This am Peter got up at 6 am and made coffee, went to work. Me, I went back to bed until 745 when Alex comes in wanting cereal. (He would live on cereal). We had no water. I called Peter and after picking up a few things for the weekend, he came home. Seems the pipes had frozen because the pipe heater had quit working. Peter fixed that and after several hours we had water again. I DO NOT like not having water.
A number of years ago my dad gave us a big blue water jug, thankfully it was filled so I could water the small animals. Thanks Daddy. The bigs had water in their tanks. I did have to turn on the heaters. It was very cold last night and is already 5 below tonight. We lost one chicken, not sure if from the cold or why. I did bring in Peanut the bunny so she'd have water and not break the water bottle when it froze. Mischka, the aussie shepherd, is in the laundry room. Libby and Lucy are in their igloos. The cats have elected to stay in the feed room, burrowed down in the hay.
The Addaman Group cancelled the Pikes Peak fireworks tonight. Too cold with wind chill of 50 below. We can see the fireworks on the Peak from our family room if it's not cloudy.
So tomorrow is my bff, Magie's, birthday. Mine's the next day and on Tuesday the kids go back to school so we are going out to celebrate, probably at Culver's. Love their fries.
So Happy New Year from Green Gates Farm.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Verda's Hominy Bake
When you're married you have to arrange holidays to fit all the relatives in. Since we had Christmas day with my MIL, we spent Christmas Sunday at my parent's house. Mom made this as part of the dinner. Since my dad is on blood thinner meds, he has to watch what he eats, but he can eat this. More interesting, Mr. Picky-eater Alex liked it.
1 large can of hominy
3-4 beaten eggs
grated cheddar cheese
1 can green chilies
Put hominy in 9x13 baking dish. Cover with cheese. Sprinkle with green chilies. Pour beaten eggs over the top and bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes.
Even with the green chilies, this was not spicy hot. My brother was going to try it with jalapenos.
From "Favorites from our Table"
1 large can of hominy
3-4 beaten eggs
grated cheddar cheese
1 can green chilies
Put hominy in 9x13 baking dish. Cover with cheese. Sprinkle with green chilies. Pour beaten eggs over the top and bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes.
Even with the green chilies, this was not spicy hot. My brother was going to try it with jalapenos.
From "Favorites from our Table"
Monday, December 27, 2010
Recapping Christmas
It was a fairly quiet Christmas. We attended the candlelight service at the church. We had been discussing changing churches (most of the boys' friends go to the other church, the other church has AWANAS and I'm not comfortable with the organization of the youth group at our church.) And I really don't like contemporary or cowboy church services, too much of a traditionalist. But what do you expect, I went to a Lutheran college, Peter's been an Episcopalian his whole life and my family came from Mennonite roots. But we decided to stay at Antioch, partly because of the outpouring of support for my BFF Magie as she deals with a distressing issue.
Saturday morning, the boys were up bright and early and quite upset that all Santa brought them was some things in their stockings and a video game. I told them to look closely at the video game and then they noticed that it was a Wii game so they went running off to find the Wii console (or whatever you call it) We had opened presents when we got back from church on Friday night. We then went to the daughter's home for brunch. We were going to walk around Garden of the Gods but I thought it was too cold so we settled for driving. We did go play for awhile at America the Beautiful park.
And then we went for dinner (prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, chocolate cream pie- my faves) at the MIL. Almost the whole family was there. Niece Suzy stayed at college in Alaska. BIL Alec and his family stayed in Idaho (expecting their first grandchild soon, Ali- January 2 is a good day to have baby- I can share my birthday).
Sunday we went to my parents for Christmas. We had a nice time, lots of food etc. My dad is on meds which means he has to watch his diet so the salad I took, he couldn't have.
So for the rest of the week, we'll be staying close to home, cleaning and organizing. Still looking at moving in the not to distant future. And since it's a smaller house, I have to downsize some things. But it's okay to not have so much stuff.
I'm hoping for Red, Hot and Blue for my birthday dinner. Or Olive Garden. Or....
Any suggestions?
Saturday morning, the boys were up bright and early and quite upset that all Santa brought them was some things in their stockings and a video game. I told them to look closely at the video game and then they noticed that it was a Wii game so they went running off to find the Wii console (or whatever you call it) We had opened presents when we got back from church on Friday night. We then went to the daughter's home for brunch. We were going to walk around Garden of the Gods but I thought it was too cold so we settled for driving. We did go play for awhile at America the Beautiful park.
And then we went for dinner (prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, chocolate cream pie- my faves) at the MIL. Almost the whole family was there. Niece Suzy stayed at college in Alaska. BIL Alec and his family stayed in Idaho (expecting their first grandchild soon, Ali- January 2 is a good day to have baby- I can share my birthday).
Sunday we went to my parents for Christmas. We had a nice time, lots of food etc. My dad is on meds which means he has to watch his diet so the salad I took, he couldn't have.
So for the rest of the week, we'll be staying close to home, cleaning and organizing. Still looking at moving in the not to distant future. And since it's a smaller house, I have to downsize some things. But it's okay to not have so much stuff.
I'm hoping for Red, Hot and Blue for my birthday dinner. Or Olive Garden. Or....
Any suggestions?
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Christmas Letter
You know how people send out letters with their Christmas cards every year? I sent out these rather thick multi folding cards and I thought that sending a letter would raise the postage. Seriously, I didn't make the time to write it before now and look it's Christmas eve.
So what has been happening here at Green Gates? Chickens have come and gone. We raised two turkeys to adulthood and Sir Henry has just starting to fluff up and it's driving the dogs nuts.
The horses are doing fine. Ariel, our momma llama, had her last baby in September. She finally had a boy, probably because the dad of her last three daughters went to a new home. We had a number of baby goats this spring. Sadly, Sage the beautiful matriarch of our herd had her back broken, we suspect by a horned boer, and had to be put down. But she left us with Sasha and Simon. The evil boer is gone.
We added two chihuahuas to the canine family, Chico and Princess. Katie, our old Keeshond, passed away this summer. And Cody, the mix, had to find a new home after he killed half of the chicken flock and pulled the boys' pet rabbits out of their cages and killed them.
So Andy, now 8 years old, is doing well in the 3rd grade. Still crazy for dinosaurs. He's become quite the artist and is really starting to read more. His favorite books are about dinosaurs and he really likes the series "the Magic Tree house". Since I got tired of two messy bedrooms Andy has to share his room with....
Alex, now 7, is technically in the 1st grade but he is in the 2nd grade classroom doing 2nd grade work. Alex scored in a national test in the 99% in math, reading and writing. Sometimes he's a little scary how smart he is. Alex loves computer games, card games, (bugging his brother) and he also likes the treehouse series.
Peter is keeping busy with work, being secretary of the HOA, and trying to keep sane from all my ideas of what projects we (meaning him) can do here at the farm. And I have a lot of ideas...
I want a new horse barn cause then I could put the goats in the old horse barn and use the entire goat barn to store feed. Hey, when I find a good price on grass I feel the need to stock up. You never know when we'll will get a bad storm. I've also been busy with the church's food pantry, serving on the school board and volunteering two days a week at our school's front desk.
I forgot to mention we added two parakeets, Bert and Ernie, and a canary, Teddy, to the menagerie. I just heard Teddy singing which reminded me.
For Christmas we are having brunch at daughter Melissa's home. She has two boys now, James is one and Derek is 3 1/2 months old. And then we go to the MIL's for Christmas dinner with Peter's family. Sunday we are going to my parents. And this is after Christmas Eve candlelight service. And sometime Santa has to find time to visit our house.
So from everyone and everything at Green Gates Farm, Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
So what has been happening here at Green Gates? Chickens have come and gone. We raised two turkeys to adulthood and Sir Henry has just starting to fluff up and it's driving the dogs nuts.
The horses are doing fine. Ariel, our momma llama, had her last baby in September. She finally had a boy, probably because the dad of her last three daughters went to a new home. We had a number of baby goats this spring. Sadly, Sage the beautiful matriarch of our herd had her back broken, we suspect by a horned boer, and had to be put down. But she left us with Sasha and Simon. The evil boer is gone.
We added two chihuahuas to the canine family, Chico and Princess. Katie, our old Keeshond, passed away this summer. And Cody, the mix, had to find a new home after he killed half of the chicken flock and pulled the boys' pet rabbits out of their cages and killed them.
So Andy, now 8 years old, is doing well in the 3rd grade. Still crazy for dinosaurs. He's become quite the artist and is really starting to read more. His favorite books are about dinosaurs and he really likes the series "the Magic Tree house". Since I got tired of two messy bedrooms Andy has to share his room with....
Alex, now 7, is technically in the 1st grade but he is in the 2nd grade classroom doing 2nd grade work. Alex scored in a national test in the 99% in math, reading and writing. Sometimes he's a little scary how smart he is. Alex loves computer games, card games, (bugging his brother) and he also likes the treehouse series.
Peter is keeping busy with work, being secretary of the HOA, and trying to keep sane from all my ideas of what projects we (meaning him) can do here at the farm. And I have a lot of ideas...
I want a new horse barn cause then I could put the goats in the old horse barn and use the entire goat barn to store feed. Hey, when I find a good price on grass I feel the need to stock up. You never know when we'll will get a bad storm. I've also been busy with the church's food pantry, serving on the school board and volunteering two days a week at our school's front desk.
I forgot to mention we added two parakeets, Bert and Ernie, and a canary, Teddy, to the menagerie. I just heard Teddy singing which reminded me.
For Christmas we are having brunch at daughter Melissa's home. She has two boys now, James is one and Derek is 3 1/2 months old. And then we go to the MIL's for Christmas dinner with Peter's family. Sunday we are going to my parents. And this is after Christmas Eve candlelight service. And sometime Santa has to find time to visit our house.
