Much has transpired over the last few days. We have been seeing some cold nights and days for one thing. Making the fires in the fireplace a blessing. Lon worked extra hard this past Saturday to get the old wood heater installed, so we could enjoy our first fire in it. The heater is one we used to heat our old house with many years ago. The old thing is not a pretty sight, showing it's age, but it is working right now. Even though the blower makes a funny sound on high. Nothing that a little stove paint can't spruce up and with fingers crossed hopefully it will last awhile before it has to be repaired. Good news is it has put out a warmth that keeps our electric heat from coming on. The only down side is the trash that the logs create on the hearth and surrounding floor. I guess it will be a trade-off, free warmth for more sweeping. Now I will be on the look out for a dustpan and small broom to place within easy reach.
I have managed to get our bedroom, the bath and the dinning room decorated for Christmas. Also got our new tree up and decorated too. Hate stringing lights and am wondering if I can find a place to store it like I used to do with the lights still on, minus the decorations. Though I don't have a basement or a suitable place in sight, this might pose a problem. The combinations of holiday decorations and a warm fire made things quite festive here at the farm.
Lon made a trip over to Woodland for a round bale of hay for Sassie and the goats. It filled the back of his truck and then some. Can't beat a heavy duty truck for farm chores. Despite it's size it rolled off the bed of his truck easier than I thought it would. All the hay eaters wasted no time in jumping into it and munching away. Hopefully this will help stretch the hay bales we picked up recently to last longer than they would otherwise.
Rusty, our very first Roo has been hurt somehow, one leg badly enough that it keeps him from walking on it. He went missing for over a day before finally showing up. We had to caged him yesterday for his safety. As the other roosters were trying to fight him. It amazes me how they can sense when another one is weak. They will pick at it till they kill it, one way I guess to keep the flock strong. Can't stand to watch it though. Hopefully his legs will strength and we can return him to his rightful place as "King of the Roost" soon.
It must be the day for injured legs, for as I was doing the morning chores I noticed one of our Burbon Red turkeys was also standing still with one leg tucked under. It too would not bear weight on it and had to be caged till it heals. Makes me wonder if they are trying to jump off the roosts without watching where they are landing. So two hospital pens are now set up to add to our chores already established each day. Having to water and feed them separately requires a little effort, but not enough to keep me from doing it.
I also need to figure in the twice daily care of the 46 meat chicks (one died) to my chore time each day too. We are hoping the "brooder coop" we hauled home from our old place, an effort that took up most of yesterday and part of last night will help us with their care. It took ALOT of work to get it loaded on the back of a borrowed trailer. If it wasn't for our kind neighbor, Norman it would still be sitting halfway loaded at the other house. Traveling after dark was both a challenge and a blessing. As there wasn't many cars on the back roads and we didn't draw too much attention, especially from the local police. Getting home so late, we had to leave it still attached to Lon's truck. Requiring him to drive my car to work today, leaving me with no transportation. I am pretty sure he is going to enjoy his commute today and may even consider taking my car more often in the future.
We didn't get it home none too soon either, as Boots has discovered them and is thinking they would make great playmates. Kind of like fuzzy little pin balls that make a noise when you tap them.
Having no wheels today is okay, I have plenty to do right here and have no plans on going anywhere. Though there is that library book that needs to be returned. My stack of books has dwindled down to only 2-3. As I haven't had time to read much lately. Christmas preparations, farm chores and general maintenance is more than my days can handle . Not to mention getting ready for goat kidding coming up soon. And here I thought we would have time to rest some this winter. Like a certain little orange ball of fur curled up in my lap and arms. Sleeping peacefully unaware of the hindrance to my writing he creates. Mom is going to love sitting with Boots on her lap and to love on when they come down for Christmas in a couple of weeks.
Whew! Less than 2 weeks till Christmas. I can't believe it is so close!
Deborah
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