Quartz Farm

New Berkshire Boar

2011-09-10T18:46:00.000-04:00

Handsome little man!

Lady Berk's

2011-09-10T18:37:00.003-04:00

The ladies checking out one of the pigs that got loose. Good thing they like to stick together!

2011-08-17T14:04:00.001-04:00

Wilbur! Our new Yorkshire Boar.

2010-02-25T20:58:00.001-05:00

New Random Pics

2009-11-29T20:30:00.002-05:00

Cali brushing Hershel Cali eating some tasty pork ribs
Alex and Cali

Coal and Hershel after getting their halters on

Dylan and Ben being silly, Cali and Alex smiling nice

Calf Pics!

2009-11-07T08:52:00.002-05:00

Cali being crazy
Hershel

Hershel's face

Cali petting Hershel, Annabelle watching carfully

Hershel's Dad

Halloween '09

2009-11-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

1st Soccer Game of the Season

2009-09-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

Dylan throwing out the ball to his team mates
Dylan running after the ball

Dylan going to steel the ball from the other team

Before the game started

In action

He's doing much better in soccer this year, no "I can'ts" or crying.

More August Photo's to Yogi Bear Campground

2009-08-21T20:20:00.003-04:00

Dylan got to ride his very own racing bike
Cali and Daddy in the bike, MUCH harder than it looks. Especially when Beth wasn't peddling much as her knee was not feeling well.

Dylan on water teeter totter, Cali in the background

Cali and Grampa Quartz

Ray and Dad maning the bacon

August Photos!

2009-08-21T20:15:00.002-04:00

Cali having a great time at the waterpark in the campground
Grampa and Cali on Grampa's Cushman

Dylan, Cali, and Ray Bear

Cherry Festival 5k

2009-07-17T21:41:00.001-04:00

I'm in the back in this shot...
I'm on the right in this shot.

Another Calf!

2009-07-14T20:25:00.001-04:00

More pics of the calf!

2009-07-01T19:50:00.001-04:00

New Farm Baby!

2009-06-28T17:08:00.001-04:00

I got accepted to:

2009-06-19T18:12:00.003-04:00

Day at the Sand Dunes

2009-06-13T20:16:00.001-04:00

More Disney Pictures

2009-06-12T20:59:00.002-04:00

Disney Pictures

2009-06-12T20:53:00.001-04:00

More Pictures of the Baby

2009-05-03T19:48:00.002-04:00

First Baby born on Quartz Farm

Owners: Bruce and Deb West of West Windy Acres

We have a new BABY!!!

2009-05-03T12:59:00.001-04:00

Farm Baby that is!!!

April Update

2009-04-25T20:25:00.003-04:00

Dylan helping Cali swing.
Dylan having fun swinging

Cali enjoying the sun while swinging.

3 new piggies.

Hi There-

Sorry it's been a while. Here are some spring pictures. Grades come out in about 2 weeks, I did pass, just not sure of my grade yet.

Has Spring Sprung??

2009-03-15T14:06:00.002-04:00

Stella
Pigs enjoying the spring afternoon

Basking in the sun

Cows taking in the sun as well

Blake wondering what in the world I'm doing.

It's almost 50 out!! Kids are thrilled to be outside longer than 5 minutes.

I'M GOING TO GRADUATE!!!!

2009-02-18T21:17:00.002-05:00

YEAH!!!! I got my letter from Northwestern Michigan College, as long as I pass the 2 classes I have yet to finish (one in process) they will mail my degree 4-6 weeks after grades have been posted!!

More Birthday Pictures

2009-02-16T21:11:00.003-05:00

Snack time
Cali and Dylan playing with her new castle

New coloring book

Some new outfits!

Cali's 3rd Birthday!

2009-02-16T21:04:00.003-05:00

Cali laughing, it's much harder than it looks!

Cali attempting to blow out her candles

Finished product

Dylan just wanted to taste test

Cali wanted to help make her birthday cake.

Great News!

2009-02-11T21:30:00.001-05:00

I got an 85% on my first English paper!! Things are looking right on track for graduation in the summer!

