It’s been an odd winter: hardly winter at all until February, then winter as it should be. A good deal of glorious snowfall and negative temps to check the population of true bugs that have taken over our wood pile. And then many foggy mornings adorned in feather frost or faerie frost, depending on who is doing the telling. What difference does it make though? It all has to do with wings.
Speaking of wings, we had 26 baby chicks arrive last Thursday and their fuzz is already giving way to feathered wing tips. Our delight and joy in the arrival was quickly hampered—a rough journey took seven of them away in the first two days. Living on a farm, people will often say “That’s life on the farm.” And while it isn’t wrong—except maybe it should be “that’s death on the farm”— losing animals is never easy, never taken lightly in our hearts, and I always try to find a way to do better, in honor of those we lose. Even though I recognize that there is much we have no control over. Happily, thankfully, the others are thriving and living in an old trough in our pantry—until warmer temps. It was -18 at daybreak today! I think the sheep are the only folks who don’t mind.
Yesterday, Zach and I tromped around in the snowy pasture—up to our knees, stamping out our vision for the growing fields we will create this year. We (Zach, Gideon and I) arrived to this land just shy of one year ago and inherited 4 sheep, 3 cats, 30 chickens and a few gardens. Of course, we brought Bandito and the bees with us. Needless to say, we’ve needed some time to settle in, adjust to the rhythms of this lovely home and get to know the animals.
But now, it’s game on! We are eager for spring and dreaming of making more progress toward realization of our vision for this sweet spot—a vision that includes a place of learning and retreat for family, friends, neighbors, our wild and domestic animal neighbors, and friends we have yet to meet.
I can’t make any promises about how often we will post an entry, but this is the place to check in on what’s happening with the farm and forge. There are so many things we are excited about, but being able to offer our first CSAA is definitely near the top of the list (our lists are more like bubbles rising).
Thanks to all who’ve supported us as we journey along this dream. It’s for all of us.
Love and Gratitude,
Danielle
“One tree is another tree, but not too much. One tulip is like the next tulip, but not altogether. More or less like people—a general outline, then the stunning individual strokes. Hello Tom, hello Andy. Hello Archibald Violet, and Clarissa Bluebell. Hello Lilian Willow, and Noah, the oak tree I have hugged and kissed every first day of spring for the last thirty years. And in reply, its thousands of leaves tremble! What a life is ours! Doesn’t anybody in the world anymore want to get up in the
middle of the night and
sing?”
Mary Oliver, Upstream