Our Blackdog Farm

New Toy for Black Dog Farm....

2011-05-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

So for years now I have been wanting a tractor to help keep up on all the work around here...so here it is...it will be delivered next week and make life on the farm so nice.

...

AAHHHHH......Spring

2011-03-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is here at least on the calendar....and there are signs of new life here at BDG. We have baby chicks in what is "little mans" room that are about 8 weeks old...they will be put out in the coop in a few more weeks. Trees are beginning to bud and the Bulbs are beginning to break their bounds. I look forward to wonderful season ahead....alot of work to be done too. Last year we had the motivation of the weddings and out of town guests to motivate....we will have to seek it elsewhere this year. July 16 will be our first THIRD WEEK OF JULY PARTY at BDG, and this should be a big one.....we are having live bands this year so stay tuned for who, and prepare to camp. Oh ya and welcome to our newest aquisition ....an 05 1200 Custom Harley...Nice~

2010-12-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

So the chickens fell for Dudley the Peacocks feather dance and now they are one big happy family.....

well into it.....

2010-11-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today felt more like a NW winter day than fall....we are well into it and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. BDF is being a bit neglected do to my knee, but surgery soon and recovery....We seem to be busy every weekend with festivities. Love this time of year......

2010-10-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

With summer over, fall has set in at BDF. Yesterday Steph and I spent the day doing the Key Peninsula Harvest Fest. farm tours. We checked out 5 farms, and decided we still like BDF best. Then Trillium Creek merlot x 3 and a bon fire to fininsh off the day.

Fall in the air........

2010-09-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

The peafowl are a welcome addition to BDF they make themselves known about 0800hrs with what sounds like a sick goose, they call to each other and then make their rounds on the property. Today the addition of 6 new laying hens...they are 6 months old and lay 1 a day...cant wait for fresh eggs again. There is a definite chill in the air and leaves fall at a faster rate now....I need a bon fire soon...............

UGGS....Real Men Wear Uggs

2010-09-05T14:28:00.001-07:00

Really they do....

OH NO say it isn't so....

2010-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend and a quickly planned BBQ and bon fire with family and great friends.

Ships ahoy......new arrival at BDF

2010-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here comes the boat....

SUMMERTIME BDF style...

2010-08-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy time here at the farm....we had our first wedding Mid July and it turned out awesome; everyone say we should do more.....I say its alot of work ...but was a lot of fun. Last weekend we had our converted 3rd Week of July Party which is now the Last Weekend of July Party....that was a blast. Lots of friends, family, and people I havent seen in 20 years.. It was a bon fire for the ages...more to come before summer ends. August will be busy too, Stephs sister arrives to be married and Hayden has his 1st bday party at BDF....

2010-07-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

5 yard of mulch.....4 yard of wood chips......plants a plenty....flowers galore..........Wedding on Saturday. The first weddding at BDF will be Stephs cousin Brett and his fiance Amanda....the place looks awesome.....If their marriage is a incredible as this place...they will be very happy!

DEL SOL !!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

WOW....finally the streak of non 75' days comes to an end. Black Dog Farm is in emerald glory....everything in bloom or close to it, especially the weeds. This year I have decided to take out 3 beds in the garden and return them to grass. We never used them, and it makes as nice lawn area. It seems the masacre of chicks is over for now 3 nights no kills. Maybe the racoons got the picture when Steph took off after them with my 357 mag. She missed but the lawn got aerated. We spent yesterday afternoon on the boat ....awesome!!

SUMMER?

2010-06-22T08:22:00.001-07:00

Where is it? it June 22 and not 1 single day or 75degrees, longest stretch on record. Crazy... BDF is lush and green and WET!! we continue to lose chickens...from 14 to 3....Nwxt month is the wedding here, hopefully it clears up,warms up, and things get back to normal...for us

2010-04-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

2010-04-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

Just when you forget about the rain.....