So from everyone and everything at Green Gates Farm, Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Weekend Update
This past weekend I spent Friday and Saturday at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs for the Colorado Association School Board annual meeting. It was fun and informative, but I didn't spend the night at the hotel.
Saturday evening I picked up the grandboys because someone had an appointment on Monday morning that they couldn't go to. Said someone decided not to go to the appointment. Normally I wouldn't have minded but Andy and Alex were in the Awanas Christmas program on Sunday night and I missed the program because the babies wouldn't stop crying.
We did pick up the new couch for the living room on Sunday. I still need to pick up the canary.
Saturday evening I picked up the grandboys because someone had an appointment on Monday morning that they couldn't go to. Said someone decided not to go to the appointment. Normally I wouldn't have minded but Andy and Alex were in the Awanas Christmas program on Sunday night and I missed the program because the babies wouldn't stop crying.
We did pick up the new couch for the living room on Sunday. I still need to pick up the canary.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Count down to Turkey
So Thanksgiving is less than a week away and I have about 25 people coming this year. The four of us, Magie, Glenn, Granny, Ashley, Sara, Jenny, Melissa, Cody, James, Derek, Randy, Dylan, the other Melissa, Brandon, Hope, Virginia, Ladosha, Jason, Johanna, Sarah, Benjamin. Did I forget anyone. Three are pretty little yet.
Today was Grandparents day at our school. There is a Thanksgiving dinner served followed by a musical program. Alex was a shark in the play "Fish".
Sadly, Andy didn't participate. He's been fighting a respiratory problem all week.
Alex went to the dentist this morning, did well with the cleaning and no cavities. Andy was supposed to go but due to illness we will reschedule.
We bought a turkey fryer tonight. And the oil. The oil is almost as expensive as the fryer. Magie is butchering two of her turkeys for our consumption next Thursday. We are also having a ham, two kinds of green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and some other stuff. I need to get some chairs from the church. I think I have enough tables, thanks to my grandpa Smith making extra leaves for the dining room table. But a little short on chairs. One of our neighbors put out a table for free, so it found a new home here at Green Gates.
I wonder if our royal palm turkeys would cooperate and have their pictures taken wearing pilgrim outfits. Probably not, I may try to keep them in the front yard for yard art.
Today was Grandparents day at our school. There is a Thanksgiving dinner served followed by a musical program. Alex was a shark in the play "Fish".
Sadly, Andy didn't participate. He's been fighting a respiratory problem all week.
Alex went to the dentist this morning, did well with the cleaning and no cavities. Andy was supposed to go but due to illness we will reschedule.
We bought a turkey fryer tonight. And the oil. The oil is almost as expensive as the fryer. Magie is butchering two of her turkeys for our consumption next Thursday. We are also having a ham, two kinds of green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and some other stuff. I need to get some chairs from the church. I think I have enough tables, thanks to my grandpa Smith making extra leaves for the dining room table. But a little short on chairs. One of our neighbors put out a table for free, so it found a new home here at Green Gates.
I wonder if our royal palm turkeys would cooperate and have their pictures taken wearing pilgrim outfits. Probably not, I may try to keep them in the front yard for yard art.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fast and Easy Meatloaf
1 1/2 lb ground beef
2 slices white bread, crusts removed, and cubed
1/4 c milk
1 egg
1 small onion grated
3/4 c breadcrumbs browned in 3 T butter
1/4 c chopped parsley
1 t. mixed dried herbs
Put beef in a bowl, soak bread in milk and add to beef along with egg, onion, herbs, salt and pepper. Combine lightly. Shape into 2 loaves and arrange in a greased baking dish (with sides) leaving a space in the middle. Brush tops with soy sauce and bake 350* for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile combine 16 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 t. sugar, 2 crushed garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Season with salt and pepper. After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, spoon tomato mixture in the middle and sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake additional 15 minutes. Serves 6
2 slices white bread, crusts removed, and cubed
1/4 c milk
1 egg
1 small onion grated
3/4 c breadcrumbs browned in 3 T butter
1/4 c chopped parsley
1 t. mixed dried herbs
Put beef in a bowl, soak bread in milk and add to beef along with egg, onion, herbs, salt and pepper. Combine lightly. Shape into 2 loaves and arrange in a greased baking dish (with sides) leaving a space in the middle. Brush tops with soy sauce and bake 350* for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile combine 16 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 t. sugar, 2 crushed garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Season with salt and pepper. After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, spoon tomato mixture in the middle and sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake additional 15 minutes. Serves 6
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Facebook, emails and prayer
I've been having trouble getting on Facebook. Finally got on tonight but couldn't get Happy Pets to download. Figures.
We have really slow internet, course we live in the middle of nowhere, so it figures. I get really disgusted with the slowness, especially seems to affect my email. My mom, who should get her own blog going, has been sending me emails about my uncle. If you don't mind, please say a prayer for my Uncle Tedd. The doctors discovered a brain tumor and it's not operable. They were going to do chemo on it, but discovered blood clots in his lung. So it is a waiting game for the blood clots to clear before starting chemo.
While you at it, say a prayer for my dad that his blood clot has gone away when he goes to the doctor next week.
On a positive note, my Alex was named student of the week in our local newspaper. I'll be buying a number of copies to send out, scrapbook and such.
We have really slow internet, course we live in the middle of nowhere, so it figures. I get really disgusted with the slowness, especially seems to affect my email. My mom, who should get her own blog going, has been sending me emails about my uncle. If you don't mind, please say a prayer for my Uncle Tedd. The doctors discovered a brain tumor and it's not operable. They were going to do chemo on it, but discovered blood clots in his lung. So it is a waiting game for the blood clots to clear before starting chemo.
While you at it, say a prayer for my dad that his blood clot has gone away when he goes to the doctor next week.
On a positive note, my Alex was named student of the week in our local newspaper. I'll be buying a number of copies to send out, scrapbook and such.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
More chickens, and a rabbit too
This is not a pretty post. Last week, one of our dogs went through the little chicken door and killed seven of our hens. And then he pulled Bubba and Buster (Andy and Alex's pet Dutch rabbits) out of their cages and killed them. This dog has gone to find a new home.
So yesterday at the auction I bought 9 hens and a young Rhode Island Red rooster. The hens are seven white Wyandottes, one BSL and one Cuckoo Maran. They are molting right now (and the Wyandottes are severely picked) so it will be a while before we get eggs from them. But right now we are lucky to get one or two eggs a day out of our surviving hens. Plus the three pullets who survived. I had just taken some of our older BSL hens to the auction the week before this all happened along with the three 2 month old rabbits.
Yesterday I also bought, for two dollars, year old doe. We named her Mrs B. She was born the same day as the grandson, James, so it was like we had to get her.
On a brighter note, Granny gave Peter a male chihuahua, Chico, for his birthday. Chico had killed most of their baby kittens. So now Chico hangs out with Eliza, our Westie. And with Princess, our female chihuahua. So some day we will have puppies for sale. Chihuahuas should only have one or two, possibly three puppies in a litter.
So yesterday at the auction I bought 9 hens and a young Rhode Island Red rooster. The hens are seven white Wyandottes, one BSL and one Cuckoo Maran. They are molting right now (and the Wyandottes are severely picked) so it will be a while before we get eggs from them. But right now we are lucky to get one or two eggs a day out of our surviving hens. Plus the three pullets who survived. I had just taken some of our older BSL hens to the auction the week before this all happened along with the three 2 month old rabbits.
Yesterday I also bought, for two dollars, year old doe. We named her Mrs B. She was born the same day as the grandson, James, so it was like we had to get her.
On a brighter note, Granny gave Peter a male chihuahua, Chico, for his birthday. Chico had killed most of their baby kittens. So now Chico hangs out with Eliza, our Westie. And with Princess, our female chihuahua. So some day we will have puppies for sale. Chihuahuas should only have one or two, possibly three puppies in a litter.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I'm not bragging
Really, I'm not bragging, just stating a fact. Alex, who is seven and technically a first grader, is in a second grade classroom doing second grade work. He recently took the NEA (or some other acronym) test which has nationwide results. Alex scored in the 99%, nationwide, in spelling, reading and math. So, yes we are doing the happy dance around here. Alex will be graduating from college in a few years. That part is a joke.
But on another topic, we (meaning me) brought home Princess on Tuesday. She is a 10 week old Chihuahua. Princess is the granddaughter of my best friend Magie's dog Ariel. Magie wants my llama, also named Ariel. Somebody will need a new name.
But on another topic, we (meaning me) brought home Princess on Tuesday. She is a 10 week old Chihuahua. Princess is the granddaughter of my best friend Magie's dog Ariel. Magie wants my llama, also named Ariel. Somebody will need a new name.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wassail for Kids
School parties start soon. Halloween followed by Christmas. Magie and I are the homeroom moms for the 3rd grade Christmas party. I'm thinking this recipe for their drink. See what Magie thinks.
1 qt apple cider
5 cloves
2 c. sugar
1 t ground nutmeg
1 -- 6 oz can orange juice
1 stick cinnamon
Boil cinnamon stick and cloves in 3 c. water and sugar. Cool. Mix juices. Add spiced sugar water when ready to serve. Heat but do not boil. Delicious served cold. Makes 50 servings so with only 12 kids in the class maybe a 1/4 of the recipe.
1 qt apple cider
5 cloves
2 c. sugar
1 t ground nutmeg
1 -- 6 oz can orange juice
1 stick cinnamon
Boil cinnamon stick and cloves in 3 c. water and sugar. Cool. Mix juices. Add spiced sugar water when ready to serve. Heat but do not boil. Delicious served cold. Makes 50 servings so with only 12 kids in the class maybe a 1/4 of the recipe.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake
I found this recipe in a cookbook which I received as a wedding present. It's easy to make and the boys like it. So they like any type of dessert.
