Tuesday, January 17th - the times they are about to be changing

As we settle into the heart of winter, our focus is on more than just the snow (or lack of it at times).
In about a month or so, we will have three goats giving birth to new kids. Our little herd that was only one this time last year, could well be up to 10 in a few short weeks. We're hoping all goes well and that the weather stays not too cold. It's hard for those new mamas to keep the little ones warm when it's -20' outside. but we'll all do our best.

After much consideration, we've decided to give the whole catering thing a try. We have a space we're planning to utilize to build a catering kitchen that will be inspected and licensed. What's that expression - if you build it, they will come?  Here's hoping. We have lots of plans but we have to get things in place first. We're in discussions with the health department to ensure we do everything right from the start so nothing has to be done again because we misunderstood what the regulations were.  It's going to be a bit of a challenge but nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say. Construction should start this week.

So lots to think about and deal with over the coming months.  Stay tuned for updates from time to time.

Mild weather last week did a number on the snow that we had and no more has fallen.  The warmer weather also gave us an opportunity to clean out the barn. Both the goat pens and chicken pens badly needed cleaning out. It's been a very long time since I've had any amount of manure to shovel but trust me, I'm well experienced.  Having had horses for most of my growing up years was a good training ground for a few goats and chickens. The changing weather made for some pretty spectacular sunrises this past week as well. . The up side of that is the ice that was almost totally covering our yard and lane is now gone so the  constant fear risk of falling is somewhat lessened.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a beautiful dragonfly. I've hung it in my kitchen window and on clear days I get very  bright sun streaming through in the afternoon. It looks absolutely stunning when the sun shines through.





 It's been a milestone birthday kind of week. Caitlin celebrated her 30th birthday  while she was away on her latest adventure to Galapagos. She could run but she couldn't escape. Her boyfriend, Mike, contacted her friends and family and asked them to send video greetings and he  put them together into a video for a party that was planned for last weekend. He did a really great job and also sent  a video of her watching it. Congrats to Caitlin for achieving her goal of  visiting 30 countries by the time she was 30! That's really quite the accomplishment. 

Of course, I can't leave off without wishing Lloyd a happy birthday this coming Sunday. The old boy will be 65 this year. He has no immediate plans to retire, at least not fully, but he hasn't decided yet. We opted to invite  friends over for dinner to celebrate rather than going out or having a party. That was his choice. So we'll celebrate on Saturday as he has to work on Sunday night.

 

(I think I've used this greeting in  a previous post  but it's just too perfect!) 

And finally, Where in the world is Patti?

After spending the weekend in Paris, she left on Monday for her final flight to Turkey for the season (can't say I'm sorry about that!).   I'll be glad when she's home again, safe and sound.

She sent a photo of a meal that Greg made for them - steak sandwiches with garlic aioli, potato salad and crispy fried onions. Well done, Greg! He might need a chef jacket for Christmas next year?