Brrr ... 14 Degrees.
The National Weather Service had forecast a low for us last night of 21 degrees, but I could tell when I was putting the dogs up at 9:30 p.m. that we would get colder than that. Sure enough, when we got up this morning it was 13.6 degrees (-10.2 C). The photo above is what Widget's House looked like at dawn, and here is Beauty's Barn:
By the time I photographed our wireless weather station, it had warmed up .2 degrees to 13.8. Not much, but going in the right direction!
Once morning chores were done, we had our photo shoot for the winter newsletter -- this for the photo of Alayne and me that accompanies the "ranch letter" on page 2 of each issue. If it seems a bit early to be working on it -- our fall issue just went in the mail a couple of weeks ago, miraculously timed to arrive just as the stock market plunged -- our winter issue actually goes to print the first week of November, so I've already started on it. Besides, with a morning this cold, it seemed appropriate to be taking photos for the winter edition! (Note: The fall issue is also posted as a PDF on our main Web site home page.)
First I needed to "frame" the shot I wanted for our employee Cindy, who was going to be taking the photo of us. This was one of the early test shots:
Yes, that's Margaret in the background, wanting to be in the photo along with Bailey. We finally had to move Margaret and her sisters down to the welcome center so we could have a goat-free photo. Once the shot was framed and goats removed from the vicinity, Cindy fired away with the camera, and here was the final photo we selected:
By noon the three goat girls had submitted a petition, signed with little hoof prints, demanding to be in the spring issue of the newsletter. We'll see.
Oh how CUTE Margaret is! Steve, you should have picked her up too - a little goat, and a little dog in the same shot :)
I also live in Southern Ontario (hi Nina! :) and our warm spell continues - 'supposed to be 25C today, wow! What a great Thanksgiving present! :)
Hugs to all the creatures at RDR!
Posted by: Kristen D. | October 13, 2008 at 12:08 PM
What a lovely photo of the two of you with Bailey!!
I agree with Margaret and the girls - Spring Edition PLEASE!!!
Have a safe winter, coming into summer here down under!
Posted by: Maree - New Zealand | October 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I concur on all counts - great picture of you! Margaret is way too cute in the background and I am signing her petition! Hope it warms up for ya!
Posted by: Sharon | October 10, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I can just imagine the "crunch crunch" of walking across those crusty fields. I was hoping to beat the really cold weather with some new "blankies"-- but can assure you 34 lbs of fleece is on the way as of last nite. I'm betting and hoping Margaret and friends might enjoy, too (that is if they don't view them as food), :).
Posted by: Margaret | October 10, 2008 at 10:14 AM
What a radiant and beautiful trio you two and Bailey make!! And I'm glad to see darlin' little Margaret (and her sisters) anytime. Stay warm. :<)
Posted by: Angela | October 10, 2008 at 09:28 AM
We want Margaret! We want Margaret! We want Maaaaaargaaaaret!
Posted by: Miranda | October 10, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Nothing says spring like a picture of goats, so add my name to the petition!
Posted by: Linda | October 10, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I live in California and it was 90 degrees here yesterday (on the coast!). I want to know what true weather is and what it's like to have season changes...send some of it my way, would ya?
Posted by: Yvette | October 10, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Maraget and the girls have my vote!!!
Posted by: gayle | October 10, 2008 at 06:49 AM
We all heart Margaret , too! Who wouldn't love her. That photo of her peeking around Alayne, not wanting to be left out is precious. I know everyone would enjoy an article about them in the next issue. Stay warm!
Posted by: Barbara Ribinski | October 10, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Wow...our nights don't even dip below the mid 70's yet...I'm jealous!
BTW...good looking people you have running the place, lol!
Posted by: Debbie | October 10, 2008 at 05:38 AM
O goodness, I have absolutely no concept of the winters you guys experience each year. -10Celsius is about as low as it gets in winter where I live, with lots of frost, but rarely any snow. Closer to the mountains is colder of course, but you have all my sympathy. At the moment we are fervently hoping for the spring rains to come over here (it's about a month late), then the long hot summer lies ahead.
Great photo of you two. Margaret & girls: I'm with you on this one!!
Cuddle up.
Posted by: bregda (s. africa) | October 10, 2008 at 12:18 AM
"Signed" petitions work!! Did Margaret initiate this?!
Great photo of you both!
Sorry to hear about the cold stuff! Here in southern Ontario we are experiencing a mild spell..about 19-20C, so not looking forward to the winter!
Posted by: Nina | October 09, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I am voting for Margaret & the goat girls!!! They need to have their limelight too!!
Great picture of you & Alayne!
Any more pictures of Escape Artist Herbie or Austin?? How is Bryn doing these days?
Posted by: Leah | October 09, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Brrr, that is very cold for all of you but can't even imagine it being down here in South TX. Currently at 5:30 it is 87 degrees & this morning it was 53 degrees & I thought it was chilly. haha! That's a nice picture of you, Alayne & Bailey. Bailey looks so cute all wrapped up! I have to agree with the goats & I'll sign their petition. They should be in the spring issue.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | October 09, 2008 at 04:43 PM