BRRRR!!!!

Okay, I think I have had enough of this cold weather and snow.  Yesterday morning it was 12 below zero.  This morning it is just zero.  It is so cold Cora Bell wouldn't come out of the barn first thing this morning.  By the time I did all my chores, she did come out and started her rounds.

 

Our barns are insulated but no heat in them. I worry about my goats in this cold, cold weather.  We try to keep warm water for drinking twice a day and plenty of hay.  Everyone is okay this morning.  My neighbor lost one of her precious yearling does yesterday to hypothermia.  So please take extra care of your goats in this weather.

Goats in the Snow

I close the girls and boys up at night in cold weather.  As you can see the doors are still closed this morning.  I will be letting them out in a just a minute. 

 

Okay girls come out in the snow with me.  These chickens were born under the barn last spring.  They still roost there at night.  One of them did venture in the snow a little distance and then went back under the barn. Topaz was the only goat that would come out for pictures this morning.  She is such a sweetheart.

Snow this morning

We have about 4 inches of snow on the ground right now and it is still snowing.  I am like a little kid (human) when it snows.  I just love the fresh snow and how quiet the whole world is with snow on the ground. I just love making foot prints in the fresh snow.  Got my camera out this morning for snow pictures. 

This is the gate going down to the barn.  No foot prints yet but I am coming though.  I usually let my chickens out first but they do not like the snow.  I tried tempting them with a piece of bread to come out for pictures.  But they looked but would not come out.  Well one of them came out just enough to get to the bread.

Here comes Thomas to greet me this morning.  He seems to like the snow.  Thomas was named by my grandson, Jett, after his favorite blue train.  Okay all you cat lovers, Thomas has free access to the barn too. 

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