And....not necessarily in that order.
First, the ugly:
#1
O'Malley has a rip roaring case of conjunctivitis.
Her eye is closed in this picture...but believe me, if it were open...
it would definitely be a stink-eye!
#2
Our grapes are dying on the vine...
drying up and rotting before ripening.
Heartbreaking.
I surmise it is due to the fact that we have had such wet, cool weather.
The bad:
#1
Hubbs spent a few days rebuilding the platform for our platform tent that was demolished
this winter by a heavy storm,
only to find that the tent, which we had kept in storage...
was riddled with holes made by a very fat little mouse family.
#2
Oakley has a rip roaring ear infection.
Ear swollen shut.
I am guessing a result of the frequent baths he received post skunking.
#3
It is impossible to get grass to grow with hungry guinea fowl around!
The good:
#1
The flowers are loving the weather that is killing the grapes.
Everything looks lovely!
#2
Our entire new family of ducks remains.
One week has passed with no fox attacks!
#3
Our 3 bee hives are all doing well.
I am holding my breath that they will make it through the winter...
giving us a honey harvest next year.
#4
Annie has learned to respect the farm animals...
and has become the perfect farm dog.
One thing that life on the farm has taught me...
you absolutely have to be able to take the bad with the good.
The way I see it is... the bad makes the good all the sweeter.
I think it is part of the balance of life.
We cannot have all good, or all bad...
achieving a balance between the two might be the best goal.
And now....
I have had much success in selling my bracelets, so I thought it was time to gift one.
I am also going to include a couple more items from the farm...
some honey from our bees and a big bulb of organic garlic that was just harvested.
Daphne and Chloe will pick a winner on Friday
and I will post the winner on Saturday.
I must confess, however, that I have a request in return...
please just leave me a quick message, email, or comment with your first name
and where you are from, and how long you have been reading my blog.
(If you are reading this on Facebook and do not want to comment....
could you just "like" the post so I can see how many readers are reached?)
(If you are reading this on Facebook and do not want to comment....
could you just "like" the post so I can see how many readers are reached?)
I am trying to figure out how many people read my blog and this will help tremendously!
Thanks!
Comments
I'm daisy and I have been reading for a while now. Fell in love with your neat-n-tidy farm and have pinned you more times than I can count. We currently live in Central Florida, but are moving toward a more rural property as soon as we sell our home and your farm is one of my inspirations. Thanks for the chance to win one of your gorgeous bracelets and the homegrown goodies!
I think with all things there is good and bad and you end up with balance.
I have been visiting daily your blog since 2012 and I love it.
My best reading is when you tell us about your pets and I always think of your home as a spot of paradise on earth.
Maria from Switzerland
Ah, the poor animals with ailments, but, I know they are in good hands :).
And the grapes? I would've thought they would've thrived in a cooler, wetter environment. Go figure. Maybe they're diseased? Strange.
What a thoughtful giveaway. Love all the goodies! I have been a reader for several years now. I also see your posts on FB and many times will access your blog from there. I'm crossing my fingers that Chloe will grab my name :)!
Sherry Wrublesky, Adairsville, GA
Not sure if Canadian readers are included in your give-away, but if they are, would love to have one of your bracelets. I live in northern Alberta, Canada.
Candice in Austin, TX
Suzan from Marietta (almost Atlanta), Ga. I've been visiting you on your blog for a couple of years now. I bought one of your aprons for my niece for a bridal shower. And I've commented several times on your old log spring house. Love the fact that you have a farm that is no kill!! You are very Blessed to have so much space!!
Nice giveaway . . . I like the honey and garlic too.
I wore my bracelet yesterday . . . and was asked, "where did you get that cool bracelet!"
Cheryl -- Oklahoma
I have been following your blog for about 3 years. I look forward to your updates everyday.
Deb D.
Lewisberry, Pa
I have been following your blog for about 3 years. I look forward to your updates everyday.
Deb D.
Lewisberry, Pa
Denise from Minnesota
It is hard sometimes to take the ugly on the farm isn't it. I have had a few things just make me cry this year as well. Ok,call me emotional too but one of my gilts lost 4 of her 7 babies shortly after delivery. I was kicking myself afterwards because I was sure she was in labor when I did my nightly checks, but I second guessed myself, thought I would give her a few hours and.....I shouldn't have....I still want to cry thinking about it.
Lori
Erica from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Love your blog. You live my fantasy world. : )
I'd love to win the giveaway!!!
Thanks for a great blog.
Looking forward to the giveaway, adorable bracelet and honey....yummm.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and stories!
I made 11 quarts of grape juice and 4 1/2 pints of grape jelly today. Im sorry your grapes are not doing well. We still have at least 10 gallon more grapes to pick. These will go to a neighbor.
Thanks again for an enjoyable blog.
Lisa
I'm currently in Orange, CA, but from Evergreen, CO! I've loved your blog for a long time now. I had to go back and check in the archives.... I've been reading since 2009. I remember Bobby (he reminded me of my Maine Coon) and the construction on the house finishing up.
I've been reading several years now...thanks for posting so consistently. Wish I could do the same!
Susannah
I'm Ellen & I think I have been following for about 3 years from Portland Oregon.
Thank you,
JODY BRITTAIN aka mrscravitz
Well, back to blogland,, I wish I were as diligent as you to keeping up my blog... but truth be told, I would much rather sit w/a cup of tea and read yours then work on mine! snork, giggle.. Happy Wednesday...