Finishing Clearing the Barnyard

After a break from scooping the paths, I went back and started clearing the bigger spaces.  The greenhouse was actually pretty quick to put in a couple of piles.

Flora

It was the north paddock that I figured would wear me out.  The snow was deep.  All the way from the gate to the building.

From the gate to the north

I have to go around the pen.

Then it’s a stretch to the shed.

They didn’t even come out despite the wind dying down and the sunshine.

2TC in the doorway

Then I scooped for them, and they were happy to come out!

2TC coming out on my path

Chiffon, Trace, and Benji

Then I did the main part of the barnyard.  I had to clear it enough to get all my food pans out and make sure everyone would be able to find a place to eat hay when I fed them.

Hilda testing out the path.

I did it.  I still had the yard and some other little parts to do, but I had it so that I could do chores.

It was close, but we did it.

Hilda and Rosie eating hay

Of course, Pretzel is still going into the barn to eat hay while I’m doing the rest of my chores.

Pretzel

They were very happy to get their food after that storm and the huge drop in temperatures again.

Who’s Due For Spring Break

Well, I think most of my girls did not settle for spring break kids.

I’m glad Joani didn’t settle because she’s suddenly showing her age.

But I do have a few who I think are due for spring break.

I think Penelope is bred, but she’s in with Freddie if she didn’t.

Hera is starting to look round.

I do believe Benji bred Cupid for his only spring break kids. (with Tansy beside her)

I haven’t seen Bubbles come back into heat.

I’m pretty sure Athena settled.

I think Hilda settled; this will probably be her last time. (with Rosie)

It looks like Antigone has settled.

I’ll start doing udder checks pretty soon to see if I can confirm my suspicions. I think I have two who are going to give me oopsie babies.

I haven’t seen Aphrodite in heat since she got in with Xerxes.

I think Tansy settled after her little visit with the bucks too.

And I have no idea with Caroline (who also got in with the bucks twice).  I guess I’ll find out eventually.

Really Winter

I don’t think we can deny winter any longer.  New Year’s Eve began with fog and hoarfrost on top of the snow and ice from earlier in the week.

Perdita

Thursday was supposed to be pretty decent, but it was cloudy, gloomy and misting most of the day.  The goats and llamas decided they really shouldn’t have to go out to pasture in this kind of weather.

Wondering where breakfast is

So it looks like from here on out, I’ll be giving full hay rations.

Rosie stepping up to some leftover hay

Because they might be spoiled.

Antigone got to come in for sweet feed because she wouldn’t leave Aurora alone….

I will say, it’s going to make it harder to get Aurora her feed.

Aurora (Odie and Maybeline in back)

I do feel bad for all the animals out there because our temperatures are so up-and-down crazy.  It’s hard for them to adjust to these thirty degree temperature swings.

Maisie and Moose snuggled together

Everyone was shivering and standing hunched up.

Hilda (back) and Purl

I’d really appreciate a long string of average. Average would be so nice.