We're having a bit of a bad streak, mechanically speaking, both at the farm and at home. It's bad enough that we've had a week that's included single digit temperatures, negative-digit wind chill factors, sleet, rain, ice – but what really frosts me is when things stop working the way they're suppose to when you most need them. I'll say more about that in a minute.

First, let me show you what happens when you carry treats and a camera in the same pocket  . . .

If sharp-eyed Cocoa spies my hand reaching into my coat pocket, she's right on it. Clementines are her favorite treat (followed by bananas (skin and all), apples and hot dog buns). I bring her something special  everyday, well, except for yesterday. She was mega-disappointed that the only thing in my pocket was a camera. Talk about things not working the way they should! 

Butch, ever the opportunist, has learned to watch Cocoa so he can horn-in (literally) on her snack. He too is keenly tuned in to hand-pocket movement. Apparently my lack of thoughtfulness was unforgivable.  He let me know, in his own way.

"No apple??Take that!!"

Systems were malfunctional over in the west barn. We have more than ample feeder space – over 64 linear feet – so crowding shouldn't be an issue. Unless a greedy little doe decides that eight feet of it belongs to her. Yes, I'm talking about you, Gypsy. Little knave. She's the reason the sheep are crowded to the left (and poor Diesel, beside her, has a nervous look in his eye).

And then there's the issue of the automatic waterer, which on most days is my favorite work-saving piece of equipment, except for when it doesn't work. The pan sits on a balance arm. As the critters drink, it automatically replenishes the bowl. A small heating element at the bottom keeps everything from freezing. The sheep love it; they line up like kids at a drinking fountain after recess. For reasons not apparent to me, the stream has slowed to a trickle, taking almost four minutes to fill the bowl. This means I am filling extra buckets. . . .

I expect minor glitches from time to time. Winter has its way of showing what needs attention. The boiler at home has kicked off three times in the last 48 hours. The plumbers seemed mystified,working until after 5 pm last night to resolve the issue. We'll see what happens.

The roads are sheathed in ice this morning. I am waiting for the temperature to rise a little before venturing to the barn. I guess its time to hunt for my snowtires. . . .

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copyright 2008, Barbara Parry. Foxfire Fiber & Designs at Springdelle Farm