Five Panel Day

Last night I found an A2 Dexter bull for sale—here in Virginia! I fell asleep dreaming about buying him. He’s not even THAT expensive, since he’s a calf (and, therefore, unproven). However, I don’t think this is the week to buy a bull. I am beginning to wonder if part of the joy of beginning farming is the acquisition: acquire some sheep; acquire some chickens; acquire some new knowledge; acquire some new equipment.

Phil spent most of the day working on the fence. He first had to clear about a 5 foot path through dense, bushy growth. We think he’s heading through about the worse terrain of the perimeter right now, with the growth and the constantly changing elevation. The cattle panels are ideal fencing for the strange slope we have; I cannot imagine trying to fence any other way.

I ran support: clearing brush and firewood; bringing T-posts over; laying out the measuring line; feeding the family. We got five panels up (80 feet), and that finishes twenty percent of the panels we bought. That’s an accomplishment!

The children took advantage of the great weather. Jadon climbed about twenty feet up a vine after he swung, Tarzan-style. Joe found a little place where rain run-off had created a “sand” box (really just fine clay globules). Abraham pulled the wagon into the woods and deserted it; Jadon picked up Joe and put him into the wagon, then hauled him up to the trailer. Abigail and Abraham slid down the tarp covered hay bales.

At the end of the day, Phil went up to fix our van tire. Yup—second flat in a week. We think it’s just a little puncture, and fixable, so he’ll take it in tomorrow.