Care and Maintenance of Newspaper Seed Starters

Welcome new followers to my blog. Recently, Billy Albertson and I had the privilege of speaking to students at Crabapple Middle School.

Here’s a BIG Shout Out to all of the students we met !!!

Crabapple students waiting patiently to make seed starters

One never knows what type of students they will encounter on these trips. Sometimes, we encounter a class filled with unruly folk, those who aren’t interested in learning; but not at Crabapple. It seemed like the more Billy and I shared about gardening, the more they wanted to know.

Here’s a BIG THANK YOU to all the students. You were great !!!

Now, for those who missed class, or want to learn how to make your own newspaper seed starter, here is a link to my blog post. Truly, this little project takes only a few minutes. Of course, I had my trusty seeds from Botanical Interests (available locally at Pike’s). Botanical Interests does an excellent job of including clear instructions on how to grow the seeds you purchase. However, the seeds at Crabapple are still in the teacher’s rooms. You can either take them home or plant them in the school garden.

Also, remember that I took a group photo with each class. I can only post those if the school has a signed permission slip on file. Once I’m certain your parent has signed a release, I’ll post more pictures.

Farmer Sophie

So, what’s the next step with your seeds?

A new farmer in the making

When will my seed sprout?

Pick one weekday to water your plants. Let’s use Wednesday for example. Each week on Wednesday measure one tablespoon of water and pour it directly onto the dirt (or plant if it has sprouted). Using more water will make your seed rot. For those who planted corn, watermelon or pumpkin seeds remember those seeds take a little bit longer to sprout. (like fourteen days). Please do not give up on the seeds. The weather has been unseasonably cold, AND, we have seen very little sun.

Crabapple student eager to lend a hand.

Seeds need three things: sun, warm temperatures, and water. Give the seeds a bit of extra time before giving up on them. If possible, place the newspaper starter in a window where the sun can reach the plant.

Soon these will be ready to plant.

After the seedling breaks through the soil and displays a couple leaves, start thinking about where you want to plant. For those living in an apartment or subdivision, you can still grow beans and peas inside a plastic planter. If you do not have a planter, please let me know. I will bring some to your school. There is no need to buy an expensive pot. You can pick one up at the Dollar Tree. The important part is to get a large container that is 8 to 10 inches. Vegetables have deep roots.

Where do I plant my seedling?

Some plants, like beans, will grow in partial shade. Others require full sun. Here is list of where to plant.

Vegetable:                                          Where it likes to grow:

Beans                                                I will grow in partial shade, and/or sun.

Peas                                                  I will grown in partial shade and/or sun

Corn                                                   I must have full sun

Pumpkins                                            I prefer full sun and room to grow

Watermelon                                         I prefer full sun and room to grow

Pepper plants                                       I will grow in partial shade and/or full sun

How do I plant my seedling?

Those planting directly into the dirt need only to dig a hole in the ground, (approximately 6 inches across and 3 inches deep. Break up the soil, place the newspaper seedling in the dirt. Cover and your’re done.

Plastic container instructions:

Fill a plastic container half-full of dirt. Wet the newspaper seed-starter until all of the paper is very wet.

Dig out a hole in the dirt.

Place the entire newspaper planter in the dirt.

Cover the newspaper with dirt (leave the tiny plant sticking out).

Another seed planted

Water well. Then watch the plant grow.

Little known fact about the corn:

For those who planted corn let me tell you about it. My great-grandfather Lum Winchester, who died when I was eighteen years old, grew that corn. He once lived in Rabun County Georgia with his wife’s family, who were the Ridley’s. Back then, you didn’t go to the store for garden supplies. People saved their seed. The seed you planted has been in my family for many generations. It is not genetically modified.

Some people call it “field corn,” others call it “dent corn” because on the end of each kernel there is a small indentation or “dent.” This particular variety grows very tall, almost fifteen feet tall. While you can eat it fresh, with butter, the corn is best dried and ground into cornmeal or grits. Fresh corn will not be sweet like you are used to. This variety is highly prized in the Low Country for grits. Of course the Low Country is famous for shrimp and grits.