3/4 c butter or margarine
1 c water
1/4 c baking cocoa
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 c sugar
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c milk
1 t vanilla
1 t almond extract
Bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, soda, and salt. Beat in cocoa mixture. Add eggs, milk and extracts. Pour into greased sheet cake pan. Bake at 350* for 20-28 minutes depending on your altitude. Cool for 10 minutes. While the cake is cooling make the frosting. Put 1/2 c butter and 1/4 c milk in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from the heat and add 3 c confectioners sugar, 1/4 c baking cocoa and 1 t vanilla. Beat well. Spread over warm cake.
This does really well for church potlucks and family get togethers.
3/4 c butter or margarine
1 c water
1/4 c baking cocoa
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 c sugar
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c milk
1 t vanilla
1 t almond extract
Bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, soda, and salt. Beat in cocoa mixture. Add eggs, milk and extracts. Pour into greased sheet cake pan. Bake at 350* for 20-28 minutes depending on your altitude. Cool for 10 minutes. While the cake is cooling make the frosting. Put 1/2 c butter and 1/4 c milk in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from the heat and add 3 c confectioners sugar, 1/4 c baking cocoa and 1 t vanilla. Beat well. Spread over warm cake.
This does really well for church potlucks and family get togethers.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Birthday Hijinx
Our pastor turned 50 this week. To celebrate, someone brought him a couple of birthday cards. Before reading them out loud, Pastor Randy read them to himself, just as a precaution. The cards were pretty tame, it was the gift that he received that was a riot. Back when my dad turned 50, his brother got him one of the joke cans, the kind with the horn and other items on it. Since Pastor Randy is also a CS police officer, his can came complete with little headlights and when he thumped it on the ground, the flashing red and blue lights also came on. And to end the day, Magie announced at the end of service that there was birthday cake out in the lobby.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Katie
Katie, Princess Kate of Colombine, was our Keeshond. Melissa and I bought her 12 years ago as an 8 month old puppy. She was the last thing we had left of the life in Burlington.
One day when Katie was about a year old and Melissa was about 9, we were at the lake outside of Flagler. Katie was off the leash running around. All of a sudden Katie was in front of Melissa barking at a rattle snake. It was late fall and we really didn't expect to see a rattler out. The snake struck at Katie but her chest fur was so thick and dense that it didn't make contact. That's why when we moved to the Springs, Katie was one of the two dogs we brought with us. The other being Cory the Cocker spaniel.
Katie spent her last years as a country dog, barking at the horses and goats. She wasn't a house dog, hated cats and Danny the beagle. Katie had a nice doghouse but sometimes she'd sleep out in the snow. We couldn't let Katie run loose as she'd go down the road and jump in the cattle tank and that was nasty smelling.
Yesterday morning I was out watering the dogs and found Katie lying in her pen. Peter buried her out next to our old mare, Aunt B.
One day when Katie was about a year old and Melissa was about 9, we were at the lake outside of Flagler. Katie was off the leash running around. All of a sudden Katie was in front of Melissa barking at a rattle snake. It was late fall and we really didn't expect to see a rattler out. The snake struck at Katie but her chest fur was so thick and dense that it didn't make contact. That's why when we moved to the Springs, Katie was one of the two dogs we brought with us. The other being Cory the Cocker spaniel.
Katie spent her last years as a country dog, barking at the horses and goats. She wasn't a house dog, hated cats and Danny the beagle. Katie had a nice doghouse but sometimes she'd sleep out in the snow. We couldn't let Katie run loose as she'd go down the road and jump in the cattle tank and that was nasty smelling.
Yesterday morning I was out watering the dogs and found Katie lying in her pen. Peter buried her out next to our old mare, Aunt B.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Cute and Adorable, but manly
I have some cute and adorable men in my life. My oldest son, Andy, is 8 year old. Notice that I have photos. This first photo is of Andy and my oldest grandson, James.
Andy really likes being an uncle. He is always going up to James (who turns one year old on September 24) and saying "Hi James."
I can't get another photo to load so I'll do a series about my men.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
New Arrival
Finally it has happened. Melissa gave birth to Derek Steven at 2:39 a.m. on September 2, 2010. He weighed in at 6 lb 14 oz. Mother and baby doing well. Grandma is tired. I have James right now. Melissa and Derek will come home on Friday, baring any unforeseen incidents. Derek was born with the cord around his neck. Melissa had an epidural about 4 hours before delivery. She had very little pushing to do. She has an excellent OB.
Friday, August 27, 2010
From the mouth of babes
The other night my kids (the human ones) went for a walk up our hill/driveway. Eight year old Andy was asking his sister who she voted for. Melissa hemmed and hawwed and Andy said "You voted for Obama didn't you." Melissa admitted she did. Andy asked why and Melissa said at the time is seemed the better choice. Andy was quiet for a little bit and then asked his sister, "How's that Obama thing working out for you." Andy had seen this on a bumper sticker. He's such a little Republican.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Chickens and Junk
On Monday, Melissa, James and I went to the auction. I bought two splash rock hens, a dark Brahma pullet and a dark Brahma cockerel. And 14 baby chicks. And since there was a Schwinn bicycle there that would be perfect for Alex we stayed for awhile longer. BIG Mistake. At the auction people bring in stuff (also known as Junk) and set it out in a space. The auctioneer goes through pulling out the good stuff and then you can bid on the remaining items, so much money for choice of items. And then what is left over one person can buy for one money. That's my downfall. There were several times that the leftovers had one or two small items that I just had to have so I ended up with about 16 boxes of stuff. I did buy Magie some quart jars and yarn. Her girls got some jewelry boxes. Since Magie was planning to come to town and buy feed later I called and asked if she could come save me and help haul the boxes home. 16 boxes of stuff (we combined some of the boxes to get everything home), three bird cages (we took chickens and a drake to sell, not such a good day to sell) a bicycle, chickens and chicks, four adults, five children and one baby into two vehicles. And 8 bags of 50 pound feed.
Get everything home and unloaded.
And it starts to rain. And rain. I had to go outside and shoo the new chickens into the hen house. The rain was coming down so hard it hurt.
Tuesday afternoon I start volunteering at the school again. That's for Tuesday and Thursdays. Wednesday Melissa has doctor appointment. Friday is pantry day. This weekend we are working on fencing, unless it is really hot. I don't like hot. Don't like humid either. And would the flies just go away.
Get everything home and unloaded.
And it starts to rain. And rain. I had to go outside and shoo the new chickens into the hen house. The rain was coming down so hard it hurt.
Tuesday afternoon I start volunteering at the school again. That's for Tuesday and Thursdays. Wednesday Melissa has doctor appointment. Friday is pantry day. This weekend we are working on fencing, unless it is really hot. I don't like hot. Don't like humid either. And would the flies just go away.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A New Year
School started on Tuesday. Andy, who is a third grader, seems to like it. He hasn't complained about homework yet and he's had some both nights. Alex, on the other hand doesn't like the first grade at all. He keeps wanting to be sick. Our school combines Kindergarten and 1st grade, which we did last year. There are 12 in Andy's class and 17 in Andy's class. Our largest class is the combo of 4th and 5th for 19 students.
Had our first board meeting tonight. It went well, not a lot of arguing.
I'm going to start volunteering next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the school. Just in the afternoon. But if Melissa decides to have the baby I'm out of there.
Speaking of Melissa, she had a OB appointment today. She's dialated to 1 cm. So we are on baby watch.
Had our first board meeting tonight. It went well, not a lot of arguing.
I'm going to start volunteering next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the school. Just in the afternoon. But if Melissa decides to have the baby I'm out of there.
Speaking of Melissa, she had a OB appointment today. She's dialated to 1 cm. So we are on baby watch.
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Rose by any other name.....
...would still smell as sweet. When W.S. wrote those words I don't think he meant it to be used as Melissa does. Whenever James has a smelly diaper (and the word smelly is mild for some of the smells) she says he smells like a rose. She was taking him to the bedroom this afternoon for a change and told Andy and Alex that James smelled like a rose. A & A came up to smell, Andy got too close. They aren't agreeing that James smells like a rose. Andy isn't happy about the smelling.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Arrival of Jafar
Remember the villian in the Aladdin movies, Jafar? We have been waiting for four years for Ariel, our momma llama, to have a (black) boy so that we could name it Jafar. So yesterday evening, Peter comes in from grilling supper and asks when did Ariel have the baby. We all go running out there.
Jafar is black like Ariel but has thin white stripes on each of his right feet and a thin white mustache. He's seems to be much curlier than any of his sisters. He's all legs and long ears. Ariel is a very good mother and her daughters Jasmine and Belle are sticking close to their little brother. Quite the little family.
Jafar is black like Ariel but has thin white stripes on each of his right feet and a thin white mustache. He's seems to be much curlier than any of his sisters. He's all legs and long ears. Ariel is a very good mother and her daughters Jasmine and Belle are sticking close to their little brother. Quite the little family.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday Traveling and goat news
One of the cinemas in C/S has 75 cent movies on Tuesdays so off we went. Magie and Glen took their three girls and my two boys. Melissa and I took James to lunch and then to the dollar store. Did you know that you can buy the same brand name bologna and hot dogs at the dollar store as you do at a big grocery store.
Sadly, I forgot the school supply list.
The boys saw "How to train your dragon." They said it was good.
Tomorrow I'm taking Melissa to her OB/GYN. We will be starting the once a week checkups now. What's a little weird is it's the same doctor that delivered Andy (at least the same clinic since Andy was an emergency c-section on a Sunday and Dr. Lasley wasn't on-call, so Dr. Richards delivered Andy)
I'm thinking on Thursday we may go to Manitou, take James to see his dad and my boys can play at the arcade. Friday is pantry day and Saturday we take Jester to the Fowler auction.
