Word ... from Willow Garden

Otis at Eight Weeks

2012-02-12T20:30:00.003-05:00

Otis is on the bottom ... and obviously as excited as I am that we'll meet and he'll live with me starting February 20th, 2012 ... :-)

Progression of a Visit

2012-02-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

No need for anything more than pictures for the visit today ...

Today From ... The Universe

2012-02-06T08:53:00.002-05:00

Get out, get out, get out even more, Bill! Because there are people you've yet to meet, laughs you've yet to share, stories you've yet to live, and riches you've yet to tap into, that will not find you under any other circumstances.

Besides, how else can I shower you with surprises?

The Universe

Otis ... About Two Weeks Away From 'Coming Home'

2012-02-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

Today Ended as a Winter Wonderland

2012-01-27T20:50:00.002-05:00

Otis at 5 1/2 Weeks

2012-01-27T07:38:00.004-05:00

Sausage Making Party Pictures

2012-01-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

Otis Update

2012-01-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

Well ... Otis continues to grow like a weed!! He is almost as big as his 'MUCH bigger at birth' brother.

The can is not for the pups to drink, but to give an idea of size. Besides ... we ALL know that Otis will be a fan of red wine ... ;-)

He is so starting to look like a dog now ... :-). I am sending off the deposit this weekend ... so Otis coming to live with Pete and I will be a done deal.

Woo Hoo ... Life is good!

Good Things Happening to Ziek

2012-01-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

Midhill Ziek, the polled, A2/A2 Dexter Bull that I imported from New York State late last winter has some exciting things going to happen to him ... :-)

He has bred my two wee cows, and will breed them again before it is time for the herd to go to grass. That will give me all of his genetics that I need for right now.

So ... Ziek is sold! Once he has re-bred my two cows, he will head to a large and prestigious herd in Western Canada, where his genetics can have real impact on the over-all Canadian herd. The folks buying him intend to collect his semen for sale, and some straws will be set aside for my use. This is a TOTAL win / win situation ... for me ... for the buyer ... for Ziek ... and for the Canadian Dexter herd.

I am excited and thankful.

Life is good!

Otis ... Jan 7th ... Almost 3 Weeks Old

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

My Boy ... :-)

Otis at 13 Days!

2012-01-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

Folks From Christmas Day!

2012-01-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

The kitchen is always the most crowded room in the house it seems!

Tim

the bird

Chris attacking the bird

Chris and Tim

Kerri and Sloane

Pete

Pete and Anna

Betty, Chris, Steve, and Jamie

Betty with Will, Jamie, and Sloane

Kate ... *sigh*

Otis!

2011-12-22T07:32:00.001-05:00

Look who is coming to live at Willow Garden ... Otis!!

Otis is a teeny black and cream long haired mini dachshund. He was born last Sunday and weighed just two ounces. In the picture below, he is the little skinny one.

Below, he is sleeping on top of his brother. At three days old, he is up to three ounces!!

He still has a LOT of growing to do, so send whatever positive energy you can spare, his way ... :-)

Grand Kids From Sunday

2011-12-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

I had a terrible time with 'red eye' in this batch of pictures, but these ones seem good.

Sloane

Anna

Jamie

Kerri, Sloane, and Will

Sloane

my baby boy, Chris

hehehe

2011-12-19T16:06:00.001-05:00

Pete's Christmas Message From Santa ... ;-)

More Animals in Snow!

2011-12-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

Bonnie, my Maremma guardian dog

Bloomfield and Ameliasburgh

Cheery

Gale Force

Kanata

Nier Lakes

Ottawa

Hens in snow

Playing with her own reflection

Winka

Whiskers

Anna's 4th Birthday Party

2011-12-18T22:42:00.003-05:00

There are many more pics to be posted ... but this one ... sums up the day. I love you Anna ... my little 4 year old 'Winged Fairy in Waiting'.

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-12-18T22:17:00.001-05:00

This year, we wanted a smaller tree. After cutting 2 feet off of the bottom ... this is our tree ... :-)

Midhill Ziek at 18 Months

2011-12-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

Milo

2011-12-09T19:23:00.001-05:00

Milo Snyder is staying with us for the weekend. Milo and I became best buds over the summer when I was working at Galloping Goat ... 'cause that is where he lives.

It is a new experience for me to have a dog that fits on my lap ... and that doesn't smell bad ... :-)

So far, we are having a great time!

Today's Message ... :-)

2011-11-28T08:27:00.001-05:00

Detours, challenges, and crisis, Bill, are simply covers for miracles that had no other way of reaching you.

It's all good,
The Universe

Chores!

2011-11-25T21:06:00.001-05:00

And here are my helpers at chore time.

:-)

P A Day Fun!

2011-11-25T20:57:00.001-05:00

Well ... today was a P A Day for Anna ... and Tim's staff party ... so Grandpa and Pete got both Anna and Jamie for a 'sleep over'. WOO HOO!

Our goal for today was to put up Christmas lights ... at the front of the house ...

... around back for the sheep and chickens to enjoy ...

... and up the side paddock for the cattle to enjoy.

I don't usually turn the lights on until December 1st ... but the excitement displayed by these two young helpers caused me to break with tradition ... for just this one night ... :-)

What an awesome day!

Life is good!

Today's Message From The Universe!

2011-11-23T06:43:00.001-05:00

It's being alive, Bill, that makes you rich.

So easy to forget,
The Universe

Consecon Santa Claus Parade

2011-11-21T12:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the 30th annual Consecon Santa Claus Parade! It is a really fun event and a good chance to get up close and personal with Santa.

Kerri was away for the weekend with friends, and Chris had the kids. He decided to come and enjoy the parade. We had a blast!

Will took a short minute to tell Santa what he wanted. Both kids got a balloon creature and a chocolate Advent Calendar. Sloane did not want to get too close to the jolly old elf, though.

Poor Sloane had a bit of a runny nose, but enjoyed the sun with her Dad.

