Kept a small fire in the stove all day but tomorrow is suppose to be back up in the 80's. All this weather change has made me catch a cold. And I am so grumpy I don't even want to be around myself! I made more soaps, worked on a photo dvd I am being paid to make. A lady is giving her daughter a graduation party and wants a dvd of photos of her daughters life. Its going to take a while but its fun. I dusted and vacuumed and did a little cleaning. I mailed out some bills and then spent some time sitting in the pen with Mandy, Baby, Huey, Duey and Louey. They are climbing allover me but the babies still don't want me to pet them. They act like they have always been here. Princess Diva is in the photo. She and her siblings aren't happy about being weaned. They are eating really well so no more suckling Diva. Diva is happy but it will take a few days for the kids to stop crying like they are starving to death. Tomorrow will be working and mulching in the gardens and hanging out laundry. Tonight will be early night as I am tired and grumpy. Have a blessed one!

Who Turned The Heat Down?

We have been having rainy days but the temps have been in the 70's and 80's...Until today. Today was 60F with tonight going down into the low 40's. That's not that cold but after all that nice warm weather it is chilly! I built a small fire tonight to knock off the chill and it felt wonderful. Ran some errands this morning, did a few outside chores then came in out of the wind and made soap, cleaned the bathroom and made a pot of homestead stew. Hopes of no wind tomorrow so I can work in the gardens and get more mulching done. William delivered in Florida and will be heading for New Jersey with a delivery. Great relief for us to have him back on the road though it means we don't see much of each other. Our hopes are to get out of debt and him home to stay within a couple of years. Keeping my faith in all God's blessings and his plans for our future. Hope you have a blessed week!

Be Happy

I have enjoyed reading Rhonda Jean and some of her friends posts about living the simple life. The most important thing they all had in common was they were happy. If you are not happy in your lifestyle it doesn't matter if its a frugal simple or skies the limit exciting one. Don't feel guilty or change your lifestyle because of someone else. If you love to live in the city, shop, eat out then don't move to the country, cook from scratch and shop at second hand shops. Just be happy you can live where and how you want.
I was happy living in Florida with a nice home, great job and being able to scuba dive and be near the ocean every day. Then I got the chance to live my dream. To live in a small home, have gardens, animals, and work at making life as simple as possible. Life is wonderful even on stressful days. I love feeding and milking the goats, planting gardens, cooking, planning, stocking and keeping a full pantry. I love using my washtubs in warm weather. I love folding laundry freshly dried on the clothesline. I love making cheese and soaps. I love planning with William on things we can do to make ourselves more self sufficient. I am happy dressing in worn jeans, rubber boots and a tee shirt. I am happy breaking and getting my nails dirty in the garden. I love mucking goat stalls, cleaning chicken and rabbit pens. To be able to watch one of our animals give birth and being able to help is wonderful. Even when problems occur and we are really pinching those pennies this is the life for me! Simple life isn't easy nor is it for everyone. That's a good thing. It takes all kinds of lifestyles to make this world. Just be happy with your choice and the rest is just extra blessings. Don't worry.. Be happy!

Friday

I cut the grass this morning and then went over and cut Fran's grass and cleaned out some of her flower beds. Her daughter is living in her house and is in a wheelchair so can't do alot of things. I finished planting my herb garden and mulched it. I also planted more green beans and melons in the big garden. Spent some time with the new goats. They are slowly warming up to me and letting me pet them. Blinkin is giving Nitro and the boys a hard time today. Poor guys were just enjoying the sunshine and made the mistake of looking at Blinkin. She gave Nitro and Frosty Dan a hard headbutt to their side. They were so shocked they just stood there and looked at her. Blinkin just tossed her head and walked off . She is older and pregnant so think her mood swings are going to keep the boys on their toes! I know when her ears are sticking out she isn't in a playful mood and just feed her and walk away. I don't want to mess with a moody goat as I know I would never come out ahead. Sold 6 dozen eggs today. The chickens are giving us almost 2 dozen eggs a day so have plenty. We are so blessed to have fresh milk, cheese, eggs and veggies from right here on the homestead. Living a simple life is living the perfect life in my eyes. Have a blessed weekend!!

Afternoon Tea

Things tend to get so busy around here we forget to stop and enjoy the moment. Sonya even dressed up for our afternoon tea. A nice warm sunny afternoon was perfect for a tea party!

Sonya likes bows and lots of fluff on her hats!

Smaller Than a Nickel

I have had a few ask how small the new goats really are. The photos of them didn't have anything to compare their size with. I decided to get one of Sammi's babies born March 1st so you can see how small they are. Mandy and Baby are full grown and still smaller than Nickel who is just 6 weeks old.

