Sunrise

Today we had yet another beautiful sunrise.  Then we had a beautiful sun drenched day with a high in the low 50's.  Surely spring is around the corner just hiding out of sight?  
By the end of today 2/3 of the snow in this picture had magically disappeared.

Sunrise!

On a totally unrelated note:

Last night, Zoey was pining for her "fathers" lap.  She loves to nap on Jeff while we watch TV.  Jeff went downstairs, Zoey didn't.

Lastly, I'm thrilled to report that Dolores has resumed laying eggs!  She is averaging one egg every two to three days.  Winnie is once again starting to look like a live chicken instead of a just plucked one.  Her "pin" feathers are blossoming into beautiful glossy brown visions of true feathers.

Guess It's Still Winter

Yes it is as cold as it looks, but the sun does still exist!  Good to know.

This morning at 9:00 a.m. the temperature with the wind chill was in the single digits .  We still have plenty of snow.  We apparently are at the eastern edge of lake effect snow, despite being almost 65 miles due east of Lake Michigan.

To say I'm awaiting warmer weather, green and sunshine, would be too obvious.  By the way, by my unofficial reckonings I think we averaged five days of sunshine in January.  This morning, however, we did have rays of gold.  We no longer do, but hey, three hours of sunshine is better than none.

Here's a glimpse of what sunshine looks like here in the frozen heartland of Michigan.

Rafael wondering what the heck I'm doing.

Now just envision this with fields of green.

Felicity is a snow nibbler.  The evidence is on her muzzle.  She told me she also likes sunshine.

As an interesting side note, we experienced a sonic boom this morning.  I was already back in the house from the barn when I heard the approach of jets.  Since we don't live near a commercial airport, any planes in the area draw my attention.  I was looking out at the barn and the girls in the lean-to eating hay when it occurred.  There was a intense boom and windows rattled.  We all jumped about three feet.  I haven't experienced a sonic boom since I was a kid.  I had to look it up on my iphone to verify that's what it was.

Feathers Everywhere!

First I have to apologize for the the non-working video on my last post.  I so wanted you to be able to hear the alpaca "alert".  I'm still trying to figure out how to correct the problem. The video works fine on my desktop and photo file so I'm not sure why the disconnect. 

Secondly, I have a clucker who is well on her way to being naked!  The two chickens began molting mid January.  I haven't seen an egg since then.  The coop looks like chicken anarchy has occurred.

Winnie on the right, about two weeks ago.

Last week.

Now a poor Winnie looking very ragged.  

Feathers everywhere!

Finally, I have to share the alpaca version of breakfast in bed.  I snapped these photos today.

Felicity and Andraya like their hay laying down.

"Not me," says Daisy Mae, "I'm too wired!"

Alert!

The alpacas beasts are very aware of what's going on around their little neighborhood.  If they see anything suspicious or wonky they send out an alert.  The other morning Rafael spotted three deer on the other side of the pasture.  He was determined to let the rest of the herd know of this scary threat, so he sent out his alarm.