Animals

Canine Couture and More

Yesterday morning at 5:30, as I dressed myself in quilted pants and barn jacket,

the thermometer read 4 degrees.

Luckily there was no wind to lower that temperature even further.

My workmates and constant companions awaken each morning eager to get outside with me.

To them, the farm is acres to be explored...adventure awaiting at every turn!

So, even in the winter when the weather is harsh...

it is important that they get their outdoor time....or cabin fever sets in pretty quickly.

Three canines with cabin fever can be a little hard on ones house, so out we go

in all weather.

Sam, Oakley, and Annie (unlike our previous pups, a Newfie and a Bernese Mtn. Dog)

are short coated and not terribly cold-tolerant...

at least not when it is 4 degrees!

The solution to cold weather for the dogs has been 3 WeatherBeeta parkas.

These dog coats are styled much like horse blankets,

and cover from neck to tail, trapping heat around their bodies.

They have two velcro straps...one around the front, over the shoulders

and one around the torso (well enough in front of man-parts to allow for bathroom habits.)

Of all three, Annie's coat is my favorite.

With reflective strips and its bright orange color, there is no losing her in a snowstorm.

However, as you can see, hers is a little small...

(she has grown since I ordered it)

I will order her next coat about 5 inches longer.

All three coats are water repellant and fairly thick.

Because these three are very high energy dogs and do so much running,

I only use their coats when the weather gets in the low 20's or below.

They don't seem to mind weather in the 30's.

Lynne asked:

1. "Do you go X-country skiing and snowshoeing around the Haven ?"

It just so happens that Hubbs bought me my first pair of snowshoes for Christmas. I had bought him a pair for his last birthday and then it didn't snow again! Our plans for this weekend include some snowshoeing around the farm with friends who are also planning on cross country skiing. Neither Hubbs nor I own cross country skis at this time.

2. "When is the wedding?"

The big day is this June 20th....right here in this open area next to the barn.

It seems like each and every day has a little time devoted to wedding preparations. There is so much to be done...so much to be made. Amanda is designing and making her own invitations. We have lots of fun ideas...all of which we will share with you at that time.

3. "Future plans for the pizza oven?"

The outdoor brick pizza oven by our pavilion is one of our very favorite parts of the farm.

We have hosted parties, showers, and family get-togethers here with wonderful

homemade pizzas...and hope to do much more of the same!

We will be using the pizza oven during the wedding reception for evening light bites. I would like to explore more baking and cooking within the oven over the next season...

with breads and homemade soft pretzels being first on my list.

I hope to someday host a few "farm to table" dinners and utilize the oven during these.

4. "Any new aprons, jewelry?"

Why yes...I have finished several aprons this past week...and have posted them on

the Bee Haven Acres Marketplace as we speak!

I am working my way through my fabric stash making my own basic 1940 style pattern.

These are very durable chore aprons that fit almost anyone.

At some point in the near future, I will branch out into some more

linen and "fussy" styled aprons...feminine and fun!

As for leather jewelry... I will be working on that for Spring (after the sewing is done).

- Birds' Eye Views
One of my every-afternoon chores is to gather eggs from the henhouses.And every afternoon when I open this henhouse door... it becomes a scene from the movie The Birds!A flock of starlings escapes the cold each day...eating the chicken feed in this house...

- A Banner Weekend
As I write this post... it is snowing again. Another 7 or so inches are predicted...time will tell. ( This is Ella Bella-chick...given that name this Super Bowl weekend because of her continual scowl.) Our weekend flew by so very quickly...spent...

- Weekend Update
Oakley and Annie: "Ummm, pizza, our favorite!!" Me: "Sorry kids, these pizzas are for the nice people at the shower." Annie: "It's hopeless...I guess I'd better try working the crowd!" On Satureday we had a shower for one...

- Prelude To Summer
After every weekend, I am always so excited to sit down and chat with you...so many stories...so much to share! We were treated to an absolutely gorgeous weekend on the farm.Temps in the 70's on Saturday and 80's on Sundaygave us the opportunity...

- Pizza Party!
You'll be happy to know that with a little bargaining,the goats freed me from my captivity in time for our very first pizza party at the pavilion! We had a weekend on the farm with dear friends... filled with pizza, laughter, song (and...

Animals