Just when you think their asleep....

2009-01-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

I come in from feeding the animals, stacking wood and stoking the fire to this little girl in my bed. At least she didn't have her head in the pantry or something.

Last Pic of the Boys...

2009-01-29T21:28:00.002-05:00

Before Ray went on the road, I thought this was cute.

And Ray is off.....

2009-01-25T18:00:00.002-05:00

www.tmctrans.com

I took Ray to Grand Rapids today to pick up his rental car to drive to Des Moines, Iowa. He is back to work starting tomorrow at TMC Transportation. He had great weather driving there and I had great driving weather driving back to our house. Only a few tears got in the way of the road.

School has started yet again...

2009-01-14T20:54:00.002-05:00

Okay, tonight was my second day of English 111, in which they should call it Writing 111. It's alot of driving as this is not an online class. But it will be worth it as I've only got Eng 112 left and I'll have an Associates degree. Not much, but I'll be proud of it! :)
My Professor is an Attorney, not sure what he specializes in yet, but so far he seems to be interesting. Only 28 more class days to go. W
I hope all you southerners & westerners reading this blog are enjoying your mild weather, as I was driving home my car thermometer stated 1 degree. Yes, ONE degree. Not a typo.
Have a great day!

Our roller skating trip...

2009-01-04T16:23:00.002-05:00

The games proved very distracting, though that's their purpose isn't it...
Cali was more brave than Dylan in the start

Dylan didn't want his picture taken.

Taking a break...

Weekend Activities

2009-01-03T16:16:00.003-05:00

Hi There-I would have had some pictures for this post, however I forgot the batteries went bad last weekend when we went ice skating. I better get them charging for tomorrow's roller skating adventure.
We just got back from Cedar to pick up a horse trailer and some hay for Bruce and Deb's cows that we are fostering till they get their pasture put in, in the spring. While the kids and Ray took naps, I decided to take a hike with my new snowshoes. I'm slowly getting used to snowshoeing. When ever I strap something onto my feet, they are generally skates or ski's. So I'm more apt to drag my feet than actually walk. But I'm getting used to it. Blake (the dog) turned 7 yesterday. I remember like it was yesterday when I first got him. He went on the hike and was a very good boy, he stayed right by me. I think he was looking for his leash as he normally walks with it in his mouth. We didn't see any animals, good thing as Blake may have ran after them. Just some snowmobilers off in the distance.
Monday I am going to get my English 111 book and school will once again start up the following Monday. Instead of my class being online, it's actually at the school. All the English classes online were full once I realized I needed to take some English classes. I haven't been in an actual class room in probably 5 years! But if I want to get my Associates degree this is what I need to do. Wish me luck!
Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you had fun ringing in the New Year and made obtainable resolutions!

2008-12-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

An attempt at Ice Skating..

2008-12-28T17:06:00.002-05:00

Dylan did suprisingly well, I think he's a natural. He wants to go again some time. Next weekend we're going to a roller skating rink to try out that.

Christmas...

2008-12-28T17:03:00.001-05:00

A few pictures from Christmas.....

Cold Days

2008-12-28T17:00:00.001-05:00

Instead it looks like this....

Summer Day Dreamin'

2008-12-22T21:21:00.000-05:00

Aaaahhhh, to be warm out again.....

Garage Door

2008-12-14T16:12:00.002-05:00

OLD Garage Door

NEW Garage Door
Looks better and works great too!

New Pics!

2008-12-10T21:52:00.002-05:00

Since I'm done with school, at least for this semester, I thought I'd update the blog. Hope you enjoy.

Getting the Christmas Tree ready, Daddy is the photographer.

Cali and Daddy snowblowing
Cali fell asleep while snowblowing

Dylan's first snowman of the season

First snow, a few WEEKS ago.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2008-11-27T09:16:00.002-05:00

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family!

3 Weeks To Go!!!

2008-11-11T22:19:00.003-05:00

I've got 3 weeks left of Principles of Marketing!! My last exam was 86%, I'm pleased with that. I have recently signed up for 2 more classes in Spring and 1 in the Summer. I'm hoping to be done with school by 2010 but that's a long shot.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T21:22:00.001-04:00

Fall Cleaning?!

