Blizzard Time

 I was one of the crazy people out driving as the DC blizzard rolled in. I did buy water, etc, but I was also just trying to pack in a therapy run and errands before I leave for Ethiopia. I do not know how to explain Walmart, but I stood in the longest return line ever; I am not sure how the snow affected returns, but it was worse than after Christmas.

The most stressful part about this storm is that DC has delayed my emergency passport appointment from Monday all the way until Thursday. My plane ticket out is Saturday, so I am prepared to sit there until it is handed to me over being mailed. I'm sure it's going to be a long day; I just hope that I am successful!

The cold is rather challending with the animals. We do not have freeze-proof water options so we currently haul lots of water from the house each day. Our other plan is to build a cow shelter in the field, but since that hasn't happened, I have to bring Mooster in the barn at night. That means I have been locking Chewy the donkey and four goats in one stall and Mooster and Vinny, the stud goat, in the other stall. Today we cleared out the food/milking stall and relocated the goats to it. So Chewy and Mooster have their own stalls and the goats are together in the third. It seems like it will be a much more workable arrangement. The highlight to the animals is the night time feed when I give them grain and a large pine tree. I can not even tell you how thankful I am that we are surrounded by 100 acres of pine trees, because the animals love them and they are natural de-wormers. Mooster will actually pass on the grain to start on the tree and that is saying a lot since she acts crazy when the grain comes out.

 The downside of keeping about 14 roosters to roam and eat bugs is that they all moved into the barn since the cold hit. One has taken up residence on the pressure washer handle every night, another in Elijah's motorized jeep seat and several around the wheel barrow sides. At least they are quiet, while the guineas come squawking in and out at ear-shattering decibels. I have started feeding them all chicken feed and corn in the evenings as well, so they just run around your feet while you are trying to tend to the "real" animals.

I remember well how nice the barn was a dozen years ago before I had animals to stink it up, but I am really thankful that they have such nice accommodations for days like this. Much like the children, they don't show gratitude, but I would worry about them in lesser conditions.