Johnson's Farm Trip Year 2

Last Day...

Last night we told the Estrella kids to sleep in and we would handle the chores. 6:00 a.m. this morning they were all up and doing their thing. Samuel, Earnest, Cam and Emma went down to the far pasture and separated the newborn calf from her (it's a her, they checked) mom. They picked her up, held her on the quad, and took off for the barn. Every cow, and I mean EVERY cow (including the slothful Bull), took off after them. They secured the calf in a upper barn with no harm done to anyone. I, of course, had the job of feeding the milk to this angry mob of beef flesh...which I put off until they all were a bit calmer.

We milked, we fed, Emma rode the horse, and we packed up and said our goodbyes. Anthony was off to the market and Kelli & the kids were off to church.

Leaving is bitter sweet...to say the least. We're home and we already miss the animals, the land and the knowing that we did something. The Estrella's get 4 days of vacation and we get a glimpse into a life that few people see; a glimpse that'll stay with us for ever. We may have been short term farmers but we were "farmers" for those 4 days; the very good, the routine and the emotionally upsetting. I believe that these experiences will impact us, and our kids, for the rest of our lives...in a very, very, good way.

Extra special thanks to our brother in law Gerry Propst for graciously letting us use his big baby girl truck and palatial camper. His generosity made this doable.

We're home now and everyone has bathed or showered or both. We are happy, tired, and already miss the farm.

early dinner and then a walk around the farm for the last time.  The Estrella's got back about an hour ago and promptly dispatched the ailing goat.  Needed to be done; just didn't want it to be me doing it.

They enjoyed their vacation which is the primary reason we come up here and we'll be back if they'll have us.

No real problems again this year; 2 deaths, one birth and a completely plugged up sow that refuses to produce piglets.

Heading out about 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.  we'll miss the farm but welcome the showers, the beds, the sleep.  more pics to be posted tomorrow or the next day.

see you next year.

Day 7

Kristen & Tom headed to the Farmers Market at 5:30 this morning and the rest of us started chores. No new births or deaths...however...

Last evening, during the feeding of the adolescent goats, Cam noticed that one little girl was getting pushed around and sort of beat up on. She was shaking and wouldn't eat so we picked her up and took her out of the pen. We both sat with her in our arms and tried to feed her. She ate a little bit and we set up a separate pen for her in an adjacent barn. She was not doing well...at all. Cam was with her and she started to seizure; crying the most pitiful cry I have ever heard. We held her through her seizures and tried to make her as comfortable as possible. She settled down and relaxed; we made a soft bed of hay for her for what we thought was to be her last night on earth. We considered putting her down but decided that we would wait until this morning. I haven't had to kill anything larger than a wounded bird in the last 28 years and I really didn't want to start again now. Add to that the fact that Cam and I sat and held this little girl for an hour trying to comfort her made the thought of having to put her away almost unthinkable.

As of this morning she is unable to walk but is comfortable. We tried to feed her but she just isn't "there" enough to eat. She is not suffering but will eventually die. This brings me to the point that, in reality, we are not farmers. We look at that goat, and all of the other animals, as we look at our dog Scout (or all of our other past dogs); as pets, friends, companions. Farming is different. These animals are loved, very well cared for, but are animals. There is no hesitation to ,do what is right, for the animal even if that means a quick and merciful death. If it was up to us, we'd have a $1000.00 vet bill, a Dove Lewis Hospital stay and finally euthanasia.

We will keep her warm, dry, and as comfortable as we can until the Estrella?s get back this evening.  "I haven't cried that much since we saw Marley & Me? - Cameron Johnson

Funny side bar: as I was writing this just now (8:30 a.m.) Cam yelled "OH SHOOT!!! GOATS!!!" The goat herd escaped and was heading toward Kelli's garden. A quick round up and all is back to normal.

Farm Store today, chores tonight, and we pack up to leave mid morning tomorrow. Once again we've learned a lot, have been humbled by the process of farming, and have enjoyed ourselves immensely.

I need to get these thank you's done now because I don't know if I'll have a chance later tonight or tomorrow.

Ed, Ronnie, & Liam: THANK YOU for all of your help the 1st 3 days. Ed, you've been my best friend for 31 years and I appreciate you being there, and here, for me (and us). I hope you enjoyed your stay.

Rebecca & Tom: THANK YOU!!! There are few friends that would take a week's vacation time and deal with the poop, the dirt, the work, and everything else like you two. We so appreciate all of your help and what you have done.

Adam & Andy (Rebecca's youngest son & his best friend): THANK YOU! College bound in a month but you both got up early and were/are a tremendous help with everything. I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Anton & Sara (Rebecca's oldest son & girlfriend): Thank you for your help and hard work. Anton, you were able to jump right in and get things done. Sara, thank you for help and especially for the Chocolate Zucchini Cake. It was the perfect desert for a great meal.

