Animal Care: Horses

Nurturing the Creative Spirit and Talent

... I celebrate every person born with a creative spirit ... a special talent... because those people enrich & elevate our lives with their work.  

We, as a society are stingy in nurturing these talents - we withhold encouragement and support because they often do not reap monetary rewards.  We are more likely to nurture the athlete, the model, the scholar.  Talent in the arts -   the arts of music, drawing, painting, writing - retain an everlasting mark on human history - a mark that goes beyond materialism.

Some families, like my own, demonstrate a supreme talent in the arts - which persists through the generations - luckily.  We have often overlooked these talents to provide for our families - and in rare cases achieved a symphony of the both industry and creativity.

I have tried to be a patron of the arts in my own limited capacity.  As we approach this "gift giving" season, I encourage consumers to seek out this talent in the arts - look to your own circle of family, friends, neighbors, and co workers - or online - and purchase that artwork - thereby showing support for the artist - and giving an everlasting gift of love to both the artist and the recipient.

Animal Memories: Warm and Cozy nights

I am starting to make videos to load on the blog.  We only have a phone right now.  same for the photos depicted.  We have so many animals that are great to interact with.  The blog is designed to be both entertaining & informative on topics such as animal care, modern farming, mother nature, and fun!

Animal Memories: Spot and Navejo

Both animals reached the top of their lifespans - a great feat!  They both died naturally.  From the first day they are unable to eat, walk, and interact,  it will generally be 24-48 hrs before they die.  I give them warmth and comfort at the end, many times holding them in my lap.  I pefer to give pets palliative care until they die naturally, as in human hospice.  Right now that is a movement only starting to take hold.  Pain meds and anti anxiety meds are optimal at this stage and generally requires Vets to deliver the meds.  a good article on the subject is in The NYTimes dtd 12/1/20013. "All Dogs May Go to Heaven. These Days, Some Go to Hospice"

Spot : 1999-2013
Spot lived a full life on the farm - he was the longest living - 15 years - of the mixed hound litter of 6 dogs that we bred unknowingly.  Our respective dogs - Molly and Buddy - STRAYS - ended up mating. We did not know Molly was not spayed.  We spay and neuter all our dogs and cats we have adopted over the years. This was a timing issue.  The 6 puppies were Lucky boy, Haas, Lil Joe, Cherokee, Serenity, and Spot.

Spot was one of the amazing dogs - he was a really good hunter - catching alot of woodchucks - not by my asking - but on our runs over the years.  Also, one time he found a wounded deer for hunters that had requested they walk our land to find her.  Spot took me right to the deer.

He was slim and active like most hound dogs and he lived to the maximum lifespan of this breed which is always nice to see.  Good bye Spot. We'll miss you on the farm.

Navejo: 1994-20013

This cat was fiercely independent - quite good looking - and very old when she died last week.  It was good to see another animal live a full lifespan and have a good life on the farm.

Nina Prize: Robert Redford

Each year when the Nobel prizes are awarded, I make a selection for my own prize - the Nina Prize- a time for me to reflect on people or institutions I admire.  Those that play a small role of influence in my life.  My prize is by no means comparable to the Nobel prize.  Mine is a small circle - there are many deserving achievements each year that go unrecognized.  Mine has no monetary value.

I admire the Nobel Prize award in and of itself for shining light on these achievements in many fields of arts and sciences.  

My Prize is simply empowering - a time to reflect on some of my icons.  Last year it was The NY Times Co.  This year's Robert Redford.  His interviews for the film released this year- All Is Lost - made me think of him again.  I've had my share of celebrity crushes ("leading men") over the years - he was one of them.  Besides his great looks - he's demonstrated independence and innovation - both in film and lifestyle.  He's bucked the trends toward making yourself look younger.  He started the "independent film" movement which has supplied better movies to the world.  And he's raised awareness for environmental causes.  He has used his celebrity for a greater good.

Entertainment is a large force in the modern world.  People spend more time on entertainment - even while working or schooling - than ever before.  Robert Redford has tried to elevate movies to a finer art.  

I commend him for a life well lived!  

Goats: Good Pets

Goats are Good Pets




See these 5 boys born 2013 - left to right - Zeus, Poseiden, Pontus, Prometheus, Kashmere.

If you are considering purchasing a goat as a pet, please call us - our Heritage goats stay small and friendly.  toll free.800221-and 9755.

