Summer Routines

June 4th and feels like summer!   The overnight weather has been delightful (low 70's) but it still gets up to low 90's during the day.  Makes working on the farm very HOT! Although I enjoy the outdoors so much.  I don't get my inside of the house cleaned as good as it needs to be. 

Late last year before the roof was replaced, we insulated the attic, put in the insulation blanket and a solar attic fan and the whole house fan. So far, if I run the whole house fan overnight until the temperature hits 72 degrees; then shut down the house - the Air Conditioner doesn't come on (set at 78 degrees) until 5pm. Amazing!!! The insulating and fan investment look like they will be paying off.

This weekend and week (so far) the routine has started and we accomplished quite a bit.

• Lawn mowed.  Doesn't look like a manicured lawn - but it is green and a nice soft ground cover.
• Groomed Hoss - Almost all the winter coat is gone.
• Burning -- cacti not Bermuda this time! 
• Harvested the Garlic (a 5 gallon bucket 1/2 full).
• Weeded the garden (still)!
• Picked our first Peach for 2013.
• Patio Winter North wind protection taken down and put away.
• Even had time to visit with the neighbors.
• Picked my first Red Tomato for 2013.

The Daily Chores include:

• Chicken care
• Goat care
• Hoss care
• Cat care
• Beehive inspection
• Weed and tend to garden (water as needed)
• Pick Eggs
• PLUS go to our Jobs, Eat, Sleep and Clean!...

Goat milking didn't go too well. Stella was dry (she was the first to give birth to the twin boys).  Belle gave us about 1-1/2 cups.  Missy was so jumpy - I only got about 1/2 cup from her. Didn't even try Serenity or Sierra - they had triplets so I didn't think they'd give me much anyway.  I was so frustrated, sweaty and exhausted at the effort, I was ready to give up.  But, in all honesty, in hindsight - I did everything wrong.  It was 2pm in the afternoon and all 5 mom's were in the vicinity (fighting for the food).  So, this year may be a loss; but I can start preparing for next with the new found knowledge of how this is supposed to work.

Last night we cooked a large pot of Spaghetti & Meat Sauce in hopes Ben's brother would stop by for a visit before he goes to work.  Didn't get to see him, but we sure enjoyed it anyways. 

Hopefully, I will get better at sharing and including more pictures.

Hope you have a great beginning of summer!   Hugs to all.