Springtime on the Farm

It's been a busy week around the homestead. All four of our Nubian does have finally kidded. One went several weeks ago, one kidded on Wednesday, and two did so today.

Wednesday was a real rollercoaster. Star had some problems with the first kid, but my DW and a friend were able to get him out. They thought there was one more, but could not get it out and had to call a vet. She was concerned that the kid was dead and that she might lose Star as well. The vet was able to get the TWO remaining kids out, and doeling and a buckling, and Star was fine.

Today was very long and tiring. Usually Saturday is a day of rest for us, but the 2 remaining does both went into labor today. Rose had two kids, a doeling and a buckling. The doeling is fine, but the buckling had trouble coming out and was born dead.

Then our queen doe, Dawn, went into labor. She had one doeling and seemed like she was going to have more, but no more came out. We were quite surprised because she was very large, but she passed the placenta and we checked her over very carefully and there are no more kids. She never ceases to amaze us in different ways.

The grand total is four live doelings, three live bucklings, and one dead buckling. We expected two or three more, particularly given that Dawn has given three or four kids her previous kiddings, but are happy with what we have.

Enough for now.
Kevin.

A New Pope

So much for my belly-button prediction. It looks like the cardinals went very conventional this time. I am glad they choose a conservative to continue John Paul II's theological direction.

We shall see what happens in the coming years. It wasn't that long ago that a "transitional pope" really shook up the Roman Catholic church. I kind-of hope Benedict XVI lives to be 90 or something. I've always believed God has a sense of humor.

Kevin

Picking a Pope and Spring has Sprung

Tomorrow at The Vatican the cardinals of the Roman Catholic church gather to select a successor to John Paul II. Now I'm no Catholic, but I do find it interesting to read the take of the newsies on the conclave. They seem to think the selection process is some kind of political party chief selection; kind of like Dean and the Democrats. They really have no appreciation of the religious aspect of all this. I have no doubt that church politics will play a role, but I also like to believe that the cardinals will truly seek God's direction in their selection. I wouldn't be surprised if another "dark horse" is selected.

Now to Spring. It was lovely day, almost too warm, here in New England. The snows of winter are long gone, except for the piles of dirt and gravel where the snow banks were and the broken fence posts that I slide into while plowing. Didn't get much done about the dirt and stone, but I did get the fence posts replaced. Maybe some of the children can start working on the gravel in the yard this week.

Enough for this evening.
Take care and God Bless.
Kevin

Come on in the Water's Fine

Been hearing about blogging for a while now. I've decided to take the leap and see what there is to this phenomena. Don't know if anyone will be interested in reading what I might have to say, but you don't know until you try.

So who am I? Here are some words that apply: male, white Caucasian, husband, father, nine children, Massachusetts, software engineer, program manager, Christian... More will come up as we go along.

I make no promises as to how often I'll update here so as to tell no lies :)

That's enough to start with.
Welcome aboard, enjoy the ride
Kevin