I learn something everytime hubby goes away

[Iggysbabysitter]

So, since my DH is in the military I needed something to occupy me while he's away... I took to learning something totally new, no matter how odd.
I took up ceramics for the length of a tour.
I did 6 months of belly dancing.
I used the internet to learn all about weather patterns, hurricanes, tornados, currents, El nino.

So for the past 10 days I have been in the house, alone, as hubby and the boys are still in Nova Scotia. So. What have I learned?
It started with 4 H club info for my kids. Morffed into all the animals I'd be willing to help my boys with... moved onto goats... cheese making, milking... making homemade milking machines... hoof care and choosing a breed.
Oxen were part of 4 H. Ohhh, I like oxen. How to buy a bottle calf, raise, train, hoof care. Steers are beef, too... mmmmm, beef. How to raise 2 steers to 12 months... so cute! Ooh, what type? I like highlands!
Hubby listened along and just shakes his head. I do have a ton of odd trivia in my head, I hope I get to use it someday

 

[Peach]

belly dancing That is something I'd so want to try!

 

[DumansArk]

Ceramics! Oh, I love ceramics.

What an array of Ways to Stay Occupied! But the steers... awww! Highlands are ADORABLE - if you get some, YOU MUST POST PICTURES

Have you seen the Riding Steers though? We've looked at Longhorn steer calves to raise and train. Someday...

 

[currituckbun]

Too bad you are not closer I have access to a very nice kiln. I teach elem art and we just finished ceramics. Ceramics and painting are my personal favorites. I am still a novice at the ceramics. It takes years to master all of the firing techniques.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

IMO, it's the odd stuff that we need to learn about. Everybody knows the "normal" things. What good is that?

 

[Iggysbabysitter]

I did look at riding steers! I kinda want the biggest bang for my buck if I do go large with this little farm. I told hubby he can't have a horse. He wanted a riding horse, I would prefer to have working animals, and a steer taught to pull, ride and still have a possibility for beef sounds good to me. I saw bottle calves for $150 last month and had no idea they would be so cheap... I'd want something odd and unusual for oxen. I like how the highlands seem so low maintenance (with regards to feeding and shelter, anyway), but there is a water buffalo farm near the valley and that would indead look unusual
I can't wait till I have a barn.

 

[MaggieJ]

Lots of fun adventures ahead of you, Iggysbabysitter! I do so hope that you find a place that is perfect for all your plans. :clover: :clover: :clover:

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Maybe Hubs could have a mule? They are very hardy and could be trained for riding and pulling.

A water buffalo sounds like a good choice for a draft animal since they've been used for that purpose- highland cow, not so much... I doubt they are very "tractable" since they were bred to be a very hardy strain for high elevations and were seldom handled. Plus they might overheat if asked to do heavy work since they have long hair.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

BAd thing about riding certain cattle breeds-- My friend did this-- whith longhorns, you tain them before the horns get long, cannot ride them at a certain point because of the accidental goring risk, then, when those horns get really long, the animal turning its head will knock the rider off! Bob had many major entertainment guests at the local county fair ride into the sow area on one of his longhorns--

And Iggysbabysitter, if your hubs wants a horse, get him a draft horse-- Haflingers fill the bill for many 'working animals only' requests.

 

[hoodat]

Maybe Hubs could have a mule? They are very hardy and could be trained for riding and pulling.

A water buffalo sounds like a good choice for a draft animal since they've been used for that purpose- highland cow, not so much... I doubt they are very "tractable" since they were bred to be a very hardy strain for high elevations and were seldom handled. Plus they might overheat if asked to do heavy work since they have long hair.

Water buffalos are great. I used to marvel in the Phillipines to see a 1 ton plus animal being led through the village by a five year old girl.
I had one scare the daylights out of me on Guam though. I was working with the Seabees in the Sasa valley when one of them rose out of the mud right beside me with a loud groan. He had been submerged in the mud with only his nose above it to get away from the flies. I thought the creature from the Black Lagoon had me.