Sabbath Keeping

The recent snowstorm is nothing more than memories and photographs; perhaps a skiff of snow on the tallest peak in Tazewell County, Morris Knob, pictured above. Here, I'm looking from the alfalfa field, looking across the side and lower pastures, across Rt 91 and then to the Knob, as it's called around here.
Clinton has begun lambing and this is one of the first. It's a down breed mix, primarily Suffolk is my guess and just a few days old. Somehow he managed to get outside the fence so I picked him up, held him for a few squirmming moments and then placed him back inside the fence. He's wild and hated being held but that's the price he has to paid to be put back with Mama. At least I loved on him a bit, Clinton would have tossed him through the fence and said, "get tough!" Yes, Clinton thinks I'm a softie as well as a "hobby farmer"...strong words indeed! And, he's right -smile-.
Psalm 50:10, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."
Buster Brown passed away this weekend and was buried in his clothes. People have asked me if I shear them when they die and have fleeces this lovely. The answer is, "I simply can't." I just cannot send them to their grave nekkid. I know, I know...it's tremendously foolish of me but, for me, it's just wrong. Buster Brown was a good friend for a good many years. I have so many fond memories of nose kisses, head rubs, warm sheepy breath with the smell of alfalfa as he would rub his head against my cheek. He would stand with his head raised when it was time to take his de-worming medicine; not many will stand quietly. He would, slowly but steadfastly, come when he was called. He would allow me to love on him as he stood, patiently, accepting my love with his unwavering heart. He returned that love, unconditionally and always with calm acceptance.

I'm not a good farmer; however, I am a good steward of my animals and that which God has entrusted to me. I'm given the privilege of caring for these "beasts of the field", for tending to their physical needs -food, water, shelter- and I count it all joy. I do realize they aren't humans, truly I do, but I also realize this is the work of my hands as well as my heart and in order for me to stand in the face of God and have Him say, "well done thou good and faithful servant", I must do those things necessary to take extremely good care of His creation.
Zacheous is one of Buster Brown's barn buddies and is almost as ancient as Buster. He's slowing down rapidly but still loves to eat cracked corn out of my hand, drinks his warm water and, if I'm seated, will come to be loved, hugged and kissed.

These are the days that make up the moments that make up my life and, surely, my cup overflows.

We've been off the farm since Thursday past; Dave had a biz meeting in Richmond and I tagged along to use the hotel "heated"...and I use the word loosely...pool, hot tub and other facilities. Truthfully, it was a chance to visit friends and family in central Virginia.

As usual we got a late start but managed to get to RIC with a few moments to spare before dinner...as city folks call supper...on Thursday night. Friday was spent running errands, lunch with friend Peggy, back to the hotel to use the pool, etc. before getting ready for another biz dinner with Dave's associates and friends. Saturday was spent with friend, Mary Lois, and we had a blitz run at the Goodwill store. I found some absolutely lovely things, will post a photo later, and enjoyed my girlfriend time. We finished up the weekend by visiting my Beloved Sistah then Mother and Daddy before heading home early today, Sunday.

This week will be spent getting ready for the One World One Heart finish, will complete some textile postcards...much overdo to be mailed...will mail out a couple of Ravelry swaps and deal with whatever crops up at the last moment. Something always does and I've found it pays to be, a bit, prepared. HAHAHAHA!!! rolling on the floor, madly laughing because LIFE HAPPENS and all I can do is, mainly, hang on...

Also this week, I'm headed to Dr. Bill's Princeton vet's office to pick up a couple of kittens. It's awfully quiet around here and we need some young blood. Although, Miss Kitty is now biting my fingers as I'm typing because my hands are busy but NOT PETTING HER! My animals only wish I knew my place as well as they know my place -smile-.

There are some folks who have decided this blog worth being a touchstone and I am grateful. I adore net-meeting people, seeing what they are doing, how they are living their lives and faith...when you make an opportunity, share the love and please visit Pam Warden, an incredible artist who melds her Christian faith with her artwork...AAAmazing!, Jaime, Rapunzle, Cowgirltazz, Jeweled Elegance, too cool work, KathyB, Jacob sheep aplenty, Penny, lovely visit, Gail, ---and please remember Gail and hers in your prayers...God is allowing them to go through some really rough times---, Leslie my Meadows of Dan neighbor and Robin my near Roanoke neighbor.

We're all in this thing called "life" together...it pays to hold hands, treat others the way we want to be treated, forgive each others and ourselves and to keep the faith but, especially, cultivate praying friends for those times you're too exhausted to pray for youself!

Blessings ~ beautiful places ~ love for one another ~ prayer ~ praying friends ~ blogland and blog friends ~