We acquired her January 2011 and she gave us 4 boys since then. She was a very good milking goat - but hostile with the others when food was involved. So instead of letting her dry up; we sold her to a nice family from Leander (Wed. 8/28/2013) who is excited to have fresh raw goats milk for their family.
I do miss my girls; but have to do what is right for the farm as a whole.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The weekend...
It was a productive weekend. Burning, polishing concrete counter tops, milking goats, posting things for sale on Craigslist, making more cheese and installing the concrete countertops.
The countertops came out great! I'm very pleased with the results. We need to find the right product to seal them with; but have learned lessons on what we want to do and not to do for the next concrete counter. We just have to decide if we are going to do the bathroom or outdoor kitchen counters before we tackle the rest of the kitchen. (pix to come)
Ben, brother's birthday was today and Robert stopped by for Birthday Dinner. After a trip to the barn to pick eggs and take a turn at milking the goats; we settled in for grilled steaks (on charcoal - instead of the gas grill), baked potatoes, salad and chocolate pie. Yes, I actually made a pie! It was something I haven't done in a while and enjoyed the change in cooking. Something special, Robert seemed to enjoyed the teat-e-bar experience and using our homemade goat milk butter and sour cream on the potato. He even took a quart of "his" milk to a co-working who is lactose intolerant to try to see if he can handle raw goat's milk. I'm anxious to hear the results. (pix to come)
Tonight is my last night On-Call for the week! Hope I get a full night's sleep. Until another day -- Love to All!
The countertops came out great! I'm very pleased with the results. We need to find the right product to seal them with; but have learned lessons on what we want to do and not to do for the next concrete counter. We just have to decide if we are going to do the bathroom or outdoor kitchen counters before we tackle the rest of the kitchen. (pix to come)
Ben, brother's birthday was today and Robert stopped by for Birthday Dinner. After a trip to the barn to pick eggs and take a turn at milking the goats; we settled in for grilled steaks (on charcoal - instead of the gas grill), baked potatoes, salad and chocolate pie. Yes, I actually made a pie! It was something I haven't done in a while and enjoyed the change in cooking. Something special, Robert seemed to enjoyed the teat-e-bar experience and using our homemade goat milk butter and sour cream on the potato. He even took a quart of "his" milk to a co-working who is lactose intolerant to try to see if he can handle raw goat's milk. I'm anxious to hear the results. (pix to come)
Tonight is my last night On-Call for the week! Hope I get a full night's sleep. Until another day -- Love to All!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Working.. but with time while I wait...
Good evening all.. My after hours on-call tasks started at 5:30 pm after a full day (and nite) at work... and now the clock just clicked 10pm -- well maybe I should say "chirp, squawked, whooo'd.... (picture and story to follow).. but, as of now, I am expecting at least 2-3 more hours of work based on the history of this customer that I was recently provided. So -- why not while I watch the time click away -- I take a few moments to share some thoughts ... BIG SMILE!!!!
Yes!!! I called the vet today and Stella, our first goat (noted in the previous posting), is free and clear and NOT contagious to the rest of the girls. I should call them a herd; but that just doesn't sound right for the ladies. Her infection was just that; an infection -- typical - not contagious. My prayers were answered and I appreciate every guardian angel that listened to my pleas! OK - enough said or I'll be sobbing tears of joy again tonight!!! Yes, already cried this morning.
Although, it was rather comical to watch Stella to be reacquainted with her 'sisters'. I'd expect smelling and tail wagging (like dogs). NO! LOL They took turns head butting and jousting. Yeah! re-setting dominance into the group. In the end, Stella was the Queen of the girls. Then she led them patiently to her private resort (hospital). Everyone enjoyed her leftover food, hay, shelter and water. They "think" have a new feeding spot. --WRONG-- But in the meantime, I enjoyed seeing them reunite! I'm happy all is well on the farm.
So the timepiece we have that chirps, etc. Actually, many of you may have seen it in Harriett Carter catalogs or similar venues. My mother-in-law loved birds, so for one holiday (can't remember which one), I purchased this clock that has a different bird song on the hour. Yes, silly things we buy for loved ones that want nothing. Ok -- I'll bore you:
1=Robin
2=Mockingbird
3=Blue Jay
4=House Wren
5=Tufted Titmouse
6=Oriole
7=Mourning Dove
8=Chickadee
9=Cardinal
10=Sparrow
11=White-breasted Nuthatch
12=House Finch
As Ben and his family cleaned up the family home, he brought this home for us. Every hour (in my home office), the birds will sing their song. Occasionally, we will be in the other room and say, "what's that?" then laugh because it's the bird clock! It may sound 'hokey' but it still makes me smile to hear his mother's laugh at the bird songs on the hour. Fond memories are what we continue to live for, create and share.
