That Goat Cheese better taste sweet like apple

Today was a beautiful day in Vermont, at least in the Connecticut valley. Yesterday was another story. We had a mix of sleet and snow that covered power-lines, blew transformers in town and made cleaning the windows of the cars quite a mission. 

It was the kind of ice storm that transformed the appearance of trees. The branches of the hemlocks with their flat needles made it easier for the ice to adhere and accumulate, causing the whole branch to bent downward. These trees looked like a spear, with the tallest part standing straight up while the rest of the branches were tucked in. (Imagine having a fake christmas tree that needs to be put away in a long skinny box)

On the other hand, the young broadleaf trees got completely covered by ice from every angle which caused the whole tree to bend.  A lot of trees that were around our house had their tops touching the snow and some even took down power lines. 

Today on my way back home,  I saw all the ice covered trees glistening against a light blue sky. Me being the photography desperada did not have my camera. So, I rushed home and went out with Fugee looking for the beauty after the storm in Ladeau Road. 

Then why the title?
I should mention that we have very intelligent goats. And we love them. However, between yesterday and today they have been munching on the branches of one of our apples trees and our home. Yes, they have been eating the wood boards that surround our home. 
I don't know if spraying the boards with chilli powder and garlic will deter them from eating our home! 
Noticed the insulation blue-boards, plastic wrap, orange strapping around this poor apple tree. 

As for the goats, they don't stay in their pen. The snow is too high and they figured that they can jump the fence and get out. I was upset that they are eating the apple tree. After going for a run I came back and dug snow for an hour. I cleaned all the snow around one side of the fence, so that the inside is lower and hopefully not appealing to jump. Regardless, they figured out how to get out again. As for the apple tree, I think it will make it in the spring, as long as we keep it protected and free of high snow piles at the base. That way the goats can't eat it !