Thoughts while Waiting on Joy (Nigerian Color Genetics)

As Joy's due date nears (end of June/early July), I am of course nervous, but I'm also really curious to see what her kids will look like! There is always that anticipation -- bucks or does? how many? -- but Joy's kidding presents a unique opportunity in the color genetics department. Joy is a black goat with minimal white, so genetically speaking she is only able to pass on black (or, very rarely, recessive red) and her white patches to her kids. That may sound boring, so if you're wondering what could possibly be so interesting about a goat who can only pass on the gene for black, let me explain:

Please bear with me here. I find genetics endlessly fascinating, but I will admit that they're a little over my head. So I'm going to avoid the fancy jargon for the most part. Not many people are familiar with those terms, and there's a very good chance I would use some incorrectly anyway. I'm not a geneticist, so let's just keep it simple for everyone's sake! First, I will try to briefly and simply cover the basics of what I'm talking about so that things make a little sense.

The Basics as I understand them: Each goat has two copies of a gene that determines their color or pattern, one from each parent. Recessive genes are genes that require two copies (one from each parent) in order to be visibly expressed on the goat. Dominant genes are genes that only require a single copy in order to be visibly expressed. If a goat inherits a dominant gene from one parent and a recessive from the other, the dominant gene will be the one to show up in the goat's appearance. These color genes are located on the "agouti locus," which is basically a place in the genetic code that holds the genes that determine color/pattern.

Other things like the specific shade of a color or whether or not the goat has white areas are determined by different genes in different places. For example, the buckskin pattern would be determined by these color genes we're talking about whereas the shade of buckskin (light, dark, mahogany, etc) and any white on the buckskin goat (spots, belt, overlay, roaning, etc) are not. 

What'cha hidin' in there, Joy?

So, about that black gene. In fancy terms, Joy has two copies of the black gene on her agouti locus. This is true of all black goats, because black is a recessive gene. That means that in order for a kid to be born black, both parents must have supplied a copy of the black gene. This is how I determined earlier this year that my buck Bazinga (a red chamoise) and my doe Sandy (a buckskin with white) both carry a copy of the black gene when they produced a black kid. 

This is also means that all black goats have two copies of the black gene, meaning that they can't pass on any other color. Black goats bred to black goats will always produce black goats, and any kid with a black parent is guaranteed to carry at least one black gene, which will be masked by another color unless they also inherit a black gene from their other parent.

Is your head spinning yet? Good, mine too. Let's continue!

Since black is recessive, that means that if Joy has a black kid, then Diddy (a buckskin with white) is also carrying a black gene. In addition, any other colors produced by the pairing must come from Diddy. Basically, whatever other color or pattern may be lurking behind Diddy's buckskin (which is a dominant gene, meaning that any goat that carries that pattern will express it), breeding him to Joy has the potential to reveal it. If they produce a gold kid, for example, then I know that Diddy carries both a buckskin and a gold gene. I don't expect that to happen -- I'm not even sure if it could, since I'm not sure if gold is dominant or recessive -- but I'm just using that as an example.

So what do I actually expect to happen?

Diddy, the daddy-to-be.

Well, I think I am most likely to get black or buckskin kids, probably with at least a little white since both parents are carrying white. However, since Diddy's sire is a chamoise, I would not be too surprised for that pattern to be produced, too. Diddy also has roaning, so that's a possibility as well. 

To be honest, I don't care if those kids come out green! I just want everything to go smoothly and everyone to be healthy. Heck, she can give me more bucklings if she wants. See if I care! Hah! 

In all seriousness, I just find it really interesting and fun to learn about genetics and to play the color guessing game. The more I learn about Nigerian color genetics, the more accurately I can guess. For example, I now know that if I breed Bazinga to a black goat, I will only get black or chamoise kids. (I should have known that already, since he has a black parent, but that didn't occur to me until this blog post...)

They still manage to throw curve balls, though, and I don't think we will ever be able to really predict what the genetics will throw our way when it comes to Nigerians! For example, this year I had two heavily roaned kids out of parents who showed no visible roaning at all. Go figure! 

I guess all that's left to say is this: if you want to know what colors are hiding in your goats, get a black goat for your breeding program (solid if you can find one!). And if you're interested in learning more about this subject, this article is a good starting place. In addition, this website is a great source for learning all the various colors and patterns of Nigerians.

We're all going to have a good laugh if Joy does have a gold kid...

Cheers

10 Things Strong Women Want from Men

This isn't my usual type of post, and I'm not really sure what prompted me to write it, but here I am...typing away.

My mom and I were talking with a friend tonight when we ended up on the subject of men. Don't worry, we weren't gossiping -- well, at least not much -- but we were sharing our thoughts and opinions about men and what we look for in them (or, in the case of my married mother, what we appreciate in them).

All three of us are, to one degree or another, farm women. Farm women tend to share a few traits. We're a little different. We're a little stubborn. We're oftentimes a little stinky. (What can I say? Farm life creates some odors...) And we're strong and independent. Farm life ain't for sissies, no matter what level you farm. Anything from a hobby flock of chickens to 100 acres, farming requires hard work, hard decisions, and hard knocks. We're not the only breed of strong women, but we're a pretty unique bunch.

In short, farm women are not exactly delicate lilies swaying in the gentlest of breezes.

All this talk got me to thinking, and thinking leads to writing, and so here I am sharing with you some things strong women -- especially strong farm women -- want in a man. Obviously I can't speak for every woman, as we each have our own individual needs, but I feel like these are some good starting points. 

1. Strong women require strong men. Not to "tame" us (don't get me started) but to compliment us. To walk the journey of life together. Two people can't travel through life together if one person can't keep up with the other. Whether it's carrying hay bales or carrying burdens, physical, mental, and emotional strength are necessary.
2. Command respect. Note I said command, not demand. You can demand respect as loudly as the day is long, but until your character and your actions warrant it, you won't get it. Respect goes a long, long way in a relationship and if you're going to get it from a strong farm girl, you have to earn it. We aren't impressed by posturing or showboating.
3. Be honest. Keep your word and be dependable. Mean what you say and say what you mean; don't falsely represent yourself to impress us. We won't put up with any crap. We shovel that stuff on a regular basis, so we know it when we see it.
4. Be patient. Let's be honest here. You're going to need a lot of patience. No, we probably don't need another [insert animal or plant here], but we're most likely going to get it anyway. Yes, we will be stubborn as a mule, ornery as a goat, pig-headed, moody as a mare, and sometimes mad as a bull seeing red. When we're busy, we run around like a chicken with its head cut off. (We also know exactly what that looks like.) But hey, you're lucky if we take to you like a duck to water!
   
