small victories
This evening I learned to make pasta! There may be pictures eventually - Val took pictures, but my hands were covered in dough and I did not pause to get my own camera - you may have to take my word for it. I am, by no means, an expert. But I followed Mark and Val's example, and Kolby and I churned out a few, what, batches?, of fettuccine, and it was super fun.
Unfortunately my belly was less pleased with the endeavor, and I only had one smallish serving, but it was very tasty. A markedly different texture and flavor than the stuff from the box, I can tell you that.
Earlier today I managed to get the goats out by myself, without Mark's assistance (the goats will follow Mark anywhere), which was an accomplishment. Okay it took about three times as long as it would've if Mark had led them, and much more cajoling ("Come on, goats! Come on! Hup-hup-hup!" I repeated, over and over, for like twenty minutes), but eventually they followed me. We stayed out for over three hours.
I tried to make a list of all the things I saw them eat, but I couldn't identify all the plants they ate, or tried, or tried and rejected. Some of the favorites, though:
Last year's grass (but just the tops, with the seeds)
Pinon and juniper needles
Wild rose leaves (very tiny at this time of year, and not everyone was into them)
Last year's sunflower seedpods
Willow shoots
Rabbit brush (especially seedpods)
Fresh grass (species indeterminate)
Yucca
Last year's kosha
Dead cottonwood leaves
Small deadfall twigs
The roses were the most impressive, since their leaves are about the size of my pinkie fingernail, and the stalks are literally covered in thorns.
I'm up too late again. Pasta takes forever to make, and we didn't eat until about 8:30, which means I'm not sleepy now. I'll regret that tomorrow.
Unfortunately my belly was less pleased with the endeavor, and I only had one smallish serving, but it was very tasty. A markedly different texture and flavor than the stuff from the box, I can tell you that.
Earlier today I managed to get the goats out by myself, without Mark's assistance (the goats will follow Mark anywhere), which was an accomplishment. Okay it took about three times as long as it would've if Mark had led them, and much more cajoling ("Come on, goats! Come on! Hup-hup-hup!" I repeated, over and over, for like twenty minutes), but eventually they followed me. We stayed out for over three hours.
I tried to make a list of all the things I saw them eat, but I couldn't identify all the plants they ate, or tried, or tried and rejected. Some of the favorites, though:
Last year's grass (but just the tops, with the seeds)
Pinon and juniper needles
Wild rose leaves (very tiny at this time of year, and not everyone was into them)
Last year's sunflower seedpods
Willow shoots
Rabbit brush (especially seedpods)
Fresh grass (species indeterminate)
Yucca
Last year's kosha
Dead cottonwood leaves
Small deadfall twigs
The roses were the most impressive, since their leaves are about the size of my pinkie fingernail, and the stalks are literally covered in thorns.
I'm up too late again. Pasta takes forever to make, and we didn't eat until about 8:30, which means I'm not sleepy now. I'll regret that tomorrow.