A frosty January greeting ~

Mother nature has been doing her job lately and doing it well!  Snow, snow and more snow.  This photo was from a storm we had last week.  Not only did it snow inches per hour, the winds were furious. A true Nor'Easter enveloped the farm and hurled at us for a good 16 - 18 hours.  26 inches of new snow in one storm ~ yesterday another "small" storm dumped an additional 9 inches.

The red sky does not show up well in the photo along with the huge fireball in the center.  I took this photo as the sun was rising.  I knew before the day was over we were going to be hit with another snowstorm.  Everything was so serene.........the calm before the storm never lies :)

The animals all fared well as did those of us who were housebound.  Three of us spent hours cleaning up and moving snow around.  Thankfully the temps were not brutal.  That is all about to change so I hear.

The predicted low for us on Sunday evening :  -30!  Now that's  cold.  Mind you, I love winter and think all the snow is just beautiful.  I'm not appreciative of temperatures that cold.  The heat tapes are on in the barn and the tub heaters will work overtime.  One tub I cover with plywood, the other is in the sheep barn.  With everyone huddled in that barn,  that water will not get so cold.

A busy weekend preparing the barn to keep everyone comfortable; stacking extra fire wood on the porch and keeping the woodstoves cranking.

Tom and I are car shopping today.  He knows what he wants and we have a destination in mind.  He's done awesome and will be very happy to have his own wheels again!

That's about it from here......hope you are well and staying warm.

 A friend sent me a great quote and I wanted to share it - great words of wisdom :)




"There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING....."

End of the week.........

A beautiful Sunday morning here in the North East.  Sunshine greeted us early and even the January sun gives a little warmth, especially on the south side of the barn.  I left the south end doors open this morning giving Daisy and the bunnies a little sunshine.

Sunday morning sunrise over the farm

Otis & Danny

We only have a few inches of snow.   Last weeks 50 degree days didn't help with that and the promised snow for this weekend never happened.  I'm not terrible disappointed but it would be nice to have a little more.  The dogs love the snow and plowing through the powder with their noses is one of their favorite pastime.  Otis, our little red dog, has grown into quite a fellow.  He and Danny are best buds and are ALWAYS rough housing :)  

"Harriett"

Our calf is growing quickly. They seem to gain so much better when you let them stay with the cow.  She eats whenever she wants and that's very often!     She's got quite a personality and is getting quite social. I have a small salt lick in the feed bucket for her Mother.  I had to put it up high so the sheep wouldn't get into it.  Harriett is a nosey little thing and would love to knock  it off if she could.  She had that look like "what, I wasn't doing anything".

Our guineas are not fond of getting their feet cold.  They run to the barn in the morning, eat the corn I throw out for them and then head right back for their roost poles in the guinea house.  The sun normally keeps the snow melted in front of their door which gives them a dry place to get a drink and pick and scratch around.  The love to come in the barn and scratch but they make a mess.  They spend a lot of time in their house or on the roof because the black shingles are warm on their feet.

That's about it for this week.  Today will be spent doing everything I didn't get done yesterday :)  The barn work has been done for the week - need to work in the house.  I'm glad that last week is behind me - it was full of ups and down and I really hate riding that roller coaster.  Hopefully, this week will be quieter with less bumps in the road.    One can always hope :)  

   

This little snowman greets you as you enter our front door.  I am reluctant to remove him - it makes me smile every time I walk up the steps.  Even though the holidays are over, I think he will keep his place for awhile.  If your smiling at the end of your day, all will be well!  

Have a wonderful week - I will be back next weekend if nothing unexpected gets in the way.  

Deb

Tylerfarm

Happy New Year ~

A perfect day to enjoy the first day of the New Year here in the Northeast.  50 degrees and sunny.  It smelled like spring when I headed to the barn this morning.  Now that I'm working a full time job, the only time I see my animals during the day is the weekend.  I spent a leisurely morning cleaning, moving a little snow, sharing pats and scratches with the sheep and simply enjoying being there.  

We actually saw the New Year's ball drop this year.  A first in a very long time. I arrived home to a lovely buffet all laid out by none other than my great kids.  They have had this planned for awhile.  Maine shrimp; cheese & crackers, etc.  To top it off, the blender was ready to make frozen margaritas - my favorite :)  Our awesome friends and neighbors, the Kimballs arrived shortly after and we all had a great evening together as we welcomed 2011.  I hope the way it started is an indicator that it's going to a fabulous year for all of us!

"Rellen"

"Tyler"

Christmas morning photos - we had a wonderful holiday season.  I'm a very lucky Mom! 

"Sarah"

Some of you remember Charlotte, our sow that we lost last year to a broken leg.  We were heartbroken.  She was as sweet as could be and gave us 13 little piglets.  I decided to keep one of her female piglets to raise.  Daisy is as sweet as her Mom was.  I let her out today to get some exercise and enjoy the sunshine.  She was a happy girl :)  

"Enjoying the sunshine"

"Daisy & Danny having a chat"

Mr. Pig should be arriving soon and hopefully we will have piglets in the spring.  It will be nice for them to be able to spend nice days outside in the "summer" pig area.


Our new calf, Harriet, changes so much in just a weeks time.  She is a beautiful chocolate brown color rather than coal black like her Mom, Hope.  She lives with her Mom and the small flock of sheep that we have.  It's apparent that she is quite comfortable with them.  One morning this past week it was very cold when I went to the barn and they were all inside.  I peaked in and there's Harriet, surround by her very own heating season.  Full fibered sheep! 
 

"Harriet and her furry friends enjoy the sunshine and breakfast"

That's the news from here.  Thanks for stopping in for a visit.  I'll try to get here again next saturday for an update and to check everyone's blogs.  I miss reading them like I used to :)  

Have a great week everyone~

Deb