With the end of summer the busy season begins to taper off; the to-do list contains the last tasks that nobody got around to doing yet, and the long index of things to be double-checked before the arrival of winter. My farm days have been spent doing these random tasks, such as wielding a chainsaw where the edge of the woods is trying to creep into the pasture. A few hours of that will leave you with rather sore arms the next day.
Of course, some things carry on as usual: milk bottles still to be filled, eggs to be washed, cheese to be e̶a̶t̶e̶n̶ made. The layer chicks have become laying pullets, and are starting to give us eggs with growing enthusiasm.
We are working through the last milking schedule before all the livestock apprentices leave and the full-time farmers are left to struggle through on their own. However will they manage without us?
The daintiest little calf yet was born last Saturday. Her name is Ava, and mama Autumn is determined that no one will go near her. She's incredibly over-protective, to the point that she is the cause of a couple slightly bruised apprentices. Everyone remains cautious and wary at all times. But Ava is definitely adorable.
Overall, we are currently loving every minute of this absolutely gorgeous fall weather. It's truly beautiful and we are so fortunate to be able to enjoy it here on the farm.