Winter Doggies

I like dogs but not in my house. They bring in things with them that never seem to leave with them, like that dog smell. Especially my girls, they eat a lot of dead things. But when the temps drop to 0 degrees, it is time to bring them inside. I do not have a heated barn for them, so they stay in the basement at night. Osa hides under our saddle rack. She has issues from her past that make her a bit neurotic. Zilla just wants lap time.

My husband petting Zilla. She loves to be scratched.

Waiting for more attention. Both dogs get tied to the hose reel so they do not wander around the house. The hose reel is inside for the same reason they are. Sometimes, if I sleep in the dogs move the hose reel around a bit.

Zilla and Alan

Snow Farm Work

This is my husband putting out a frozen round bale for the horses last week.

Wild turkey close to the farm.

They pick through the manure for bits of corn and oats. For such large birds they are very quiet.

Farm Dogs

This is what strangers see when they come to my property. 

Two big shepherds that do not bark nor accept treats.

Guest are escorted to the house.

This is what I see them doing most of the time. Sleeping and chewing on a bone I gave them.

This is what they do as a job, run together and patrol. They have a good life on our farm.

Coming Undone

I took my new blouse out of the dryer to find this. All nine of the buttons were shattered and cracked.

Look closely and you can see there is nothing holding the plastic button to the metal ferrules. These are the cheapest buttons I have seen on a shirt to date. The metal ferrules makes it easier for the machines to sew on the button but there is no longevity in their design.

I will never buy another shirt with this type of button design. This is a shame in every way and wasteful manufacturing. At least I have the skill to sew on new buttons. Many younger people never learned this skill thanks to no longer having Home Ed. in schools or at home. And most craft hobby stores no longer carry useful buttons. I have saved many from various projects and vintage store shopping. I learned to save buttons and fabric from my Depression Era grandparents.

I removed every button and sewed on nice natural looking vintage buttons I'd saved from a vintage shirt. If the buttons are any indicator of the quality of this garment, it does not bode well. But for now this shirt was saved and is wearable once more.

More Winter, More Snow

Hey, it is snowing, again! It is officially to worst winter for my area since the 1980's according to the locals. The schools have been closed on an off for most of the winter. The farm roads have been challenging even with 4 wheel drive. 

I felt bad for the wild birds and have bought 100 pounds of sunflower seeds for them. They eat about 10-15 pounds a day.

My trees are full of goldfinches, cardinals,blue jays, snowbirds, grosbeaks and doves.

By noon most of the seeds are about gone and ready for a refill.

I am happy to have the snow in that it means water for the ground. A nice soaking for the trees and the pastures. I am looking forward to working in the dirt and getting my garden underway again.