Lily, the evil goat, is actually gone. She left last week. Heartlee went to the farm of our school cook (as a pet not food), Joker (one of Lily's kids) was sold yesterday and Baby went back to Magie's. Simon has returned home. There just really isn't enough does around that he's not related to that we can truly justify not wethering him. So that deed is done. So now we have our herd. Jet and Luna (Sage's daughters of three years ago. Jem who is Jet's daughter this year. Larry (wether) and Lorilei who are Luna's kids of this year. We also have Sasha and Simon who are Sage's kids of this year. We finally did put Sage down. Magie found a lump on Sage's backbone where it was growing over a break. Which is why I won't have horned goats here ever again.
Melissa is making sausage, cheese and egg biscuit sandwiches tonight for supper. Peter has a HOA meeting tonight and he has to vote. Did you vote?
Sadly, I forgot the school supply list.
The boys saw "How to train your dragon." They said it was good.
Tomorrow I'm taking Melissa to her OB/GYN. We will be starting the once a week checkups now. What's a little weird is it's the same doctor that delivered Andy (at least the same clinic since Andy was an emergency c-section on a Sunday and Dr. Lasley wasn't on-call, so Dr. Richards delivered Andy)
I'm thinking on Thursday we may go to Manitou, take James to see his dad and my boys can play at the arcade. Friday is pantry day and Saturday we take Jester to the Fowler auction.
Lily, the evil goat, is actually gone. She left last week. Heartlee went to the farm of our school cook (as a pet not food), Joker (one of Lily's kids) was sold yesterday and Baby went back to Magie's. Simon has returned home. There just really isn't enough does around that he's not related to that we can truly justify not wethering him. So that deed is done. So now we have our herd. Jet and Luna (Sage's daughters of three years ago. Jem who is Jet's daughter this year. Larry (wether) and Lorilei who are Luna's kids of this year. We also have Sasha and Simon who are Sage's kids of this year. We finally did put Sage down. Magie found a lump on Sage's backbone where it was growing over a break. Which is why I won't have horned goats here ever again.
Melissa is making sausage, cheese and egg biscuit sandwiches tonight for supper. Peter has a HOA meeting tonight and he has to vote. Did you vote?
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Sun Dill Pickles
We were at brunch at my MILs today and we got to discussing stoves and the fact that you can't can properly with a glass top. The conversation came around to discussing the sun dill pickles so I thought I would share it today. By the way the melons from Rocky Ford are available and they are extra good this year.
Place 1 quart of water, 1 quart of cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of pickling salt into large saucepan. Heat slowly until boiling. Put 3 garlic cloves and 2-3 chunks of onions into a quart jar (this recipe makes 4 quarts). Add 2-3 sprigs of dillweed to each jar. Fill each jar with sliced cucumbers. Pour hot liquid over cucumbers to the top of the jar. Seal and set in the sun for 6 days. Rotate 1/4 turn each day. After 6 days store 4-6 months in cool place for best results.
Place 1 quart of water, 1 quart of cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of pickling salt into large saucepan. Heat slowly until boiling. Put 3 garlic cloves and 2-3 chunks of onions into a quart jar (this recipe makes 4 quarts). Add 2-3 sprigs of dillweed to each jar. Fill each jar with sliced cucumbers. Pour hot liquid over cucumbers to the top of the jar. Seal and set in the sun for 6 days. Rotate 1/4 turn each day. After 6 days store 4-6 months in cool place for best results.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Spicy Wings
Melissa and I made this recipe for supper on Saturday night. I also make this for the Super Bowl dinner.
3/4 c flour
2 T seasoned salt
1 t. pepper
dash of onion powder
I used two packages of chicken wings with this recipe. Dredge the chicken in the above mixture. put on rack and refrigerate for one hour. Mix together 1 cup of chipolte sauce and 3 T butter. Melt together. Baste chicken wings with hot sauce and bake for 1 hour at 400*
Peter is having the three leftover wings for his lunch tomorrow.
3/4 c flour
2 T seasoned salt
1 t. pepper
dash of onion powder
I used two packages of chicken wings with this recipe. Dredge the chicken in the above mixture. put on rack and refrigerate for one hour. Mix together 1 cup of chipolte sauce and 3 T butter. Melt together. Baste chicken wings with hot sauce and bake for 1 hour at 400*
Peter is having the three leftover wings for his lunch tomorrow.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Happy Anniversary
Today, August 1st, is my best friend Magie's wedding anniversary. After church today, we are bringing her three girls over for the day so that she and her husband can go on a date. I have "chores" for the girls to do. But I fear that they will be more interested in playing with baby James. Check out Magie's blog and wish her a happy anniversary. (see Magpie's meadow on the blog list, I haven't figured out how to do links yet or add pictures, I think those details are beyond me)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Flies Everywhere
We live in the country. So it is natural that we have flies. But the number of flies lately has been just ridiculous. I'm spraying the horses (when they let me) and the goats and dogs. The chickens have an automatic fly spray dispenser.
Ever notice how when you have a fly problem, and you get the fly swatter, the flies all scatter.
Our church is also having a fly problem. Also in the country. There's a bug zapper hanging up in the kitchen.
While I was gone to Minnesota, one of the cats knocked over the finch cage. They had already killed Annie, my only female. Sharky died the day we came home. Freddie the Finch is doing well but he is now missing a foot. But he hops around and flies in the cage. Eating well and still taking baths in the drinking water.
I put a kiddie pool out for the ducks. There's something about a duck splashing around in the water that just makes you smile. Even when you have a fly problem. And beetles and spiders. I'm getting a bug bomb today. The bugs and insects are going away.
Ever notice how when you have a fly problem, and you get the fly swatter, the flies all scatter.
Our church is also having a fly problem. Also in the country. There's a bug zapper hanging up in the kitchen.
While I was gone to Minnesota, one of the cats knocked over the finch cage. They had already killed Annie, my only female. Sharky died the day we came home. Freddie the Finch is doing well but he is now missing a foot. But he hops around and flies in the cage. Eating well and still taking baths in the drinking water.
I put a kiddie pool out for the ducks. There's something about a duck splashing around in the water that just makes you smile. Even when you have a fly problem. And beetles and spiders. I'm getting a bug bomb today. The bugs and insects are going away.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
It was a really really long trip
Wednesday morning Magie, Eliza and I left for Minnesota. We dropped the boys off at my parents along the way. We had traded cars with Magie's brother, Sheldon, for the trip. So glad we did. Thanks Sheldon.
Going to Minnesota wasn't too bad,at least the first part of the trip. Going through Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska were fine. It was when we got to Iowa that things got a little less fine. First Mapquest was WRONG and we ended up in a scary part of Sioux City (it was dark, we were lost so it was scary) And then the rain started. And it poured. and poured and poured some more. The hiway patrol closed the road ahead of us due to flooding on the road. So instead of driving straight through we got a hotel for the rest of the night (1:30 a.m.).
We were back on the road by 6 a.m.
We finally made it to Sauk Rapids by 1 p.m. Thursday. Did I mention that my daughter has a lot of stuff. Magie tied the three suitcases on top of the vehicle, and when Magie ties something it doesn't go anywhere.
So we headed back to Colorado.
There were storms building up in Nebraska so we thought we could make better time by going through S. Dakota. We were so wrong.
Why is it that states think that summer (you know, the tourist season) is the best time to do road construction. I think that Fall would be a much better time, not as much traffic and the workers aren't out in the heat.
We figure we added about 9 hours to our trip with the detours, slower traffic, delays and all that go with road construction. Every road we turned on had some work being done. Every one.
Anyway, we made it back about 7 p.m. on Friday. Pantry was Saturday. Mom and Dad brought the boys home on Saturday. Melissa and baby James are settling in. Oh and Magie was giving James coffee from her ice cream and he liked it.
We are talking about bringing the families up to S. Dakota next summer and going to Mt. Rushmore for vacation. We shall see. I took a bunch of pictures but I can't figure out how to add them.
Going to Minnesota wasn't too bad,at least the first part of the trip. Going through Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska were fine. It was when we got to Iowa that things got a little less fine. First Mapquest was WRONG and we ended up in a scary part of Sioux City (it was dark, we were lost so it was scary) And then the rain started. And it poured. and poured and poured some more. The hiway patrol closed the road ahead of us due to flooding on the road. So instead of driving straight through we got a hotel for the rest of the night (1:30 a.m.).
We were back on the road by 6 a.m.
We finally made it to Sauk Rapids by 1 p.m. Thursday. Did I mention that my daughter has a lot of stuff. Magie tied the three suitcases on top of the vehicle, and when Magie ties something it doesn't go anywhere.
So we headed back to Colorado.
There were storms building up in Nebraska so we thought we could make better time by going through S. Dakota. We were so wrong.
Why is it that states think that summer (you know, the tourist season) is the best time to do road construction. I think that Fall would be a much better time, not as much traffic and the workers aren't out in the heat.
We figure we added about 9 hours to our trip with the detours, slower traffic, delays and all that go with road construction. Every road we turned on had some work being done. Every one.
Anyway, we made it back about 7 p.m. on Friday. Pantry was Saturday. Mom and Dad brought the boys home on Saturday. Melissa and baby James are settling in. Oh and Magie was giving James coffee from her ice cream and he liked it.
We are talking about bringing the families up to S. Dakota next summer and going to Mt. Rushmore for vacation. We shall see. I took a bunch of pictures but I can't figure out how to add them.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The current plan
My daughter Melissa, who is 20, is moving back to Colorado. With her 10 month old boy, James. Yep, I'm a grandma. The boyfriend left Minnesota on a bus to come back for a job. So next Tuesday I'm going to get new tires for the jeep, some supplies and the monthly livestock feed. Wednesday morning I'll load up the boys and Eliza and head out. Dropping the boys off at the grandparents. Peter has to stay home and work and since he really isn't a farmer (such a city boy) Magie is coming over every morning while I'm gone to feed the animals.
