A Day in the Snow

This has certainly been a very cold and snowy winter.  But, we haven't gotten a lot of snowfall all at once. Today, we awoke to beautiful flakes falling from the sky.  It fell throughout the day, leaving us with powdery mounds to work and play in.  The animals didn't seem to mind, nor did we.  Some of the critters actually love the white stuff, as do the children. 

 

"Good morning piglets" Each morning I find these little sausages covered in straw, keeping warm under the lamp.  I love coming out to these porkers.  It won't be long until they stink and try to escape.  I'm loving these easy pig days.

Poor things, I was trying to sneak a picture of them buried, when I accidently scared them.  They gave me a startled "snort", then went on with their usual business....eating and sleeping and causing trouble.  

Felix loves snow.  I love his thick creamy yarn-to-be hanging from his sides. He's a digger, digging for precious green treasure.

These crazy girls eagerly wait by the coop, each morning begging and maaaaing to get in.  Can't you tell by Eliza's tongue?!  Or, maybe she's catching snowflakes. "No goats allowed" Silly girls squeeze through my legs trying to get to the forbidden treasure.....chicken food. 

Felix wants scratches.  He's friendly and lovable and always seeking affection, or grain, or scratches.  Hmmm, maybe he's using us for food and scratches. 

Midmorning, Da and I took a walk. Walking through the woods is beautiful with snow on the ground and on the trees.  It's even better when I have a "date" with me.  Anyone else still take time for dates with your man? 

Wheatons are snow-crazy.  Abby rolls, runs, jumps and goes nutty in this stuff. Then she comes into the house and shakes little iceballs all around. 

We were surprised to find a Robin hanging out in the woods. 

Meanwhile, the boys dug the cars out of the snow.

Where's the drive?  We took a quick trip to town, enjoying the snowfall and views along the way.

 Once back home, the guys built a fire, while I cooked supper and put animals to bed.

We finished Saturday with snow ice cream.  Who doesn't like ice cream on a cold snowy day?!

 

If it's going to be cold and wintery, bring on the snow.  However, I am looking forward to warm days and sunshine, gardens and baby goats, clothes on the line and kids outside. Today was a good day!

 

Here's the link to snow ice cream.

 

http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/snow-ice-cream-recipe.html 

Winter Pigs Again/ Farm Roll Call

 

We had a busy impromptu weekend.  Saturday, we took a drive in the country.  (The children ask, why we take drives in the country, when we live in the country?!)  It's better then taking a drive to the city, I guess.  Besides, it's relaxing. Our Saturday drive landed us at Lehman's in Kidron, Ohio.  We spent much time window shopping.  But, did manage to grab a few items.  I love the French butter dish and essential oils I brought home.  If you are ever up near Amish country, head a little north and visit Lehman's.  You won't be disappointed.

Sunday, we went for another drive in the country.  This time, an equal distance South, to Athens, where we visited a farmer who breeds hogs, cattle, and goats. We were surprised, when we walked into the barn, to find so many mamas and piglets.  It was great!  The children had a good time playing with the piglets, as did I.  Three little pigs were picked out, and home we headed, with squeakers wrapped and tucked in the bed of the truck. 

We arrived home late and it was very dark. So, the girls got to sleep in the garage under the heat lamp.  They were cold and a little in shock from the truck ride.  The next day, Hannah and I moved them into the chicken coop. Photo bomb ahead:

Hannah is great with the animals and good at handling them.  She knows the easiest way to carry a wiggly little screaming piglet.

We might be a bit crazy getting these creatures on one of the coldest weeks of the year.  Heat lamps and lots of straw will bed them down and keep them warm over the next few weeks.  Then they'll head to the little barn.  Little pigs don't stop and pose for pictures. They wiggle and move nonstop, chewing shoes, tugging pant legs and rooting around.  -makes for blurred pictures.

The little barn doesn't have electricity. Without electric, their drinking water will freeze.  If it doesn't freeze, they'll manage to knock it over. Pigs are curious-nutty creatures. Winter watering is such a challenge for us. It's probably the biggest hurdle for wintering pigs.

That brings our farm count to: 3 Little Pigs, 2 Pregnant Nubian Goats and Nez

 4 Shetland Sheep (these two are going to a new home this week)

 Lots of Layers and 2 Roos

 2 English Angoras, 3 Holland Lops, 6 Californians - Rabbits

 1 Lowly Duck, we call Drizzle

 One Quarter Horse

3 Crazy Cats

 2 Silly Dogs

and 4 Kids and Some Land

I need to get an updated picture with all the kids together. They look so little here.

We are blessed.



"Beauty to Me" by Hannah

"Beauty to Me"

Don't frown about the wonders of nature,

All flowers blossom, then bloom,

The birds, with wonderous wing, swoop and chirp.

The butterflies whisper with stories to tell,

that the doe comes alive in the evening,

And dies in the day.

All things in nature, are beauty to me.

Let's all work and play in the sunshine today.

-Hannah

Work Day

We have a warm day, if you consider 25 degrees warm. If it's going to be warmish, we have to take advantage of the weather and get some outside work accomplished. Especially, since the temperature is really taking a dive next week.

E took on the task of shoveling the drive while Daddy picked up a truckload of horse bedding.

These guys look like they're work'n hard. Moochers! At least they are good mousers.

Hi Nez!

The rest of us organized the barn so Daddy could build a quick floor to store the horse bedding. We played with the goats a bit too.

Eliza Jane is obsessed with food, any kind of food. She even enjoys licking the inside of empty feed bags. Silly girl. We have to be careful with the goats. If they could break into the barn, they would eat themselves sick, potentially to death. They aren't much different from our Beagle, I mean pigle.

Oh, Eliza! I love your baby belly.

Hard workers, taking a break.

I stepped away to work in the house and keep the wood burners loaded. The guys will be thrilled when they find chocolate chip cookies and hot coco waiting for them.

What are you doing to keep warm on these cold winter days?