Sunday Morning:16 Degrees Fahrenheit

Frosty Morning

It’s one of those gorgeous eastern Oregon mornings. One of those that make me grateful I’ve got all of the modern amenities and did not spend the night curled up with the goats in the barn. The water was frozen over in the goat and chicken pens, but not like it was outside! I forgot to empty the goats’ smaller bucket by their shelter, so I had to carefully get the ice out without shattering the bucket. In the past, I’ve always been able to turn the bucket over and the frozen top is pushed out by the weight of the water. Not this time. As I mentioned in my last post, I hooked up the hot water in the mudroom, so I ran out the hose and sprayed some hot water over the outside to loosen it up and soften the plastic bucket up. Here is what came out of that bucket!

Ice Bucket, Long Creek Style

Yep. It’s cold over here folks. But it is also beautiful! The sky is blue, the sun is warming up now that it is 9 am, and life just looks positive. Of course, it helps that I can stream KLCC. You know, I used to hate listening to radio news. Now, they keep me informed and entertained. Life is good.

Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that I also got studs. Specifically, for the car. In fact, I had to purchase the tires too, so there you have it. New tires and studs! So, I’ll be able to continue my journeys to Corvallis and Bend through the winter. I am looking forward to it. Although with bare pavement, it is loud and stiff. Still, better than having to chain up and unchain 7 times one way. Well worth the dough.

And tomorrow, it appears that there will be clear roads for me to travel over to Corvallis, but the locals tell me that the first big storm usually hits after Thanksgiving. We shall see. I know that the gravel trucks are working overtime this weekend and the stockpile of gravel/sand for the roads is, according to my neighbor, much more than usual. It is likely that I could be complaining about the snow in a couple of months instead of watching for it. But for now, it is wonderful to watch the season changing to winter from the warmth of our cozy little cottage.

The goats, however, are just as happy sunning in the field. Kismet, the act of God, also appears to enjoy the cold. As for me, it’s time for some bacon and eggs-ah, one last thing.

Goats Sunning in Field

Kismet

It looks like the hens are finally warming up to laying again. We are getting a least a few from the girls now. And the Wyandottes are almost looking like adults ! Thank goodness. I am so spoiled by having my own fresh eggs. Free range eggs alone are up to $5 a doz; organic, almost $6 unless they are on sale. So let’s hear it for those hens! YAY GIRLS! GO GO GO!

Americana eggs

Beauty, a watercolored (supposed to be Blue) Cochin and foster mom extraordinaire

Young flock: Golden Laced Wyandottes-yes that is a cockerel!s

Well, smells like breakfast is prepared by that dear Geno. I knew there was a good reason to post another blog! So, folks, Ciao for now!