I think we have a varmint!

The garage has been up and functional for almost 25 years.  We have NEVER had a problem like this before.  I am seriously considering a "game cam" to find out what has been doing this.  Our best guess is squirrels...  Not sure why all of a sudden they have declared war on the front vent of the garage.

This will NOT be a fun fixer upper project!  Old Goat has added some heavy wire mesh to the back side of the vent so the "varmint" can't get into the attic and cause even more damage!

 There are five other vents just like this one on the house and the back vent of the garage.

var·mint noun \ˈvär-mənt\
: an animal that is considered a problem
: a bad person

Full Definition of VARMINT

 1: an animal considered a pest; specifically : one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law

2: a contemptible person : rascal; broadly : person, fellow
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Examples of VARMINT

rats, mice, and other varmints
The sheriff in the movie gets revenge on the dirty varmintwho killed his brother.

Origin of VARMINT
alteration of vermin
First Known Use: circa 1539

Trance

It is a beautiful Sunday!  It's about 70 degrees, light breeze and finally SUNSHINE..It has been impossible to stay inside..

This big old girl is Trance.  She now has 100% of the guarding responsibility here.  She is 8 1/2 years old and weighs in at 150 pounds.  

It has taken all of us a while to get over losing her sister Beka earlier this year.  Trance is finally good with guarding again and she loves to hang out with her goats..

Cedar Wax Wings Migrating

Every year we have thousands of Cedar Wax Wings pass through our area.  They love the seed pods on the cedar trees, feed and strip the trees and leave.  It's a lot of fun to watch their groups fly in unison.  Of course they do make a lot of noise...which keeps our "local" birds upset...

Cedar Wax Wing Information

Leaves...Love/Hate

In the spring of the year we can't wait for the leaves to bud out.

In the summer we are SO happy to have the big old trees just full of leaves to provide the cool shade.

 Then fall starts to arrive, oh my the colors!

Leaves

by Elsie N. Brady

How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow.

Then the fun begins... 

We are sure glad that our mower has a mulching attachment, and we have a leaf blower on hand.  No raking here.

Now we are ready for the SNOW!