Family-Moving on Out

Today is the day.  We have been blessed with our youngest daughter moving back to Maine with her theee children.  They are getting their own apartment in Bangor.  Leah will be starting classes toward her nursing degree.  She hopes to go on and become a Medical  Attorney.  Big dreams with three children but if anyone can do it, she can. 

Brianna 4, Natasha 3 and Little Bit (Vic) 2.  They are very active children and need outside time to work off all of that energy. 

Thankfully we have plenty of outside here.  They can run and play without worry. This is Little Bit and Tasha's firs snow season. He doesn't look like he is too happy with all the winter wear required to be outside. 

A round disc can provide hours of fun for three little ones.

Down the hill, up the hill, down the hill and up the hill.  As many times as mom can take them.  I get tired just watching.

Brianna likes to pose.  She has such big brown eyes. 

I think Poppop is having a lot of fun with these three little urchins.

Anything can become a toy.  Tubbies?

Sorry for the screams and the sideways video. If anyone can give me pointers on how to change the direction I would really appreciate it.

The noise level will decrease significantly over the next few days.  It will be nice to know that they are safe and sound in their own place.  We will be starting work on our bathroom next.  We also had an energy audit and will be having insulation done professionally to combat the winter chill.  One day we will be warm and toasty. 
Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm

What...The Refrigerator Died...Again

A word of wisdom or rather a few words.  Never, ever, ever buy a refrigerator without an extended warranty.  Last year we shopped for and bought the coolest refrigerator.  An Amana with all the bells and whistles.  It did everything but clean house and make dinner.  Oh, yes and work.  The telling fact was when it started making a strange noise 1 month before it's first birthday.  The repairman came out and in no uncertain terms explained that I didn't have the good sense to run a refrigerator.  I had it set too cold.  Well. Lets see, I can read a cardiac monitor, titrate blood pressure meds on pumps to keep people alive but I CANT WORK A REFRIGERATOR.  Okay if he says so. After all he is THE repairman.  Anyhoo...after the fridge either quit or piddled on my floor.  Yes, I thought the dogs had an accident.  Here I was with broken leg on crutches trying to wipe up the pee and fussing with the dogs when they didn't even do it.  The thing met it's 6th repair in a 12 month period that was required to finally get a replacement.  The new LG arrived all fresh and full of promise.  It was a good time to really get rid of a bunch of stuff that always fills the back of the fridge.  What is that hard chunk with green fuzzies growing on it anyway?

I can honestly say they did good by us.  They gave us the regular price for our old fridge even though we bought it on sale.  This one was on sale, so we actually got an even better fridge for the original sale price.  We hope. We have our fingers crossed that it will be here for years to come. We were able to keep the remainder of our extended warranty and apply to this fridge.  Yes, we will be extending it when it expires.

I wish that John Deere had the same warranty.  Maybe that is something that they will think about.  Customer service is everything.  If we could only convince big corporations that we matter.  I would love to have American Made on every item in my home. Remember when Made in Tiawan was a joke and not a fact? Go American!

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm

Finally, Maine Winter

Finally winter has arrived in Maine.  We have snow.  It's about time too.  I'm not one of those folks who complains when it snows.  I love the soft white flakes.  It just seems right.  The way winter should be. The tractor has been working like it is suppose to. We are keeping our fingers crossed that everything that can go wrong has.  John Deere seems to think this is the case.  Wait and see.

The guineas are flying from place to place.  They definitely do not like to walk through the snow.  However, they will go through the flower garden looking for any left over seeds that remain. Treats vs cold feet! I guess the treats won out.

It appears that a couple of the guineas overshot the garden and ended up in the big maple tree.

Treats are found in all places for goats.  We were on our way home from Bangor last week and we spotted 5 Christmas trees stacked on the side of the road at the entrance to a subdivision.  Well, we just had to stop and save them from a landfill.  None had tinsel so they were loaded up and  brought home.  The goats thought it was a holiday.

Edward thought he should start from the middle and eat toward the top.

Next came the ladies.  They just couldn't speak with their mouths full but there were looks of appreciation.

Fuzzy and the sheep were more than happy with their snacks.

