So, here we are the last day of 2010 looking forward to a new year and new expericences.
Here's hoping that 2011 will bring much peace and prosperity to the world around me.
I hope that 2011 will be a year of good happenings here at home, for my friends and family.
I have been thinking of goals for the new year, I just haven't written them down yet.
I did go over my "Farm Goals for 2010" and checked off those that were completed. Not as many as I would have liked, but more that I first thought. I have begun my new list, but it still needs improvement.
Plenty of oganization, trimming the fat (of all kinds!), rethinking processes, and redifining what I want to be.
Who and what is important...
Why and when I do what I do...
Keep a simple life. With simple wants and needs.
Food, shelter, endeavors to keep the brain strong, exercise to keep the body healthy and strong, family and friends to enjoy, and animals to keep the miracle life alive.
Brainstorming for last day of 2010!
Onward and Upward!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The week between Christmas and New Years!
The Christmas rush is over now we are just chilling (litterally) before the New Year begins.
We had a very good Christmas Eve Day gathering with my Husband's family. Most made it, so there was quite a house full at around 20 people. The Grand nieces and nephews enjoyed some time out in the barn and hen house, meeting the critters and riding bicycles?!
Christmas Eve itself was spent with our kids, minus one family who had sickies. We plan to get together very soon with the ones who were unable to make it. A good time was had by all, we even got our fitness tested by Jenn and Pats Wii game.
Our Christmas Day was nice and quiet. We enjoyed the rest!
On Sunday, I was back in the sewing room making curtains for the den. Didn't take long as they were very simple.
Monday, I started making my plans for the new year. Eat less, spend less, exercise more, watch TV less, knit more, spin more, finish projects that have yet to be finished and just plain enjoy life!
Today...plenty to do so......Onward and Upward!
We had a very good Christmas Eve Day gathering with my Husband's family. Most made it, so there was quite a house full at around 20 people. The Grand nieces and nephews enjoyed some time out in the barn and hen house, meeting the critters and riding bicycles?!
Christmas Eve itself was spent with our kids, minus one family who had sickies. We plan to get together very soon with the ones who were unable to make it. A good time was had by all, we even got our fitness tested by Jenn and Pats Wii game.
Our Christmas Day was nice and quiet. We enjoyed the rest!
On Sunday, I was back in the sewing room making curtains for the den. Didn't take long as they were very simple.
Monday, I started making my plans for the new year. Eat less, spend less, exercise more, watch TV less, knit more, spin more, finish projects that have yet to be finished and just plain enjoy life!
Today...plenty to do so......Onward and Upward!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Didn't do any sewing, but...
I spent the day getting my American Dairy Goat Association dues paid, along with four of the grandchildren signed up. Then did some online registrations of the goats. It took longer then I expected because ADGA has made some changes on their site, so it took a bit of relearning. Then I thought I had already entered the Service Memos, but hadn't. So I had to do that first. Still more to do, but need to wait until the grand's records come online. Then can finish that up.
Greg was a great help, he baked two different types of cookies for me. Molasses and Oatmeal Toffee cookies are all made up and in the freezer. This is to keep us from eating them before our Christmas festivities.
All in all it was a productive day. Hope today is more of the same, this time sewing!
Greg was a great help, he baked two different types of cookies for me. Molasses and Oatmeal Toffee cookies are all made up and in the freezer. This is to keep us from eating them before our Christmas festivities.
All in all it was a productive day. Hope today is more of the same, this time sewing!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sparkling Diamonds and Pristine White Frosting...
Looking out my window this morning, there is the most wonderful, although VERY COLD scene of sparkling diamonds sprinkled on top of pristine white frosting with the sun trying it's best to warm things up! What a wonderful site, glad I'm inside though!
Breeding season has come to it's end. Last evening we took the last of the does over to our friend's buck to be bred. I had dreamed of only AI babies this year, but that was not to be, so Mother Nature is getting her way, at least on two of the does. Any of the does who are not bred now are just going to get the next year off without any babies. Guess that won't be all bad, might even be a good thing to let them rest a year. But they had better be up and running in 2012 with all doeling! At least I can hope!
I believe that my Christmas shopping is done. I went out on Tuesday and finished up on Greg and the boys. Now all that is left is sewing two shirts for my brother-in-law and making curtains for one of the granddaughters. Today will begin a sewing marathon through Sunday. Then next week will be baking, cooking, and cleaning for the festivities here on Christmas Eve.
