Preparing for Winter and a Trip to Israel!

The goats are mine but I get lots of help from my family to care for them and we all reap the benefits!  A few weeks ago, with a snow storm in the forecast, my brother agreed to close the end of my milking/storage shelter so I would have extra protection from the cold and snow while milking.  During the warmer weather, we take down the plywood end and strap back the tarp.  With one end open it is so much more pleasant during the summer months!  

The idea for this shelter came from here.  A fence panel frame, an old bill board tarp advertising verizon wireless =), some plywood and 2x4's made a very simple yet adequate and versatile shelter.  It provides a place for me to milk the goats and store hay and feed.  There is also a small pen where I can keep does that are soon ready to kid.

This week my dad picked up a winter's supply of hay.  With a barn full of hay, it is really cozy in there now!  The last of the goats will be dried up in December.  Hopefully in January we can put the kidding pen you see in the back left corner of the barn to good use. =)

I leave for a 2-3 week trip to Israel on Monday!  I'm looking forward to touring the Holy Land and spending time with my brother and his family.  I will continue to take orders while I'm in Israel.  The soap, candle, lip balm and shoulder wrap supply is well stocked and my family has kindly agreed to prepare and ship orders for me!

Also, thanks to all of you who have come over to visit from the Homejoys giveaway!  I have enjoyed "meeting" many of you and your interest and subscriptions to my new blog have been an inspiration to continue blogging!