I will do my best to show the progress that Farmer man has been making toward clearing the acres of Curvy Creek Farm. It is funny how in the middle of the work, the day-to-day caring for the animals and fence running, the noise of the large family, the quiet of the occasional private evening on the porch – we can miss the impact of just how much has changed in a year! Know that while Farmer man has been working mightily and has help from friends, family, and animals – God deserves the glory and praise for any progress in the farm, the survival of our marriage and family on the journey, and pretty much everything else.
Before – View from the Driveway Bridge
CURRENT – From the driveway bridge
Before – Power Line Run Standing in the driveway, looking toward the power line run to the left of the driveway. This is before the fence, but it looks like someone had taken a quick trip around with the weedeater. This is where Farmer man has been working hard since the cows left. Working toward seeing to the top field.
The same power line run from a spot behind what is the garden area now.
Progress Power Line Run
CURRENT – Power line run
Before – View from the gateway The top left of this photo is where the garden will be but isn’t yet and the dense brush behind the garden then. The pond is hidden in the brush in about the middle of the photo. The right side of the photo catches the bottom of Beyond the Pond Hill and a glimpse at what will soon become revealed as the valley.
Note the brush and tree line and how close it is to the edge of that hill. Also, the entrance gates to “the farm” part of the farm were placed later between my sister and the remains of the tree you see across from here. It was a dead tree, but it made a reasonable post – at least temporarily.
CURRENT – view from the gateway
Before – The Square – The landmark here is the woodpile/burning spot in the foreground. It is now neater and surrounded by blocks. The tall trees on the left are still standing. This was taken from the central “road” through the fields.
CURRENT – The Square
Before – Beyond the Pond hill Keep in mind that tall pine tree on the left of this photo.
After – Beyond the Pond Hill
CURRENT – Top field
I can’t find my before of this field! It was armpit high with weeds when we bought the farm. Bernie surprised us and ran the bush-hog over it the first fall. This year Jim has expanded the borders of the field, added a fence, let the cows graze, and managed to mow it with a riding mower.
There is so much more, but I need to actually post!
The biggest change, and the one that means more to me, is the change in Farmer man. You see, if you would have asked me in August of 2010, or October of 2010, or August of 2011 if my husband would be out running a chain saw 20 or so hours a week – I would likely have laughed at you, even if my faith was pretty sound. Never in my imaginings would I have expected him to be so fully – well. There weren’t many photos, it didn’t seem right at the time. But this is the best before and after I can find:
During this month where Thankfulness is brought a little further to the front of our minds, I remembered: In the middle of the messiness of life, the noise, the conflict, the cow poop, the stress – I am thankful that I am able to watch my husband work happily, be active, walk up hills, just enjoying his ability to be well – as long as it doesn’t include cow poop in my driveway or cows eating my peppers!
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