I've never been to Minnesota. I've been through a number of states and lived in three. Kansas, Colorado and Alabama. I've been to Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Wyoming, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas (my greatgrandpa lived there), Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the other states in a line from NJ to Kansas. I've also been to New Mexico for a job interview (I don't speak Spanish well enough) and Utah for a conference. I'm thinking (today) that I'll go through Nebraska to S. Dakota (new state) to Minnesota. It's supposed to be a 20 hour drive, I'll be taking several days. Did I mention that Melissa is pregnant again and due in September which is why she's not on the bus. She's never flown on a plane and you couldn't get me on another plane.
I've never been to Minnesota. I've been through a number of states and lived in three. Kansas, Colorado and Alabama. I've been to Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Wyoming, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas (my greatgrandpa lived there), Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the other states in a line from NJ to Kansas. I've also been to New Mexico for a job interview (I don't speak Spanish well enough) and Utah for a conference. I'm thinking (today) that I'll go through Nebraska to S. Dakota (new state) to Minnesota. It's supposed to be a 20 hour drive, I'll be taking several days. Did I mention that Melissa is pregnant again and due in September which is why she's not on the bus. She's never flown on a plane and you couldn't get me on another plane.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Pieces of this and that
Lily is still here. Fishing interfered with her leaving for the auction. And there was no auction on Saturday or Monday because of the 4th. Phoebe is here for awhile so we are getting some milk from here. Either the heat is getting to her or she's pregnant but she's only producing about a quart every other day. But she's quite the sweetheart.
When we went fishing on Monday (Peter had the day off) he caught one blue gill. Alex wanted to make a pet of it. The fish didn't survive 24 hours. Alex did find a praying mantis to bring home and put in his bug collector.
We have joined Facebook, mostly to let the boys play the games. We are having difficulty in getting onto Happy Aquarium. Magie says it is because so many people are playing it. So what is a good time to get on?
I found the rest of Alex's birthday bag of presents yesterday. Magie had the boys as I also picked up a desk from my MIL for Andy. Alex has a desk of my grandmother's. So we have those two desks, my grandfather's desk, a secretary from MIL, the boys computer desk (I know it's a little overkill) and the big computer desk. That's an awful lot of desks. And the boys will probably do their homework at the kitchen table. At least until they are a little bit older.
Today we clean house, Thursday Magie's girls are coming over and Friday is pantry day. Saturday I am taking Lily to the auction (really), picking up a pizza and having my parents and maybe my brother over for Alex's birthday. Sunday is church, we are getting closer to the 100 year celebration. Then on Monday I might be taking one or two of Magie's bucks to the Calhan auction. I do not want to take them at the same time as Lily. No that would be a BAD thing.
When we went fishing on Monday (Peter had the day off) he caught one blue gill. Alex wanted to make a pet of it. The fish didn't survive 24 hours. Alex did find a praying mantis to bring home and put in his bug collector.
We have joined Facebook, mostly to let the boys play the games. We are having difficulty in getting onto Happy Aquarium. Magie says it is because so many people are playing it. So what is a good time to get on?
I found the rest of Alex's birthday bag of presents yesterday. Magie had the boys as I also picked up a desk from my MIL for Andy. Alex has a desk of my grandmother's. So we have those two desks, my grandfather's desk, a secretary from MIL, the boys computer desk (I know it's a little overkill) and the big computer desk. That's an awful lot of desks. And the boys will probably do their homework at the kitchen table. At least until they are a little bit older.
Today we clean house, Thursday Magie's girls are coming over and Friday is pantry day. Saturday I am taking Lily to the auction (really), picking up a pizza and having my parents and maybe my brother over for Alex's birthday. Sunday is church, we are getting closer to the 100 year celebration. Then on Monday I might be taking one or two of Magie's bucks to the Calhan auction. I do not want to take them at the same time as Lily. No that would be a BAD thing.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Best laid plans
You know what they say about best laid plans. (And who is "they" anyway) For the 4th we had friends over, Magie and her troop. Another family was coming but they had more family come over. We did some poppers and some smoke bombs. And then we thought we should wait until it got darker to do the fountains and sparklers etc. So we watched "Independence Day" (Ironic) But of course being the plains of Colorado the wind picks up. And then it started to rain. And hail. And more wind. So by the time the movie was over (11 p.m.) the rain had stopped but it was still windy and the kids were tired. So we will try tonight. Stay tuned to see what happens. Since Peter has today off from work, we are going fishing.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Countdown to 100
On July 18th, Antioch Community Church will celebrate it's 100th birthday. If you are in the area, please join us. Pastor Randy starts things off with one of his excellent sermons at 10 a.m. Following church services which involves lots of singing and praying, we will have a barbeque with games for the kids and even more music. I know Magie has a couple of songs for the day and I'm guessing the Bruces and the Fields will have some as well. (If you need fireworks, go to the Collins Fireworks stand in the Kmart parking lot on Powers in Colorado Springs, tell Mark and Aleta Fields "Hi.")
If you need directions please email me and I'll send them.
You won't find Antioch the community on any map, it doesn't exist on paper.
If you need directions please email me and I'll send them.
You won't find Antioch the community on any map, it doesn't exist on paper.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Chicken Wraps
So last night after spending the day in the hospital, I wanted to fix something quick and easy for supper. Alex thought it looked "gross" and wouldn't eat it.
I found the original recipe on a package of chopped cabbage and tweaked it a bit.
Cook 2 chopped green peppers in pan. Add small package of chopped cabbage (or chop it yourself) Add 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Saute all until veggies are soft. Add teriyaki sauce to taste. Heat for a few minutes more. Wrap in flour tortilla and serve. Peter liked this so he's having leftovers for lunch today.
I found the original recipe on a package of chopped cabbage and tweaked it a bit.
Cook 2 chopped green peppers in pan. Add small package of chopped cabbage (or chop it yourself) Add 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Saute all until veggies are soft. Add teriyaki sauce to taste. Heat for a few minutes more. Wrap in flour tortilla and serve. Peter liked this so he's having leftovers for lunch today.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Doctor said I'm "great"
Last Wednesday the medical van came out to the church to offer medical services. In order to keep them coming they need warm bodies receiving services. Since the services are free and I like to support the church activities, I signed up and had my blood drawn to be tested.
This morning at 5:15 a.m. the medical company called and said that my potassium level was dangerously high and I needed to go to the emergency room right away. This based on blood drawn 6 days ago.
So I end up at the ER (thank you Magie for taking the boys on no notice, just me showing up and dropping them off). The hospital proceeds to run more blood work (I can't tell you how much I enjoy having blood taken, really I can't tell you that because I'd be telling a big fat LIE.)
In addition to the blood work they also did an EKG and some other tests. The results came back negative, fine, great etc. Come to find out if the lab lets your blood sit around for 5 days it starts to deteriorate and gives a false level of potassium. So instead of a level 7 (stroke city) it's at a 4 (quite a normal range). So basically there was a lot and lot of worry (Peter, my MIL, my BIL, my SIL, Magie and me) for NOTHING. Except for the big whooping bill we'll get from the hospital and a raise in our health insurance. And I'm healthy.
This morning at 5:15 a.m. the medical company called and said that my potassium level was dangerously high and I needed to go to the emergency room right away. This based on blood drawn 6 days ago.
So I end up at the ER (thank you Magie for taking the boys on no notice, just me showing up and dropping them off). The hospital proceeds to run more blood work (I can't tell you how much I enjoy having blood taken, really I can't tell you that because I'd be telling a big fat LIE.)
In addition to the blood work they also did an EKG and some other tests. The results came back negative, fine, great etc. Come to find out if the lab lets your blood sit around for 5 days it starts to deteriorate and gives a false level of potassium. So instead of a level 7 (stroke city) it's at a 4 (quite a normal range). So basically there was a lot and lot of worry (Peter, my MIL, my BIL, my SIL, Magie and me) for NOTHING. Except for the big whooping bill we'll get from the hospital and a raise in our health insurance. And I'm healthy.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday follies
It's the fourth Friday of the month which means pantry day. On the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month several of us unload and stock the shelves at our church's food pantry. The following Saturday people in the community can come shop for food. We have a wide variety of food to choose from. It's based on a point system, no more than 40 points per family. And the air conditioner wasn't on at the church. It's over a 100 degrees today, enough said.
Tomorrow we are finally taking Lily to the auction in Fowler. Magie is going to loan me the beautiful Phoebe to be the lead doe for awhile since Luna and Jet aren't up to the job. Hopefully Jem, Sasha, Baby or Lorelei will be our new matriarch to take their mom/grandma Sage's place.
I tried to leave a comment for Meredith about the eggs on her post (see 7000 feet to the right) but the computer wasn't cooperating. Those are Amercuana eggs. I have everal chickens that will lay those when they get a little older. They (whoever they are) say that the green or blue eggs are actually lower in the bad cholesterol. I used to have some hens but they went for some predator's lunch.
Sunday we are planning to go fishing, probably at Willow Springs pond in Fountain. It's a nice place, trees, bathroom facilities, picnic tables (my fishing requirements plus reading material) and fish (that the guys requirement).
Tomorrow we are finally taking Lily to the auction in Fowler. Magie is going to loan me the beautiful Phoebe to be the lead doe for awhile since Luna and Jet aren't up to the job. Hopefully Jem, Sasha, Baby or Lorelei will be our new matriarch to take their mom/grandma Sage's place.
I tried to leave a comment for Meredith about the eggs on her post (see 7000 feet to the right) but the computer wasn't cooperating. Those are Amercuana eggs. I have everal chickens that will lay those when they get a little older. They (whoever they are) say that the green or blue eggs are actually lower in the bad cholesterol. I used to have some hens but they went for some predator's lunch.
