When I started this website it was my intention to blog regularly about the happenings on the farm. I must admit that winter kicked my behind this year and it was hard to find the time and the headspace to do that. I know that everyone struggled with how hard we were hit by the snow - so I hesitate to even bring it up. But, I found that it made everything hard. There is a reason that we call them "chores". That title brings the idea of hard work with little payback. Normally I love going out and spending time with the animals and it is not a chore but a healing labour of love. That was not the case this year. Winter is always hard on my birds, I lost my beloved BB (my rooster in a personal support chair) and Finn (one of my male ducks) and Milly (one of my Azure layer hens) and all of those losses take their tole on my heart. (I can hear the voices of so many saying - "it's a chicken?"). My answer to them is always "they have names and they are my pets".
The animals made it tolerable, for sure, but somehow I reverted to my old days of hating winter and just surviving it. From making sure the chickens had fresh water to trying to get the duck's door open, and then closed again, shovelling roofs, to trudging through knee deep snow and making sure the horses couldn't walk right over the fence - I was tired - and I had a lot of help. I found I was just going out and doing what was necessary to care for them and heading right back into the house. In doing so, I lost track of how good these animals are for my soul. Spending more time with them is good for my body, mind and spirit. Slowly I started to remember that - the days are getting longer and warmer and I am finding myself again. I am so thankful to these babies for the reminders and I am enjoying the time outdoors again. I am breathing deeper and clearing my mind and really grateful for the opportunities they provide me.