So how can I make cornmeal? Allow the corn to dry on the stalks. Eventually the outside will yellow and get very hard. After that happens send me an email at reneawrites(at)gmail.com and I’ll make sure we convert your corn into meal.

This corn also makes excellent animal food. Since it has not been genetically modified, it is safe for everyone to eat. I think my great grandfather is happy you are willing to grow it.

Renea reading from her book about Billy titled: In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes. Copies available locally at BOOKMISER.

For those who don’t have a lot of land, corn can also be grown in big buckets.(Think one of those Home Depot Orange Buckets.

Corn requires FULL SUN and a lot of water during the summer. But, y’all are Crabapple students; you can do anything!

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of  In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Copies of her book are available locally at Bookmiser.

 

Wrapped up Tight

This year I was invited to attend the 13^th annual Pulpwood Queen Gathering. For those who aren’t familiar with this club, Queen Kathy Patrick  works tirelessly to promote authors (both first-time and veteran). She created a book club that is the world’s largest; and, she owns the only hair salon/bookstore in the country.

She’s a powerhouse, that’s for certain.

Queen Kathy asked authors to contribute something personal for the silent auction which raises money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For weeks, I’ve pondered what to donate. Partnering with Botanical Interests and Nelson’s Grow-N-Thrive Plant Food, I assembled a basket.  The folk at Botanical Interests generously donated an exquisite 2013 calendar and many packets of seeds, a partial list is below:

Basil, Beans, Carrots, Chives, Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Tomatoes (multiple varieties). In the flower category, the basket includes: Bells of Ireland, Calendula, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Sunflowers…just to mention a few.

Even as I type this Spring Fever begins to bubble up inside of me.

Those items, as lovely as they are (and they are lovely) aren’t “personal.” Yes, I only use Botanical Interests seeds and Grow-N-Thrive Plant Food which is why I want to introduce them to you, but readers want to bid on something more personal.

Bread & Butter Pickles, Japaleno Jelly and Spice Rub from Mr. Thomas.

For that, I headed to the pantry.  Where I come from, nothing is more personal than homegrown goodies. I gathered into my arms a jar of Bread & Butter pickles, Dilly Beans, Tomatoes, Grape Jelly (made with grapes from the historic Hembree Farm) and a jar of Dry Rub using a top-secret recipe Mr. Thomas recently shared with me.

I squeezed all of this into a basket which I have used at Billy’s Farm. Then I placed a tiny cornhusk angel inside the basket, wrestled the crinkly wrapping around everything and tied the bow.

Re-reading Queen Kathy’s instructions I panicked for a moment when I learned that my donation needed to be autographed.

Eeek!

Peeking inside the basket, I thought about signing the wooden fibers. Then I thought perhaps the best autograph would come from Billy and me. He signed the Dilly Beans; I signed the tomatoes.

This is who I am. This is how I give some of myself to you. Whoever wins this basket will receive delicious goodness grown without pesticides and stored without preservatives.

I can’t wait to meet all the readers in Jefferson Texas next week. For those who are on Facebook, please visit the page I created titled In the Garden with Billy.  Please “Like” the page and share the page. As always, I hope you enjoy your time spent in the garden with us.

Those attending the 2013 Pulpwood Queen event can bid on this basket filled with goodies.

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes and Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author.      

Renea is represented by Sullivan Max Literary Agency. In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches will be released soon. She is working on her first novel titled Outbound Train.  Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

A Basket Fit for A Queen

Having my work selected by the Pulpwood Queen has been my dream since the release of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes. I knew that given the chance Queen Kathy Patrick, founder of the largest book club in the world, would fall in love with Billy Albertson just like I, and countless others had.

Kathy not only loves books, she loves baby chicks which was why I sent her a copy of In the Garden.

A month passed, then another, until finally I shelved the dream of being picked.

