Thank You Victory Baptist Church

for hosting such a fun and profitable craft fair! If I had known they were this much fun I would have taken part in fairs sooner! I got there a few minutes late but Diva and the girls had to have breakfast before I left and of course I had to milk. When I arrived I was greeted by Laurie and felt like I had known her forever. She did a awesome job of getting the craft fair together. I got to meet several ladies in person that are readers of the blog and fans of Ms. Diva and the girls. (Hi Ladies!) My table was in a perfect location and I sold out of some of my soaps, got special soap orders, did some trading and made lots of new friends. The soaps that I didn't think would sell alot were the ones I sold out of. The ones I thought would be the big sellers only sold a few so goes to show I don't know much. I was really surprised at how much I sold! I made a friend with the lady at the table behind me. (Hi Rae Ann) She is going to send me information about another craft fair next month. She and I did a little trading and made plans to do some more. Besides the craft fair there was a table of home baked goodies and there were hotdogs with all the trimmings. I stayed busy selling or talking that I didn't even get a hotdog and those are my favorite! I came home minus a lot of soaps and lotions but a nice chunk of change instead. I also came home with some Christmas gifts. The only bad thing was I had taken my camera but left the memory card at home. Hopefully someone will email some photos and I will share them. All in all I had a wonderful time even with my cold. I also think I have found a new church home. William and I have been looking for a small friendly church not far from home and this one has everything we have been looking for.
The goats did fine without me today though they were standing at the fence calling to me when I pulled in. No one had been out to talk to them all day or give them a treat. I fed them a little early so they are all settled down for the night. It is finally cool enough for a small fire in the stove. The rocking chair is waiting right beside the stove. The tea kettle is on and I am ready to settle in and enjoy the evening. Have a blessed weekend!

Monday Mutter

Taking a break from paperwork. My eyes were going to cross if I matched up one more load number in William's big stack of papers. I finally have someone that is going to come 2 days a week to help me with the truck and soap books. That will be a big help! I have made a dent in Williams and have most ready to mail to his company tomorrow. I still have a basket of receipts to enter and file for the soap business and I have about 2 weeks of entries on the goats to do. Each day I write on the calendar any shots, treatments, etc done on any of the goats. Then when I have time I enter those in each goats paperwork. When a goat is sold all the information is there for the new owner. It really helped alot to have all that information when Nitro went to the Vet. Knowing what we had been treating him with saved them alot of time. Anyways I am behind as usual but am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Had moved Diva, DiDi, Sonya and Sammi to the maternity pen a few days ago. They hated it! They cried like babies and since the pen is right near the house I heard every cry. Today I moved them to the center pen near the goats we are still milking. They are very happy. Blinkin and Blanche were moved from there to the pen and pasture with the milk goats. They seem happy. Nickel was moved to the big boy pasture and he is not happy. He loved being able to walk around free with you and get treats and petting. I think he will adjust soon. Moved Huey,Duey and Louey, to the geese lot. Its a big lot but has a fence they can't get out of so they aren't very happy. Poor things think they are in jail. All the other goats are happy though cause those little dwarf's thought they could chase the big girls long enough to wear them out so they would lay down. Then they could reach them. The big girls just kept running from them. Those boys got out of every pen we put them in so I moved the geese to my garden. The garden is done for the year and there is lots for the geese to nibble on. Its a big fenced in area so they have plenty of room. We moved their swimming pool and fixed a house for them. They think they are in heaven. So except for the dwarf boys all the animals are happy at the moment. Spending the day moving everyone has me hoping I remember where to feed in the morning.

Someone ask since Quackers thinks he is a duck does he swim. Yes, he has a pool in his pen and when he is out wandering around I have a small pool in the yard for him to use. Cheese just stands and watches. Doesn't seem to bother her he is in the water. Another ask if we planned to have 4 goats kid in January. Yes. Diva came in season and we decided we would breed her with Leonard. She is due January 10th. Sonya and Sammi came in season the same day and I put them with Frosty Dan. He is not a romantic kinda guy. He wants one thing and when he gets it he is done and ready to go back to his pen. The girls didn't like not being romanced but they didn't have a choice. They are due January 15th. And DiDi was bred to Brown Robyn. Here is where I messed up. I forgot to write the date she was bred on the calendar so am not sure what date in January she is due. I will be spending alot of time in the maternity pen come January. I am blaming old age on my forgetfulness. William doesn't buy it but its as good a reason as I can come up with. LOL Anyways I think that answers the questions asked this past week. If I forgot (oldage) please ask again in the comments and I will answer. If you want to ask a question go to the comments and ask. I will do my best to answer. Oh, Melody had a appointment with her regular doctor Wednesday. Hopefully he will get things taken care of for her. My Aunt Elizabeth (lives in VA)fell and injured her wrist and leg. She is having to stay at a rehab until she is able to take care of herself since she lives alone. Please keep her in your prayers. She makes the absolute best prune cake in the world! Have a great evening and count those blessings no matter how small or big.

