Sugar Ray enjoying his Christmas tree

A gift to be simple

Normally, we have a few cold days then return to warmer temperatures and work goes on. Not this year, looks like the cold, and record breaking cold is here to stay. Fortunately, all the livestock has good shelter and plenty to eat. I knitted by the fire until early this morning and needle felted four more sheep. I got Summer's fleece washed and next to the wood stove to dry, Sweetheart's kid fleece dyed and drying also. I can keep dye pots going on the wood stove, the hard part is washing outside, won't happen today, the hosepipes will be frozen. LuAnn from Pine Mountain drove in the blowing snow to pick-up her scarf made from her goat, Puff, she was thrilled. Feels good to see someone so happy with a simple gift of fiber from an animal she cared for, sheared, I washed, spun and wove into a scarf. She will always have part of Puff with her.

Preparing for the storm

While I was feeding, haying and watering this morning, preparing for the days ahead of freezing temperatures and possibly, snow, I saw at least twenty deer feeding in the back pasture. Way too many for my pastures to support. I picked the biggest doe and made a perfect, clean shot, as she fell straight to the ground. More development moving to the country force the deer to move onto us and eat our crops and pastures, our battle is continual. It's another job to keep the numbers under control that helps them stay healthy as well. And a bonus that we love to eat a natural, organic product. I taught my kids to hunt, clean, cook and eat everything that you kill. You will think about that before you pick up a gun.

Balmy day

Yesterday was a much kinder day. Still, everyone got warm water and plenty of feed to get fueled up for the storm ahead. I was able to skirt, wash, and dye a yearling mohair fleece from Maria's girl. Then pick and card some white fleece for me, so I can make sheep ornaments. It has to be in the 40's before I can work outside with fiber. Have an order for three knitted scarves in three different colors, for Christmas gifts, one down and two to go. What  a perfect way to spend a cold, long winter's night, knitting by the fire.

Mighty dog

Half Pint doesn't need a cape to feel mighty. She can fly across the yard exploding with barks at every bird, cat, or loud noise without that lamb coat. I'm sure she has high blood pressure. She hates being restricted in that thing, but she shakes and shivers, and hates cold weather. Beware of a sixteen pound dog in a red cape with a pit bull attitude. I am already tired of hauling water so I brought in three hose pipes by the wood stove to thaw, then hooked them up by the house where the hot water flows and everyone got a drink of 100 degree water. Sheep and goats get a powerful thirst when it is this cold and are waiting by the water tank in the morning for that drink of warm water. I could just break the ice on top of the tank, but they will drink very little of icy water, after a few days of not drinking plenty of fluids they can lock down in a hurry. Better safe than sorry. Cold weather increases the feed and hay bill as they consume more to keep warm, okay, I'm ready to get above freezing again.

Lambs

Dan the Man ram is in with a few ewes, haven't seen any lamb making, but some rams are private with their affection. He does guard the ewes and keeps them at the far end of the pasture, just in case I should try to take him back out. He finally let them come up the hill for a small amount of grain and water, after that, it's back to the land of far, far away.

500 mile trip

After feeding, haying and hauling everyone a warm drink of water, Alex and I loaded up and made a 500 mile round trip to pick up Tuxedo, a former Grand Champion buck that was no longer needed for his services. Don't know where I will put him as I am packed with goats, especially bucks. But, I feel like every animal that is born here is my responsibility, til death do us part. I will probably be going back to pick up the does as the owner has had a very bad year. The cold weather has brought outside chores and washing to a halt. I am just not prepared for below freezing temps, most of my time is spent hauling warm water and hay, have to keep those goats eating and drinking in cold weather, to prevent any stomach troubles. Alex is great help, never complains about the weather or any job I ask her to do, and is good company on a long drive, it would have been miserable making the trip alone. Today will be spent finding Tux a spot where he will settle down and behave with the other bucks, not a good time to bring a buck in rut into the flock, as they will have to establish dominance and bang on every post and building.