This past week has been a quiet one. We had our visitor from eastern New York. He seemed to like our animals. His boss from New York called the next day. He had had good reports on our operation. In talking with him, I had the germ of a new business idea. There seems to be a bit of a need for a person to consult with folks setting up a farm for the first time. There clearly are people getting into farming who view it as an opportunity for a variety of reasons. They don't have the benefit of a farm background to get them started. Since I have built my farm from scratch, I have a good idea of what it takes.

The weather has been quite calm. Almost every day has been blue sky and high 20's. The cattle have been just hanging out.

We put an ad online in the oxen community for Peter our steer. We have gotten an amazing number of calls. We have also learned something very important about oxen. They are supposed to have horns. Peter's were removed before we got him.

Historically, the horns kept the yoke in place when pulling a cart downhill. In modern times, they are just part of the look. So for now all thoughts of Peter leading an idyllic life in New England with other oxen seem to be on hold.

Over the weekend, both Jim and I had a good case of the flu. It was no fun doing chores but they need to be done. We are both on the mend now so I'm hopeful that we have seen the end of it.

Last evening, the folks who have come over a few times from the next county called to say they want to buy some animals. His brother raises hogs so a sideline is that I ordered half a hog from him. They are coming Saturday to place their order. Another party from Western New York is coming the following Saturday. Prospects look favorable at the moment.