They are mixed with dairy goats and New Zealand mountain goat for a hardy and small statured, good natured goat!

please see the video on our utube channel - ambrosia farms
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBeuGqKksut2g7cZvYA-ctg/videos

What my footsteps leave behind... 25 years and counting

I remember an art installation I created with cut outs from magazines with the head and other parts of animals - deer, elk, tiger, gorilla, coyote - which were hunted and displayed like trophies.

At that time I wrote a poem entitled - "what our footprints mean to others" - something to that effect - and I wrote about how we live and what we do- environmentally - will leave behind a footprint - a scarring if you will - of the earth.

Here is my own reflection of my footprints over the course of living at Ambrosia Farms.

1/the orchards and old growth trees live on - no logging in the 25 years I've owned this farm.  this legacy is illuminated every hunting season when you see hunters coming to look for wildlife here because they are "hiding in the thicket".

2/animals have lived a very good and active life - many animals have lived to be very very old.  I am proud of this.  As an animal caretaker, I've cared for over 75 animals and still going! 40 of them here today!  two wild horses adopted plus our quarterhorses and pony - these horses have tasted the sweet life of living free and receiving optimal shelter, the best of both worlds.  adopting many stray dogs - mostly hound dogs into our no kill facility.  All of this without any funds outside of our own.  working off the farm to save this farm for us, the animals, and future generations.

3/ organic practices have added many nutrients to the soil - giving lots more than I receive - leaving many acres fallow each year - and allowing much of this land to be available to wildlife in its natural state.  land preservation and sustainable agriculture on a small scale.  producing nutritious heirloom veggies!

4/ offering up a farm way of life to children ... something they may want to aspire to.

5/ trying to live better through vegetarianism and love of all creatures.

6/ a patron of the artists-  purchasing art when I've had the resources to do so

Our footprints have been a charitable one without the outside funds needed to support us.  I wish everyone who follows our footsteps to live well, follow their dreams,  and leave a better legacy of their own.

Animal Memories: Aether

Aether was our first born male goat.  We lost him suddenly.  He was a very good looking goat wither.  He used his horns to flip smaller goats out of his way. That was kind of scary - sometimes he trapped their legs and I would have to yell at him to be nicer.  He was one of our bigger goats in a sea of small goats.

Who's Bee Boxes are pictured here?

They drove over 200 miles to situate these bee hives to capitalize on the goldenrod!
Here is a field of goldenrod - the field has been fallow for several years!

It is so nice to see other people inspired to work with nature, produce good honey, and learn new things such as beekeeping.  Both men could just as well be watching T.V. in their downtime but chose instead to start beekeeping.  Admirable...

My Best Friend and Sister...

Life's Joy's are heightened with a friend
Life's Setback's made bearable, by family
Life is so much better with someone very special
and my sister is so very special to me!

Reproduction of Modern Music to 1950's

dancing early days: to be real

early days and dancing: ring my bell

Ambrosia Farms - Celebrating 25 years

I have been fortunate to have lived on this Farm.  The name of the farm was inspired by the Carole King song because much of the words echo what I've felt here.  As mentioned in the song there is a river, reminiscent of Native American life - there is a running stream which really makes sleeping a wonderful experience when the night comes, and beautiful green pastures along with old growth forests.  The area is still quite rural and affordable.  The Amish have recently relocated here bringing both good and bad affects.  But for the most part - nothing has changed since I came here in 1988.

Complimenting my life here is my fiance Gene.  His talents and skills have been important in keeping our animals happy and healthy by building perfect facilities, making green and great hay, keeping us warm in the winters with a wood stockpile, and troubleshooting every possible thing that goes wrong .

Life on a farm is a constant struggle - not only for ourselves but for the animals - making ends meet is hard - even with off farm income.  We have 30 goats, 5 horses, 1 pony, 4 hound dogs, 12 cats - and 215 acres of land with 3 buildings - a dairy barn, a horse barn, and a house.  All of these buildings need constant maintenance and much of the work we don't get to.  All of the animals live with lots of space and freedom to move - including full out running space - a predominant reason the animals live a long and healthy life.  All of this open space, peace and nature is a rare jewel - priceless by todays standards.

Both of us love being outdoors 24/7.  Sometimes we find the chores hard - especially as we are aging. But our caretaker shows no signs of slowing - much older than us - he has been a reliable relief for many many years.

