CUMBERLAND FAIR PART~TWO

The changing fall foliage is in full swing. I would say in our part of the state (Southern Maine) a change of fifty percent has occurred. If the fall rains hold off the color could last another two or three weeks. There is nothing like fall in New England.

At the fair I discovered this lovely New Holland tractor. Just the perfect size for this country gal. It was equipped with all the bells and whistles. Automatic, air conditioning, stereo surround sound
what more could a gal ask for. Well maybe a reduction in price, this pretty lady was $27,000 plus. I guess I'll just have to put it on my wish list.

This is one regal gentlemen.You never know who's keeping an eye on you.I find draft horses to be such magnificent creatures. I do get nervous however, watching the horse pulls as I fear a horse might become injured. I must state that this has not happened in my presence.Getting all pretty for the show, clipped to perfection.Look at this face, I just love Brown Swiss dairy cows they just ooze sweetness. This miniature horse stood three feet tall, I would have loved to bring her home.And the llama. I just adore llamas. My dream would be to own and run a llama farm.
When first introduced to llamas I had an owner of a llama farm come inspect our property. I wanted to make sure it would meet the llama's needs. We did pass inspection and almost made the step. However, it just was not the right time. When you invest in llamas you need two or more and they are costly, but in my opinion worth every penny. Someday I hope to make my dream come true.

This week we are off to the Fryeburg Fair also known as the Blue Ribbon Classic. This fair is the largest agricultural fair held in the State of Maine. Some years the weather is warm and short sleeve shirts are fine, other years you adorn long underwear and layer up. Maine has a saying "if you don't like the weather wait a minute and it will change." I'll keep you posted.

CUMBERLAND FAIR~PART ONE

Yesterday my husband and I attended the Cumberland Fair, a small agricultural fair located in Cumberland Maine. This year the fair is held from September 27th through October 3rd with an expected attendance of 50,000.A farmer works from sun up till sun down 365 days a year. This poster says it all.Due to a wet growing season the squash and pumpkins entrants were down. Typically there are 40 or more entrants and among those one or two pumpkins will weigh in at 1,000 pounds or more. This year there were two dozen entrants and the winner was Al Berard with a pumpkin weight of 896.5 pounds. The world record holder for largest pumpkin is Joe Jutrus of Rhode Island with a pumpkin weight of 1,689 pounds. A pair of oxen giving me the evil eye. We owned a pair of steers when our sons were young. I actually was the one who wanted them, we adopted them from the dairy farm down the road. I believe as we left their driveway the Parson boys were laughing at me. (What does an island girl know about farming) Well, it was fun until they became massive in weight and size. Oh, they would become loose and wander over to the clothes line and eat my laundry. During the Christmas holiday Rocky and Bullwinkle would eat the pine wreaths that were adorning our doors. It took that experience for me to understand why cows need magnets in their stomach's. For now I am sticking with poultry. Once I spied these FrizzlesI fell for them. Yes sirree. They appear to have a bad hair day going on 24/7/365- just my kind of gals.

Oh, and than you have the Polish. They seem to have big personalities to go along with the large crown of feathers they sport. ( As well as being very vocal)Fancy Silkies and Sultans which were rather reserved and regal. This lovely lady reminded me of Cruella De ville from the 101 Dalmatians movie. What do you think.

I was considering bringing this big fella home (I bet he would put Winslow Homer in his proper place) but somebody beat me to him. And look at this boy, a handsome Buff Orpington.I bet he don't take no S*** if you know what I mean. Well, now I know what a spur looks like up close and personal. After viewing all the poultry( many times around the barn) I dare say I do NOT have a rooster. I keep telling myself, I do not have a rooster, I do not have a rooster. I think I need to check legs one more time!

OCTOBER

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundred came

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name

The sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.~ ~George Cooper

LAST DAY OF SEPTEMBER

Here in New England we woke to a beautiful crisp autumn morning. Can it really be the last day of September.A good morning for baking.
The kitchen was soon filled with the scent of pumpkin and spices.I think someone else smelled the deletable aromas. First Miss Henny Penny made her was to the front door stoop

and soon was joined by Gladys and Georgia.Gladys, Georgia, and Henny Penny are my most curious girls. So it came as no surprise when I looked out the front door and found them looking in. Now there is one drawback to having chickens who enjoy your company, they tend to want to follow you where ever you go. Sorry girls you dine alfresco.

FALL WEATHER

Fall rains are moving in~snow showers for the mountains ~
lets hope those autumn leaves remain on the trees, for a little while anyway.

SIGNS OF FALL

AstersBlanket flowerCone flowerCrow on wheatHappy PumpkinScary Pumpkin Silly pumpkin
White pumpkinSquirrels have found their way indoors Cinderella pumpkinAnd this is my favorite squirrel, she likes to keep watch out the livingroom window. What signs of fall are you discovering at your home?

FROST ON THE PUMPKIN

It's beginning to look and feel like fall here at Dog Trot Farm. Saturday morning we woke to a temperature of twenty-nine degrees. As we say here in New England the "frost was on the pumpkin".

The perennial garden fared well as it was protected with a cloth covering. Frost has arrived early this year, usually we expect it the first week in October.Georgia my barred rock likes to follow me around while I'm working in the garden. I secretly feel she stays close so she can be the first in line when I hand out treats. See, I told you chickens are not dumb. Those blueberries can be very persuasive. For the first time on Saturday I picked her up and carried her around. Her sisters came honking as if to say "pick me, pick me" all in good time girls. I am going to miss the colors of summer, we wait so long and work so hard to keep our flowers and gardens going. I guess I'm going to have to rely on my feathered characters to keep things colorful around here. I am quite certain they will not disappoint!

SWEET EMMA LOU

EMMA LOUThere is a quietness to the house without Pinky Larue.
Her collar bell has been silenced. I spoke with the shelter yesterday and they reassured me Pinky was settling in and seemed to remember some of the shelter's attendants. Emma wears a look of relief and her sense of calm and safety is begining to return. I know I made the right decision.