You might think that with outside farm work to do...
that I might not like rainy days.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I learned long ago that the only way to endure the ever-changing weather is to embrace it.
And so, I have learned to love rainy days.
With gardens, meadows, streams, ponds and forests all dependent upon water
for life... rainy days are essential!
And so, we don our rain gear and dive into the day as if it were no different
that the sunniest, blue-skied day.
The work gets done... and even extras.
And when it's all done, the wet clothes are removed...
and a cup of hot tea, or soup warms us up from the inside out.
I love the peace and quiet of a rainy day...
the sound of water trickling down the downspouts...
the sound of horses hooves as they suction into the mud of the dry lot.
Life slows down just a little.
Some are content to stay inside looking out.
And some revel in the extra moisture on the ground.
I sat and watched the runner ducks yesterday as they ran,
slapping their little orange rubbery feet in the mud...
running their bills through the mud in search of who-knows-what.
These three have added so much to barn life.
They are settled in their daily routine and fill their days running in and out of the barn...
never more than a couple hundred feet away.
They explore the grass, the dry lot, and the edge of the woods...
but always with one eye on home...
and the other eye watching for signs of danger.
These three are so connected...they are never far away from each other,
and with the exception of Fancy Nellie's multiple daily baths,
are always engaged in the same activity.
I have come to believe that there is far less that separates us from our
animal friends than most people think.
I look deep into the eyes of my animals and sense a wide range of emotions
and a soul not much different from my own.
If only they could express their thoughts to us... perhaps then
mankind would treat them as they deserve to be treated.
It is written that mankind shall have dominion over the animals.
In my heart of hearts, I believe that the true meaning of this was to be stewardship.
And now you see the value of a rainy day...
it makes me stop, slow down, and reflect on this amazing world.
I love the rain!
Comments
Glad those runner ducks learned to venture out without fear. Isn't it funny how just the one is the bath taker and the other two could care less? ;0D
and I enjoy a good thunderstorm--
love those runner ducks--am so glad that you got them--
enjoy the moments, di
(actually I don't have to say 'enjoy the moments', to you--you do a great job of it all on your own!!)
As always - love your blog. I look forward to it every day - thanks for sharing your farm life!