Summer Visitors

 ~ red fox in our yard ~

We've had some visitors this week, in particular, this red fox came by just prior to dusk. The dogs, Thank God, were in the house; I've no interest in seeing anyone injured and, contrary to popular opinion in the valley, don't want to kill the fox. That's been done, once, on the farm and while I realize it was necessary at the time, I don't want it to happen again. I cornered a juvenile fox in the granary and couldn't get him to run out so our neighbor shot him. The fox, probably, was sick as his coat was ragged and this was broad daylight; foxes aren't broad daylight critters and all evidence pointed to sickness so killing was the merciful thing to do. The hard thing to do as well but that's life; we're terminal as soon as we draw the first breath and it's my desire to live ready so I can die ready.

~ looking for a way out ~

~ escape needed ~

It was at this point, s/he noticed me standing on the porch and stopped and looked straight at me. Unfortunately, I was too busy moving back into the house to take a photo; I have no desire to stand between a wild critter and their way out. Our yard is fenced, rather strongly I thought, but the fox is lithe and long and, with fear as an inducement, was able to push through under the fence and escape.

~ grazing white tail deer ~ 

These two beauties look like adults and it never, never fails to thrill me to see wildlife. I'm the visitor here and they the residents so I try to live in peace, as much as possible, with everyone staying healthy.

 ~ days of sunshine ~

We began cutting hay yesterday and are hopeful to bale it tomorrow; today it's being kicked or tethered into long rows. This is the first few days we've had without rain and while the rain is a blessing, so is the sunshine. This means I'll have hay to feed this winter and horses and sheep will eat. This hay is a bit tough as it should have been cut a few weeks ago; weather didn't permit so we work within our parameters. This field is about eight or nine acres and will yield forty, give or take, bales of hay. We're cutting on shares, meaning the other farmer will get half and we'll get half. If I have too much, I'll sell some of my bales to someone who needs hay and, generally, will get $25 for these 4x4 bales.

~ new porch furniture ~

Brian and Donna live up the valley and simply amaze me with what they accomplish. They are fantastic gardeners, Brian is a wonderful woodworker, Donna makes beautiful quilts by hand and they both know how to shuffle the groceries to make a meal to make your tongue slap your brains out. Brian made this rocker and it only needs a cushion to be perfect.

Dave and I live, for the most part, quiet lives; we tend to stay on the farm, tend to our own business, take care of our family. We enjoy visitors and have some scheduled for this summer and autumn so the porch furniture will get a good workout.  Aunt Bonnie spent more than sixty years on her farm and it was second in her heart only to her beloved husband. She spent a grand total of three nights off her farm and when I asked her why didn't she leave more often, she answered, "Why would I want to leave heaven on earth?"

 ~ looking from our side porch, down the valley ~

Then, I understood with my head. Now, I understand with my heart.


Blessings ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ visitors ~ animals ~ porch furniture ~ hay ~ knowing wonderful folks ~

Dei Gratia,
Sandra