Don't Be A Dolt

Welcome to a cold and bitter Monday, dear reader. I believe the entire country is feeling this cold snap. Here, in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we are bracing for single-digit temperatures and a single-digit windchill factor. This kind of chill goes straight to the bone. When one has bones that are aging and arthritic, it makes for some unpleasant days.

Humans are not the only beings to suffer from the cold. These bitter cold snaps are hard on animals as well. Here on the farm, we ensure our animals are warm, comfortable, safe, and protected. Whoever created the falsehood that animals are not capable of feeling discomfort, pain, or experiencing emotions is an absolute dolt. This is a story that humans tell themselves to justify their inhumanity and callousness. If one is to spend time with animals, one understands they feel everything humans feel. They experience happiness, joy, anger, depression, grief, and sadness. They also feel the discomfort and pain of the cold.

Yesterday morning, the wind was gusting at 50 miles per hour, snow was whipping about, and it was cold enough to numb exposed skin in just a few minutes. The Bibbed Wonder, The Bean, and I were out in the cold, making everyone comfortable and cozy. The girls and boys in the barn are well bedded down, have a heated water trough, and are safe from drafts. The boys in the field across the driveway have a canvas hut to protect them from the wind and snow. The Bibbed Wonder, The Bean, and I spent the morning moving haybales, breaking up haybales, and bedding down the huts. My husband is an innovative genius. He created the canvas huts as temporary shelter for the goats when they moved into pastures away from the barn.

The best way I can explain the huts he created is to compare them to a yurt. The huts are rounded, and thick, heavy, waterproof canvas is stretched taut over heavy-duty curved metal. The metal is attached to a treated lumber wooden frame and the front and back are outfitted with more heavy-duty waterproof canvas. There is an opening large enough for a fat goat to fit through, and the huts are placed directionally so the wind does not blow through them. Eric places the goat's feeders on wooden stands at the back of the hut so the goats don't have to go out to eat in the wind, rain, or snow. It's a very comfortable, snug, and cozy set-up.

I worried that the goats would be cold and uncomfortable with the below-freezing temperatures. However, once we added an extra thick layer of bedding, and the goats came in to lie down and snuggle up, one could feel the warmth they created. There were no drafts, and The Bibbed Wonder's glasses were fogged up from the heat they were emitting. My worries were assuaged. 

Next, we moved to the small pasture by the pond where my girls, Red and Lily, along with the girls who were born later in the year and are too small to become mothers, are currently residing to keep them safe from amorous billy goats. We added an extra thick layer of bedding, moved hay bales close to the hut's opening so the girls could eat and not have to be in the wind, and gave everyone an extra ration of grain for good measure. Everyone has access to fresh running water from the spring that runs through the pastures. I feel confident everyone is warm, cozy, comfortable, well-fed, and hydrated.

My old girl, Red, was shivering in the cold winds yesterday. I have a very soft spot for this sweet, gentle girl. When the sun is shining, and the temperatures are above freezing, I sit on the ground or in the hay and spend time with my favorite girl after my walk with The Heavy-B. Often, she lays down beside me and puts her head on my lap. Some days, we sit like this for close to an hour. I may sit and talk with her, or we sit in amicable silence and watch the herd. Sitting with Red is one of my favorite things to do. I believe we take great comfort in each other. When I saw Red shivering, I panicked just a bit.

Eric assured me once the hut was bedded down and the girls snuggled in, the hut would be warm and safe, and so would the girls. Again, by the time we were finished, Red had cozied into a large nest of hay, and her shivering had ceased. We have goat blankets on hand should we need them, but The Bibbed Wonder assured me that all was well, and Red was comfortable when he went out to do the evening feeding. I know my husband cares for the goats and their comfort as much as I do, so I trust him.

The goats are not the only ones to receive extra TLC in these bitter temperatures. I made my laying hens and two roosters warm oatmeal with raisins, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Their coop is draft-free and well-bedded, and I line the perimeter with straw bales at the beginning of the winter months. This offers them a bit of insulation, and it keeps the coop warm enough that their water dish does not freeze. When they are cooped up inside, I give them things to peck at and break the boredom of being inside. They enjoy pecking away at apples, heads of cabbage, or a bowl filled with warm treats. Boredom for animals is a genuine thing. If the boredom becomes too bad, they will be reduced to destructive behaviors like picking at themselves or each other, destroying their shelter, or larger animals can even go mad.