On that note.. it is now almost 11pm and the White Breasted Nuthatch will be singing her song, my upgrade project is still running and hopefully coming to a close soon -- So, for tonight I leave you with bird songs in your hearts, minds and souls....
Hugs to all.!
Yes!!! I called the vet today and Stella, our first goat (noted in the previous posting), is free and clear and NOT contagious to the rest of the girls. I should call them a herd; but that just doesn't sound right for the ladies. Her infection was just that; an infection -- typical - not contagious. My prayers were answered and I appreciate every guardian angel that listened to my pleas! OK - enough said or I'll be sobbing tears of joy again tonight!!! Yes, already cried this morning.
Although, it was rather comical to watch Stella to be reacquainted with her 'sisters'. I'd expect smelling and tail wagging (like dogs). NO! LOL They took turns head butting and jousting. Yeah! re-setting dominance into the group. In the end, Stella was the Queen of the girls. Then she led them patiently to her private resort (hospital). Everyone enjoyed her leftover food, hay, shelter and water. They "think" have a new feeding spot. --WRONG-- But in the meantime, I enjoyed seeing them reunite! I'm happy all is well on the farm.
So the timepiece we have that chirps, etc. Actually, many of you may have seen it in Harriett Carter catalogs or similar venues. My mother-in-law loved birds, so for one holiday (can't remember which one), I purchased this clock that has a different bird song on the hour. Yes, silly things we buy for loved ones that want nothing. Ok -- I'll bore you:
 |
| Sparrow just reminded me of the Hour |
1=Robin
2=Mockingbird
3=Blue Jay
4=House Wren
5=Tufted Titmouse
6=Oriole
7=Mourning Dove
8=Chickadee
9=Cardinal
10=Sparrow
11=White-breasted Nuthatch
12=House Finch
As Ben and his family cleaned up the family home, he brought this home for us. Every hour (in my home office), the birds will sing their song. Occasionally, we will be in the other room and say, "what's that?" then laugh because it's the bird clock! It may sound 'hokey' but it still makes me smile to hear his mother's laugh at the bird songs on the hour. Fond memories are what we continue to live for, create and share.
On that note.. it is now almost 11pm and the White Breasted Nuthatch will be singing her song, my upgrade project is still running and hopefully coming to a close soon -- So, for tonight I leave you with bird songs in your hearts, minds and souls....
Hugs to all.!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Time Flies when you are BUSY!!!
Can't believe I haven't found time to update you on all the things going on the past 10 days.
Work kept me awake for almost 23 hours last Tuesday evening (8/6) for upgrade issues. I volunteered to cover on-call for a co-worker while he had an evening out - only to have troubles come my way. I finally finished the tasks at 5:30 AM Wednesday morning... Just in time for Ben to remind me we needed to tend to the sick goat.
Yes, besides milking the goats twice a day; our first girl, Stella, came down ill. After a trip to the vet Tuesday afternoon and building fences and gates to give her a personal quite place to recover; we still don't have the test results back from the lab. Needless to say, I'll spare you all the gruesome details but will share that we 'think' she is doing great. The good news, as of now; she's never had a fever, lost her appetite, nor desired to be 'alone' (a typical characteristic for ailing goats). So I continue to pray and stay optimistic... she will be ok.
Onward! Ben pulled the forms off the concrete countertops and they turned out great. We have been letting them set up the rest of the week to follow-up this weekend with the slurry then polishing. Hopefully they will be ready for installation in the next week or so. (pictures to come).
The milk has been piling up in the refrigerator. I've managed to make more yogurt, butter, mozzarella and feta cheeses. Hoping this weekend to make more cheddar and parmesan and try some swiss or provolone cheese. These are a bit more labor intensive than the other items; but store easier and get better with age.
I started my on-call week again yesterday!!! -- I swapped with another co-working in hopes that when I need a favor or swap; they will remember I was a team player and helped them out. So last night wasn't too bad - in bed by 11pm - sleep light and paged at 5:30am. Had to get up anyway... So I'm spending my 'break' (afternoon between normal day's work and the evening work) -- sharing my thoughts.. Although I feel a little groggy, I will need to revisit this posting to see what I've forgotten, typo'd or just rambled on about. Only good thing about on-call week; Ben takes care of dinner, evening chores, and cleaning the kitchen. He usually pitches in; but he has to fly solo during this week.
You probably have noticed there hasn't been any weather updates -- because there's nothing to CHEER about!!! .. It is August - high hitting 100's and lows near mid 70's. NO RAIN; so we have been dragging the hoses around to give a bit of relief to the plants, pets and farm.
Hope everyone's summer is fun and ready for Autumn.
Work kept me awake for almost 23 hours last Tuesday evening (8/6) for upgrade issues. I volunteered to cover on-call for a co-worker while he had an evening out - only to have troubles come my way. I finally finished the tasks at 5:30 AM Wednesday morning... Just in time for Ben to remind me we needed to tend to the sick goat.
