We woke up this morning to a light rain. What a refreshing reprieve from the heat of these long summer days. The nip of fall in the air is a sign that our busiest season on the farm is drawing to a close. And never does one anticipate and thank God for the seasons as much as on the farm.It has been a very busy year for us. Never have we had so much traffic at the store. Or come so close to selling out of zucchini! (Of course, despite our nearly 300 tomato plants, our tomatoes are sold out nearly every day–but it’s hard to get tomatoes in this country without a greenhouse.) While I was out there planting each day this spring as we gingerly put each little plant in the ground, praying it would grow, I have hardly been in the garden since the store opened. I miss being able to see all our work grow. But now I get to be on the other end, selling the end result to our customers. And I really enjoy that part. Especially on the busy days when I get to work with my husband. (I just can’t do it all, and keep my house semi-clean and my husband fed.) We will see where I fit in to the farm operation next year, with a little one in tow…
Yes, the little person inside me is growing rapidly. We’re 26 weeks along, and Baby (we want to be surprised about “him” or “her”) is due to arrive on (or before) December 7th. And I think I’ve figured out where to fit the crib between the bookshelves…
In addition to the new arrival of the baby, we have a new kitty. “Oofy” Prosser of Wodehouse tales was very much necessary to keep Wooster company after Jeeves met his demise. (Picture Bertie Wooster without Jeeves and that’s what our cat was like without company!) We also added 17 chickens and 2 ducks to our little place. We wanted to have chickens someday, but when someone offered us their flock for free, someday became now. Living in the middle of an alfalfa field meant we had to build them a home, and my talented husband made not just a chicken house, but a “Chick Inn.” The birds love it, and we’ve sure enjoyed watching their antics. Now if I could just convince my 12 laying hens that I need a dozen eggs a day, not just 7…
As things slow down a bit, I look forward to spending more time cooking, and maybe even catch up on a little correspondence and writing (not to mention reading)… Someone asked me if I was playing classical music for the baby, and such, and I said honestly, I was trying to get as much
sleep as I could for the baby–and there is little enough time for that. But that’s summer on the farm. Merritt’s baled two cuttings of hay that have all sold, and there’s one cutting left. He is looking forward to being done changing irrigation pipe twice a day, and I am looking forward to seeing a bit more of my husband.
Yes, I’m thankful for the changing of seasons. In the winter, we cling to the promise of spring. In the spring, we anticipate the warmth of summer. In the midst of our busy summer, we long for the reprieve of fall. And then we yearn for those long winter evenings, reading by the fire, the faces of those we love outlined in the flickering candlelight… Thank You, Lord, for seasons.
Wow Gretchen thanks for the wonderful update on how your life has been, i read it slowly and enjoyed it so much! i always love to read your and Lanier’s and Natalie’s and Chantel’s and other’s stories..you girls write so well..:)
Also Gretchen you kitty cat is so beautiful, such a pretty cat. I have 2 cats and a dog myself, so i know how attached they can be
and thanks again for the wonderful tales that you weave when you write i love those tales and stories soo much
Thank you again!
Take care,
Blessings and Hugs!
May God keep you and guard you always!
PTL (Praise the Lord)
In Him, Jane.
“Chick Inn” Haha!
Glad you’re doing well. Love your updates!
I love Gretchen’s farm stories – thanks for another one! The changing of seasons are a joy indeed, though I do have a particular bias for that first crisp morning of fall where the cold stings your nose a little when you breathe deeply, and ther’s the sweet smell of fallen leaves and woodsmoke on the air.
Do your chickens actually use the coop? My dad built our six hens a great coop with four nesting boxes. Before they began to lay, they all slept in one box, and now that they are laying, they lay behind the hay bale by the fence! Chickens are some of the funniest animals, and owning them is the only way to really get to know them.
Raylene
Do your chickens actually use the coop? My dad built our six hens a great coop with four nesting boxes. Before they began to lay, they all slept in one box, and now that they are laying, they lay behind the hay bale by the fence! Chickens are some of the funniest animals, and owning them is the only way to really get to know them.
Raylene
Do your chickens actually use the coop? My dad built our six hens a great coop with four nesting boxes. Before they began to lay, they all slept in one box, and now that they are laying, they lay behind the hay bale by the fence! Chickens are some of the funniest animals, and owning them is the only way to really get to know them.
Raylene
Hi Gretchen,
I’ve read the posts on YLCF for quite a while now, and I finally have to tell you how much I enjoy it!…And how much your life sounds like mine. I married a wonderful guy last August, and we live up in the Waha mountains of Idaho, where we are building a house and “farm”. I am also exactly 26 weeks along with our first baby! (He or she is due Dec. 3rd) And I can so identify with the struggle to do normal everyday things, plus all those extra projects that come up when you’re out in the country, plus trying to get enough time to sleep and eat (which it seems I need a lot of now!). It’s a wonderful encouragement to me, knowing that there’s other gals out there going through very similar things in life, and still surviving and loving it! Blessings on you (and your man and little one)…may you always find the strength you need in Christ. –Miriam
Oh the kitty is adorable. I would have one, if Mom wasn’t allergic!
I am so glad things are going well for you, Gretchen. God is good!
I wish we would get rain here in Idaho! It is so dry!
Loved the post from you, Gretchen!!
It was good to “catch up” on your doings and goings on.
I think you are going to have a girl, come December. Just a guess
New kitties are always lots of fun. Yours is very cute!
My little sis got one in July and we’ve had a blast with her!
And chickens are a great addition for any family!