I’m returning to a long-time love of writing. It’s one of those things I should have never left and I not sure I ever really never did; I didn’t know it at the time but it was just disguised. My underlying passion for writing appeared as excessive notes on the care of my goats.
Cloaked as a textbook on how to train goats to do any number of tricks, I kept notes on several training observations, both failures and successes.
Honey has long been known as a humectant that naturally attracts moisture to your skin. It is also an excellent skin softener. Did I mention that honey is delicious and an all natural product?
For all these reasons Bob and I have decided to become beekeepers. We’re beginning with only two hives; that about 50,000 bees, I think.
I’m getting used to the idea that I’m facing a bit of surgery. Last week was full of ‘tests’ (ugh); this week is BAU, but next week we meet with the Dr. to find out the results of all these tests. Wish me luck, please. Ah … when you do with me luck, would you mind adding a prayer or two? We’d appreciate it.
All kinds of ‘things’ are going on at Gran’ Nanny’s Goat Milk Soaps. First, the hubster has had the flu; the world stops when one of us is ill. I’ve been staying close to him and making sure he drinks plenty of liquids. He’s better.
What a snow season that was: I say WAS because we’re hoping that the snow is all gone for the season. Those of us who made it through the season are stronger and our hearts are with the goats that didn’t make it. Each passing has been logged in our chronicle of lessons learned.
I already conduct fecal tests on the herds so I know which dewormer to use. All I gotta do is monitor the goats that have a higher propensity for getting worms. Buttressing their immune system is always a good idea.
I’ll deworm for stomach worms and coccidia at the beginning of the season as well as through the season, keep hay as a free feed, and somehow keep water in the barn throughout the snow storm (easier said than dun) but I have a few months to figure this out.
I learned that keeping free feed minerals and red cell is helpful. For the goats that want/like these treats, it’s available for them.
Hauling water the four different pens was our biggest challenge. But next year that will not be an issue. Like I said earlier, I’ve got a few months to figure this our then get it fixed before next winter. Note: need longer, shallow troughs with heaters in them instead of deeper bucket-types so more goats can drink at one time.
But for the most part, being snowed in the the family for two days was delightful. We napped with the dogs, read for the first time in a while, and watched a movie or two. Mind you, we did this in between barn yard visits. We had already setup the heat lamps in each barn so our critters could curl up under them … if they wanted to.
Our silly horse chose to stay outside most of the time. Go figure. Silly horse … love that guy. We absolutely must get a saddle one of these days so we can ride that little bugger. I say little, he’s a Walker and a tall one at that. I’ll measure the hands one of these days. I’m 5-4 and his wethers is still over my head. Sigh … .
Enjoy the late winter and stay warm,
Pat n Bob of the Sleeping Dog Ranch
Yeahhhhhhh we have water in the chicken area. Maybe we’ll have water in the front barn, too. I’ll check later this afternoon. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
With all this winter weather, I’ve had to spend more time caring for the goats than usual. Yup, I’m behind on everything. Again, like everyone else across the country. Stay warm, everyone
Taking a few days off from soap making to catch up on bookkeeping, paperwork, and TAXES. Wish me luck and happiness … please.
ANOTHER snow system? Goodie. Look Mother Nature, out here at the ranch, we need running water in all the barns, so please keep the temperature above 35. Otherwise I have to haul water buckets to four different pens. Do you know how much water weights? Yes, of course you do. Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Well, 8 pounds times 4 gallons is heavy the first time but by the time I’ve hauled water to the different pens, I’m worn out, more than likely wet, definitely cold, and not happy. That’s why I’m asking you to please keep the temperature above 35? When the automatic watering systems work on their own I have time and energy to make my goat milk skin care products. Not to mention what this weather does to my skin. Not good. It’s a good thing I have a factory full of lotion.
While we’re talking, would you mind turning down the MPH of the wind? We live on a hill so we get the full-blown effect of your winds. You’re blowing off roof shingles. Getting a roofer out here to replace a few shingles is pricie at best. That is IF we can find a roofer who’ll come out this far just to replace a few shingles. Most of them want to replace the roof. Granted we could use a new roof, but not now, please. We need more fencing first. We would appreciate you leaving the roof alone for three more years. You’re consideration would be greatly appreciated.
We’ll talk about the mud later, if you don’t mind. I have chores to do. But if you’re thinking about how much more rain, sleet and snow you think we need. how about you letting up a bit. You know like 35 degrees, gentle breezes, with intermittent showers and mostly sunny.
Thank you for listening, Mother Nature. Nice talking with you.
Nubian Soaps 