Miscellaneous Happenings

It has been a rather unusual winter here in Montana so far. We've had something like one week of cold weather. Most of the rest has been in the 40's and 50's F. The ground isn't even frozen yet! It's mid December! Is some ways it's been nice, but it's also very weird!
Unfortunately, at this time of year, if the temps are pleasant, the wind is not. Most days we have 20-30 mph winds. That gets old, especially living on an exposed hilltop, not sure what we were thinking there.

We did go up in the hills for our annual Christmas tree party this last weekend. Had chili and hot dogs cooked over the fire for lunch (and I remembered spoons this time!) and then some s'mores. Then we wandered around looking for that perfect Christmas tree. It never ceases to amaze me how a small looking tree turns into a hulking giant when you get it inside! That thing is way too big for our small space, but it is a pretty one.  Never mind that we can't get to the freezer for a bit. :) Oh, and it smells sooo good!

Since it is so big, I got plenty of extra greenery to play with. I've got needles and branches soaking in olive oil and tincturing in alcohol. I love the infused oil in my lotion recipe, it just smells so nice! I'm not sure yet what I'll actually do with the tincture. Probably experiment with it medicinally and maybe (if it smells good enough) experiment with as a room spray or perfume. I'd love to distill some, but my usual sheltered spot is full of wood so that will depend on the wind. I really wish I could afford a small still that I could use indoors! I also stuffed some twigs in the old teapot that sits on the wood stove for humidity. Today I am going to experiment with making a 'soda' from the needles and branches as well. I'll let you know how that goes.

I don't know if it's been due to the weather or what, but my goats didn't even think about coming into heat til mid November. I was beginning to wonder if they had decided to just not bother this year. However, they finally relented. As of yesterday, the last one is bred! I should start having babies on the ground in April. Most also cooperated by being very obvious about things this year so they were only in with the buck for one day. That really helps to narrow down the kidding day. I hate having to watch a goat for a month, just waiting and waiting.............

Now, if I could just get my chickens to lay again. >:(