Winter Warmth

Regardless of it being winter, the days still begin at dawn, there are still many outside chores that need done – milking, feeding, filling water troughs & hay feeders, collecting eggs and a few other odds & ends "have to do" chores.
The weather the past few days has been surprisingly pleasant, low’s in the 20’s, highs in the 40’s. According to the local weather forecast the temps may even rise back into the 60’s by the weekend. Woo Hoo!
For some the 20-40 range is considered cold, here on the farm it is pleasant, especially in January to feel a bit of warmth in winter. Any day the sun is shining brightly, the temperatures are not at freezing or below is truly appreciated. I don’t feel as though I have to rush through the outside work and get back inside.
Knowing the winter warmth is fleeting, I purposely take the time to enjoy the mornings on the farm. I wish you could see what I see on these warm winter mornings. The glittering white lace across the bottom pasture, the sheep sparkling from their blankets of frost, the late sleeping goats curled up on their warm beds of straw and the chickens snuggled down in their hay filled nest. All are at peace, healthy, happy and content.

I noticed on my visits to other blogs the topic of gardening has sprouted. Garden thoughts came to my mind a few days ago while sister and I discussed the Stevia plant. She grows her own to make a liquid sweetener and asked if I would add it to my herb garden this year.
The wheels started turning, out came the seed catalogs and well... as you know it is never too early to start planning for the next years garden. Deborah over at Antiquity Oaks
has listed some great links to check out if you wondering how much you would need to grow to feed your family.
Each year we have a tendency to grow big, more than enough for just the two of us. The excess goes to our families and friends and is used for a bit of barter. In these uncertain times, this year will be no different, actually plan to be adding a larger variety of vegetables.

Sister’s Stevia Sweetener
Dry the leaves, crush them to release the sweetness of the plant.
Put ¼ cup of crushed leaves in one cup of warm water.
Let it stand for 24 hours and then refrigerate.