Sunday we are planning to go fishing, probably at Willow Springs pond in Fountain. It's a nice place, trees, bathroom facilities, picnic tables (my fishing requirements plus reading material) and fish (that the guys requirement).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pork chops and rice casserole
Last night we had supper at the MILs and she fixed this-
5 thin cut pork loin chops
2 cans consomme
1 t. thyme
1 t. marjoram
1 c. uncooked rice
Place rice in bottom of casserole dish. Brown pork chops well in skillet with a little grease (oil). Place in casserole. Salt and pepper lightly. Sprinkle with thyme and marjoram. Put thin slices of tomatoes, onions and green peppers on each pork chop. Pour consomme over all. Bake at 325* for 1 1/2 hours or until rice is done and liquid is absorbed.
5 thin cut pork loin chops
2 cans consomme
1 t. thyme
1 t. marjoram
1 c. uncooked rice
Place rice in bottom of casserole dish. Brown pork chops well in skillet with a little grease (oil). Place in casserole. Salt and pepper lightly. Sprinkle with thyme and marjoram. Put thin slices of tomatoes, onions and green peppers on each pork chop. Pour consomme over all. Bake at 325* for 1 1/2 hours or until rice is done and liquid is absorbed.
Friday, June 18, 2010
It's wabbit season...no it's dryer season
The other day a friend of mine, it's not Magie, saw a skunk going across her yard. In the daytime. Which usually means it's rabid and there are reports of rabid skunks in the area so better be safe than sorry. So this friend gets her shotgun and proceeds to shot the skunk.
She hits the skunk, it staggers. She shoots it again. It staggers. Fortunately the skunk is now across the road in a pasture so she shoots it again. Finally it drops.
Going back into the house she then proceeds to shoot her dryer. I don't profess to understand guns but she was doing something with the spent shell casings. The shot went through the front of the dryer and out the side without hitting the drum. The shot then punctured a number of juice cans and soup cans on the pantry shelves. Imagine the mess, if you will. Just another day living in the country.
She hits the skunk, it staggers. She shoots it again. It staggers. Fortunately the skunk is now across the road in a pasture so she shoots it again. Finally it drops.
Going back into the house she then proceeds to shoot her dryer. I don't profess to understand guns but she was doing something with the spent shell casings. The shot went through the front of the dryer and out the side without hitting the drum. The shot then punctured a number of juice cans and soup cans on the pantry shelves. Imagine the mess, if you will. Just another day living in the country.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A moment of silence, please
We have had an invasion of devasting proportions. Several weeks ago I planted 9 tomato plants, green beans, sunflowers, hot peppers and currents. In the last two days the little green grasshoppers have just decimated the garden. I'm not starting over. I'll plant out wildflower seeds instead. Those little bugs are also eating my one larger lilac and munching holes in the iris leaves.
It was rather chilly, sweatshirt weather, here yesterday. I even turned the heat lamp back on for the baby chicks last night.
Something happened with the nesting momma duck. Three of her eggs went missing yesterday between 10 am and 10 pm, she abandoned the remaining three eggs and took her two babies to another corner of the shed. I think I'm going to put her in the chick room with the babies in a cage. Should be fun, she's rather protective.
It was rather chilly, sweatshirt weather, here yesterday. I even turned the heat lamp back on for the baby chicks last night.
Something happened with the nesting momma duck. Three of her eggs went missing yesterday between 10 am and 10 pm, she abandoned the remaining three eggs and took her two babies to another corner of the shed. I think I'm going to put her in the chick room with the babies in a cage. Should be fun, she's rather protective.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Change is good
So I made some changes to Green Gates Farm blog. I changed the design. I'm not talented enough to design my own. I added three new blogs to follow. One is Magie's Meadow, she's my bestest friend (yes Mom, I know "bestest" isn't a real word but that's the word Magie and I use.) I also added Carpool Queen and 7000 feet, both pretty awesome blogs and 7000 feet takes place in Colorado, yeah for Colorado. Nothing against the other 49 states, but you have to admit Colorado is pretty awesome. And I wasn't born here, nope, I'm a native Kansas girl.
So there will be some changes going on at the real life Green Gates Farm. We are selling Lily, one of the Boer does at the auction today. She's been butting Heartlee, Baby and Sasha around and they don't have a momma to take care of them. Well, Sasha does but Sage isn't getting up and doesn't acknowledge Sasha as hers anyway.
This next week I'll be gone most of the time helping Magie move to the new farm. and then the following week I'll start redecorating the master bedroom--wallpaper and paint, flooring. Hope to finish it by Alex's birthday on July 10. He will be 7.
So there will be some changes going on at the real life Green Gates Farm. We are selling Lily, one of the Boer does at the auction today. She's been butting Heartlee, Baby and Sasha around and they don't have a momma to take care of them. Well, Sasha does but Sage isn't getting up and doesn't acknowledge Sasha as hers anyway.
This next week I'll be gone most of the time helping Magie move to the new farm. and then the following week I'll start redecorating the master bedroom--wallpaper and paint, flooring. Hope to finish it by Alex's birthday on July 10. He will be 7.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
10 on the 10th
This is my first 10 on the 10th so bear with me. Thanks to Meredith at Live at 7000 feet for this list. Please see her blog to the right as I can't figure out how to do a link.
10 things I can't live without
1. Andy
2. Alex
3. Peter
Isn't that enough?
4. My parents
5. My best friend Magie
6. Magie's three girls
7. Grandma's pot roast recipe
8. open space - why we live in the country
9. the multitude of animals running around here
10. last but not least Pepsi-Cola.
There, I did it
10 things I can't live without
1. Andy
2. Alex
3. Peter
Isn't that enough?
4. My parents
5. My best friend Magie
6. Magie's three girls
7. Grandma's pot roast recipe
8. open space - why we live in the country
9. the multitude of animals running around here
10. last but not least Pepsi-Cola.
There, I did it
Dinner time prayer
This evening Alex, almost 7 and will be in 1st grade this fall, was reading the dinner prayer. Bear in mind that Peter wrote it out and he has very bad penmanship skills. The word in parenthesis is what should actually be said.
Lord, we thank Lee (thee) for this food, and bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. Forgive our sons (sins) and sove us for food (for Christ's sake.) Amen.
I'm sorry I couldn't help but to start laughing. Alex left the table in a huff and only came back so that he could have dessert of icees.
Lord, we thank Lee (thee) for this food, and bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. Forgive our sons (sins) and sove us for food (for Christ's sake.) Amen.
I'm sorry I couldn't help but to start laughing. Alex left the table in a huff and only came back so that he could have dessert of icees.
Happy Birthday baby brother
It was 41 years ago today that my mom had my little brother. Ken was born with a black eye and a dent in his head because they induced as my dad was leaving in three days for Vietnam. He was a helicopter pilot in the US Army. Ken's 5 years, 6 months and 8 days younger than me and about a foot taller.
He was okay as a little brother, HE got away with a lot more than I did. He was pretty funny most of the time. There was the time that right before school pictures he not only hit his head on the radiator he also cut his bangs....he was three at the time so you know how his self barber job turned out.
I keep telling Alex that he's a little brother like his Uncle Ken and his dad. Andy prefers to be the older sibling like me.
But anyway - Happy birthday Kenny.
He was okay as a little brother, HE got away with a lot more than I did. He was pretty funny most of the time. There was the time that right before school pictures he not only hit his head on the radiator he also cut his bangs....he was three at the time so you know how his self barber job turned out.
I keep telling Alex that he's a little brother like his Uncle Ken and his dad. Andy prefers to be the older sibling like me.
But anyway - Happy birthday Kenny.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wishes
If wishes were horses, I'd have a whole herd. Saw a shooting star tonight while I was filling the horse tank. I wished for another horse so Comet would have a buddy since Gypsy doesn't like him much and Sophie hangs out with her mom.
Wished the coyotes would be quiet.
Wished that the boys would get along better. But they are good kids. Mostly.
Wished that while the population of snakes is declining in Africa, the rattler population in Colorado could take a serious nosedive. I really, really don't like snakes.
Wished it wouldn't be hot tomorrow, I have peppers and tomatoes still to plant.
Wished the grasshoppers would find something else to eat besides my garden.
So, if wishes were horses.
Wished the coyotes would be quiet.
Wished that the boys would get along better. But they are good kids. Mostly.
Wished that while the population of snakes is declining in Africa, the rattler population in Colorado could take a serious nosedive. I really, really don't like snakes.
Wished it wouldn't be hot tomorrow, I have peppers and tomatoes still to plant.
Wished the grasshoppers would find something else to eat besides my garden.
So, if wishes were horses.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cereal
My boys love cereal. Especially Alex. He would live on cereal if I'd let him. He has cereal for breakfast, morning snack, lunch dessert, afternoon snack--you get the idea.
When I was a kid, we had healthy cereal or grits for breakfast. The boys don't like grits, (I didn't either back then). Having Alpha bits was a rare treat. I don't get a lot of sugary cereals. Mostly we get corn flakes or rice krispies. I do have a box of raisin bran crunch but the boys don't like it.
They keep asking for oatmeal but I just can't wrap my brain around oatmeal in the summer. I do have some blueberries to put on the cereal but we think Andy is allergic. Also have mixed berries and strawberries. But my fave is still captain crunch. The original.
When I was a kid, we had healthy cereal or grits for breakfast. The boys don't like grits, (I didn't either back then). Having Alpha bits was a rare treat. I don't get a lot of sugary cereals. Mostly we get corn flakes or rice krispies. I do have a box of raisin bran crunch but the boys don't like it.
They keep asking for oatmeal but I just can't wrap my brain around oatmeal in the summer. I do have some blueberries to put on the cereal but we think Andy is allergic. Also have mixed berries and strawberries. But my fave is still captain crunch. The original.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Radio Pudding
Many year ago my Grandma Smith was listening to the radio and heard this recipe broadcast. She missed the name of the dessert so the family knows it as "Radio Pudding."
