Monday, November 17, 2008

Whew! That was exhausting.

Please forgive me for not posting for the past few days- I guess the last week caught up with me. 
For the most part the move went very, very well, although there were lots of unexpected complications. I guess they should be expected complications...

Some of the kids were really stressed by the move and haven't been looking too healthy since we arrived. We are keeping a very close watch on them but two in particular are really looking lowly. We brought them into the house where it's warm and I'm checking them every ten minutes of so. Keep your fingers crossed.

We've spent a couple of days getting the animals sorted into the proper pens, getting hay delivered, and generally settling in to the new farm before heading back up to Boston for my talk thing on Friday.

The plan was for Erin and I to get up early and feed the animals, then get right in the car and drive up to Boston so we'd have plenty of time to stop by and visit our friends and shareholders at America's Test Kitchen before heading over to MIT for the speech. Unfortunately things didn't work out that way.

It had been raining for the past three days and the dirt road at the farm was boot-sucking mud by Friday. I drove my truck down to water everyone and almost made it to the gate before I got stuck. The truck actually slid laterally until it was stopped by the fence posts. Thank God it didn't take out the new fence or I would have burst into tears!

Erin suggested we take try to wedge a piece of plywood under the back tires to give them some traction, but while we were carrying it over to the truck, I slipped in the mud and slid under the plywood. It would have been funny if it hadn't hurt so much. I was covered- I mean COVERED- in mud from head to toe. 

I was also ready to concede. I called a tow truck and had them come free the truck. It only took a few minutes to get it out but, of course, it cost a fortune. 

We were also late leaving for Boston and had to forgo the visit to America's Test Kitchen. We got to Boston with just enough time for me to go over my Powerpoint presentation and notes. 

The speech went really well (in spite of a technical glitch that left me without slides for about 20 minutes) and it was great to see so many shareholders and friends. Dinner afterwards was lots of fun, in spite of a very LOUD band that was approximately 3 and 1/2 inches from our table. Erin and I spent the night at Jenny's house and the three of us stayed up until nearly 2:30 a.m. talking and laughing. 

The plan was for Erin and I to pick up a giant U-Haul truck on Saturday. We each have a storage unit in Boston with stuff in it that we need in New York and we needed to go back to the Vineyard to pick up the shelters and other stuff that we need for the animals. This had to be scuttled because we couldn't find anyone to help us with the heavy lifting. I thought the economy was bad, but I could interest no one in 45 minutes heavy lifting for $75. We are going to try to get it all done next Saturday with Patrick.

I heard from the people doing our Tech Makeover and they will be coming here December 2nd to install our web cams and new computers. They will be filming a short video while they are here so ya'll will get to see the whole thing.

I have to admit that I've been a little down since the move. First of all, I hate change. I would probably wear the same clothes everyday if I could. But mostly I think I am just really, really tired. I have been so worried about the flock and about money that I can't sleep. And I do not do well without sleep. It's probably a good thing that I am going to Texas next week to spend 7 days relaxing with my mom and my sister.

Now, a bit of house keeping. I usually send out an email once a week when I put up the big farm update for the week. Of course I post almost every day, but I would never want to inundate you with that many emails. The problem is that every week, shareholders are opting out of receiving the emails.  I totally get that people are opting out because you are already checking the blog and don't need to receive the emails, but I need to be able to get in touch with all the shareholders in some instances, and I won't be able to do that if people opt out.
I guess the question is, would you all rather I just discontinued the "Blog Update" emails altogether and just check the website daily for new posts? Or should I keep up the emails up and just ask those of you who already know about the emails to ignore them? 

If we decide to keep up the emails I can be sure to always make sure the subject line says blog update, (unless it's some other business) so those if you who want to can just delete them without having to open them.

Sorry for the convoluted question, but I'd really like your input.

More tomorrow with pics.

XO

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just added this blog to my regular feed of other blogs so I don't really need an email update. Thank you for the offer though.

HLF said...

I don't need an email update either, but heavens' know I know how to use the delete key so if you keep sending them out, it doesn't bother me!

Perry said...

I definitely need the blog update mails.

