Snow! Dang.

Christmas Day about noon the snow started. When we woke up the next morning we had a bout 8 inches of the stuff. It's slowly leaving even though we've had several warmer days. They're calling for 50- 60 degrees the next 3 day, so hopefully it will all be gone. The animals and I would definitely like it to be gone. Then we just have to battle the mud. Yuck.

Here we have farm animals in the snow...

Scarlet was not coming out

Rosemary and Petunia ventured out late in the day on Monday

Pearl ran through it when she had to.

Dinkey and Roscoe stayed out most of the time. There were only a few times I saw them in their shelter.

One chicken went away from the coop- she's determined to lay eggs in the goat pen.

Henrietta came out for a couple of minutes and has been in the coop ever since.

Rascal knows her pond is under there somewhere and is trying to swim. The ducks are not bothered by the snow in the least.

Other than the snow, we're getting back to normal on the farm. Christmas was wonderful, spent with family. The duck gumbo was AWESOME! I'm looking forward to making it again and it's really not that hard- especially when Chuck butchers the duck for me. The tree is down, and all the decorations put away. woo-hoo!

Last night I spent some time planning what we're putting in the raised beds. First step is lots of rabbit poop. We definitely need to up the nitrogen content before we plant.

Soon it'll be time to put seeds in, mate bunnies, and wait for baby goats. Only 9 days into winter and I'm ready for spring! Luckily, we have trip to a Florida in the meantime to thaw me out a bit.

Holidays and Happy

...and so, winter begins. Whatever your holiday choice, may it be a happy one. I for one greet winter with a hearty "BRING IT ON!", because just as the days have gotten shorter and shorter, they will now get longer and longer.

On the farm, more cold weather supplies have been laid in. Water heaters have been added to waterers- so no more breaking up ice. Yippee! Miss Petunia has been officially weaned, she's not crazy about this idea, but is getting plenty of grain and hay in her belly. I'm currently battling with the chickens to keep them closer to home- we lost one this week to a neighbors dog. I've found that if I sprinkle a bunch of scratch around in our woods, they hang out there more. Hopefully, this will continue to work.

Rupert's training continues to go well. He has one more session left that will be after the holiday madness is over. I am able to walk him off leash around the livestock now. He doesn't get more than about 5 feet from me and comes quickly when called. He will still not be trusted on his own with them but at least now if he gets loose he will come back to me.

We humans are getting ready for the traditional madness of Christmas- I drag the dogs into it, too. They get presents to make up for it.

Luke and Rupert were good sports,

Conan tried his best,

Then it all went down hill.

They all got biscuits for playing along as long as they did.

Christmas Eve begins our shenanigans with a gathering at the in-laws. Tomorrow, Chuck and I will be preparing sweet potato casserole and duck gumbo as our offerings. Fingers crossed on that gumbo. Tonight the girls and I worked on a cupcake tree for the traditional snack for the guy in a red suit.

Yes, there are Jack Skellington cupcakes, thank you, Willow.

And I tried for the logo.

Saturday breakfast is here, amidst the shreds of once pretty paper- pumpkin and blueberry pancakes provided Lazy Danes, the rest is covered dish. Saturday evening, barring bad weather, we trek to my grandmothers house. Then Sunday, it's quality time, more food and gifts with my brother and his family. Monday the tree goes out the door.

Soon enough, it will be 2011. We'll be expecting baby goats, bunnies, fowl...I'm ready to get farming again!

'Tis The Season

December 3rd already? Yup. It is becoming very clear here at Lazy Danes that we are barreling towards the winter solstice and the hoopla - good and bad- that comes with it. That's OK, we're prepared! Mostly.

With the shortening of the days and the chill in the air, the animals know without the aid of a calendar that winter is approaching. The chickens are laying fewer and fewer eggs and ranging father into the woods to forage for their bugs and grubs. Chickens, ducks, goats and Dinkey are eating more bought food than finding their own. As the weather turns colder I'll spend more and more time breaking up ice in buckets and thawing waterers.

Here's Rosemary showing off her warming layer of fat. I've dug out the Under Armor and Carhartt gear in hopes of a bit of warmth for myself.

Inside preparations for warmth have been made as well. The kerosene has been stocked and the heaters readied. Heavy blankets have been washed and piled on beds. Of course, when blankets and kerosene heaters aren't enough there's always a Dane around. Or little girls.

Willow, Madison and Luke

Bo had no snugglers during the last round with the camera so he tucks his nose in to stay warm. Don't worry, I'll cuddle up with him shortly.

Along with the all the changes in weather, the solstice brings the holidays. Our Chosen Conifer has been cut down and erected in the living room complete with lights, baubles, and gifts for loved ones piled underneath. All this taunts the dogs that would love "claim" the tree and presents as their own. Why do we have all boy dogs again?

The kids are doing their part to bring traditional offerings to this time of year. So far they've brought home a nice, if rather small, cold and they are currently recuperating from a thankfully short lived stomach virus. While missing school for a day each and between the Disney movie marathon they've helped wrap presents and made snowflakes to decorate the window.

Who doesn't love to cut snowflakes?

I've been knitting, making hair bows, trying new recipes for hearty soups and doing seemingly endless amounts of internet shopping. I'm really excited about this years Lazy Danes swag, too-no hints yet but stay tuned!

Weather aside, it's a great time of year. I'm enjoying the break from milking still and I'm looking forward to the holiday gatherings, time with family and friends, and the magic of the season reflected in the children. They are waiting impatiently for snow (please, no), time off from school and the visit from the fantasy elf.

This month always seems to fly by...