Babies are coming... and other important updates.

SRM My Precious, with SRM Sansa, May 2019

It is a beautiful, sunny Monday on the farm!  This past week has been a flurry of activity and excitement as new programs began, new volunteers started working here and we get ever closer to the arrival of the new additions to the SRM herd.  Babies are due to arrive Friday which means I am on full alert mode where my two moms to be are concerned.  SRM My Precious is fit to burst and I suspect she has twins on board, but she may surprise me with triplets.  SRM Mystique seems right on track to give birth, but I am still skeptical as to whether or not any babies will come out of her, as she has fooled me many times before.  I am admittedly eager and excited though, as she has never been THIS pregnant before.  We will know soon without a doubt.  Several of my team are also in the same state while we watch Mysti, like a kettle that never boils.  As birth announcements are amongst my favourite things to post, news will be sent out quickly when all blessed new arrivals happen.  <3

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Trinity O'Brien of Muskoka Hot Yoga

With much news to announce, I am going to just get right to it.  We began running Goat Yoga classes in partnership with Muskoka Hot Yoga this past week.  Two classes have run so far, with lots of playful magic added from the goats, to Trinity's already great yoga class.  I was bummed to discover that if I try to join in and do yoga with the class, my herd will basically stick around me and be less likely to interact with the other participants.  So my sole role during Goat Yoga is now poo patrol!  They are goats, and yes, they do poop.  The goats are amazingly respectful of where they go though so rarely do they poop on anyone's yoga mats.  Trinity also brings her sound bowls to her yoga practice and the goats seem fascinated with the tone and energy held within each bowl.  No matter which goats join the class, they all seem to go and stick their heads in Trinity's bowls, and generally make a mess of her belongings.  With each class, I learn more about which herd members are best suited to which activities.  The yoga goats tend to be the younger, more outgoing goats.  Muskoka Hot Yoga will be offering classes 3 times a week, through to the end of July.  If you are interested in joining a class, you can find all the information and sign up here: https://muskokahotyoga.com/  Trinity is also offering other programs on select days here at the farm through to the end of July.

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@MarkTwangMusic

This past Saturday we had the privilege of taking part in Episode 2 of GOAT: Talent Search.  I can't even describe how much fun it is to be a part of this great show.  Mark Twang was the brave second contestant to come and preform live in front of the SRM judges.  He brought his folk vibes, humour and even introduced the herd to the kazoo!  It was a great afternoon, and luckily the rain held off as they were calling for severe thunderstorms.  The herd was hungry, the song was fun and lively, and Mark was able to record several takes for his entry into GOAT: Talent Search.  You can follow Mark @MarkTwangMusic on Instagram.  I am eagerly anticipating watching the second episode of GOAT and will share it to my social media as soon as it become available.
It is not too late to apply to be on GOAT!  Check out all the information on this fun, entertaining and talent filled competition at The Snow Lake Initiative.

https://www.thesnowlakeinitiative.ca/goat-2020

Who is going to be next?  What are you waiting for?  The judges are eager to see you preform your talent for them!

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Another new development/collaboration begins this week with Muskoka Barefoot Inc.  https://www.muskokabarefoot.com/  Owner/Practitioner Agatha Farmer, will be offering two ongoing programs here at Sky River Meadows.  Beginning tomorrow, we will host the first Barefoot Goat Walk with the herd.  Beginning this Thursday and running every Thursday until October will be the Barn Burner Bootcamp fitness program for ladies.  To get more information on either of these programs, and also to register, please contact Agatha directly at [email protected] 

This past week has been incredible, full of many great connections here at the farm.  I am continuing to meet with individuals who are interested in running their own programs here, and will update as things are in place.  I was blessed to experience my very first reiki healing session on Saturday by a dear friend, and was beyond blown away by the experience.  The experiment was to see what the herd would do during a reiki session, and the results were remarkable.  Not only did they take interest, several of them got involved!  I can't wait to make the announcements about the upcoming services that will be offered here by this amazing and beautiful individual.  I have it on good authority that my herd is also excited to begin this work with her.  Is it odd to be proud of your goat herd and the skills that they are learning and adding to their own resumes?  Honestly it feels like the same pride I have for my sons many accomplishments.  :)

Where you headed little goaties?

We expanded our herd recently by adding 6 goats that I have had an ongoing relationship with for many years.  The plan to add these goats has been more than a year in the making.  As if adding 6 new goats wouldn't be challenging enough, these 6 don't even all get along with each other!  They are divided into two herds of 3, making it even more difficult to integrate them into my herd.  This ragtag posse of non conformists are determined to make each and every day here a bigger challenge.  Normally I would never add to my numbers, but under special and unusual circumstances, and with health statures assured, I can bring in new members.  These particular goats belonged to a family that I have mentored for many years and as a result they have become family.  Life changes mean sometimes we have to make difficult choices, and so these 6 will hopefully integrate fully into my herd in due time.  So far, each attempt to take these guys for a walk with my herd has had the same results - they head out the gate, in the opposite direction the herd just went, to head up my driveway as if headed for home!  This may take some time, but I am confident that at least a few of these guys will become active members of my therapy herd.  Those that don't at least try to follow the rules........well, they'll join the large group of retired animals I already have.

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The biggest anticipatory news of each year on the farm is when babies arrive!  July 3 is the first due date for both SRM My Precious and SRM Mystique.  Expect announcements, news, pictures and videos of all the exciting new arrivals soon!  It is suddenly a flurry of activity as my team of volunteers and I prepare the barn for birthing and baby goat snuggling.  I am always seeking reliable, loving volunteers to help out with the hands on raising, training and socializing of the herd.  If you've ever thought about joining my team, reach out!  I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time my friends, stay well, be kind, and remember to fiercely love yourself daily.  ~ Angee