I am a Pitch Fork Snob.

I was out in the barn yesterday using everyone of my pitch forks and was really enjoying how well they work for the different kinds of work I do everyday.   I thought...hmmmmm...I wonder how many people today know that there are even different types of pitch forks...so I took a picture of them and the things I use them for...can you match the right pitch fork to the right job?

 A. 6 prong    B. 3 prong   C. 10 prong

 1,100 pounds of hay.

Thick hay smashed into the ground mixed with goat poop. 

Horse Poop..yes  I did take a picture of horse poop.

Homemade Ham and Bean Soup

When our dear friends Ann and Boyd came up for a visit this summer, they were looking through one my cookbooks, "Lost Recipes"  and found this recipe....it sounded so good; I have been wanting to try it since then.   Soak 1 lb of white beans over night.  Place beans in large pot, add water til it about 1.5 inches above the beans, add 3 to 4 chopped onions and 2 cups of ham.  Salt and Pepper.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours, adding water as necessary and skim off any goop on top.  When beans are soft add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard...we will see how it turns out. It sure smells good.

When to speak...When to listen...ok...so i'm not perfect, but i'm perfectly ok with that.

While digging the post holes with our tractor,

the auger stopped digging and would just go around in circles on top of the dirt.

This became increasing frustrating, Joe's first thought was the auger needed to be sharpened.  I spouted off, "how can that be?"  So, Joe checked the hydraulic fluid it was fine, then he checked some arm that works off the hydraulic fluid, he thought it might have broken a seal.  He then thought it might be the hydraulic air filter...finally he talked to his friend at the John Deer Tractor Store and it was the "teeth" on the auger.  The piece on the left is supposed to be in the shape of a rectangle, the bolt is completely warn off at an angle on the side and the nut was almost all sheered away.  I should learn when to listen better, especially when it's not my area of expertise :0)  But the important lesson, was I learned something new and because digging holes by hand sucks, I will always make it my job to check the teeth on the auger! :0)

 Yea! The goats pen is done! Thank you Mikey for coming out and helping your mom and dad!!! Love you!