A Viking and a Fat Lion

Today seemed to be the longest day in the world.  It feels like two days happened instead of only one.  Luckily it was two good days.  After school we arrived home to work on Chloe's friend's Viking costume for the annual school benefit.  The hot glue gun and I have quite a tumultuous relationship.  I always burn the heck out of myself and tonight was no different.  The glue gun was the first burn and later as I was cleaning up after dinner I forgot to turn off the large stock pot and I grabbed the hot pot with two hands firmly wrapped around its base.  OUCH!

Both the Viking and the fat lion costumes are now finished.  The fat lion is Brett's costume made of a hoodie and sweatpants with the cutest, fluffiest mane.  Brett thinks the sweatsuit makes him look fat, so I call it the "fat lion outfit."  I'm not sure if I'm supposed to try and make him feel less self conscious or more, so I went with over the top.  I assured him that all the little boys were going to look like fat lions and that they were more like zoo lions instead of wild lions.  He wasn't sure my words were helpful, but he stopped complaining.

I forgot to tell you about Seraphina chasing me down the driveway yesterday as I was leaving to work after milking her.  I went as fast as I could down the caliche road to escape her chase.  She ran quickly until she felt I was too far to catch and stood calling me.  From the neighbor's report, she called after me for about thirty minutes.  Fast forward to this morning when I approached the barn.  She was standing,
moving her mouth but no sound came out.  After a few more tries, she managed to squeak out a, "maaaa."  Poor Sera!  The other goats seem to be acclimating to having a third female around.  Pip thinks she is still in charge, but with her new alien horns, we are all much less worried around her.  If you read last night's blog you know what alien horns I speak of, if not, visit the blog for a photo.

Today when Chloe's friend arrived they suited up in the bee suits that arrived yesterday.  They are full white coveralls with gloves that come to your shoulders and a net to cover your face.  I started the smoker for them and about fifteen minutes later they returned to report, "The hive has gone HOT!"  "Hot" is bee-speak for Africanized.  Chloe stood in her white suit removing layer upon layer of gloves and other beekeeper paraphernalia as she spoke to me about the anger the bees where showing her.  She said they attacked her and Brett, wearing a t-shirt and shorts says, "They EVEN stung me!!"  "Duh, Brett!  You aren't even wearing bee gear!" I reply.  I assured Chloe her hive was not HOT and promised to go close the gate on the hive once it was dark and they had gone to bed.  Tomorrow I will refill their feeder, but for now the bees were the least of my priorities.  We were still putting together a Viking costume.

Brett's moth from yesterday.  He wanted me to post this photo.

Chloe's friend left with her costume and I headed to close the gate on the hive and milk the goat.  I am happy to report I was not bothered by any bees on my hive visit and the milking went off without a hitch.  This evening when I returned from milking, Thadd says, "What do you plan to do with all this milk?"  "Saturday I plan to make some cheese!" I say with a smile.  He helps me fold clothes and I clean the kitchen thinking about my cheese making extravaganza.  I walk to the kid's rooms to give them hugs goodnight since they already did prayers with Thadd and realize the air conditioner is broken again.  That makes three times in one month.  Ugh.  Luckily the weather is still cool enough for the kids to sleep comfortably in their rooms.

The outside kitty, Kiki, seems to be limping which she translates as an excuse to sleep inside.  She hobbled inside and jumped on to Chloe's bed.  The warm room doesn't bother her and she falls fast asleep before anyone has time to make a fuss about her being inside.

I am thankful for a day filled with creative activities(Day 133).  Goodnight Friends and a special Happy Birthday to my sweet cousin and fellow lover of the arts, Ali Kay!  I will always remember her announcement of her birthdate when asked as a tiny peanut, "May 9!"