I wasn't sure I wanted to go to the horse auction last Saturday, but Kelvin really thought it would be good for me to go and at least look. All my "excuses" disappeared: my boss offered to fill in for a few hours so I could go, the sap didn't run, and Kelvin insisted he didn't have anything to do all day until chore time. So we went. The first thing we saw when we parked where the buggy horses hooked to sulkies, demonstrating their pulling abilities. We stood waiting for them to pass so we could go in to get our auction number when I saw him. The first thing I noticed was his coloring-he had black front legs, a bushy mane, and his coat color was the same reddish-bay. I was taken. Kelvin reminded me that we hadn't even been in the sale barn yet-there were a lot more horses to look at.
We went in and looked at all the other horses. In my mind there was only one horse there that should go home with us. Kelvin saw two other options, and I agreed; they were nice, but nothing like the first one I spotted. We went around the barn until we saw "my" horse. We learned from the dealer that he was a belgian/standard bred cross (same as Roy!) whose name was Red. He was trained to drive single or double. He didn't think he'd ever been ridden.
All the driving horses were going high-the average horse was bringing $2,700 to $4,200. We had a budget of $1,000. One of the one's Kelvin had his eye on brought more than we could see paying. We waited and waited for Red to come through the ring. About three hours into the sale, I saw him coming. I started praying. Hard.
The way it all went was a miracle. The auctioneer started Red's bid at $2,800 no one bid. The bid dropped to $800 when I put up my number to bid. The auctioneer didn't see me, and two other people were bidding on him. the bid was to $900. I was trying to decide whether to yell to get the auctioneers attention or to let him go, because he was nearly out of our budget when I heard a voice behind my yell, "up here". I turned to see our local auctioneer! He said: Do you want me to bid? I nodded. He told us to let him know when to stop. Kelvin said: "Keep going." We were ready to give him up when the bid reached $1,100, but our friend and auctioneer told us "you've almost got him" and we did get him! I know I wouldn't have gotten him if it weren't for our auctioneer being right there. He knew how to bid; he paused, he considered, he nodded when the time was right. I would've had to drop out because the bid would have skyrocketed his price if I had bid too eagerly, or I never would have dared dream that we would get him so might not have yelled to get the auctioneer's attention. When the auctioneer banged his gavel and said "Sold to the lady on the top row" I melted down and started crying. Everyone looked away and must have thought I was crazy-if they only knew!
He trailered up like a dream and seems to be enjoying his new home. The other horses are very curious about him and none of the have figured out who's boss yet. Really, they all seem to like each other. Prince especially loves him, which is good because we'd like them to pull together. I think Red is going to end up taking over Roy's job of herd boss; he's just being more patient about establishing rule than Roy was.
He pulls beautifully. His trot is very snappy. Now I want a buggy for him to pull-he's way too fancy for a farm wagon! Kelvin took him for his first saddle ride & I've ridden him twice. He did well, but he doesn't know how to gallop or walk. He a trotter; and must be every time he was hooked up, all he was expected to do was trot! And he doesn't like being ridden in the woods/fields-he keeps wanting to go to the road. Once on the road, he moves along at a very nice trot! Well, now I know what I'll be doing :)
~All the pictures of him are in the posting below~
P. S. -I'm not sure I like the name Red. Should I change it? May I should just give myself some time & the right name (or the same) will stick!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Maple Time-Sugaring
Our neighbor delivering sap. The sap is clear and has a very mild, sweet taste. Later in the season as the trees get closer to budding out with their leaves, the sap gets darker in color (more yellow) and becomes cloudy before the tree dries up for the season. The darker and cloudier the sap, the darker and stronger the syrup tastes, making a Grade B syrup which is desirable for cooking with. It is important to boil the sap promptly to maintain a lighter grade syrup as the sap will become cloudy from sitting in the warm sunlight.
We use wood to boil down our sap. Kelvin and Prince (with a little help from me) have gotten out about 15 cord of firewood this winter for the evaporator. We have only used around 5 cord so far-I think we'll have some left-over wood which can't be a bad thing!
The firebox gets so hot sometimes that the doors glow red. Kelvin always wears gloves to stoke the fire; one time he fired up in haste without the gloves, and got burnt-ouch!
Sap boiling away the water to produce syrup. Note the 2 pans-the back pan has "flues", little channels that the sap runs through, getting more concentrated as it gets to the front left corner where it feeds into the finishing pan to complete the water evaporation. The sap becomes syrup when it reaches about 220 degrees F and 67.4 brix of sugar.
Kelvin is testing the sugar content while Roger observes the process.
Drawing of the syrup-Kelvin continues to test the sugar content to make sure the syrup is done. If it's not concentrated enough, it will ferment in the bottles. Kelvin is fastidious about making certain the sugar content is at over a little above-he says he'd rather have thick syrup than syrup that won't keep!
