Here we go again!

Just filled out the paperwork to register for my 6th year at the Hyde Park Farmer's Market! Can't believe I have been at that market for 6 years now and, boy, has that market grown!! Not only in the amount of customers it has but in the number of vendors. And it promises to be better this year with its new location on the Square - how exciting is that!!

Haven't heard anything from the Anderson Market yet. I am still planning on attending that one. Just sticking with the two markets at present. With Bob's health issues, I don't want to commit too much right now.

BUT, it does make me think of summer filling out the paperwork. Come to think of it - the Hyde Park market will be opening in May, that is only two months away!!! Better get back to making some soap!

Is it REALLY Spring?

Is Mother Nature just "fooling" with us or has Spring really arrived a couple months early? Spring in February?? Mind you, I am not complaining. After this past Winter, I am loving this!!! But, it does make you kind of wonder what July and August are going to be like if it is this warm now?

I won't worry about that now. I am enjoying not having to carry fresh water to various animal pens. And I am sure the chickens and the ducks are loving FINALLY being allowed to roam free in their pens. (I think the threat of fox/coyote/weazel attacks are temporary over). Boy, what a rough Winter this was!!

Now I can start thinking about my gardens. Boy, do they look terrible. BUT, I did notice my garlic bulbs are starting to grow - YEAH!!! For those looking for a real easy plant to grow - try garlic. You plant it in the Fall - break up the cloves and plant the cloves about 5 inches apart. The garlic should be ready next June-July.

I have already got most of the seeds I ordered. Planning to grow a lot of herbs. Since we have cut back on the goat herd a bit, we are turning one of the goat pens into a garden, so I am hoping to grow some vegetables and herbs over there.

Not sure how much goat's milk I will have this year with the loss of Kallie. I am pretty sure I have two pregnant goats, maybe three. This could be our last year with goats. With my son joining the Navy, there goes my "free" help. As most of you probably know, Bobby's health hasn't been good. So that leaves me to take care of the goats. We will have to see how this summer goes before we make any decisions on the goats.

Enjoy the warm weather. Hopefully, Mother Nature is not playing a trick on us!

A Gift . . .

With the weathermen predicting freezing temperatures and snow all next week, here is my gift to you! Just a reminder . . . Spring is on its way! Enjoy!

Life's Little Miracles

It will a month this coming Monday since I had the surgery on my shoulder - amazing! Doesn't seem like that long ago. And what a difference a month makes! A month ago, while lying on my back and bending both elbows to rest them on the floor - I could put my right elbow on the floor, but my left elbow would remain about 5 inches above the floor - it won't move any further. I could not roll over on my left shoulder without alot of pain. I could not drive with my left arm on the steering wheel, it was too painful. And forget trying to reach that box of cereal on the top shelf.

BUT thanks to Dr. Colosimo and the physical therapists at Novacare, I can now raise my left arm almost completely over my head almost pain-free. I can rest my left elbow on the floor when I lie down AND I can reach that box of cereal! Life's Little Miracles! The prognosis is that I should get 80% to 90% of my motion back. Yes, there is some movement I won't be able to do again, but I can live with 80 to 90%!