local Foods, and Saving the Family Farm, by Forrest Pritchard

The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food and Love, by Kristin Kimbell

 

 

 

  Growing Roots: The New Generation of Sustainable Farmers, Cooks, and Food Activists (Stories and Recipes), by Katherine Leiner