It's been a LONG journey to get to now! We've kept sheep since 2015, I received my DIY spinning wheel kit in 2018 as a gift, I finally finished staining and putting it together in 2021, and I've just learned... Continue Reading →
Well, Blogmas took a break over the last couple of days. We had quite a storm here on Wednesday night. Serious winds and then a line of storms like a derecho, which was then followed by worse wind, dust all... Continue Reading →
I can't wait! I might really love the holidays, but I think I love summer more. So, having the winter solstice so close is tantalizing! I can't wait for longer days, warmer temperatures, and green plants that are growing and... Continue Reading →
We've just brought in all of our house plants, tropicals, and annuals/herbs we are trying to overwinter or keep alive (for just a while longer). Phew, that was exhausting! Now it's time to go harvest any remaining summer veggies in... Continue Reading →
We had freezing fog on Tuesday morning, which resulted in a serious hoar frost. Oh boy, what a winter wonderland! I'm about done with winter wonderlands... Foggy and frozen. Looks like a bottle brush, but it's all hoar frost! Peaches... Continue Reading →
Even though we are in the throes of winter now, the days are already getting longer. Yes, it's cold. The stock ponds are frozen over. It can be very dreary and monochromatic this time of the year. No, we haven't had any good ice storms or blizzards, yet. However, I've already seen the light at the end of the tunnel!
You know, he may be a bit of a cat-curse, but he is super loyal. He goes with me everywhere, supervises me during my chores, provides quality assurance, plays with anything that has a string on it, etc. He is my constant companion outdoors. Who needs dogs?! I have Orange the Cat for a dog!
Wow, that only took 3 days! I planted the collards on Monday and they are already up. There are some lettuces that have emerged, too. I will get better pictures of those tomorrow.
Well, I'm trying to get a head-start on my garden this year. I am determined not to miss a single season! So, I got some grow lights and I will be performing some experiments by starting my veggies and herbs from seeds indoors.
Poor Racoon! He almost can't stand it and flirts endlessly across the alley with the ewes. There are two open (not pregnant) ewes and they apparently smell intoxicating!
Thanks a lot, Isaiah! What an ice storm! Although it wasn't the worst ice storm ever, it did knock our power out for 8 hours. We got power back on at midnight last night. Thank you, linemen!
The sheep wish you a non-monochromatic year of adventure, change, and new grass! We are missing Mother Nature's color and vigor as we now head into the depth of winter. Throw some wool on and stay warm!
The ewes were bred starting the 18th of October. So, we will start watching for lambs to drop around March 12. I'm so excited! However, I may have gotten carried away, or rather the ram got carried away, because we have the propensity for 7-21 lambs.
They say this is one of the worst winters they've ever seen around here. Good, because if this is normal, I'm leaving ASAP! It seems like spring will never come.
The barn was finished a couple of weeks ago and we have been busy moving in and getting the stalls situated. It's definitely not going to be the Taj Mahal, but it is functional and the animals are glad for the shelter. Especially tonight, as we are going to have negative temperatures with a - 20°F windchill.
I just want to say, there are just some things you can't do yourself. This crew has worked hard all week on the barn, and it's almost done. We wouldn't have been able to erect this structure by ourselves in under 60 days!
(This is not just a picture of a potty. This is a picture of the future site of my new barn!) The sheep get a barn for Christmas! And the horse, too. It's a pretty good present for me as well! I'm starting to get excited.
The sheep have experienced their first, second, and third snowfalls. They don't seem to mind being coated with "powdered sugar". I keep telling them it's not a big deal. I think I'm coaching myself, not them.
The build up of winter storm Grayson froze us good. After four nights of subfreezing all-night temperatures, all the plants are dead, dying, or hybernating. It got down to 25 here.
There I was, minding my own business, getting hay for my sheep, when lo, under yonder pallet, a critter doth hissed! I screeched and laughed. Hhheee's bbbaaaccckkk!
I am always incredulous when it frosts or freezes here in Florida. It just doesn't seem like it's possible, but it often happens here in Central Florida. Hence, we really have to watch the weather forecast so we are ready for it.
