We build a pen and get goats

A long time ago,
 when our grown children were small,
we lived on a farm and enjoyed all kinds of farm life;
 goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, a huge garden, and numerous barn cats.

  Since we have four non cow milk people here which we buy alternative milk for,
 it only makes sense that we acquire milk goats.
  However, we lack any outbuildings or fencing for animals,
until this weekend.

Two milk goats and a baby have come into our lives, 

so, quickly, the children and I set out to build a 16 x 24 pen to house the goats. 

 We did have the materials at hand, 

and all helping hands were motivated to make things happen.

 Joe, being the muscle at hand, dug all the fence post holes.

  Rose, Anna and Jim strung up the field fence.

 I, with "help" from Olivia (in the ergo) and Gabe, supervised and did what 'we' do best...boss.

Bethany and Ben lent a helping hand wherever needed.

 Joe also dug the holes for the shed roof daddy will help us build when he gets a chance.

It was a good days work, and we are ready to go pick up the goats. 

 Everyone is excited.

We are picketing the goats out during the day. 

 We tried just letting them roam, but they ended up on the porch peering in the windows.

Anna and Rose are milking them morning and night so far,

 but Joe and I will also take turns for the evening milkings.

The children think the milk is great. 

The goats seem quite fond of the children, following them all over..

by the looks of it,

 the feelings are mutual.

Rainy days are for...

Today is one of those cloudy,
 pouring down rain
 -but almost summer-
 days that soothes my soul and begs me to
slow down 

and get into some projects that have been waiting patiently 

for just such an occasion.

Rainy days are for baking. 

 Well,  nearly everyday we are baking something of other,

 but especially on a soggy chill day,

 a home made yummy
 still warm from the oven
 is ever so welcome.

  We tried yet another Taste of Home recipe, this one is "Golden Raisin Buns".

 I didn't have any golden raisins, so I substituted crasins. 

 These buns are melt in your mouth good, much like a cream puff,

 and were really easy to make.

  They disappeared immediately upon setting them out, a good sign of a keeper recipe. 

Another good sign was the children asking, "Can we make those again tomorrow?"
Golden Raisin Buns
2 c. hot water, divided
1/2 c golden rasins
1/2 c butter
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 c flour
4 eggs
In small bowl, pour 1 c water over raisins;  let stand for 5 minutes, drain and set aside.  In large saucepan, bring butter, sugar, salt, and remaining water to a boil.  Add flour all at once, stir until a smooth ball forms.  Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until mixture is well blended.  Stir in raisins.  Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.  drizzle with icing and serve warm if desired.
Icing:
  1 tbsp butter,
5 tsp half and half cream
1 c confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
melt butter, stir in cream.  remove from heat, add sugar and flavorings.  mix well.

Rainy days are for reading.

I think I could read to them all day long and they would be quite happy.

Couch time with the little ones is definitely a necessary on a rainy day.

Rainy days are for sewing.

Anna is continuing work on a flannel quilt in pinks and greens.

I have my material box out looking for something bright and sunny

 for a skirt or two for Bethany, and perhaps one for Olivia. 

 The children think sorting through all the fabric scraps

 and dressing themselves, as well as each other, in an array of assorted fabrics is hilarious.
This kept them happily entertained for well over an hour!

Rainy days are for writing letters. 

 The real ones, on fine stationary, are my favorite.

 Is there anything so wonderful to find in the mailbox

 than a lovely letter penned just to you from someone dear far away?

Rainy days are for yellow.

It is like a little spot of sunshine amidst the gloom outside.

My personal favorite would be wildflowers,
but a yellow teapot, tablecloth, tray, or even a yellow notepad,
 are all viable bits of  indoor sun to
brighten the day.

Rainy days are for candles,

 as are sunny days, 

cold days, 

snowy days, 

windy days, 

and not windy days.

Rainy days,

or sunny days,

 all are good days to be ever so thankful

for all the wondrous blessings our loving Lord has heaped upon us!

"Make a joyful noise to  the Lord all ye lands,

serve the Lord with gladness,

come before His presence with singing,

know that the Lord, 

He is God.

It is He who has made us and not we ourselves.

We are His people and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

and His courts with praise;

be thankful to Him and bless His name,

 for the Lord is good.  

His mercy is everlasting.

His truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 100