Thanks again, dad, for the van. Got it out the snow yesterday, Herbie told me later he was very impressed that I drove it out without having to be towed by the truck. Went and bought a new battery, more transmission fluid, Herbie topped it up while I had it in gear with the brake on. Also topped up the truck. Now just need to get it licensed, already put it on our insurance, and then I have wheels again.
Just baked a double lot of ginger biscuits which are cooling in the kitchen. I've sampled a few, think they turned out great. Wonder if there'll be enough to share with family and friends. Looking at other recipes as I'm in a baking mood. Buckeyes, candied nuts, shortbread. Also think I'll try a batch of rusks. Need to go get the buttermilk out of the freezer. If I can find it. Also cinnamon rolls :). I'm not going near the scale for a while :))). Maybe I should make some savouries too. Cheese straws would be nice, but think we're out of strong cheese, although I have 1/2 a dozen wheels that Angie made in the basement. Maybe I'll go sample some and see if they'll be good for baking.
The weaning of Taxes is quietening down. Let Dolly in with him yesterday after being separated for 2 days. Next feeding scheduled for Sunday. After milking today, took Eleanor to the boys to feed IRS and let Daisy May back in with the girls to feed JuneBug. Dolly has lost her status of head cow - Little Red is now head cow. Don't know how I feel about that. It was Dolly first, then Daisy May. Now it seems Little Red is head, but I'm not sure who is second, Dolly, Daisy May or Immanuelle.
Today was 32 degrees - a relatively balmy freezing point !! Maybe I've been living in snowy Michigan for 10 1/2 years too long. I didn't even put my insulated clothes on over my thermal long johns and spencer. And only wore 1 pair of socks and did the watering without gloves although I did go find a pair to roll up the hosepipe after I finished watering the beasties.
Rosco and Lisa have been noshing on an animal in the woods, I presume a deer, although it has given Lisa an upset stomach. She pooped in my bedroom the other evening, mainly liquid which was horrid to clean up. Also had to wash all the bedding after she jumped onto the bed, so can take clean sheets off the list for tomorrow. So they haven't been coming for breakfast. Yesterday Anni ate hers and Lisas', and I had to call her away from eating Roscos' too. Today I put their food on top of the fridge. Also moved to feeding Bandit in the shed with the others. See that he's brave enough to attack the other cats so there is no reason to feed him separately anymore. The main reason for the change is that the 3 girl cats didn't want to walk in the snow across to the shed. They want to push Bandit away from his food in the garage. Cooper has always been the most aggressive in eating Bandits' food, and after I dished up for him, she went under the buggy next to me, so I grabbed her by the tail, and she sank her teeth into my hand. Take my boots off and my insulated coverall, up to the bedroom, spray peroxide on my hand. For the past 2 days I've had to carry Bandit out to the shed.
Teri and Andy stopped at the farm for some milk today, straight from Chicago. Herbie arrived home right behind them. They're not spending Christmas here, going back home on Saturday.
As I've been confined to the farm without transport I haven't seen Jackie or anyone else for a while. Herbie has been working long hours so I haven't had much access to the truck either. Not having pizza tomorrow. Tomato Bisque and toasted cheese sandwiches. Quick and easy. Fridays have become my easy cook day. But maybe I'll make the hot poppers.