Along with all the Christmas preparations there have been and are still coming some medical check ups. On Tuesday I went in for my yearly hearing test and hearing aids check out. All is well, one had to be sent in for a minor adjustment, so I have lopsided hearing right now. Wednesday, Greg had a complete physical which he so far has come through with flying colors! He is even only five pounds overweight, easy fix. As long as as the blood work is good, he won't need to be seen again until next year! I had blood taken then as well to check my cholesterol level. At my physical, six months ago, it was up some, so the doctor wanted to see what it was now.
Next Tuesday I go to the dentist for the usual every six months thing. Then on December 30th, we both go for eye exams and new glasses.
We will be starting the new year all tested and tuned and ready to go!
Last Sunday I spent some time in the greenhouse doing some watering and organizing. While in there I planted some Spinach, loose leaf lettuce mix and a Romaine lettuce in my planting box. I am hoping for fresh salad material come February. I got some last year, hope to get more this coming year. Fresh is always best.
Time to get things rolling, breakfast, chores, and then let the marathon begin!
Onward and Upward!
Breeding season has come to it's end. Last evening we took the last of the does over to our friend's buck to be bred. I had dreamed of only AI babies this year, but that was not to be, so Mother Nature is getting her way, at least on two of the does. Any of the does who are not bred now are just going to get the next year off without any babies. Guess that won't be all bad, might even be a good thing to let them rest a year. But they had better be up and running in 2012 with all doeling! At least I can hope!
I believe that my Christmas shopping is done. I went out on Tuesday and finished up on Greg and the boys. Now all that is left is sewing two shirts for my brother-in-law and making curtains for one of the granddaughters. Today will begin a sewing marathon through Sunday. Then next week will be baking, cooking, and cleaning for the festivities here on Christmas Eve.
Along with all the Christmas preparations there have been and are still coming some medical check ups. On Tuesday I went in for my yearly hearing test and hearing aids check out. All is well, one had to be sent in for a minor adjustment, so I have lopsided hearing right now. Wednesday, Greg had a complete physical which he so far has come through with flying colors! He is even only five pounds overweight, easy fix. As long as as the blood work is good, he won't need to be seen again until next year! I had blood taken then as well to check my cholesterol level. At my physical, six months ago, it was up some, so the doctor wanted to see what it was now.
Next Tuesday I go to the dentist for the usual every six months thing. Then on December 30th, we both go for eye exams and new glasses.
We will be starting the new year all tested and tuned and ready to go!
Last Sunday I spent some time in the greenhouse doing some watering and organizing. While in there I planted some Spinach, loose leaf lettuce mix and a Romaine lettuce in my planting box. I am hoping for fresh salad material come February. I got some last year, hope to get more this coming year. Fresh is always best.
Time to get things rolling, breakfast, chores, and then let the marathon begin!
Onward and Upward!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
IT IS SNOWING!
Weather for today...SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOW!
Here's hoping that everyone is safe and snug in there favorite place just hunkering down for the duration of the weather.
Spent the week getting things done. Feel good about it all, but still have much more to do. Lots of Christmas sewing and crafting to be done.
A friend came over on Thursday and we made soap. She wanted to give some for gifts, so we spent the day making it and visiting. I cut it on Friday and will deliver it to her at our next Gathering of Knitters on Wednesday.
Friday, Greg and I made our famous Chocolate Maple Log candies, they need to chill and then be coated with chocolate.
On the farm front, AI this year doesn't seem to be taking, DAMN! Was really excited about the bucks I purchased. There are still a couple of does that may yet be bred by the AI, I will keep my fingers crossed. I had to take an Alpine over to a friends place to be live cover bred by her registered buck. I have one more that I plan to take to him, although the resulting kid would be half Toggenburg/half Alpine, but this goat needs to prove herself or be gone.
The new layers have started to lay so we are getting one nice brown egg every day or so, along with a token white from the old girls.
The horses have been getting pastured on the hayfield every day and they love it. As long as I can I will do that, saving the baled hay for much later in the season.
The doelings are getting along fine. Each has shown some heat cycle signs, but have no plans to breed them this year. Hope to have my own buck next year to breed them to.
Time to roll, need breakfast and do my chores. Critters need to be watered today. Then inside to finish the Christmas Chocolates that Greg and I made on Friday. If time allows, I hope to get some crafting done as well today.
Onward and Upward!
Here's hoping that everyone is safe and snug in there favorite place just hunkering down for the duration of the weather.
Spent the week getting things done. Feel good about it all, but still have much more to do. Lots of Christmas sewing and crafting to be done.
