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So, the Ontario Gov’t has a plan out that pays really good rates for solar created electricity.  I learned all about it after my Father-in-law reconnected with one of his old class mates, who is working together with his son, who have a company together to install alternative energy.  We are definitely thinking of installing some solar panels on the new pig barn’s roof.  It is facing the right way (south) and has a fairly suitable slope to it.  There certainly seems to be a lot of interest around the countryside, and for anyone with long term plans and a south facing slope, I think it is a good (and profitable) idea!  (and if you want more info, I highly recommend these guys! www.RealEnergyAlternatives.ca )

It will be interesting to see how many solar panels show up over the next year or so.

Last week has seen beautiful weather, and next week looks the same.  The frozen nights keep the overall mud factor low, and the warm, sunny days are perfect.  It is also the perfect weather for getting the sap to run, and I’m sure the maple syrup people are loving this weather.

I recently tried a couple of new  maple syrup pork recipes, so I’ll try and get them posted on the website.  (’cause they’re really good!)

‘Tis the season!!

We were down to the last few rows of Corn a week ago, when I took this pic out the front window of the combine.  It was perfect weather (before this last blast of snow), and our yield and quality are pretty good for the season we had.  Now we just have to finish Willowtree Farm’s Corn!

So, the ground hog predicts 6 more weeks of winter.   I have only used the snow blower once this year, and that was more to make sure it was working, than because it actually needed it.  Considering that, I’m  not surprised we are not finished with winter yet!

We are still harvesting some corn.  The lack of snow certainly hasn’t been pressuring us to rush.  Another field and a half of ours to do, and then a couple of fields for Willowtree Farms. 

It is a lot easier to keep the pigs well looked after when you are not trying to get as much done in the fields as you can in a day.  It is a little bit different to not be feeling the rush to get the harvest done.

There is a new little restaurant near the AMC Theaters in Whitby called Cuisine ‘n Jazz (www.cuisinenjazz.com)

They are  a family run operation, and were looking for some local product to be serving.  One thing lead to another, and they are now (proudly) serving their pork from the best possible source! (Me !)

They had a grand opening gala thingy tonight, and Kevin and I managed to catch couple of songs from the band, and taste some pretty tasty appetizers. 

They are a really nice couple, and we certainly wish them good luck, and lots of (porky) success!

We were out harvesting a little more corn this week.  Still waiting for it to get dry enough to do more than enough for feed for the pigs.  It seems to be hovering around 25% and it needs to be a bit drier to keep in the bins.

I am constantly impressed with how much snow a 4wd combine can go through.  The driveway to the field is always a bit of a trick to get a truck in and out of, but the combine will go up the drive, and then just turn off into the field, or across the ditch and through the snowbank.  A foot or more of snow is no big deal.  And this year, it is a good thing I got the 4wd on the replacment combine!

It will not, however, be able to make it through some of the drifts on the edge of a field, where the snow is as tall as the corn!

Our puppy, (are they still considered puppies once they are two?) had a bump on her head.  We thought she had just been clumsy and hit it on something, but when it wouldn’t heal, and kept oozing pussy stuff, we realized it was an abscess around a hair follicle.

So, last weekend when the vet sister was home, she brought a few drugs with her, and stitching stuff, and we operated in the dining room! (we didn’t use the good table though!!) 

She ended up just removing a small piece of skin, and sewing the rest back together, and it was a little quicker than I thought it would be.  Although having the other sister singing la-la-la-la every time we said anything icky(so she didn’t have to listen), and taking pictures of the procedure with her eyes closed, did make it a little more interesting!

It was a bit comical (although not for her, I’m sure!) watching her come out of the anesthetic.  At first, walking a little crooked, and then sitting there with a funny look on her face, but by the next day, she was running around like crazy again, so I think she is doing fine.