Just goes to show some things are smaller than a nickel!!

Busy Day

Have spent the day catching up on things after my little trip. Along with the goats my daughter Maggie and family gifted me with a belated birthday card with money to pay for gas! I thought that was overly generous of them and they come out with a birthday cake, 2 books I have been wanting to read and 3 boxes of girl scout cookies (my favorite kinds) and then top that off with grilled ribs, burgers, chicken and hotdogs.Melody and her family had stopped by on their way back from vacation so I got to enjoy both daughters and families.. Its always fun listening to the teasing, stories,, etc. I miss that alot. Raigun will be coming to visit along with the other grands as soon as school is out. She made my day when she told me she wished everyday was summer so she could stay with grandma. I loved my visit but I am happy to be home. In between rain showers I have did some planting in the garden. I am trying to catch up on some soap orders and get some laundry done. I was going to do paperwork but that will be a nighttime project as I still have things to catch up. The little goats are doing great. They have been running around chasing each other and climbing on the straw bales playing king of the mountain. They are in the pen and stalls we used for labor and delivery. Before July we will be playing musical goats so we can put BossyToes and Blinkin there to kid. I won't put the little goats in with the big ones because of their size. Someone ask the difference between dwarfs and pygmy goats. These are dwarfs. Dwarf goats are between 16 and 19 inches tall while pygmy goats are around 22 inches tall. Though both are good milk goats the dwarf gives more milk per day. The dwarfs can be registered and can be bred year round. Dwarfs are a miniature dairy goat. Both pygmy and dwarf are sweet and fun to have around. My brother in law raises and sells pygmy goats. My daughter and husband chose to raise dwarfs until their girls got involved in sports. Maggie also does wild animal rescue and release so she is busy taking care of baby raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, etc that have been found. Her and her family feed and care for them until they are old enough to be released back into the wild. That takes up alot of her time so the goats weren't getting the attention Maggie wanted them to have. Now they are here and I think they already have me trained to do their bidding. I am a pushover with the animals and it didn't take Mandy, Baby, Huey, Dewy and Louie long to figure that out! Life around here is getting busier each day but it sure is fun.

They're Here!

Mandy and her twin sons Huey and Dewy along with Baby and her son Louie are all settled in. They arrived at lunchtime today and made their selves right at home.Mandy and her twin sonsMandy and Baby (they are grown)Baby with her son Louie right above her and Huey beside Louie.

All of the Norwegian Dwarfs staying dry and listening to the rain hit the tin roof.

They are the sweetest tiniest things I have ever seen! Even though Mandy and Baby are grown I can pick them up and carry them! I am guessing they weigh around 25 or 30 pounds. I will weigh them in a few days. Their sons are almost 3 months old and weigh around 13 or 15 pounds. I am sure there are going to be lots of adventures to write about with these little ones!

Hidden Haven Visitors

Rebecca visited yesterday with her children and grandchildren. Her family love visiting the goats and the goats love all the attention.

2 Old Goats and Some New Ones

My 2 favorite old goats! Cleaning up my picture files last night I found this photo. William and I had just gotten back from a memorial service for a homestead forum friend of ours. I wanted a picture of him dressed up as that is a rare occurrence at Hidden Haven. I think Nitro was actually jealous. Need to get another photo of William as the beard is gone and I gave him a haircut.

As for the new goats. My daughter Maggie and family gave me their Norwegian dwarf goats for my birthday. I am finally ready for them and they will arrive Monday. We already have a list of people ready to purchase when we start our breeding program. A neighbor of ours has a buck that we can use to breed the Mom and daughter. Mandy the mom has twin bucklings and Baby the daughter has one buckling. Since these goats stay very small people that hobby farm prefer having them instead of regular size. The same neighbor has 2 dwarf does that our young bucklings can breed when they are older. Guess I can say I am officially the old goat lady!

Poor BossyToes. She has spent the morning getting bit by the electric fence so she can get away from the goats and back with humans. She doesn't understand why I make her live with goats. I should know she was raised in a house like every other child. Right now she is in the pen with the baby goats. There is no way to get out of that fence and she isn't happy. I have insulted her so she is going to pout and try to break me with her big sad eyes. I do let her out with me when I am working outside and have even let her come inside when I have to come in for something. The problem with that is she thinks she should sit on the sofa and watch TV. She will be having a baby/babies in July so really really needs to get use to being a goat and doing goat things. Think I had better go have a talk with her...

