Friday, October 17, 2014

The last of the 70's

No, I am not talking about the 1970's. I am talking about temperatures. Today is supposed to be in the low 70's and then... 50's and 60's as far as the weatherman can see. ( or predict ) There are a few nights coming up that they are calling for 30's! Here it comes folks. Winter is just around the corner. We are still trying to get firewood stacked in. The tractor is not running...so progress is slow. I pulled a few of the carrots last week. I am pretty impressed that they did so well.
They are not HUGH, but as I say.... better than none! It is "breeding season" for the goats. Our little buck, Freddie is most likely the HAPPIEST boy around. He has 4 ladies he gets to date... one at a time. So for the next 2 or 3 weeks... Fred will be one happy little buck. Then he will be one tired little buck! He started his dating with Lulu, the mini Nubian. Oh boy. This is her first breeding and... well... lets just say.. I am not sure he was able to make his "impression" We will just have to see if she comes back in. This week he is with Abby. She is the oldest of all of our goats...and she knows exactly what's going on. The only issue there is she is a full size Alpine, Fred is a Pygmy. Short legs vs. tall legs = me having to "help". It will be exciting to see all of Fred's little offspring running around next spring. It will be even BETTER knowing we will have an abundance of milk! Today I will be puttering around outside... doing the little things that need to be done. Mostly I am planning to enjoy this weather.. mostly because, I just LOVE FALL!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Busy days and cool nights.

Yes, summer has wound down.... no more days in the 80's, hauling bucket after bucket of water to the critters...trying to catch a breeze somewhere in the shade. The days are now more tolerable. Highs in the 60's and 70's. Nights are absolutely beautiful with temps in the 40's and 50's. yes, I love Autumn. We run around trying to get the last of the project finished before the first snow flies. Gathering firewood, cleaning gardens and picking the last of the produce. I pulled a load of tomato's and peppers the other day, made a few half pints of salsa. The half pints are perfect size for the two of us. I also picked a good load of beets. Ended up with 4 more pints. Even though I am only getting small batches done at a time.. every little bit helps...and they add up quickly. Carrots are coming along good...I think... and I still need to get the garlic in the ground. *sigh* Will I ever get caught up? The 2 little bacon seeds are growing nicely. Fat and happy pigs makes me happy. I can't wait to fill the freezer with chops, bacon, sausage, bacon, roast, bacon, ribs and....bacon! Before you know it we will be sitting by a crackling fire in the evenings...planning for spring.. waiting to break ground and get those seeds in the dirt. But lets not rush things....lets enjoy these cool fall days....