Yep, as many of us just experienced, the winter blast arrived, hasn’t quite left yet, and is leaving winter permanently in it’s tailwinds.
Frozen water buckets. Slick slopes down to the barn. Winds. Static electricity in the clothes and hair.
The new Carhart is a joy. No cold air penetrates. The Muck boots that I ordered last season grip the ground and keep the toes and legs warm.
But there is a draw back. Everything feels stiff, bundled up.
As I placed myself next to the doe on the milk stand, I didn’t bother to turn on the light. I have a window. It provides dim light in the early morning. I was too cold to bother much today at all. Feeling awkward in my arctic attire. I began the milking steps. Step one…wash teats. Step two, place fingers around fully engorged teat. Step three, squeeze in the proper manner. Step four, squirt, squirt…but something went wrong. No milk in bucket.
Wait a minute…did I say no milk in bucket?
Uh-huh…I was milking down my sleeve. Nice aim.
The joys of bundling up. The joys of winter. I bet my coat loved its refreshing milk bath. But, yeah, it did a good job! I didn’t feel a thing.
I have been busy, almost too busy to notice. I am still here, alive and kicking. Doing the silly things I normally do.
You don’t know the half of it. And, boy would I love to hear your funny stories too. I bet you have some!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Mary, you are so funny! Thanks for sharing that. I don’t need winter clothes to do weird stuff; but I do watch who I tell it to. If your’re gonna milk like that from now on, you’d better readjust your bucket! 🙂
Debbie
Ya’ thunk? 🙂
Ha ha ha…
Mary – just wanted to let you know that I received my soap order. They all smell wonderful. I was thinking of giving a couple away for Christmas presents, but I think I’m gonna be stingey and keep them. Thanks for the samples, too! I loved the sandalwood and citrus one and the ocean breeze.
Vickie, thank you, thank you! I am glad you are enjoying your soaps!
at least since it got so cold, the ground is frozen instead of it being so muddy around the barn.
Oh yes, Joanna…I agree!!! I thought the same thing today. A few days ago it was water and mud, the boots were making sucking noises as I lifted my leg from the ground. Frozen mud is easier to walk on, isn’t it?
Are you kidding? That is so funny, Mary. Well, at least you must have been warmer with all that nice warm liquid running up your arm!! Stay warm, if you can. We are on our third day of 10 below or more so it is really cold here. Seems like the longer it is very cold, the more cold it seems. Does that make sense?
It makes a lot of sense, Donna!! I hope it warms back up for you soon. We haven’t been cold for long, only a day or so. We really were spoiled this year. Think spring! 🙂
I grew up in the foothills of Western, NC and so we could get downright cold! This post made me laugh and appreciate what it takes to be a “Country Girl” and reminds me of growing up–in a very good way.
However, you might need to attach little slides so that the milk actually makes it into the bucket!
Little slides, is there a way to market them?! Not a bad idea…
Glad I stirred up some good memories.
I love it..I got such a visual I laughed pretty hard..Almost woke up my son! LOL
Quite the comedy…glad you enjoyed.
A funny picture for me! I actually do remember getting warm milk all over myself on a very cold milking time…the milk gets cold real fast and if it is on my skin, well, that gets even colder.
The temps have been below 10 degrees here so I know all about bundling up and getting the outside work done as fast as possible so i can get indoors. Of course there are the 2 wheelbarrows of chopped wood to haul into the inside wood box first so we can keep the house warm and toasty…but you know, the outside work makes me appreciate even more our warm home ….
Kathy, I get the achy body real quick…you know how it is, the hands, ankles and legs in the coldest of temps. We do a little extra work, plus balance to stay on our feet. Thank goodness we do have a warm place to return to, a house to live in, a blessing.
It’s cold here too-but I don’t have to be out in it like you. I’m glad you’ve got some things to keep you warm : )
Tipper, I appreciate your thoughts. As long as I am bundled up it isn’t too bad…just not pleasant from time to time, but that is life. Ha!
The barn door to allow the goats to go outside was frozen shut this morning. It took the two of us to straighten that ordeal out. Winter has arrived!
Hey Mary,
Great story!!!! and image too. lol
Gkad you got a snicker out of it, LOL!!
Hahahahaha! Made me giggle. I can just imagine you looking around trying to figure out where the milk went. *snicker*snicker*
That’s the thing I don’t like about winter. I don’t like being cold, so I have to wear all that stuff to be warm. I can’t wait to get back in the house and shed 10 lbs. of bundle.
Yep, it was a goober act…ha, ha, ha.
I am fine with most of the cold weather once I get used to it.
This morning, though, wearing just the hoodie and gloves again was a joy!
I know what you mean, when a person gets cold it seems difficult to shake the chill off.
Your experience of life on the goat farm is very funny 😀
Thanks so much for sharing them with all of us.
Goats are comics to begin with. I get too close to them, but I guess that is partly why God made them (for our enjoyment). Beautiful, funny, affectionate, stubborn, and they make for great products.
I like this content so much.Imagination is more important than knowledge.
I agree! Absolutely.
And, I do truly love my Muck boots.