Filtering the syrup through the filter press to prepare for bottling.
Cousin Bret and Kelvin checking the grade. The middle bottle is our sample. From left to right the grades are: Grade B, Grade A dark, *ours* Grade A medium, Grade A fancy. What grade do you think our syrup is? ( See answer at the bottom of this post!)
Kelvin bottling the syrup. The syrup has to be bottled hot so that the lids will seal, so the syrup is drawn off, filtered and bottled rapidly. My job is to line up the bottles, hand empty ones to Kelvin and screw the lids on. I also get the job of labeling the syrup with our farm label, the grade label, the organic certification label and the Pride of New York label.
This little field mouse seems to enjoy watching us make syrup. He sat in this spot for several minutes before scampering away. I named him Theodore, and threatened him verbally to make himself scarce! On a more serious note, this is why all our syrup containers are stored in a old refrigerator, and why all the tanks and pots have lids on them!
Answer: We graded the syrup Grade A dark. Some of you may choose Grade A Medium, and the syrup is really between the two grades, but must be labeled to the darker if it falls between two grades. (Although, in New York State there are no grading laws; we go by Vermont's labeling system, but can't get fined for mislabeling as the producers in Vermont can).
We use wood to boil down our sap. Kelvin and Prince (with a little help from me) have gotten out about 15 cord of firewood this winter for the evaporator. We have only used around 5 cord so far-I think we'll have some left-over wood which can't be a bad thing!
The firebox gets so hot sometimes that the doors glow red. Kelvin always wears gloves to stoke the fire; one time he fired up in haste without the gloves, and got burnt-ouch!
Sap boiling away the water to produce syrup. Note the 2 pans-the back pan has "flues", little channels that the sap runs through, getting more concentrated as it gets to the front left corner where it feeds into the finishing pan to complete the water evaporation. The sap becomes syrup when it reaches about 220 degrees F and 67.4 brix of sugar.
Kelvin is testing the sugar content while Roger observes the process.
Drawing of the syrup-Kelvin continues to test the sugar content to make sure the syrup is done. If it's not concentrated enough, it will ferment in the bottles. Kelvin is fastidious about making certain the sugar content is at over a little above-he says he'd rather have thick syrup than syrup that won't keep!
Filtering the syrup through the filter press to prepare for bottling.
Cousin Bret and Kelvin checking the grade. The middle bottle is our sample. From left to right the grades are: Grade B, Grade A dark, *ours* Grade A medium, Grade A fancy. What grade do you think our syrup is? ( See answer at the bottom of this post!)
Kelvin bottling the syrup. The syrup has to be bottled hot so that the lids will seal, so the syrup is drawn off, filtered and bottled rapidly. My job is to line up the bottles, hand empty ones to Kelvin and screw the lids on. I also get the job of labeling the syrup with our farm label, the grade label, the organic certification label and the Pride of New York label.
This little field mouse seems to enjoy watching us make syrup. He sat in this spot for several minutes before scampering away. I named him Theodore, and threatened him verbally to make himself scarce! On a more serious note, this is why all our syrup containers are stored in a old refrigerator, and why all the tanks and pots have lids on them!Answer: We graded the syrup Grade A dark. Some of you may choose Grade A Medium, and the syrup is really between the two grades, but must be labeled to the darker if it falls between two grades. (Although, in New York State there are no grading laws; we go by Vermont's labeling system, but can't get fined for mislabeling as the producers in Vermont can).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Day in the Rain and Mud at a Farm Consignment Sale
Today I went with Kelvin and Pa to the yearly used farm equipment auction in Penn Yan. We didn't buy anything, but we got plenty wet in the drizzling rain.
The Mennonite boys in the foreground of this picture tried to act like they didn't want their picture taken, but I was amused when I noticed that they circled my perch on the wagon twice, checking out whether I was going to try to take their picture again...I didn't mainly because I didn't want their satisfaction and their parents disgust!
Mud is one of the most prominent feature of a spring auction. I was glad that I went dressed like a farmer in my over-alls and "pig boots" as we called them growing up.
There was only one auctioneer this year, and his microphone wasn't working, so the crowd is pressed in tightly trying to hear the bidding. We never joined the crowd. It looked scary to these personal space lovers!
Pa and Kelvin really liked this haybine, but they decided not to stick around in the rain waiting for the auctioneer to get to it. We figured it would be a least 2 hours before it sold.
If you look closely in this photo, you will see Kelvin and Papa talking with a friend of the ours. They are on the left hand side of the photo, leaning against the orange rails. It's hard to tell in this picture, but it is raining steadily. I took refuge in the the shed!
The Mennonite boys in the foreground of this picture tried to act like they didn't want their picture taken, but I was amused when I noticed that they circled my perch on the wagon twice, checking out whether I was going to try to take their picture again...I didn't mainly because I didn't want their satisfaction and their parents disgust!
