We were asked to look after my sister-in-law’s pets while she’s away working for three weeks. So, being retired with nothing particular on our dance cards, we said we’d do it. …
We were asked to look after my sister-in-law’s pets while she’s away working for three weeks. So, being retired with nothing particular on our dance cards, we said we’d do it.
The Farm is 300 Km north of our home but we figured we would take advantage of being somewhere else and explore the area. Also all of my bride’s family is all within about an hour’s drive. It becomes much easier to visit.
Although we are an hour away from any major city, there are numerous small communities in the area for day-trips and exploration.
The pets, two very active dogs and two cats. The cats require little but food, water, a clean litter box and attention when they want it.
The dogs need at least one good walk around the 215 acres (87 hectares) daily. We try to give them two (a full walkabout in the morning and a partial one in the afternoon) weather permitting.
There is also a “cabin” out in the back 40. A great place to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. It is fairly isolated and we can enjoy all nature has to offer. It is very great to be able to have a shelter to relax after the hike and lunch with the breeze, birds and dogs (bears, wolves, skunks, foxes, snakes, etc. won’t be mentioned).
If everybody’s timing is right in the spring we get together and harvest maple sap here to to make syrup on the outdoor stove. It is agreat deal of work but the results are well worth the effort.
The only disadvantage to being here is the large population of mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, and horse flies; all of whom seem to believe that my blood is their Champagne! I always tell my friends that I’m good to have around in the woods or at the farm. Insects ignore everyone else and come straight to me!
Even with a bug jacket I still get bit. Especially the hands (Yes I am now wearing gloves too). Hardly seems like summer when you need boots, pants, jackets and gloves!
There are few chores we can do to help out as the garlic won’t be ready ’till after she gets back. I’ve found a couple of on-line courses I may try out to pass the time with and I am going to attempt writing more.
I also want to try to get more pictures to post (if the bugs will let me).
