Catchin’ up on the farm!

Well, it’s about time I catch all my friends up on all the stuff going on at the farm!

I wish I could say that everything for the last year or so has been rainbows and sunshine – but loss is a significant part of life. We helped my mother-in-law care for her husband in his last months, and then we had to say goodbye. But, thankfully, instead of living out her days alone, Robin is tucked in here with us – even when she occasionally gets a bit tired of living “all the way out here”.

Farmer Man’s brother has moved essentially next door and now Farmer Man has a constant buddy as he piddles about. Neither of them are healthy, neither of them can do much more than piddle – but at least now they do it together so there’s someone to call for help if they get any truly dangerous ideas of how to problem solve the latest challenge on the farm. Bill came with the added bonus of a 4-wheeler. So, Farmer Man’s walking has been significantly decreased as he goes about the business of farming. Sometimes Bill’s only job is to taxi Jim from place to place so he can count cows, check water, or open a gate. It is nice for Robin to have both of her boys within easy reach as she gets older – at least most of the time. She may get a little tired of the picking they do now and then, but mostly she is just happy to have her boys around.

This year, for the first time, we are attempting to keep cattle through the winter. That is a whole next level of learning! Hay, hay, and more hay! Where to get it, where to put it, how to feed it without wasting as much! I am trying not to miss the days when they are all shuffled off the farm and I have the Farmer Man a little bit more focused on other things – anything else actually. But, we will learn and it will get easier – right?

About the time that Robin and Chuck joined us last year, we acquired a small farm next door, which is how Bill was able to move closer – yay! In addition to land and a mobile home, there was a lovely one-eyed red horse named Blue (who I call Rehab – best pulmonary rehab I have seen yet!). Blue is 100% spoiled by Farmer Man – like everything else on this farm!

I am right back in the swing of things as a nurse. I love the babies and occasionally feel like I am back where I am meant to be. Other times, I’m still pretty scared that I won’t remember something important. Either way, splitting time between nursing and farming has been a challenge and a joy. This is part of the reason that blogging got placed on the back burner for a bit. But, I’m getting the hang of things now and I think I will be able to keep it up. (Sorry to leave my regulars hanging for so long!)

Speaking of regular readers, one of my most profound losses over the last year was my Arkansas BFF who lived in Florida. She always read and always commented on my blog. It is actually a bit of a challenge to keep blogging knowing that she will not be there to be my encouragement. I lost my friend to COVid, and I miss her terribly. I know she is in heaven, but she sure is missed here.

We were able to plant the high tunnel and enjoy food this summer, and have some to can. My nursing has put a bit of a limit on what we can grow and can, but we still managed almost 200 jars!

But work has it’s perks – besides insurance! – I started a project of my very own. It may take me 10 years, but hopefully, I will get to take this thing out camping one day!

Oh, I almost forgot! We added a few acres, and the smaller goat herd was just not able to keep up with the weed eating. So, we have added a buck and hope for babies this winter. I look forward to kidding season – and will share photos – of course!

So among the many changes and additions, we have added a wonderful son-in-law – we had a great time having a wedding!, and 7 MORE grandkids! Now, some of our children are loving babies right now that might not stay with us forever, but they are my grandkids while they are here! Life has been overflowing with the normal activities, noise and dirt that come associated with a farm! Our life has always been an adventure, it doesn’t show signs of letting up any time soon. I wouldn’t have it any other way. God is good!

Now just one more thing – anyone want to offer a tutorial for MacBook? My goodness, I might be getting too old to learn this many new things!!