Quaker Hill Farm 3rd month, 2008 News This year we can sum up winter with one word - ice. There has been more ice covering our yard this year than in all the past 20 years put together. Everytime we try and melt it, it warms up to just above 32 degrees outside and the snow and ice all melt just a little again and refreezes overnight. I took a nasty fall just last night on my way out to chores that sent my milking pails and baby bottles sliding across the barn yard. My poor husband was at the goat barn when it happened and tried to rush to my aid - rushing is not an easy thing to do when it is so slippery! Thank heaven for the extra padding on my hips, though the bruise is rather uncomfortable! I can honestly say that it would be safer to go across the yard in ice skates, than just walk with boots! But, thing are well otherwise. The goats are milking nicely and the early lambs and kids are growthy despite the bitter temps. We heard on the news just the other day that in northern Michigan in the month of February, it snowed 28 days out of the 29 days of the month! We are looking forward to tapping the maple trees very soon now and I am anxious for Spring otherwise! Blessings & Peace, Quaker Anne 3rd Month, 2008 Words of Wisdom "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the song without the words and never stops at all." --Emily Dickinson - anonymous