2008-10-25T21:31:00.002-04:00

Here is my new laundry room after a wave of Fall (spring) Cleaning hit me. It was a disaster and I was sick and tired of it. So we added some hooks rather than the bulky thing I had in there and now there is much more room. Chances are it will not stay like this, but hey at least I'm trying.

Last Soccer Game of Season

2008-10-25T21:26:00.001-04:00

The Team
Dylan with his first medal

Cali and Mama

Dylan defending the goal

Dylan in action

The FUNNIEST Picture Ever!

2008-10-20T22:15:00.002-04:00

Yes, we are proud to say this is our son ENJOYING the trampoline w/swimming goggles on.

Fall Pictures

2008-10-13T20:42:00.002-04:00

Our Cuties
Sarah wondering what we are doing
Daddy, Cali and Dylan
Pigs having an afternoon snack of cucumbers before they go bad
BEAUTIFUL Fall Folliage

This years colors have definitely been better than last years.

Another Picture from the Race

2008-10-12T22:08:00.001-04:00

Can you find me?? Hint: I've got a red hat on with a big smile.

And the winner is......

2008-10-05T19:06:00.004-04:00

HA! Can you believe it?! I got 1st in my division and I jogged the entire time! Here is a link to my time: http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=43240916&rsID=70737&orgID=216362
Though I would like to say I did a Half Marathon in a little over a 1/2 hour, they did post in wrong. I did the 5k.

More Running!

2008-09-30T20:01:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I've probably ran the furthest I've ever ran (in a long time anyways) tonight. I'm pretty sure i'm up to 2 miles jogging and maybe a 1/2 mile of walking for warm up and cool down. I've noticed if I just keep a pattern in my breathing, I can go further and it seems to take less time. I'm looking forward to this sunday's 5k.
Oh and I got an 80% on my exam!! Whoo hooo!! I'm proud of it, since it is a college class and all.
Have a great day!
Beth

New Toy...

2008-09-28T14:32:00.002-04:00

John Deere Gator
Is it fall already?!

It was 80 degrees yesterday now it's in the 60's.

Running and Running and Running....

2008-09-27T20:59:00.002-04:00

Hi-
Had exam week this past week so I had a little time off the books. I'm glad for that as they sure cram alot into each week. I'm SOOOO glad I only signed up for 1 class.
I've been jogging every night except last night as we got home to late. I'm up to 2.2 miles mostly jogging but I do warm up and cool down with a walk. Tonight the kids and Ray went on the bike and in the bike trailer. They enjoyed watching mama 'huff it'.
I can't believe next weekend is the 5k! Hopefully I'll be able to get more jog's in this coming week. Ray's been really good about letting me go out after dinner.
Hope all is going well, I'll let you know what I got on my first exam....if it's good anyway.

Betsie Valley Run

2008-09-20T12:14:00.004-04:00

I (Beth) have signed up for the Betsie Valley Run on October 5rd. 5K Run/Walk. I'll mostly be doing the walking portion as I've not had as much time to train as I've wanted to. School is very time consuming, but that's okay, I'm not doing it for the race portion. Just trying to exercise more. To learn more about the 5k go to http://www.betsievalleyrun.com/
Hope everyone is having a great day.

Truck Show

2008-09-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

The crew, from L to R, Ray, Beth, Cali, Faith, Dylan, Todd and Hannah
A sweet truck we saw
another sweet truck
The Family
After a LOOONG day, Dylan crashes

For more info on the Big Rig Truck Show, click the link below.
http://www.nostalgia-prod.com/otwtruck.htm

Soccer and Daycare Reunion

2008-09-10T22:02:00.002-04:00

Cali, Mama, and Dylan having snack after a good game of soccer.
Dylan in action
Dylans 1st buddy from our old Daycare in Traverse City. Jacob and Dylan.
Dylan, Corra and Jacob at the playland.

Hope everyone is doing well, I snuck in these pictures while I was supposed to be doing homework. I know a few have been asking for soccer pictures.