   Also, be patient when trying to cross our fences. We know how to build them hog tight, horse high, and bull strong.
5. Show initiative and take the lead. This doesn't mean boss us around -- that will not go over well. But we don't want you to take a backseat to us, either. We are used to doing things ourselves, making decisions on our own, and basically being independent and self-reliant. However, we don't want a relationship in which we constantly take the lead. We expect a man to be able to step into a leadership role, get stuff done, and be the first to take action sometimes. Jo Dee Messina said it well when she sang, "I want a man that stands beside me / not in front of or behind me." Although, if someone is trying to mug us, please do stand in front. Just sayin'.
6. Be ready and willing to commit. If there's one thing farm girls are excellent at, it's commitment. Think about it: taking care of livestock or crops requires a huge commitment. Day in and day out, we have to take care of our critters and/or land. Lives depend on us! We don't chase whims at the drop of the hat, and we expect to receive the same commitment we give.
7. Be steadfast. Sometimes we can be pulled in a million different directions by the thousand thoughts we have running through our heads and the seemingly endless list of things we must do. Be a compass pointing north. Be an anchor helping us to be still. Be a rock in a swift current. Knowing that you are [cue synonyms of steadfast] loyal, faithful, dependable, reliable, steady, and true is vital and it will help us quiet our minds.
8. Understand that we don't need you. We may want you a whole awful lot, but we don't need you. We are strong independent women who don't need no man! In all seriousness, however, there's a good chance we've been single for a while. There's a good chance we're a little (or a lot) hard to win over. This isn't because we play games or because we want to be single for the rest of our lives. It is because we recognize our self worth and we know what we need. If we know you're not the right man for us, we won't date you just for the sake of dating (which is a good thing in the long run).
9. Be a 1 Corinthians 13/Proverbs 31 kind of man. Be patient. Be kind. Do not envy. Do not boast. Do not be proud. Honor others. Don't be self-seeking. Control your temper. Don't keep a record of wrongs. Rejoice with the truth. Always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.
   
   Are you scratching your head at the second part of my statement? That's okay. Everyone always talks about the Proverbs 31 woman, and for good reason of course. But did you ever notice what her husband does? He has full confidence in her. As noble as she is, we know that no human can ever be perfect, yet her husband still places his trust in her. He allows her to conduct her own business. He is respected. He praises her. Sounds like a heck of man to me! And surely neither would be able to be what they are (noble and respected) if not for the encouragement and support received from each other.
   
   Oh, and you can throw in some Song of Solomon, too, if you're feeling romantic. ;)
10. Be firmly rooted. In faith, first and foremost, but in other areas as well. In relationship. In commitment. In character. In love. Just as a tree is held by its roots, so shall you be held by your roots during the storms of life, and by extension your family will be as well.  

Even though this is far from my usual post, I enjoyed writing it! I hope you enjoyed reading it, too. And if you happen to see this perfect man walking around, point him in my direction! *wink wink*

Cheers

My Favorite Household Cleaning Tools

Homestead homes get dirty. Like, really dirty. Chicken feathers in the kitchen utensil drawer kind of dirty. Keeping house clean when animals (shout out to all those who have had live chickens and/or goats in their homes on more than one occasion!), muddy boots, and other miscellaneous messes traipse through on a routine basis is not easy. Or even possible. If you saw my house right now, then read this post, you would think that I have gone bonkers. There are saddles in the living room, for Pete's sake.

But, I have a secret that makes my cleaning advice more valid! One of the things that I do to earn a little extra cash is clean houses. It doesn't bring in the big bucks, but it's an oddly satisfying job, and one I've been doing about a month now. In that time, I've used several different cleaning products with varied success. I've even tried some new things I've never used before that make cleaning so much easier. I enjoyed (is that the right word?) some of these tools so much that I wanted to share a few of my favorites. (And these really are my favorites -- I'm not affiliated with or sponsored by any of these products!)

1. Swiffer Sweep & Trap. This baby rocks and rolls. It has rotating blades on the front that capture bigger pieces of trash in a compartment, and a Swiffer dust pad on the back that collects all the dust and hair that would run away from the traditional broom and dustpan. This tool is my absolute favorite. It not only picks up dust and small fuzzies better than a traditional broom, but it is also way easier on my back. With a traditional broom, I typically have to hunch a bit. I'm not super tall by any means, but I'm just above average enough that brooms and mops tend to be a little too short for me to use them correctly and remain upright. But with this tool, because it doesn't require the typical two-handed sweeping motion, I can stand perfectly straight and still get the job done. It's also super maneuverable. If you're tired of ye olde broom and pan, give the Sweep & Trap a try! 

For cleaning other people's homes, I also like that the dust pads are disposable and the plastic sweeper itself can easily be cleaned and disinfected. Most homeowners do not want mops, brooms, and the like to be reused in their home after being used in someone else's. However, if you are crafty and into reusable, it wouldn't be hard to sew a reusable dust pad for the broom with some microfiber cloth.

2. Shark Light and Easy Steam Mop. Mopping was once my least favorite chore, but with new-fangled tools such as this, it is no longer so unbearable. This mop has a reusable microfiber cleaning pads which sticks on very simply, and it relies on steam to get floors shiny and clean. It is light weight and easy to use (hence the name!). You simply fill up the water container, plug it in, and go to work. When you push forward, the handle presses down and releases steam. It's as simple as that: no buttons to push, no spray triggers to pull, and -- best of all -- no buckets. 

It is also designed to be used completely chemical-free, which is a huge plus in my book and for my personal use. I have on occasion added a touch of white vinegar to the fluid compartment, however, to deal with especially difficult messes. It's also a huge plus that the microfiber pad can be thrown in the washer and completely cleaned. Overall, I feel that products like this result in a much cleaner floor and more sanitary mop than the traditional mop n' bucket routine. 

The one downside to this product is that it relies on electricity to work, so it has to be plugged in. That's not a huge problem, but it does add an extra step when changing rooms.

3. Rubbermaid Reveal. This is a similar product to the Shark mop, but is, in my opinion, slightly less impressive. Like the shark, this has a reusable, washable microfiber cleaning pad. It also uses a refillable liquid compartment rather than a bucket. With this mop you must pull a trigger and squirt your liquid onto the floor as you go; it doesn't create the effortless steam like the shark. 

