The truth is, it has been a very difficult and challenging couple of weeks on the farm and in general life. But, in the midst of those challenges, life continues and joys are evident.
The current raccoon count, and I’m trying to figure out a way to add a ticker to the side of the blog page, is 4. Four raccoons trapped, transported to a land far, far away – and released unharmed to forage the woods for something besides catfood and chickens.
Cows, currently rotationally grazing a portion of the back barnyard. As long as they are not between me and the clothesline or in my garden – I am okay with that. They might be growing on me, they are smaller this year, and kind of cute!
The heat index has hit 105 most days in the last week. So laziness has been an issue – until we decided to pack up some ice water, some spray bottles and visit Herot Hall Farms again for a second round of blueberries. The kids did great! We were happy to have most of the grandkids and sister. It was HOT, but it was fun and memorable! Maybe a little too memorable for the folks at Herot Hall!
Farmer man has been up to his usual harassment of the children – but ya just can’t take that spunk of Elijah! He was determined to spray poppa, even if he was a bit out-gunned!
We have separated the babies from the mommies at night. I was going for natural weaning since all our baby bucks are neutered, but a couple of our mommies are looking a bit thin. We thought they needed a break. But letting the goats out in the morning has now become much noisier and comedic.
As I reviewed the photos to begin to write, intermingled in the photos of the fun stuff were the photos of the battle for the life of our big buck Justice. We’d have a couple hours of fun and then head to the barn to love and treat him. In the end, we lost this battle and our sweet little Justice. It was a tough loss, and we cried, and we buried him with love, and we keep going. We fought our best fight, did all within our power, and the outcome was not our decision. There are some surprising similarities in nursing and farming sometimes. And, honestly I need to remember the same thing in many other areas of my life. I am responsible to give all I have, then leave the outcome to God.
I was so thankful that Andrea and Bernie came over early Tuesday to help with the logistics of burying a 100+ pound goat, and to help us keep moving forward.
Family
Our 4th of July was just a day at home. Part of me would love to have joined the Ripley celebrations – but part of me was quite happy to just enjoy a quiet day on the farm – and resting in the air conditioning through the 105 degree heat index part of the day. By fireworks time, I was too interested in bed to seek out fireworks. I might be getting old. But, we enjoyed dinner with the neighbors – well mostly provided by our favorite chef – Jeremy! We had the famous macaroni and cheese, amazing cheesy chicken, and some excellent cheesecake hand crafted by Jeremy!
And, We got to eat a few things out of the messy garden and the front porch planters!
God is good, through the good stuff, through the challenges, the heartbreak, the celebrations, and the mundane. He loves us, and as His child – I am guaranteed not to struggle alone.
Oh, my personal little tiny celebration – my very first beginnings of an ear of corn!
Now, to take advantage of another hot day – laundry!
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