Here on the farm, we ensure all our animals are well cared for, comfortable, and mentally stimulated to combat boredom. We place the comfort of our animals and their needs above our own comfort. By the time we had finished caring for the animals, we were all cold, numb, and aching. We went back inside and enjoyed a cup of The Bean's favorite hot cocoa, sat by the fireplace, and rested, knowing every one of our animals was comfortable and well cared for. It's a good feeling to know we have done the absolute best we can do for the creatures we love.

I am unsure why we are farming in Southwestern Pennsylvania instead of Aruba, but alas, it is our lot in life. I find our lifestyle much more enjoyable when the sun is shining, the winds are quiet, and the temperatures are at least 40 degrees. However, we will continue to do what needs to be done to ensure the animals we love are safe, warm, healthy, and well cared for. If you own a pet, don't be a dolt. Please do what you must to ensure they are warm, safe, and comfortable. If you see an animal in need, take the necessary measures to help that animal, even if it means calling the authorities. Our animal friends do not have the voices to ask for help or demand justice for mistreatment. We must be their voice.

On this bitterly cold Monday, can and stay safe, be smart, don't be a dolt, help those you can where you can, and keep washing your hands.

Foodie Friday: The Bean's Favorite Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Bean is somewhat of a hot chocolate connoisseur. My girl has been enjoying warm, rich hot chocolate since she was a wee one. When my girl was off her beloved bottle, she would drink warm chocolate milk in her sippy cup. When she was tiny, we used Ovaltine because it was high in vitamins. Once she got a bit bigger, she graduated to my homemade recipe for hot chocolate as a special treat.

Since then, she has tried hot cocoa from every small coffee shop, franchise, and friend’s kitchen we have enjoyed visiting. Her favorite recipe included both unsweetened cocoa powder and milk chocolate. The perfect hot cocoa is always made from rich, creamy whole milk. My little bean prefers her milk to come from Lone Oak Farm. However, in a pinch, she will drink goat’s milk.

Recently, I made the switch to using only goat’s milk for cooking and drinking. I know this may come as a shock, but we have continued to buy cow’s milk from Lone Oak because my child prefers it. However, goat’s milk is much easier to digest and has excellent health benefits, and we always have it on hand. I know my girls are treated with love and care, their little ones are allowed to grow and nurse naturally with their mamas, and nobody is sold off for veal in a cruel industry where both mother and baby are exploited. Don’t get me wrong, I know of wonderful local families that treat their dairy cows well and with care. However, as a whole, the huge agri-businesses use animals as a soulless commodity and exploit both cow and calf. I buy from Lone Oak because I know the Simpsons treat their cows with care and compassion. This is why I preach to know your farmers, understand their practices, and know where and how your food is raised. We need to support our small local farmers and family farms. Okay, lecture over.

With the cold winter weather settling in, I thought today would be a good day to share The Bean’s favorite hot chocolate recipe. This is a warm, cozy drink to make on a cold, blustery day after an afternoon of sled riding or to snuggle in and read a book by the fireplace. We set up a hot cocoa bar in years past when The Bean and her friends were playing in the snow. One can include crushed peppermint candies or candy canes as stirring sticks, cinnamon to sprinkle on top, chocolate curls, and, of course, whipped cream. In our house, frozen whipped topping is unacceptable; I must whip up heavy whipping cream with a bit of vanilla and sugar to keep my hot chocolate snob happy. However, in a pinch, Reddi-Whip will do.

As yet another winter storm makes its way toward us this weekend, I gently suggest making homemade hot chocolate with all the fixings for a warm, cozy winter treat. Once you try this, you won’t be satisfied with store-bought mixes ever again. This recipe is Bean approved.

The Bean’s Favorite Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 Cups Milk (We prefer whole milk, but use what you prefer)

¼ Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

¼ Cup Granulated Sugar

½ Cup Milk Chocolate Chips or a Milk Chocolate Bar, Chopped

½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract ( I prefer Sweet Home Vanilla’s Vanilla Extract)

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan, warm the milk, but do not boil.

Whisk in all ingredients, stirring constantly.

When the chocolate is melted, pour it into two mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chopped chocolate. Use your imagination and have fun.