The definite bonuses to this design are the same as the Shark: easy to use, light weight, no buckets, washable, reusable. Another plus is that you can use whatever cleaning agent in the sprayer that you prefer. At home, that would be vinegar. In other people's homes, it is what product they prefer. It is also a plus that this mop does not need to be plugged into the wall outlet. It also has a scrub pad on top that can be used when a spot needs some elbow grease.

However, the downsides are that pulling the trigger to squirt water on the floor gets old fast. The water also seems to not last as long as the steam water does in the Shark, and using plain water is not an option because there is no sanitizing heat.

4. Swiffer Sweeper. This basic little tool barely made the list, but it does have a few things going for it. It can be used with wet or dry cloths. Swiffer dry cloths are exceptionally good at picking up dust and other fine debris that can be difficult to get with a broom (their dusters are great, too). When cleaning houses for others, the disposable pads are nice. There is also the option to make your own reusable pads if you're crafty. 

What I don't like about the Sweeper is that it's a lightweight in the sense that it isn't as tough on grime as other products listed. It's good for small, quick clean ups where the floor is already pretty clean but still needs a touch up. However, for bigger messes, I find myself going through multiple pads when I use one of these. There is also no option for customization when using it as a wet mop (unless you make your own pads), because the wet cloths designed for it come pre-soaked in whatever chemical cleaning concoction Swiffer uses. So, while this is arguably the easiest to use, it isn't necessarily the best.

What's your favorite household cleaning tool?

Cheers!

Why I Became a doTERRA Wellness Advocate (And Why I Love Their Products)

If you follow me over on my Facebook page (and you should!), then you know that I recently joined doTERRA as a Wellness Advocate, which is simply their term for Independent Consultant and Wholesale Account member. What seems out of the blue has really been building over quite some time. Today I want to share with you my own journey with essential oils (EOs), why I chose doTERRA, how I use oils in my day to day life, and why I ultimately decided to become a consultant.

How I Got Started with Essential Oils and Why I Chose doTERRA

The first purchase I ever made of essential oils was lavender essential oil to fragrance my goat milk soap. I immediately fell in love with lavender. This is not surprising, considering that lavender is the overall favorite of EO consumers. It is a beautiful, soothing, and calming scent, and one that I use every single day. Since then, I have used several other EOs in my soapmaking, purely for their divine scents. Although I still use fragrance oils (FO) in my soap for certain scents, when choosing between a lavender EO or a lavender FO, the EO wins hands down every time...and that's not even a therapeutic grade EO.

This use of EOs for fragrance purposes sparked an interest in me for their other uses, primarily as aromatherapy and for topical application. So I experimented with store-bought oils. I used peppermint to repel spiders and for headaches and lavender for its peaceful aroma. And, most importantly, I began to research EOs and their uses. Boy, did that open up a whole new world for me!

Why did I chose doTERRA?

I found out that store brand EOs are not as high a grade as the oils made by doTERRA. At first I assumed these brand-wars were just a marketing ploy by companies. I can now attest from further research and personal use that nothing could be farther from the truth. When my first doTERRA order finally arrived, the first oil I opened was my beloved lavender. And you know what? I could smell the difference.

So, why is there such a big difference in potency and quality?

It all has to do with the high standards that doTERRA sets for itself. They carefully test their oils at independent laboratories for purity and quality to assure that each bottle is 100% pure essential oil. They also source their oils from the highest quality sources available. They make sure that their oils are harvested from the right plants at the right time, extracted correctly, and proven to be free from contaminants such as pesticides or fillers that would water-down the oils. Read more about this HERE.

The higher quality of doTERRA oils means that they are purer, safer, and more effective. Because they are more effective, I need to use less of them than I would a lower quality oil. Using less means that I can save money in the long run.

In short, I use doTERRA oils because I believe them to be the highest quality essential oils on the market. 

Why and How I Use Oils

Essential oils work. And they smell good doing it, too. The more that I use them, the more I grow to love them. And the more that I read about them, the more I want to use them in new and different ways that I haven't tried yet! For just one example, check out THIS STUDY that found that doTERRA's blend, On Guard, effectively attenuated influenza virus in vitro.

So, why I use oils is pretty simple. They smell great, they are completely plant-based and natural, and most importantly, they are effective. Investing in oils is investing in health.

But how do I use them in my daily life?

I am personally a big fan of diffusing oils into the air for aromatherapy, delicious scents, and air purification. Diffusing in my home also provides the added benefit of adding moisture to the air, which is especially important during winter.

Diffusing is super easy. DoTERRA offers a wide range of diffusers which can be purchased HERE. You can also use a simple tealight candle-based diffuser like the one pictured below. Simply put a few drops of your favorite oil in the top and fill with hot water. Light the tea candle below and enjoy! (The oil pictured is doTERRA's blend, Balance.)

I diffuse in my car using felt pads in a stainless steel tea strainer. The oils make my car smell heavenly, and depending on which oil I'm using, they can promote calm or alertness for long drives.

I also use the oils topically. Most oils need to be mixed into a carrier oil such as coconut oil (water does not dilute EOs), before being applied topically, but some -- such as my old favorite, lavender -- can be applied neat. DoTERRA provides instructions with each oil they sell to let you know how they can be used: by diffusing, topically with oil, topically neat, or internally. (If you have not used a specific oil topically before, it is recommended to apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours to test for sensitivity.)

One of my long-time favorite oily routines is to put a few drops of lavender on my pillow each night before going to sleep.

To learn more about essential oils and how to use them, go HERE.

Slim and Sassy Weight Loss Shakes 

Oils aren't the only doTERRA products I use! DoTERRA offers a wide range of health and wellness products from supplements to skincare to weight loss support products. One such product is their Slim and Sassy Trim Shakes.

Those who know me personally know that I am on a weight loss journey, and like any journey, it has had its ups and downs. I have been on a shake plan once before with minimal success, so I was skeptical when I saw the Trim Shake. However, reading further, I was really impressed. These doTERRA shakes are unlike any I've tried before.

First and foremost, these shakes contain no soy, no sugar, and no artificial flavors or colors. I can speak from first hand experience that it is really hard to find a shake mix without soy proteins. The ones I have found have been highly unpalatable. But these Trim Shakes not only have no soy, they taste great, too!

The Trim Shakes are sweetened with Stevia and come in both chocolate and vanilla. They blend smoothly, contain a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and have 8 grams of protein in one scoop (just the powder). But what I really love about these shakes is doTERRA's two special ingredients: EssentraTrim and Solathin.