A friend came over on Thursday and we made soap. She wanted to give some for gifts, so we spent the day making it and visiting. I cut it on Friday and will deliver it to her at our next Gathering of Knitters on Wednesday.
Friday, Greg and I made our famous Chocolate Maple Log candies, they need to chill and then be coated with chocolate.
On the farm front, AI this year doesn't seem to be taking, DAMN! Was really excited about the bucks I purchased. There are still a couple of does that may yet be bred by the AI, I will keep my fingers crossed. I had to take an Alpine over to a friends place to be live cover bred by her registered buck. I have one more that I plan to take to him, although the resulting kid would be half Toggenburg/half Alpine, but this goat needs to prove herself or be gone.
The new layers have started to lay so we are getting one nice brown egg every day or so, along with a token white from the old girls.
The horses have been getting pastured on the hayfield every day and they love it. As long as I can I will do that, saving the baled hay for much later in the season.
The doelings are getting along fine. Each has shown some heat cycle signs, but have no plans to breed them this year. Hope to have my own buck next year to breed them to.
Time to roll, need breakfast and do my chores. Critters need to be watered today. Then inside to finish the Christmas Chocolates that Greg and I made on Friday. If time allows, I hope to get some crafting done as well today.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A good day!
Was a good day with lots gotten done. First off, the barn got swept front and back, parlor cleaned, feed mixed, hay and straw dropped down, straw spread in stalls, all tanks filled, goats milked, horses moved to the hayfield for the day, both tractors started and run, dog got a ride in old truck to get gas, and milk brought in to the house.
Second, fresh milk was made into yogurt and then placed to ripen. While doing the yogurt, I washed up the dishes, swept the scullery, powder room, and kitchen. More decorating of the house, found a box of good stuff, so found places for it.
Thirdly, had an appointment with the bank to refinance the house at a lower interest rate, things look good there. Then a late lunch at Jade Garden, ate toooo much, but it is good! Need to keep up the strength for Christmas shopping.
Wal-Mart, got the nieces DONE as well as a few grocery items. Then TSC for "Friends and Family" night. Extra savings and special coupons. Got three of the Grands gifts there as well as my Brother's gift. Saw several different friends and had short visits with them. Pat, our only Son-in-Law was there too, looking for dog food. Quick visit and poked fun at Greg's parking! Looks like some drunk did the truck parking!
The drive home was a light show. Only not many lights. Will have to go out later in the month and do some town tours, see more lights then out here in the country.
At home, checked yogurt, all is right...moved it to the fridge. Smoothies in the morning. Things put away, jammies on, and time to doze in the chair then off to bed.
Today, Farrier comes to trim horses. Maybe a quick trip into Ovid to the "Inspiration Station" to get an "Anniversary" stamp so I can make some anniversary cards. And the rest of the afternoon should be a crafting day. Plenty of gifts to make, very little time left.
Onward and Upward.
Second, fresh milk was made into yogurt and then placed to ripen. While doing the yogurt, I washed up the dishes, swept the scullery, powder room, and kitchen. More decorating of the house, found a box of good stuff, so found places for it.
Thirdly, had an appointment with the bank to refinance the house at a lower interest rate, things look good there. Then a late lunch at Jade Garden, ate toooo much, but it is good! Need to keep up the strength for Christmas shopping.
Wal-Mart, got the nieces DONE as well as a few grocery items. Then TSC for "Friends and Family" night. Extra savings and special coupons. Got three of the Grands gifts there as well as my Brother's gift. Saw several different friends and had short visits with them. Pat, our only Son-in-Law was there too, looking for dog food. Quick visit and poked fun at Greg's parking! Looks like some drunk did the truck parking!
The drive home was a light show. Only not many lights. Will have to go out later in the month and do some town tours, see more lights then out here in the country.
At home, checked yogurt, all is right...moved it to the fridge. Smoothies in the morning. Things put away, jammies on, and time to doze in the chair then off to bed.
Today, Farrier comes to trim horses. Maybe a quick trip into Ovid to the "Inspiration Station" to get an "Anniversary" stamp so I can make some anniversary cards. And the rest of the afternoon should be a crafting day. Plenty of gifts to make, very little time left.
Onward and Upward.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Had a good weekend...
It was a good weekend. Saturday, Jenn, Daniella, and I went to the dog show at MSU Pavilion. Can you say Doggie over load! So many B-E-A-U-tiful dogs of so many breeds, I want one of each! The owners are very nice as well and always were very informative. Learned a lot about several different breeds.