2010-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Things were just starting to dry up in the pasture area, and yards....then here it comes again.....RAIN....sick of rain ready for summer, bbqs, fires in the new pit, and even a wedding at BDF this summer....

Lexi

2010-02-08T18:08:00.001-08:00

my constant companion...little but mighty and a real sweetheart....

Winter...Spring.....Summer?

2010-02-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

The warmth of spring while still in the grasp of winter....buds are forming on all the berry bushes at BDF, and bulbs are pushing through to see the unusal appearance of the strange warming orb of the sun. Spring is great here, the birds return, and in the warmest hours of the day you can hear the frogs croak their way back to active life. The pond is full of non resident ducks....Sig and Roy like the company. Lexi our newest addition has made herself right at home. Willis the rooster and all his chicks have a new ritual every morning......they come into the kitchen and eat the cat food. The cats just stand by and watch....a new cord of wood is delivered and we are ready for some bon fires.....come on summer you can do it....gt here!!!!

R.I.P. Spodi...

2009-12-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today was a very sad day at Blackdog Farm...when we went out to feed all the critters we saw that Spodi wasnt himself...struggling and just very uncomfortable. After much deliberation, we had to put him down due to a blockage in his urinary tract. Rather common for male goats who have been "fixed"...he was our favorite little guy, full of life and personality. he will forever watch over BDF from his resting place south of the pond overlooking the pasture...he and his fullness of life are missed....RIP little guy!

NOVEMBER.....YUCK!

2009-11-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Now most of the time BDF is an incredible paradise, but for the month of November it is miserable....the rainy season makes it very soggy, muddy, and the leaves are everywhere. We can't catch a break from the rain....as soon as it gets dark however it is a great place to sleep.... metal roof and rain...ahhh

windy rainy windy windy rainy windy

2009-10-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last night brought alot of wind to BDF Steph and I hunkered in early, and could hear trees falling all around us. The calm aftermath brought the coyotes back out ...I hate coyotes. Anyway the lawn has a fresh quilted blanket of fall leaves...the animals are doing well....as they too gear up for the winter ahead....

Gus

2009-10-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Donkey Pedicure...

2009-10-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Farrier came to do the Donkeys hooves. They have been somewhat neglected for a while. Overall though he, the Farrier said they werent too bad. Donkeys are the coolest animal, we've bonded this past week, so now when they hear or see me they go crazy braying loudly. They say it ( the braying of a donkey) can be heard up to 2 miles. These guys are very calm and gentle. Wait till they find out what spring will bring them....;lets just say OUCH!!!

its obvious that fall has arrived....

2009-10-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

The best part of fall at BDF is the pond begins to fill up again, and all the migratory ducks take a break there. The toad comes back to life and croaks again. All the animals are starting to thicken their coats, and finally the newest hens are laying. Nothing like farm fresh eggs for breakfast....

1st Seahawks Sunday in a while....great times...

2009-10-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

It was a great day last Sunday for the Seahawks winning 41 to zippo over Jacksonville....but it was better for Steph and I to happy family and good friends over for chili and to watch the game. The Titlow Boys showed up and it has been way too long since we were together for anything other than a funeral. Weather was great, and we capped the night with a raging bon fire on the patio. oh ya and a Krav Maga demonstration by Paul, and Justin....Kory found the scotch cache (which he always does)...Ben rode the Gus and Morey the donkeys....and everyone stayed the night...very responsible. Thanks to great family and awesome friends.

welcome.....

2009-10-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Steph and I have felt something was missing from our little paradise....so we looked and looked for over a year for a rescue donkey(mini) , but instead we found 2. Gus and Morey, are 8 year old ungelded(for now) mini donkeys with a pretty decent pedigree. They are a great addition to Blackdog Farm. Right now we are all just getting to know one another. They are very mellow and fun animals....

Menagerie increases...