EssentraTrim is a extract from ashwagandha leaves and roots and has been shown to support weight loss by controlling the release of the stress hormone cortisol. It has also shown to help curb carbohydrate cravings (a huge struggle of mine), stress-induced appetite, and overeating while supporting healthy blood sugar levels and energy.

Solathin is a special protein derived from potatoes that supports increased feelings of satiety. It has demonstrated an ability to help control snacking and overeating and to make you feel full longer. I can personally attest to the fact that I can go hours after drinking a Trim Shake and not feel hungry -- something that never happened with previous shakes I have tried. I don't get hungry two hours after finishing a Trim Shake. On one busy day, I drank a shake between 9 and 10:00 am, but wasn't able to drink my next shake until about 3:00 pm. Although I was certainly hungry by the time I got to lunch, it was a manageable hunger -- I wasn't starving.

I love that doTERRA didn't just make a meal-replacement shake...they made a meal-replacement shake that helps promote appropriate eating habits and weight loss even after it has been consumed. I have never personally had a shake that I felt was actually benefiting me in ways other than limiting my caloric intake until Trim Shake.

I understand that weight loss shakes, no matter how awesome, are not a long-term solution or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. However, I feel that using these shakes in conjunction with developing overall healthier habits will be a huge help in my weight loss journey. They could also be useful for maintaining a healthy weight by providing a quick and easy breakfast or lunch on the run as an alternative to fast food. And at just $1 per serving,* you can't find a cheaper meal! (*Price calculated using the wholesale account price for the shakes and not including the cost of your liquid of choice.)

I personally mix my shakes using raw pastured cow's milk, which I feel nicely rounds out my "meal" by adding additional vitamins and minerals and sufficient calories for meal-replacement (if mixed with water, the Trim Shakes would only contain 70 calories per serving, which is not sufficient for meal replacement). I'm drinking a chocolate raw milk Trim Shake for lunch as I type right now!

Learn more about these awesome shakes HERE and purchase HERE.

The Loyalty Rewards Program

The Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP)  may be my favorite thing about this company. When I joined as a Wellness Advocate, I set up my monthly order of Trim Shakes to ship automatically. By joining the LRP, I automatically receive points toward free products every time my order ships! This means that simply by making a purchase I would be making anyway, I get to earn free doTERRA products (with the added convenience that I don't have to worry about forgetting to re-order my shakes on time and running out!) I can also earn the free product of the month if my order totals 125 pv and is placed prior to the 15th!

The LRP also does not require a minimum purchase order! Although there is a minimum order to receive product points -- 50 pv -- there is not a minimum order to stay in the program. If at any time I need or want to make a smaller purchase I can simply go into my doTERRA online office and edit my monthly order. No stress! Learn more HERE.

Why I Became a Wellness Advocate 

Finally, the million dollar question!

Setting up a wholesale account just makes sense. It is the wisest and most affordable way to purchase from doTERRA. It allows me access to the awesome Loyalty Rewards Program and provides a hefty discount on all products. For just $35 a year, I get to earn free products and get a 25% discount off of the retail price! To give you a real-life example of how much this benefits me, and can benefit YOU, Trim Shakes (which I am using daily and ordering monthly) retail for $52.67. With a wholesale account, they are only $39.50! That means that if I were to buy just one shake mix a month for only three months, I would save $39.51 and more than pay for my yearly membership fee.

Being a Wellness Advocate also allows me to share doTERRA with others and earn bonus products and even commission in the process..but without any pressure. I have been a consultant for another company in the past, and although I loved their products, I didn't love the minimum sales requirement in order to stay in the program. With doTERRA, I don't have to sell anything, buy anything, or sign anyone else on in order to continue being a Wellness Advocate and reaping the benefits of the wholesale account. This program is truly all rewards and no pressure.

Hey Wait! I Want In On This!

I thought you might!

                               

Any Questions?

If you are unsure how to purchase or sign on for a Wholesale Account or the Loyalty Rewards Program, or if you have any questions at all, CONTACT ME. I am here to answer any questions you have!

Cheers!

Rachel

The Lost Art of Doing What Has to be Done

A strange thing sparked this thought in me. I have been reading a book about the women of the Bible. It's really a fascinating read. Sadly the women of the Bible often get downplayed, but they have incredible stories which show how much God listens to, uses, and loves women -- from prostitutes to princesses. But that's not really the point of this post.

Okay, back to topic. After the story of of how Jael killed Sisera by driving a tent stake through his head, one of the questions the book asked was along the lines of, "how was Jael able to do what she did?" One of my first thoughts was, "she did what had to be done." And that thought led me down a rabbit trail, as thoughts often do.

Doing what has to be done has become a lost art in our society. We don't really have a need to do what has to be done, because there are others who do most of the hard work for us. It's so easy to step away from the hard reality of responsibility and pretend that it doesn't exist. We don't have to butcher our own meat, because other people do that for us. We don't have to harvest our own food, because it comes in nice little packages in the grocery store. We don't have to do so many things anymore, because there are handfuls of people in each community that do it for everyone else. It's so easy to turn a blind eye to the facts of life...and death.

But when we homestead, we pull back the curtain. We come face to face with our food, with our responsibilities, and with the really difficult stuff that most other people ignore. Homesteading is a resuscitation of the lost art of doing what has to be done. Homesteaders and small farmers are reintroducing the real-life knowledge and skills of where and how we get our food. Homesteading is learning how to do what has to be done...whether that means breaking ice in the middle of winter, selling an animal you had planned to keep, or butchering your own meat. "As needs, must."

Sometimes, it's easy peasy and fun, other times it's hard. But I think it's a good thing. I think we, as a society, need to re-learn what it means to be truly responsible and intentional. We need to stop letting the man behind the curtain make all the tough calls and do all the grunt work. It's better for us as individuals and for the earth when we step up and mindfully play a part in the production of our own food.

So let's learn to do what has to be done.

Cheers.

5 Tips for Hosting an On-Farm Event

For those who don't know, I have been planning the first annual Midsouth Homesteading Conference and Festival to take place on September 19th (conference) and 20th (festival) of this year. I mentioned this briefly in a previous post as well as on the farm Facebook page and the Facebook page of the event.

This is my first time planning something like this, and I have learned a lot along the way. I suppose when I first had this grand idea, I thought that it would be easy-peasy and fall together effortlessly. Not! It really takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and patience to plan a farm event. It takes more money than I expected, too. The good thing is that in the end, it will have been worth it...I hope! 