If I’ve learned anything during this journey as an author it is to never, ever give up. During the summer as I sliced cucumbers and boiled the brine to pour my thoughts returned to the Pulpwood Queen. I was working on Billy’s sequel titled In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Fords & Fried Bologna Sandwiches.  (more baby chicks, and this time…recipes). Perhaps I would bring jars of pickles to events as door prizes. I thought the same when slicing jalapeno peppers for the pepper jelly and as I held my breath and mixed the spice rub ingredients.

Then came the news, Kathy selected In the Garden with Billy as a Pulpwood Queen pick. The news came during one of those dark times, one filled with self-doubt. As tears pricked my eyes I felt like Sally Field: Kathy liked me, she really liked me.

Or the baby chicks…it mattered not.

Kathy asks all authors to donate a personal item, autographed if possible, to her annual Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekend in Jefferson Texas. This item is auctioned off with proceeds benefiting a cause dear to all of our hearts, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. And while being on a panel with New York Times Bestselling authors is a bit daunting, the basket I have assembled is fit for a queen.

Bread & Butter Pickles, Japaleno Jelly and Spice Rub from Mr. Thomas.

It is filled with love and appreciation. Readers will bid on jars of Dilly Beans, Bread and Butter Pickles, Grape Jelly made with grapes from the historic Hembree Farm, and a jar of Spice Rub from Georgia’s own, Mr. Thomas. But that’s not all…tune in later for an image of the basket and a complete list of everything inside.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes.

She is represented by Sullivan Max Literary Agency. In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming Fords & Fried Bologna Sandwiches will be released in 2013. Until then, she is hard at work at her first novel. Friend her on Facebook at: In the Garden with Billy, or visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

The Next Big Thing

Ann Hite and Kimberly Brock asked me to answer ten questions about my current work in progress, but before I begin, I need to share that I have finished In the Kitchen with Billy, which some of you may know is the sequel to In the Garden with Billy. This book is currently being edited. I will let you know the moment I have a publication date. Now, on to the current work in progress:

What is your working title of your book?
Outbound Train

Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea for this book came from two experiences. I was riding with my brother in my hometown of Bryson City, North Carolina. We were stopped because the train was traveling through (it’s a small town, the train stops traffic); out of the corner of my eye I noticed a trailer park and imagined life there, beside the tracks. Then I came home and stumbled across a photo.  I printed the photo and it has been taped to my wall for two years. I look at this image, wanting to know more about the girl on the tracks. (Credit ffffound.com)

What genre does your book fall under?
This is my fourth book, my first novel.  It is Southern Fiction

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Sandra Bullock, of course, don’t we all adore her?

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Girl dreams of leaving the small town that trapped the women in her family in a cycle of poverty.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This is a work in progress and I am currently seeking representation.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The novel is still in progress. My previous nonfiction books, In the Garden with Billy, and In the Kitchen with Billy, each took a year. Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author took 9 months. You can learn more about Billy on the In the Garden with Billy FB page, or through my website www.reneawinchester.com

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Because I believe that each author has his or her own voice, I don’t like to compare my work with others.  I am surrounded by so many talented authors, I am honored just to be in the same room with them.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Many years ago, Wilma Dykeman, TN Historian, lover of Western North Carolina, and a pioneer of women’s literature, clasped my hand and told me that I could write anything. She believed in me. I cannot let her down.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Even though my first two books are classified as Memoir, Outbound Train contains tiny pieces of my heart woven throughout this manuscript. That is true with most authors. But in this manuscript,  I want to honor the people of my hometown, the hard-working factory workers who would literally give you the shirt off their back; those who live from paycheck to paycheck and understand hardship; people who are too proud to ask for help. To my southern friends and family, and readers everywhere who encourage me, I write for you.

Now, who to tag?

Donald Tadman (my friend from Down Under)

Lee Giminez

Bob Plott

and Gy Brown

Message for tagged authors:
Rules of the Next Big Thing

***Use this format for your post
***Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (work in progress)
***Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them. Be sure to line up your five people in advance. (I’ve seen these posts run with only three or four tagged writers, so no pressure.)

