The temperatures have stayed in the minus 20's for a long time, gong down to minus 32 and 34 at night. For the most part the sheep and the dogs, except of Harley, who has arthritis from being fed GMO grain based dog food when he was a pup, are pretty comfortable. Both the dogs and sheep can curl up on the snow and sleep there and not be cold. The dogs curl up and their bushy tails cover their noses. The sheep are well insulated and the alpacas seem to be too, more so than the llamas. Those poor goats run out to eat and shiver and run back to their barn, staying there until they have to eat again. They do not like the snow or cold and only travel on their paths, never venturing their little hoofies into the snow. The Angora goats were not shorn in the fall, so they have long thick warm coats that will be of little to no value other than insulation, because the fiber will mat and it is so full of vegetative matter from feeding alfalfa hay. It does make good insulation though. Some of the chickens only venture out to eat and drink and spend the rest of the day on their perches in the coop, trying to stay warm. The ducks and geese come out to eat and drink, but drop onto their downy bellies frequently tucking their toes into their feathers so their feet do not freeze. In their coop, they have a thick straw bedding that insulates their feet from the icy ground. Still, one duck froze in his sleep this winter.

The trees can be heard cracking loudly when it is crispy cold, freezing as they stand. In the winds, these weakened trees are blown over and up rooted or simply broken in two. No other living things are seen around the farm, no weasels, no coyotes, nothing, because of the pack of livestock guardian dogs that keep it safe. The lens on the camera continually fogs over because though it is very cold, there is also a mist in the air of ice particles. It has snowed non stop for the past three days, lightly, but non stop. One would wonder why anyone would choose to live in such a frigid area, and yet, further north, there are much colder regions where people also live. Just because winter is so hard here in northeastern Alberta, the anticipation of the beautiful summer is so looked forward to. But, darn, it is cold right now.

It is the first day of 2014. Optimistically speaking, it should have been a wonderful positive day if it was anything of a sample of the year to come. There is an old superstition that says whatever the first day of the year brings, so will the year. I sure hope NOT! It started off wonderfully, with a great couple staying at the bed and breakfast to celebrate their anniversary and the New Year. They were so polite and friendly and not in the least demanding. I was grateful to meet them and have a super New Year's eve serving them a gourmet dinner.

Then around midnight there was a knock on my farmhouse door. The septic alarm was sounding and it is very loud. The gentleman offered to turn it off to save me the trouble of going out in the minus forty night. I accepted, but donned my insulated coveralls just the same, to disconnect the pump at the switch and the float, and to plug in the ceramic heater in the tank below. Since the new pump was replaced a month ago, the septic system has frozen three times. The other two incidents responded to the heater and in the morning everything was working as normal. When the temperature drops to minus 20 or lower, I have been running the washer through one cycle in the house to keep the temperature of the tank up, but it obviously is not doing the trick. And, of course, it is New Year's Day and there is no plumber to be found.

I had previously been instructed to see if the spout where the effluent pumps out is open. In this case, it was not. It was frozen solid. So, as instructed by the plumber who attended on another incident, I climbed a ten foot ladder with a kettle of boiling water and poured it down a tube into the pipe. This thawed two feet, but at ground level nothing was moving. After four kettles of boiling water, I gave up and went to do the chores. It was already two pm and chores take a minimum of three hours with no extra duties, so I had to hurry or finish in the dark. There was two inches of new snow, and with the mental defeat, my feet were dragging as though the boots were filled with lead.

Finally the chores were done and the wood brought in for a nice fire, but my body felt as though it had been through a war. I went back to the bed and breakfast house to retrieve some supper left over from the night before and ate it in front of the computer. I spent some time researching yoga for seniors and plan to do something to ease this old body's aches.

Still, I am grateful for the bounty I have been blessed with. I know the septic can be fixed. I know the problem will be rectified. The last time it was 600 dollars and the time before, 1000. Things can be fixed if you have enough money. I must try to dwell on all good things and feel happy that the farm is as prosperous as it is and that the bed and breakfast is so well received and enjoyed. For those, I am truly thankful. And so to bed, this first day of 2014, with a heavy heart and the weight of the choices I have made on my shoulders. This is one time, I wish I had a partner. But, I do not. The strength must come from within and it will. It always has. Good night the first day of the year. Good night.

I have had an old dog once before. Josie was 14 when we said good bye and that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. 14 years of a good friend and constant companion enjoyed and then gone. It got to the point where she was unable to get up on her own and was in a pool of urine and that was the point when enough was enough.

