Life on the Farm in the Cold

Ah, the joys of life on the farm when it is cold - really cold. When the temps hit single digits is when I begin to rethink my career choice. Pretty much every single water bucket is its own ice skating rink. So that means hauling fresh water to duck, chicken and goat pens that now seem miles away instead of only several yards. Surprisingly the ducks don't seem to mind the cold very much. When I get their little ponds thawed out, it always give me chills to see them swimming in what has got to be ice cold water - doesn't seem to bother them a bit.

The goats hate this weather and won't venture out of the barn. They will stick their heads out to see what is happening and quickly disappear back into the barn - they must be part bear because they seem to hibernate.

The chickens do come out to see if they can find something to eat. Of course, they can't so they quickly retreat back to the hen house.

With regards to the goat baby situation (UGH!) - it is looking like my new Saanen, Elissa, is pregnant. At least, she looks fat. Can't really tell about the others yet. Ida, my black alpine goat, miscarried last month. Hated to see that but that shouldn't affect me too much. She wasn't a huge milk producer.

On a personal note, it is a "go" for my surgery on Monday. The doctor has been paid - you now have to pay the surgeon up front. I had my physical yesterday and passed that with flying colors. Now I have to do is show up Monday morning at Holmes Hospital.