Perhaps you could have another list just for the shareholder stuff that isn't optional?

-Perry-

A Crafty Lawyer said...

I like the blog updates ... reminds me to take a look if I haven't in a while.

Anonymous said...

Susan,

You could make two email lists (or group addresses) one for blog updates and one for the entire shareholders.

It shouldn't be too hard to do since you already have your blog update list, just make one that includes everyone and name it "shareholders" or "Announcements" or "shareholder news" or something that will differentiate it from the blog update.

That way you can one click for a blog update or one click for everyone depending on the info you are sending out. Easy for you, easy for the shareholders that want to opt out of the blog update emails. And can be done in most email programs. I know Apple mail can do it through the address book.

I've done that before for other things and I know if my silly self can do it, it shouldn't be hard for you either.

Hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

I'd vote for either no blog updates via email (I check the site in my feed reader) or a list of blog updates and a separate list of admin stuff that needs to be read by shareholders. While I can hit the delete key, the only access to this account I have is via the web and it's slow to load.

Anonymous said...

I like the email. I go right to the blog, which is fun.

Anonymous said...

I don't mind the emails.....either way is fine with me. I would never opt out because I'd be too afraid I'd miss something.

I hope the baby goats are okay... keep us posted!

Anonymous said...

I forgot to ask that you update about the babies. I am worried about them.

Max said...

What Jenibug said :)

Wishing you all well!

Ms. Nidoog said...

i'm with Perry!

Anonymous said...

Ditto with Perry.

Manise said...

I am on Ravelry daily, so I'll see the blog update regardless of the e-mail. But whatever is easiest for you Susie. You have a lot on your plate right now. Jenibug's idea sounds like a good one once it's implemented. Can she help you set it up from where she is?

How are the two kids doing? I didn't get a good feeling in your post. Keeping my fingers crossed for them and keeping them and the flock in my prayers.

I imagine the picking up of the 10 new ewes has been postponed.

Hang in there! Things will get better!

Anonymous said...

First--try to get some rest!

And, I don't need the emails. I subscribe to the blog with my RSS reader and know when it's updated that way.

Did you know that Feedburner offers an email-subscription? So that people can choose to get a copy of each blog post via email? That way, the people who need the email will get one, but it will be up to them to ask for it, not up to you to send it--and it will be automated.

Of course, I'm always delighted to get email from you... but I don't NEED the "I wrote a blog post" email.

I hope the babies perk up--let's just hope they miss the sea air!

Lisa said...

I am too spastic, like the e-mails.

Sending warm, cozy happy thoughts to those babies (and whatever the heck you smashed on the header into the plywood - lol - ouch)!!!!!!Crossed fingers.

Nancy said...

Ditto, what Jenibug said, you should have a way to get in touch everyone if you need to.

Anonymous said...

Susan, I don't think I get e-mails from you but I might be misunderstanding your question. I forget to check the blog but your post on Rav brought me here. I'm happy to receive multiple communications. I can always delete if there are things that are redundant.

Dorothy said...

I didn't know that you had a blog notification email. I wish that I knew about that option because I'm horrible about reading blogs regularly. So I guess my opinion is that I'd love to keep that option but please add me to your email notification list.

katygirl said...

I like the emails, personally. I'd be fine with two lists, but I'd say you've got plenty else to focus on, so the rest of us could probably take the second or two to hit delete...

Take good care of yourself, in the midst of taking care of the kids and all the move business, okay?

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of the weekly email updates. It makes me feel more a part of the action.

My husband just purchased a share for me for Christmas (he couldn't wait to tell me!!). This is such a neat idea. I can't wait to see the updates and learn more about your farm!

Jane said...

Take your well deserved rest and come back ready for so much that is ahead! Great things await the farm (and the shareholders of course) which are perceived a lot better with sleep! And sheep...and goats. We will all visualize the babies feeling better. Ommmmmm...

Jean said...

Do whatever is easiest, which might be two lists: blog updates for one and "everyone" for the other. I don't mind the e-mail updates, but I could live without them if that's easiest for you.

You take care of yourself! Rest! Center yourself. And keep us posted about the babies, please.

Anonymous said...

