A Day in the Farm Life

Sadie watches over Carly who has extremely old bones and, near as I can figure, Carly is 19 or 20, ancient for a sheep. Her poor arthritic bones feel the cold dreadfully, and each day this winter, I'd have to heave her to her feet three or four times. She's enjoying the warmth of spring which, probably, is her last spring to enjoy. Carly is a dear thing and has brought much joy into our lives.

Each morning, Sadie rushes to see if Carly is still "with us"; one of these days, she won't be but will wait for us to meet her Home.

Once or twice a month, Jake shows up, stays for an hour, p'raps three and then hits the road again. He reminds me so much of my Christian walk...I love God and want to do His will, even try my best yet still fall off the straight and narrow. I go back to Father, cowed and fearful and He welcomes me with loving, open arms. 

Yes, Dave and I allowed our dogs on the sheet and towel covered furniture. When Jake comes 'round, he climbs into my lap for snuggles and kisses and I accommodate. Shortly, he's gone again to God knows where until he decides to visit me next time. 

Can you see Levi?

Each day, Levi and Gypsy go with the dogs and I to the barn. We do morning chores, check water and fences, make sure everyone is on their feet. It's a family thing.

Gypsy enjoys her dirt bath and I've never figured out, exactly, why.

 This red fox was in the pasture next to the farm and is, probably, a she who has kits. During early dawn and late dusk hours, I can hear them calling for food, a job that keeps their mother worn out busy.

Barn swallows are back...hurrah! In the eighteen years we've owned Thistle Cove Farm, I've seen one mosquito. Between the barn swallows and bats, insect pests are in short supply. It's pouring rain and the pastures are responding by becoming a beautiful "pison" green; the sign of growing things. There's so much to do but thought you might enjoy some photos; be safe and well, if you get a chance, come for a visit. Won't take a moment to put the kettle on.

Blessings ~ animals ~ farm life ~ dawn ~ dusk ~ this beloved farm ~

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