Just Another Sunday

Waking up this morning knowing I had time for a cup of hot cocoa and to read my devotion for the day was nice. Usually I jump up get dressed and head outdoors for chores. That extra 30 or so minutes is nice. Starting the day without talking to God on the go is nice. Doing chores in the daylight is nice too. The animals still aren't happy about the change but they will get use to it eventually. I wanted to sit on the back porch while I drank my hot chocolate but Whiskers was sitting at the door meowing to be fed and the ducks, chickens and young goats start making lots of noise when they see the kitchen light come on much less see me outside. So I enjoyed my cup while I sat in the living room reading. Nice, quiet and peaceful. Then it was time to start chores. Sundays are the days our hired hand has off and I get to take care of things myself. Whiskers has to have his can of cat food as I go out the door. The dogs have automatic feeders but have to have their cookie before I feed the others. Diva and the girls hate Sundays. They stand at the fence and give me dirty looks while I feed the chickens their grain. Then I feed the Diva and the girls, who are absolutely starved to death by then and almost knock me down while I fill their feeders. The young ones are crying so I walk down to their pen and try not to get stepped on when they rush to their feeders. Brown Robyn and the big boys see me and start their loud crying for breakfast. I speak to them and let them know I am on my way. Opening the door to their pen and feeders I have to brace myself . They come charging and almost knock the scoop of grain out of my hand as I fill a feeder. I finally get all their feeders filled and its time to finish feeding the chickens, geese, ducks and rabbits. They get grain or rabbit feed along with crumbled up bread. I buy a rack of bread from the bread store for $5.00 and it lasts a couple of weeks or longer. I also give carrots and lettuce as treats. After I finish feeding them I take hay to all the goats. By the time I am filling Diva and the girls hay rack they are standing in line waiting to be milked. I grab a bucket of feed and the milk buckets and head for the milking stall. Sammi is first. If for some reason you let one of the others go first she will go to the other end of the pasture and pout till you go get her. We have a shelf with baby wipes (for udders) and hand sanitizer so we can keep our milk clean. After putting a cup of grain in the feeder for Sammi I have to give some to Princess Diva who is still small enough to crawl under the gate into the milk stall. She won't be doing that much longer as she is getting fat. Diva is trying to open the latch on the gate but I secured it with a bungee cord. I get another of her cold stares and am glad I can't read her mind. Letting Sammi out Diva rushes in and jumps on the milk stanchion and stares at me for her cup of feed. I milk and talk to her. With Diva you milk fast cause if she finishes eating before you finishing milking you are in for a fight. I finish first and have to drag her away from the feeder to let her out and Bridie in. Bridie is such a good milker it takes 2 cups of feed so I can get all her milk. She is patient and will left her leg out of my way if I happen to touch it. She will hop down on her own and wait for me to open the gate. Sonya is trying to act like she doesn't want to come next but when she sees me reaching for BossyToes she rushes in the gate. She is a easy milker but likes the security of having her head locked in. None of the others have to be. While milking her I call to ViVi who stand quietly under the tree waiting. When I call her name she slowly eases toward the gate but not all the way. She waits till Bridie comes out and I tell her its her turn before she comes in the stall. She is so sweet and the easiest milker we have. BossyToes likes being last. She knows that when I finish milking her she can stay there and eat the feed that's left. Of course I leave the gate open when I finish and the others rush in to see what goodies they can find. I put away the feed bucket,grab my full milk buckets and head for the house. After straining and putting the milk away I feed Bud (iguana) on my way out to water all the animals. The girls are waiting to see if they get a cookie while their water buckets are filled. The rabbits attack their water bottles like they haven't had water in days. They just love the fresh water. The geese and ducks see how fast they can dirty their water while the chickens could care less about theirs at the moment. The young boys stick their nose in the bucket while I am filling it and jump back as the water hose scares them. The bigger boys look to see if I have cookies in my hand and happily chew on them while I fill their bucket. After all have fresh water its time to rake the goat pens. We rake them every day to keep them as free of poop as possible. Its a big help in keeping the goat hooves in good shape. With all the pens raked its time for my breakfast. I usually have a bowl of cereal or egg sandwich while I check my email and watch news on the TV. I check on the forums I read and read a few blogs then its time to wash dishes and bleach milk buckets. After straightening up a little I decide to head out to the flea market. I enjoyed walking around but only ended up buying some MRE's (military dried food packets) that William has been wanting for forever. I stop at the dollar tree on the way home for a couple of things. Talk to William while driving home and then its time to do more paperwork. After almost finishing I take a break for lunch and talk to my daughter Maggie. Got some soap orders together, listed more soaps and then it was time for afternoon chores. Afternoon chores are a repeat of morning ones except add gathering eggs. Talked to my other 2 daughters for a few minutes then made some goat milk garlic cheese spread and finished packaging the fetta I made yesterday. In between I have checked on some blogs I read daily and looked up a couple of things on the computer. Fixed myself a baked potato for supper, had my shower and now I am going to settle down for the evening. Finish up the paperwork is my plan for tonight while I watch a little TV. I have a book I want to finish reading when I go to bed and that will be my day. It might sound busy but it was actually a nice quiet day. There is laundry waiting for tomorrow along with many other things on the to do list. That's ok because tomorrow is a new day of a new week and what a blessing to have had today and to have tomorrow to look forward to. Have a blessed week everyone!