Friends and family have visited often, showing support for all of our undertakings which have included caring for these animals, growing heirloom veggies, making hay, woodshop and sawmill work, pony and horse rides, and goat dairying, agritourism as well as hound dog rescue and adoption of wild horses.  None of our ventures have made money - but they support the farm upkeep and real estate taxes.

We see nearby cow dairy farmers struggle to make a living and large commercial ones that make a living but at the expense of the cow.  And we see more and more cattle farmers.  And some new veggie farms and lots of small local producers of artisan items.  Overall the future of small farming rests in a reliable distribution system that works for small farmers.

We have a great quality of life that offsets what we lose in financial stability.   I am so grateful for my time here.  One thing is certain - the next generation of farmers will be lucky - our conservation practices provide that these resources are preserved!

With a Heavy Heart...

...with a heavy heart, I embed this video - the NY Times reporting on the status of wild  horses.  It seems every year we get a bad report.  lots of politicians - bought and paid for - lobbying for their demise.

These horses are some of the finest stock in North America - true horse pedigree.  I know firsthand -we adopted 2 of them.

Do they tell people like me - when and how they can adopt these horses - NO!

There are NO public service announcements.  For only 125 dollars - you can adopt and provide care - in return you get  a really good horse - get them young enough  - and they are easy to handle.  Adopt an older one - and you may look upon them with pleasure and admiration - knowing you have prevented one more slaughter.

I encourage everyone to bring these horses home - it is easier than you think!  here are  some photos of ours at Ambrosia Farms for many years we have given "Blackfoot" and "Blossom" greener pastures!

...please go to the following adoptions if you are in NY, NJ , or CT- make sure to pre apply if you want to adopt that day - their website has all the info:

in the North east 

July 12-13

Ithaca, NY

Milwaukee Field Office

July 19-21

Gloucester County, NJ Extreme Mustang Makeover

Milwaukee Field Office

NATIONWIDE
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram/adoption_program/schedule.html

we can help you with questions or concerns about requirements and facilities    to be eligible.
call us at toll free eight hundred 221 nine seven five five!

A Goat -able Year So Far

Psyche = gets her head stuck in the goat fencing again and Gene has to rescue her!

Gene with 5 of the 2013 kids

in the front is a black one from Pearl, next is Artemis from Diana, Diana is the tall one center (a 2012 kid) - behind her is the other boy from Pearl and Promethus from Hygenia (Undie), and his brother is blocked out in back - named Atlas.

Visit Our Farm

we were lucky to have been a part of this joint venture for a while and we are hoping to start our own more Zen like agritourism complimenting the beauty of our surroundings and animals with a simple Japanese inspired structure that will open itself up to yoga, art,  food, and culture.

Music for the Soul

According to the NYTimes.com, "When pleasurable music is heard, dopamine is released in the striatum — an ancient part of the brain found in other vertebrates as well — which is known to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli like food and sex and which is artificially targeted by drugs like cocaine and amphetamine."

Yes, there is even more to it - so press the MUSIC category to the left -hear/see all the videos labeled "MUSIC" - let those dopamines roll...

California...

California is Fracking
...fracking is a process which injects water, sand and chemicals deep into shale rock to unlock the oil and gas underground...oil and gas companies are 'Fracking' in areas of California that grow almond trees and other vegetable commodities...  New York is one of the few States that have a moratorium on Fracking.  All around us - Penn, Ohio, ET AL - allow fracking.  

In California, just as in New Jersey, their Coastal region runs the length of the State.  Like NJ, the amount of fertile prime agricultural vegetable production is threatened by human developments and now FRACKING.  Most of our produce in the U. S. comes from California.  Does it matter that more and more farmland and waterways are being exposed to toxic chemicals?

Dedicated to My Cousin - 25 years of Marriage!

