Losing.

  I have lost 5 pounds already since this past Saturday! I feel so good too. My hands feel lots better. And I haven't had to drink any soda water because I feel so bloated.

  I decided I need to lose weight and eat better. So I have stopped eating sugar and anything with flour. Basically just  eating fruits, veggies and meat. And kombucha. No coffee because I had to have a lot of Natural Bliss creamer. It's SO good but has sugar. I've been drinking dandelion tea with my friend's honey. (I hope to have my own honey soon!) And of course cheese and eggs too. And fresh raw cow's milk.

  I really do feel so much better. And down 5 pounds already!!!!  I haven't even craved any sweets either.

  I'll be getting into the garden soon, when we dry out. So I'll be more active then. Can't wait to get started again. I have all kinds of plans. Just need to have some dryer ground.

  So y'all please send some good thoughts my way so I can continue this way. I would so appreciate it.

  So in the water situation, we have none. I am so bummed about this. We were using the well water. It's never been used this much, ever. I've only used it to water the gardens some. And the animals. So, it's been flipping breakers. Like a LOT. A friend came today and seems to think it's the well motor thing. And that's about $500. As much as I like the thought of using well water (it's free) we will just go ahead and get the plumbers here and get the new water line done. Plus, I'll get a faucet in the garden too! That is something I have wanted for years. Can't wait to get that. So, in the meantime, we have no water in this house. I am thankful for the rain, which is in several buckets now. And a 50 gallon barrel out back that catches rain water. That's our toilet flushing water.

And we should be getting all this amazing wool sheared off this month! Can hardly wait. But would like it a lot dryer please.

This guy...

 He's the best rooster we have ever had. Black Bart. I think he's a Black Giant? His girls are a mix of the same and Black Sex Link. I had 10 hens, but 3 died back in Nov. Not sure why. So 7 are left. By the way, got 7 eggs yesterday! I love my hens.

So yesterday was beautiful. Warm and sunny. Just perfect. We had our oldest and youngest grand daughters with us. Chloe, the oldest, had some popcorn. I told her to throw some down and see what happens. She did. Black Bart was right there. The hens were scattered all over the yard. He starts making his clucking sounds, calling the girls to the food he found. He's amazing. All the girls come running and he backs up and lets them eat. Never ate a single piece.

Chloe threw more down and the same thing. He clucks, the hens come, he steps back and lets them eat.

I told the girls, this is the kind of guy you want to find. Someone who will give you space, but is always there to protect you, no matter what. He'll give you the last bite of food. He won't be jealous, but let you have your time. He will fight for you. He will always be watching for trouble. And will love you til he has no more breath in him. That's the kind of man you want to look for.

He's also never ever tried to hurt anyone. Never even made a move like he would either. Such a gentle giant.

He's the best, Black Bart.

#7 is always off doing her own thing.  A loner. Marches to the beat of her own drum. She doesn't need any help I guess.

Are we done yet?

I am hoping after Friday, we are in for a bit of a dry spell. That's what Paul said, anyway. As much as I don't really believe the weather forecasters, I want to believe this time. Going down to the 20's tonight (Thursday) and cold Friday, but on the uphill climb after this. I am ready.

8 dreads now!