Making Changes

After much prayer, deliberation, discussion, and soul searching, we are selling a large portion of our goat herd, some of our chickens, and our horse. We need to simplify. Everything here is just too chaotic and I do not enjoy this "flying by the seat of our pants" feeling that has overcome our household.

Sam and I were up until the wee morning hours on Monday (well technically, I suppose it was Tuesday) discussing where God wanted us, physically, financially, spiritually, educationally, etc. And the bottom line is our family needs to come first. Whatever it takes. The animals are a good thing, but their numbers have taken over our time and finances.

We expected the girls to be angry/sad at our decision, and we were not disappointed. We encouraged them to pray about it and talk with us about it. As yesterday progressed, and they decided who to keep and who to sell, they began to feel better about it all, sort of. We are encouraging them to look for the benefits and for the most part they are doing that.

I knew I needed to be at home more and so approached my employer about only working one day a week. When I explained the situation she was very understanding, but really wanted me to keep working for her. She offered me the summer off and will hold my position until school starts up again in late August and I can make a decision then. I accepted her offer.

We currently superintend three goat shows at local fairs: North Stonington, Ledyard and Lebanon. If anyone has any interest in taking these over, we will work with you through this current fair season to make the transition.

Below is a list of what we are selling. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, as they will be heading for the auction before the end of June if not sold privately.

GOATS:

OWL-RIDGE NITE LITE: 4 year old Oberhasli. Star milker. Currently in Milk. Should NOT be bred again as she has a history of prolapse. Milking 6 pounds daily.

ABBY'S TAILS PALADIUM: 1 year old Oberhasli. Currently in Milk. Nite Lite's daughter. Sire is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW SHINE-ON JAZZ. Milking 5.5 pounds daily.

ABBY'S TAILS DUNKIN DOENUTS: 3 year old Ober Recorded Grade (technically, full Amer. Oberhasli but registered as Rec. Grade due to paperwork issues). Currently in milk. Milking 5 pounds daily

ABBY'S TAILS LOUISA ADAMS: Born March 7 2010 Oberhasli. Dam is 4M-GATEWAY MOEEKA, Sire is BLUE-RIDGE HS VICTORIAN BUDDY

WEST VIEW OCTAVIA: 2 year old Oberhasli. First year freshener, currently in milk. Sire is UDDER VIEW WESLEY and Dam is WEST VIEW OCHO.

CEDARS OF LEBANON LOU HENRY: Born March 31, 2010 Oberhasli. Dam is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW LUCILLE and Sire is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW SHINE-ON JAZZ.

WEST VIEW OKRA: 4 year old Oberhasli. Failed to breed last fall. Not in milk.

CEDARS OF LEBANON FLUORINE: 1 year old Oberhasli. Not in milk. Dam is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW LUCILLE and Sire is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW SHINE-ON JAZZ.

CEDARS OF LEBANON POLONIUM: 1 year old Oberhasli. Not in Milk. Dam is WEST VIEW OKRA and Sire is HEAVEN'S HOLLOW SHINE-ON JAZZ.

CHICKENS:

Bantams: 9 hens... breeds include: Aracauna, golden sebright, and birchen cochin.
Polish crested: 2 hens and one rooster (who took best in show at nearly every show he was entered last summer. His name is Rockstar, of course.)

HORSE:
10 year old gelding quarter horse named Lewee. Western trained, amazingly sensitive to leg. Not for a beginner. Vaccinated for West Nile, EEE, botulism, and rabies, current Coggins. Currently barefoot but will need shoes on at least front feet.