Change...

 Aristotle said, "Change in all things is sweet." I've been taking steps to make a pleasant change here of late. 

When Chanel pony came to live here, we hired a man to build a "run-in shed." this was a sturdy 8'x10', 3-sided shed. Chanel liked it, but I later wished it were more enclosed to give her better shelter during winter storms. Meanwhile, a couple of goats had come to stay, and I wanted them to have their own space.  Chris and handy neighbor Fred cut a doorway in the shed's back wall, extended the roof 4 feet, and enclosed the space. They cut a nice window in, and the goats immediately claimed the area as their own. While the men were at it, they built a wall for the front of the shed, making it much cozier. To my surprise, Chanel also liked to get in the new room, even though the space was cramped quarters for her, so narrow she could not turn around, and with a low ceiling. I bartered with a carpenter friend, and he built me an excellent sturdy wooden arm that I could fasten so the goats could go under it and access their room, but the pony (and later donkeys) had to stay out.  We later added an additional gate so I could enclose the goats when needed. 

But times have changed, and there are no longer a horse and donkeys to fill up that larger room, just 5 goats, and the front area is plenty big enough for all of them. I looked at the small space in the back in a different light. After the new Nigerian Dwarf goats arrived this spring, I swept it out and put their little milk stand in there. It is wonderfully convenient to milk there rather than lead each goat out of their house, through the pasture, across the yard, and into the garage for milking. But the room was lacking in décor. The pine walls were weathered and dark, the space unwelcoming. I asked my friend Sunday if she would be interested in putting a coat of white stain on the walls, and she agreed.  She soon worked her magic, leaving the space bright and clean looking. 

I continued to noodle around with ideas on how to make the room more efficient. I ordered a particular feed container that the animals cannot open even if they manage to breach the gate. This means I don't have to lug grain out twice a day. Win!  I needed something to put milking supplies on. After a quick rummage in the garage, I unearthed a weathered shelf someone had gifted me. My son-in-love hung it in easy reach of the milking bench. Sister Deb gave me a pretty valance curtain she no longer needed. Chris brought me the perfect curtain rod, and I was delighted to hang it this morning. 

The stud on the back wall is a work in progress. I have fastened a pretty statue of a lady with a dancing goat gifted by a sweet friend. I also plan to put some flickery battery-operated candles on timers there. Since there is no electricity, Chris gave me a strand of solar lights, which we will hang from the ceiling beams, and they will cast a cheery glow from dusk till dawn. 

There is enough room that I can store a few bales of shavings and a bale of hay there, making chores in lousy weather much more manageable. It's been a few months of plotting and a little work, but now I have a joyful and valuable little space to milk my goats and store supplies. 

A sweet change, indeed. 

Farm dog and fun...

 Bravo didn't arrive here at FairWinds by accident. I put a lot of thought into what type of dog would be best on our farmlette. I wanted a dog that would be helpful with livestock, warn me when visitors arrived, and be a calm companion. He fulfills all of these desires and more. Here is an example. Yesterday a chick hopped out of its coop while I was filling its water container. It took off like a roadrunner, dashing through tall weeds, zipping into the big pasture, hiding under a little building. Chris and I tried to catch the tiny thing to no avail.  I saw it hide under a big pumpkin plant, but the chick was so small I couldn't pinpoint where it was in that tangle of giant leaves and thick grass.  Bravo came to help. He instantly found where the chick was and gently but firmly pinned it to the ground with his nose until I could weave my fingers through the herbage to grab it and put it safely back with its flock. 

He is also remarkable with the Owlet. He likes to lie close to her when she is playing on the floor, wants desperately to kiss her, and gets a look of bliss on his handsome face when she is near.  Of course, we are always watchful and would never trust any dog alone with her, but the relationship is a joy to witness when closely monitored. 

Yesterday we popped into Threshers' local brewery, a favorite spot of our daughter and son-in-loves. They were having lawnmower races, of all things! A friend quipped, "good redneck fun!" It was a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed watching souped-up mowers tearing up the track, popping wheelies, and obviously having a blast. We shared a happy hour in the sun doing something different than our regular routine. 

Then home to prepare Saturday family supper. Chris mowed the backyard, and I went to the farm stand for fresh corn on the cob. It was burgers on the grill with a smorgasbord of toppings, sweet corn, a full picnic table, and a fire in the ring. Chatter and laughter ensued. My favorite kind of fun. 