Back at Grandpa's house, Will found fangs Grandpa had saved for him from Halloween ...

and Sloane enjoyed munching on candy canes.

Sloane really liked the chickens.

T-Bone was pretty curious about Sloane ...

but Winka, who normally likes everyone, was unsure of her.

It was an awesome day with pizza for lunch, and fajitas for supper.

Life is good!

Pictures From Chris and Kerri ... :-)

2011-11-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

These are my BEAUTIFUL grandchildren who live in Toronto ...

Sloane Stearman ...

and Will Stearman.

Not only are they both beautiful and smart ... but just look at those smiles ... :-).

A Day in Pictures!

2011-11-02T21:55:00.001-04:00

Jamie was too sick to go to Day Care today, so he came to spend the day with Grandpa! We had an AWESOME time and made pumkin muffins with Nutella, and a three flour bread. We also spent a lot of time with animals.

Above are the LAST of my meat birds. Most of these are for my family, but there may be 4 or 5 whole birds available for sale. They are leaving here on Friday morning ... WOO HOO!

You can see how TRULY sick Jamie is!!

He really should be in bed with a washcloth on his forehead.

BUT ... I DID tell Kate that his fever is STILL awful, so I am hoping for a call again tomorrow morning ... :-)

These are Cody's layers. There are 30 sex link layers, 11 Rhode Island Reds, and five mixed from my birds.

He is getting 30 to 36 eggs a day.

If you want four or five dozen a week, let us know and we'll work out a deal for you ... ;-)

And this is our new dog, Magic. She is a 12 year old Lab, and pretty well trained. Her family has returned to the UK and she couldn't join them, so ... she will live out her days here.

She is settling in well and has already figured out which door to bark at to go in or out.

Last night, she and Cody fell asleep on the couch watching tv. I think that Magic may have found her perfect place to be ... :-)

Pictures From Carole's 2005 Power Point Presentation at the AGM

2011-11-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

... white breeding group, January, 2002

... grey breeding group, January, 2002

... moorit breeding group, January, 2002

... some of my Dailley ewes, January, 2003

... older shot of the Dailley flock ... note the very dark katmoget lamb!

... S0555 ... the source of most of the spotting originally found in the North American flock.

Dailley Flock - From a 'Shopping' Visit During Winter 2003

2011-11-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

These are not new pictures, but since the discussion continues as to what the original imported Shetlands looked like ... I thought I'd post pictures taken of the Dailley flock in mid February so they'd be in FULL fleece. These sheep were housed in an open barn (three sided).

... the white breeding group

... one of the pale mioget ewes that I considered for purchase

The grey breeding group

... another of the ewes I was considering

.... Iris ... a wild mioget ewe lamb that followed me home that visit ... :-)

I LOVED Iris, but lost her recently. These are pictures of her, and of what I'll be looking for when I visit in a couple of weeks ... :-)

Old Man's Wood Stove ... :-)

2011-10-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

Well ... it was installed today in our living room. It is controlled by a digital thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on the time of day. The picture doesn't do the fire appearance justice at all ... and it can surely heat up the main part of the house in a hurry. Propane is so awesome ... :-)

Life is good!

A Reminder ... From the Universe ... :-)

2011-10-20T09:09:00.000-04:00

If you can dream it, Bill, we can do it.

Notice the "you" and "we" bits, and where they apply?

Go!
The Universe

Pics From a Glorious Thanksgiving Weekend!

2011-10-09T22:57:00.001-04:00

These are the people in my life who make me TRULY thankful ... :-)

Will

Anna and Jamie, with Will in the background

Anna and Will

Anna

Kate, Tim, Anna and Jamie

Jamie

Sloane

Chris, Kerri, Will and Sloane

Will and Jamie

Pete

Life IS good!

Look Who Survived Thanksgiving ... :-)

2011-10-08T17:33:00.000-04:00

Bet they don't survive Christmas ... ;-)

T-Bone Update

2011-10-08T14:06:00.001-04:00

This is T-Bone at about 19 months. He'll be with us until it is time for cattle to go to pasture next Spring. At that time, he'll be about 27 months old, and he'll head for the freezer.

Winka Update

2011-10-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

Petit Sabot Winka is pretty special as well ... in my humble opinion ... :-)

She is a month older than Whiskers and is due to calve in early March, at 28 months.

She won't stand to be groomed in the pasture, but she does not run away when approached.

Whiskers Update

2011-10-08T13:54:00.000-04:00

Petit Sabot Whiskers is my favourite of my two cows. She is beautiful ... and dog tame. I can groom her in the pasture as well.

She is 22 months old right now ...

... and will calve in early February at 26 months. I am getting eager to start milking her ... :-)

Ziek Update

2011-10-08T13:47:00.001-04:00

Midhill Ziek is now 16 months old and starting to fill out. I am still liking him a lot. He is friendly and gentle and will stand to be groomed in the pasture.

I am pretty anxious to see his calves this winter. Of course, I am hoping for polled heifers ... in dun would be a bonus ... :-)

But whatever I get will be exciting ... and A2/A2!

I am thinking that I will likely collect him so I can use him again in the future. If I do collect him, it will only be so that I can use the semen here on my own farm. Of course, we'll have to wait and see how he grows and how his calves grow ... :-)

Sheep Update!

2011-10-08T13:37:00.000-04:00

First of all, as promised a while ago, here is a picture of the ram I am using for breeding this year. He is WillowGarden Seasonal, out of Spring Water Lamb Friday (WillowGarden Garnish X WillowGarden Cherry Bomb) and WillowGarden Ameliasbugh (HarmonyMarsh Autumn X V Creek Leo). He will be with me until December 1st and then he will go to another flock until Spring.

And here is my entire flock. Actually there is one little white ewe lamb that is sold and will be delivered next weekend. That will leave 10 sheep until Dec 1st ... and then nine after that. They are such a calm and loving group. I think this will be a really enjoyable winter!

Today's Message From the Universe ... :-)

2011-09-28T08:03:00.000-04:00

Some folks are already wondering whether or not you're "for real," Bill.

