Fall Is On It's Way

The subtle signs of fall are starting to show. The brush and undergrowth are getting a bit thinner, the leaves are getting just a little less green and the days are getting a just a bit shorter.

All this means that it's time to start planting grass and getting food stored away for the animals for winter.  Also, now that I have a full year of caring for the herd under my belt, it's time to start fixing all the mistakes I made in the first year and making big plans for year 2.

One big mistake I made was intentionally putting gaps between the boards on the side of the shed so they'd have airflow. At the time I built it, the temps were roasting hot so all I could think of was how hot it would be and thought airflow would be a good idea.  The picture below shows Sadie enjoying her airflow.

From 2012-09-10

I didn't realize that the heat isn't a problem as long as there are trees for shade. The real problem is cold. They need protection from the winter winds and airflow isn't a good thing.

Luckily for all, I figured this out before winter and put some tarps around the shed to keep the wind out, but it looked ugly and so I took some time last weekend to fix it.

From 2012-01-03

I think it looks a lot better now. It's not as airtight as it was with the tarp, but it should be good enough.

Our big plan for year two is to increase the herd size.  We're planning a play date for the goats with a billy in October in hopes of having some babies in the spring.

This is a big step and so I want to make sure to fix all the little things that I've let slide like the shed and gaps in the fence etc.  With any luck, we'll have a lot bigger herd next March.

From 2012-09-10

Here's a closeup of the boards.  It looks pretty wind proof.  I guess we'll find out this winter.  If not, I still have all the tarps.

From 2012-09-10

I had a few boards left over so I decided to put them on the tree house. The big question is do you level them with the earth or the tree. Hmmm.  In this pic, they are perfectly level according to the level, but they seem a little slanted to the eye.  Just another reason I avoid finish work.

Below the treehouse is our growing pile of hay.  I'm going to have to get a couple big 5x5 bales to add to the collection.  I really need a barn!

From 2012-09-10