Farm Happenings for early December

Winter has arrived and is officially here to stay, we have several inches of snow on the ground and it's snowing fairly heavily right now.  Fortunately all the winter chores got done in time and we have turned our attentions to some indoor home improvements.  Thus far, we are giving the main floor bathroom a much needed paint job and the hallway has been vastly improved with the addition of white beadboard and moldings.  It looks sooo much better now.  After seeing how nice the beadboard looks in the hall, I can picture it continued down in the laundry room and mudroom.  That's how home improvement goes...first one thing gets done and that makes everything else look tired and in need of an update.

Dan's new horse calendar is out, the 2011 Horse A Day calendar by Voyageur Press comes complete with a small Breyer model horse so it makes a great gift for just about any horse lover on your list.  You can find it at most bookstores as well as online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Qbookshop. 

In addition, if you're interested in photography, Dan's book is getting great reviews and people seem to be really enjoying it.  The title is the 4-H Guide To Digital Photography published by Voyageur Press.  It's also widely available.  Don't let the title fool you, it's not just for 4-H-ers, it's for anyone getting started in photography or who would like to learn more about photography. 

The ponies are all in their winter coats and settling into the winter routine.  We have no foals due this coming spring, but have several breedings planned for 2012 foals and are having fun matchmaking pedigrees and happily contemplating the future of our beloved pony program.  I was just outside bringing in the ponies from the snowstorm and as I was catching Buttons, I put my hands on her nose...she began nickering and the soft vibration and almost purring sound put my heart in a happy place, to be sure. 

Winter on the farm, a time for reflection, planning, fun-filled holidays and hopefully catching up on all things indoors.

We've been having a nice stretch of weather for the past few days, it's been sunny and warmer than last week.  We don't take these warm days in November for granted, each one is a gift.  The gardens are basically put to bed for the winter, but out by the barn I noticed a few leaf buds on the privets forming, are they thinking its spring again?  I wish they were right, but I'm sure the snow will soon arrive and take away all thoughts of spring for several months.

Our farm has a very small pond on it, and it has slowly grown smaller and smaller over many, many years and my hopes are to have it re-dug in the spring.  I can just picture it all finished and full to the top...a place for the birds and animals to enjoy along with me.  Perhaps a nice gazebo next to it, a place to sit and dream.  I think I will pond(er) on this idea.  :-)

Sumac goes un-noticed all year until late fall, when it's deep crimson leaves add to the beauty of the season. 

I love the seed pods on the Milkweed, each one bursts open and sends off it's fluffy seeds to the wind.  Every year I'm fascinated by the various plants, how they grow, how they flower, how they fruit and how they propagate.  Works of art, each one. 

Birds, birds, birds

For your viewing enjoyment...

a collection of recent photos depicting the birds that frequent our garden in the late autumn...

Here comes November!!

From Puff Ball Mushrooms to Albino deer!

It's been a beautiful fall, lots of nice weather though it appears to be finally coming to an end. We're supposed to have rain now for the next several days, so that means wet feet and muddy trails on the farm. We had our driveway regraveled and so now there are no more pot-holes to surprise the Fedex and UPS delivery guys. The pot-holes worked well as a sort of speed bump, helping to remind the drivers to slow down. We also had the entrance to the barn regraveled and it's sooo much nicer now, though of course most of the ponies had to look twice to make sure it was ok. :-) The ponies are now covered in their heavy winter coats and so I guess they know some colder weather will soon be approaching. There were snow flurries in the air yesterday, but thankfully only a few. Here are a few photos from around the farm and one from a recent visit to a friend's home.

This giant mushroom was at least a foot in diameter, it started out white and then turned this brown color once the weather changed.  It's a type of Puff-ball mushroom, biggest one we've seen here on the farm.



 Leaves!  We've had plenty of leaves to add to our garden and it's always appreciated when one of the family members pitches on the raking duty.

 Due to the warmer weather, a bewildered daisy thought is was summer again and rose from the depths of the fallen leaves to show her lovely face to us.  I miss you Daisy, can't wait to see you again next year!

 Another spectacular sunrise on the farm.

 My beautiful Myferdog, my constant companion for the past 11 years.  When I first saw this photo, it brought tears to my eyes....because that's me she's looking up at...how do you not love someone who so obviously devoted to you?  I don't know how much longer my sweet Myf will be by my side as she has some major health issues, but I cherish each day with her.

The last shot for this post is a photo Dan captured while we were on a photo shoot earlier this week.  This albino doe walked into the yard and it was a real treat to see her.

Visitors on the hill.... and giveaway winner!

Look who came for a visit!

These photos were taken on the hill behind our house--we watched them from the dining room windows. :-)

Quite an attractive little group, aren't they?!

In other news... the winner of our book giveaway is Jenna, who says that her favorite season is spring. (We agree!)

Congratulations to Jenna!!

Book Giveaway! "The Quotable Farm Animal"

To celebrate the arrival of Autumn, we've decided to have a book giveaway. :-)

This week, we're offering a free copy of The Quotable Farm Animal. This 96-page hardback book features full-color photographs and inspirational quotes. A fun treat for anyone who loves cows, chickens, or goats!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post and answer this question:

What's your favorite season?

For an extra entry, mention this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, and leave an extra comment here to say that you did. :-) Spread the news of the giveaway and earn an extra chance to win!

The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and will be announced on Thursday. Check back then to see if you're a winner!

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Enjoy!

Apples, Apples, and more Apples!

Sometimes we like to let the pictures speak for themselves. . . :-) Suffice to say that it's apple season in Wisconsin. :-)

(Check back tomorrow for a book giveaway!!)