Approaching Kidding time at the farm and other weekend news

It's day 142 of Lilly Blue's pregnancy...no kids yet and it's a blessing. It is bitter cold this morning a whole 5 degrees now, as the sun rises and slowly ebbs over the farm. All are fed and content already. I try and get out as soon as there is light to take care of the horses and goats, especially after such a cold night. Most mornings, I am greeted by Beau, my morab and many years companion, as he nickers for breakfast and paces the fence line. Dreamweaver in the meantime, just rolls his eyes, knowing the routine...Beau rules over the herd. Maya, our youngest and such a funny Norwegian little Fjord mare...she probably tops 1400 lbs right now, shimmies her way over to her feed bowl. She knows exactly which one is hers.

Now it's time to refresh the buck barn with a healthy helping of grass hay and warm water for the boys. As soon as I reach the pen door, the usual routine greets me. Tsunami Joe, Nitro Max and Gaelan and all chasing each other in a circle around their feed bucket, hurrying me along as they push past me, before thrusting their heads into the rich grass flakes. They are spoiled this morning, with two huge flakes...such as it should be.

Onto the girls' pen. All four are huddled on 3 bales of straw, the heat lamp still glowing. They are basking in it's warmth, not wanting to move and see if breakfast is served. Lilly Blue seems to be begging me...Mom...are these kids ever coming? She is quite uncomfortable right now. The more I look at her, I think there must be 4 babies tucked in that belly. Life will bless us shortly...I know.

We met a new couple starting their own little farm this past weekend. They visited with us and the goats and will be getting both a doeling and a little wether from Lilly Blue. I am keeping the first choice doe out of Lilly this year. So hopefully we will be blessed with more than one doeling, in this particular kidding.

Cocoa Royalle will be kidding sometimes toward the end of April and will then join her cousins above, as a first freshener in June. Being lactose intolerant, they wanted a doe to milk. She will be going to a good home.

I will post pics of the newborn kids as soon as is possible....

P.S.: on the bath and body front....fresh batches of soap are curing...and lovely lotions too!