January's Last

 Goodbye January!  And "hello" from the frozen tundra.  No complaints here, however, because we were lucky enough to miss the blizzard and fierce winds that enveloped much of the East Coast this weekend.

We enjoyed more of what we have actually gotten used to, lately.  Temperatures hovering close to zero, with highs in the 20's when the sun comes out. 

 You know it's been cold when 20 degrees feels downright balmy!

Every morning when I awaken, my thoughts immediately gravitate towards our animals.  I cannot help but worry about them in this frigid weather.  And yet, each morning, when we arrive at the barn - everyone is in good shape and seems just fine.

Of course, I never worry about these two.

"Cold?  Really?  We didn't notice!!"  

 

You might notice that their eyes are barely visible right now.  They have grown a whole lot of wool this year.  And although it appears that they have no eyes... they are not wool blind.  Both girls have pretty good slits in the wool where their eyes are.  Every couple of days, I spread the wool apart so that they maintain their vision.  I can always have the sheep shearer visit to trim their faces if need be.  However, every winter is the same... their vision is fine despite having a face full of wool.  As soon as the weather warms, they will be shorn for the year.  (Typically, late April) 

The chickens have not been spending much time outside, unless, of course, it is inside the goat shed.  When they are out, they very often stand on one foot and tuck the other up under their feathers for warmth.

I did notice, this weekend, that the ducks have become a cohesive group since adding Forrest and Ramona to the mix last weekend.  When the snow and ice have melted, this whole gang will be given free run of the farm.  For now, there's nowhere to run that isn't a skating rink!

I'm afraid that Ginger and MaryAnn are both suffering from a little bit of cabin fever.  I have noticed these two engaged in frequent arguments at meal times.  Ginger gulps down her food as quickly as possible, leaving just a little in her bowl as she heads out the front door to get a quick drink.  While she is gone, MaryAnn (the slower eater) steals her food and then goes back to eating her own.  Upon returning to her bowl, Ginger gives MaryAnn a poke in the side with her nose.  They both squeal and push each other a little and then go back to searching for any leftover morsels of food that they can find.

Because pigs are lacking the gene for satiety, they never feel full... eternally hungry.  (A percentage of Labrador retrievers are missing this gene as well!)  There are times that I think I may be missing it as well!

We had a lovely, quiet weekend here on the farm.  Our only trip away from the farm was to babysit these three on Friday evening.

After a couple of snow showers on Friday,  Saturday was our only sunny day - perfect for line-drying our sheets... which froze as we were hanging them.  Several hours later, they were soft and dry and filled with that wonderful outdoor scent!  I have to say, I am one lucky gal.  This man is more than willing to do whatever is needed - and is often a step ahead of me!

 

The rest of the weekend was spent cozy and warm, enjoying our home.  The fireplace mantel received a post-Christmas update.

I baked some rustic Italian bread and made roasted tomato soup from last summer's frozen, roasted tomatoes.

It was time to fill the cookie jar again, so I baked peanut butter with peanuts and chocolate chips biscotti. 

I finished the "ketchup and mustard" wrap that I've been knitting, and wet-blocked it... seen here, drying in its final shape.

After painting a couple of pictures, I decided that my work space needed to be organized.  

This table is in my sewing room and used for cutting fabric, winding yarn, and now for painting, as well.  I love this room.  It has large windows that look out over the woods.  So, even on days that are too cold to spend outside... nature isn't that far away!

And just as a reminder that Spring is heading our way... this lily opened up in the flowers that Hubbs brought home last week.

In just a few short months, my blog will be filled with colorful photos like this!  I can hardly wait!