You will remember that the Pigs had their paddling pool confiscated because they mistook it for a toilet. I have experimented with all kind containers that I can fill with water for them to wallow in. Usually they just empty the water out and play on the concrete. Shoving the offending receptacle around with their snouts.
Yesterday it was in the nineties and trying to rain but all we got was humidity so I took apart a dog crate and put the bottom half in the pigsty then turned on the hose. 
It was an instant hit! Just right. Pigs do not have active sweat glands so they do not really sweat, plus these domestic pigs have very little hair to help them cool down so heat stress is something we need to be very aware of. This is why they love to wallow. The concrete barn floor is a great coolant for them, they will clear a patch and lie on the cold floor. The barn is the coolest place on the property when it is hot. We live an old fashioned life with no air conditioning so the barn is even cooler than the house. But like Our John and his swimming pool, the pigs love to cool off in water.
Why I decided to make brownies on the hottest day so far this year is anybody’s guess. But I had the oven on for the bread, and as I have used the gas anyway, I hate to waste the heat by only cooking one thing. I came across this recipe at Chef Connies blog. It make 250 brownies. And I want to make a big batch to take to the old folks home for The Old Codgers last day. But it is best to practice a recipe first. So I halved the recipe and cooked up a storm. They are divine. Very chocolately. And not icky sweet!
Plus they will freeze well.
Do you think Daisy’s shape has changed? I have a feeling the calf has dropped. Suddenly I can see her ribs. And it is not from a lack of feed either! 
Good morning. This morning when I woke up, though intent on a wee Sunday sleep in, the farm sounded different. Which put me on the alert immediately. I could hear the sheep calling to each other but there was something not quite right. So I looked out and lo and behold there was a little flock of sheep milling about my work station. The cats were all sat up on the work bench looking askance at the bad behaviour. The night paddock gate was wide open behind them. I did grab the camera, but only let off one shot. 
So I scooped out some of their treat feed, called out their dinner call and they obediently followed me back into the field clammering for a taste. 
By then the whole farm was awake and expectant and so my day has started upside down.
Good morning. Your comments were wonderful yesterday, you are such stunning pen pals! We have had some fantastic discussions lately in the comments section. Isn’t life grand!
Now I had better warm Minty’s bottle and begin work for real. I need to get as much done as I can out there before it gets too hot. Summer has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. Don’t you love it?!
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
79 responses to “The Perfect Pig Bath and dark chocolatey Brownies”
I love that shot of the pigs in the dog crate. They look so comfortable! …and the brownies have my mouth watering.
HI Annette, those pigs are so funny when they get into water!! c
I agree with Chef Connie that there is absolutley no point in eating a sub-standard brownie. (Or a sub-standard anything for that matter but, like her, I am particularly averse to brownies because I know how good they can be.) I bet the old folks were very happy to receive these.
Are these dear piglets for consumption? It will be hard to kill them having seen their little personalities but that’s the way of self-sufficiency. I’d rather eat brownies than piggies.
Yes those brownies are a lot easier to make.. the pigs are being given a lovely summer with tons of yummy feed! And yes growing your own food is not always easy! c
I have a friend who says, “Life is too short to eat stale chips,” and I think that may tie in with making excellent brownies. You’re amazing to think thrift and not waste the hot oven…your personal climate changes do shift rather dramatically, don’t they? Wasn’t it only “yesterday” we were hearing about frost and wind damage? The animals do warm my heart, and it’s just fine with me if you don’t answer the question about “are the piglets for consumption?” Not sure I want to know that 🙂 Hugs to you, Celi!
Oh dear, well the piggies are having a wonderful time, that should do then. My gran was the one that made us cook two different batches of something when the oven was hot, if there was a roast, there was a pudding, and scones for tomorrow! Here we use propane stored in a big gas tank out the back and it is expensive! c
How funny! I laughed when I saw the pic of the critters around and on your work bench. They just wanted to show you some mornin lovin :} I love your references to the Old Codger in your life. It does my heart good to know their are people like you looking out for their elderly neighbors. I worked in assisted living for years and visitors of any age and with any number of legs always brought on smiles and brightened days. People do get so lonely and shut off from the world in those places if people don’t bring some outside in. Thank You!
