Armani the Goat

Would have posted sooner, but Patchwork Acres was having some internet problems, which turned out to be our phone line that plugs into the wireless Airport. Hubby took care of it, and we're back!

We welcomed a new member to the Patchwork Acres family this week...Armani the Goat! He's a beautiful little Nubian buck from registered stock that we got from our goat friend, Julie. (Hi, Julie!) Julie also took the picture that I've included in today's blog. Look at those long ears! Just what we like on the Nubians. Poor little guy cried so much the first day here that his voice was only a squeak for the next couple of days. Armani has adjusted well to his new home and now he just "talks" a lot, something else Nubians are known for. He drinks his milk as fast as our goat babies, who are 3-4 weeks older than him. And he loves attention just as much as the rest of our goats. Right now, the "big girls" don't pay much attention to Armani, but they will come this Fall/Winter because Armani will be old enough to do his part to increase the goat herd here at Patchwork Acres. :) We're hoping for spotted babies since Armani's sire is spotted.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Hubby took the family out to lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. While we were there, a young man proposed to his girlfriend. She said, "Yes." :)

It's been a while since I last posted. Busy making cheeses and soaps. Last time I wrote that I was going to make a strong feta with the lipase powder. It turned out wonderful!!! Really good on salad! It's now my favorite cheese that I make. The mozzarella and ricotta are great, too, and can be used in so many foods or just eaten by themselves. The lasagna I made with these cheeses turned out delish! Next, I want to try a cheesecake recipe and use the ricotta rather than the store-bought cream cheese.

The weather is still cold and dreary and it snowed again last week. The kids were out of school for a couple of days. It was snowing earlier today, but has stopped for now. Weatherman said we could receive an inch or two by tomorrow. But this is MO and you know what "they" say. "If you don't like the weather, just stick around 'cause it'll change again." I am so ready for Spring!!!! Saw a humongous flock of geese flying north on our drive home from church and town. I've been seeing geese heading north since the middle of January, which I thought was a bit early for them. So maybe Spring will be here before we know it.

I have still been knitting away on my daughter's red, cotton, lacy sweater. One and a half sleeves to go, sew up the seams and it will be finished! And I've already got my next couple of projects decided on. Just have to order yarn.

I have a busy week coming up. I will be substitute teaching 3 days and making soaps and cheeses the days I'm home. The Master Gardeners Seminar is a month away and the Home and Garden Show is a little over a month away. I want to make sure to have plenty of soaps for folks to choose from. Then before I know it, it will be time for the Farmers Markets to open. I encourage everyone to support their local farmers markets. And remember this bumper sticker, "No Farmers, no food!"