It wasn't as big as I had planned, as the carnival was cancelled two days before it was to open (long story, and I was not happy). Due to that, and another larger festival happening in a neighboring town about half of my vendors/demonstrators bailed out. I was so disappointed, but the one's who showed up were wonderful. We had a petting zoo with a Wallaby, Alpacas, python, ducks, a porcupine and something called a ? Mundi? Didn't get the entire name. It was a big hit. We had several craft vendors, a spinning wheel demonstration (I learned how to work the wheel), wheat grinding, canning display, a book sale (the vendor is a friend and she pulled all her "old timey" books on pioneers, history, Texas cookbooks and more) and PD#1 made $40 selling her crochet items. She was thrilled!
A friend and Chaplain for the county came with his Pastor and they sang Southern Gospel songs for an hour. It was wonderful! Our own praise and worship time. They were dressed "old timey" so it fit right in. My boss was sad for me that it was so scaled back, but she came out to support me and was pleased with what she saw, and wants us to participate at the city's annual festival in April. She wants me to have a section of heritage/old time demonstrations. She thinks the people would eat it up, and since the city's festival draws a larger crowd it would be good exposure. Maybe, I should just join them, instead of having our own festival. Save money and get more of an audience.
Mariama (milk goat) delivered twins a week ago. One boy and one girl. The girls is mostly black with white hooves. This is our second almost all black kid this year. Very odd outcome. The other doe, Artemis, delivered a singleton last Sunday, but her doeling was killed by coyotes a couple of days ago. Pretty sad, poor little thing.
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| Mariama and her twins |
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| Artemis and her little one |
PH is working on the round pen for PD#1 to start working/exercising the horses. He was given enough cattle panels (he had to take them down at a friend's ranch) to make a 50 foot round pen. This saved us over $1,000, though it has taken considerable time and effort on PHs part. PD#1 is excited, and is "supervising" his work :)
Also, on the schedule is securing the pig pen, and working on winter housing for them. Fern (our Hampshire sow) is an escape artist. Wilbur, our Yorkshire boar, prefers to stay in the pen or back by the pond. Won't often even come out with the gate wide open. He's pretty laid back and lazy. We have lots of clean up to do, and are excited about the cooler days we have been having. We will wait for much of the clean up, for when it cools down more, but before Winter really hits. It will be a fine balance of having everything ready.
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| Fern - after being scratched to sleep |
Still haven't planted the Fall garden. I am getting frustrated over the lack of time that I have to get it completed.
PH is about finished with the wiring, and installation of lighting. We purchased the channels that hold the insulation to the roof, so we are onto the insulation installation next. Doing the roof first, since hot air rises. That way if we have to use the wood stove before we finish all the insulation, at least it won't all escape out the roof.
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| PS#2 and his Blue Hand |
PD#2 will be baptised the last Sunday of this month up in the Hill Country in the Medina River. Very proud that she made the decision to follow her decision of faith in baptism, though it's been over a year. We will have our church fellowship meal there also, and have a great day of rejoicing and fellowship.
Making lists fast and furious, as we come into the downward spiral of another year and winter preparations, not to mention the stress of an election year. Hope I won't have to worry about voting too much longer, at least in a United States election.
Don't forget that this month is National Emergency Awareness Month - are you ready?
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| TEXAS Sunset |
Amy,
ReplyDeleteHey there girl! I'm happy to hear everyone is well. Congratulations on presenting the Heritage Skills Fair. It sounds like it was a big success even though some of the venders backed out. Your boss enjoyed herself and so did everyone who attended and that's what counts :-) I wish we lived closer, I would have loved to have attended.
You and hubby must be very proud of PD#2 getting baptized in the Medina River.
Mariama and Artemis have some adorable babies. I'm sorry to hear Artemis' baby was killed off by coyotes. Hopefully, she's okay and not dwelling on her loss.
I just wanted to say, it's great to hear an update. The house seems to be really moving for you. Give the family a big hug and have a wonderful week.
Your Friend,
Sandy