TonTon and i do enjoy our visits and you are right.. there are plenty of smiles in there.. c
After being delightfully entertained for a couple of weeks I am now far too excited to not chime in. By way of introduction I am “nanster” to my “grands”…or Nana..LOVE LOVE LOVE your farmy and farmy family. When I was very young, on occasion ,I was allowed to take the two milkers,always named Bossy, to their pasture. They followed so well I was convinced I was a Cow whisperer. The return trip in the evening was just as magical. I am sure glad I wasn’t aware that they knew their way !!! “Come Boss”….”Come Boss”….so I am counting the days til we meet new little bovine !!
Off to my flower garden for tending and admiring !!
tending and admiring go hand in hand, don’t they Nanster. I love that your cows were always named bossy. What a lovely job for a little girl, you must have been so proud! Welcome to the farmy and thank you so much for popping in and introducing yourself! Come again. c
I do love summer, and even with the horrible wind we have had the last two days, I would take this time of year over winter anytime!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
there you are now.. You got lost in the spam folder!! I hope your wind dies down soon, even ONE day without the wind is like a gift.. c
A lovely happy post, despite mischief among the animal characters. You’ll have to tie that gate up and knit a cover for the gate so that Minty can’t climb through!
It is more than likely that minty knocked the catch open when she jumped through.. and yes i am going to have to make it lamb proof.. It is so sweet when she comes to meet me but it is time for her to grow up!! sad! c
I love how they both managed to wedge themselves into the bath. I saw the brownies on Chef Connie’s blog too – and might try out the full recipe for our pig roast this summer (hope the piggies don’t read this).
It really is not too hard and so delicious.. perfect for a big gathering! Morning Heidi! c
Piggies in water reminds me of a fantastic book I used to read out loud tot he boys called ‘The PIg in the Pond’ which had marvellous illustrations and a repetitive story line that they knew by heart. 🙂
That book looks great, may be I will add it to my kids book collection! I love those books! c
Oh Celi, I love that sunset shot. That reminds me of down “home” and my grandparents. Put a big smile on my face. 🙂
It as an interesting sunrise this morning.. with those broken clouds.. c
The piggies in the “pool” shot is perfect for a summer day – I know how they felt today – we finally have summer, so now I’ve said that it’s bound to end tomorrow !
Oh NO! surely you can tie knots in a hanky, out it on your head and go to the beach!! c
Pigs are clever creatures arent they? Cleverer than my two little piglets anyway…
Clean and happy piggies my friend 😀
But not as happy as you would be eating these scrumptious brownies 😉
Gorgeous sunrise too!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Morning Chip, lovely review today honey! c
What a treat, as usual 🙂 Your pig bath is genius – and aren’t those pigs happy 😀 and I want sheep round MY workstation! *stamps foot petulantly*
I could probably send you one in the mail!! c
Now that I’ve caught up with a week of farm life…what am I most delighted about? The hay bales. YAY! What else? The surviving poultry, Daisy’s progress towards motherhood, the Old Codger coming home, the bees having a great stab at continued sustenance for our planet, and you having some Marmite coming. (I read a bloggers love of mixing marmite with peanut butter. She claims it’s heavenly. Surely it just ruins two perfectly independent tastes! :0 ) I wrote down the recipe for the hand/leg scrub – can hardly wait!
But overall, Celi, I’m so happy you found blogging. When I learned the contrast of lifestyles you’ve undertaken, I marvel at the hugeness of your becoming a farmerette! Blogging seems a great antidote for isolation – for whatever reason. Some bloggers claim self-imposed isolation, but still appreciate wallowing in the arms-length warmth offered through cyberspace. I like both and can live both. Each take turns demanding my time and attention.
So glad you are here and that you are you!
Well i am shocked that someone would mix peanut butter and marmite! that is just wrong! c