It’s been a hectic couple of weeks again. Calves dropping all over the paddocks and in the milking shed and yard as well. I had one nearly land on me in the milking shed, just managed to get the rotary around to the exit opening in time to pull the calf out, otherwise it could have been difficult. By the time Sean got the ropes and back up with me, I had most of the head out with the forelegs, after that it was easy. Another bull calf, bugger, it’s heifers we want not more bloody bulls.
I’ve finally got what I wanted with hours, I’m only doing mornings now, which leaves the rest of the day free for gardening jobs, and now I have 4 permanent gardens to do, plus get stuff ready for the Naked Possum, I’m happy. 3 – 4 hours in the mornings milking, usually finished by 8.30, home for breakfast, then 6 – 7 hours gardening.
We missed all the snow and bad weather here in the Valley, while the rest of New Zealand was getting snow and rain, hail, sleet, we had clear blue skies, some frosts in the mornings but nothing to get overly excited about. You didn’t notice the cold so much, although the 20 litre buckets of hot water by everyone in the shed helped. I was putting my hands into the water every few minutes to keep them warm.
I’ve mentioned previously about the new cows coming through the herd that have a habit of kicking when you’re trying to put the cups on or take them off. One finally got me really well on Tuesday. Her hoof caught my hand between the backing rail and her hoof. Only my middle finger took most of the force, it was enough to make me faint though, which according to Vanessa the next day was very impressive. She was talking to me one minute, the next I was flat on my back on the steps. Ended up going into Takaka Helath Clinic and getting it lanced to let the blood out, and to have my knuckle checked, it felt not quite right. It wasn’t broken though, just a bit bruised and swollen, so I picked up a packet of ibuprofen from the supermarket and I’ve been in a happy daze since.
Tuffy is growing taller, he’s now 18” high at the shoulder, still trying to fit into his feet though, they are bloody huge.
Pictures from Collingwood Beach again, I take Tuffy there most evenings for a run along the beach and I get to walk at my own pace.
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