Though the wind made it feel cooler, yesterday we were above freezing and everyone had a lovely day. 
This may sound inane and ordinary but on a farm it is always a relief when we encounter ordinary especially when it is above freezing!
Above freezing temperatures mean I can get the hoses out and fill all the waters. And get the tractor out and scoop the poop around the cows feeders.
Very satisfying days.
I am also shifting the large rain barrel close to an outside electrical outlet beside the house so I can fill this with water on warm days and put a submersible heater in it. This will give me a water reservoir for refilling my bucket on days when the faucet outside is frozen shut. Tramping in and out to fill buckets from the kitchen sink is getting ‘old’.
Though giving the pigs warm water does encourage them to drink more. there are always more than one way to look at a solution.
Manu the boar is doing OK and when I entered the barn yesterday it smelled like he had been breeding Molly. I will give her six weeks then take her to the vet for an ultrasound. To make sure he is still viable.
I hope his injury is not permanent- if it is we would have to make some hard decisions. I prefer to avoid those decisions for as long as I can. But my breeding animals are getting older. And this is a farm not a zoo.
(Now, I hope this paragraph does not scare up more hate comments. I am getting these kinds of comments more and more lately. I am being attacked for my farming practices – generally I just delete these hate comments but if it gets too much you and I might talk about the blog going private. This would feel like a weak move but maybe it would be easier on my beleaguered immigrants heart. Being told I am a murderer, to go back where I came from, that I will be hunted down and wiped out… these kinds of things. All from Americans. They are easy to trace. And the fear of being abused is disabling my ability to be honest. I know this is a capitulation, to take the blog private, but the public arena is changing. There is a pack mentality developing. There is an old saying ‘if you can’t take the heat – get out of the kitchen.’ Do you see – do you understand?
We have to roll with the punches, they say. So, I will roll. If this continues I will do some research on how to disappear. They can have the stage. We all believe in free speech. I know that. It is in your constitution but I am getting tired of being on the arse end of it.)
Anyway – I will do some research into bringing you with me into a private kitchens garden. Sad aye. But maybe better?
C
The Kitchen's Garden 
118 responses to “A WARM SPOT”
Well, I just am not able to read all of the comments here but it appears it’s a ton of support and that does make me feel somewhat better. This concept of free speech is annoying me to no end. Along with any ‘freedom’ comes a responsibility, and in that of free speech comes the need for respect of others’ life choices. Bullying does not fit into respect, no matter how you look into it. Stay strong; your animals are well cared for and their lives are made to be as happy as possible.
These blasted vegans need to be made aware that to change a culture happens slowly and with love and education on how to make the changes, never with bullying tactics that just serve to turn people off. To be clear, I am not a vegan and chances are very slim I ever will be, but I do see advantages with the concept. I could go on and on, I have a lot to say, but life is too short. I love your blog and hope you never give it up. Now, cross your fingers that this posts, cuz my last four posts haven’t. ~ Mame 🙃♥️
bloody ridiculous! – the way people roam the internet in packs, condemning others 😦 – I’m very sorry that anyone has been awful to you. I do not understand why people do not get on with their own lives, rather than insisting on telling others how they should run theirs. I adore your blog and your photography, so if you do go anywhere please take me with you ((hug.))
Dear Miss C. This blog is more than your record of Farmy Life. It is a living room that you have constructed and then opened the door to all and sundry.
Anyone who came into my living room and started swinging (physically or verbally) would soon find themselves on my driveway with a firmly closed door behind them.
Whether you choose to escort the trolls to the driveway or block them from getting on the property, I would like to have permission to visit you. I’ll never live on a Farmy (although I started life on one) so to have access to yours is very close to my heart.
Thanks for opening your living room!
Chris S in Canada
So sorry that you have to put up with these trolls. Too bad people can’t just “live, and let live”. You have SO MUCH to offer and share. I can see why you might prefer to go private though. I, too, read your blog first thing everyday. You always brighten my day for me (and since I live in Michigan, my days need brightening a lot)!
You don’t deserve the hate. Merry Christmas
I will never understand people Celi …ever! I have never seen these comments which is just As well. I’m so sorry that this is happening to you … I too will follow you my friend
This is a very very late comment but I must have missed this post before. I totally agree with everyone commenting above and cannot understand why anyone would target you and your lovely blog. Animals living the good life and treated with respect. I have followed your blog for years now although I dont often comment. I support all you do. Keep warm and safe, coming from a very hot, hot, hot northern new south wales, Aust. 42C on the verandah at present and the geriatric goldens are sleeping the afternoon away under the air con. Joy
I read every blog post. I’m dreadfully behind right now but never delete the emails announcing a new post until I’ve read it. I’m making it a point to read at least one every day until I’m caught up again. This is why I’ve just seen this post. I’m sorry what you’ve been through. Your blog grounds my days. You should certainly not have to endure abuse just to stay public. If you opt to go private, I’d be honored to be included.