Had a good time and ate plenty at the KFC, yummy. Now back on the wagon!
Here are just a few of the doggies we saw at the show.
Sunday was decoration time, tree is done, house mostly done, outdoor.. still work there! It all looks really good.
Light snow flurries out the window right now, could use a good three inches to get a base started.
Did my 30 minutes of incumbent bicycling and my strength training routine, computer time almost done then down to breakfast and then chores. Three girls to milk, feed to mix, tanks to fill, and hay to move. Then this afternoon some Christmas shopping. Hope to "git 'er done"! All but Greg that is, still need to go out alone for him. I am going to buy him...oops, can't tell ya', he reads this sometimes!
Onward and Upwards.
Had a good time and ate plenty at the KFC, yummy. Now back on the wagon!
Here are just a few of the doggies we saw at the show.
Cutie French Bulldog.
This one would make you think twice about coming inside the house!
The dog's paw is bigger then the head of the Grandchild!
All the dogs were Soooo Very Cool! There were plenty to pet and be kissed by.
Sunday was decoration time, tree is done, house mostly done, outdoor.. still work there! It all looks really good.
Light snow flurries out the window right now, could use a good three inches to get a base started.
Did my 30 minutes of incumbent bicycling and my strength training routine, computer time almost done then down to breakfast and then chores. Three girls to milk, feed to mix, tanks to fill, and hay to move. Then this afternoon some Christmas shopping. Hope to "git 'er done"! All but Greg that is, still need to go out alone for him. I am going to buy him...oops, can't tell ya', he reads this sometimes!
Onward and Upwards.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Here is some fun for you...
Check out this great Christmas Treat http://www.goatbiology.com/animations/carol.html Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
It's a First...
First real snow of the season! Let's pray for a white Christmas, and white all through March, then spring and mud. None of the usual snow, mud, snow, mud, snow mud, mud mud mud!
Friday, November 26, 2010
What I did today...
Here's what I did today. I started my Christmas decorating. This is my Victorian Village display, it takes me a couple of hours to set it up each year.
On the very top level, that you can't see very well is a Santa in his sleigh going around and around. The next level down represents my house and barn on the hill. Down from that are the houses that represent our two oldest boys homes and a mill on a hill. Below that is the town, where there are two store fronts one is a Curiosity Shop with musicians playing out front, that one represents the third oldest son. The other store front is "Jen's Shop" and that is for our daughter. There is a fire station, a harness shop, a church, and a clock tower as well as a skating pond. All sort of activities are going on in this neat little corner of my imagination.
This coming week, the Christmas Tree will be going up as well as maybe a life size St. Nicolas on the front porch. That is if we can manage to get it put together like I want it.
There will be more decorating, and if we can get some ideas, Christmas Shopping in the next couple of weeks.
Guess you could say I've got the Christmas Spirit!
On the very top level, that you can't see very well is a Santa in his sleigh going around and around. The next level down represents my house and barn on the hill. Down from that are the houses that represent our two oldest boys homes and a mill on a hill. Below that is the town, where there are two store fronts one is a Curiosity Shop with musicians playing out front, that one represents the third oldest son. The other store front is "Jen's Shop" and that is for our daughter. There is a fire station, a harness shop, a church, and a clock tower as well as a skating pond. All sort of activities are going on in this neat little corner of my imagination.
This coming week, the Christmas Tree will be going up as well as maybe a life size St. Nicolas on the front porch. That is if we can manage to get it put together like I want it.
There will be more decorating, and if we can get some ideas, Christmas Shopping in the next couple of weeks.
Guess you could say I've got the Christmas Spirit!
The day after...
Today is the day after Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful quiet day at home. Watched the parades, football, a Dog Show, and napped. It was a good day.
Today, we are planning on getting our Christmas wreath. I bought one through the Ovid-Elsie Band. We pick it up at the greenhouse in town.
Right now if you look out the window here, you can see SNOW. First really snow of the year. I would like to see snow and plenty of it, I would like it to have snow cover all the way through until sometime in late February. None of this snow, mud, snow, mud stuff.
As I write this, the fuel oil man has just arrived. First delivery since September. Will be seeing plenty of him in the next few months.
Time for winter to arrive, another season change. A time to slow down a bit and recharge for a while. A time for thanksgiving and celebrating and planning and anticipating.
Today, we are planning on getting our Christmas wreath. I bought one through the Ovid-Elsie Band. We pick it up at the greenhouse in town.
