Winter returns!

There is a Special Weather Statement in effect for our area, with the potential of freezing rain. Road reports list our highway as ice-covered, so I'm glad I work the late shift in the hopes of the trucks getting out before I have to drive. What I'm seeing is lightly falling fluffy snow, which always makes everything look fresh.

Biscotti

This is not about the cookie you dip in tea or other beverages. This is about a young ewe (female sheep) and a wheelbarrow. You wouldn't think they would have much in common and you'd be correct.

This morning, I noticed the ewes' bedding had become moist and therefore, more hay should be put down for their health and comfort. I brought the wheelbarrow, almost overfull with hay, into their enclosure, discomfiting our guard dogs somewhat, and causing the ewes to run about in a clump. I tipped the wheelbarrow and proceeded to demolish any lumps to prevent problems for the sheep. The wheelbarrow remained in place behind me and was an object of great interest to the ewes once they had calmed down. I heard the scratch of teeth on the metal and knew they were also chewing on the handles but thought it wouldn't be for long so it wasn't worth chasing them away. Then I heard a different sound, and turned around to see what caused it. Lo and behold, there is Biscotti,

Biscotti

our brown ewe with brown goggles outlined in white around her eyes , standing in the wheelbarrow. I chase her out and continue my work. Of course, she now thinks there must be something of great interest there, so in she pops again. I chase her out again. Finally, I clue in and let her find out there is nothing of interest inside the wheelbarrow on her own, and out she pops of her own accord.

Cocoa and friends

Working with critters is a constant surprise and source of amusement.

English muffins

My Assistent ably kneading the dough

before rising...

love my bench scraper!

after rising...

et voila!

I followed this recipe from the kitchn and am very pleased with the results. Next time I will let the starter and dough sit longer for better taste. I had time only today and was eager to try this out.

I had 2 muffins for supper along with my chicken broth which had been sitting simmering all afternoon. Yum!

Baked Cheese Toast

Oops, forgot to take pictures before devouring the cheesy goodness!

Preheated oven to 475 F and stuck in my Pampered Chef pan to heat up.

Grated some Balderson 2 year cheddar and mixed with Something Special antipasto. Mixed some more grated cheddar with mayo and home-made grainy mustard. Added some torn calabrese. Spread home-made white bread with mayo and placed that side down on silpat. Topped bread with antipasto/cheese, mayo cheese and some calabrese with cheddar slices on top. Placed on top of pan to melt, then tucked under broiler to brown up. Antipasto was the favourite but the others were yummy as well.

Silpat is a little big for pan - will use parchment paper next time.

one more taste of winter

The roads were icy and the wind was gusting the snow around so we cancelled an appointment and I then had time to make chili. Perfect for a blustery day!

2 blocks, ground beef
2 onions, chopped
3 stalks celery
1 green bell pepper
1/2 sweet potato
1 head garlic
2 x 500 g containers of precooked kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 can tomato paste
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tbsp oregano

Lambing!

Springtime in Manitoba!

Finally had a chance to grab some pics of cuteness.

This is the life!

What did you find?

How's your back now, Mama?

As we're lambing and enjoying the new life along with the frustrations that brings, here is a funny posted to Facebook:

(I can't find the attribution, so let me know if you have it and I'll post it!)

What a great way to start the day! Got the lambs and guard puppies fed and the newborns are all looking spry and mamas content. The claimed lambs were all sleeping in a row in our shelter when I went in and it was adorable. Came outside to find a spectacular sunrise reflected by the edges of a ragged cloud, shading from darker oranges to golds as the sun showed its face through the silhouette of a nearby volunteer tree. Meanwhile the wind soughed through the budding tree branches and flapped our tarp. Just had to sing the doxology and a couple verses of a favourite hymn, and had a supporting chorus of bleats and baas nearby and actually was able to keep a tune with my scratchy voice. ;o) (might have been critiques from the audience too - still haven't taken Sheepish 101)

Woohoo! Got my first newborn lamb to suck without assistance from my husband!