Returning To The Gentle Rhythm

Our holidays were packed full of activity...

dinners with friends, a couple parties,

and time spent just-us-two movie-going.

Before I launch into tales of the farm,

I have to tell you...

"Little Women" is truly a joy to see.

It is the best version of this movie to date, I feel.

(A homegrown blueberry-peach pie that I baked for a dinner with friends.)

During one of our holiday parties,

we were invited to join some friends on a winter photography trek 

through Yosemite National Park.

(Hubbs had originally mentioned doing something in February

to get away from the cold of winter...

Instead, we are going to thrust ourselves right into winter extremes.

It should be quite the adventure!)

And, of course, I will bring you right along with us.

As for life here on the farm...

it's good to get back into the normal daily routine.

I thrive with the ebb and flow of each day.

Settling into a gentle, quiet rhythm makes me happy.

The mornings have been quite cold this week,

but the afternoons have warmed up to quite a mild temperature.

and the animals have enjoyed time in the pastures.

We supplement the front pasture grass with a little hay,

to keep the front pasture from being eaten down to nothing.

There is nothing worse than an over-grazed field with hungry animals in it!

The chickens have been enjoying all of the extra holiday treats that they receive,

and rewarding us with tons of eggs.

Now that it's time to get rid of leftovers that have been hanging around

a little too long, they will get even more treats.

Nothing goes to waste around here.

(I almost typed "waist", but that would not be an accurate statement

right after the holidays!!)

Griz has continued to remain in the barn,

and has even allowed us to pet him... just a little bit.

He continues to be a work-in-progress.

As for family news from the holidays...

Amanda and Tim announced that they are moving to Colorado,

Boulder area, this winter.

Tim, an avid skier landed a job with a sustainable energy company

and will start in late January.

Amanda will join him a little later in the winter...

(after finishing up some work commitments)

and may be spending a little more time here on the farm before her departure.

We are happy for the two of them... it will be a great adventure.

We are a little sad for our own loss, however.

But, I hear that Colorado is a great place to visit!

Next week, with New Years Day right around the corner,

I will be sharing some more sustainability ideas with you...

we need to all do our part to decrease our carbon footprint!

Have a great weekend.

Let's chat again on Monday, ok?