Our boys, Zach & Cam: You make us both so proud. Your willingness to do "whatever", your compassion, and your hard work shows that you'll both be able to do anything you choose in life.

Kelli, Anthony, Samuel, Ruth, Melody, Patience, Ernest, & Faith: THANK YOU!!!! You allow us an experience that is truly unique and very rewarding. This remarkable farm, the incredible cheese, the animals, the life, the death, the cycle, the farm...I don't have the words to express our gratitude to you all

Day 6-early

We awoke to a clear, warm, morning and a BRAND NEW BABY CALF! It was probably born late yesterday evening or over night. It (as we can't get close enough to determine the sex) seems healthy but a bit shaky on its newborn legs. As of now, both cardinal rules of farm sitting have been breached

We're still on piglet watch but the sow is content lying in the mud. No big plans today other than there are naps in our immediate future. More later...

Noonish: Spoke to the Estrella’s regarding the new arrival and, behold, we were supposed to separate mom and calf as soon as possible before they are allowed to bond. The calf is put in a separate pen (with other baby calves, goats and a stray pig that imprinted with cow) and the mother is milked separately and the milk given exclusively to her calf by bottle. Well…none of that happened and the calf is happily following its mother around in the pasture.

Kelli and Anthony decided that we should do nothing at this point. Considering the pain of (cow/calf) separation, the violence that might ensue (a 2,000lb cow vs. four tired, biped city slickers), and that we’d need to teach the calf how to drink from a bottle the decision was made to let the Estrella’s handle this one. Whew!

Afternoon chores then dinner consisting of Seafood Stew (seafood from Aberdeen), broccoli slaw, cheese, and leftover chocolate zucchini cake. The 1st picture of the new baby is posted.

Day 5

Kristen and Rebecca decided to forgo their spa day so we had lots of help this morning with Tom and both of Rebecca’s boys plus a friend each.

A common theme from last year was the seemingly non-escape proof goat enclosures. The theme continues. Goats are thinking, probing, and testing little insects of animals that’ll eat anything and everything they can get their mouths around. Also, you don’t want to leave your car window, or camper door, open if there is a goat within shouting distance. Just ask Ed. He woke up to 2 goats taking up residence in the front seat of his Lincoln Town Car. Granted the front seat of his car is larger than my 1st apartment but still…GOATS? Another theme from last year is my ongoing battle with the cows. Cows are the most obstinate creatures ever put on this earth. They move when they want to and don’t when they don’t.

We thought the piglets were coming today; she was standing up, hunched over, and in obvious distress. But alas…constipation…or I assumed because what come out certainly wasn’t a baby pig. Also, pigs are pigs. So as of this writing we are still minus one animal for the trip. Any, non prescription, ideas on inducing delivery on a pig will be much appreciated.

Kristen parents and sister came for a visit. Short farm tour, a cheese tasting, and then chores beckoned.

Emma has been a friend of Cam’s since they were 3 years old. She has been a tremendous help this week and, from what we can see, she is having the time of her life. She is a true animal lover and is relishing in the attention she is getting (and giving) from (to) all of the livestock.

The field is mowed, the chores are done, and we are settling in for a nice relaxing dinner of burgers, pork chops, chicken, pasta salad, fresh veggies, and maybe a glass of wine or two.

Tomorrow is a play day between chores. No visitors, no farmers markets, no worries.

Day 4…noonish

Rained again this morning. Rounded up the cows and Ed, Zach & I started milking. Kristen, Becs, Cam & Emma hit the goats only to discover that the milking machine wasn’t working correctly. There are so many details to learn that the Estrella’s couldn’t possibly tell us everything. With a phone call and a little lubrication (petroleum, not alcohol) the goat milking machine was up and running. K & B took off to do the Columbia City Farmer’s Market, Ed & I hand salted, and turned, the Brewleggio that was made last night and my boys , Emma, and I are settling in for a day at the farm. Ed & his family left this morning, after chores, and we sure appreciated all of their help for these last two days.

Sad news: a baby goat died last night, and we were assured it was not our fault, thus breaking cardinal rule #2: no deaths. Circle of life. We are pulling for the sow to have a large healthy litter so when we leave we will be animals ahead.

It still astounds me how much work, and care, goes into producing a gallon of milk or a pound of cheese on a small, non industrialized, farm. We are not afraid of, or shy away, from hard work but this (me getting) older guy is tired.

Kelli gave us a jar of fermented cabbage and a jar of fermented beets that I’ll have later for a snack or dinner. Hoping for a warm night because I think we’ll need to keep the windows & vents open on the old House on Wheels…if you get my drift. Kelli and her family are so in tune with the land/food/life/death/renewal aspect of farming that it is no wonder that they all are happy & healthy.

