As humans we have to realize that some things we just have no power over. Like the weather. It's been so rainy the last few months, I am really looking forward to being able to play outside again! It seems like the rain gods will send some sun shine this way soon. Can't wait!

I learned how to make Apfelstrudel not from my grandmother or mother, both German, but from Youtube. We'll be enjoying fresh Apfelstrudel at our New Year's dinner here tonight. Happy New Year to everyone. We hope to see many of you back here in 2016.

... and it was not easy. The feathers did not want to get out at all. I don't enjoy the process, not because of the animal being dead and having to touch the inner organs of something that was alive not that long ago, but because of the smell. Even after washing my hands, i could still smell this particular scent on me. I am really curious how the hen will taste on Friday.

Some of us here have been anxiously awaiting Halloween and preparing for the scariest night of the year - by watching horror movies, carving pumpkins and writing scary stories. Lauren has been taking the lead in all this and she was the one who had the idea to have a Halloween inspired Open Mic night. And it was spooky! Hearing the Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe  being read aloud made at least my blood…

Our beloved goat Dagmar passed away today due to acidosis - too much acid in her blood. It turns out that she had eaten too much grain, which made her bloat incredibly. On Saturday a veterinary came and treated her and we had been optimistic that she was getting better. But this morning we found her dead in the goat pen. We are so sad to not have her anymore here!