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12 January 2011

Floods & dogs.

Our farm gate stall will not open this season.

The market garden is under water for the third time since September. When and if the ground dries out enough to plant a crop, there will not be a long enough growing season to ripen it.

You can still buy our certified organic, free range eggs and garlic from Tonnas and Harvest in Daylesford, from The Slow Food Farmers' market and The Collingwood Children's Farm Farmers' market in Melbourne, from The Ceres shop and from Organic Wholefoods.

Farmer Bren just emailed me this photo from his phone and as I type this the rain is crashing down.

This week's The Weekly Times's letters section has one that reads:

Man and his dog just clicked
I would like to compliment the photographer of the brilliant picture for October in The Weekly Times' 2011 calendar.
It is without doubt one of the best pictures seen anywhere in a long time.
I also compliment the gentleman in the picture for his compassion and appreciation, clearly expressed in the picture.
He has obviously spent considerable time and effort training this loyal dog-just look at the connection between the two.
The trust and appreciation they show for each other is very touching.
The composition is sensational-the brilliant colours and the way it captures the emotional interaction between man and his faithful dog.
Knowing the wonderful loyalty of Maremma guardian dogs, I appreciate the connection between this dog and master.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It is impossible to put a figure on the number of words condensed in this picture.'

Gavin Wall
Mt Evelyn.

Thanks Gavin, you've made our day.
Thanks also Jane for letting us know.

And while we are on the subject of Maremmas, look who opened their eyes two days ago. Willow's six puppies are super cute little fat fluff balls. Their fur is white and thick and the pads on their feet and their noses have turned from pink to black. Their legs are still not strong enough to carry them, but they can certainly move around to get to their Mama. Willow is still being patient and kind with them although she is taking a break occasionally to lie under the house. She seems much happier for us to have a cuddle these days too.

And finally, our thoughts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods in the North of our country. Wishing you and your families safety, dryness and relief from it all.

17 comments:

teddybearswednesday said...

OH Kate and Bren, my heart and thoughts go out to you.
it must be devasting.
How wonderful is that letter though, and sooooo true.
And gorgeous about the pups too.
big love to you all xoxo

Hazel said...

What a dreadful decision to have to make. sorry to hear it.

Julie said...

Really sorry about you guys not being able to plant this season.

I love the look in those two pairs of eyes too and the puppies are adorable.

Sonya said...

Now is the time for all Australians to support their local farmers and rally to keep them going through this tough time - you've built such an excellent relationship with your customers they are bound to support you through this season of lows that balance the outstanding highs they have enjoyed with you.

Christy said...

Oh, Kate, I'm so sorry!! When I saw the weather forecast on Sunday for the next 5 days I thought about all the produce that's going to be ruined/ not going to be planted because of the rain!! The water levels look like you could be growing rice on the farm!! Really bummed out about not being able to get any of your fresh produce this year, but there's always the next growing season...and there's still those eggs!!

The pups are adorable! I agree with the letter, you can definitely see the connection!

Catch you at the market!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

My goodness the pictures on the telly here in Northwest USA of your country’s flooding prompted husband and me to look at some very detailed maps of Eastern Australia. It seems there is only one outlet to the sea from all those mountain streams and rivers thereby backing up all that extra water into the countryside and towns. Horrendous. My thoughts are with you and PM Dillard as you all work through this disaster.

Tanya said...

It is a great photo. and very cool of Gavin to take the effort to write to the editor about it.
Look at your water. Gosh. Stay safe x

Amy said...

Hi Kate,
Totally thinking of you and your road ahead.
Don't suppose that you want to plant some veg here in Gippy? We'd be happy to help as we've got paddocks that could use a crop thru them.
Just trying to think of something to help.
As scary as it is at the mo - you will get thru. You will be okay. We'll all make sure of that.

Much love to you and your fam.

xx

Anonymous said...

Kate I'm really sorry to hear you won't be able to plant this growing season. This rain has been unbelievable.
It is a beautiful photo on the calendar.
(I saw your lovely farm featured on Not Quite Nigella too :-))

Catherine said...

Oh, Kate (and family), I just popped over here to check on you, as the rain keeps falling down - so sorry to hear that you've been flooded yet again. take care xo

dillpickle said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you've had to make the decision not to plant, but it must also be a small relief to have finally made it after all the uncertainty you've had over the last couple of months. I really hope that next summer provides a brilliant season for you!

Your garlic is fantastic, by the way. I put one of the flower bits in with potatoes as they were cooking for mash, and it was brilliant. I don't think the bunch will last us all that long!

Thinking of you xx

Chris Burrows said...

I am so sorry to hear that you have had to decide not to plant this year, this Must have been a tough decision.
The babies are wonderful,I have been waiting eagerly for an opened eyes picture.

Take care all of you. The weather in Queensland is horrific.Almost beyond belief

Becky said...

After your email yesterday, and the news last night I realise how bad it is down your way too. Thank goodness you still have the eggs and garlic! It is going to be a tough year for so many people.

Manda said...

Sorry to hear that Kate...lucky you still have the chookens.. i really love that photo too x

Sarah said...

So sorry to hear you won't be planting this season! My thoughts are with your family and farm business.
Talk about I love a sunburnt country, a land of droughts and flooding rains!

Unknown said...

Holy Crap those pups are cute! My Pup has taken to standing in her bed crying, I hope that yours are less vocal!

Killiecrankie Farm said...

dibs one of those !
have been on a waiting list for three years now :(