Same thing happened to all the other legends.

They'll see,
The Universe

Chicken For Sale!

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

I have for sale, heritage breed chicken, free range raised with a natural diet on a farm that places a focus on sustainable agriculture. These birds are this year's crop and went through Government inspected processing. These are NOT the regular, modern meat birds ... these are heritage birds with less white meat and a darker 'dark' meat. Their flavour is divine ... BUT ... I have 60 of them ... and not even MY family will eat that many in a year ... :-)

I have several rooster left whole that weight 3 1/2 to 5 pounds at $3.75/lb. I also have MANY bagged 'parts' ... whole breasts, 1 per bag at $5.50/lb ... thighs, 4 per package, at $5.50/lb ... two drumsticks and two wings (without tips) per bag, at $5.50/lb ... and meaty chicken backs (GREAT for broth), 5 per bag, at $2.25/lb.

Willow Garden Dexters ... the Downsized Herd ... :-)

2011-09-22T21:52:00.000-04:00

I have retained what I think are the best of the best of my Dexters as well. All are A2/A2 and free of Chondro and PHA. My goal is to keep just two adult cows.

This is my polled bull imported from Carol Koller in New York State ... Midhill Ziek. Besides being polled and A2/A2, he also carries dun from his sire. Ziek was a year old on May 30th. He is maturing into a wonderful herd sire with a mellow disposition! I am thrilled with him and can't wait to see his calves this winter!

T-bone is available to hang out with Ziek when he needs to be away from his girls. He will also be in our freezer around May, 2012.

Petit Sabot Winka is a wonderful heifer. She is 39-ish" tall at 23 months. She is due to calve this winter, likely in early March. Although she is more 'stand-offish', I hope to milk her once she calves.

Petit Sabot Whiskers is about 38-ish" tall at 22 months ... and my favourite! She is bred to Ziek for a January calf. She is dog tame and will likely be a good milker.

Here are Whiskers and Winka together. Pictures like this tell me that I kept the right two cows ... :-)

And here are my three registered, A2/A2 Dexter cattle ... the beginning of my herd ... Willow Garden Dexters!

Willow Garden ... the Down Sized Flock ... :-)

2011-09-21T22:21:00.001-04:00

It feels so good to have taken control of my life once again! I have sold many wonderful sheep, some of whom were old friends ... and I am down to six ewes and three ewe lambs that I will be keeping.

The selection process was difficult, but I did my best to be sure that all of the best rams that I imported are represented in what is staying here.

Here they are ... my Willow Garden flock ...

WillowGarden Ottawa ... a black ewe out of WillowGarden Macaroon (a Bramble Nick daughter) ... and North Wind Holiday

WillowGarden Ameliasburgh ... a modified black ewe out of HarmonyMarsh Autumn (genetics from the best that Harmony Marsh produced, IMHO) ... and V Creek Leo (about the nicest ram I ever owned)

WillowGarden Bloomfield ... a black gulmoget katmoget, out of WillowGarden Snickertini (heavily line bred on Enfield Greyling) ... and V creek Leo

WillowGarden Jean Harlowe ... a moorit yuglet flecket katmoget ewe, out of HarmonyMarsh Lilly ( again, genetics from the best that Harmony Marsh produced, IMHO) ... and North Wind Holiday. This lamb was born the night that Gene passed away. Shortly after he died, I went out to check my sheep and this lamb was there. She is a total pet that can undo most any gate ... really annoying. I keep threatening to sell her ... but I can't just yet ... :-)

WillowGarden Kanata ... a fawn (modified colour) gulmoget katmoget ewe, out of Spring Water Eve (many of finest ram lines that I imported from the US and the UK) ... and Wintertime Red Velvet (an AWESOME, fine fleeced ram)

Nier Lakes 315405977 AI ... a white / katmoget ewe out of a Nier Lakes ewe with Whistlestop genetics ... and Todhill Glayva (semen imported from Scotland)

WillowGarden Gale Force ... a black gulmoget katmoget out of WillowGarden Bloomfield ... and WillowGarden Clinton (Todhill Glayva grandson out of Lil'Country Greyson)

WillowGarden Cheery ... a black Ag gulmoget out of WillowGarden Collingwood (another Red Velvet daughter) ... and WillowGarden Clinton (Todhill Glayva grandson out of Lil'Country Greyson)

Bueulah, a Cormo / cross ewe lamb out of WillowGarden Guinea (F1 Glayva extension dominant ewe) ... and a purebred Cormo ram, Douglas.

Besides these nine sheep, there will be some assistants ... Doug, our orange cat ... and his brother Bob, who was not around for the photo shoot today ... will continue with 'rat patrol'.

All of the sheep will stay in one group and be protected by Bonnie, who is the best LG dog that I have ever had.

I'll try to get pictures of the ram I will use to breed my tiny flock tomorrow. He'll move to a new farm December 1st, so there will just be the nine females and Bonnie over the winter ... :-)

Starter Flock For Sale! ... SOLD!

2011-09-15T08:53:00.001-04:00

This is a 'priced to sell' deal, not to be missed.

I have three yearling ewes, and three ewe lambs for sale as a group. These girls are all from my 'Keeper' list.

They include a nice variety in colour and pattern and all carry spots.

Use of a ram for the season is included in this package.

Congratulations Judith!

Surplus to My Needs!!... SOLD

2011-09-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

I have a Sydell sheep handling system that is surplus to my needs.

It consists of nine 8' panels (one with a drop down side for easier de-worming, etc) ... two man sized gates ...

a quiotine drop gate ... a sliding gate ... two 'chute' panels with a double gate in each one ...

a head gate with two side gates as well as the head gate ...

Sorting options with this system were awesome!

I also have 21 lamb jug panels, which is enough to build 10 efficient and secure jugs ...

three 8' grain feeder ... a sheep cradle ...

two 6 sided small hay feeders ...

and three 4' feeders that hang over a fencing board to keep mineral and salt clean.

