142 Recycled Post Marked Postage Stamps ~ Saturday Rambles

In the midst of a mad-woman cleaning day, I ran across a box of printed cardstock that was storing an unfinished project.

We had Twins Today

One boy.

 One girl.

Sorry for the bad photos.  Both had trouble latching on, and would not nurse.  After about 1 1/2-2 hours they were bottle fed, which daughter had to milk from their Mom.  They weren't too excited about that method either.

Sadie, my oldest daughter's dog, was protecting, and mothering the babies when we brought them inside. Can you see her long tongue giving the girl a good cleaning?  That is just her.  She mothers all babies here.

They are back out with Mom, and more eager to nurse on their own (thankfully). 

In the midst of it all, the power went out for 2 hours.  I'm thankful it's back on and the sun is shining bright right now.  

No Babies Yet ~ Homesteading Tidbits

I started my day out with some homemade hot ginger tea.  The stress here has been at it's highest.  And it's not Hubby.

Sunday Sunset ~ Tidbits

I watched a beautiful sunset Sunday evening.

Hay Restocked ~ Spiced Nuts

Friday, the temperatures got up into the 40's and my chickens were so happy to be outside again.

Simple Dish Scrubbies ~ Bone Chilling Weather (again)

I'm trying out a new pattern for a simple dish scrubbie.  This one creates an edge (or ridge) on the scrubbie, making it easier to use.  I used one 10 yard length, 2 inch wide strip of netting.

A new page, A new possibility

To take over the goats or not to. 

That is the possibility over the next 2 years.  Daughter is talking about moving out after she graduates (and go off to college) and won't be able to take the goats with her.  If she leaves them, I would have to take over all duties that she took care of. Which is everything - all goat care, milking, and soap making.  I was simply the goat milker back-up.  And of course, watered them during the school year when needed.

This is only a "possibility" as I have a very large garden to plant, weed, harvest and stock up with.  Not to mention chicken duties, splitting wood and so forth.   And then there is possible employment outside of the home, and my freelance work inside the home.  And "Big Boy" is another element to the decision.  I'm not sure if I can handle his smell and attend his care.  And lastly, there is the issue of never leaving to travel anywhere, and being tied down to the homestead.

But, then again, we have somewhat of a goat history in the family.  Here is my mother with her goat Buttsey and cat named Dusty. 

Saying it's just a possibility, makes it easier to simply let sit for a while. 

"I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities."

~Whoopi Goldberg

 

 

My Name is Prim and I am an Ornery Goat

I jump the stall and help myself to hay, and jump back in.  I jump the stall and visit the chickens and jump back in.  I jump the stall, and when someone comes out to open the barn, I simply take a stroll around the homestead.  Even though it's winter, I can find roses that need trimmed, that were sticking out of the snow.  Tasty!

Psssst!  Prim doesn't know it yet, but she's starting to get bigger, and having more trouble jumping over the stall.

Finished! ~ Randomness ~ Weather Woes

A few sunflower cup/mug coasters.  Small accomplishment, but finished.  I just may have to make more later if I have time.  Still crocheting the Bavarian stitch baby blanket and knitted dishcloths (depending on my mood).

Bavarian Crochet ~ Deep Freeze Day 5 ~ Turkey Chili ~ Goats and Chickens

I can't let January pass by without learning something new.  I didn't even plan it either.  I had just been flipping through a huge pile of borrowed library books, and opened this one.

Homestead and Family Tidbits

The kids took advantage of the snowfall, and did some indoor creative artwork.  And, as you can see, I shoveled out my clothesline.  It was actually nice in the sun that particular day.  We've had 2 days of school delays, but no closings.  Last night my son's car went off the road on his way to work (3rd shift), but thanks to extended family, we got him safely back on the road (without injuries).