School

2008-09-05T23:15:00.005-04:00

Yes, I said School. I'm currently in my 2nd week of Principles of Marketing, my only class (http://www.nmc.edu/) . So far I'm hanging in there just taking it week by week. Hopefully I'll get my Associates soon, I think I have about 20 more credits to take and I'm done. A combination of my 10 year school reunion and my good PAL getting her Masters helped land me back in school. And its not a bad thing. My teacher seems really up beat and helpful. I'm hoping to get ideas for marketing our Beef and Pork to get that going, as I'm doing my Marketing Plan on our Farm. It's a major project due at the end of the semester. So you may not see as many postings here as all my spare time should and will be going to getting decent grade. Have a great day and I'll talk to you soon.
Beth

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-02T09:32:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Beth!! 28 years old today!

This serves as a reminder to all my PALS, who are saying 'Oh yeah'.

I've got this week off, so Dylan, Cali and I are going to the beach today, it's supposed to be 87 today! Not sure what we are doing Wednesday, but Thursday we're going to go see my friend Michelle and her kids Blake and Blaire for the day over in Alpena. They have a dairy so the kids should have fun with that. Hope everyone has a great day.

Buckwheat

2008-08-27T20:54:00.001-04:00

Buckwheat had a bit of a scare this last week. He ended up in the vet's as he had an infection behind his eye ball. He had a 107 degree temp and had to have the infection cleaned out by a cut on the roof of his mouth. Needless to say, he's doing well and loving recovery as he gets to be inside and eat Tuna as that is where I've been hiding his medicine.

Dylan's Sack Race

2008-08-27T20:49:00.003-04:00

Dylan and Cali's New Pool

2008-08-10T19:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks Auntie Tanyie!
Cali testing out the water

Pork anyone?

2008-08-10T19:26:00.005-04:00

Pigs....
more pigs...
Scoots and Ray say Hi Dad & Mom!

Swim Time

2008-08-02T09:06:00.002-04:00

New bathing suits, thanks Nama!
Beach Babes! Now we just need to get to a lake, seems like there's always one no more than 30 minutes away.

Pigs

2008-07-28T20:41:00.002-04:00

The new additions to the Quartz Farm

Deer

2008-07-22T21:56:00.003-04:00

Click on the picture to see this larger, where the deer is is the 'pickle field'. Over by the post is my garden, I'm hoping he sticks with the larger 'garden'.

Hay Days!

2008-07-06T22:36:00.003-04:00

Bales and bales....
Ray's looking tough! Thanks for the help and use of your field Mark!
Only a million more bales left!
Actually we counted 165 but it felt like a million.

Happy Belated 4th of July!

2008-07-06T13:51:00.003-04:00

Hope you made the best of it!

New Beds!

2008-07-06T13:46:00.002-04:00

Dylan's old bed is now Cali's. She slept in it last night and is now napping in it. I think the transition may go well.
Here is Dylan's new-used bed, he loves it. We went with the captains bed as it has space for clothes below, Dylan doesn't have a closet unlike his sister.

Happy Birthday Dylan

2008-06-25T21:53:00.003-04:00

I know, the 4 is backwards. Dylan still loved it.
There must be alot of color in the frosting, my mom and I chuckled about this for quite some time.
One of a few great Birthday gifts, a new bike!

Swingset in Process

2008-05-31T14:29:00.003-04:00

The beginning, step 1 of 57!
Ray and Todd work on the swingset, still step 1.
Ray and Todd w/a little help from Dylan above.
Ray decides its time to move the swingset outside. No manpower required. Step 10 of 57.
Dylan and Cali checking out the progess on the swingset. Yes, that is a ladder going up to the fort.

...and the rodeo began

2008-05-31T14:05:00.003-04:00

Pilgrim
Sarah chased Annabelle and Matilda when we opened the gates to get themselves reaquainted. They got their exercise that day.
More herding being done by Sarah.

More Cows Arrive!

