Trials will come. We are reminded this through scripture. No one looks forward to them. We don't necessarily invite trials, although sometimes our actions opens that door. But when trials do come, it is easier when family and friends step up to pitch in where they can. And for that, I am truly grateful. Farm life is daily. Its not like we can take a week end and leave it all unattended. And normally this would not be an issue, as I don't want to go any where lol. While there are chores that may wait, there are many which will not. Feeding and watering the animals is a non negotiable. They count on us, so when Elmer is scheduled for 10 days of radiation, 2 hours away, what do you do? The first few days we drove 2 hours for the 30 minute treatment and 2 hours home, in heavy fog, rain and darkness. None of those are fun to drive in. This drive has been difficult for him and stressful for me, so family and friends gather the means to rent us a small car to save fuel and let's admit, parking a 350 dually in a city size parking spot is a challenge. They also rallied up and rented us a motel for the remainder of Elmers treatments so we don't have to drive back and forth. But what about the farm? Yah, I asked that too. My daughter and her family will keep things in order here. And I have vowed not to worry about a thing. Sometimes we just have to leave the farm, but having family and friends who love us and want to help sure makes that easier.
0 Comments
Delivered as promised! We woke up this morning to snow on the ground, frozen water buckets, tanks and friged air!! But oh how beautiful! All the animals seemed to have faired well. I was most concerned about the outside dogs but Kenneth tried out their hut full of pine shaving and deemed it plenty warm LOL. Now to dust the pine shaving off him. Ha. We began the morning by filling up buckets of hot water to carry out to the animals. I filled the buckets and Kenneth carried..a fair deal in my book HA. The dogs bounced and played, making a mess of the pretty snow but they were happy and warm and that is what matters. Our Kune ladies, Penny and Annie came out of their hut squealing and seemed to enjoy a bit of snow as Kenneth delivered their warm water and breakfast. Geese squawked as He broke the ice in their trough and the goats barely peeked their head out of the barn to see what the noise was all about. One thing about Texas is she doesn't stay frozen for long. At least here in Central Texas. By noon the snow began to melt away and by 2:00 the sun was out, skies are blue and hope for Summer once again pops in my mind lol. I do admit that mild weather is my happy place. So until those milder temps call me out to play..I will stay in, stay warm and see if I cant conquer a few things today.
Texas has spoiled us with warmer then normal weather, but she has decided to kick up her heels a bit and throw some ice our way. Getting ready for super cold temps is all about the pine shavings!! Double thick for the goats, pigs and geese. Water filled to the rims making it harder to freeze solid..I hope! Its only going to be 3 days or so of super cold! HA, but we will feel every hour of it. I know we are luckier than most states who freeze over for months on end. Im not about that! All in all I think we have everyone tucked in for the night.
Today a neighbor stopped by for a bit of help. She needed to get her tractor to where she had her cows and hay, and then she needed a ride back to get her pickup. It was a slow trip following her as she drove her tractor to her property, but oh it was nice. Going slow over the country side, back roads and threw the small town streets as she made her way across. I saw parts of the town I have not seen before and enjoyed the scenery of the old barns and homesteads. Its been a while since I have been on such a slow paced drive that allowed me to not only soak it all in but get out of my own head. And being able to do a favor for a neighbor lightens the heart. This time of year tends to slow down as the cold rushes us back in under the protection of our heater. I hope I never grow too old however to enjoy that rush of cold air the moment I step out on the back porch and tell Sadie, "Lets go to work" as the goats yell their good morning. Ok, maybe not good morning, more like "feed us!" Ha. While it can be hard to get motivated some days to crawl out of the warm soft bed and touch the cold cold floor and face the day of uncertainty, taking care of this farm, my home, the animals and my family is what helps me face each day with a gentle eagerness. |
AuthorMy husband and I would go on a country drive any chance we got. Driving the back roads, looking at the farms and dream. My favorite places to see were the old abandoned farm houses. I would take pictures and wonder who built it, who grew up there and what was life like. Owning land, let alone land with a house on it, seemed unreachable. Moving to Texas we could finally realize our dream. We came with 6 kids, adopted 2 more and now we have none. So Our solo farm adventure begins...Cathy Archives
April 2024
Categories
|