This equipment is in reasonable shape and needs to be gone ASAP. Best offer close to $900 this week ... takes it all. I wanna tell you ... this surely made sheep handing a breeze!!

SOLD!!

Ideal Family Milking Cow ... SOLD

2011-09-02T09:17:00.003-04:00

I have one Dexter heifer for sale out of very milky lines. She tested A2/A2 and is bred to a POLLED bull that also tested A2/A2. She is 'pasture bred' and due to calve in Feb / Mar / Apr. Her calf will be A2/A2 and there is a 50% chance it will be polled. She is Chondro and PHA free and will not likely be much over 40" when full grown. She is currently about 39" tall at 18 months. She is a lovely little Dexter; very typical of the breed. She has a calm and gentle disposition and should make an ideal Family Milking Cow.

Since she is proven to be a cow that will produce A2/A2 milk, and since she is bred to the only polled Dexter bull in Ontario (I imported him from New York State) and since the bull is also proven to be A2/A2 ... I am asking $1400 for her, but am open to offers.

I also have a 17 month old steer available as a companion animal, but he is NO LONGER FOR SALE!

From Kerri ... Canada Day in the 'Big Smoke!'

2011-07-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

For Nan and Grumps

2011-07-03T20:21:00.003-04:00

Ewes and Ewe Lambs For Sale

2011-07-03T17:46:00.001-04:00

There are four ewes and five ewe lambs for sale at Willow Garden this year.

As always, there is a discount of $25 per animal if you purchase three or more animals in the same year.

WillowGarden Nicole Kidman is a 2009 wildly spotted katmoget ewe out of Willowgarden Garnish and HarmonyMarsh Anastasia. She is an awesome ewe with an even, fine fleece. She'll add flash to any breeding program! ... $275 - SALE PENDING

I am also selling her awesome ewe lamb from this year out of Spring Water Lamb Friday. This is a great chance to add spotted genetics from a truly quality sheep ... $350 - SALE PENDING

HarmonyMarsh Willow is a 2008 moorit (mioget) ewe out of WillowGarden Sudan and WillowGarden Tracy Chapman. She is excellent Shetland 'type' and would be a great addition as a breeding ewe ... $250

Also available is Willow's ewe lamb out of HarmonyMarsh DaVinci, a spotted emsket ram. This ewe is also very typey ... and will be carrying spots from her sire ... $300

Fibre Works ISP is a 2007 spotted ewe out of Linda Wendelboe's breeding (Alberta). She is a lovely ewe. Although she is iset (white fibres in the fleece), her fleece sold as soon as it was sheared. ... $250

I am also selling her daughter from this year. This lamb is a near clone of her dam and out of Friday, who does not carry iset ... $300 - SALE PENDING

HarmonyMarsh Twilight is a 2008 emsket ewe with spotting, out of HarmonyMarsh Blackjack and HarmonyMarsh Aubergine. She is a smaller ewe, but raised twins this year. ... $250 - SALE PENDING

This 2011 moorit ewe lamb is out of WillowGarden Hattie McDaniel and HarmonyMarsh DaVinci. She is a perfect Shetland and will be carrying spots from her sire. ... $300

Last, but NOT least, is this flashy ewe lamb out of HarmonyMarsh Autumn and Spring Water Lamb Friday. I like this lamb a lot, but I have retained her dam and a sister. ... $350 - SALE PENDING

Birds ... and they ARE For Sale ... :-)

2011-07-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

White Jersey Giant

Dark Brahma with black and white Jersey Giants

Dark Brahma

a gaggle of geese

Light Brahmas ... pullet above and cockerel below

meat bird females at 9 weeks

Welsummer pullet (above) and cockerel (below)

Welsummers and Light Brahmas For Sale

2011-06-23T22:16:00.000-04:00

I have some well started birds for sale. These are idea for back yard flocks or for folks interested in breeding.

The Light Brahmas are 8 weeks old, and not as easily sexed, although some of the roosters are obvious. These are a large, old breed with feather legs and feet. They are calm and friendly brown egg layers.

The Welsummers are 7 weeks old and are easily sexed. These birds are a dutch breed that lay very dark, beautiful eggs.

All birds are $12 each, or 6 for $60. In other words ... buy 5 and get the 6th for free ... :-)

In a week or two, I will also have White Jersey Giants, Black Jersey Giants, and Dark Brahmas.

An Unregistered Starter Flock - SOLD

2011-06-19T20:11:00.001-04:00

These are QUALITY animals with awesome pedigrees, but due to circumstances, the animals will be sold without papers ... at a VERY reduced rate.

WillowGarden Macaroon, is an awesome white ewe out of Bramble Nick and Great Plains Sarah. She has a black ram lamb that will likely need to be wethered or slaughtered by Fall, and a black ewe lamb. The trio is SOLD.

WillowGarden Vanessa Redgrave is out of North Wind Holiday and a Dailley ewe. She comes with a black ram lamb that will also need to be wethered or slaughtered. The pair is SOLD.

This awesome spotted, moorit katmoget ram is SOLD.

This would be an awesome starter flock for someone not interested in maintaining a registered flock with all of the associated costs, but still anxious to know that they are starting with purebred, quality stock.

Friends

2011-06-09T07:59:00.000-04:00

This week's hatch ... the last of the season and a pretty late one for me ... was just one little chick out of six eggs ... and hatched at 23 days!

Once the weather gets warmer, I never have as much success with my styrofoam incubator

This poor little bird went nuts with the chirping once I put her, alone, into the 'aquarium brooder'. It was driving me crazy ... so I went to the fridge and got her a 'friend'.

She has been quiet ever since. I think I'll find the two chicks from last week in the 'Chick-mobile' (a small box trailer that I use for brooding) and bring them in. I expect that they'd be better company than the egg!

Kate, Tim, Anna, and Jamie arrive today and are returning to the area after a year in Yellowknife. I'm pretty sure that the kids will enjoy chicks in Grandpa's dining room ... :-)

Life is good!

Good Folks!

