House concrete work done

The concrete slab has been poured, so now we have a floor and a wall.  Temporary electrical service will be installed by the beginning of next week, so that the work of framing in the house can begin.

We are now down to three goats: an all-white herd, including the two guardian dogs.  Timbuktu went to a new home, and this year's two male kids were harvested this past weekend.  Jeff and a friend (thanks, Patrick!) did the slaughtering and processing.  Raine was a little sad about saying goodbye to Timbuktu, but he expressed some relief as well about not having to watch out for him anymore, re: getting "Timbuked," as Raine put it. There was a time or two when the buck reared up at Raine in warning, when Raine's play with him became too rough.  Raine's thoughts about the slaughter ranged from planning to help the goats escape to wondering when he would be old enough to shoot the gun .  We discussed our process in terms of how we try to minimize any pain and suffering, and Raine sweetly asked for a photo of the two goats so he could remember and keep them with him.

A White Christmas, Twisted Oak-Style

Happy Holidays,
Annie