Mud is one of the most prominent feature of a spring auction. I was glad that I went dressed like a farmer in my over-alls and "pig boots" as we called them growing up.
There was only one auctioneer this year, and his microphone wasn't working, so the crowd is pressed in tightly trying to hear the bidding. We never joined the crowd. It looked scary to these personal space lovers!
Pa and Kelvin really liked this haybine, but they decided not to stick around in the rain waiting for the auctioneer to get to it. We figured it would be a least 2 hours before it sold.
If you look closely in this photo, you will see Kelvin and Papa talking with a friend of the ours. They are on the left hand side of the photo, leaning against the orange rails. It's hard to tell in this picture, but it is raining steadily. I took refuge in the the shed!Thursday, March 11, 2010
My Horse Roy
We had a bad shock this evening. We were out collecting sap with Prince and Roy, when Roy collapsed. He must have had a heart attack; he died before we could get him unhooked. I am heartbroken. Roy has been my horse and friend since he was born on my parents farm 19 years ago this spring. We were not pulling hard when he went down. It was so sudden. Of course I feel guilty for having him in the harness after all these years-but we just didn't know that he was having trouble. He looked to be in good shape, the only signs he showed of feeling off was trying to bite Prince. But he's always been the "boss horse" of the herd so we didn't think a lot of it. Please pray for me. I am in shock and can't quit crying. We are going to bury him in the morning, and Papa and my sister Erin are going to come to support us and remember my wonderful horsey.
Collecting Sap
Sap season has begun! The weather has been perfect for making maple syrup this week, and I am going to attempt to present a picture tour of the process on our farm. Enjoy!
Maple trees shining silver in the sunlight. The sun and warmth drawn the sap out of the tree roots and up into the branches. After the sun goes down and the temperature drops, the sap goes back to the roots. This cycle causes the sap to flow, producing a "run".
We hooked up Prince and Roy as a team because the loaded sled is too heavy for just Prince. They get along okay, as long as Roy keeps his nose to himself,which is something he can't seem to do as you can see. He is always trying to start a fight with Prince, who is too good-natured- he just stands there and lets Roy bite him! I wonder if Roy knows that if Prince wanted to, he could squish him like an annoying bug?!
Kelvin emptying barrels of sap on the ridge. Our farm name comes from this view of the farm-see all the hemlocks on the ridge?
Some of the trees are quite a way from the trail-but Kelvin says he doesn't mind hauling as long as he's carrying the full buckets DOWN the hill and not UP. Trixie Anne supervises the progress from her snowy bed.
Clear sap flowing into the collection tank-it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
Kelvin taking a turn at the reins (and being very patient while his wife is running around taking pictures!)
The next post will show the maple process from the sugar house (otherwise known as our garage!) You know I've never had as much fun doing syrup as I have this year with our horses and sled. The sad news is, the sled is in storage for the year now, and it's time to get the wagon out. Last evening,we were hitting a lot of bare spots getting from the woods to the garage, making it very difficult pulling for the boys and destroying our fall planting of rye in the fields. I will post "spring gathering" pictures using the wagon later.
Maple trees shining silver in the sunlight. The sun and warmth drawn the sap out of the tree roots and up into the branches. After the sun goes down and the temperature drops, the sap goes back to the roots. This cycle causes the sap to flow, producing a "run".
We hooked up Prince and Roy as a team because the loaded sled is too heavy for just Prince. They get along okay, as long as Roy keeps his nose to himself,which is something he can't seem to do as you can see. He is always trying to start a fight with Prince, who is too good-natured- he just stands there and lets Roy bite him! I wonder if Roy knows that if Prince wanted to, he could squish him like an annoying bug?!
The team had to be held; they aren't well enough trained to stand still while we collect. I help Kelvin by dumping the buckets into the tank, while he collects on the ridge. I get off and help collect the bucket close to the trail, staying in front of the team in case they get it in their heads that it's time to leave!
Kelvin emptying barrels of sap on the ridge. Our farm name comes from this view of the farm-see all the hemlocks on the ridge?
Some of the trees are quite a way from the trail-but Kelvin says he doesn't mind hauling as long as he's carrying the full buckets DOWN the hill and not UP. Trixie Anne supervises the progress from her snowy bed.
Clear sap flowing into the collection tank-it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
Kelvin taking a turn at the reins (and being very patient while his wife is running around taking pictures!)The next post will show the maple process from the sugar house (otherwise known as our garage!) You know I've never had as much fun doing syrup as I have this year with our horses and sled. The sad news is, the sled is in storage for the year now, and it's time to get the wagon out. Last evening,we were hitting a lot of bare spots getting from the woods to the garage, making it very difficult pulling for the boys and destroying our fall planting of rye in the fields. I will post "spring gathering" pictures using the wagon later.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Maple Tree Tapping
Our friend Jon driving Prince down to the woods with tapping supplies.
