Monday, January 23, 2012

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

Sunday, January 22, 2012

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

Saturday, January 21, 2012

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