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A Farm of My Own:  Update on my Grandpa's little mini-farm here  |
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dsimas
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
Dawn
Auburn
CA
USA
15 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 22 2008 : 8:28:50 PM
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www.grandpas1947farm.shutterfly.com
I first posted under the Welcome Wagon and got lots of replies and warm welcomes, thank you! I feel badly that I am so busy that I haven't the time to visit here more often. But had some time tonight to read lots of the forums, great stuff, great people. :)
I have spent the last few years restoring this small (1.4 acre) little farm after my Grandpa passed. I grew up here and it is very special. I found a book called the Have More Plan on ebay. It came out in the 1940's post war and was all about how to set up a farm and an acre or so. I swear this is the trend that inspired this place. I highly recommend the book.
There's a blog on my site below the photo gallery. I just got my first heifer, who will hopefully be my family cow. And also am milking a sweet little goat twice a day in the old cow barn here. Even though it is in the process of restoration, she still runs to the stantion happily, even if there are men working there. I just sold the old barnwood siding on Craigs List and so the walls are mostly gone (will post an update on the blog next week), and she still doesn't balk at our routine. I love this goat and her milk tastes just like cow milk. :)
Just thought I'd send out an update. Living the dream. :)
Dawn |
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rhondacate
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Rhonda
Janesville
CA
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2008 : 10:14:46 PM
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Oh, that's a great story and I love the pictures of your farm.
Where in Auburn are you located? I grew up in the Auburn area.
~Rhonda
http://rmfo-blogs.com/rhonda |
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dsimas
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
Dawn
Auburn
CA
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2008 : 10:42:35 PM
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Hi Rhonda,
I'm off of Hwy 49 near Dry Creek on the north side of town. It was so rural here when I was little that I used to ride my horse to town up the highway, past the Yamasaki Nursery (the Bel Air strip mall now) and the Cal Ida lumber yard, to the nearest grocery store, Alpine Market at Luther Road. It is now an Incredible Pets store. I was born at the Highland Hospital near Robie Point, an old victorian house. Auburn Faith opened a few years later. I graduated from Placer High in 1980. I love having roots here. The population has boomed and everyone I meet are fascinated by my stories. Makes me feel old, but I don't mind!
Dawn |
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rhondacate
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Rhonda
Janesville
CA
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2008 : 10:58:14 PM
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What a small world. I lived in Colfax most of my life. But spent a lot of time in Auburn. Not around for quite as much history as you. ;)
But I did spend a lot of time in Alpine Market when I was a kid. We always got their anniversary hot dog and soda deal and would attend the giveaway for the car.
I've only been away for a couple of years and the growth still always amazes me when I go back.
~Rhonda
http://rmfo-blogs.com/rhonda |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 06:40:35 AM
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What a treat to see you back here. I really enjoyed your first post and the story of your grandfather's farm. It is such a woonderful thing that you can carry on in a family farm, your pictures are lovely...
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 10:14:01 AM
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Mornin' Dawn,
Setting up a new place is a big under taking, so thanks for popping in and sharing your progress.
I was lucky enough to find an old copy of the Have More Plan and you're right it's a definite read for everyone trying to become more self sufficient. I found lots of good ideas to incorporate into my little 1/3 acre.
I loved your pics and the little barn is going to be great when your finished.
Haven't been to Auburn in ages. It was such a beautiful area as I remember.
Do your kids raise animals? Maybe we'll run into each other at a show or two. DD has shows from Modesto to Fresno quite often.
Stop by anytime and let us know how you're doing. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 4:43:11 PM
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Dawn, I just went to your site. Your calf looks just like mine! But mine is supposed to be either a Red Angus or Durham Red. Who knows what she really is. But she looks like yours. Mine is almost 22 months old now and about 350#. I love her. I hope to milk her one day. But right now it's the goats for me. Is yours Oberhasli? She's so pretty.
So I saw you mentioned Dallisgrass. That's what the main grass is in the pasture next door. I had a steer on it last year that got horribly sick. Shaky and wouldn't move. Just stood there and shook. I called the vet and she said to get him out of there quick. It was the grass that had a fungus growing on it that made him sick. I had to pump him full of magnesium and just give him hay for about a week. He did get over it. But at that particular time in this area there were several other cows that got sick, too. So now I'm a little afraid to put my 2 calves back over there til the guy bushhogs. I wonder if I should wait a few weeks after to let it rest.
Your place looks great. All the chickens running around and goats and cows. What a life! Thanks for sharing a bit with us.
Kris |
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A Farm of My Own: Update on my Grandpa's little mini-farm here |
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Update on my Grandpa's little mini-farm here
