Built the enclosure within the pasture for the cows today. Went to TSC early this morning, before milking, to get the required gate hardware to attach the gates to the posts. Dug the holes with the tractor last night and planted 3 posts, after Herbie was finished using the tractors out in the hayfield.
Did some configurations, moved panels around, drilled the first hole and discovered that the 5/8 paddle drill bit is too big for a 5/8 bolt. Back to TSC after spending an hour in the shed unsuccessfully searching for a smaller drill bit. Had to unhitch the horse trailer first, loaded up the 2 dogs (they love TSC) then arrived back home, backed up to the trailer again, rehitched. I'm getting rather good at backing up to equipment, in the truck, on a tractor, even with the buggy - dragged the panels out to the pasture with the buggy yesterday.
Bought chain this morning to hang the hammock. Doean't have as much give as the webbing, but should hopefully last longer than 2 seasons. When I put it up, for the 2nd time this year, I lay down on it to make sure the height was good. Anni wanted up, so I pulled and she scrambled until she was up, half lying on me. Sargeant was out in the pasture under the buggy while I worked, so I called him to join us as he likes the hammock. He seems to still be a little tender, so was being careful, not just leaping up like usual, but as he came up, Anni decided to jump down, so we spun around and all landed on the ground underneath the hammock. She was very surprised to see me and Sargeant on yhe ground with her. Fortunately it didn't hurt.
Had to e-mail Jeremy to advise I wouldn't make it today with Gabriel to do the bull swop.
Then found I was short 4 bolts. So, back to town, but as I also needed 1 porcelain electric fence conductor to make the new gate, decided to go to Menards. They had the same bolts for $1.50 less each ! So taking the TSC ones back. I really like the people at TSC, but their prices are high and I have to watch that now :(.
Once back at the farm, I put the truck in the shed as Jeremy is away for the week-end so will hopefully catch Gabriel on Monday to take him up to Morley. The new bull is light like Butterscotch, about a year old and is named Chuck. It's time, I saw Gabriel try jump him mum today ! Will put Chuck in a seperate pasture with Boytjie and Doofus, and maybe Cavvie as well. Then will be able to control the breeding better and not land up with bastards like Worsie and the 2 dead calves.
Finished up by torch light and came in at 10:30pm. Had to re-wire the electric fence on the corner. Will take photos tomorrow of my handiwork. The cows have 3 days to get used to the new enclosure, and then hopefully I can load Gabriel on Monday. His mama is going to miss him, and he her, as he still nurses.
Wanda misses Fish. She calls for him. One of the youngest boys escaped their pasture today. But I caught him, checked his eyes, need to de-worm them all, methinks, and popped him back over the fence. Ran straight to his mama, Licorice
to nurse.
Goodnight, it's after 2am and I need to sleep. Herbie is watching TV downstairs. He had a long day - they called him in early again, 11am this morning, and he arrived back tonight just after midnight.