Goats in the Garden

Every once in a while I do something smart. Not very often. Sometimes I crack myself up with my outcomes. I have found that with the best of knowledge I can not change the outcome. I have tried raising bees and I have tried raising Giant Meal worms. I have come the the conclusion that I can not raise insects. I must have a larger project. Larger mammal to be exact. Although, I do well with fish in a large aquarium. Go figure. After a brief visit to my two hives I thought the bees had left again. I knocked and they did not answer. When the weather gets cooler bees congregate into a cluster to stay warm. I assumed that mine had left for Florida for the winter. I had been following one of my favorite blogs Pink Porches. Lisa has a wonderful sense of humor and I love reading her blog. After a few conversations we realized that Alex and I had attended a Bee School with Lisa last winter. I emailed her to see if she would be interested in my empty bee hives and all of the equipment. Thankfully, she said yes so she was going to come this past Saturday to pick them up. Around noon Saturday I went out to disassemble the hives and clean them out. To my surprise I found the girls flying. The weather had warmed a bit and they were busy. I didn't have Lisa's phone number so I emailed her. Thank goodness she read her email. I asked her if she would like for me to wrap the hives and she could pick them up in the spring. She was so excited she wanted to take them anyway. She is a brave soul. Around dusk we went out and tapped up the hives to keep the bees on the inside. I repeat she is a brave soul. She rode home with 2 intact, but closed, bee hives in the back of her van. In hind sight I should have brought the bees to her. I was worried about her travels. Thank goodness she arrived without incident. The bees are in good hands. She was kind enough to make us this gift basket. The pillow is so beautiful and I am limiting anyone on the homemade ginger snap cookies. I want your recipe. Thank you again for the basket.

Usually goats in the garden is not a good thing. Today we brought our brood out to eat the leftovers in the garden. They were so happy to get some of the still green collards, burssels sprouts, cabbage, and greens. Edward made the best of his visit.

Jasmine was up and helped with the herd. Does 5 goats make a herd?

See what you get when you sit down with goats? Lap goats!

Again Oreo came for our walk. I think he found something stinky to roll in.

They all had a nice wander through the garden.

Everyone ate their fill.

Even Corinna was there. She isn't sure about leaving her barn. She kept looking back to make sure she wasn't too far away.

Alex ripped our scare crow up by the post. He did a good job this year. He will get new scrubs and new stuffing next spring. With pinwheel hands and bells the crows steer clear of the garden.

We are enjoying the few warm days we have. Such a blessing each and every one. Take care and much love and prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.

Kelly