We had a wonderful weekend!   Yesterday was cold and getting colder all day.  I think it was 46 when I got up and by the time we left church about 3 it was 34.   The temps stuck there and are still there this morning.  At least it IS above freezing.  I haven't heard the scanner going nuts so roads must be OK.  We have a 70% chance of rain today tomorrow and tomorrow night.  We really need the rain.  I just don't want it in the form of white or frozen stuff.  

The solar panels are up!   I think it took longer than they thought, but it went well.  Next step is digging a ditch and plumbing them in.  Here are some pictures of them going up. 

 Here is the first panel going up.  There are some advantages to being grandma, I got to hold the baby and camera.  

Finished!   Well this step.   For more pictures of it going up: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35bf5738481&sid=0Ibt3DRw0bMWIF

I also got a close up of my new calf, who I think will be called Mocha, she is a deep coffee/chocolate color.   

This was when I brought her to the house Sat. afternoon.  She wasn't to thrilled with the Ranger ride, but mama was less thrilled!  

Here is my co-pilot on my ranger ride.  This is Bristle face.  Isn't he just the most beautiful dog you ever saw?  NOT!  He is sweet though!  

Once I got ready to milk I put Mocha in the barn.   I want her very people friendly so I let my dd pet her. 

This picture is a little closer to her true color.   While T was busy loving on Mocha my older son and I were busy avoiding being kicked while we milked.   The hobbles go on how?   Remember the other picture with the jersey in here, look how little room is left behind her compared to the jersey.  This is a BIG cow! 

Because I wasn't sure the calf had ever nursed.  She didn't nurse enough you could see a difference in any teat we, (DS),  milked a bottle of milk to see if the baby would take it.  She wasn't interested. 

For those of you that milk small breed cows think about this.  When I reach under to milk the far two teats my elbow is about the teats on the close side.  It won't be as bad when the swelling goes down, but that gives you another idea of just how massive she is.  I have to stretch to hand milk the far teats.  Not a comfortable position when you know the cow kicks, even when you are positive you have her where she can't kick. 

Not everyone found what we were doing in the barn exciting.  This is Sam.  He just couldn't work up an interest in the happenings. 

If you want to see all the milk cow/barn/critter pictures here is the link to them.  http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35bfa30c45d&sid=0Ibt3DRw0bMWH5

I would say the sun is up, but it is a dreary day, no sunshine.  Just heavy clouds and mist.  Either way it is about time for me to start my day.  Everyone have a very blessed day!