Ofcharka is a young dog, just having turned two. He was a ball of black fluff when he came here two winters ago. He is shy and meek and submissive, but when he perceives danger or a threat, he is first to run and confront it. His big brown eyes search out a person's face and he knows things. He is friendly and talks and he is very loving. I hope Ofcharka will live to the ripe old age of turning grey. He is a beautiful dog and I know what he will look like as a senior - still beautiful!

In the early spring last year I bought a small CAT skid steer. The farmer who was delivering my hay could not bring it anymore. His truck had problems and there was so much snow, that the tractor was unable to get to the hay at all. I did manage to get some hay brought from far away though it was terrible. Beholding to others, I was at their mercy and time when the animals were hungry. So, I made the decision to buy a skid steer.

I bought a brand new one because I am not familiar with machines and would not know how to differentiate between a good deal and a bad one. Also, the warranty was something I was interested in. The local  CAT mechanic is a wonderful man and he goes out of his way to assist me with dumb things, like putting hydraulic fluid in. The skid steer got itself stuck the first few times I used it and then I got myself trapped when a huge bale tipped the machine onto its front wheels. The hydraulics do not work when in such a position, so I could not lower the forks and simply get out. Fortunately, I had my phone and called for help. That is when the whole fire department showed up. Two young fellow pushed the bale off the forks and the machine righted itself. I got out and stopped shaking a little. "By the way," one said, "the window at the back pops out for emergency exits if you ever get stuck again." Duh. I have never gotten tipped and trapped since.

This winter it has been bitterly cold and quite snowy. I am using the bucket to clear the driveway and the yard and have learned to operate the skid steer fairly well. There have even been some lovely comments from watchers who said they were impressed. Now, if they were truthful or not, I will never know, but I am impressed. Today, I cleared the snow from the blizzard and was late starting the chores. The thermometer read somewhere in the low mid teens and the sun shone brightly, though the days are still short and that sun was gone before I knew it. I could feel the temperature drop rapidly as I finished watering the animals. They were already cuddled in their housing, so I knew it was cold for them too. I am sure thankful that I made the decision to buy that CAT skid steer. It has been a very useful machine. And I am grateful that the finances were such that I managed to pay for it! Yay!

Sheep and goats break their horns when they are young. Sheep seem to be worse than the goats, but both do it. I am sure it must hurt, since there are many blood vessels and nerves in the horn, particularly close to the skull. This little fellow has only just started getting his horns. He was born late in June and is developing very slowly, being by far the tiniest of all the lambs this year. He is very cute and friendly, and looked so sad and forlorn with the blood all down his face. There is not much to be done for a broken horn. Some feel that a tetanus shot and antibiotics are protocol, however, on the Fat Ewe Farm, we tend to be more natural. Unless the animal shows symptoms of illness or infection, nature is allowed to take its course and the healing will be spontaneous. I am surprised at the ability of an animal to heal itself without intervention. Perhaps we should use this method for humans a little more often as well, instead of running to the doctor for treatments that actually prolong healing and hinder the body from producing its own natural defenses. Anyhow, the little ram lamb will be fine. By the end of the day, he will hardly remember his broken horn and is currently carrying on as though nothing has happened. Good boy!

I came here in March of 2011. That first year was a very difficult year, not knowing anyone in the area and coming to a host of problems that were unknown to me. A friend, Allan, helped me get through the initial times, always there to lend both an ear and a hand. Unfortunately for me, we did not remain close friends. I really could not have made it that year without his help.
The bed and breakfast was not up and running until March the next year, 2012. That first while was most difficult and I often wondered if I had made a mistake. Rather than give up, I did what I could to survive, found money when I had bills to pay and carried on. More problems arose, plumbing froze, and the bills continued to drain any reserves. With no extra income, my small pension would not support this venture and still I was not ready to give up. I could have rented a house out and made ends meet, but that is not my dream. I persevered.

And it happened. My first farm sold and the debt load was relieved. I was able to add some fencing and some necessary repairs, like the roofs on both houses. The skid steer was a luxury, however; it has been such a time saver and has relieved me from depending on local farmers to help. With the new independence, there also came more business. The summer was awesome and the winter continues to be steady. As the bed and breakfast is becoming known, the frequency of the guests continues to grow. There is money to live and to continue the dream of creating a permaculture farm. There is money to buy feed for the animals and medicine and veterinary care. Along with the new found freedom of money, there is more work than ever and still, most of it, I do alone.

Yet, I greet the day with a smile and a prayer. I love to be outside with my animals and tonight, I talked to the trees and the stars in the beauty of the night. This abundance is wonderful. I wish, for the new year, that there is enough of everything for everyone everywhere in the world, that none goes to bed hungry or lonely, that all find love and peace and happiness, whatever their dreams may be. I wish that for you in this almost new year.

