Today has been full of…nothing much. It started snowing and sleeting last night and I knew today was going to be spent close, very close, to home. Other than half dozen trips outside, I’ve stayed inside all day and, an hour or so ago, decided to visit Nancy at A Rural Journal. Dang! Who knew it was Friday? And why didn’t you let me know? Every Friday, Nancy does Random 5 Friday wherein bloggers tell five things about themselves. I’m not sure why I’m playing along, not sure there are five interesting things about me. Someone told me onetime, “You’re such an interesting person” and I replied, “Not really but I do interesting things.”
The computer is set up in the living room where the television and wood stove are also located. All I have to do is turn my head to the right and BOOM! there’s the view. Today, leaves on the ground, maple tree still has some leaves, some icy snow, sheep in the yard, cattle on the hill and beauty all over the place. I am blessed. The sheep were let into the yard so they could graze but that’s not lasting. Carly has Very Old Bones and when I go outside to feed her, the younger, bigger ones push her out of the way so they can steal the food/meds. That’s also dangerous for me as they don’t care if I’m in the way; a big push and that particular problem, me, goes away…or at least down. It’s always been said sheep are a woman’s livestock but all that means is I get taken out at the knees instead of the head and shoulders by cattle or horses. Farming is tough, hard, dangerous work!
The water trough behind the barn has an electrical outlet so I can plug in a de-icer. Keeping the water from totally freezing means the animals will drink more water and that keeps them healthier. This will work until I get a de-icer that has a thermostat which will work only when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. I also have to work out something for Carly so she’ll have warm water this winter. Last winter I took her water several times a day which was a lot of work for me; I’d like to decrease my work load.
Yesterday I bought a counter top convection oven; does anyone have experience? A friend told me she has a microwave/convection oven and I’m hopeful I’ll eat more heathfully and more often if cooking/baking is easier and faster. Before I take it out of the box and set it up, I’m waiting for your comments, advice, opinions…please.
Today has been overcast, gray with snow and sleet flurries, a good day to stay inside and play. There’s material on the table, ready to cut and be made into a quilt and tomorrow is supposed to be 60…time to take advantage of good weather and temps to do some more outside chores. My day is always decided by the weather as opposed to the to-do list which can always be re-arranged.
Views from every window are fabulous, no matter the temps or weather. I can always add another sweater if I catch a chill and the dogs know wearing a sweater keeps them warm. Time to fix me something to eat…animals have all been fed, of course, and the refrigerator is calling my name. Hope the food fairy has left me something good.
Blessings ~ living here ~ weather ~ sheep ~ volunteer pumpkins ~ heat ~
such gorgeous views! I didn't know that about sheep-that they would push you out of the way.
Your views are truly stunning, no matter the weather.
Blessings!
Sue
Pretty views but brrrrr. LOL I have a combo toaster/convection oven that we've had for several years. I don't use the convection part very often but the instructions said turn it down about 25 degrees lower than your oven baked recipe calls for. I've found that isn't enough. So if something calls for 400 degrees I turn it down to about 350. Wish I had more to tell you but that's about it. LOL Hugs!
No experience with that type of oven… sorry!
Love your views. We are so closed in with trees, not much of a view out my winder…
We put our water de-icers on timers in winter — set to be on at night and off during the day. Works pretty well when it's not deathly cold.
I love the views outside your window Sandra. You are so right about the danger of sheep when they are in a hurry to eat and you're in the way. I've thought about that often when I find myself being knocked over and wondering what would happen if I couldn't get back up and knowing there is no one near-by who could hear me yell for help ( if my husband is at work).
Did the food fairy leave you anything tasty ?
Well, I know nothing of countertop convection ovens. I know those ovens are greatly loved by bakers and serious cooks. My husband probably dreams of them. I know they bake/cook faster and more evenly. If it's small (microwave size) then, as a single person, you'll be more likely to use it than you would your big oven. I often think (usually at lunch), "Oh, is it worth heating up the whole oven just to reheat/cook this little thing for only me?" And I opt for the microwave. It will probably encourage you to really cook REAL food for yourself, even though you're just one. That will make it worth it, and help keep you from thinking of processed stuff. And it's faster, which is a benefit too.
Your chilly farm weather sounds lovely, and your views. Stay warm, and may your beasts stay warm too.
Great photos.
I enjoyed this post so much!
I felt like I was there with you!
We had a convection/microwave oven on one of our boats. It took some getting use to. We sold the boat before I was totally comfortable with it.
No snow here (in Connecticut) yet. Thank goodness! 😀
Such a beautiful place!
Gosh, we haven't even had snow yet in Ct! Lovely scenery.
It is true…'You DO interesting things' and have a gift for sharing them in the warmest ways. I wanted to grab my knitting and sit in front of my PC and enjoy your view through you.
Sue
oh love your beautiful farm and sheep (:)
Chocolate !! Yes yes love it ..
hugs..patty
What a beautiful place you live in. Even if it is cold and raining.
As long as Carly is taken care of I know all is well. What a wonderful woman you are, Sandra, and an interesting one as well. xx's
I could live with those views easily!
Beautiful views and lovely post !!
Rain 🙂
You are blessed with such incredible views! And we used to have a convection oven (built in) at our former cottage. It was great for baking because it really cut down on the amount of time needed.
Snow already?! You have a beautiful farm.
Your view is breathtaking!
I'm excited to see what you bake in your new little oven, Sandra!