If you have ever thought about planning any kind of farm or homestead event, be it a class, conference, festival, farm tour, or something else, I have a few tips for you based on what I have learned from this experience thus-far.

1. Start planning early. I had about four months to plan this event when I started. In hindsight, this really was not enough time. Don't get me wrong, things have come together, but I do wish I had either started earlier or planned the event for later. Why? Well, I missed out on some speakers and demonstrators I had hoped to land, because they were already booked for the dates of the events. One demonstrator even said that I should contact him in January of next year if I wanted to book him for September! 

2. Be realistic with your budget. Money has been a challenge for me to deal with for this event. I really didn't think it would cost much at all because I didn't have to actually rent a locale (instead, a portion of any profit above the red will be given to my grandparents for letting me use their land), but it adds up quickly. Here are some of the expenses:

• Some speakers (though not all) charge speaking and/or travel fees. Typically the further away they are, and the more well-known, the more they cost. 
•  Advertising is a surprisingly big expense, too. Word of mouth and free advertisements don't cut it, especially for a first-time event. Between the cost of printing flyers, paying for online and paper advertisements, and the banners and signs I will be purchasing, it adds up.
• I also chose to provide food and drink for the conference attendees and conference speakers. Because we do not have a certified kitchen or the means to cater ourselves, I will not only be paying for the food itself but also the preparation of it. Don't forget little things like cups, drinks, plates, silverware, etc.
• For the festival, I wanted to set up a kid's play area. This required the purchase of material (plywood and paint, mostly) to make fun games and face-in-hole paintings, game prizes, face painting material, and straw bales.
• There are also expenses for readying the locale. Port-a-potty rentals, caution tape to keep people away from farm equipment, and the cost of small things required for a general clean up (because, as you know, farms can be messy places!)

I am just hoping that this year, the income will cover expenses. Sure, profit would be really nice, but not necessarily realistic for this first year.

What I really hate is the feeling that people think I am just raking in the dough from this and gouging people. A couple of people have said they thought the cost of the conference was high, and that was a huge blow to my morale. I wanted to explain just how much time, money, and hard work it takes to do something like this so that they would understand, but I chose to simply be polite. 

3. Prepare to deal with naysayers. I mentioned above about how some people will not think your prices and policies are fair, and may try to make you feel guilty about it. Try to remember that their negative opinions don't stem from a dislike for you or any hateful place, but simply from a lack of understanding what goes into hosting an event.

There will also be naysayers on other subjects, too. I have received comments from people unhappy with the dates, unhappy with the schedule, or unhappy with the classes offered. A couple of my own family members have even had negative things to say. I won't name names, but one didn't want me to hold the event at all and tried to have it called off behind my back.

At the end of the day, you can't please everyone. The quicker you realize that and let the negativity slide off your back, the better your event (and even your life!) will be.

4. Don't forget about liability issues. Part of the reason my family and I can't cater the event ourselves (even though we are pretty darn good cooks!) is because of liability. If someone were to get ill -- from the food or not -- we could get in big trouble for violating food safety laws, which require a certified kitchen. There are also areas of the farm, including a pond, that will have to be roped off and labeled "do not enter." I certainly don't expect tragedy to strike, but if it does, being able to prove that we took appropriate safety measures will help protect us in case of a lawsuit. Farm Commons has some really great webinars on the liability of on-farm events. 

5. People have a tendency to not call you back. I think the single most difficult thing I've had to deal with is people not answering attempts at contact. This is another reason to start planning early. Some people just have to be reminded (like me!), but others simply will not respond to you. They will not email, call, or message you back. After dealing with this a few times, I changed my philosophy: If a person didn't respond to two attempted contacts, I gave up and moved to the next person. If a person is not willing to respond to me, they are obviously either not interested or not reliable. Either way, they are not someone I want involved in my event, because I want everyone involved to be as enthusiastic as I am!

Bonus! 6. Don't forget to have fun. It is way too easy to get stressed about stuff like this. The best thing to do, at least in my experience, is to set aside specific periods of time to work on the event, and let it "slip my mind" for the rest of my time. That way I can dive in head first, really hit the planning hard, and then simply not worry about it when my work time is up. Thinking and worrying about it constantly will take away all of the fun!

I hope these tips are at least a little bit helpful. I'm sure there will be a part 2 to this post after the even takes place (we certainly learn best in hindsight), so stay tuned!

Cheers

A Rough Day and Saying Goodbye to Georgie

For the past few weeks, I have been attempting to keep up a blogging schedule that includes two posts a week, one on Monday and one on Friday. Typically I accomplish this by taking a chunk of my Sunday and devoting it to writing and editing blog posts, which I then schedule to automatically post. You may have noticed that I didn't make my goal this week, and Monday was left without a blog post. Here is why:

Sunday was actually a pretty great day. We spent most of the afternoon working with my mare, Krystal. It wasn't really work, though; it was fun! A friend who is currently studying to be a vet and horse trainer (using the amazing Parelli method) came over and taught us how to do a lot of ground work. (After just a few days of learning ground work games from Katelyn, I am sold on the idea that a relationship on the ground leads to a better relationship in the saddle.) 

I was planning to write this week's blog posts after working with Krystal, but it didn't work out that way. Instead, we came inside to find that our new dog Georgie, who you may remember from my previous post, and my Pomeranian Lucky had gotten into a fight. Although we didn't witness it, I am almost certain that Lucky, aka Queen Bee, started the fight. What we think probably happened is that Georgie went to the kitchen to drink water, Lucky growled at her, and Georgie decided she wasn't going to be low dog on the totem pole anymore. As my mom said, Lucky wrote a check her body couldn't cash. Even though they weigh almost the same, Georgie is a Boston Terrier mix and has a bigger jaw and more muscular build than Lucky. Thankfully Lucky did indeed have some luck on her side. We took her to the emergency vet and found out that all of her wounds were superficial. She has been very sore, but nothing was damaged internally and no bones were dislocated or broken. She is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine and will eventually be back to normal.