2009-10-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

Steph and I are awaiting the arrival of minature donkeys...should be here soon, hope the trip is good on them and they enjoy their new home...

Google Earth how cool

2009-10-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Perfect evening.....

2009-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Last night was perfect at BDF...a cool, clear fall night, a big bon fire in the fire pit, a bottle of Merlot from Trillium Creek Winery, and all the dogs hangin on the patio, just chillin and enjoying the new season.

Alone....

2009-09-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

Steph left last night for 6 days......its been years since we were apart that long...Hopefully I will survive>>>!! Hurry up and come home.

2009-09-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Mobi and Sofi playin in the snow....

2009-09-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Our little visitor for the week...Penny

2009-09-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

2009-09-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

The obscure we see eventually, the completely apparent takes longer.
Edward R. Murrow

Ahhhh Fall

2009-09-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

There are few things nicer than being within the grasp of Fall at Blackdog Farm...the early morning dew on the multitudes of spider webs, the dogs getting a thicker coat, the colors in the garden changing from vibrant fruit colors to the more subdued colors of fall...but the most important sign of Fall is......wait for it ......COUGAR FOOTBALL>>>GO COUGS!!!!!

Passing of an era...

2009-09-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

On the 3rd of September we celebrated the life of my father....it was a great ceremony, and well attended. Thanks to all our friends, who seem more like family..for the support and words of encouragement durning a very difficult time....My Dad loved Blackdog Farm...so I am glad he had one last visit here before his death. That all said life does go on, its not the same, but on ...thank God for this place and its healing qualities...hard to be down when paradise abounds..

Fall is in the air....

2009-08-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

This morning was the fisrt that smelled of fall.....as summer winds down, Steph and I can reflect back on this wonderful place we both feel lucky to call home. No big party this year, but several small BBQ's and fires on the patio. We are enjoying the fruits and veggies we have grown. The 3 new chicken additions are now at home here. The cats, ducks, goats and chickens all eat in the mornings together...the saga of my Dads health has taken its toll on us also...He is so strong...and remains so even under the care of hospice. We look forward to next spring and summer...Our first wedding to be held here when Stephs cousin Brett gets married to Amanda. We will resurect the 3 week of July Party, and hopefully a new "Barn" will be built with media room, guest rooms, party area oh and parking for the FJ40.

2009-08-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

We have again added to our menagerie Stephs Aunt gave us 3 malaysian serama chickens, which are the smallest laying hens there are. Imagine a 12 egg omlette that is the size of a normal omlette. The eggs are the size of a quarter. It has been a busy summer, hard to believe it's almost over. We are looking forward to fall, and a few more patio fires. Steph has worked hard on the yard and flower beds this summer....they look awesome. My garden was kind of a disappointment, but with dad being so sick I really didnt have the time to give it...next year will be good. We are going to recondition all the beds ( there are 12 raised beds) and remove the railroad ties. We want to replace them with cinder block ; so all the produce are organic.

2+2=6

2009-05-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Soooo we knew when they arrived that of our new cats 1 was prego....so at 3A.M. on May 8 the little ones arrived. 6 little kitties.....we have named the parents Girlie, and Ozzie....they are fun and a welcome addition to Black Dog Farm...

New arrivals

2009-05-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last we we aquired 2 more cats, and found out it will soon be more....as 1 is prego. They are very friendly and adapting well. However the other 2 cats aren't so sure. Spring has definitely sprung. This time of year its hard to get caught up...grass seems to grow as I mow it, weeds pop as they are picked. Looking forward to more sun.....I had to work a 72 hr shift over the past sunny days.........BUMMER

Spring......finally

2009-04-09T07:42:00.001-07:00

Finally sun and warmth, after a LONG LONG winter. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the fall and the winter snow, but this last winter was a bit much. Stephanie and I look forward to the outdoor dinners on the deck, and the BBQ's and Fires on the patio. Truly I just look forward to laying in my hammock and drinking beer...