Diva's Fall Fashion

Diva is as tired of the summer heat and humidity as the rest of us. She has decided to get ready for that fall weather she knows will be here soon. Diva wanted to share her fashion favorites with everyone in case you might be wondering what to wear for fall. She gets all her head pieces at Claires. If you decide you must have one for yourself be sure and tell them Diva sent you.

Busy Monday

Yesterday was so busy I didn't take a single picture. After morning feeding and milking it was time to do the dreaded disbudding on Nitra and Thundertoes. This was really dreaded as William has always been the one to burn the buds while I help hold (with my eyes closed). Yesterday it was me doing the burning and the mighty warriors and hired hand holding. The hired hand choose to answer his cellphone when we started on Nitra so the mighty warriors proved to be very brave and mighty. They held Nitra very very still while I did the disbudding (with my eyes open). The mighty warriors didn't like what had to be done but they stuck it out. With Thundertoes the hired hand was back and proved not to be as strong as the mighty warriors in holding. Zack had to reach and hold where the hired hand was holding because Thundertoes was moving to get free. Once Zack got his hold on things went smoothly and the job was finished. We have Nod to do today or tomorrow but his brother Winkin is lucky in he is polled. Meaning he has no horns. He and Willow are dancing around the homestead because they don't have to face the hot burning tool. The boys also helped me in the soap shop, picking beans, okra , tomatoes and cukes. They cleaned up the yard and of course had to have a fire in their fire pit. What mighty warrior doesn't like fire! We did 3 loads of clothes and are building up good arm muscles cranking the wringer. We moved a few goats around and open the chicken pen so the chickens can free roam during the day. The mighty warriors even remember to close them in at night. We had a very bad lighting storm during afternoon feeding yesterday. There was lighting, thunder and high wind but not a drop of rain. Very strange and spooky. We sat down to a supper of pinto beans, homemade mac n cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, cukes, and cornbread. Kinda starchy but hit the spot. The potatoes are so good but so easy. Just slice them like fries and put them on a baking sheet. Pour some ranch dressing over and mixed them up. Put in 350F oven for about 15 minutes then sprinkle shredded cheese over and pop back in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes. They are soooooo good! Woody loved them so they have to be good! Will try to take some pics today. After a full belly I had one mighty warrior asleep before 8:30 and the other was snoring before 9! Thats amazing for 13 and 11 yr olds. The boys will be going home Friday and I will be getting ready for Quintin, Gabby, Will and Harvey's visit.