2011-06-05T08:41:00.002-04:00

Well ... it rained a bit on the shearing Open House, but the sheep got sheared, lambs got cuddled, some fleece got sold, and a fair few people got to experience Willow Garden.

There are two women whose contribution to the event are far too often taken for granted.

JULIE CARR ... who, no matter how late I happen to call her, has the porta-pottie here and set up in plenty of time.

CAROL BROUGH ... a dear friend since Gene and I first discovered The County in 1999, and my real estate agent for life ... who pays for the porta-pottie each year ... 613-476-2100.

These two women are just good folk!

Family Fun in Prince Edward County!

2011-05-30T08:34:00.000-04:00

Salem Road Fibre Festival

Saturday, June 4
10 am until 2 pm
Free Admission and Fun For the Whole Family!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Willow Garden Shetlands
willowgardenshetlands.blogspot.com

2033 Salem Rd
Consecon ON
613-394-8631
Sheep Shearing, Lamb Romp, Open House
& 4 H Barbeque
·          Colourful & Playful Lambs
·          Dexter Cattle & Calves
·          Rare Breed Chickens, Turkeys & Geese
·          Livestock Guardian Dogs
·          Shearing & Spinning Demonstrations and Raw Fleeces For Sale
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Seventh Town Alpaca Ranch
Fibre Festival
www.seventhtown.ca

1755 Salem Rd
·          See Shorn Alpaca & a Session on Shearing and     Rearing Information
·          Raw Fleece Skirting/Carding/Spinning Demonstrations
·          Needle & Wet Felting Demonstrations
·          4H Alpaca Club Fund Raiser
·          Kids Workshops – Kool Aid Dying and Loom Knitting

Two Years

2011-05-25T13:56:00.000-04:00

How can yah NOT miss this man ... :-)

Good 'Cow News'

2011-05-18T10:09:00.001-04:00

I got the test results back for Katanna and 'Stew'. Both are A2/A2. The milk from A2/A2 animals is free of beta casein A1. Apparently this is a good thing in the family milking cow world!

Katanna and Stew are both out of Earlona Petula and Dreamland Samson, with Katanna being their 2010 calf and Stew being born in 2011.

The good news is that Katanna will stay here for a good long time, and produce A2/A2 calves out of Ziek ... :-). I am awaiting the results of colour testing for Stew. I am hoping that he carries dun. I expect that he will be for sale as a registered bull and not as freezer meat. Good news for him ... but I'm left hoping for a bull calf or two from Honeybun and Ramona ... as I'll need one for my freezer in 2013.

Life is good!

A Breath of Fresh Air!

2011-05-15T22:21:00.001-04:00

I have had a rough few days here at Willow Garden with sick lambs. I'll go over the details once I have dealt with everything ... which will likely be pretty soon. Anyway ... my sister Betty, who I love more than life itself, came to cheer me up and she brought Ian, who always has some new red wine for me to try ... and Claire, my first born great niece. It was a wonderful visit ... and Betty sent these pictures. Thanks for coming Betty, Ian, and especially ... Claire ... :-)

Pictures to Update

2011-05-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

Although it may seem that I've been sitting on my butt since I have posted no pictures ... that isn't the case. Here are a few pictures to prove that we've been busy ... :-)

My yearling ewes that I bred late are just lambing now. There are three more to go and I am totally ready for lambing to be over with since it started in mid-March ... but beautiful ewe lambs like this Ag gulmoget make it worth while. Meet WillowGarden Cheery.

I am brooding meat birds, Light Brahmas, Welsummers, Australorps, and Chanteclers in my 'Chick Mobile'. I also have 17 turkeys in another area being brooded ... and White Jersey Giants, Black Jersey Giants, and Dark Brahmas coming next Monday! So much for cutting down on breeds! Many of these will be sold as breeding pairs or trios, or as layers.

I put my geese out to pasture at two weeks of age and they seem to LOVE life in the grass. They have shade and shelter from the weather, and seem to be thriving.

Lauren and Cindy are out with the yearling ewes and once they are even more aclimatized to Willow Garden, I'll let them out with the main flock.

Anyway ... that is a sampling of current life at Willow Garden ... so you don't think that I am lazing about ... :-)

Life is good!

Lauren and Cindy Have Arrived!

2011-05-02T17:30:00.001-04:00

Well, they are here! And they are such gentle creatures. I am thrilled with them ... and believe me ... I WAS having second thoughts as I recalled the ordeal with a Llama many years ago!

Lauren ... is a Bay Black Suri Alpaca.

Cindy is a golden brown.

Both girls spent the day on April 22 with this boy pictured in the two pictured below. He is from Peru! I won't know if they are bred or not until April next year,but I'll be happy if they are not bred as I really only want to have the two Alpaca.

Life is good!

52 New Meat Pullets

2011-04-28T19:11:00.002-04:00

Today I picked up my 50 (+2 for good measure) meat birds for my first brooding. I'm just doing pullets this time as I have customers interested in smaller birds (around 5 pounds).

What a sight it is to see 73 little yellow chicks all being brooded in a water trough! They prance around and frolic like they don't have a care in the world. I LOVE it when my animals seem happy with their life.

Baby bird total here at Willow Garden is now at 100 ... with 30 Welsummer pullets, 6 Welsummer roosters, and 12 Australorp pullets (for my neighbours, but I'll brood them) due to arrive next Wednesday ... :-) The feed store is going to LOVE me this summer ... LOL.

And I have 50 more coming in from Murray McMurrays in the US on May 16th ... both white and black Jersey Giants, and Dark Brahmas. I'm playing around with some slower growing larger breeds for my own use this year. I'll keep you posted with my observations as things progress. So far, my only observation is that Embden Geese increase their size by 50% in their first day and a half of life!

I moved my geese so that they are not with the turkeys. Boy do they like things wet ... and my turkeys do NOT! The goslings are growing like mad! I can hardly wait to get them out to pasture!

The First Wave of My Birds!

2011-04-27T16:38:00.001-04:00

The first of my summer birds have arrived at Willow Garden. This is one of my favourite times of year on the farm!

