It's been a year! No, really. It's been a year since I moved to the new to me farm. I've experienced all four seasons and decided I like winter best. Summer here is hotter than the hinges of Hades and, as far as I'm concerned, may exit now and stay gone a few decades. Or centuries. I'm good with either. The animals are all doing well, as am I and God may be thanked for it.
The boxes to be unpacked are down to fifty. Maybe. I'm still giving stuff away (household goods, books, pictures, clothes, etc.) but need help to hang things on walls; things like mirrors that are so heavy, it'll take a couple of strong men with me as supervisor.
A white crane has been fishing at the pond; Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent, isn't at all happy and barks fiercely (from this far side) to let the crane know he's not welcome. The Canada geese haven't yet arrived but I look for them any day now and the blue heron still visits occasionally.
Mom and Daddy were recently interviewed for the Southside Electric Cooperative member magazine; when available, I'll brag about it again -grin.
Last Sunday the family gathered here for supper (as country folks call it because lunch is dinner) and a great time was had by all. Twelve sat, comfortably, around the table while Dustin and his oldest daughter, held up the island. There's no "fine dining" at my place; we practice boarding house reach with a lot of noise, laughter, conversation, dishes hitting against each other, cutlery scraping away at plates. No, we'll never be contenders as Downton Abbey guests but they'll never match us for sheer exuberance and love.
~ the oldest Little ~
~ Daddy and Walter holding down the porch ~
Before the day got away from us, the obligatory photo session with grandparents, grandsons and great-grandchildren.
For the photo from last year, click here for that post (and yes, I'm still happy!).
This is the backyard picnic, fire pit, relaxing area. It's still too warm for a fire but it is getting cooler and the Farm Dedication is planned for September. When Dave and I bought the other farm, I walked the land and prayed God would use it for His glory and purpose and it happened! God and Dave took me to amazing places and I saw and did things I couldn't begin to dream of doing. After Dave died, God and I continued on that journey and I've made friends in far flung places and near. It's not been easy but it has been worth the ticket and I'm excited to see what God has in store for me and this farm. So, toward that end, a formal Farm Dedication will take place in September; we'll play horse shoes, corn hole, blow bubbles and talk of God's goodness to us all. Autumn always offers a lot of wonderful things.
I look around and see what has been accomplished, what needs to be accomplished and, frankly, it's still overwhelming but I'm moving forward, one step at a time, every day, and I'm content.
What about you; any big plans for Autumn?
Ponder this ~
~ chuckling out loud ~
