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”
What happy pigs and good for you for keeping trying. In the end, the creative solution was there. I notice how tuned in you are to the sounds of the farmy (as well as smells, sights, wind, temperature etc) – and how the different sounds let you know that something was wrong. This attunement is a precious gift, and being in nature restores and refines it.
We have no TV or radio and with no air conditioning the windows are open all summer, so a break in the usual sounds around us is very obvious. I like it this way.. c
Those brownies look so good! — I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award! This as a fabulous award that anyone can bestow on their fellow bloggers for illuminating and informative blog content. I do hope you accept your nomination; to find out what you do next check out C.J.’s post over at Food Stories! http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/
Absolutely wonderful! Loved the shots of the pigs, so happy! and the brownies, well, I understand completely the “need” to turn the oven on a hot day. Guess what I’ll be baking tomorrow? Sourdough bread…. (sigh) I’ll try to do it as early as possible to avoid the hottest part of the day
Good morning Celi! I’ve just got your last 6 posts in one go 🙂 I hope the pigs learn that some water is only for swimming in. Wishing you a beautiful summer’s day, it is nearly winter here!
That looks moist! I love a simple brownie like this
Morning Celi! Such great news yesterday about the Old Codger, you must all be delighted that he’s getting to be up and about again. You sure have your hands full with those sheep, and the pigs too. Thank heavens Ton Ton is there to help keep things under control… 😉
They are very nice looking pigs indeed. It’s putting me in an anti bacon, prosciutto, rillettes mood so I’m not going to look at them any longer:)
I will stop showing pigs until I get Sheila, then I think you will all breath a sigh of relief!! c
The piglets are so cute! But I’m sure by the time they grow up, they’ll look like bacon, prosciutto and rillettes 🙂
Why yes they will, and they will be happy bacon!! c
Ingenious piggy-pool! You are so innovative Anita!
Perfect piggy pool there – they look so happy. And yes, Daisy does look very different….not long now!
OMG, how happy do those pigs look?
Love the shot of the pigs in the carrier — Max’s is in blue. I bought it for him when I still thought he was going to be “40# at the max”. Ha!
Your brownies sound delicious, Celi. I especially like that they’re not too sweet and that they freeze well. If I can’t freeze 3/4 of a recipe, I won’t bake it. These, though, would be perfect!
they are perfect as they are mostly chocolate. Not the sweet icky chocolate either1 c
Those piggies look very pleased with their new spa. 🙂 The brownies look fabulous!