We have 20 Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys. Not all are spoken for, so contact me if you are interested in a bird for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Above are 21 Light Brahmas. These are gentle egg layers that also grow to be a decent sized eating bird. I have never had this breed before, so we'll see how we like them!

Also arriving today are eight Embden Geese. There are a few of these not spoken for as well, so if you'd like one come Fall, let me know.

Tomorrow, I have 50 meat bird pullets coming. I hope to finish these at 3 to 5 pounds as that seems to be a better size for lots of families. 30 of them are sold, so there are 20 more for folks who are interested. I'll be doing some bigger ones that will be ready in the Fall.

Random Lamb Pics on a Sunny Day!

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

WillowGarden Lake Victoria and one of her twin ewe lambs, Ellendale. This is Ellerslie's birth family. Sire was Stetser Douglas.

WillowGarden Pleasant, a black ewe lamb out of HarmonyMarsh Autumn and Spring Water Lamb Friday. I expect that Pleasant will be retained.

WillowGarden Steamy (in front) and WillowGarden Frosty ... twin ewe lambs out of Fibre Works ISP and Lamb Friday. Frosty will likely be for sale.

WillowGarden Balmy is out of WillowGarden Jean Harlowe and Friday. He will be retained for evaluation, but might make someone a fine flock sire.

WillowGarden Whispy, a ewe lamb, out of WillowGarden Nicole Kidman and Lamb Friday. Whispy will be retained.

WillowGarden Warm is a spotted katmoget ewe lamb out of Nier Lakes 315405977 AI, and Lamb Friday. She may be for sale.

WillowGarden Windy, is a twin ewe lamb, to Warm (above). She may be for sale as well, athough she DOES carry Aa and spots.

WillowGarden Apsley (white ram) and WillowGarden Nubeena (black krunet ewe) are out of WillowGarden Nubia and Stetser Douglas (registered Cormo)

:-)

2011-04-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

I cannot get over how CUTE these two are together! Norah seems to have figured out that Ellerslie likes grass as about once an hour, she takes her for a walk ... :-)

And Ellerslie wants to do EVERYTHING ... just like her Mom ... :-)

Life is good!

Easter Weekend Lambing Update

2011-04-25T11:32:00.001-04:00

What a glorious weekend! The weather forecast was terrible ... but the weather we got was absolutely wonderful ... by comparison. And there was lots of lambing going on!

I sold WillowGarden Vanessa Redgrave last Fall, and then bought her back bred in the Winter as her new owner was going through some difficult times. On Friday, she had this little boy. His fleece type is not anything that interests me for a breeding ram, but I have a buyer looking for three wethers and this guy will be perfect for their use.

Then later on Friday, WillowGarden Guinea, who NEVER disappoints me delivered a white ram (Bismark) and a black ewe (Beaulagh), out of my white Cormo ram, Stetser Douglas. The ram is amazing!

On Sunday, WillowGarden Aurora, a gul/kat yearling ewe delivered this very tiny and perfect gul/kat ram (Stormy) out of WillowGarden Clinton, an ED yearling ram. No sign of horns just yet, so I may keep him to cross on some of my cloured (ED) Corlands this Fall.

Also on Sunday, WillowGarden Kagera delivered an 8 1/2 pound ewe lamb (Burgess), again out of my Corland ram Douglas.

And then early this morning, WillowGarden Helen Hayes produced a black krunet ram lamb (Hobart), and a black ewe lamb with a tiny krunet (Hiedelburgh). Again these lambs were sired by my Corlnd ram, Stetser Douglas.

One more ewe was bred (twice that I saw) by Douglas, but she seems to have aborted both times as she has just the tiniest udder, and it is shrinking.

So ... the final Corland tally is

one black krunet ram
two white rams
five black ewes, most with small krunets
one grey ewe (don't ask me how that happened!)

Now ... to watch them grow ... :-)

Can Life Get Any Better!!?

2011-04-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

I know that it is hard to see the lamb in this picture ... but 4.2 pounds of new life ... 20 minutes old ... up drinking and being nurtured. When I get to watch something like this, which I do often ... I know that ... Life is good!

Could my life get any better? ... it does daily ... :-)

I am so blessed.

And I Thought This Might Be Difficult ... :-)

2011-04-24T09:45:00.002-04:00

I was concerned about Ellerslie being alone and thus bleeting a lot. No chance of that now! She has a new best friend. Norah doesn't seem to mind ... except when the lamb tries to nurse!

So now all I have to do is feed the lamb every six hours. The 3 am feeding is a drag, but I am up checking sheep anyway as my first time, yearling ewes are due to start lambing.

Life is good ... and just makes me smile ... :-)

Woo Hoo !!

I think that the 'novelty is wearing off for poor Nora!

But ... she is so patient ... :-)

Bottle Baby

2011-04-23T15:40:00.000-04:00

It is been a long time since I had a bottle baby, but somehow, at 2 1/2 days old, WillowGarden Ellerslie, a Corland ewe lamb ... became a stranger to her mother. Mom bashes the poor wee girl around the jug, but Ellerslie persists. She was not having much luck getting milk from Mom, and seemed reluctant to take a bottle, so we have pulled her from her Mom and sister, at least until she'll take a bottle readily.

Being one of my Shetland / Cormo crosses, and a ewe, we'll be retaining her anyway. So ... we'll have a pet lamb in the back yard with the dogs for a while ... :-)

Ziek Meets the Girls

2011-04-21T16:47:00.001-04:00

Ziek got his jewelry today. The Vet gave him some awesome drugs and he slept for a couple hours afterward. He is not the least bit stressed with the new nose ring.

Today was also the end of his quarantine period and I was quite happy to see him out in the sunlight!

He is also not the least bit impressed by all of the attention from his girls.

Right now, I think that he'd like to be left alone to enjoy the hay ... :-)

Twin Black Corland Ewes

2011-04-21T16:40:00.001-04:00

WillowGarden Lake Victoria, a black Extension Dominant ewe that is either Awt or Ag under the ED, bred to my purebred Cormo ram, Stetser Douglas ... produced these twin black ewe lambs last night. Both were between 5 1/2 and 6 pounds.