The guineas had to come see what all the ruckus was about.  They weren't very interested in the trees at all.

Chores include bringing in wood for the stove.  We had tractor problems again this summer so we weren't able to bring in enough wood for the winter.  We would like to give a shout out to Bangor Baptist Church.  They gave us the name of a gentleman and he promptly brought us 2 cord of firewood.  I mention the church because they were kind enough to offer us a couple of cords if we couldn't get any delivered.  Things like that just touch me.  We always hear of bad actions when they happen.  We need to shout about the good.

Firewood loaded and ready for use.  I don't know if you notice the boxes in the background, but they are the vanity and toilet for our bathroom.  It is winter so it must be work on the inside of the house time.   

Chores done, happy animals outside and in.  Oreo has the right idea. He has taken the best spot in the house. 

It seems like everything is getting back to normal.  My leg has been healing nicely.  I hope to be released back to regular duty next week.  Finally, I have been allowed back with the animals.  I don't do well on house arrest.  I miss them so much.  I got a sweet kiss from Isabella today. I was afraid they wouldn't remember me.  Ted has been taking care of everything.  Evidently I have broken the last bone that I am allowed to break.  Honestly, I have been battling a bit of depression being sent indoors.  I need the animals. I swear goats are prozac on 4 legs.  They keep me happy, grounded, and at peace.  I lost interest in blogging for a bit. I still visited but just couldn't write.  I know I'm where I'm suppose to be in this life.  Right here with my love and our farm.

Much Love from Mainely Ewes Farm

Bravo

Love has been in the air on our farm for several weeks now. The racket can be anoying at times.  Teddy, our buck is very vocal with his courting.  There is alot of stomping and snorting.  The odor of love hits you in the nose when you get within 20 ft or further if the breeze is just right.  Of course we can't blame all of the noise on the boys.  The girls jump up onto the playground and yell like their in danger.  All of the does want a boyfriend.   Due to harsh winters we choose to breed later in the season.  We want our does to birth past the worst weather.  When the temps reach 20 below, those tender little nubian ears on the kids can freeze.  A does gestation is approximately 5 months.  By breeding in December our kids will be due in May.  Much safer for both moms and kids. I am using some old pictures here because I can't get out to take any new ones.  My camera is in shock.  Still non-weight bearing on my right leg.  All of the girls are excited today. 

Because...... Bravo and sweet Nubian buck is visiting.  He belongs to neighbors and he is going to stay with us for a few weeks to perform his task. 

I fell in love with his spots and that sweet little face.  They dropped him off this morning and he is in with the bucks right now.  Teddy, Edward and the two little bucklings from this past year are getting along very well.  Plenty of hay, water and space. 

We were concerned that he would be too small to get the job done.  However, he is already an expecting father. 

Ted was the photographer today.  Hopefully, I will get good news when I go to the doctor on Tuesday.  Hey, a boot would be nice.  Anything that will allow me to go outside without crutches.  Not that I have been allowed outside with crutches!

Thanks for letting us know that the eggs were in fact turkey eggs.  That is a first for our farm.  The hens are laying regularly.  In spring we will let them set and have little poults running around.  That will be so cute. 

Well, hopefully I will have pictures later today when we put Bravo in with his girlfriends. 

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.

A Little This and A Little That

I don't know if anyone else has had problems with Blogger but I just about gave up.  First I couldn't sign in on the blog. I lost my pictures. I thought that I would have to start another blog but it seems to have cured itself.  I think it is a conspiracy and they are having fun with our minds. I'm still trying to get my header pic in place. It wants to be off center.  I hope it cures it self in the next few days.

I have a question to all you egg savvy folks out there.  Are these turkey eggs?  The three speckled eggs are a bit bigger than our brown hen eggs (in the background).  They are really beautiful.  We have two Bourbon Red  turkey hens and one tom.

I celebrated Thanksgiving at work.  Not a bad thing.  This allows others to spend the  time with their families.  Due to work schedules our family celebrates the holiday on the Saturday after. We went to NH and spent the weekend with our daughter Sue and her friend Muji.  They did all of the cooking, cleaning, washing of dishes and it was a blast.  These young women are wonderful cooks.  