Right now if you look out the window here, you can see SNOW. First really snow of the year. I would like to see snow and plenty of it, I would like it to have snow cover all the way through until sometime in late February. None of this snow, mud, snow, mud stuff.
As I write this, the fuel oil man has just arrived. First delivery since September. Will be seeing plenty of him in the next few months.
Time for winter to arrive, another season change. A time to slow down a bit and recharge for a while. A time for thanksgiving and celebrating and planning and anticipating.
Let the season begin!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Our Thanksgiving 2010...
We had a very nice day yesterday, our Family was here for Thanksgiving. I decided instead of trying to get everyone here on the actual day, I would host it on the weekend before. Hoping that way everyone could make it...We came close, only two were previously commited. It is hard to get everyone together as all have extended families and commitments.
We also included two of our family friends in our get together to bring our group up to 16. There were three tables, the little table, the bigger table and the big table and plenty of good food!
I think that all had a good time and enough to eat.
The Grands spent a good amount of time playing in the hen house, not where I would have played, but whatever makes you happy! They enjoyed it.
Here are all the kids minus 2...Thanksgiving 2010.
Here are our family friends, Don and Betty, 2010.
We also included two of our family friends in our get together to bring our group up to 16. There were three tables, the little table, the bigger table and the big table and plenty of good food!
I think that all had a good time and enough to eat.
The Grands spent a good amount of time playing in the hen house, not where I would have played, but whatever makes you happy! They enjoyed it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Like the look...
My blog is progressing well, I like the look at this time.
Finished cleaning our house yesterday. Only a couple of rooms that went untouched. My craft room and the laundry room. If I get time I will try to spruce those up too.
Today is my weekly day away. I deliver Meals on Wheels and then I go to our Gathering of knitting friends. I will also be delivering Sourdough Bread to one of my customers who placed an order.
I make and sell Sourdough and Salt Rising breads at the St. Johns Farmer's Market. Since it is closed for the season, I take orders and either deliver or they are picked up here at the farm. I have plans to try some gluten free breads over this winter and then hopefully have them available next season.
Here is the bread I will be delivering today, baked yesterday.
Onward and Upward!
Finished cleaning our house yesterday. Only a couple of rooms that went untouched. My craft room and the laundry room. If I get time I will try to spruce those up too.
Today is my weekly day away. I deliver Meals on Wheels and then I go to our Gathering of knitting friends. I will also be delivering Sourdough Bread to one of my customers who placed an order.
I make and sell Sourdough and Salt Rising breads at the St. Johns Farmer's Market. Since it is closed for the season, I take orders and either deliver or they are picked up here at the farm. I have plans to try some gluten free breads over this winter and then hopefully have them available next season.
Here is the bread I will be delivering today, baked yesterday.
Onward and Upward!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Just a routine...
Nothing extra ordinary yesterday. Lots of cleaning got done. Greg is making great progress on the downstairs bedroom. We should be able to move furniture the end of the week. It will be good to have that out of the way.
Don't expect to see a daily report, as sometimes there is just nothing to blog about.
Here is a picture of my newest addition to the "farm". 1953 Farmall Cub. It is the same age as me! My parents owned one, 1940 something. I've had fun so far with the blade. Pushes lots of poo! Can't wait for the snow! Hope to buy some garden impliments for it.
Don't expect to see a daily report, as sometimes there is just nothing to blog about.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hello and Good morning!
The sun shines brightly into the computer room as I begin this new blog.
A busy week is planned. Cooking, cleaning and baking for our family Thanksgiving dinner which is going to be this coming Saturday. As well as, granddaughter will be here to help on Thursday and Friday as there is no school those days. I think partly because today is the first day of firearms deer season here in Michigan.
Breeding season is winding down here, I am hoping that I have nine of the eleven dairy does bred. Here's hoping that I am done with that.
The gardens have all been put to bed and are resting peacefully.
The weather has just turned cold and snow will soon be arriving. Time for things to slow a bit. A time of rest and rejuvenation. One can hope.
Onward and Upward.
A busy week is planned. Cooking, cleaning and baking for our family Thanksgiving dinner which is going to be this coming Saturday. As well as, granddaughter will be here to help on Thursday and Friday as there is no school those days. I think partly because today is the first day of firearms deer season here in Michigan.
Breeding season is winding down here, I am hoping that I have nine of the eleven dairy does bred. Here's hoping that I am done with that.
The gardens have all been put to bed and are resting peacefully.
The weather has just turned cold and snow will soon be arriving. Time for things to slow a bit. A time of rest and rejuvenation. One can hope.
Onward and Upward.
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