This Is December

In the midst of a very dark, foggy, and gloomy weekend, we had a brief moment of blue sky.  

So brief, that if you weren't outside at that particular moment, you might have missed it. 

 It was the perfect weekend for watching the world from the inside.

Much of my weekend we spent putting the finishing touches on handmade Christmas gifts (I can't share... because... well, they are secrets!) and packing goodies up to ship across country to family that we will not see during the holiday season (for obvious reasons). The rest of the goodies w.ill be delivered to front porches.   I can only imagine how crazy the USPS is going to be in these next couple of weeks.

We are quickly headed towards the day of shortest sunlight for the year, and right now we only have about 9 ½ hours of daylight.  I actually don't mind the shorter days at this time of year.  While the land around us is somewhat dormant and monochromatic, it's nice to have cozy hours inside the warmth of our home, with a crackling fire in the fireplace and candles adding a warm glow.

Meanwhile, around the farm, life continues on as it does all year long.  There's no hibernating for farm animals.

The horses have a little time each day to graze and get some exercise, although this little herd of plump equines is not terribly big on exercise programs. 

 It's only when they are up in the upper pastures next door to Becky's Sid and Pony, that our horses run and buck with wild abandon.  I've come to believe they are only showing off for their "cousins".


Today marks the end of Moonie's first week of chemotherapy for his eye.  He is still very tolerant of the four-times-daily treatment - made tolerable with peppermint treats.  His eye looks a little angry, but I suspect that is to be expected. 

 He will have a week off beginning tomorrow.  Personally, I will enjoy not having to make a late night trip to the barn each evening.

Our runner ducks are enjoying their freedom... patrolling the upper pastures for whatever insects they can find. 

 And with the unseasonably warmer weather of late, I am sure they are finding plenty.  Hopefully ticks are amongst the favored faire, as we have had a very plentiful tick season this fall.

We spent some time cleaning the front pasture yesterday, after the horses had spent a good portion of their morning there.

Of course the pigs were happy to have visitors.


Meanwhile, the sheep couldn't have cared less.  It's funny, they may not be in the same pasture or yard at the same time, but they are never out of each other's sight.  

These two are inextricably connected.

Not only were the dogs there to "help", 

but, so was Griz.  

 I tell him he's a good helper-cat.   Hubbs begs to differ.  Griz is one of those cats whose main hobby is to diminish productivity.  Working in the workshop of the barn is next to impossible if Griz is around.  And, each time Dr. Becky performs any procedures at the barn, we have to lock Griz in one of the sheds.  He likes to be in the midst of everyone, sneezing and snotting and just being a general nuisance.  As far as Griz is concerned, it's all about him!  Other than that, he's the perfect cat!

The two Beatrixes are perfect barn cats... affectionate without being over-bearing. 

 They seem to love their life at the barn.

Now that my Christmas knitting is finished, I am starting another big project.  You might remember last year I knitted this Farmhouse Cardigan.  

It quickly became my favorite sweater, so I am making another in an oatmeal colored organic merino wool.  I hope to finish it by Christmas.

Comments

colleen said…
Happy animals, a cozy living room and knitting on the needles....life is good!! I so love posts like todays. Thanks for all your inspiration. xoxoxo
Sue S. said…
Moonie thanks you for taking such good care of him.
Marcia LaRue said…
I am so hoping Moonie's eye is doing especially well with the chemo ointment.
Love that shot of Ivy looking at the Christmas trees! Your home does look so cozy and warm!
When you understand where Griz came from [???] and was, for the most part, feral and scared of everyone until you showed him he was home and he was safe ... you can see why he's as clingy as he is! Fear of abandonment ... could be! He just wants to keep his family close!!
Happy Monday .... welcome to a new week!
Beachgram said…
Always love to see the runner ducks and of course, Griz who manages to get
himself included with all your precious animals. Hoping for success with
Moonie's eye. Christmas trees are beautiful and especially with the lovely
wood interior of your home.
This N That said…
I think we had a little more sun than you did especially on Saturday..We are supposed to get 6-8 inches of snow on Wednesday..
Your house is so warm and inviting..I love the fireplace.
.I hope Moonie is OK...
That is a bunch of Ducks!! They must be fun to see running along..
I like the description of Grizs' being a productivity diminished I have one of those as well..
Have a happy week..
jaz@octoberfarm said…
i will be doing porch drop-offs too this year. it's just what we have to do this year. it looks like you are in for some big snow this week? we are on the edge but might get 3-6 inches. i'm hoping for 6!
Lynne said…
Enjoying ones home is a tremendous plus when “the grey” stays around . . .
I feel fortunate to enjoy this time of the year . . .
And nothing better than a warm fire, a knitting project, a good book.

Having said that, they are predicting a sunny day here in western Michigan.
Not complaining about that at all . . .

Love the glimpse of your tree, in the mix.