Winkin' Blinkin' and Nod

Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe;Sailed off on a river of crystal light into a sea of dew."Where are you going and what do you wish?" the old moon asked the three."We've come to fish for the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea.Nets of silver and gold have we," said Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song as they rocked in the wooden shoe.And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew.Now the little stars are the herring fish that live in that beautiful sea;"Cast your nets wherever you wish never afraid are we!"So cried the stars to the fishermen three - Winkin', and Blinkin', and Nod.
So all night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam.'Til down from the skies came the wooden shoe bringing the fisherman home.'Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed as if it could not be.Some folks say 'twas a dream they dreamed of sailing that misty sea.But I shall name you the fisherman three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod.
Now Winkin' and Blinkin' are two little eyes and Nod is a little head.And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee one's trundle bed.So close your eyes while mother sings of the wonderful sights that be.And you shall see those beautiful things as you sail on the misty sea,Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three - Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod

More Babies!

Washtub post has been postponed. Blinkin had her babies! Of course they were bucklings. What else do we have around here. I spent the night reading a who done it mystery to her. We had a very bad thunder storm pass over around 2AM that really made her nervous but reading to her seem calming. She was a lady in labor. Not once did she moan or cry. She would get up and walk around and come lay back down and let me rub her back and head. I knew she was ready to kid when I saw the discharge and decided to spend the night with her just to make me feel better. She is a old pro at kidding and didn't need my help at all. I did help with one foot just so I could say I helped. The first buckling was born at 6:30AM with the weight of 6lb4oz. The second one arrived at 6:45AM weighing 6 lb even. The first one was already up walking when the second one came. Blinkin is such a good mother! She got those babies cleaned up in no time and had them nursing. After a nice bucket of warm molasses water, a little grain and a little hay mom and babies are resting. Which is what I am going to do after a nice hot shower. Hopefully the Mighty Warriors can stay out of trouble till I catch a few winks.

Where Is Willow?

We searched high and low for Willow. He wasn't in his usual stall. He wasn't in the other stall.

He wasn't with the goats.

Where was Willow? Would he be in the goose nesting box?

Yes! There is Willow napping away.

Hidden Haven Babies

BossyToes little man

Bridie's little girl

ViVi's big boy

It's A Boy!

Was a rough labor and delivery for BossyToes but she did really well. Baby had huge feet which were caught against the cervix causing a bit of a problem and then he had a big head for this first time mommy. Everything worked out and mom and baby are resting. Will announce the winner tomorrow. We are still having bad thunderstorms and flood warnings.

Mom and Daughter's First Day

It's a Girl!

After going into labor at 2AM because of all the crazy neighbors fireworks a baby girl was born at 8:05AM this morning. EXCEPT... it wasn't BossyToes! BossyToes is still pregnant so the contest is still on. The new doeling was born to Bridie. She wasn't due until next week but was stressed out last night and I noticed her bag was getting huge right before my eyes. I went out at midnight and saw her ligaments were gone and she was in early stage of labor. I come in shower, put on my pj's (cause we all know I am in pj's with a wet head whenever anything is born around here) and grab the birthing bag, a book, diet lime Pepsi and a lantern. I spent the night reading to Bridie though I don't think she liked my book. She didn't want me touching her at all for most of the night. When it started getting daylight and her contractions starting getting closer and stronger she changed her mind. In fact she suddenly decided she wanted to be a lap goat! She tried her best to sit in my lap and put her head on my shoulder. I tried to take a picture but with a goat in my lap its hard to hold the camera just right.

After a short time of hard labor of which Bridie did really well for her first time

We had a 6lb 11oz baby girl! Mom and baby are doing fine. After a short rest they both were up standing. Mom had some molasses water and grain while baby nursed. Now they are both sleeping. Thats where I am headed. First a shower then a nap.

Hidden Haven Babies

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

ViVi decided to go ahead and deliver this 6lb 3oz buckling a little earlier than we expected. But what do we know. Went out to feed and milk this morning and was met by this handsome kid and mom. ViVi had him all cleaned up and nursed before I even knew she had him. What a good mom. The goats we bought from Rosie are true Tennessee mountain goats and need to teach my flatlander sissy goats a few things. Since the baby is a grandson of Nitro we want to use part of his name and call the new addition Willow. I think Nitro would be proud.