Just more rain here! We have ominous black clouds and thunderstorms going on today and supposed to continue into tomorrow. My broody duck stayed on her nest, my pregnant bunnies are nesting and of course the goats are darling. I cut off the heat lamp as it has warmed up and they are fighting less about who gets the warm spot.
Warming up did not do much for my indoor seedlings. I think I have lost some of them, at least half. The room was being heated by the woodstove. Now it is too warm in there for the stove, but it is a good deal colder for the plants. It is my only room with excellent southern exposure for light so I don't have much option. I think I'll just try again and keep the temperature more consistent. Poor plants went from July to March in the space of a week, the way I had the temps change by stopping using the woodstove. Sigh. At least it isn't too late!
Yesterday I managed to do some gardening outside during a break between storms. The chickens have decided my iris and some bulbs whose name I don't know don't belong in their free ranging area. They have been doing their best to dig them out for me. So I rescued them and planted them in my non-livestock part of the fancier front yard. I know it isn't the right time of year for transplanting but I'm still crossing my fingers. Even if they do not bloom this year if the plants survive it will be good. I'm planting clover and other plants there instead so that when I let the chickens back out there will be something holding the soil in place and for them to eat too. And the bulbs whose name I do not know are really stunning red flowers which draw hummingbirds like mad, very worth saving. I also planted peas out front and a few other things that according to my chart I made can be started now.
I haven't had vertigo for three whole days. I don't think I have had that happen for over six months. I also have a slight improvement in hearing currently and have been listening to the radio and music with headphones. I know it is temporary but still a nice relief from the silence. Maybe the raw goats milk is helpful. I have been having a goat milk latte every morning thanks to dear little Molly. I freeze the rest but save enough for my breakfast the next day.
Speaking of her, today when we milked Molly, the neighbor boys were here helping Trouble with his chores. One is familiar with cow milking and wanted to try goats. He is about 11 so his hands are small. He managed to get a lot out of her "bad" side, with each of us taking one side. I noticed as well after I emtied my side, that if I massaged her udder up high, near her tummy as he milked, MUCH more milk came out as he went. It is like it has a harder time dropping out over there? Unfortunately I will not always have a second person to help but I am hoping the more we milk that side the more likely it will become like the "good" side.
Watching the news from Japan, I cannot help but feel my problems are small, my home is snug and I have plenty of what I need. I can even stock my fridge with milk, eggs and meat without going to the store! I hope that soon we will be able to add "and eating from our garden."