From the Homesteading Journal . . . chimney sweep update

. . . . Peanut went into heat, and is now bred for a March due date.  She's so funny when in heat too. I heard her crying and crying and asked my daughter what was wrong with her.  Dumb question.  My daughter said that Peanut will flirt with Orion and even lay her head on the top of the fence to woo him.  So funny.  Misty will be next. (don't forget to click on "read more" to read more)

Fall has Arrived

The leaves on our maple trees have started to turn a beautiful orange.  This coming weekend would be a opportune time to go hiking, collect leaves, and enjoy nature (in our area).  I'm betting the canoes will be out (for the last time) at the state park too.  Laundry dried on the line, this time of year, smells so good.

Goat Fencing ~ Homemade Parmesan Cheese

I'm still hacking away at the garden weeds, and it's been a long week.  Orion (aka Big Boy), has his "stink" on.  You can smell him everywhere now.  And guess who gets to babysit him, and water him?  Ugh.  Yep.  Me.  I need to call him "stinky la' pew."

Garden Surprise ~ A "Get'er Done" Project

From the Homesteading Journal . . .

Garlic was planted this weekend.  It will be harvested next spring. The heat wave we had is over, and they are calling for much cooler weather. 


I also made homemade seasoned salt. I used my homemade garlic and onion powder to make it.  It's the first time making it, so I am comparing it to the smell and taste of Lawry's from the store.

Recipe I used:

Creamy Cucumber Spread

This is one of our favorite spreads to top freshly cut cucumber slices with.  My goal is to make the cream cheese from our goat's milk, but that may not happen until we have 3 in milk.  We just are not getting enough milk for any more cheese making this season.

A few years ago, I found the recipe on-line, as well as in a book from the library.  However, the link does not work any longer, so I am sharing the recipe.  And of course, for the milk, I used our goat's milk.

On the Loose ~ Camper

 "Big boy" (Orion) has been getting loose a lot lately.  This concerns me with the big barn too.  He got caught up inside where the loft caved down, so we are in a much needed hurry to find a way to remove that barn.  Money is extremely tight now, with all the repairs and replacements, so I am praying we can still find someone to take the wood.

It's not "Big Boy's" fault either. 

Primrose Escapes

Prim recently found a way to escape the temporary fencing we have up for the goats.  With the wet ground, the larger fencing is not complete yet.  I had been out weeding my garden and I looked up to see her in the barn, up on the milking table.  I hollered for my daughter, but she was no where in sight.

I put her back in the stall, but when I turned around, she was right behind me.  Twice I did this.  Finally, I picked her up and took her in the house, looking for my daughter. 

"Uh, we have a goat problem," I hollered up the stairs.

"Huh?"

"Uh, I kind of have Prim in my arms."
(followed by a room full of laughter)

 (I'm hiding and you can't see me!)

We had to screw a scrap piece of wood to the 2 x 4, to cover a small rip in the fence.  That girl (Prim) can fit through the smallest space in the fence. This poor fence has been through the mill so to speak.  It's torn and badly worn.  When the larger fence is in place, this fencing will be recycled and used to fence around my vegetable garden (to keep the chickens out).  However, do you see Misty?  She's trying to eat the wood we screwed on.

Mmmm!  I'll just take a nibble while I am over here and see what it tastes like.

And more nibbling.

Their fenced in space is too small, and I think Misty is getting bored because she can't get to the tall grass that looks so yummy.

I think this break in the weather should help speed up the building of the new goat fencing.  Then maybe, Misty will stop chewing on the barn.  Then again, the weather forecast states that rain will be here in a few days, along with more 90° weather and humidity.

From the Homesteading Journal. . .

 . . . found this cute goat planter at a local store.  We got it for a fraction of the cost Menard's was selling them for (small ding in the bottom, so they marked it down for us).

Honey Roasted Pecans ~ Chilly Day

We are very much enjoying roasted pecans on our salads lately, so I started making my own (vs. buying them already roasted).  Here, a 3.5 oz. bag of honey roasted pecans costs $3.99.