It is HOT on the Farm these days.

This week is blazing as the dog days of Summer set in the animals are feeling it too, bucking for shady spots and taking quick dips in the pool (they have one, ya know) to beat the heat.

Our Hands-On Farm Friend, Popsicle, was feeling a little sluggish in the sunshine when we visited him this week. Although he is now famous for chasing the goats around the farmyard, he was in no mood for frolicking.

That may have something to do with the fact that he is growing like crazy, and getting a whole lot more to eat these days. He’s also on the welcoming committee for the two baby chicks that were born 48 hours ago and now call The Filberg their home and rumor has it that kittens are soon to arrive. So, he’s busy.

But, I’d bet it has something to do with being a little, tiny bit hot.

I’d also bet you that he would LOVE it if someone would teach him how to make his own hand-fashioned water carrier.

We’ve been having a lot of fun lately learning how to create very old skool tools that pioneering farmers used while isolated out in the fields. Makeshift water carriers have been the biggest success – and the most fun – anything that doesn’t involve a glass but still means permission to drink from is good times. We got the idea for these from Barbara Greenwood’s A Pioneer Story.

What you need:

- A square sheet of paper (waxed on one side means it will hold up longer)
- Tape

Directions:

1. Fold the paper in half diagonally.

2. Fold the sides in so it looks like a boat with a sail.

3. Fold one flap down over the sides and tape it.

4. Fill with water and use.

It won’t last long. But, they are fun to create.

If you want something a bit more sturdy, you can use a square of leather or a durable material.

The perfect way to keep cool out on the farm.

Popsicle and his pals are out at the Hands-On Farm over at The Filberg in Comox from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily this Summer. Admission is $2 for folks over age 5 and $1 for kiddos under 5. To get to The Filberg from Courtenay, take the 17th Street bridge and make a right onto the dyke road. Follow it all the way through Comox until you come to the bend in the road where there is a sign marking The Filberg. The petting farm is just a bit of a walk inside the first entrance after the sign.