Snuggle up under your favorite blanket, read a good book, watch a good movie, or listen to relaxing music and enjoy.

On this blustery, cold Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy homemade, delicious food, support local family farms, and keep washing your hands.

Growing Old Is Not For The Weak

I have heard it said that growing old is not for the weak. Truer words were never spoken…sigh. Watching my senior pit bull, Chubby, age breaks my heart. I shared with you that he had acquired anaplasmosis several months ago. My boy has not made a full recovery, and this tick-borne disease has exacerbated the aging process. He went from bouncing around like a pup to walking like a stiff old man. I know he aches and hurts because he constantly licks his front left paw, and on cold days, he whines when he moves. These days, my boy would rather lay on the couch than run through the fields.

In the not-so-distant past, Chubs would go out to the barn with Eric in the morning. He would run the perimeter of the fields, checking for interlopers. The predatory wildlife population did not stand a chance under Chubby’s watch. Raccoons, in particular, posed a serious threat and were taken care of and brought to the front yard, laid proudly under the arborvitae trees for all to see. One had to wait for Chubby to be indoors for the dead critters to be taken far off the property. Otherwise, one would have to fight a losing tug-of-war battle with a pit bull and a dead raccoon.

These days, Chubs does not stir until after lunch. One of us usually checks to make sure the old boy is still breathing if we can’t hear his echoing snores. I have given up the battle of no dogs on the furniture. He is now permitted to lounge at will on the leather couch. However, all upholstered furniture remains off-limits. There are days we have to coax Chubby off the couch with a cookie and bribe him to go outside and do his business. Watching his stiff movements and obvious discomfort tugs at our heartstrings.

Living with arthritis is no walk in the park. I know I feel better when I get up and get moving. Recently, I have started taking Chubby with me on my walks with Buster. While Bus runs ahead, behind, and all over, Chubs walks with me on a leash. Knowing Chubby’s competitive nature, I can envision him overdoing it to try to keep us with Bus. He was indignant about the leash at first, but it has been accepted and has become our thing. The Bibbed Wonder commented that he thinks Chubs is moving better since we have started going on our walks.

Along with controlled exercise, we also give Chubs a prescription anti-inflammatory. He takes the equivalent of ibuprofen for dogs. I put his pills in a delicious people's treat. At this point, it is about enjoying life and quality of life rather than restrictions. He’s earned a hot dog, a cupcake, or peanut butter bread. My guy is 104 in dog years; he’s earned a few treats. Thus far, Chubs is doing well with vetprofen, gentle exercise, and Tempur-Pedic bedding. We help him up on the couch, offer aid with steps, and baby him.

We are not blind to the fact that Chubby plays us. If we want him to do something he does not want to do, he acts like he’s dying. However, when Grambarb shows up with special Chubby treats, he once again bounces around like a pup. Chubs has always had selective hearing, but it has become even more selective since he has gotten sick. He’s a bit spoiled, but isn’t that why we bring them into our lives? He deserves to be loved and spoiled. He has loved us unconditionally his entire life. He has guarded our girl, protected our property, put himself at risk to keep us safe, and he does it all out of love. There is nothing more noble than the adoration of a dog.

I hope when I am old and frail someone gives me a soft place to land. I hope they give me treats I enjoy, hold my hand, check to make sure I am still breathing, and try to make my final days as comfortable as possible. I hope I am worthy of such treatment. We all suffer the same fate. If we’re lucky, we will all get old and frail; our joints will ache, our hearing and eyesight will fail, and we will need assistance and help. Be kind to your aging pets. Treat them with respect, gentleness, and compassion. Just because they can’t do the things they used to do doesn’t mean they are worthless. They loved you well, probably when you didn’t deserve it. Return the favor by staying by their side, offering them comfort, and letting them know how much you appreciate it.

If the day comes when it is more humane to help them cross over, be by their side. Someone I know refused to go with their ailing dog when it was time to put them down. Instead, they sent a neighbor to do it because it was easier for them. That beloved pet died with a stranger in a strange setting. I often think about how Winnie must have been afraid and confused in her final moments. Don’t be selfish; face the hard times and be there for your beloved pet. It’s not pleasant, but it’s the least you can do for someone who has loved you with all their being.

On this chilly January day, stay safe, be smart, be kind and gentle with the elderly, and keep washing your hands.