Not Much about Nothing

The past week we have enjoyed temps in the 80's. I set out tomato plants. Planted squash and peppers. Picked lettuce and onions for a nice salad every day. Worked outside as much as possible and enjoyed the sun warming my bones. This morning I go out to feed and milk in jeans, a turtleneck and a sweatshirt! Its. 39 degrees and suppose to be colder tonight. Our highs this week will be in the low 50's. I think if its cold enough to build a fire in the stove then we should at least get snow. But that's spring around this area. Hot, cold, warm and chilly. If you don't like the weather wait a few minutes and it will change except in the summer. Then its hot and humid all the time. Wonder if I could talk William and the goats into moving to a snowy climate? LOL

Have a fire going so will do some housework, laundry and work on dreaded paperwork. The goats have fresh straw in their stalls to snuggle down in. The rabbits have fresh shredded paper to hide in, and the chickens have fresh straw in their nesting boxes. After the nice warm weather this cool air is kinda a shock to them. They just want to snuggle together and sleep. I have been milking Sonya and DiDi twice a day but only been milking Diva and Sammi just a little each day. I started yesterday milking them twice a day. I lock them in the stall while milking but I have these little heads reaching through the slates trying to nurse. They actually try to butt my hands out of the way so they can suck! Between Diva, Sammi and myself we are slowly weaning the kids. They are eating grain and hay really well and only nurse in evening and morning. I am going to have to get busy making cheese since I am getting so much milk. But that's a good thing.

We are getting around 20 eggs a day which we have regular customers for most. That's another good thing. Still waiting on Bonnie to come off her nest so I can see the goslings. Went to gather eggs yesterday and found a nice big black snake curled up in the nest where Sister Sister was sitting. The eggs were gone but I could see where he had swallowed them. I took a hoe and put him in a live trap, carried him down the road to some ponds and set him free. Had to clean the nesting box, put fresh straw and give Sister Sister more eggs to sit on. She is not happy if she isn't hatching eggs. Just another day at Hidden Haven. Hope yours is fantastic!

Counting Blessings

This evening I was trying to catch up on paperwork and started feeling frustrated and depressed. Picked up my camera and went outside. All I had to do was look around to see how blessed I really am. I could give in to the stress of Williams truck breaking down and worry about finances. Instead I am counting my blessings of having friends in MO that drove 45 minutes to pick up William and take him to their home for a few days while he figured what to do about his truck. I am counting blessings of having Carol and Terry in Kansas that picked up the phone and called William with offers to help. I am counting blessings that Williams truck was able to make it to Kansas to Terry's shop where (another blessing) he works on semi's! I am counting blessings that William is able to get paperwork filled out (with Carol's help) for his company so he can drive a truck Terry offered (another blessing). Counting the blessing that William is getting to help Terry work on trucks while waiting on paperwork. That is something he loves doing so helps relieve his stress. God blessed us by having the right people at the right time in the right place.

I could feel sorry for myself because of having a virus and getting behind in things around the homestead. Instead I am counting my blessings. I am blessed that I was able to take the time to rest and take care of myself. I am blessed I don't have to punch a time clock or report to a employer. The goats don't mind if I feed them in my pj's with unbrushed hair. I could stress about not having a job to help with the finances or I can count my blessings. I am blessed to have a husband who wants me to take care of the homestead instead of working a public job. I am blessed that my soap shop is keeping me busy and bringing money in. I am blessed that I have a catering job drop into my lap. I am blessed that every day I get to wake up to the sound of roosters crowing, goats running to greet me, fresh eggs and milk for breakfast. I am blessed that I am getting to live my dream of a homestead life with a husband that shares that dream.

I could cry and be depressed that my friend and neighbor is no longer here. I choose to count my blessings. I am blessed that I had such a loving, caring neighbor. I am blessed that we made such wonderful memories. I am blessed that she and I were able to talk so freely about dying, God, heaven and faith. I am blessed to have a special angel watching over me. I am blessed that Fran's friendship brought friends from all over the world together in thoughts and prayers. I am blessed for the love you showed to Fran with the cards and letters. I am blessed that you donated to the hospice in Fran's memory.

(Fran age 16)

I could have a pity party because I live so far from my children and grandchildren. I will instead count my blessings. I am blessed to have 3 beautiful, smart, caring daughters. I am blessed to have 9 absolutely wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed knowing summer will bring the grands to the homestead to spend time with grandma. I am blessed that I have "kids" running around the homestead that make me smile. I am blessed that I have new babies on the homestead. To help deliver a baby goat. To watch newly hatched goslings peeking out from under their mom at the great big world waiting for them

I am blessed momma goose didn't bite me!

