Since Ruger needs a lot of space to run, we decided to tear out the decorative picket fence and replace it with a “dog fence”. We mapped out a larger perimeter fence for our backyard, dug corner post and gate post holes, and used concrete to set the 4″ x 4″ wooden posts. We then measured where each metal post needed to be set, and marked the spots with orange paint. Today, Lars used the Skidril to drive all the posts (about 40) in less than an hour. We helped by holding the post – and using a level to keep it straight. Here is a link to a short video of the first post we set.
Chronicles of the Long Shot Farm
Farm
The Value Added Producer Grant!
It seems like a very long time ago (in July) that we submitted a grant application to the US Department of Agriculture for a “Value Added Producer Grant“. We never really thought that we would actually have a chance of getting this grant, but we found out in late October, that we were one of the award recipients. We are so excited and thankful for this opportunity. It will definitely speed up the process of getting a winery off the ground.
This grant is meant to help small farms add value to their raw product/commodity, as in grapes to wine, milk to cheese, fruit to jam etc. The grant funds can be used for packaging (as in bottles, corks and labels), marketing and wine-making ingredients and disposable supplies- as long as it is not capital equipment.
The grant announcement has been picked up in several local and national publications, such as the Cumberland Valley Business Journal and the Wines&Vines trade publication. Stay tuned for updates!
Ruger – the Dog – Update
Sammy’s dog Ruger is now known most often as Lars’s dog. He still sleeps in a crate in Lars’s bedroom and spends his indoor time on the tiled floor of the living room or kitchen. He is getting so big so fast. He knows his name, and listens to all the basic commands – and he listens well! Lars takes him for runs most days through the vineyard and around the blackberries. All the grandchildren play with Ruger and he loves the attention.
We Got a DOG!
Sammy came home with the cutest puppy ever – a two month old Border Collie, who she named Ruger. Lars is already in love with the dog, who currently lives in our kitchen. We build dog gates to keep it contained to the tile floor. At night time, he sleeps in a large dog cage in Lars’s bedroom.
I think Ruger may just be the smartest dog ever. We have had him for over two weeks now, and he only had one accident – and that was just because he did not know how to let us know that he need to go outside.
Chickens Moved into their Coop!
Our baby chicks finally got big enough for their move into the newly renovated chicken coop. We had to clean out the shed near the clothesline and bring it back to its intended purposed: to house chickens. We had used the shed mainly for archery equipment storage and storing extra flower pots, all of which we cleaned away. We fixed the holes in the floor, rebuilt the windows and doors and then partitioned off about a quarter of the shed for the little chicks. The floor is now covered in straw and we got a large watering station and a larger feeder. We are still using a heat lamp for them, since the are still little. Hopefully they’ll stay warm and save tonight.