2008-05-25T13:58:00.002-04:00

Cows being unloaded
Cows checking out their new pad
Farm Girl Cali

We received 2 of the 4 more cows we are getting this weekend. 1 of them, that we didn't receive was possibly going into labor. The two black cows Matilda and Annabelle were the only ones that would load somewhat decent so that was all they brought down. Which worked for us, no rush as we still have plenty of fence to fix, alter, & add too.

Mesick Mushroom Festival

2008-05-10T08:20:00.002-04:00

It's the Mesick Mushroom Festival!! Hope to see you there, May 9th-11th

http://www.mesick-mushroomfest.org/index.html

Poll Answer

2008-05-09T19:46:00.001-04:00

Answer to the question:
On average your food will travel 1500-2000 miles, if you generally buy your groceries at the local grocery store. Just something to think about.

Soccer!

2008-05-07T20:52:00.002-04:00

Dylan is enjoying soccer, he's learning to take turns, listen, ball handling skills, and making new friends.

Buckwheat & Odd's and Ends

2008-05-04T20:33:00.006-04:00

Dylan, Cali and I planted the potatoes today, hopefully they grow. Dylan continued to hoe after we were finished.
We had a visitor today, and Cali's 1st obsession is Babies! She can't get enough of babies! Above is Cali and Baby Hannah.

Here is the newest addition to the family, Buckwheat however Dylan and Cali say 'Buckawheat'. It's cute. Cali's second obsession is with kitties. He is a barn cat, and so far he's been pretty successful doing his job.

Spring Activities

2008-04-06T11:20:00.002-04:00

This is when I decided Dylan needed a hair cut.
Someone found daddy's golf set.
Cali and Daddy raking out the ruts in the driveway, Dylan stuck in a snowpile.

Cali's Birthday

2008-02-23T11:11:00.003-05:00

Cali had her birthday on Valentines day, here are some of her new things.

Cali's First Haircut

2008-02-09T13:27:00.000-05:00

I had to trim her bangs as she'd pull out the hair clip at daycare. She's still a cutie though. From the side. I didn't do to bad for the first trim.

Sunday Morning Activities

2008-01-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

Snowman snow!!

We heard quite a bit of honking behind the barn, so we went and found out what the noice was. Can you see all the geese?

Rearranged Entertainment Area

2008-01-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

We got a couple more toy boxes so hopefully the living room will be more organized. We also moved the bookshelf from Dylans room downstairs & one of toy boxes went upstairs in place of the bookshelf. All the books ended up downstairs anyways.

A Grey Day

2008-01-05T14:07:00.000-05:00

Sarah and Pilgrim having a mid-afternoon snack.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

One of Ray's Christmas activities....cleaning out the cow barn.

I've had requests to post a picture of Ray's truck, so here it is.

Ray pulled Dylan around by the tractor while Cali took his lap.

Sarah and Pilgrim say Merry Christmas.

It's officially winter!

2007-12-08T20:39:00.001-05:00

Dylan thought it was hilarious the snowman had eyes, nose, and a mouth. It was even funnier when a 'tooth' fell out.

Dylan and Cali are enjoying a sled ride by mama.

...and they're here!

2007-11-04T19:31:00.001-05:00

Sara (left) and Pilgrim (right), at our pasture.

Dylan didn't like when the Cow's moo'ed.

Our New Business

2007-11-02T22:12:00.000-04:00

Above is Sarah (left) and Pilgrim (right). They are the first addition to Quartz Farm. We hope to see them yet this weekend if all goes well tomorrow with hooking up the electric fence and waterer.

Re-fencing

2007-10-14T20:05:00.000-04:00

We're trying to get new fence posts in before the ground freezes, can never be to soon. Our friend Robert helped with the posts while I had the lovely chore of taking the old barbed wire down. We went and saw our Scottish Highland bull and heifer that we are hoping to purchase. What calm animals, we were surprised. Also, Ray was kind enough to get our 24 hour light up so we can see more of our yard at night.

Welcome to the Farm!

2007-09-07T23:12:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the farm! We're going on a year at our new place, we've decided to raise grass fed beef cattle however it's off to a slow start. Still have alot of research to do but we're up for the challenge. So for now its long haul truck driving for Ray and Mortgage Processing for myself.