 

In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes Book Trailer

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Billy Albertson’s farm. Or as he likes to say it his, “little strip of country.” Learn more at http://www.reneawinchester.com

 

Celebrating the Beauty of Mud Puddles

Atlanta, like many towns in the US, has been suffering from unseasonably high temperatures. Earth-baking, livestock-killing, water-evaporating heat that became more dangerous by a non-stop wind that cracked the soil and seared our skin. We have suffered this summer, worried, fretted and some of us have prayed for relief from the oppressive heat.

Thus far in the growing season, Billy’s farm has been blessed with a bountiful harvest. Blessed with a plethora of beans, corn, and tomatoes ripening on the vine. Unfortunately, as the harvest approached, temperatures rose. Beans died on the vine, tomatoes turned white and burned beneath the sun, and, if the truth be told, Billy Albertson got a little nervous.

“That’s the last of the water,” he said with a sigh, referring to one of six rain barrels situated sporadically throughout his property. “And your maders need watering.”

Shrugging off his concern I said, “Don’t worry about my tomatoes. They’ll be fine.”

Meteorologists called for rain, but Mother Nature was bent on showing us who is boss. Not only did she withhold the rain, she cranked up the temps to a dangerous 106 degrees.

The corn curled and turned brown. Billy and I worried. No rain came.

Until Saturday.

“Bring on the rain,” Billy said as I stopped by to pick my tomatoes and check out the desiccation status of my corn.

Overhead the clouds were darkening and dipping lower, giving us hope. An hour later, heaven opened and gifted us with a downpour.

free image courtesy 123rf.com

Like most children, I love mud puddles. Seeing a collection of water triggers something inside of me. I ride my bike through them, smiling at the splash…squish, tilting my head back as tiny droplets splash against my leg and stain my socks. This morning as the mud puddles in my yard began to disappear I took a stroll through my garden, smiling at the gift of glorious rain.

Though many may curse the rain for making their daily commute a bear, or ruining their planned activities, when I step outside I see that the earth is actually smiling. Tree frogs sing and birds bathe with wild abandon. Even immature tomatoes cling to drops of moisture, unwilling to release the moisture into the earth.

Rain. Blessed rain has finally arrived. Drops that replenished my red-neck rain reclamation system. Most parents will recognize the purple bucket. What once housed stuffed animals, now sits beneath the eve of the house and collects water.

When my grandmother was alive I remember her declaring the arrival of  “dog days,” meaning the rainy season which arrives during the middle of summer. This season of hope is gifted to us, a treasure for weary gardeners that signal it’s time to rest up before fall planting.

Those with pitiful looking tomato plants, take comfort. Tomatoes will bear fruit up until frost. Walk bravely into the garden with a pair of scissors and lop them off at the top. This “trimming” process actually stimulates new growth. You can also root the trimmings. Refer to this blog posting to learn how. For those wanting to plant a late crop of beans and “winter greens,” the Farmer’s Almanac reports July 24-27 are the best dates to plant above ground crops. Root crops (turnips, radish, beets, and potatoes) can be planted, July 10, 13, 14, 17 and 18.

Let us be thankful for the rain and pray for those farmers who are suffering without any. Until next time, remember to keep those hands dirty.

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes and

Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author.

Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com or http://adviceforauthors.wordpress.com

 

A Farmer: The Biggest Gambler Around

Don’t forget: Follow my blog by email (or RSS Feed) located at the top right). The 100th subscriber wins a $10.00 gift card to Botanical Interests.  200th subscriber wins a $ 20.00 gift card.

It was just a blink ago, a short couple of weeks that Atlanta experienced several days of soil soaking rain; afterward, we basked beneath a cool breeze and tolerable temperatures. However this morning as June bugs fly across the lawn I sense a change deep in my bones.

A drought is coming.

I can feel it in the stillness of the air, hear it in the silence of the birdsong.

Heat. Oppressive heat has rolled into Atlanta and brought with it not a hint of rain.

Rain is the lifeblood for farmers such as Billy Albertson. With more and more “city folk” depending on his fresh locally grown produce, the garden this year was full of promise.

Today, with new beans developing and tomatoes just about to turn red, the growing season is in jeopardy.

“If we don’t get some rain by next week, all will be lost,” Billy told me this morning when he rang the phone at 7:15 am.