Tom, Rebecca’s husband, arrives tonight along with her two boys. I think Kristen and Rebecca get a day off tomorrow. Kristen has been busier, and working harder, than I have…working with Kelli on cheeses, milking, the market today, and everything else she has been doing. A personal/farm spa day seems appropriate and well deserved.

I beg you to try the Estrella cheeses. Ask for them. They are truly unique and wonderfully crafted. Zach & I are heading down to mow a field before the afternoon chores. I’ll write more later.

Day 4, P.M.

Zach mowed half of the west field by himself on the big tractor. He looked happy doing it and watching him mow is easier than potentially watch him drive a car. I got to mow a little and got a taste of tractor time. Tomorrow it is all mine. Zach, Cam Emma and I did all of the evening chores. Cam & Emma did the goats and Zach & I did the cows. All went well. No new babies yet…on the bright side, nothing else perished. We’re still one animal behind…not that I’m keeping score but I’m hinting at pitocin for the pig . Look for pics later on this evening. Kristen & Rebecca aren’t schedule to get home until 10:00 p.m. or so. Tom & Bec’s kids don’t arrive until 9:00 or so. The animals are fed, happy & sleepy. We are all but the former.

Dinner for the four of us tonight: the fermented veggies & cheese for me and pizza for the kids. I’ll talk more about Emma tomorrow but suffice to say she is a trooper!

Day Three

Woke up to rain and the realization that both my jacket and sweatshirt were still soaking wet from yesterday's activities. Luckily it was a warm, western Washington rain. Cam and I did the round-up this morning and we set to work milking. Kristen made cheese with Kelli (Brewleggio; her take on Taleggio that is washed in Pike Street Brewery's ale) while my boys and I helped Anthony and his boys build a new undercover area for their baby goats.

The Estrella's are hanging out here through today (leaving early Wednesday a.m.) as they try to get everything squared away before they leave. I think they suffer a bit of anxiety when they realize that they are leaving their farm in the hands of rank amateur city folk.

The pregnant sow will give birth in the next day or two; thereby breaking one of our two cardinal rules regarding farm sitting; no births, no deaths. I sure hope she (the pig) knows what she's doing because I wasn't of all that much worth, or help, when my own children were born. Cam and Emma learned to ride motorcycles today with no mishaps.

Kristen and Bec's are doing the market tomorrow, Ed & his family leave tomorrow, and the boys, Emma and I will be on our own. Evening chores beckon and we have to move the baby goat herd to their new palatial digs. Herding goats is quite the task. Think of a group of herbivore velociraptors and that'll give you a good impression of what a herd of goats is like. Dinner tonight is a mixed grill and of course cheese again.

Day 2.

Raining but warm this morning. Zach, Ed, and I started in milking the cows about 5:30 a.m. Unlike last year, the cow round up this morning went quickly with Ernest on the motorcycle and me on the quad. Kristen, Emma, Ronnie and Rebecca handled the goats. I moved into the creamery about 7:00 to get my hands on cheese making experience.

Their milk is strained in the milking parlor and then hauled, by hand, to the creamery in sealed buckets. The milk is poured into the vat, heated to 90’, and cultures are added. After 30 minutes or so, rennet is added and the milk is allowed to sit for another 30 minutes. The curd is cut, repeatedly, until the individual curds are about the size of rice grains. The curd is stirred, by hand (mine in this particular case) and the temperature is slowly brought up to 112’. The whey is drained, the curds are transferred to the forms (again by hand) and the cheese is pressed and turned. Later the cheeses will be brined and washed and in 6 months or so the cheese will be Valentina; Kelli’s Gruyere type cheese named after one of their cows. During this process we also made about 30 lbs of wonderful, raw milk, salted butter and I saw how they make Keifer for their own consumption. Their milk is never pumped or pasteurized and neither milk nor cheese is ever touched by anything mechanical. All in all a wonderful experience.

Kristen and Bec’s have spent this afternoon working with Kelli; sorting and getting cheeses ready for the Wednesday and Saturday farmer’s markets that they both will be working

The afternoon milking and chores started at 3:30. We very much appreciate Ed & Ronnie’s help for this last day and a half. There are 1000 things to remember to do everyday and my memory is fading as my age progresses.  Dinner tonight will be salad nicoise, pot roast, and of course cheese.

The Estrella’s are planning on taking off Tuesday a.m. so we will be on our own after that. Too wet to enjoy the big tractor, but there is always tomorrow.

We are soaked to the bone, starting to stink a little, a bit tired (me especially) and very, very happy.

Arrived at the Farm around 5:30 p.m. Hideous traffic on northbound I-5 delayed our arrival. Factoring in that I woke up at 2:00 a.m. PST (4:00 a.m. Austin time), flew home, unpacked, repacked and drove 3.5 hours… I’ll admit I am a hair cranky.

