Life Happens

Frito and Agnes

Friday I took some time off from worrying about the state of the world and my own little part in it. Instead I headed up to Steamboat Springs with Brandie and Bryan (the ranch folks). Both of them are fire performers and there was a gathering arranged at the hot springs up there. After a three hour drive and a fine dinner with friends we headed to the springs.

The pools are lined with rock and the water hot and steaming. It hung in the air thick until disturbed by the eddies of air that would breeze through from time to time. In a main performance area the performers cycled in and out spinning poi and staff, dancing with their fire hoops, and there was even someone with a rope dart. That was entertaining even if a little frightening as he shot the flaming dart out over my head.

So, with the full moon shining on the vernal equinox it was lovely to be surrounded by such strong representations of the four elements in the company of dear friends.

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Bryan and I spent some time discussing again our distaste for money. Bartering has been a frequent topic of conversation. Recently Brandie was approached by some folks that wanted to trade pigs for fiber goats. Bryan was gleeful at the prospect. I started thinking about the fact that I don't have many assets to barter with. It's interesting how much crap we can collect that has little to no value in trade. I've been looking around for the sorts of bartering deals that are out there. Turns out that craigslist has a designation for bartering deals. I've only looked in Denver so far, but it was educational. There a lot of people willing to trade services for services, and some services for goods.

This all has me thinking that I really need to brainstorm some ideas on value. What value can I provide? Not just in trade, but in a community. What do I have to bring to the table?

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On Saturday my husband returned from a week in Atlanta on business. I experienced what I can term palpable relief at his return. He takes care of so much around here that I tend to forget about. Having him gone was a good reminder and I've been working hard the last few days to make sure he knows how much he is appreciated.

Saturday night my daughter had several friends over for a slumber party. Her birthday is coming up on April 1st and she wanted to celebrate now as the begin Spring Break. They CALL it a slumber party - but really it's a we're NOT going to slumber party. They were up all night and had a good time. It was nice to meet some of her friends and to see that her choices in people aren't exactly conventional. They all showed up dressed funky with crazy hair and good attitudes. They exhibited their talents in theater in and music and the TV for the most part was the furthest thing from their minds. I love that she is drawn to people who aren't trying to fit in, that are also respectful of each other and can speak intelligently.

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Annie's Kids

Sunday was slow getting up and about. Brandie and Bryan had spent the night in town with us. Their daughter was at the slumber party and Brandie had to be to work downtown at noon. Around 2 pm we got the call that Annie (the goat) had given birth to twins. One of them was a little small and not keeping up with mama. We needed to get out there quickly to take care of him.

I rushed the girls home and doubled back to get Bryan, his two daughters, and my own (who desperately wanted to see the baby goats). It's a 45 minute drive and sure enough - this little guy was half the size of his sister. I was, of course, overwhelmed by the cute factor of the babies. It's my first time seeing baby goats - new baby goats as opposed to young ones - and they were even better, and tinier, and softer, and cuter than I imagined.

Maggie the Goat
Maggie (the milk goat) birthed her kids on Monday. I'm hoping I can make it out on Wednesday to see them!

Last year - knowing my dream of owning goats - Brandie offered me the opportunity to go in halves with her on Agnes and Frito (photo at top). A little more than a week ago Frito miscarried her first kid. It affected me more than I had expected, but she seems to be getting along well enough. We are hoping that Agnes has been bred. She and Frito have been in with Forrest (the buck) all winter. I'm hoping to see some babies soon. And MILK.

My goodness! My first experience with fresh goats milk last year was dreamy. Agnes was freshened when we got her, but that ended quickly. Not quickly enough to keep me from developing a craving for fresh goats milk though. I can't wait til we can start milking again.

Of course, Annie is producing like crazy - so Brandie is considering starting to milk her this season again. Mmmmmmm.... I can't wait.

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There's more - oh, so much more to talk about. But if I wait til I have it all down I'll never get anything posted. Drat.