The wood pile

Since we are now partially heating with wood, we got two cords of wood delivered and are working hard to get it into the enclosed porch.  The easiest way is to throw pieces over the dog fence until there is a big pile then move the pieces inside.  Easier because the dogs all stay inside while the wood is being tossed over the fence and then they come outside and help.

Of course, their idea of help isn't necessarily my idea of help.  I tried to convince Bill to actually pick up a chunk of wood but it didn't work.  

Considering that a big pile of wood suddenly appeared in the fenced area, the blind girls did well avoiding it, likely due to the smell.  Brook was a bit confused initially thinking that we were going inside each time I walked in with wood.  After a few times, she gave up and just hung out.

Wordless Wednesday

Hiker has a question...

There was another snow storm the other day and we were snowed in (again) since the plows had been taken off the roads.  We made the best of it and got outside to play.

Our blind girl Hiker wondered...is this considered snow swimming?

What are they doing?

We recently had some men in to do some work in the kitchen.  Since our deaf boy Trail is convinced that the world revolves around him and that everyone wants to pet him, he was put in the crate in the car.  Callie stayed in her space, Bill stayed on the couch, blind and deaf Brook went to bed and blind Hiker just wondered what was going on.

After the men were gone, we were so cozy and warm because they installed our new wood stove.

Brook and Trail

Later, Trail got up close. I was a bit worried that he was too close, but he only stayed a couple of minutes.

Now we are really ready for winter.

Cost of Cat Litter: $92.00

Recently we had an incident where cat litter cost $92.00.  Well, actually it was $91.73.  

Why so expensive?  Ask Trail.

not feeling well

Despite two barriers, our deaf boy Trail got into the cat litter and seemed to be fine, then two days later, he was not feeling well.  A trip to the vet, some anti-nausea medication and a few days later he was much better and back to normal. Normal being chasing the cat, playing ball and being silly. 

During the couple of days that Trail wasn't himself, the biggest change was that he wasn't his "velcro" self that he (and most Australian Cattle Dogs) are known for.  I was able to go places such as the other room all by myself. I could move more than a foot away from him without having him jump and follow like I might never return. I didn't like it. Not one bit!

Lesson learned for Trail? Hope so.

Lights But No Heat

Thanks for all your kind words during our recent power outage.  We lost power Sunday afternoon, had it back overnight Tuesday then it was out again until Thursday evening.  It was a long week. Cold and dark too!  Fortunately cooking and hot cups of tea were possible with a one burner camp stove. Solar lights, a homemade olive oil lamp and layers of blankets on crates got us through.

We're still watching the weather just in case.

Trail and Darby

In case you're wondering who Darby is...well he was a barn cat at our former home.  Prior to getting an outside space for the barn cats, they were in a bedroom upstairs. Darby was the only one who ventured downstairs and was very happy mingling with the dogs. So...how could he be sent back outside? (I know, I know, some of you would!)

Bill has hunkered down in an old jacket, waiting for spring.

Our electrician is coming this week to install heat and hopefully next week our new woodstove will be installed.  

First Winter Storm 2016

We had the first nor'easter storm of the season with heavy wet snow, high winds and lots of power outages.  

Of course, the dogs loved it!

Brook and Trail

Callie

You may be wondering where the others are.  Hiker and Bill are in the house. Neither of them are big fans of the cold and refused to go outside.  Not that it is much warmer inside since we have been without power and therefore no heat since Sunday afternoon.  At the time I am posting this, it was only 0C/32F in the house. 

Brook

Yes, it does look pretty. But it would look a whole prettier if we were seeing it from a heated house!