Make a syrup out of:
1 c. sugar
2 c. water
1/8 t. salt
Put into baking dish
Cream together 1/2 c. sugar and 1 T. butter. Add 1/2 c. milk alternately with mix of 1 c. flour, 2 t. baking powder, 1 T cocoa. Add 1/2 c. raisins and drop by spoonfuls into hot syrup.
Bake 350* for 25 minutes. Serve with whipped topping. Recipe makes 6-8 servings, in a 9x9 pan. Double for 9x13 pan.
We have had this for many family get togethers, mostly holidays. And there's never any leftovers.
Our church is celebrating it's Centennial. We are putting together a cookbook. This is one of the recipes that I'm submitting.
Make a syrup out of:
1 c. sugar
2 c. water
1/8 t. salt
Put into baking dish
Cream together 1/2 c. sugar and 1 T. butter. Add 1/2 c. milk alternately with mix of 1 c. flour, 2 t. baking powder, 1 T cocoa. Add 1/2 c. raisins and drop by spoonfuls into hot syrup.
Bake 350* for 25 minutes. Serve with whipped topping. Recipe makes 6-8 servings, in a 9x9 pan. Double for 9x13 pan.
We have had this for many family get togethers, mostly holidays. And there's never any leftovers.
Our church is celebrating it's Centennial. We are putting together a cookbook. This is one of the recipes that I'm submitting.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Compassion vs. Craziness
Over at Bee Haven Acres they've adopted a 15 year old dog, asking are they crazy? I don't think so but then I'm the one who brought home a 25 year old mare (Aunt B), a 22 year old blind mare (Nikena) a number of crippled birds, plucked bare chickens and then there is Danny the beagle who came from the pound. Danny, I was told, was 4 years old, I have always thought him older, so now he is at least 10. And then there is Eliza, we adopted her a year ago as a nine year old, maybe. She has a lot more energy then Danny. So I don't think anyone who adopts an older dog or cat, crippled duck or blind horse is crazy, just compassionate. And if we are crazy, so what? it's for a good cause.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Last Day of School
It's happened. School is officially over for the summer. Two and half months of all day boy stuff.
School begins August 17. And yes I'm counting the days until then. I dearly love my boys but they have so much energy. And it was over 90* today.
Picked up the turkeys and Magie gave me 3 cayuga ducklings for a goose. Still waiting for Lucky Duck to hatch her eggs.
I'm thinking that my mom needs to start a blog, her children and grandchildren could keep up with what's going on. I think she's busier now that she's retired from teaching.
School begins August 17. And yes I'm counting the days until then. I dearly love my boys but they have so much energy. And it was over 90* today.
Picked up the turkeys and Magie gave me 3 cayuga ducklings for a goose. Still waiting for Lucky Duck to hatch her eggs.
I'm thinking that my mom needs to start a blog, her children and grandchildren could keep up with what's going on. I think she's busier now that she's retired from teaching.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
And the chickens just keep coming
So on Monday I took a rooster, 8 2-month old chicks and 4 2-week old chicks to the auction. Brought home 4 chicks (hey, they are cochins) and (3) year-old cochin hens.
Tuesday the pipe under the sink started leaking.
Wednesday, that's today, this am the post office tells me that my chicks and Magie's goslings are in so I go rushing up to get them - 15 miles one way. Not my chicks and it's a good thing since most of the probably 100 chicks in the box had died. Took a load of fencing over to Magie's new place, raced to Fountain to get dog food since we were so out. and got Granny some chocolate syrup. Came back for the awards program at the school. Andy and Alex both did well in reading, math, writing. Alex won for best Kindergarten artist and Andy took the only science award in 2nd grade.
Then I called the post office in the city and my chicks had just come in on the truck so we dashed to town to get them. Had dinner at McDonalds. Ate in the car on the way home. Got the chicks settled in, gave Lori and Larry each a bottle. We are going to dry up Luna, she's not nursing with mastitis on one side and a cut on the other side.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I'm volunteering at the school. I did get a cup for during the award ceremony for volunteering. Friday a.m. Magie and I go to the co-op to pick up her other goslings and my turkeys. School gets out at 1 pm after the school barbeque.
This weekend we are putting in the veggie garden, planting Andy's flower garden, moving the nesting box.
And sometime soon, Lucky Duck should hatch her 10 eggs plus the one chicken egg she's sitting on. And we really need to wether Jester, Joker and Simon. with Larry to follow soon thereafter.
Tuesday the pipe under the sink started leaking.
Wednesday, that's today, this am the post office tells me that my chicks and Magie's goslings are in so I go rushing up to get them - 15 miles one way. Not my chicks and it's a good thing since most of the probably 100 chicks in the box had died. Took a load of fencing over to Magie's new place, raced to Fountain to get dog food since we were so out. and got Granny some chocolate syrup. Came back for the awards program at the school. Andy and Alex both did well in reading, math, writing. Alex won for best Kindergarten artist and Andy took the only science award in 2nd grade.
Then I called the post office in the city and my chicks had just come in on the truck so we dashed to town to get them. Had dinner at McDonalds. Ate in the car on the way home. Got the chicks settled in, gave Lori and Larry each a bottle. We are going to dry up Luna, she's not nursing with mastitis on one side and a cut on the other side.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I'm volunteering at the school. I did get a cup for during the award ceremony for volunteering. Friday a.m. Magie and I go to the co-op to pick up her other goslings and my turkeys. School gets out at 1 pm after the school barbeque.
This weekend we are putting in the veggie garden, planting Andy's flower garden, moving the nesting box.
And sometime soon, Lucky Duck should hatch her 10 eggs plus the one chicken egg she's sitting on. And we really need to wether Jester, Joker and Simon. with Larry to follow soon thereafter.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Menu planning
I find it helps to write out the menu for a week. A week is about all I can deal with and still follow it pretty closely.
Sunday - pot roast with corn and mashed potatoes (the girls were over for supper)
Monday - I'm taking the boys to see "Shrek - the final chapter" and then do a little shopping and then have supper at Country Buffet. I have coupons for the boys to eat free.
Tuesday - Stew made from the left over pot roast
Wednesday - Pork chops, black beans and rice, fruit cocktail
Thursday - Spaghetti (Andy's favorite) and salad
Friday - Pizza and ice cream
Saturday - possibly going to MIL we do most Saturdays
And on Wednesday I have baby turkeys (4 royal palms and 3 bronze) coming (at the co-op) and 19 chicks coming in the mail. I ordered 11 russian orloffs, 3 are roosters and 8 straight run crested polish assortment. I'm also going into the Springs to pick up new doors, self leveling cement and flooring for the den. I found an awesome chair for the computer desk at Goodwill.
Tuesday and Thursday I'll volunteer for the last time at the school. Thursday is also field event day and elementary awards.
Friday is the last day of school with a barbeque and early dismissal.
Sunday - pot roast with corn and mashed potatoes (the girls were over for supper)
Monday - I'm taking the boys to see "Shrek - the final chapter" and then do a little shopping and then have supper at Country Buffet. I have coupons for the boys to eat free.
Tuesday - Stew made from the left over pot roast
Wednesday - Pork chops, black beans and rice, fruit cocktail
Thursday - Spaghetti (Andy's favorite) and salad
Friday - Pizza and ice cream
Saturday - possibly going to MIL we do most Saturdays
And on Wednesday I have baby turkeys (4 royal palms and 3 bronze) coming (at the co-op) and 19 chicks coming in the mail. I ordered 11 russian orloffs, 3 are roosters and 8 straight run crested polish assortment. I'm also going into the Springs to pick up new doors, self leveling cement and flooring for the den. I found an awesome chair for the computer desk at Goodwill.
Tuesday and Thursday I'll volunteer for the last time at the school. Thursday is also field event day and elementary awards.
Friday is the last day of school with a barbeque and early dismissal.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
It's a part of country living
This morning the dogs were barking and barking. I thought maybe we had a coyote. I went outside to make sure the baby goats were alright and as I got closer to the dog pen I could hear that distinctive rattle.
It was a 3 foot long rattle snake.
I grabbed the long handled shovel and proceeded to slice the snake with it. I didn't actually cut through the snake but the job was done. I picked up the snake with shovel and threw it in the burn barrel. We generally have one or two rattlers at the house area a year. Usually one or two of the animals get bit a year. So far, knock on wood, no people have gotten bitten.
We usually kill a large number of snakes by driving over them on the roads. I couldn't find any animals with bites this time. Although one of our cats, Milo, has now been missing for five days. We still have his mother, Sheba, brother Socks and half brother Cosmo. And Tigger, Salem, Rocky, Ben (who is Sheba's brother), Meigs and Keiko. Just the girls, Sheba and Keiko are in the house.
It was a 3 foot long rattle snake.
I grabbed the long handled shovel and proceeded to slice the snake with it. I didn't actually cut through the snake but the job was done. I picked up the snake with shovel and threw it in the burn barrel. We generally have one or two rattlers at the house area a year. Usually one or two of the animals get bit a year. So far, knock on wood, no people have gotten bitten.
We usually kill a large number of snakes by driving over them on the roads. I couldn't find any animals with bites this time. Although one of our cats, Milo, has now been missing for five days. We still have his mother, Sheba, brother Socks and half brother Cosmo. And Tigger, Salem, Rocky, Ben (who is Sheba's brother), Meigs and Keiko. Just the girls, Sheba and Keiko are in the house.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
And two more equals thirteen
It finally happened. I came home from volunteering at the school today to find that Luna had two babies. Last year she had one baby, dropped him in the middle of the field and fled. This year she had Lora and Larry in the barn, cleaned and fed by the time I found them. She was laying next to them. I moved them into the kid room.
So now we have 13 goats.
