Fun With Our Grandchildren and more.

We have been crazy busy this last few weeks. I have hardly had time to write any posts lately. I decided to squeeze in some time just to let all my readers know I am still out here just busy as can be.
We had some baby goats visit us a few weeks ago. They are Pygmy goats and  such sweet little animals. I would have loved to keep them but they are not milk goats so I could not keep them.

We took a short trip to visit our grandsons. They sure are growing like weeds.

 That's Little Roo. Grandma see my balloon hat! You have just got to love those big brown eyes!

Of course Pooh Bear had to join in the fun with his balloon hat and balloon animal.

Then our grandson came for a visit a few weeks later.

Pooh Bear, Little Roo and Little Bug. "Grandma we are picking you these pretty yellow flowers!"

Just too sweet don't you think? 

Then our granddaughters Pumpkin and Sweet Pea came up from New Mexico for a visit. On their way up the stopped to see Pooh Bear and Little Roo.

Next stop grandma's house. Little Bug stopped over to spend the night with his cousins. We had a happy house full. 

My granddaughters wanted to celebrate their birthday so off we went to the American Girl Doll Store.

 Pumpkin and Marie Grace in their matching nighties.

 Sweet Pea and Ruthie in their matching nighties.

At some point during all the visiting and traveling we found time to drain our Koi pond. It is still sad to think about all the koi we lost. We have since filled the pond and added 4 koi. I shall share some photos later of the new koi.

So what do you think? Have the grandchildren grown like weeds? What have you been up to lately?

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Goats

Disclaimer: Grandma Bonnie's Closet was not compensated for the review of this book. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion. The opinions in this post are all my own.

Have you ever thought about raising goats for milk, meat or just as a pet? I have had that dream for some time now. We have been making plans to purchase two Nigerian dwarf goats. I have never raised goats before and I did not want to jump into this project without doing thorough research on the subject of raising dairy goats. While looking into all the information online I came across the book titled, "How To Raise Goats Everything You Need To Know" By Carol Amundson. I immediately begged for requested a review copy from Voyageur Press. 

I am so thrilled to tell you this book is very comprehensive in dealing with the subject of raising goats. The first chapter describes each type of goat and their breed. Its is important to research all the available breeds and their types so you might be able to choose the best goat breed for your needs. I myself am interested in a small dairy goat. I have no need for a meat goat. I am not interested in fiber goats. I just want goats for their milk. Well maybe also their pet qualities. The book has helped me decide what my needs are and made it easy for me to choose the best breed for my situation. So, after choosing a breed of goat the chapter goes on to give a quick peek into the physical and behavioral view of goats in general. There are several charts included on the parts of a goat. And also a chart on body condition scoring. 

This will come in useful when I inspect my goats for purchase. Its nice to know I won't just be picking a goat because of its pretty coat or striking blue eyes. Knowing a little about what a good body condition is and what to watch out for is very important when purchasing a goat. Next, in chapter two I read about preparing your goat farm. The topics included animal diseases, management systems, dead animal disposal, auctions, breeders, acquiring your goats, housing, fencing and much more.

Chapter three Breeding Your Goats was fascinating. I am looking forward to having some kids and the fresh milk resulting from their birth. Very exciting indeed. There is so much more great goat information in this book. From milking a goat, handling goats milk, meat goats, fiber from fiber goats, goats as pets and even showing goats. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to start raising goats on their own.

When we do purchase our very own goats we will be one step closer to living the sustainable lifestyle we are working tward. 

Have you ever raised goats? What type of goat would you be interested in owning?