Jon trying his hand at tapping with the hand brace (the battery died in the drill after 65 taps!)
Kelvin giving some pointers to Jon -pounding in spouts.
Pa and Kelvin getting the job done-Kelvin on the hand brace, drilling the hole for the spout, Pa pounding.
Coming home Kelvin rode Prince to "encourage" him through the deep drifts.Sledding!
Snowy day fun!
A week ago Friday Jessica, Dad, me, & Kelvin went snowmobiling in the snowstorm. We went 50 miles through 5 townships. The snowmobile trail system is wonderful. There are stop signs, curve signs and rough-trail-ahead signs! The trails provided a lot of diversity, winding along through snowy woods, and through wind-blow fields on the top of the hill, before dropping into the valley, where there was usually a ditch to cross or a little snowmobile bridge that spanned a wider creek or gully. We buried the snowmobiles once when we topped a hill and found our selves going head-long into an 8-foot snow drift. We turned the sleds around and Kelvin made a trail for us by making 3 trips up & down the hill to pack a trail for us.
I took a nose-dive into a snow pile when I miscalculated my balance around a curve. I wasn't hurt, and I'm sure it looked hysterical watching me try to find my face and glasses in the snow-packed helmet!
On Tuesday, I went sledding with my sister Erin and her three girlies. We all had a blast except Retta, who thought sledding was no fun, but preferred just to pull the sled around. She made the mistake of towing it to the top of the hill, where she had little choice but to ride down with Mommy.
Louisa was our fastest sledder. She held on tight to the baling twine tied from handle to handle on her sled. It looked really funny-she didn't make a sound going down the hill, flying over the bumps. She crash landed and climbed out of her harness contraption giggling and laughing!
Diana was a little too wise to be intrepid about flying down a big hill like the pipeline. On almost every ride except this one, she put out her hands to slow herself down and usually ended up tipping over before she reached the bottom. In this picture, we convinced her that if she held onto the sled, she would be more apt to reach the bottom right-side-up. She held on & had a fast ride to the base of the hill on the top of her sled. I love the look on her face! I don't think she enjoys speed!
I love speed, but I'm not quiet like Louisa. I scream all the way down. My nieces think their aunt Jessie is crazy, and laugh at me!
Here's Retta coming down the hill with Erin. Hmm; what's she thinking? "It was horrible!"
Retta's crying. Erin's laughing. Erin is gonna go for another ride. Retta IS NOT going for another ride. Retta is going to pull her sled around at the bottom of the hill. Ahh, comfort level!
A week ago Friday Jessica, Dad, me, & Kelvin went snowmobiling in the snowstorm. We went 50 miles through 5 townships. The snowmobile trail system is wonderful. There are stop signs, curve signs and rough-trail-ahead signs! The trails provided a lot of diversity, winding along through snowy woods, and through wind-blow fields on the top of the hill, before dropping into the valley, where there was usually a ditch to cross or a little snowmobile bridge that spanned a wider creek or gully. We buried the snowmobiles once when we topped a hill and found our selves going head-long into an 8-foot snow drift. We turned the sleds around and Kelvin made a trail for us by making 3 trips up & down the hill to pack a trail for us.
I took a nose-dive into a snow pile when I miscalculated my balance around a curve. I wasn't hurt, and I'm sure it looked hysterical watching me try to find my face and glasses in the snow-packed helmet!
On Tuesday, I went sledding with my sister Erin and her three girlies. We all had a blast except Retta, who thought sledding was no fun, but preferred just to pull the sled around. She made the mistake of towing it to the top of the hill, where she had little choice but to ride down with Mommy.
Louisa was our fastest sledder. She held on tight to the baling twine tied from handle to handle on her sled. It looked really funny-she didn't make a sound going down the hill, flying over the bumps. She crash landed and climbed out of her harness contraption giggling and laughing!
Diana was a little too wise to be intrepid about flying down a big hill like the pipeline. On almost every ride except this one, she put out her hands to slow herself down and usually ended up tipping over before she reached the bottom. In this picture, we convinced her that if she held onto the sled, she would be more apt to reach the bottom right-side-up. She held on & had a fast ride to the base of the hill on the top of her sled. I love the look on her face! I don't think she enjoys speed! 
I love speed, but I'm not quiet like Louisa. I scream all the way down. My nieces think their aunt Jessie is crazy, and laugh at me!
Here's Retta coming down the hill with Erin. Hmm; what's she thinking? "It was horrible!" 
Retta's crying. Erin's laughing. Erin is gonna go for another ride. Retta IS NOT going for another ride. Retta is going to pull her sled around at the bottom of the hill. Ahh, comfort level!
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