April 30, 2010

Sorry I've missed a few days, we lost power and then the internet last night! This morning I am proud to say that the bunnies used thier litter box! yeah!

Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Cake!

The rhubarb cake is WONDERFUL! I think I would put in maybe 1/8-1/4 of a cup less water when making the mix although it probably would have been fine if I had waited until it cooled all the way. Also I used 2 duck eggs instead of 3 chicken which actually might be equivalent to 4 chicken eggs. I can't post a pic because although it tastes like heaven - I broke it in half when taking it out of the pan!

How to make the easiest and best strawberry rhubarb cake EVER!:

• 2 rhubarb stocks, outside string removed and diced into small pieces.
• mix in a bowl with strawberry jello
• fold into white cake mix already prepared (I used pillsbury moist supreme classic white)
• bake as suggested.

This is a modification of what Michele and Shea told me to do. I think Michele does it with pound cake - YUM! 

ENJOY!

 

April 27, 2010

I took white cake mix with duck eggs and folded it with 2 rhubarb stalks chopped and mixed with strawberry jello. I will let you know how it goes. It smells wonderful. If it works I will post the specifics so you can all easily enjoy your rhubarb!  Be well!

Mother's Day advertisement!

April 26, 2010

The store has been busy and fun even on rainy days this week so far!  We are gearing up for a big Mother's Day weekend and trying to prepare to have everything our friends might possibly need to make their moms and grandmoms smile!  The bunnies are running around getting exercise while the rest of the house is already snoring (minus John who is out doing some shopping for animal supplies!)  The goats are not pleased with us right now because we had to cut back their food temporarily because their tummys are in turmoil and need a little rest.  Tomorrow morning will start at 5am with feedings, then a walk down by the river with the dogs, a little indoor exercise with the rabbits and I am hoping to catch up just a little bit on the pile of paperwork accumulating from the store.  Crossing my fingers!  Be well!

A great weekend!

My sister Pam made Buttercup a cap and cape!  Such a sweetheart!

My brother-in-law fixed Thumper's hair into a mohawk!

We had a great time this weekend meeting new people and watching the flowers blooming!  Thank you, everyone!

Sunday morning, April 25, 2010

We woke up at 5 to feed the goats, although they didn’t eat until 5:45 because I was busy trying to calculate their formula and fretting over whether I am a good goat momma. Cricket refused to eat her last meal last night so I was very nervous. The other 2 eat every last drop and beg for more, but Cricket is a little pickier about the temperature and a little more difficult with the bottle. I’m hoping she has a good day today. Her lack of appetite certainly has not stopped her crazy jumping and new spinning tricks!


After goat feeding, we fed the dogs and cat.

After breakfast we decided to take the girls hiking out back by the river, which they love and deserve after all the unrest in the house this week! We had a great time even though it’s raining and a little cold. They don’t mind and the camera didn’t get too wet!

After hiking we used Joey’s old SUV to pull the tractor to the garage for some TLC. We had the garden tilled by a friend, but John still has to take out his own mini tractor and till the fenced in garden a bit just for fun.  The strawberry patch and raspberry bushes are looking good.  The Asparagus is delicious!

Lastly, I will take care of the bunnies and let them get their exercise indoors and then get myself cleaned up for the day. I will go to the store early and do some work so I can come back at 10:30 for the second feeding. It’s going to be a great day today, I can just feel it! Be well!

PS – We had Millix Family Farm mac&cheese last night for dinner – HEAVEN!

Come smell the flowers!

Flowers in the air!  Awesome day at the store, thank you for all of your support!

April 23, 2010

The goats are still transitioning so they probably won't be at the store tomorrow.  We will have the bunnies to check out and the pastries and the breads and free coffee and Mother's Day gifts and cards and flower!  We'll see you in the morning!  Be well!

April 22, 2010

I'm reminded of 'Christina Katerina and the Box' looking at the goats in their pen.  It is one of my favorite childhood books that my mother MUST know by heart we read it so often.  Christina's parents got a refridgerator and Christina got the box and that box transitioned from one fun thing to the other as her and her companion made forts and castles and ships and finally a dance floor that washed away.  First the goat pen was shelving for plants, then it was made into the ceiling for the goat pen, then it will be the playground for the Angora's.  Its all fun! 

I'm typing this as the angoras run around their current playpen which is the lower bunkbed for the kids covered in plastic and an animal blanket.  They will soon be too big for this and will be ready to move to the basement.  Now I say 'basement' and I imagine people are like - yuck - an old damp cold basement!  But our house is built into a hill and the basement will be perfect in the summer with the cement keeping the air cool while the enormous windows bring in the days light.  In the winter it stays about 65 degrees with a wood stove and plenty of sun.

Well, I've got to put the bunnies back, let the dogs out for one last run, give the goats one last bottle before bedtime, and fill the cat's food dish one last time before bed so she doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night!  My niece said I should time myself in my chores and see how fast I can get them done.  I told her I kind of like how long it takes, you can't rush animals - they've got nowhere to be!  It is nice to kind of take it slow every once in a while :)  Be well!

The goats are home!

The goats are home and happy. John build a huge playpen/home for them in the basement until they can tolerate living outside. They got to meet Kaylah and Emma today and they got lots of fresh air which they seemed to love. The fresh air and the cinderblock they played 'king of the mountain' on all day!  They take 3 bottles a day with a midday feeding at 2pm.  We didn't time this too well since our helper Susan is going on vacation tomorrow morning and John will be responsible for them by himself!  I'm usually quite the little planner but I'm getting a little distracted by all this fun!  The goats are sleeping in thier pen and the dogs and cat are sleeping on the couch and the bunnies are running around like crazy right now getting thier nighttime exercise while I type this and watch them - thank goodness for cordless!!!!  Well, I'd better get to bed so I can sleep before the mornng feeding!  Be well!

April 19, 2010

Tomorrow night we are picking up 3 goats. The 1 lamancha (light brown baby I am holding) and 2 saanens you've seen posted here :) John is in the basement finishing their temporary indoor housing for them. The lamancha is 1 wk old today and her new sisters are a few days older. I will post pics as soon as I have any! PS - The store and plants are doing GREAT!  Be well!

Saanen goats

We went back to Oak Leaf Dairy today, I just had to see my favorite Lamancha again!  These little ones are saanen goats.  Both types are great milking goats and used by both Oak Leaf Dairy and Beltane Farms!

Oak Leaf Dairy!

We had a great time visiting Oak Leaf Farm today! We went to pick up more goat soap and get their BRAND NEW soap that is wrapped in wool which gives it a unique sudsing action plus an exfoliant quality! You're going to love it! After we picked out the soaps we got a tour of the farm and we got to feed the babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soooo thrilling! I fell in love with these 2 little ones - love at first site, especially the snuggly little girl.  Are you looking for wonderful pets?! Let Oak Leaf Dairy know (860)423-0358, there are new babies daily looking for happy homes :)  Be well and be happy!