Sorry March, I forgot about you...

Well March, sorry for completely forgetting about your existence. I'd like to say I was really busy, but I can't really think of any watertight excuses to back that statement with. That being admitted, however, I can say that my 'short story ideas' folder, is quite plump, my pile of reading material all mostly read and my current works in progresses are all receiving a lot of my attention lately. I know I said you would see more of me after my last manuscript was finished... I guess I lied.

The truth is, this winter is taking so dadgone long that I fear I've slipped into a creative fantasy dream-land, not much unlike a hibernating bear awaiting spring. However, I think my daily walk, drinking sap, smelling the woodsmoke of the maple syrup, hearing the gurgle of the creek again and  the general chatter of life returning to the barnyard and woods, is helping me to wake up.

 Here's some pictures:

Recent spring snowstorm. Pretty ...but I struggle to admit it. ;)

Theresa's curly mare is expecting a spring baby!

 

 And pray tell, what does this butt belong too?

Yay! Two very colorful baby goats! So fun. :) 

And the best part? They're sisters; both girls!

 And they like cats. :)

The scene of my daily walk. I have company on most days, but even those days when the weather is really bad, Kady is always faithful enough to accompany me and her puppy playfulness and enthusiasm helps me to find joy in every kind of weather. :)

The sap season has been frustratingly on and off this year. We have a good week and then another cold week, then it warms up and flows again. But through all the on and off, it's looking like a good year.

 We've already put up a few gallons and we're still burning.

End of the season hat fashion show got the rest of Annie's inventory of newsboy hats listed.

 Check out all the pretty hats, girls and cats in the new hat listings HERE. ;)

The warmer days offer us the opportunity to make music in the studio without needing to make a fire to heat the room first.

Plugged-in ear protection allows Andrew to play full-out on his drums while allowing us to still hear ourselves and preserve our hearing. It's pretty wild fun stuff, that happens out there... :)

Rockstar warning... Coming back to the house with 'da bass'.

Easter was a knock out day for my sweet tooth, so I guess that makes it a success right? Annie and I put together baskets of homemade gifts and goodies for Johnny and Donna (in our typical fashion, we didn't begin work on them until Easter...).

 The shop work continues...

Mike's carving out one of his Lord of the Ring's swords. When he's finished, Annie will wood burn the Elvish runes on it, somebody will wax it and Dad will package and ship it to a lucky new owner!

 Steven has been reintroducing his calf back into the pen with the big girls in order to empty out the barn stalls for the expectant Mommas. I swear, his interaction with his big-eyed calf would melt the stoniest heart. ;)

Cat friends.

 

Flying baby goat.

"dis a' my barn!"

For those of you who didn't see this back when I shared it on facebook, this is one of many shirts I re-fabricated for Donna's new wardrobe. It's really fun and satisfying to recycle clothes (I'm also working on a quilt and a rug with recycled materials), but just so you can't say I didn't warn you: recycling can also be overwhelming and time consuming. But look at that proud smile...

 

The faithful farm watch dog watches the sun set on one of those 'false-spring alarm' days.

 Okay, that's all for now. I've got to go work out the climax on my latest work in progress. Somebody wake me up when spring gets here, okay? And this time for real... getting downright tired of all of these false alarms. :-P