Please don't worry about posting until you all get settled in and get some rest. I mean it when I say I'm just down the river and will help with whatever. Really. Whatever.
I'm game for whatever you decide to do re:emails/blog.
Slow down and rest for a bit now that the big move is over.

JenLanger said...

I like Perry's option, as well. I don't follow any blogs regularly, so I enjoy getting the reminder to come look out here!

Of course, if it's just too much work to maintain two lists, then do what works best for you, and if that means a sig-line at the bottom of your messages that includes a link to your blog and I only get reminders when you need to get in touch with us all for some other reason, then so be it. The world will not end, though my daughter and I will miss the lamb and kid pictures. :)

Be well, get rest. We're sending you love and strength.

Jen/Blindcrow

Anna Marie said...

I like getting the emails. But if it becomes too much, whatever you decide is good with me!

Fanamama said...

I LOVE your e-mails as it forces me to click and read right away otherwise life gets in the way and I'd miss something! Since you are the "queen", we need you healthy and happy so do what is best for you irregardless of what we all think...Hang in there and big hugs for all the four legs! Lisa in Buffalo (where it IS snowing and beautiful!)

Sean said...

Susan, what an amazing pleasure it was to meet and speak with you at the guild meeting Friday. As nervous as you were, you really pulled it off and were so effective in showing your love and passion for this work while presenting the true story of owning and working a farm.

I really hope to visit some time soon!

Sean

Anonymous said...

I do check your blog semi-regularly but your emails are also good reminders when I get too busy - so keep them coming. I'm looking forward to meeting you, Erin and the flock in HV soon.

Anonymous said...

I need the e-mail reminder, and I love the way it is so easy to get to the blog. I'm a little backward and don't do the 'blog' thing that well . . .

Have a great visit and relaxation.

Happy Holidays to all!

Peggy

Cindy said...

Please continue, it makes me feel a part of the farm, Thanks

Turtle said...

I don't mind the update emails. I daily check your site anyway but also know how a delete button works so am not worried wither way. Can't believe you couldn't find some heavy labor! Crazy with folks being so money needy. Sorry but smiling about the mud. I remember once having my car sink up and over the front tire into a mud hole in high school in my girlfriends driveway. Thank goodness her bother drove a tow truck...we were a little late to school that day! Sounds like you so need this vacation!

Jenny said...

I am so horrible at keeping up with reading people's blogs that I do sometimes only remember to check it when you send out the emails, then I catch up with the older posts I missed (plus all the awesome contests I miss, too, lol) so I'd prefer if you kept up the emails. However, if you can't do two separate email lists, one for blog updates and one for general shareholder info, I could just suck it up and remember to check on my own. :)

Transitions suck, I'm with you on that. Pretty soon you guys will get into your routine and the kids will get better. I'm so glad you get 7 days off to chill out in TX! Be sure to visit Bass Pro Outdoor World in Grapevine to see the atypical deer! (to borrow a too-often used catchphrase from Wayne's World- NOT.)

Anonymous said...

I like getting the emails, too, but can go either way. What ever is easiest for you, Susan. I have an RSS feed set up through Ravelry, but don't see it here on your blog. I like getting pinged that something is happening.

Hey Deb (see above)
How did you set up the RSS feed from this page? I don't see a button on here to do it?

mydogpetey

anne said...

I love getting the e-mail. I forget to check on my own so really like knowing there's something new. Please don't discontinue.

Anne Wickstrom

Anonymous said...

I'm interrupt driven, so getting the blog update emails are vital to me; I look forward to it even!

Anonymous said...

I like getting the emails...it makes me look if I haven't for a while.

Ellie

NSF said...

I find the e-mail updates to be useful reminders. I would like to keep getting them.

Anonymous said...

I like the emails, too. I never go to the blog directly. You are such a funny writer and great photographer and I love to take a work break and read all about your life-so different than mine! Have a great vacation in Texas! jb

Zoe said...

Hi Susan,

I don't get the emails and I am a shareholder. Is there somewhere I can sign up?

Anonymous said...

I don't need an email on the blog update - I check the blog almost every day anyways. Email for shareholder info would be good though.