Yes, besides milking the goats twice a day; our first girl, Stella, came down ill. After a trip to the vet Tuesday afternoon and building fences and gates to give her a personal quite place to recover; we still don't have the test results back from the lab. Needless to say, I'll spare you all the gruesome details but will share that we 'think' she is doing great. The good news, as of now; she's never had a fever, lost her appetite, nor desired to be 'alone' (a typical characteristic for ailing goats). So I continue to pray and stay optimistic... she will be ok.
Onward! Ben pulled the forms off the concrete countertops and they turned out great. We have been letting them set up the rest of the week to follow-up this weekend with the slurry then polishing. Hopefully they will be ready for installation in the next week or so. (pictures to come).
The milk has been piling up in the refrigerator. I've managed to make more yogurt, butter, mozzarella and feta cheeses. Hoping this weekend to make more cheddar and parmesan and try some swiss or provolone cheese. These are a bit more labor intensive than the other items; but store easier and get better with age.
I started my on-call week again yesterday!!! -- I swapped with another co-working in hopes that when I need a favor or swap; they will remember I was a team player and helped them out. So last night wasn't too bad - in bed by 11pm - sleep light and paged at 5:30am. Had to get up anyway... So I'm spending my 'break' (afternoon between normal day's work and the evening work) -- sharing my thoughts.. Although I feel a little groggy, I will need to revisit this posting to see what I've forgotten, typo'd or just rambled on about. Only good thing about on-call week; Ben takes care of dinner, evening chores, and cleaning the kitchen. He usually pitches in; but he has to fly solo during this week.
You probably have noticed there hasn't been any weather updates -- because there's nothing to CHEER about!!! .. It is August - high hitting 100's and lows near mid 70's. NO RAIN; so we have been dragging the hoses around to give a bit of relief to the plants, pets and farm.
Hope everyone's summer is fun and ready for Autumn.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
More Butter Making & Produce from the Garden
4 cups of Cream - makes 1/2 pint of Butter. Followed the recipe (below) using the food processor.
I put the cream in a food processor and turn it on. At first it bulks up and becomes whipping cream. Then as you continue processing the cream, the fat globules begin to appear as they separate from the milk. When there is more fat/butter than liquid, I stop the food processor. I pour out and save the buttermilk to use in cooking.
Since I don’t want my milk to sour on me, I want to remove all the buttermilk from the butter. I just want the fat. So I add an equal part of cold, cold water to my butter. I turn the processor back on. After a minute, I pour out and discard the water. I repeat this process on more time and the water is virtually clear.
Now I place the butter into a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, I knead the butter to ensure that all of the liquid has been removed. As water appears, I pour it out. This takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. You can also add sea salt if you desire. (which I added a "tad" of all natural fine sea salt). Placed in freezer with cellophane and a tight lid.
http://www.texashomesteader.com/2010/01/20/making-goat-butter/
The heat is taking a toll on the garden -- Basil is looking good - but the tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans are drying up.
Although, we still are getting quite a bit of produce. I'm having to pick the tomatoes "pink" to beat the birds to the fruit -- if I wait 1 day longer -- they will devour them.
FUN tonight in Blanco -- St. Ferdinand's Texas Gold Rush - annual fund raiser. Going to rendezvous with Robert and Micha (who are staying in San Marcos area), and get to see our friends from Kendalia (Danny, Mary, Robert & Deb). I'm sure I'll buy something too, either at the auction or the silent auction. A great time always....
I put the cream in a food processor and turn it on. At first it bulks up and becomes whipping cream. Then as you continue processing the cream, the fat globules begin to appear as they separate from the milk. When there is more fat/butter than liquid, I stop the food processor. I pour out and save the buttermilk to use in cooking.
Since I don’t want my milk to sour on me, I want to remove all the buttermilk from the butter. I just want the fat. So I add an equal part of cold, cold water to my butter. I turn the processor back on. After a minute, I pour out and discard the water. I repeat this process on more time and the water is virtually clear.
Now I place the butter into a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, I knead the butter to ensure that all of the liquid has been removed. As water appears, I pour it out. This takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. You can also add sea salt if you desire. (which I added a "tad" of all natural fine sea salt). Placed in freezer with cellophane and a tight lid.
http://www.texashomesteader.com/2010/01/20/making-goat-butter/
The heat is taking a toll on the garden -- Basil is looking good - but the tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans are drying up.
Although, we still are getting quite a bit of produce. I'm having to pick the tomatoes "pink" to beat the birds to the fruit -- if I wait 1 day longer -- they will devour them.
FUN tonight in Blanco -- St. Ferdinand's Texas Gold Rush - annual fund raiser. Going to rendezvous with Robert and Micha (who are staying in San Marcos area), and get to see our friends from Kendalia (Danny, Mary, Robert & Deb). I'm sure I'll buy something too, either at the auction or the silent auction. A great time always....
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