Unfortunately, we now have to find Georgie a new home. We have all grown attached to her, but after this fight it is not worth the risk of keeping her. Lucky is far too stupid...I mean, stubborn...to learn her lesson and stop trying to be the boss. That means that Georgie is having to spend way too much time in her kennel. I'm afraid to even leave the room with both of them out in the house, much less go outside or anything else. And Georgie is such a quiet dog that it would be too easy to forget to put her back in the kennel when we leave. Although it will be sad for us to say goodbye, Georgie has to move on. The current situation is not fair to Georgie or safe for Lucky. Below is Georgie's info:

Georgie, pictured above, is approximately 2-4 years old, probably closer to 2. She has been fully vetted and is spayed. She is also housebroken and kennel trained. She is a Boston Terrier mix. The story of how she came to live with us is here. She weighs about 11 lbs and is not much bigger than our Pomeranians, but is more muscular and lithe. She is very quiet, and I have never actually heard her bark. 

Georgie is extremely shy and timid. She is terrified of thunderstorms and afraid of men. When she is anxious, she chews and licks at her skin, particularly her paws and under her legs/stomach. We believe she may have been abused by a man at some point. It took weeks for her to become trusting of my mother and I, and she still does not trust my dad, so do not expect an immediate bond. However, when she does become comfortable with you, she is incredibly sweet. She will greet you at the door with love and excitement. When she is feeling insecure, she will hide in a corner or under furniture. When it storms, she will be trying to bury herself under your arm. She also will not eat or drink when feeling anxious, so it is best to provide her with a private space for meals and water.

Georgie needs a home with no children, and a home with an older woman would be ideal. She is a runner, which is how we found her, so she must be walked on a leash or in a securely fenced area. She gets along with cats and other dogs, however, she needs a home without a domineering dog. If you have a dominant female dog that feels the need to boss others around, Georgie would not be a good fit. 

Please contact me if you or someone you know could give a loving, permanent home for Georgie. With patience and kindness, she will be a wonderful little dog for someone. There is no re-homing fee, but we will be conducting interviews to be sure the new home is a good fit. Georgie is a quirky dog and needs a particular type of home to do well. Even if you don't live locally, we may be able to work out transport for the right furever home.

Cheers

Safety on a Farm

I honestly thought that when I sat down to write this, it would be with a heavy heart. My decision to write a post about farm safety came after reading about a 7 year old Amish boy getting caught in a hay mower. I didn't know anything at the time other than that he was caught, a helicopter had been called, and his neighbor was asking for serious prayers. I truly thought the next update would be that he had passed, but thank God that was not the case! He lost his leg, but he is alive. And so, my heart is not heavy for this post.

But farm safety is a huge issue, and this little boy was one of the lucky ones. According to Cultivate Safety, a child dies from a farm-related injury every 3 days and 38 children a day are injured on farms. Most of these kids are not working, either. I know first hand how dangerous farming can be, because my dad's family farms. My dad also farmed when I was child, and one day I even became part of the statics. I was also one of the very lucky ones, however. As I was climbing out of a tractor (facing the wrong way), the hydraulic door swung back and hit me in the face, busting my mouth and moving my front teeth. I was fortunate to not lose my teeth from that accident, and knowing what I know now about farm safety, I know I could have had it much worse. 

Every farm family has stories to tell about injuries. My dad stabbed himself in the leg trying to cut baling twine out of a hay baler. My grandfather has been gored by a boar hog. My cousin just recently broke his fingers when they got caught in a hay auger. And recently I have seen way too many posts on social media about kids getting hurt on farms: the Amish boy who lost his leg, a child who died after getting kicked in the chest by a horse, and another child who developed infection after being kicked in the eye by a horse. Farming is a wonderful lifestyle, but trust me when I tell you farming is dangerous. 

Unfortunately, children are very susceptible to farm accidents, whether they're helping out or just hanging around. They lack the experience and mental development to react quickly to danger. And there is plenty of danger on a farm! Equipment, even in experienced hands, is dangerous. Whether it is in use or being repaired, it can quickly injure a person. There are often medications or chemicals (even organic ones) on a farm that are harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or touched. And animals, no matter how well behaved, are always a risk. Your most beloved horse or sweetest pig can have a bad day and easily injure or kill you. When you're looking at livestock that can weigh anywhere from a 200 lb sheep to a 2,000 lb bull...there's no way you can control them if they decide they don't want to be controlled. They are faster and stronger than the fittest  adult man, much less a small child.

One thing that also really concerns me regarding safety is how many people with no farming background are now starting farms or homesteads. I think that is really wonderful, because we need more small farms and more involvement with our food. But the darker side to this is that farming often has a steep learning curve. People who have no first-hand experience or knowledge, and sadly often don't have a resource nearby so they can learn and gain experience before being on their own, can be blissfully unaware of how dangerous a farm is at times. And in that moment when something happens and you're suddenly faced with a scary situation and no clue what to do, it's hard to react quickly. I know because I've been there with my own animals! When a horse 5x your size decides to crowd your space and get spooky, it's frightening...and I have been around horses my whole life. Take someone who hasn't been around horses (or whatever other animal or piece of equipment) their whole lives, and it can be even scarier.

But I really don't want people to be discouraged from farming or homesteading. I just want them to be aware of the risks. So I wanted to compile a few tips for being as safe as possible in a farm setting. This is what I came up with:

1. Always supervise children on a farm. Always. I don't care how obedient, responsible, or smart your child is. Do. Not. Leave. Them. Unsupervised.
   
2. Wear closed-toed shoes. I have a really bad habit of wearing flip flops around the barnyard, and have regretted it more than once.
   
3. Turn off all equipment before working to repair it. No matter how quick or simple the repair will be, shut it off.
   
4. Wear protective clothing and gear when needed. Don't neglect this, especially eye protection, gloves, and face masks. I know it's a hassle, but it's not worth the risk.
   
5. Don't let children be alone with animals, no matter how trusted. Even your sweetest goat can suddenly go rogue, and animals also don't understand that they can hurt humans without meaning to. I was knocked out by a Lamancha as a child. It wasn't being malicious, it was just being a goat.
   
6. Don't let children operate machinery. Just because they physically can run it, doesn't mean they are mentally mature enough to run it.
   
7. Don't let children run and play in the barnyard or near farming equipment.
   
8. Always be alert when working with equipment or animals. Not just for your own safety, but to watch for others who might be coming to get you for lunch, tell you someone called, etc.
   
9. Know the proper techniques and safety procedures for whatever tool you are using. If you've never operated it before, have someone teach you.
   
10. Don't try to work in dangerous weather. If there is lightning, flooding, dangerously strong winds, or tornadoes, just go inside and wait it out.
    
