History of cheese class, more goat updates, and dreamy chicken moats!

I found out about an event in our area concerning the History of Cheese. Coming up April 4,2008 at the Kelso House .

"The History of Cheesemaking, presented by Abbe Turner of the Lucky Penny Farm in Hiram, Ohio. Abbe is a cheesemaker herself and crafts fresh goat�s milk to create an artisan cheese, which she has sold to Northeast Ohio specialty stores and restaurants. She has studied her craft in Pennsylvania, Vermont and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a member of the Ohio Farmstead Artisan Cheese Guild. Join us as we learn how it is done, then taste the results."

How wonderful would it be to have something like this at the library too? I may actually attend this event. Not sure yet, will have to see if The Captain will be available to sit with the Kiddies that night.
I spoke with Roseanna today. (Poor girl is sick with something awful. I truly wish her a speedy recovery.) Chia has been down at her farm long enough for 2 heat cycles. She has been penned up with William the whole time. She was bred the first heat cycle and gave me a scare that she may go into heat on the second cycle "due date". It was a false alarm to the best of our knowledge and am pretty sure Chia completed her mission.I am leaving her for one more cycle day length just to be sure. So we are looking at the 1st of march that our Chi Chi gets to come home.
Poor frog has been asking about her everyday. "Wheres Chi CHI?". Then I get "ChiChi poop". This is because Frog was with me when we traveled down to Roseanna's the day we dropped Chia off. Frog thought is was hilarious and proudly announced to all that "Chi chi pooped" in the back of my car. No accidents/intentional's until 3 minutes before we arrived at Roseanna's.
And it looks like Fernie is pregnant too! Seems she got all excited by the boys down there and came into heat suddenly. So the deal is if Fernie gives birth to a doe, Fernie will come back to our 'stead. In Milk! Now you see why i am considering the above "lecture". I have questions to ask! A hungry mind for knowledge and to be in the company of like minds.
Thought I would share (again) where you can get some great deals on mirror finish, stainless steel seamless buckets -anywhere from $5.99 for the 2 quart size to $19.99 for the 9 quart size!They also have my favorite one- the same above bucket but with a flat side to fit up on a wall or as in my case with Fernie, a bucket under her belly... A flat 1 side bucket that is 6 quarts will cost $15.99. Now compare the SS buckets to that of Hoeggers pricing! That is of course if it is the same thing. Anyone know the difference between the 2 and if one is better then other or equal?
Now onto another subject: Chicken Moats! I am trying to come up with a plan to incorporate one into our place. Kinda give the ladies a "maze" of sorts to keep the scenery different and grass, well,... alive. It's hard to do when you have such odd shaped property and even odder zoning laws- that would cost $250 to just submit a request for the "board" to consider giving me a variance on the law.
The above picture makes me smile. I aim for something similar for our ladies...someday. i like the chicken size tunnels under the outside gateways. So cute and interesting to have.
The first berry tote is on its last coat of paint and will be finished for your viewing pleasure soon. stay tuned folks.
Sunny dreams,
Tammie