Back here in the big woods, you’re never alone. If you stop and hold still, you’ll most always find one of the “neighbors” watching you. In this case, it was a barred owl. He was perched in a poplar tree on the edge of the woods. And he was checking me out to see what I was up to. He decided I was pretty boring and finally flew off to another tree deeper in the woods. He was waiting for dark, hoping to swoop down on some small rodent out in the open. He saw me instead and was pretty disgusted.
We’ve been haying like mad and are almost caught up now. I just spent six hours on the tractor, raking hay while Will baled another field. He finished before I did and started baling “my” field way behind me. He cut the field three days ago but we had a rain shower and had to let it dry out an extra day before raking it. It was nice and dry today. One more small field and we’re done with our first cutting. We should get a second cutting off of two small fields to finish up before fall. Whew!
Yesterday we moved the cattle from the big pasture to the east pasture that has been ungrazed since last fall. The grass and clover is better than belly high and the cattle were pretty thrilled to be “driven” through the gate to eat it. This morning they were all lying down chewing their cuds, just about hidden in the grass. Cow heaven! — Jackie
All,
Thanks for the kind words. We never get it “all” done but just keep plugging away at it. I think this is the only way you get ahead. If you expect too much out of yourself, you’ll end up with homestead burnout. It’s the old hare and tortise thing.
You are my inspiration! I turned 45 a couple weeks ago and sometimes get worried that I won’t have time to turn our little 3 acres into a sanctuary and place of discovery for future grandkids, then I just remember you, and all you’ve done at every new homestead and know if I keep at it, it’s gonna happen. I hope you feel the real affection and love of all of us who “know” at least a part of you. :) Stay well! Teri
It’s amazing how the critters will respond to good stewardship of the land. I also don’t see how you get it all done.
I like the owl picture too. I’m glad the haying is almost done.
You have a wonderful life, but, man alive, I can’t figure out how there are enough hours in the day to do all that you do with the extensive garden, canning all that food, haying, animal care. Whew!
I love the picture of the Barred Owl! We have a couple of them in our neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio. My property borders on an extensive park system, and they are our noisiest neighbors! I love the nights when I hear one or more of them! And it feels good to think about those cows contentedly chewing their cuds. What a beautiful thing to see!
Comments are closed.