Have you ever wrangled a little goat?

Yesterday was our first full day of milking CM2 the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. We did it 4 times, because she is very very very uncooperative, and because our hands aren't used to that motion (especially me with carpal tunnel). It took a lot of practice and patience to get even a little bit. She doesn't like to be touched (didn't like it even before she was pregnant which should have been a clue) so it's at least a 2-person event to get her still for more than a second. Anything touches her lower quadrant, she does her best to get out of the way. She even bit Hubby last night. I had to almost sit on her (thus, the wrangling!) to get her quieted down for a moment or two.

As for the milking ... it took a few tries and a wonderful neighbor helping us to figure out the exact motion of milking her (this breed of goat has very small nipples). Tried anyway. SHE had troubles too.

So... last night's milking at 6 p.m. gave us our biggest haul yet... 2/3 cup!

After we got in to the house, and double-strained it, I heated it to boiling, then added in a paste of cocoa powder, sugar and a spoonful of the hot milk. Mixed well, divided it into three mugs. Delicious! Was the first hot cocoa that my husband has had since he became lactose intolerant years ago. He's in heaven!

Now he's looking forward to ice cream. Or gelato since it uses whole milk. Anyone want to post their recipes here? We have fresh eggs from our farm, fresh whole goat milk, and sugar. We have a little pint-sized ice cream maker, but a good friend is giving her un-used one this Fall. Anyone?

But by tonight, we should have enough to make a few servings of yogurt. Yum! I'll take pictures!

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We should have our stanchion by tomorrow but I'm not sure that will help the milking much. And I'm ordering a stainless steel milking bucket and strainer today too since I can't find them anywhere nearby. You'd think at least one of the local ranch supply stores would have them, but no! For now, I'm milking into a big stainless steel pot, and using mason jars with coffee filters to double-strain the milk (hair, dirt, etc.).

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I lost a lot of pumpkins and winter squash last week. Gonna have to replant them and hope they have time to germinate and grow before the first frost in the Fall.

The Kid and I meet a local homeschooling family today. They have a trampoline and a pool so the Kid is all excited. He has new swim goggles and swimming trunks so he's ready! Since for now we're milking 4 times a day, we're gonna have to squeeze this visit in between.

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Yo! Rep Bob Etheridge from North Carolina! Get a control of your anger! How dare you manhandle a college student who was simply trying to interview you. You had absolutely no right to grab him by his neck or arm just because he was asking a question. Instead of asking over and over and over "who are you" ... you could have just waved him off or, better yet, answered his question! You're up for re-election? North Carolina, take heed... don't re-elect someone who so obviously is becoming (has become?) unglued.

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Updated 9:55 a.m.: CM2 the non-milking goat doe keeps trying to bite us, and it gets worse every time we milk her. Could only get 1/4 cup this morning because she made an indention on my arm. We're going to request to return her this evening. Too much money for this. Patricia ... please call me as soon as possible!

Colorado new online retail law

I had joined Amazon.com's Associates program ... you know, when you recommend books and other products, then get a tiny bit of income from it? It was nice, although over the span of about a year I only earned about $5. No problem.

But I noticed last month that my account had been discontinued. Closed. I wrote up a query to Amazon as to why, and just found a response in my in-box. This is what is said....

Thank you for contacting us about status of your account. The Colorado government recently enacted a law to impose sales tax regulations on online retailers. The regulations are burdensome and no other state has similar rules. The new regulations do not require online retailers to collect sales tax. Instead, they are clearly intended to increase the compliance burden to a point where online retailers will be induced to "voluntarily" collect Colorado sales tax -- a course we won't take.

We and many others strongly opposed this legislation, known as HB 10-1193, but it was enacted anyway. Regrettably, as a result of the new law, we decided to stop advertising through Associates based in Colorado. That is why your account has been closed. We plan to continue to sell to Colorado residents, however, and will advertise through other channels, including through Associates based in other states.

There is a right way for Colorado to pursue its revenue goals, but this new law is a wrong way. As we repeatedly communicated to Colorado legislators, including those who sponsored and supported the new law, we are not opposed to collecting sales tax within a constitutionally permissible system applied evenhandedly. The U.S. Supreme Court has defined what would be constitutional, and if Colorado would repeal the current law or follow the constitutional approach to collection, we would welcome the opportunity to reinstate Colorado-based Associates.

You may express your views of Colorado's new law to members of the General Assembly (http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2010A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset) and to Governor Bill Ritter (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/GovRitter/GOVR/1177024890452) , who signed the bill.

Unbelievable. Thanks, Colorado legislature and Governor Bill Ritter. Thanks for taking away a way to earn income from home.

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Please plant a nut or fruit tree today.

Sarah Palin + Fox News = Boycott

I usually don't write about politics. I'm didn't graduate as a poli sci major, I vote my conscience but not necessarily the party, and I live my life as best I can. HOWEVER... I'm making an exception tonight.

Hubby just told me that Sarah Palin was talking about joining Fox News in some capacity. I waved my hands and poo-poo'd the idea. Fox would never be so terribly idiotic, especially after the book that came out today about how horrible she was during her Vice-Presidential campaign.

Boy was I wrong. Hubby brought up the info on his computer and proved it. Sarah Palin has signed a multi-year deal to offer her political commentary and analysis across all Fox News platforms, including Fox Business Channel, FoxNews.com and Fox News Radio. She will also participate in special event political programming for Fox Broadcasting.

Really? The twit who couldn't name a couple of decent media during her Katie interview? Who can't quite control what comes out of her mouth? Who has hinted that she wants to run for President in 2012 (like 2 years of governership and being a news contributor will qualify her for THAT job!)? Who wrote (ha!) one of the most BORING books ever to be released?

Fox... you made a stupid mistake. Sure she's a hot ticket. You met her price, right? You wanted to strike while the iron was (somewhat) hot. Yep, people will tune in out of curiosity. For a while. What happens when people get bored with her petty anecdotes and sprawling drawl? I'm gonna beat the rush and NOT watch Fox news programs at all. How about... not watch Fox channels at all! I realize I'm just one little old person but it will make me feel better to boycott a TV network that makes such idiotic choices.

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As a sidenote, at 9:09 p.m. we found another egg from a quail! This time, we were anticipating it, and just missed it's laying by about 5 minutes. We know who it came from too.

And the quail with the injured eye is getting worse. We might have to, er, execute the plan. Argh. Gonna watch over the next day. Hubby will decide when he gets home from work tomorrow.

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I made quinoa/oatmeal for dinner tonight. One cup of quinoa, one cup of gluten-free oats and 3 cups of water. Placed in a crockpot, on high, and it was ready about 3 hours later. Added a little sugar and butter and yum! Quick gluten-free meal. Just added carrots, peas, and some walnuts. Well, not IN the quinoa/oatmeal!