1. Sage who is the mother of Luna and Jet and this years Simon and Sasha
2. Lily who is the mother of Jester and Joker
3. Jet (see Sage) who is the mother of Jem.
4. Luna (see Sage) who is the mother of Lora and Larry
5. Little orphan babies Baby and Heartlee.
That's 13 goats. I shouldn't have a weed problem this year. Going to have to save some money to buy hay this winter.
And we have the baby chickens, baby ducks waiting to be hatched in the shed under their mother, baby turkeys coming on the 26th and maybe a baby llama coming the end of summer. Just babies everywhere.
So now we have 13 goats.
1. Sage who is the mother of Luna and Jet and this years Simon and Sasha
2. Lily who is the mother of Jester and Joker
3. Jet (see Sage) who is the mother of Jem.
4. Luna (see Sage) who is the mother of Lora and Larry
5. Little orphan babies Baby and Heartlee.
That's 13 goats. I shouldn't have a weed problem this year. Going to have to save some money to buy hay this winter.
And we have the baby chickens, baby ducks waiting to be hatched in the shed under their mother, baby turkeys coming on the 26th and maybe a baby llama coming the end of summer. Just babies everywhere.
Monday, May 10, 2010
It was a nice day for mothers
So yesterday morning, Peter brought me breakfast in bed. He had made blueberry pancakes from scratch. He always makes pancakes from scratch. The blueberries are the fat juicy kind as opposed to the hard dried out kind. Sadly, while the outside of the pancakes were done, the interior was not. So while he made some more, I went out to do the farm chores. Luna still hasn't had those babies yet. I asked Sophie if she had told her mom happy mother's day. She just wanted to be feed. Silly horse.
I came back into the house and Andy and Alex had eaten all the pancakes. So on our way to my parent's house we stopped in Limon and got drinks and I had a snickers bar for breakfast.
We had a very nice day. We gave my mom a framed b&w photo of the boys and she gave me some metal butterflies for the garden. I seem to have some sort of condition which enables me to always leave something at their house. So this time I left the butterflies. I had left the camera and the soy oil at home. And my dad's birthday present (it's in January). Maybe for Alex's birthday in July.
If anyone is reading this blog, please leave a little note to say that you are. Or am I just spinning my wheels writing to the wind?
I came back into the house and Andy and Alex had eaten all the pancakes. So on our way to my parent's house we stopped in Limon and got drinks and I had a snickers bar for breakfast.
We had a very nice day. We gave my mom a framed b&w photo of the boys and she gave me some metal butterflies for the garden. I seem to have some sort of condition which enables me to always leave something at their house. So this time I left the butterflies. I had left the camera and the soy oil at home. And my dad's birthday present (it's in January). Maybe for Alex's birthday in July.
If anyone is reading this blog, please leave a little note to say that you are. Or am I just spinning my wheels writing to the wind?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Kids Everywhere
First there was Sasha and Simon. Sasha is home now, Simon is still at Magie's, keeping Marshmellow company until Philly has her baby. Then there was Jester and Joker, both doing well. And then Jet had baby Jem.
So when I brought home Sasha, her buddies Baby and Heartly came along. So we have six baby goats out there, three need to be bottle fed. And we are still waiting for Luna to have her babies. So we will be up to 8 or nine babies this year, depending on what Luna has. And yes we'll keep them all. So a total of 12 or 13 goats. Still less than our neighbor up the road and way less than Magie's herd. So four older does, four wethers and 3 younger does plus Luna babies. And a year ago, I was down to 2 goats.
So when I brought home Sasha, her buddies Baby and Heartly came along. So we have six baby goats out there, three need to be bottle fed. And we are still waiting for Luna to have her babies. So we will be up to 8 or nine babies this year, depending on what Luna has. And yes we'll keep them all. So a total of 12 or 13 goats. Still less than our neighbor up the road and way less than Magie's herd. So four older does, four wethers and 3 younger does plus Luna babies. And a year ago, I was down to 2 goats.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A tiny Surprise
Yesterday after picking up the boys at the bus stop, I went out to do the evening chores. I was carrying some hay out to Sage who has actually stood up. There was this black and white thing laying on the ground that I at first thought was either Socks or Cosmo, the cats. But no, it was Jet's baby girl. We (and that means Magie) didn't think Jet was pregnant. Last year Jet had a baby boy that she ran from, didn't take care of at all. Jem was cleaned and Jet is letting her nurse. Jet, Jem and Grandma Sage are all in the nursery. If Luna has her baby I'll have to move Sage out. Jem is tiny tho, she had a little trouble finding the milk but she soon learned where to go. Jem is Sage's first granddaughter. Jet and Luna both had boys last year, their firsts. Sage's other kids didn't live long enough or we don't know what happened after they sold.
Lily's two boys, Jester and Joker, are doing well. They were running around out in the goat yard yesterday. Tomorrow they are going to school for show and tell for both Andy and Alex. I'm also going to Simla to pick up trees from Soil Conservation tomorrow. And working at the church pantry.
I did pick up a variety of chicks yesterday, 15 of the little peepers. I need to order some Russian Orloffs in late April and then turkeys, Royal Palms to keep and Bronzes to cook, in May.
Lily's two boys, Jester and Joker, are doing well. They were running around out in the goat yard yesterday. Tomorrow they are going to school for show and tell for both Andy and Alex. I'm also going to Simla to pick up trees from Soil Conservation tomorrow. And working at the church pantry.
I did pick up a variety of chicks yesterday, 15 of the little peepers. I need to order some Russian Orloffs in late April and then turkeys, Royal Palms to keep and Bronzes to cook, in May.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Meatloaf
My mom gave me a recipe for meatloaf. I made a few changes to fit my pantry.
1 1/2 lb hamburger
1 small can 8 oz tomato sauce
dash of salt
dash of pepper
1 cup of oats uncooked
mix everything except the meat. Add in the meat. Place into loaf pan. Cook 350* for 50 minutes, let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
We had this for Easter dinner with scalloped potatoes and green beans with leftover Easter cake.
1 1/2 lb hamburger
1 small can 8 oz tomato sauce
dash of salt
dash of pepper
1 cup of oats uncooked
mix everything except the meat. Add in the meat. Place into loaf pan. Cook 350* for 50 minutes, let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
We had this for Easter dinner with scalloped potatoes and green beans with leftover Easter cake.
More Babies
So it is Easter Sunday and Lily, our token Boer, had two baby boys this morning. One is the common Boer coloring and the other has the white body but with golden head and legs.
I moved Sage out of the kid room and put Lily in with her boys.
We have discussed putting Sage down since she still doesn't get up but over the years we have had blind horses, blind goose, crippled ducks and another goat who couldn't walk either. So it wouldn't be right to put Sage down just because she can't walk and she could get better eventually. Just have to make a few adjustments but she's worth it.
I moved Sage out of the kid room and put Lily in with her boys.
We have discussed putting Sage down since she still doesn't get up but over the years we have had blind horses, blind goose, crippled ducks and another goat who couldn't walk either. So it wouldn't be right to put Sage down just because she can't walk and she could get better eventually. Just have to make a few adjustments but she's worth it.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
It's hot out there
Yes, it is Spring. It was 78 degrees according to the school's temperature gauge. I'm on our local school board and as well as being a volunteer at the elementary school. My two boys go to this school so I think that I need to be involved with the school. Today, I got to listen to some of my oldest son, Andy, classmates read. Not to be to prejudiced but I'm so glad that Andy is such a good reader. He also does well in math. His only problem is getting bored in class and then he doesn't pay attention.
The younger boy, Alex, is also doing very well in Kindergarten. I was quite concerned how he would behave in a more structured learning enviroment than preschool but he's only had two days where he got into trouble and both times were for not singing in music.
We are currently searching for a new superintendent. We've had two interviews and two more to go. I really like one of the candidates we've interviewed. Keeps talking about putting the students first.
I took Magie's (she's my bestest friend) three girls home after school. This also means that I got to play with our baby goats, Simon and Sasha. It may be a battle to pry Simon out of the oldest girl's hands.
Sage still isn't getting up.
The younger boy, Alex, is also doing very well in Kindergarten. I was quite concerned how he would behave in a more structured learning enviroment than preschool but he's only had two days where he got into trouble and both times were for not singing in music.
We are currently searching for a new superintendent. We've had two interviews and two more to go. I really like one of the candidates we've interviewed. Keeps talking about putting the students first.
I took Magie's (she's my bestest friend) three girls home after school. This also means that I got to play with our baby goats, Simon and Sasha. It may be a battle to pry Simon out of the oldest girl's hands.
Sage still isn't getting up.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Babies have finally ARRIVED
Yesterday, Sage my beautiful black Nubian doe, gave birth to triplets. Sadly, the first one was a breach and he didn't make it. But Simon (male) and Sasha (female) are doing quite well. Sage isn't doing so well tho. She is 10 years old, at least, and has hurt her back. She hasn't walked for two weeks, being on bedrest. But with triplets she has earned it. This is the last year we will be breeding goats. I originally started with goats because my youngest son, Alex, was lactose intolerant. He's since out grown the allergy and I don't milk anymore. But we keep the goats around for weed control. Simon and Sasha are at my best friend Magie's house. She has quite the touch for animals and children. I only hope that I can get them back. I also have Jet and Luna, Sage's two year old daughters. Luna is pregnant. We don't think that Jet is. Also in the herd is Lily. She's a boer. Also pregnant by the same buck as Sage and Luna so we will have quite the extended family out in the barn. The buck, Caleb, has since been sold. He was getting to aggressive. So that's the story on the goats.
A New Beginning
I have a blog at another site. But I didn't feel very comfortable there. Reading some of the blogs here at blogspot I felt more "in tune" here. So this will be my new blog home. It will take awhile for things to get arranged to my liking. Plus I'm not overly computer savy.
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