For the holiday we had the standard fare, turkey, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, squash casserole and macaroni and cheese.  Muji makes a wonderful curry chicken. No, not for Thanksgiving. 

 She is always smiling a beautiful smile. 

Ted was very busy making sure the recliner didn't skip town.  I think he grew attached while we were there.

Of course we  took Emma and Lucy.  Sue has a big backyard for them to play in. It took Lucy a little time for adjustment.  "Hey, I am a house dog."

This is my Grandcat, Paco.  He was on his best behavior. He dressed up for the special occasion. I think every cat should wear and tie.

He may dress up but deep down he is a nature lover.  This cat adores flowers.  I love a cat who isn't afraid of showing his feminine side.

 

No day is complete without a cat on your head and a pup in your lap.  If you will take time to notice the crutches beside me.  Ahem.....I found the only hole in Susan's back yard and I fell into it.  It took me a while to get up.  I was embarrassed, hurt, and getting licked all over my face by the pups.  I limped into the house with help.  Actually, I limped all day Sunday and Monday then decided to go and have it checked out.  Yep, I broke my fibula.  That is the small bone on the outside of your leg.  Just call me Grace.

I am still working, only light duty.  Ted says that he is "driving Mrs. Daisy" to and from work.  He is cooking, cleaning, taking care of me and the animals.  He will need a vacation soon.

He needs your prayers!

Hope all is well with each of you.  For those who are having a difficult times our prayers go out and you are in them.

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
No pictures today. I'm working and the patients really weren't into sharing, not to mention the whole privacy thing. 

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm

Paula Deen, Paula Deen

Okay, so everyone knows of my infatuation with Paula.  To those of you who don't understand I am truly sorry.  I just can't get as excited as Rachel Ray nor can I be a snooty and smile as wide as Giada.  I do get Paula.  I understand her love affair with butter.  I don't imbibe quite as freely, but there are those special occasions when butter is it!  On my sojourn to Florida and my week with my Mom she gifted me with a trip to Savannah and a visit to... yes....are you ready?  THE LADY AND SONS.  The alter to butter.

We arrived early, evidently you have to get your name on THE list around 9:30 am.  So we left Jacksonville at way too early o'clock.  The menu was posted behind glass, you know, like we do the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence.  I got to stand there and ooooo and awwwww.  There was okra, peas, lima beans, collard greens and fried chicken.  Oh, and don't forget the table wine of the South, sweet tea with lemon.  In Paula's words, YUM!

We didn't get to see the Royal Family of Savannah so we had to settle for pictures of Bobby and Jamie.

I may have eembarrassed my mom a bit with taking pictures of the food, but MOM. WE ARE AT THE LADY AND SONS!  Besides, no one knows me here and best yet, they don't care. Don't look for a salt and pepper shaker on any table.  I'm sure there are folks who salt their food before even tasting it.  If done, I promise that it would have to be thrown in the trash and you would have to start over.  If you have CHF (congestive heart failure) do not eat this food.  You will swell like a beached whale and be unable to breathe.  A bit too much salt for me. Just sayin.

There was no room for desert. No, I didn't clean my plate either. I did feel like a nap would be a great idea after eating though.

After lunch we ambled,  I say ambled because we were too full to walk, over to Paula's shop.  

Would you please look at that iron door! Have you ever seen anything so......... culinary?

Do you see those measuring cups? Yes, those are the very special measuring cups that Paula uses on her show.  Oh, I almost swooned.  It was good just to pick them up and touch them.  Mom kept a close eye on me.  She knows that I have been carrying on a love affair with these measuring cups for ages.  She had to pry the 1 cup from my death grip.  "Walk away from the cups!"

Paula is one smart female.  PDE.  Paula Deen Enterprises.  Yes, she is a smart cookie. She doesn't pass up marketing bonanza.  All those little kitchen accessories that we love.

By this time our food had digested and we were able to take a trolley and see Savannah.  Thank goodness we could sit.  I don't think I could have done a walking tour.  Tomorrow, pictures of the Southern Lady. Savannah.

Much Love and Prayers from an overstuffed Mainely Ewes Farm Woman and Mom.