Farmers don’t take the summer off, and they certainly don’t allow the helpers to sleep in.

“I know, which is why I put out the Pray-For-Rain sign,” I replied, equally concerned.

Most people would ask, “why doesn’t he just water the garden?” Those are the people who have never planted 250 tomato plants, people that do not understand that nothing, absolutely nothing compares to Heaven-sent rain drops.

Bless their hearts.

“I guess we could trickle some of that reclaimed water down the corn stalks,” Billy says more to himself than me. “That might help.”

He and I both know that it won’t. Once the Georgia clay starts cracking, only God can soothe the soil.

Cracks in the soil form as the earth begs for rain.

At my home, I snake a hose from the heat pump to my garden.

Billy doesn’t have that luxury; for you see, he doesn’t have air conditioning. Even though he is in the middle of the city, his water source is a well. If he used a hose to water vegetables, he wouldn’t have anything to drink. The water he uses on the garden comes from reclaimed rainwater, which is why the Pray for Rain request is a plea, a hand-on-knees cry to the One who makes the rain.

Please, please send us some rain.

Won’t you join me in asking for a few drops from heaven?

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. Learn more at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Enjoying the Rain

It’s a rainy day here in Atlanta. A day like most others, where I wake and immediately scan the mental “to-do” list. Today, was bean-picking day at Farmer Billy’s. But alas, since I do not watch television (too much politics), I missed the local forecast and altered my plans with the darkening clouds.

For those visiting my blog for the first time, I wrote a book titled: In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. The book is about the last farmer in Roswell, Georgia. Not to brag, but it’s a pretty good book that was nominated for several awards and recently earned me the Author of the Year award from the Atlanta Pen Women Association. Your favorite bookstore can order it, or, Billy and I will personalize a copy when ordered through my website.

Today, there would be no farm visit. With the family gone and the house empty, I turn on the music and stand still waiting to steep the perfect cup of tea. Sometimes, all of the wrongs seem right when the tea is perfect. Personal time…something rare these days.

Realizing the many people curse the rain for interfering in their daily activities, as the drops began falling I grabbed my camera, curled my hands around the mug, and for a moment was very thankful. My tomatoes still have a long way to go before they look like this, but these things take time.

Click here to view a short video of the gentle rain falling. So far it’s a great year for gardening. As you can see my planter is bursting with tomatoes.

Chickens aren’t happy when rain falls; “mad as a wet hen” comes to mind. As I fed my chickens (on the front porch) I captured my view of heaven raining down this drippy yet glorious Atlanta morning.

Enjoy their video view from my front porch by clicking here.The ocassional chirps are from my girls. I hope you enjoy your day.

Remember: I am giving away a $10.00 gift certificate for Botanical Interests to my 100th follower of this blog. Click “RSS feed” at top. $ 20.00 for the 200th follower. Feel free to share my blog with others. Thank you for stopping by.

Renea Winchester is an award winning author visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Going for the Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. Whether savoring a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, or drinking a pint, many enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Children wear green so they won’t get pinched, adults drink green beer, and Billy Albertson plants green beans.

Do what?

Yes. Billy Albertson plants a row of green beans on St. Patrick’s Day.

“I had a brother who planted his green beans on St. Patrick’s Day. They always seemed to make it. I like to keep that tradition alive.”

Of course our friends to the north can’t plant green beans now, but they can sprinkle a few lettuce seeds into the soil. For those living beneath the sultry Mason-Dixon line, (where it was 89 degrees just two days ago), planting green beans takes only a moments time.

Here’s a tip: Before cranking the tiller, sharpening the spade, or scooping the first cup of fertilize, pour the beans into a cup of water. The seeds immediately begin absorbing water. I would also suggest placing one drop of Nelson’s Grow Best Plant Food in the water.

Available at HomeDepot
and online.

Here is a link to their product. If you are a first-time visitor to this blog and are unfamiliar with this product, trust me. This is the liquid fertilize for you. The tiny white container is super concentrated 2 tablespoon per one gallon of water.  Available at the Home Depot, and through the online link, this product does not burn plants, and absolutely will not turn your fingers blue.