11. Don't play loud music while running machinery of any kind. You might miss hearing someone yelling at you.
    
12. Don't wear jewelry while working on the farm, especially rings. Flat, post earrings are safe -- not hoops or dangles. If you have long hair, pull it back as well. It can also get caught in machinery.
    
13. Never turn your back on an intact male animal, or any unfamiliar animal, especially during breeding season or when a female in heat is nearby.
    
14. Don't keep dangerous or aggressive animals around. If you know a particular animal is dangerous, it needs to be put down or, in some cases, neutered. If you are waiting to put an aggressive animal down or alter it until after the breeding season, never tend to it alone and never let children tend to it. Put signs on its enclosure that it is dangerous. Keep the gate locked (not just latched).
    
15. Clearly mark "off limits" areas to visitors or children. Any area which stores dangerous machinery or tools needs to be locked up so kids can't have access.
    
16. Avoid barbed wire. It's really not worth it. Just spend a little more for a better quality fencing material. If you don't, the first time you, an animal, or a child gets wrapped in it, you will regret it. If you do have barbed wire, never electrify it.
    
17. If you're working alone, let people know when to expect you. Sometimes farmers will work well past dark, so if you plan to be home by a certain time tell someone so they know to look for you if you aren't back.
    
18. Never do farm work while intoxicated in any way. This includes being sleep-deprived. And never smoke in a barn or a dry field. (Or at all, if you value your lungs.)
    
19. Don't leave jugs of chemicals or medications where children can reach them.
    
20. Use common sense. If it seems like a bad idea, don't do it.
    
21. Bonus: Accidents will happen no matter how careful you are, so just be prepared by staying calm, knowing how to do basic first aid, and having an emergency first aid kit.

There are many ways for children to be safely involved in farming, and many ways to prevent injury. There's no need to take excess risks. Be safe out there!

Cheers

When Prepping Goes too Far

I am not a prepper. I'm not interested in becoming one. However, homesteading and prepping tend to go hand in hand...at least to some extent. The homesteading and prepping communities are certainly close and a lot of cross-over happens. Many homesteaders are preppers, and many preppers are homesteaders. Not all, but many. Perhaps a venn diagram is the best way to visualize the two lifestyles:

As you can see from my highly sophisticated diagram, not all who homestead prep, and not all who prep homestead. Yet there is some overlap, and from a homesteading perspective overlap into prepping is almost unavoidable.

One of the very basic practices at the heart of homesteading is the act of growing and raising your own food. This results in having more food at time than one can possibly eat during harvest season. What we (homesteaders) do with the excess varies -- we might give some away, feed some to pigs or chickens, or sell some -- but some inevitably gets canned or frozen for our own future use. Preserving our own food is healthy, thrifty, fun, and wise.

Another core value of homesteading is self-sufficiency. We become more self-sufficient intentionally and also as a byproduct of the lifestyle. We can't let our hard work be ruined by various problems, and we can't afford to hire help every time we turn around, so we learn to take care of problems ourselves. Our animals produce milk, meat, fiber, and eggs, so we learn to make dairy products, butcher, process fiber, and eat lots of eggs. Many of us also hunt and gather wild edibles. We provide as much as we can for ourselves, by our own effort.

Homesteaders also need and want to be economically and environmentally responsible. So we cook mostly from scratch and learn to make things for ourselves -- soap, cleaning supplies, structures, fabric items, etc. Oftentimes money is tight, so we learn to get by on less. Most of us can't run to town every time we need something, so we learn to keep things on hand. We almost never throw anything away, because we almost always need it later. We live by the mantra, "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

And all of these are good things. This is part of the reason homesteaders homestead -- to take part in the making and doing of all these things for ourselves. We gather joy, satisfaction, and a sense of pride from this. In turn, our ever-growing knowledge and skill base make us more prepared than the average family for any number of circumstances.

This is good.

And if homesteader or non-homesteaders want to intentionally increase their preparedness, that is good, too. I do believe in being prepared. I believe in being able to take care of yourself without outside help. What if your power goes out for a month? What if your main water source suddenly becomes unsafe, like it did for people in Ohio earlier this week? What if there is a natural or man-made disaster?

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

Being prepared is wise. But sometimes...prepping goes too far.

I see the side-effects of over-prepping all the time. Fear mongering by those who wish to profit from the prepping movement. Living in fear by those who want to be prepared. Forgetting to live in the present. Constantly needing more, more, more preps. And maybe it's true that you can never be over-prepared, but there has to be a line.

There is a huge difference between being prepared and being consumed by a need to prep.

We can only do what we can do, folks.

At some point we have to have a little faith. Faith in our ability to keep a clear head and use those skills we've honed if it ever becomes necessary. Faith that things really do work out for the best. Faith in God, who has our best interests at heart.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? [...] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt 6:26-27;31-34

I do not say this as someone who is naturally free from worry. Oh, no. Worry is one of the things I struggle with the most. I am a worrier. I am speaking to myself here as well. We don't control the universe. He does.

So when you're putting away the fruits of your labor, enjoy it. Be proud of what you have done. Rest easy knowing that you'll have food put up by your own hand to eat in the winter. Know that is is wise to work hard and be prepared, but also remember that Your heavenly Father knows what you need.

Don't forget to enjoy the good as it happens, or you may look back one day and realize that you were so focused on the winter that you missed the joyful harvest of fall.

Cheers.

Lessons from Nancy

Believe it or not, I actually get a chance to read fiction novels from time to time. Sure, summer is arguably the busiest season for a homestead, but sometimes I just can't help but pick up a book that isn't going to teach me something...at least not in the same way as nonfiction books.

As you may have guessed by my title, my recent books of choice have been the Nancy Drew series. I read this series first as a child, and I decided it was time to revisit the stories I loved back then. Books tend to reveal more when they are read more than once, and Nancy Drew is no exception. I think there are a lot of life lessons we can learn from Nancy, and I decided to share a few of them here, including a few that I feel correspond directly to homesteading.