There are alot of rocky roads and burdens in life but God doesn't let me face them alone. He always gives me many blessings to get through the rough times. Then gives me many more blessings for getting past the rocky road. I am going to stop worrying and stressing. I am going to stop, smell the flowers and count my blessings. The only problem is I have too many blessings to count!

Catching Up

William is in Kansas. Thanks so much to our friends and blog neighbors Carol and Terry for helping him get things straightened out so he can get back on the road again. They have been a big blessing to both of us. He has really enjoyed being able to help Terry work on trucks in his shop.

I weeded and mulched some of the flower and veggie beds today. I also set out 3 tomato plants. It was 83F today and suppose to be the same for the next few days. Felt bad when William called and told me it was cold, windy and snowing. But only for a few minutes. :)

I am finally getting over this virus I have had for almost a week. Starting to get energy back and get things done without getting tired.

Thank you so much for the lovely sympathy cards and kind words. Each one really touched and means alot to me. I am very blessed to have such wonderful caring blog neighbors. I still get sad when working outside and see the path Fran and I used to each others house. Its hard knowing she will never be sitting on her porch watching as I feed the goats or calling to talk about our day. Your prayers, cards, emails have really helped alot.

I finally got caught up on all the soap orders. Now I just need to restock my supply. I have none in my shop to fill orders with so need to get busy making and restocking.

Carol and Lisa I haven't forgotten your Godmother shirts. I just need to do alittle more work on them and will get them out in the mail over the weekend.

I am trying to get all our books ready for taxes. I am slowly getting those caught up and getting my desk straightened out. Just don't have enough hours in the day and I love sleeping too much to give up my nights!

I have a catering job for next month. I made the food for after Fran's service and had a lady hire me for her daughters graduation party. I use to cater when I lived in Fl but got away from it when I moved back to NC.

Sweet Pea is getting sweeter. All the babies are eating grain and hay and cutting down on nursing so much which is making Diva and Sammi happy. Carol, Sweet Pea hopes you get to visit before she has babies!

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend!!

Frosty Dan

I was a cute kid! I may have been the second of a set of twins but I was the biggest! Everyone thought I looked just like my dad, Nitro. I use to have his personality too but now that I am in my teenage stage I find myself getting into trouble a lot. I have been told that my Halloween hat should be worn all the time to show my true nature.

I am the one that thinks all the does should drool all over me and stand still no matter how rough I am. Guess that's why I am not a daddy yet. All the does run when they see me. I think I am much more handsome than Brown Robyn and even my dad Nitro
I am very lovable when it comes to humans. I love to have my head rubbed and my back scratched. Rumor has it that I am for sale. I really love being here at Hidden Haven,its the only home I have ever had. If I do go to a new home I hope there are lots of does there and they are all mine!!!

Brown Robyn

I have had some asking how Diva's boys from 2007 are doing. Thought I would show some photos of Brown Robyn and what he has been up to. May 21, 2007 Brown Robyn was the first of twins to be born. He was the first goat born here at Hidden Haven He is the shy one. He doesn't want to be petted on the head but will let you scratch his back. I think he hasn't forgotten having to go to NC Veterinary Hospital to have his horns removed.

Even though he is only 11 months old he is a father of 4! Sammi had 2 bucks and 2 does March 1,2008 and Brown Robyn is the daddy. His first time and he sires quads!

Brown Robyn may be shy but he will take part in the holiday photos if asked nicely.

He and BossyToes had a teenage romance that left BossyToes due to kid July 8,2008.

Since the romance with BossyToes, Brown Robyn has started acting more grown up. Its hard to describe but he no longer acts like a young buckling. I think he enjoys being a "manly" buck.

From a little over 7 lb brown kid to almost 200lbs of spotted buck he has become part of the family. We plan on keeping Brown Robyn to sire more kids and hopefully there will be lots of doelings. Tomorrow I will catch you up on Frosty Dan.

A Gift From Fran's Family

After the service for Fran her family ask me to come over. They gave me the urn that held Fran's ashes before they were placed on her husbands grave. They also gave me a painting that was done of Fran in Korea in 1955. Her husband had it painted while he was stationed there. I was in tears over their kindness. Fran and I had talked about her letting us know she was watching over us. She said when I saw a hummingbird it would be her so the family picked a urn with a hummingbird. I now have Fran's urn, photo and painting sitting on a shelf in the livingroom. I know she is watching over me and feel very honored her family wanted me to have these things.