We got the house on wheels set up and had a quick farm tour; Kelli gave us a tour of her garden which we will pick from at will. Dinner tonight is chicken soup (Kelli’s), caprese salad (Rebecca’s), Lambrusco (ours), cheese, cheese, bread and crackers. Tomorrow starts at 4:00 a.m. and we’ll be milking and getting a refresher course on the in’s and out’s of what needs to be done.

Great news, I will be making cheese with Kelli in the morning. Someone, somewhere, at some time, will get a cheese I helped make. Weather is clear, but a bit chilly. Bonfire tonight and the kids are already having a ball. We hope the weather holds all week but we’ll survive if it doesn’t.

People in attendance tonight are: Me, Kristen, Zach, Cam, Emma (a close family friend that is Cam’s age), Rebecca (from last year), Ed Porter, his wife Ronnie, his son Liam, and the Estrella’s (Anthony, Kelli, Ruth, Patience, Faith, Samuel, Melody and Ernest). We are so happy to be here. side bar…I get to operate the big tractor tomorrow. Whoo-Hoo!... I’m serious. A few pics are attached

I’ve spent the last four days in Austin, TX at the American Cheese Society conference. Kelli won her class with her Weebles (a small smoke provolone). I am so looking forward to the next week of milking, herding, working, and most importantly spending time with my family, friends and the Estrella’s.

Not trying to be existential here but there is a heartbeat, or rhythm, to that farm and place that I enjoy immensely. I could never, ever, be a farmer, for I love the city and its vibration, but the time we spend immersed in that life is rejuvenating. Pictures of the ACS are in the album.

I tasted 500 cheeses here this weekend and will say again that Kelli’s cheeses are as good as anything I have tasted here or in Europe. Great news: I escaped the festival with a container of Duck Rillette from Alexian Pate that’ll be my lunch on the plane trip home tomorrow.

I just heard from Kelli Estrella and we are all set. She informed me that one of her two pregnant sows just gave birth to nine piglets (pancetta on the hoof) and the other one is ready to pop. We hope that we neither have to birth anything, nor have anything expire, while we are custodians of the farm.

I leave Wednesday, August 5th, for the ACS Conference in Austin, TX and return Sunday August 9th and we leave for the farm the same day. Kelli is entering 5 cheeses this year in the ACS competition: Grisdale Goat, Weebles, Caldwell Crik Chevrette, Old Apple Tree Tomme and Pike Brewleggio.

We are so looking forward to our trip and I will update from the ACS concerning Kelli?s cheeses and awards given. In my opinion, if she doesn?t win, especially for the Chevrette (which I think is a great American cheese) and Brewleggio (her take on Taleggio that is fantastic) then I will assume the contest is fixed.

Look for additional updates soon.

RJ

We woke up to a pefectly clear morning with just a low lying mist hanging at tree top level.  Looking straight up, the morning sky just sparkled. 

I have a friend I meet every morning @ 4:30 on my way to the milking parlor; an enormous toad.  As I'm walking to the parlor, he is making his way from the pasture, past the parlor, and into the field beyond.  He stops, looks, croaks at me, and continues on his way.  He is the size of a small salad plate and probably eats his body weight in insects every morning. On some level he frightens me.

The cow herd stayed contained in their oat field and the round-up went very smoothly this morning; thanks to the fact that I have now begun using tools (mortorcycle) and my opposable thumb.   Tom worked the cows with me then went up to finish the goats with Cam while Kristen got ready for the market.

Starting to pack up a little bit here and there...

The farm store was busy and the customers knowledgeable.  I did get a complaint on my cheese wrapping.  Sustained.  Not my deal...I don't wrap.  Anyway...

Evening chores and time to get packed.  Tom left about 5:30 p.m.  Kristen returned from the market just prior to that.

Here we wait; the Estrella's should be home soon.  We said our good bye's to the animals; I'm partial to the pigs, Kristen & the boys are fond of the goats. We are filled with a sense of accomplishment and a lot of sadness in leaving.  This was a semi-life changing experience and I told the boys that in 30 years this is the vacation they will talk about. We all got to do things that we had never done before and seeing the farm as a single entity, as a self sustaining operation, was eye opening.  Everything provides something to the mix; eggs, whey, milk, cheese, meat, vegetables, fertilizer and it all comes full circle.

Special thanks to Tom, Rebecca, Anton and Ashley for all of their help.  There is no way we could have done this without you.  Also to Guapo & Thor (dogs have feelings too); you were reassuring companions on those dark early morning walks to the far fields.

We can't say enough about the Estrella's.  They have a wonderful family and opened up their lives to us for this brief time.  Their children are well mannered, extremely hard working, and most of all they are very, happy, nice kids.  As a parent I know kids don't pop out of a box that way...It is a credit to Kelli & Anthony and their sense of family.  We will be forever grateful. 

We will see you all next year...if the Estrella's will have us back.