The goose we ate for Christmas dinner was hatched by her mother on the farm last summer. She ran around protected by the flock, along with the other five hatchlings and when they were grown and nearly indistinguishable from their parents, they were sent to the processor and came home in plastic bags. I am grateful for the life of the goose we shared the flesh of this Christmas day. We also had many vegetables and a signature dessert from the bed and breakfast, Peanut Butter Parfait, delicious.

In the afternoon, the youngsters rested and relaxed, while I did the chores. I was especially happy to see the critters on Christmas Day, even though the snow was coming down heavily. At least it was not very cold outside and everyone seemed comfortable and placid. Such gratitude filled my soul, for my life and all that affects it. I am indeed so blessed. Merry Christmas to all and to all, good night.

My youngest son, Spencer and the oldest child, Brianna have graced the farm with their presence this Christmas, along with their partners. There is nothing more fulfilling in this world than being a parent and when the kids are home, there is joy overflowing. I am blessed to have two of my three children home to celebrate the holiday season. Travis has to work this season, but will likely be home next year with the rest of the gang. We did miss him very much this year, though it is understood that sometimes work does take precedence.

Spencer danced with Mom in the kitchen, and we played two games, Janga and Cranium. Both were lots of fun and laughter abounded. Christmas Eve supper was sole and lobster and all the trimmings. Tomorrow is roast goose from the farm. Laughter abounded and the evening ran away with the time. Before we knew it, the night hour had arrived and we said our good nights. Tomorrow we can continue to share one another's welcome company and enjoy the time at the farm together. Thank you for these blessed children, and thank you for the time spent with them this holiday season. Bless everyone and Merry Christmas to all!

Ok, the kids are not kids anymore, but my kids will always be my kids, even when I am an old, wait, older bag. My daughter, Brianna, and her partner, Sav, are visiting for a week. Today we went to Bonnyville to explore and do a little shopping.
Before leaving, Ofcharka and Harley wanted to dance with Brianna. She was quite flattered, but declined, due to not being able to choose between the two. Robbie also decided he would like a dance and jumped up to try to sneak a kiss on the lips, but fortunately for Brianna, missed by a hair. On the way home from Bonnyville, we stopped at my Godmother's home in Glendon. Cecelia was home, but not too happy. Her best friend of a lifetime, had passed away. Only six weeks ago, she went to the doctor complaining of some pains, was diagnosed with third stage cancer and she quietly passed away at home only six weeks thereafter. How very lonely and sad for my Godmother. Both of her husbands have gone on, and now her best friend. She is alone, though she does have nieces and nephews and a brother who love her dearly and include her in their family as one.

We did stop at two liquor stores on the way home looking for strawberry beer. I bought two and then decided to try to find Kraken spiced rum, bought a bottle of that too. I drank the beers, one with the kids over a supper of roast chicken and duck, stuffed into a very slow oven prior to our sojourn and tasty and delicious when we returned home hungry. We also stopped for dog food at the Hutterite's. They are very kind and good to me and I have made friends of some of the ladies there. What a wonderful day! I am grateful for the presence of my family and for my friends and the blessings of my life. What a wonderful life! Thank you Creator for everything! Thank you.

The minimum time it takes to complete my chores is 3 hours and that is only if nothing is done but feeding and watering. Anything more takes more time, of course. Three hours outside when it is minus 34 and the wind is blowing to create the feeling of minus 41, is a long time. I have learned that layers are the only way to keep warm and some fabrics are far superior than others. Wool is the best because even when I get sweaty forking over the hay, it retains the body heat. Synthetics do not breathe as well unless they are expensive ones designed for sub zero weather. My 60 degree below boots start to give out at 40 below, even with two pairs of sock, one pure mohair, which is superior for winter socks. Keeping my feet moving at all times, especially when standing still filling the water buckets, does help move the blood in the toes and prevent them from freezing. Mittens are a must, not gloves, though towards the end of the chores I switch so I can grasp the spit wood pieces. The mitten are usually half frozen by then and do not get a grip on the wood.

Layer one is an undershirt and long leggings, some leggings being better than others. Layer two, jeans sometimes, but I have purchased a thick pair of men's sweatpants that are more comfortable under the coveralls. Layer three is a fleece shirt, then a wool vest over that. Two pairs of socks go on the feet, one thin and one thick wool or mohair. A toque, then the coveralls with the attached hood top off those layers. If the temperature is below 20 and there is a wind, a balaclava keeps the face from freezing. And that is what I call dressing warmly!!!