A storms a coming!!!!

I just checked the weather and a 'winter storm warning' is already in effect for late tonight and all day tomorrow.  The forecast includes 6-8 inches of snow with some sprinklings of freezing rain and sleet.  JJ is banking on a snow day and really hoping he gets to stay at home with J and Pickle.  I, on the other hand, am dreading this storm.  I recently started a new position, which includes a one hour commute (one-way, on a good weather day), and I don't want to miss a day of work.  But my work in healthcare, especially within a level one trauma hospital, has taught me not to mess with Mother Nature.

Today was a busy day on the farm.  I kept the home fire burning, loaded up on fire wood and did my chicken chores.  We had two cords of wood delivered this last weekend.  J loaded 1/2 of it in the barn, with the 'help' from some little 'helpers.'  There is still a pile of wood outside the barn, that will likely be covered by inches of snow by the end of tomorrow...unless J is motivated to move firewood in the moonlight (after a 12 hour work day).  Not likely.

Farmer J has been doing a lot of research on bees.  We will be splitting the bee costs with the farm's owners (J and M.)  Farmer J and M are busy figuring out where we will get out bees from, how to construct the best bee boxes and where the bees will be located on the farm.  J is very excited and the boys are already dreaming of fresh honey for breakfast!  I have a slight bee phobia, as I've never been stung.  But, from what I have read, honey bees are very calm and not at all aggressive.

I have started some, very preliminary, research on sheep. I love the look of "Babydoll" sheep (a bread of sheep that are more 'miniature' in size.)  It appears that cuteness comes at a cost.  $500 for a Babydoll lamb. As sheep need a flock, the farmers that sell lambs will not sell to anyone that does not purchase at least two sheep or already have sheep on their farm.  One grand for a pair of sheep... that seems crazy.  However, if there is a market for Babydoll sheep, think of the profit a farmer would get after a typical lambing season. I think the 'run of the mill' lambs will work for us.  The good news is... owner M has already offered to buy our wool and knows of a reputable person that can come sheer the sheep, when the time has come. Look at me, I'm already thinking of sheering sheep that are not even born yet.  It must be February and I must be sick of winter and looking forward to spring.

Here's a link to learn more about Babydoll sheep, or at least see the cute little buggers...

http://nabssar.org/

Stay warm and drive safe!