Playing "Farmer"

These past few weeks have pretty much flown by and the days have started to blend together. Being unemployed hasn't exactly been the 'dream' but, I'm managing. Brad is still working his tail off at his job down in Anita. Calving cows, helping with sales, chores, etc. He is starting to hit his busy season now so I'm pretty sure he's keeping busy around there!

I have been chillaxing at my dad's place for the past few weeks. I heard from Boehringer-Ingelheim about the position in Sioux Center and they filled it with someone who had more experience. I also contacted the Fort Dodge location to see what the status was of that position and they said it will be another few weeks before they made a decision. Ufgh. Thursday I met with Premium Iowa Pork in Hospers, Iowa to talk to them about possible positions either in their Quality Assurance or their Laboratory area and they are looking into a position to me, and I also talked with one of the local dairy's who is hiring right now for a calf manager position. Many options are out there, I just have to figure out what God has planned for me.

Well, the past few weeks I have been playing 'farmers assistant' to my dad. He is prepping for planting season, moving calves around, and just doing general work around the farm.... Here are a few things that I have helped with and done in the past couple of weeks.

My right hand gal here decided SHE wanted to be big stuff and operate the ski-loader instead of letting either my dad or me inside of it!

We mad some deer brats, deer burger, and deer jerky in dads shop. We cut it all up, ground it, seasoned it, and stuffed the casings all by ourselves. 100 pounds of meat! 

Cassie learned how to stuff casings for the deer brats. She had a blast! 

Shotzie decided that the calf feed bunks was a good place to lay. Nice and cushioned, and she could eat while she laid down... (I don't get what it is she likes about that calf feed... ucky.) 

Dad got a new load of calves in last week and I helped him unload the truck and sort out the small ones and stuff. I love working with the calves and being outside and working around the livestock. 

 Last Saturday I graduated from the old 'golfball' to my NEW 2005 Ford Escape. Brad graduated from no vehicle to the White Escape. :)

 I also made this nice little patio table. If you know anyone interested in buying it, let me know! :) It's in need of a home! I am planning on making a few more of these for Brad and I to have on our deck, eventually, when we move into a new place.

We cut down a few trees also. The cedar tree's smelled SO amazing. I love the smell of Cedar. 

My latest project is "Chicken Farming." This morning I went out and bought myself 43 broiler chicks to "fatten up" and butcher. I just needed something to 'take care of ' that didn't have 4 legs... so THIS is my resolution. If anyone is interested in buying Home Raised chickens in about 7 or 8 weeks, let me know! I will be selling them! I PROMISE they are good eating! 

Now I'm off to another project of the day... Tearing down an old house with dad. We already ripped off one side of the wall, now off to do the other 3, the roof, and the floor! ... Anyone have a guess as to how many coons we will get by the end of the afternoon!?