Keep warm, friend.
What a beautiful, beautiful place you have there, Sandra.. oh, those views. And I do not have experience with a convection oven but would be interested to know what your other readers think of them too.
Great photos. I look forward to hearing about the convection oven as I have never used one either.
You have a gorgeous view at your place! I am slow getting around everywhere and I have really missed visiting here. You have a way of brightening up anyone's day! Thnaks for sharing.
We have snow on the ground here in the mountains of CO, too. I love your view – autumn, animals, and mountains! Looks chilly – keep warm and add some logs to the wood stove.
Interesting – it looks colder where you are than here in Canada. But we're having a rather warm fall and it's supposed to end Sunday. Have a great weekend.
Oh- Your pictures make me long for the home of my childhood! You must feel so blessed sitting in the cozy sweetness of your home and gazing out at that tranquil setting. Lucky girl you are.
I have a regular/convection oven and I like it quite well. It does take a bit of getting used to with recipes and adjusting times and all. I don't use my old "air bake" cookie sheets, etc., with the convection oven because they don't seem to bake right. Other than that- I love it-it is a real time saver- xo Diana
I know just what you mean about the sheep. I have learned to use my bent knees to define my "personal space" around goats, the way I've used bent elbows to do the same with horses. Same issue, different height. When I untie a goat after feeding, often it will turn and push all its weight against me as it moves away – not violently, but definitely a territorial statement on the goat's part. If my knees are bent, I am quite stable, AND if the goat continues to push against me, it is pushing it's own ribs right into my two bony knees. Definitely a territorial statement on MY part.
Not sure if it would work on sheep, as they tend to have a lot more padding!
Such lovely views. Sounds like a good day to sit close to the fire. Of course, I know you have many chores outdoors that have to be attended to. Wishing you a restful evening. Today was our coolest yet this fall.
No experience with a convection oven, sorry I can't help. So good of you to take special care of Carly! I loved your photos. Yesterday we stood high up on the mountain and watched a band of snow blow through, none here at the house though. It's very chilly tonight, I'm tucked in until morning, I hope! Have a great weekend! hugs, down on the farm!
What gorgeous photos! You really brought me to your farm, engaging many senses at once.
It's so true that the weather dictates activities. I don't live on a farm, but have a large garden in my yard (we've eliminated most of the grass, so front and back on a double lot, plus what I grow on the deck). I've started to note on my project lists what tasks are to be done during bad weather, and what gets done on nice days. It took some getting used to, but I like having Mother Nature be the boss.
Oh gosh, I love your out the window views…especially that mountain & the barns!
Great views out your window, I stay on the back side of the sheep with a dog at my side. Did have a ewe 14 years ago bolt thru a gate I was standing in as my daughter was working the sheep with her dog….. result one broken right wrist, note to self …. get out of the way of running ewe. Take care, keep warm and take lots more pictures from inside or out.
Friday blessings to you. I haven't had or used a convection oven but hope in the next house we call home, maybe there will be one. We've had some cooler weather this week and snow is in the forecast for next but this weekend is supposed to be warm.
Sending warm hugs to you and prayers for His presence to warm you totally.
Hugs, Noreen
Oh that line "Farming is tough, hard, dangerous work!" I do know this one to be true but there is nothing like it. I should get sheep but now that you tell me it is the knees instead of the shoulders or head I think things will be the same. Be careful out there.I know nothing about convection. You have an incredible view I love the mountain.
Now you see you did have five things to tell us and it was perfect:) Hug B
You do have some gorgeous views, but y'all can definately keep the snow part of winter. Having grown up in Florida, I swear it was always wet. I got real tired of that. I can't imagine being wet and cold for an entire season.
I am not simpatico with cooking. If it doesn't come out of a can, box, restaurant or my husband's hands, I'm totally lost. I always figure that's why God invented Restaurants: so I wouldn't starve.
God bless. ~:)
What a gorgeous view you have from your window! Seriously jealous here. 🙂
This is my first first here and I'll be back= Follower.
Indeed – you have beautiful views!!
I love farm photos and reading about those who live and care for a farm — I am still wishing for a farm…
Hugs
Mystic and romantic, brave, good shepherdess! Yes, the water….!!
You do have some beautiful views. I've never used a convection ovens, but I have heard good things from those who own one. Didn't know they made countertop models. Have a great weekend.
Sorry, I don't know too much about convection ovens as I have never had one, but they sound like good additions to the kitchen. Loved your photos and reading about your life on the farm. I can believe those sheep are powerful, having seen my niece's three recently. I wouldn't like to get in front of a good head butt, especially with those horns they have. I also have a great appreciation for how hard our farmers work, as we have relatives in North Dakota and have visiting them several times over the years. When we go back home we feel like those wimpy city folks, lol, but they are so good and kind and do not bat an eye when we ask a city folk question 😉
Beautiful window scenes!!! Sounds kinda blustery tho…I'm a wuss when it comes to cold anymore…I love living in the sub-tropics. And thing is, I grew up in the foothills of Colorado. LOL
All I can say is I have a microwave…microwave only. And I use it daily. If I can't microwave our meals, it's put in the slow cooker.
Good luck with your new oven.
Lovely photos! I grew up with a microwave/convection oven. Loved it. I grew up on a farm, too, and I loved it. Do I see sheep in your picture? My parents have a sheep ranch. Thanks for stopping by my blog!!