When Flowers Bloom...

when flowers bloom - summer is here - we hardly get Spring lasts only a few weeks in Zone 4. Nothing makes me feel more alive than nature at it's peak. I'm moving the animals onto pasture, running the dogs, planting in the fields - my body responds with more energy and muscular toning. All the while I get to breathe in fresh scented blooms. The farm has mostly "wild" natural blooming flowers and trees...believe me - it is a feast for eyes! Over the 25 years I've only introduced more lilac trees in addition to the pre- existing ones. There were pre -existing cultivated antique apple trees still alive and pictured here. I have transplanted Maple and Norway Spruce trees and pre - existing cultivated flowers such as daylilies.




when the apple blossoms fall off the trees it is time to plant corn - they are pictured here in full bloom on May 7th this year





Aubrieta is in Bloom - a low, spreading plant, hardy, evergreen and perennial, with small violet, pink or white flowers, and inhabits rocks and banks.



borrowing a wisdom from my sister who told me long ago just after I purchased the farm - live with your surroundings without altering anything until you see what is there.

It is true - the gift of nature is a beautiful thing - it takes a while to absorb its extensive details - we can choose to protect the existing ecosystem - forgo any human intrusion and invasion - and coexist with these beautiful gifts from the Gods. Only than should we choose to put our own signature creations in its mist for some tweaking of our landscape in a few designated areas and to replant that which was lost from previous generations and carry on their legacy of preservation, if they were so inclined as we are!

Matriachs to Me

Pictured here is my Grandma on my father's side, Maria, and my Grandmother on my mothers side, Nicolina.  The second photo of me at graduation shows also my mother and my Aunt Angela.

I've been so fortunate to have these wonderful women in my life, in my formative years, and in our family.  Not just one woman who nurtures, loves, and feeds a family - but 4 dynamos!  Right now, only one is viable.  The Grandmas have long past, living into their nineties, God Bless Them, and my mother with Alzheimers diagnosed in mid 90s.

These women were all so great to us.  First of all, my mother was perfect in many ways, including the unconditional love and support.  She raised 5 children with my Dad and did so in such a way that our family was quite happy in childhood.  She cooked gloriously.  And she kept house very much like the traditional homemaker in her day - providing all the comforts and luxury within our means.  She was also very good financially in stretching a dollar and saving for a rainy day.  Here is an example of one week of family dinners - every night a different meal - feeding a family of seven - and each week would be differenct - how did she do it?
Day one - eggplant parm from scratch
Day two - roasted chicken, garlic, and potatoes
Day three - broccoli and pasta with garlic and olive oil
Day four - meatloaf with veggies on the side
Day five - PIZZA- we would order out or Grandma would make her homemade pie at he house!
Day six - barbecue or fish fillets
Day seven - pasta - sometimes homemade by one of the Grandmas
Each Sunday we would get together with the cousins and have a larger family dinner together.
These Matriarchs really made our lives special and I like to honor them in the work that I do and the legacy we carry on for them...I see 3 young women in our family who are already the Matriarchs for the next generation and we are very lucky!

Hebe Returns

We rec'd a yearling doe looking alot like Hebe, our kid born/died in the same year.  Black with striking white lines down the front of the face. Here is a picture side by side.

HEBE

HERA

What a strange and lovely surprise! A distant neighbor said the animal had appeared one day at the woman's home - she called around to find the owner without succeeding and was hoping to find it a good home. My neighbor who I had spoken to about my goats - thought maybe it was mine and dropped it off with a note. Here is the note.

When I heard of the gift goat - I went out to see it - it was very wild - but also quite healthy looking with a glossy coat and strong horns - a very pretty creature. A La Mancha - Hebe was not - but in all other respects she looked just like her.

It took over a half hour and some Buck baiting but I finally caught her and called the gift givers inquiring how they were able to catch her in the wild when I could not even catch her in a pen. Two heads are better than one - I guess... Once caught, I pet her. Once I showed her the other girls in their pens, a big fear seemed to lift off of her and she seemed once again home on the farm!

In Memorium: Diana

This painting restored by my sister near the time of my sister Diana's death... our Angel of the Sun.

John La Farge, 1835-1910

"Angel of the Sun" 
in the College of Staten Island Library

Winter Closing

In closing out the winter I would like to review the clothing that has kept me warm during early morning chores on the frosty days of winter with temps below zero...

Most are fleece and washable and really do the job when layered with other fleece beneath.  Baby it's cold outside!

Goat Herd Lineage

Our herd of goats are as follows:

d= doe, B = buck, w= wither

(year of birth)

* 1st generation

** 2nd generation

*** 3rd generation

See these 5 boys born 2013  - Zeus, Poseiden, Pontus, Prometheus, Kashmere.
black one from Pearl, next is Artemis from Diana, Diana is the tall one center (a 2012 kid) - behind her is the other boy from Pearl and Promethus from Hygenia (Undie), and his brother is blocked out in back - named Atlas.

