2014

What is the saying . . . as you get older, the years go by faster.  It certainly seems that way.  Can't believe that 2015 is only days away and I just got used to writing 2014!!  Where did the time go - I must have been having a good time because it went by way too fast!!

 

I would have to say the best moments of the year were when this young man was able to come home.  Being a military family, you cherish those moments together because they are few and far between.  Fortunately, he was able to come home several times this year.  Hellos are the BEST and goodbyes are still hard (even after 3 years you would think I would get used to this, but you don't).

It was a year of babies - animal babies that is!  The goats gave us 5 baby goats.

 

And much to my surprise, the chickens hatched out 27 baby chicks . . .

The interesting thing about this is that in June, we had several predator attacks in which I lost 10 laying chickens.  And God provided me with 27 replacements - most of them were hens!!  How amazing is that!!

The year saw me at two markets - Hyde Park and Findlay Market.  Findlay Market started out really slow but turned out to be a great market!  And I have been at Hyde Park now for 9 years - has it really been THAT long!!

It was a year of snow and more snow and more snow.  The winter that seemed like it would never end!  Plus temps that hit negative numbers for several days in a row.

 

Fortunately, my goats waited to have their babies the one week when it was warm!!

 

It was a year when friends came to my rescue.  Two friends gave me several laying chickens in exchange for soap.  This happened at a time when I needed eggs to meet the demand from customers.  Who says God doesn't provide!!

 

As with all years, there were some goodbyes.  This year I lost my Fluff, my lovely white, fluffy cat.

 

 

Fluff loved to hunt and would often bring me back "gifts" from her latest hunting expeditions!  Unfortunately, we have coyotes who roam the woods behind our house.  You don't hear them often but every once in a while they are there.  One night in early November, my husband heard them and Fluff never came back.  I am so hoping that someone found a pretty white kitty and took her home.  But deep in my heart, I know what happened.  Dear Fluff, I miss you terribly.  RIP little one.

 

We also lost Elissa, our best milker

 

 

Elissa's death will always be a mystery to me.  Usually you have a pretty good idea when you are going to lose a goat. Never saw this one coming. Thank you, Elissa, for all the great milk you provided!!  You will be missed.

 

I had to reluctantly find a new home for Niki, our Rottweiler German Shepherd.

 

After she completely shredded an antique sofa of my husband's, I couldn't defend her.  We found a nice couple who lived on an 88 acre farm in Indiana with 2 other big dogs to adopt Niki.  Last we heard, she was doing great. 

Just when I thought we would always be a 2 dog family, much to my surprise . . .

 

This little girl, a solid black german shepherd, will be joining our family in February 2015.  I have named her Lacey. 

All in all, I would have to say 2014 was a pretty great year.  The Good Lord looked after us and provided us with food, shelter and good health.  He kept us safe and watched over us.  I am so thankful for the family He has given me, the customers that continue to buy my products, and for my goats and chickens who continue to produce for me.  May God watch over you and bless you and your family in 2015!!