Guess I should update this or I will hear from my brother- he actually reads this to check in on us!
Okay- January has been nice a slow...after the pony died. She was a retired brood mare we have had for about 2 years, coal black and sweet faced. Woke up one morning and - boom- by lunch she was gone. Not fun. But a dear friend spent all morning with me and held my hand and the vet tried...As tempting as filling the empty corral is, I think right now we are going to leave it open. Financially it is a wise thing to do right now.  Dh and I raced down to Extreme Cowboy Race at the LA fairgrounds tonight to watch a friend ride- he did great- but was first out the gate and confused the course a bit. Otherwise he was the most calm and collected team, riding effortlessly on Pepper. Will find out tomorrow if he made the cut for the final...So even though we are equine -less we keep our interest in the lovely creatures.
Sidenote-one of the most awesome riders was a 74 yo man on a stallion- they were a team! And the 74 yo show-boated! slides, whirls, yee haws! 'Impressive at the age-
Dd1 is thinking of entering the local queens contest. Yikes! those girls get worked all year - over 6 parades and 2 other events monthly! yikes- if she wins. Good experience for stage presence, etc. Our local contest is based on poise and personality and social graces. No bathing suits or talent portion. Gowns are strictly regulated and very modest in requirements-  happy with that! No strapless even one shoulder allowed.
That is about the news now.

:) The thing about this "simplicity" is it isn't really simple. It is much easier to buy bread than make it. I think it would be more aptly named "basic life" as in learning basic skills that pertain to feeding, sheltering and clothing one's self and one's family. It is an interesting life, always something to learn and usually learn by doing. The product is very concrete. The satisfaction, deep. Not a lot of glitz, unless you count starlight. Maybe that is why is it called "simple"- because that lifestyle restores an appreciation of the simple joys of  living. :)
Just thoughts. Have a great Advent season....

It was a great day today. Got up early and did chores, put on a pot of coffee (with some dried ginger in it) sliced up yams, onions, apples to throw in the crock pot with maple pancake syrup, olive oil and a bit o' hot water.  A dash of salt and some time. Came out well. Yum! While I was dicing I propped up my Moffat translation and read some of Phillipians 4- the part about the peace of God. :) Little one got up- so I got her some eggs and a movie. Went to the store and stopped to have coffee with my neighbor- I give thanks for all the lovely ladies who are neighbors in geography/spirit with me! I love having nice neighbors!  After chit chat I came home and put the cheese on, called my lil sis and took her some goat's milk to try. They liked it but thought it was too creamy- they are use to 2%!  (Took Monty with me) Home again and I moved some books around, took a shower, got ready to go to Thansgiving with DH's family. Down to cousins now. We had a nice time. My girls like the crazy hat walk after dinner in the dark. No pie this year. That was funny! They aren't necessary ya know! But still I am glad I made an apple pie last night for my family which was breakfast this morning!

Myra the goat continues to baaaa- not at night, and usually gets started if she sees me. She is getting better. Phew! The no bark collar seems to be working on Chance. We left Monty in the house while we were gone. The puppy seems to be pretty good if Chance doesn't set him off. I tried a radio out by Myra today. I think that did not work! She heard voices but couldn't see anyone!

The spice apricots from summer went over well. Very spicey! Calvin had some homemade apple hard cider that was pretty good- in a champaigney kinda way! Our larders are pretty full. I should probably make a list and a menu from what is on hand.

The winter garden is doing well.All this rain is good for it. Little One is pretty proud of herself. :) Hoping to have stirfry by middle of next month.

Miss mom and dad. Got a hold of Chris and Joe, but not Tom. Hope he calls tomorrow.

That's all from the Lazy Farmer tonight.

Good news- Myra the goat is home. Bad news- the puppy doesn't like her and barked at her while we went shopping and to dinner. (Neighbor understandably upset, did not do this on purpose)

Good news- Myra has yummy milk! DH can't tell the difference! Bad news- he wants it pastuerized

Good news- no bark ultrasonic collar for $28! yea! ,  bad news- except it is on order...

Good news- hubby will be home tomorrow to finish new goat pen. Bad news- he is sick. That is why he is home.

good news- it is going to rain possibly on Tuesday! Bad news- goat shelter has to get up tomorrow!

Good news- I have a great family. :)