Boys born in 2015
Hercules - from Hera
Bacchus - from Khaos
Dionysus - from  Hygenia

Girls born in 2015
Gaia and Maia -  from Diana
Rhea and Thalia - from Further
Venus - from Hygenia


Further d (2009)deceased 2015

*kidded Undie d and Helios B (2011)

       **Undie kidded Hebe - deceased (2012-2012)

 *kidded Muses d sold &; Meander w (2012)

 *kidded Maia and Thalia

Sorrelina d (2009)

*kidded Khaos d &; Aether w (2011) deceased 2013

*kidded Diana d (2012)

*kidded still birth d (2013)
*kidded still birth d (2015)

Diana d 
*kidded Gaia and Rhea (2015)

Khaos d

kidded Aphrodite  d  (2012) 

Aphrodite kidded Aeos 2014

**Diana 
kidded Gaia  - our smallest goat ever! and  Rhea (2015)
kidded Artemis d (2013) sold 

    **Khaos kidded Aphrodite  d  (2012) had kidded Aeos 2014
 &; Achilles B (2012) deceased 2014

Pearl d (2009)

*kidded Ceres  d  (2012) and Cupid B (2012)

    **Ceres kidded Adonis w (2013) both were sold.

Clover d (2009)

*kidded Mercury w  (2012)and Apollo w (2012)

Butler B (2010)

Triton B (2012)

What to do when kidding: Goats

Here are some things I do when a kid is born:

give doe/Mom warm water
give doe/Mom Grain
put kid on doe's teat and hope it sucks the colostrum for overall strength, health, and immune system
check to make sure kid milks from mother on its own or repeat process
hold doe still as needed so kid can milk and doe accepts this
dry kid's wet fur as needed since goats are generally born in winter
cut kid's umbillical cord to a short length so it does not trip over it - the rest will fall off on its own
do not pull on the doe's after birth - it will fall out however slowly on its own
provide clean bedding so a kid does not sleep in wetness or manure
close up holes in pen at low levels because kids will somehow crawl out and end up separated

This photo was taken at a small goat dairy in South Carolina - the kids are put together in a pen and given self feeding nipples on a bucket filled with milk...

Other kidding facts

does
-generally have twins
-5 month gestation period
-will clean their kid(s)
-will eat the after birth
does are protective of kids and do not like dogs in the barn during this time
kids
-are fragile but get up on four legs almost immediately
-can be picked up and hugged and placed down gently - Mom's dont seem to mind!

preparing for complicated births:

we had our first complication in 2013 - where the kid was coming out of the canal with legs back - this is when their shoulders get stuck.
Pictured below is the proper position for goat birth - photo courtesy of the internet:

With a complicated birth - here are the things you'll need - I am not an expert so see better information from experts on the web and books
- being in the right place at the right time  - or the  kid and possibly the doe will die!  
- gloves - never go into the canal without them for your own protection and the doe
- surgical sterile lube or vaseline of you dont have the other
- warm hot water - I use hot water in the winter since it cools off quickly
- soap - this helps to lubricate also

Unfortunately, I was not able to save the kid - but did save the mother.  Life is hard sometimes ...Thank goodness Mother Nature works very well most of the time ( the sun shines more frequently than it storms!)  We really like Mother Nature that way.  

I really did not want this doe to get pregnant this year and my instincts were right.  My planned parenthood did not work - sometimes the desire of both the bucks and the does to mate up overshadows my efforts to keep them apart.  I need to make this more full proof! 

here are some links ti learn more:
http://www.littlecudchewers.com/Difficult%20Birth.htm
http://fiascofarm.com/

Goat Kids 2013

Adonis is Born 2/6/2013

"Gene welcomes Adonis."

It is during my late night chores in the dairy barn that I hear a strange sound - what is it?  I look into each doe's pen suspecting a newborn cry.  There it is - a kid - all white (Sannen) and perfect!  Born of Ceres, who was born to Pearl the year before.  It is a boy!

I have named the goat Adonis after the Greek God of love, beauty and of vegetation.

"It is said in Greek Mythology that the anemone flower sprang up from the blood of Aphrodite’s slain lover, Adonis."

Artemis is Born Feb 14