Walk about...

 I've wanted to take the goats for a walk. They would really enjoy areas of the pasture if they would explore them, but they don't. I've tried to cajole them into going on walks before, but they had none of it. Today I felt they would be interested, and I gave it a shot. 

They ran along behind me like I was the pied piper. 

There is plenty of grass for them, but goats prefer shrubs and such, and I wanted them to discover the area where they could browse to their heart's desire. 

They were excited to see all the sumac saplings at face level. 

They hung out a while, exploring happily. 

 I love the look of baby Glory. There is something about her little face that is very appealing. 

Going on a walkabout with goats is a small joy. 

Day "off"...

 Today is one of those lovely ones where nothing pressing is on my calendar. I got up early, milked the goats, did all the animal chores, then came in and puttered in the kitchen. I drained and chilled the milk, tidied up the refrigerator, took out the compost, and made myself some peanut butter toast. Then I made a batch of Chevre (goat cheese.) It's been a few years since I've made any, and it was fun to find a likely-looking recipe and get to it. It's easy enough to make. I gently heated a quart of fresh milk until it was 180 degrees. Then I added some lemon juice and white vinegar. The chemical reaction is instant; the milk solids separate from the liquid whey, forming soft curds. After letting it sit for an hour or so, I poured it into my special cheese bag, and all the whey dripped out into a waiting bowl. An hour later, I mixed the remaining solids with minced garlic and formed it into a rounded shape. I poured a little good olive oil over it, put some fresh basil around it, and tucked it into the fridge. It should be tasty tonight with crackers and a glass of wine. 

Even though my new little Nigerian Dwarf goats produce a fraction of the milk the big Saanen girls used to, it's still more than enough for me to make delicious yogurt, cheese and have milk for recipes and table use. I am delighted with these new girls! 

Two tiny pumpkin leaves sprouted in the middle of the backyard lawn two weeks ago. It was brave of them to struggle through the sod, right in the mowing path. Chris and I both admired their gumption and left them. Chris wondered if it could set fruit and have it ripen this late in the season. He was astonished to see how fast it grew. It is rapidly taking over the yard. 

We hoped it would be some fun variety, and we check to see what is happening under those broad leaves daily. 

Here is a withering blossom with a tiny fruit attached. 

Today I was tickled to find a little white pumpkin nestled in the grass. I hope we get a bumper crop to decorate with this fall. 

The morning was cool and lovely, perfect for cleaning animal houses. I got them all clean and swept and bedded with bright shavings. That always feels good. 

The coop could use a fresh coat of whitewash, but that is a project for another day. 

Last week was a little tiring... I had a horrible cold, and work was tricky. This quiet, blank-slate Saturday morning was just what I needed to recharge. I love a day off. 

Simple pleasures...

 In the dead of winter, when the snow is piled high, I often yearn for summer evenings in the back yard. It seems a simple pleasure, grilling something,  then sitting around the fire ring and listening to the evening sounds. The chickens crooning, wild birds calling, goats muttering to themselves. It's a peaceful time and Chris and I enjoy the calm quiet of these evenings to a ridiculous degree. 

Yesterday Rachel messaged me picture of some funky vintage outside chairs she found at an antique sale. It was love at first site. Now those chairs are snuggled up to the fire ring. I enjoyed rocking in one tonight, and now I will add longing for them to my winter dreams. 

We have delightful guests. Angel and Fields, (mother and daughter) who were once neighbors in Memphis. They are the kind of company that make themselves at home, and go over and above when it comes to being helpful. I feel like I have kitchen fairies doing my dishes and helping with meals. Fields even helped milk a goat. Angel oh so kindly chipped in on the fabulous new yard chairs. 

We also have a pug visiting while her family is at the beach. We are having a heat wave and Pugs struggle in hot weather. This Pug has a plan for how to cope. 

We have been casting about for a name for the new little Cochin rooster. Chris suggested one I rather like. 

Introducing... "TheDonald!" The pullets will be dubbed, "The Donnett's." Here is one, with a shoe for comparison of size. These are tiny birds. 

We took the Owlett for a swim this week. Her parents ordered her a wonderful float that she took to immediately. We all bobbed about in the water for a relaxing time as the sun went down. 

Later there was fresh local lobster and corn on the cob. A feast. The Owlett made an excellent centerpiece. 

Memories made in the back yard in the summer, maybe they are not so "simple" after all.