Now, back to planting.

Long-term forcasts predict a dry growing season. For that reason, one will need to plant a bit deeper than I usually like. Planting deeper encourages strong roots. Scatter the seeds, then apply water to the rows before covering the seeds with dirt. (you can also use the plant food-laced water at this phase of planting). Cover the rows with dirt. Take two steps back and place your hands on hips.Nodd slightly. You have just begun a gardening tradition that-if Mother Nature allows-should produce an early crop of green beans.

For readers anywhere near the Atlanta Metro area, Billy Albertson and I are leading a “down to earth” gardening workshop this Wednesday at 6 pm at the Alpharetta Public Library where FREE…. I said, free samples of Grow Best and vegetable seeds will be available (while supplies last). Learn more here. Come see us.

Renea Winchester is the author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love and Tomatoes. Learn more about her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Baby Ashton

Ash Wednesday, 2012: 5:45 pm

Often I visit Billy late on Wednesday  on the way to take my daughter to her youth group meeting. This past Wednesday as I chatted with Billy inside his kitchen, my cell phone rang.

“Momma, you’ve got to come to the barn. There is a baby here without a momma.”

For those who haven’t raised baby goats, newborns nurse every few minutes and rarely leave their momma’s side, especially when there are so many other newborns around. Dashing to the barn I encountered Jamie holding a skinny black goat who was crying, “Momma! Momma!” in the frantic yelp baby kids often do.

Sweet Ashton trying to get a drink of milk

But no Momma came. Searching the field it appeared that every female had a baby, or two. Eventually, a small goat appeared and responded to his cry.

After trying to partner the two I noticed obvious signs that the baby hadn’t nursed (Swollen udder. Still-shakey and crying newborn). I instructed my daughter to take the baby to the stall behind the barn with the hopes the mother would follow.

She did.

Unfortunately, her udders so heavy the baby couldn’t get her nipple into its mouth. The poor precious kid would toddle along behind, bleating and crying, all while my heart hurt to help. After calling Billy from the kitchen (sometimes dinner must wait), we spent the better part of a half an hour attempting to catch the momma.

In the middle of this rodeo, three guests arrived. Hopefully they will understand the situation and forgive Billy and I for not entertaining them. Night was coming fast and this matter was of the utmost importance. I quickly explained our situation and shook my head no when one of the ladies asked, “doesn’t he just feed them with a bottle?”

Feeding with a bottle is a short-term solution. The baby needed to learn to latch on, but the mother also needed to-using Billy’s words- be relieved of her milk. With the momma goat tied to the fence, Billy milked, and we tried to get the baby to latch on.

If anyone has ever heard a baby goat cry you know that the neighbors certainly thought we were offering a ritualistic sacrifice. Still, despite our attempts at reducing the nipple to a manageable size, and trying our best to help the baby, darkness fell without proof that the baby understood how to nurse.

Thursday morning 8:00 am.

I awoke with the baby goat on my heart. After driving my daughter to school I purchased a bottle for premature infants, then climbed over the fence while Billy lay slumbering in his bed.

As an aside: if you visit Billy’s early and find the lights off, please let him sleep. Between the two of us we rarely sleep through the night.

Placing the bottle in the goat’s mouth (which in itself is a challenge) I forced some water, then tried the latching on process again with very little success. The kid did appear to be noticeably more energetic with a tummy that felt fuller, and the mother didn’t have an abundance of milk in her udder. (all we need is milk fever setting in).

An hour passed while I observed. Billy joined me in the stall and we discussed the situation. I explained that I thought we should keep mom and baby separated from the more experienced goats. This was her first baby. They needed time to figure things out. Billy agreed.

Ashton taking a sip. See how his momma is smiling?

 Friday morning 10:00 am.

Mom and baby are still doing well. My daughter has decided to name the new goat Ashton, in honor of his birthdate on Ash Wednesday.

 Read more adventures from Billy’s garden in Renea’s book : In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, love & Tomatoes. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com