This and That

I thought I would share a sweet moment from yesterday morning.

I arrived at the barn about 45 minutes before the sun rose...

such a peaceful time.

I know, you are going to remind me that Thursdays are my day off.

Unfortunately, my favorite "barn" hand, Jim, had shoulder

surgery and will have a few months of rehab before he will be ready 

for farm chores.

As for me, it's ok, cause I never mind coming out to do the chores.

Besides, watching the sun rise always starts my day out right!

So, there I was....

cleaning manure from the Bigs' dry lot, watching a ribbon of orange

scatter along the horizon.

I positioned myself for a picture,

only to look down and see this sight....

my two little buddies were sticking their noses through the fence

enticing me to give them each a kiss...

which I did.

Wanna know a secret?

I kiss my animals.

Alot.

OK, well not the chickens,

and certainly not the stinky bucks who pee on their beards.

But, the horses?

Their noses get covered with smooches throughout the day.

Well, the rest of the day went as planned...

no escapes, no excitement.

I did want to share one more thing with you, though.

Do you remember that 12+ foot Christmas tree that was in our living room?

Well, you might remember that I said Hubbs had to use a 

chainsaw and cut it into thirds to get it back outside again.

I thought I would show you what it looks like now....

Naked.

That is how committed we are to recycling.

Nothing goes to waste.

You see, each January our goats are treated to one of their

favorite snacks...... evergreen trees.

That's right, they spend the month of January

eating every remaining needle.

The trunks will be placed on the outdoor fire pit wood pile

for use in a future bonfire....

perhaps it will be fuel for a bonfire supper.

Oh, and by the way....

a denuded pine tree makes an excellent scratching post.

Just ask our goats.