1. Nancy is always kind. Even to complete strangers she meets along the way, she stops to lend a helping hand.  If someone asks her for help, even if it might put her in danger or inconvenience her, she is there to do what she can. Nancy does for the least of these, and never asks for anything but friendship in return.
2. She avoids gossiping, but knows when to listen to it. There's a fine line between engaging in the spreading of rumors and simply engaging in conversation -- a line all of us have crossed, if we're honest -- but Nancy always stays on the right side. However, she doesn't simply avoid it and walk away. Nancy knows how to listen, and not just to lend a sympathetic ear. She picks up on important details that can help her down the road. Oftentimes we can benefit by simply listening to what others say and keeping our own mouths shut.
3. She is honest. Nancy does not lie or hide the truth, and this makes her a trustworthy person in whom people feel comfortable confiding. People know that Nancy will not deceive them or take advantage of them. When they come to her with a problem, she will truly try to solve it, not benefit from it in some way, and she will give her honest opinion and advice. Honesty is the best policy.
4. She has a wide variety of useful skills. Nancy knows how to do just about anything. She is a quick thinker, she is skilled, she can do most things for herself, and she is excellent at troubleshooting when the first trial fails. Nancy is not the type to have others do everything for her. Having a wide skill set and the ability to troubleshoot is absolutely necessary to homesteading, and one of the essences of homesteading is doing things for oneself. To homestead is to develop a variety of useful skills.
5. Nancy knows when to seek counsel. Nancy is a smart girl. As the point above notes, she has no trouble figuring things out on her own or getting stuff done. Yet this does not stop her from seeking out advice when she needs it, whether it be from her father, Hannah Gruen, an authority, or a trusted friend. She is wise enough to recognize that multiple people coming together can solve a problem much faster, and that even the smartest and most self-sufficient folk need some advice now and again. Homesteaders sometimes get caught up in the "I need to do this myself" attitude, but there are times when we do need help. And that is okay.
6. She doesn't let her age or inexperience interfere. Nancy would never be the type of person to make an excuse for anything. Thoughts such as "I'm too young" or "I've never done this before, so I can't do it now" never enter her mind. Instead she faces trouble head on with the certainty that one way or another, alone or with friends, she can accomplish her goals. No excuses. So what if you've never raised chickens before? You can do this.
7. She is brave. I will be the first to admit that I am not going to follow strangers down deserted roads or climb through dark, hidden passageways like Nancy does. Truth be told, some risks really shouldn't be taken, especially alone. There's still a lesson here, though, and it applies amply to homesteading. Homesteading involves risks. "What if I don't get a return on this investment? What if something happens to my livestock? What if my crops fail? What if that [insert large animal here] tramples me?" There are a lot of "what if's," but the one sure thing is that homesteading requires a good helping of hope, faith, and even bravery. Sometimes you just have to dive in and pray it works out.
8. She develops strong, positive relationships. Nancy has a wide network of friends and relatives with whom she has good relationships. She doesn't let being busy keep her from socializing. In fact, she incorporates her work with the development of her relationships in many ways. Homesteading is an isolating lifestyle. (And trust me, I am the worst about being a hermit homesteader.) The work, though usually enjoyable, is time consuming and tiring at times. It's hard to go out for a night on the town with friends when you have to wake up the next morning to milk your goats. And sometimes it's hard to connect with people who don't share your lifestyle. Not everyone understands the desire to homestead or cares to hear homestead-related anecdotes. But connecting with other humans is important not only for our emotional well being, but also to build a network of people to whom we can turn in times of need or share with in times of bounty. We get by with a little help from our friends (and family).
9. Nancy appreciates the great outdoors. She enjoys being active outside, taking hikes, spending time on the lake, or just enjoying nature. In book 2, The Hidden Staircase, Nancy mentions that her father taught her that nature is a great way to clear one's mind. It is such a valuable thing to appreciate nature and enjoy time spent in the outdoors...especially if you homestead. All that garden and livestock time will be spent outdoors, of course, and you will likely find that you enjoy that much more than indoor chores.
10. She never gives up. Nancy embodies tenacity. Even when she's down to nothing, at her wits end, locked in a closet by burglars, or generally in a situation that seems hopeless...she just keeps trying. Those of us who homestead know that some days, months, and even years on a homestead are hard. Sometimes it seems like everything we plant dies, the weeds are overtaking our entire lives, the weather is against us, and/or our livestock just keep having problems, illnesses, injuries, or even deaths. Homesteaders must be tenacious if we are to keep homesteading. Sometimes the going gets tough, but the tough keep going!

A Surprise Addition

We had a week of stormy weather here in the beginning of June. Thankfully it wasn't severe, but of course animals who are afraid of storms do not know that. It was during one of these storms that my mom found a little brindle and white dog running the roads, terrified, and brought her home.

We posted about finding her in various places, looked for "lost dog" signs, called the vet and the shelter, checked her for a microchip, and asked at houses near where she was running, but nothing ever came of it. Because of her extremely fearful attitude and the fact that she got readily into Mom's car when she stopped but was afraid to get in it to go the vet, we believe that she may have been dumped.

Eventually we came to the decision that we might as well keep her. What's one more, right? She has also gotten slowly more used to us, and it would be a huge upset for her to be moved into another home and out of ours. When our Collie mix Sophie met her, it was obvious that she wanted to play, but the little girl didn't seem so enthused. I made a joke referencing that old Loony Toon's episode (which was referencing Of Mice and Men): "I will name him George, and hug him, and pet him, and squeeze him..." And thus the little dog became "Georgie."

Georgie is still very fearful, but is not aggressive or a fear biter. She is also a little thin, but she is eating well and should gain some weight soon. She still spends most of her time hiding, but she gets along with our other critters and is sweet when she interacts with us. She is, however, more afraid of Dad than of Mom and I. We have to wonder if perhaps she was abused by a man at some point based on her attitude. Lavender aromatherapy does seem to help her, as does giving her treats (of course!). The vet has cleared her health and believes that she is between two and four years old, but closer to two. We hope that she will continue to improve and meld into our family with time.

Update: Unfortunately, we need to find a new home for Georgie. See this post.

20 Happy Things

Inspired by a blog post over at Antiquity Oaks, I have decided to make a list of 20 things that make me happy (in no particular order).

1. Sunday afternoon naps

2. Polled kids -- less disbudding!

3. Time spent with family

4. Beautiful spring flowers

4.5 Which sometimes hide little critters

5. Those special animals that sneak into our hearts (even though it's hard to say goodbye)

6. Unexpected blessings

7. Watching lightning bugs

8. Writing things my heart wants to write (rather than writing for assignments)

9. Baby goats!

10. Really, baby animals of any kind

11. Perfect weather days

12. Lazy rainy days

13. Big thunderstorms -- so long as no one is hurt

14. Connecting with like-minded folk

15. Cold glasses of raw milk

16. Gardens growing

17. Shopping at farmer's markets for local goods

18. Awesome yard sale finds, like old sewing machines

19. The simple pleasure of cheesy grits

20. Finding a good movie on TV