Monday, September 15, 2014

The new wheels

We got an RTV (utility vehicle) for the farm, and it is proving immensely useful. We've used it with a trailer to haul all our winter firewood up to the basement window (through which the wood is thrown.) 

Adorable godson alert...




We transported the pigs in it, over to their new pasture...


I'm not entirely sure whose butt this is, but it's too small to be Ophelia's!



Gordon the pig chauffeur!

And we've used it to move hay and straw, not to mention to take our garbage cans up the 750-foot long laneway every Tuesday night...



But here's the best reason to have one of these...


You can take your decrepit old dog right down to the river he loves (but can no longer walk to) so that he can have...


...a very nice swim!



Tristan had a great time but the whole outing exhausted him and he slept all the next day. Just walking from the RTV down to the river was a lot for him, poor old guy. He had declined a lot physically since we lost  his buddy Sophie in April.


We promised him another trip back there soon! Like the bumper stickers my friend Ronna


And this thing is GREAT for beekeeping. I brought in the last of my honey super yesterday (hidden under the comforter so that other bees wouldn't get into a robbing frenzy instigated by the smell of honey!)


I wore my jacket because it was so cold yesterday! Barely hit 10C/50F.


This thing is a ton of fun and surprisingly useful on our 86 acres.

And from the garden...


Aren't these the coolest tomatoes? They are called OSU Blue, and I got the seeds from Terra Edibles.


Happy Monday!




And if you would like to sponsor me or Gordon in the Ontario SPCA's Friends For Life walk this weekend, please click on the link(s) below:

Natalie's page: 
http://bit.ly/1qkhcNA

Gordon's page:
http://bit.ly/1vSURbH


At present, we have SEVENTEEN pets (yes, I'm counting the five chickens we got) that we've adopted from the OSPCA, plus there are two ponies on the way this fall. Stay tuned!

26 comments:

  1. I just love of all the excitement and changes going on at Knatolee's farm. I'm a little teary about Tristan but so happy that he enjoys his outings. I know just where you are with wanting to make your old dog's life sweet. We are doing the same here. Kanes' now on meds for his allergies so he sleeps more than the cats do. He sure does enjoy his evening walks and car rides, though. Love the new machine. It looks like something that will pay for itself ten-fold. Blue tomatoes...yum! I'd like to see a sandwich made with them. :) Hugs, Deb

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    1. Old dogs are so lovely, but they do rip your heart out at times! I hate it that he can't go for walks anymore, just hate it. ALthough we lost Sophie quickly and unexpectedly, I'm glad I at least didn't have to see that happen to her. She was quite active until the last couple of days when we found out about her cancer.

      Kane's a sweet old guy!

      The tomatoes are so pretty ! I must cut one in half and take a photo. I'd definitely grow them again.

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  2. Good old Tristan. The lines of an old dog can tear your heart. Keep him happy.

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    1. We're taking it day by day with him. He seems happy but he's getting really feeble. Sigh.

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  3. You guys are just the best! How I love to see Tristan's beautiful face.

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  4. Anonymous4:30 pm

    I so enjoy your blog and your cheerful and optimistic writing, not to mention all of your wonderful animals. Thank you for being so kind and generous to so many in need. I have printed out the form to send a check to support your walk as I didn't want my name used online and wasn't able to see how to avoid that; it will be in USD as I'm in USA.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much!! That's fantastic. I really appreciate that, and we love American dollars up here. :)

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  5. darn...we only have 0.66 acres...

    UM, that one mater is a BOY!

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    1. Yes, and he was very happy to see me! Hahahaha!

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  6. I SOOOOOOOOO want a kubota

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    Replies
    1. We have a dealership ten minutes from our house. Far too tempting!!

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  7. Those black tomatoes are something else. Are they red inside?

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    1. Yes, sort of orangey red! Beautiful things.

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  8. Awesome , handy vehicle ! I want a Kubota to , our friends have a Kubota tractor that has a cutting deck for grass for the summer and a blade for the winter plowing it is mid size I love it ! Kubota anything is awesome well made and tuff ! Thanks for sharing cute photos ! Have a good week !

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    1. We have a Kubota tractor too. I have to say, we've been really pleased with it!!

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  9. Everything from cool vehicles to a heart-melting dog to veggie porn. This is truly a full-service blog!

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    1. We aim to please! Kinky tomatoes!

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  10. So now you can't understand how you ever did without this handy little Kubota.

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  11. Love the new dog limo!! If it goes missing in the night,I'll swear it wasn't me!
    You just can't beat the flavour of a heritage tomato,can you.
    Jane x

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  12. Oh poor Tristan. Bet he enjoyed that swim though.

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  13. I could oh-so use that here. My aching back would ache no more.

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  14. 86 acres - my stars! No wonder you have so many things going on there.
    It's like a grown-up playground.

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  15. Oh how I enjoy reading your blog. It is a great diversion for me just now. I agree that the ATVs are great work horses on an acreage.

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  16. Adorable Godson is definitely that! You live an amazing life (although I wouldn't want to work as hard as you do). Wonderful that Tristan still wanted to and enjoyed going in the water.

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  17. That is the cutest little Kubota truck! Tristan looks like such a sweetie pie. It is so sad when they start getting old. We just love them so much. You have a beautiful farm!

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!