Kidding Season 2013

Kidding season has begun here.  Lahaina started us off with one huge buck.  He looks just like Walker. Bea was next with twins, one doe and one buck.  Then came Minerva's turn with twin does. Both look like Karaja. Very exciting to get triplets and even more exciting when they are triplet does. About a week ago I was so surprised to have a first freshener, Maisie, to have triplets. All three are doing great. My kidding season is spread out this year.  We will be have kids until the end of May.  Here is one of Maisie's little girls saying hello.  Braden is getting this little doe. 

Maisies triplet does!

Bea's twins, one buck and one doe!

Destiny's doe and little buck getting a close-up.

One of Minervas twin does.

Snow this morning!!!

Can't believe how fast time is going and how long it has been since I have posted on my blog.  Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  We really had a lot of fun with the grandchildren this year. 

I had to get my camera out this morning with all the beautiful snow on the ground.  I close my goats and Cora Bell up in the barn at night now that it is cold.  Cora Bell likes sleeping with the girls.  She comes right in the barn when it time for me to close the doors.  As soon as I get to the barn of the mornings, I let her out.

Do you see Cora Bell in the snow?  She is the dot almost in the center of the picture.  Every morning she goes all around the pasture checking things out before she eats her breakfast.  Usually barks a few times to let everyone know she is back to work.

                             

Of course the girls will not go out in the snow. All they want is a little attention from me and their breakfast.  They are such amazing animals.  Just look at those adorable faces.  From right to left is Lahaina, Rosie, Isley and Maisie.  I think that is the top of Tia's head.  Tia is investigating the camera. 

Columbus Ships

http://www.thenina.com/

Jeff and I went to Newport on the Levee this past week with our son and his family.  We went with other home-school families taking a tour of the Columbus ships, Nina and Pinta, docked there.  The Nina is suppose to be built the exact replica of the original Columbus ship.  We had a great tour guide with lots of information and of course, Christoper Columbus was there. If you get a chance go see them.

My granddaughter took the pictures below.  She has been interested in the camera and taking pictures since she was two years old.  Claudia is a wonderful little 6 year old now. 

Easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

My daughter-in-law said this is a much easier recipe.

 

Easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1857

Ingredients: 

• 1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (about eight)
• 2 eggs, beaten with a fork
• 1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (sundried tomato or plain)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil*
• 1 jar pasta sauce (roasted vegetable or any variety)*
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese*
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Method: 

Preheat oven with a baking sheet inside to 375°F. Coat eggplant slices with beaten egg, then bread with panko crumbs. Spread oil on hot baking sheet and place eggplant slices on it in a single layer. Bake 15 minutes, flip and bake another 10 minutes.

Increase oven temperature to 475°F. In an 8 x 10-inch ovenproof dish, layer pasta sauce, then eggplant, and top with cheeses. Repeat, finishing with cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and turns golden in spots, about 15 minutes

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Eggplant Parmesan http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/eggplant_parmesan/

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
• Kosher salt
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

Method

1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours. The purpose of this step is to have the eggplant release some of its moisture before cooking.
2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to tasted and set aside.
3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.
5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.
6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serves 8.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

  We helped our son and his family move in their first home yesterday.  So excited for Scott, Krystsina and boys.  But Jeff and I were exhausted today.  Had leftover Eggplant Parmesan for lunch, took a nap and then got my camera out.  We were not the only ones that were taking it easy today. Caught two of my many cats napping.
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The goats were out under their favorite tree again.  But of course when they see me that think it is feeding time. The bucks came running. It is starting to have that buck smell around here.  Not getting too close.

The bucklings came to see if I have feed for them.  

Girls came running too. 

                                                 Gave the girls some leaves.

Maz watching the girls.



Am I a cat lady?

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE A CAT LADY?  I have always had cats around the house.  Usually they are outside cats but I currently have one that lives in the house.  Susie is about 12 years old now.  She has never been a very friendly cat.  Tolerates me petting her once and awhile.  But it is amazing how she communicates what she wants and needs.

My son gave me two cats for the barn about four years ago.  I got busy and forgot to take them to the vet.  So they had kittens.  I really didn't mind having the little kittens.  My grandchildren just loved seeing and playing with them.  I gave away a couple of those kittens but just let the ones that I couldn't give away live in the barn. 

Recently the neighbors moved and left their cats.  I tried not to feed them or take care of them, I really did.  Needless to say we took on those 4 cats also.  The count now is 12 cats that live here.