The two born 2 1/2 days ago, lie down in order to drink comfortably from their dam. They are growing like weeds!

I am anxious to see how they grow up ... :-)

My First Corlands

2011-04-19T11:43:00.002-04:00

After a LONG wait by the Shepherd, WillowGarden Nubia, an extension dominant black ewe ... bred to Stetser Douglas, a registered white Cormo ram ... produced the first Shetlands to be born at Willow Garden. The naming theme for my Corlands will be place names in Tasmania, as that is where Cormos were developed as a breed.

First born was WillowGarden Apsley, a white ram, that will likely be for sale at weaning as a wether. His fleece looks AMAZING, so I may hold off banding him until I have more Corlands on the ground.

He was followed in short order by his black sister, WillowGarden Nubeena. Nubeena will be retained.

Both of these lambs were over 6 1/2 pounds, but that is not unheard of with purebred Shetlands out of mature ewes.

Life is good!

WillowGarden Whispy

2011-04-15T19:51:00.000-04:00

This little girl was born in the wee hours of the morning ... a spotted mioget ewe lamb out of WillowGarden Nicole Kidman ( a WillowGarden Garnish daughter), and Spring Water Lamb Friday (a WillowGarden Garnish son). Garnish was an awesome spotted, mioget, scurred katmoget ram with an AMAZING fleece! I lost him to a freak incident, so was excited to get the chance to buy Friday, his son.

I actually would preferred a ram lamb out of this breeding, but I am NOT complaining! As you can see, Nicole is a katmoget, even though she has no colour on most of her body. I'm excited to have a non-katmoget lamb out of her.

I expect that this lamb will be a keeper as well. Looks like there will have to be a few ewes on the sales list if I am going to keep some of these lambs!

Now ... I await the arrival of my Corlands ... Shetland ewes X with a Cormo ram. I can hardly wait!

Life is good!

A Toddler's Visit

2011-04-10T10:42:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning, I had folks with toddlers out for a farm/lamb visit.

My friend Amity sent these pictures that she took.

As you can tell, Neve liked Clyde the best!

Lambs - April 8th

2011-04-08T17:43:00.000-04:00

For two and a half days Fibre Works ISP has paced the paddock looking ready to lamb. For 2 and 1/4 days I checked on her ever two hours. Then today I decided to heck with it ... and went to run a bunch of errands with Pete. When we came home ... ISP had twin ewe lambs out of Spring Water Lamb Friday!

The first one is WillowGarden Steamy, and I like her a LOT. I expect that she'll stay here. Her sister, WillowGarden Frosty, is pretty nice as well but looks enough like her dam that I'll likely sell her.

ISP delivered 13 1/2 pounds of lambs! I think that she'll be a good candidate to be bred to my coloured Merino ram, Panda next year.

Life is good!

Ziek's Second Day As a Canadian

2011-04-08T17:34:00.001-04:00

Well ... it is getting harder and harder to get pictures of Ziek. He must be bored because every time I approach his pen, he comes running for scratches or treats. I caught him off guard this time, and snapped a picture before he saw me!

This guy won't be a year old until May 30th! I think that he is pretty awesome!

Welcome Midhill Ziek to Canada!

2011-04-07T16:55:00.001-04:00

After many months of planning, Midhill Ziek has finally arrived at his new home, Willow Garden.

He is just 10 months old, and already impressive.

Thank you Carol Koller for selling him to me. Folks, if you are looking for quality Dexters for beef AND milk, contact this woman at Midhill Dexters.

Now ... I can hardly wait for calves from this boy to arrive!

LIFE IS GOOD!

April 7th Lambs

2011-04-07T16:47:00.000-04:00

WillowGarden Bright, an emsket horned ewe, and WillowGarden Calm a flashy moorit and white ram lamb. I'm hoping that he is mioget, but he may not be,

These gems are out of HarmonyMarsh Twilight and Spring Water Lamb Friday.

April 6th ... Another Lamb ... :-)

2011-04-06T19:50:00.000-04:00

Sorry these aren't better pictures. I'll try again tomorrow.

This is WillowGarden Pleasant, a flashy ewe lamb out of HarmonyMarsh Autumn (emsket) and Spring Water Lamb Friday.

I think that she might just be a keeper ... :-)

Mark helped me make a few more jugs, just in case. Autumn wasn't on my list to lamb today ... and two others are.

All seems quiet right now ... :-)

Lambs - April 6th

2011-04-06T15:48:00.001-04:00

WillowGarden Jean Harlowe, had an awesome moorit yuglet flecket katmoget ram lamb in the wee hours of the morning. The sire is Spring Water Lamb Friday.

I will be evaluating him for potential sale as a flock sire. His genetics are awesome!

Then around mid morning Spring Water Eve got around to lambing and delivered a single, 8 pound ram lamb. His fleece looks to be amazing! His tail is too long for me to consider using him as a flock sire, BUT, his fleece will be too nice for him to become dinner. I think that I will band him and then try to sell him as a wether to a spinners flock.

Banding him is also a good idea as I am milking Eve and the little guy will get way more attention than any RAM needs to have had as a lamb. I am sharing Eve's milk with her lamb. Today, he got all that he wanted and I got two litres of colostrum, which I have frozen for emergency use.

I will freeze the milk as I go along, and then when I have at least four litres, I will make some cheese. I had hoped to have a milking stand built and ready to use ... but my broken wrist put that plan on the back burner. So far, she isn't minding me milking her ... and I am not minding sitting on the floor to do it!

I LOVED these pictures of mom and son ... in the sun ... so I posted lots ... :-)

Life is good!

Lambing Update

2011-04-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

These two little ones were born April 1st ... Dull(ram) and Cloudy(ewe). I am, at the moment, kind of disappointed with their fleeces. There dam is WillowGarden Macaroon, out of Great Plains Sarah (F1 Lightning) and Bramble Nick (a high percentage UK ram). The sire, though is WillowGarden Sudbury, out of WillowGarden Absolut (TONS of great UK genetics) and North Wind Holiday (F1 Holly). Sudbury had the MOST disappointing fleece at birth, but it sure changed into one of the best as he got older. I'm hoping for the same from these two. I DO have someone after three whethers, and Dull might be perfect for a fibre-pet home.

Then EARLY this morning (April 3rd) Neir Lakes 315405877, bred to Spring Water Friday, gave birth to these gorgeous ewe lambs ... WillowGarden Windy ...

and WillowGarden Warm.

There are several more ready to pop, so nothing gets to stay long in the jugs. Besides, in this glorious weather, they are better off being out in the sun, rather than locked in a gloomy barn!

Life is good!

An Opportunity for Folks Concerned With Flock or Herd Safety!

2011-04-02T21:24:00.001-04:00

The folks who I am buying my Alpaca from have three female Great Pyrenees left from a recent litter. I wanna tell you ... the parents of these pups are what I think of as the perfect LGD ... friendly with folks who are introduced, diligent, loyal to the herd, and conformationally VERY correct in every way!

There are just three females left! These pups are living with a LARGE Alpaca herd, but would adjust well to sheep. They have been lovingly cared for and are available to approved homes.

If you think that you might need an LGD in the near future ... these pups are what you will need. I have three myself, and no longer lose lambs to coyotes!

Contact these folks!

Tell them Bill sent you ... ;-)

Cindy

2011-04-01T19:57:00.000-04:00

Lauren likely needs another of her species here ...

and this doll is SOOO cute!

I have to decide this weekend ... *sigh*

If this is the most major decision that I ever have to make ... then ... Life is good!

Midhill Ziek

2011-03-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

My new bull ... scheduled to arrive on April 7th ... Midhill Ziek. In this video, he is 10 months old.

I AM pretty excited to finally be getting this guy home. I started the process to purchase and import him in December.

Rams and Two of My Dogs

2011-03-27T08:06:00.000-04:00

My friend Danielle Gorel, was out to see lambs a bit a go and she took these picrures. She posted them on Facebook, so I am assuming that I can share them here. They are great shots!

Here are my boys ... WillowGarden Ingersoll, Stetser Douglas (tucked behind so that he looks shorter than he is), Ugly Dogs Farm Panda (a big coloured Merino boy), Spring Water Friday (being camera shy), and WillowGarden Slice (sterile teaser ram).

Panda is one of the most laid back animals that I have ever met ... and that fleece!

Norah is my Landseer Newfoundland Dog. She had major hip problems, but loss of about 20 pounds seems to have helped. Hmmm ... maybe I need to try that again ... :-)

Bonnie is one of three Maremma livestock guardian dogs ... and likely my favourite. She does such an awesome job!

Layer Flock

2011-03-26T19:52:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of shots of my Layer Flock. They are a colourful lot, but some of them are pretty old. I will be culling heavily as the new birds come in to lay in the Fall.

Interested in stewing hens anyone? Give me a call! I can usually get 2 1/2 meals out of one old bird ... :-)

Turkeys!

2011-03-26T16:41:00.000-04:00

I keep a small flock of Narragansett Turkeys and sell hatching eggs through a local hatchery in the Spring.

They are fun to watch, and I get a decent price for the eggs, but we'll see if it is cost effective toward the end of the season. I could sure use their compound for some of my other birds this summer!

Lambs - Round One

2011-03-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

Twins out of HarmonyMarsh Willow and HarmonyMarsh Da Vinci ... a mioget (?) ewe lambs, Misty

And an emsket (?) ram lamb, Cooler.

Hattie McDaniel with Sunny and Clear ...

and Ambrosia with Breezy and Crisp.

Hollis

2011-03-26T08:06:00.001-04:00

Hollis is another 13 year old cow. After weaning her calf, I discovered that the three yearlings were using her as a 'Dairy Bar'. Now that she is dried up and getting extra groceries, she is putting on some condition again.

Stew ... for now

2011-03-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

Stew, Petula's calf out of Samson. I like him a lot, but wonder if he is looking a bit 'feminine'. Like I'd know!!! LOL

Honeybun

2011-03-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

Honeybun is an amazing 13 year old Dexter ... :-)

Ramona

2011-03-25T21:52:00.000-04:00

Ramona ... a six year old cow, looking good and behaving without her horns ... :-)

Petula ... without horns

2011-03-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

Petula, a seven year old cow. I love this cow ... especially without her horns!

Katanna

2011-03-25T21:45:00.000-04:00

My last yearling ...

Winka

2011-03-25T21:43:00.000-04:00

Another awesome yearling ...

Whiskers

2011-03-25T21:41:00.000-04:00

One of my awesome yearling Dexters ...

Lauren

2011-03-21T20:24:00.000-04:00

I'm SURE that I mentioned some time ago that I had gone with a friend to look at Suri Alpacas ... right?

Well this lovely, smaller bay black Suri Alpaca is coming to Willow Garden soon.

She will be bred before she comes, hopefully to a smaller light fawn boy.

My broken wrist has thrown a 'wrench' into my plans though, as I seem to be more limited in terms of what I can do than I thought that I would.

Hopefully, I'll find out tomorrow when the cast can come off ... and then bring Lauren home the weekend before that, as the pain should likely be less than it will be once the cast is off ... :-)

I'm excited about Lauren ... :-)

Life is good!

Ziek is Coming!!

2011-03-20T22:33:00.000-04:00

It looks like the paper work has been approved ... and the test results been satisfactory ... and the trucker is agreeable. So now ... I just wait for my wonderful new polled Dexter bull to come home from the USA.

The pictures aren't the best, but, obviously Midhill Ziek is not into flaunting his stuff. He WILL have two cows ready and waiting for him when he gets off the trailer ... and two more ready about 72 hours after that.

In these pictures ... Ziek is the black guy that is ignoring the camera ... :-)

Life is good!