The Way To My Heart

 Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a deep-winter freeze, with another potentially big snowstorm looming (Sunday)... there has been a definite change in the daylight.  

It's no longer dark at 5:00 PM.  Yes, the sun has set, but, still the light of dusk remains.  Each and every day will be just a smidge longer than the last... with the slow, gentle return of the sun.   And though we still have another few months of winter weather, the arrival of Spring is more than just a hope.  There is definite evidence of movement in that direction!

Everyone seeks out the sunlight...

whenever possible!


The guineas have been rooming with the runner ducks ever since it snowed.  With more snow on the horizon, I believe they are going to be staying there for a little while longer!


I have to tell you a little secret.  The way to my heart is definitely through my animals.

I love them as though they were family.  And, really, they are!

Yesterday Hubbs built a roof for our sheep's hay feeder. 

 It's nothing fancy - just utilitarian and covers the hay so that it doesn't get wet.  For months I have been balancing a just-a-little-too-small piece of plywood over the feeder.  He replaced it with a piece of wood that is larger and attached it to the hay feeder with hinges.

That piece of wood that sticks out over the side is a long handle, so that I can reach over the fence and lift the lid to add hay.

He's a gem, that one!  I can't think of a thing that could make me happier than this simple act of kindness.

Thanks, Jack... you're the best!!

My second treat for the day was pulling this jar of cherry preserves from this summer's farm cherries out of the storage refrigerator.  This is such a treat in the middle of winter!!  My plan is to start a batch of baguettes today.  Tomorrow we can have fresh baguettes with butter and cherry jam.  I'll be in heaven!


Comments

Oh yes, animals are definitely family!
Yours is a happy family there on the farm. You take such good care of them and their love for you shows.

You seem to be having a lovely winter. No snow here to speak of as yet. I think the farmer's almanac was off for us this year. Winter isn't over yet though. I do miss the winters of my childhood in upstate NY.

Have a lovely day!
sillygirl said…
With your connection to animals I think you would like reading Fox & I - I know I did.
littlemancat said…
How kind and thoughtful Jack is - just like you!
Mary
This N That said…
It's always good to see the sun..It's been lacking a bit lately..
Animals are the best...they ask nothing (except a place to poop)and give their all..
Hubbs strikes again..Great job....Perfect!!
Bagettes sound so yummy..Enjoy
Have a good day..
Hugs
THE BEARDED ONE said…
YOU MAKE EVERYTHING SO VERY INTERESTING AND SPECIAL...THAT HUBB'S IS SURE A GOOD MAN...CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING HIS HEART...I..LIKE YOU LOVE ANIMALS...I USE TO HAVE CHICKENS AND GUINEAS BUT MY WIFE HATED THEM BACAUSE THEY SCRATCHED UP HER FLOWER BEDS A DID THA BANNY CHICKEN AND THE GAME CHICKENS..SOOOOOOOOOOOO I HAD TO GET RID OF THEM TO MAKE HER HAPPY...BIG SMILE !!! I STILL HAVE TWO DOGS AND A CAT..ONE IS A RAT TERRIER AND THE OTHER HALF BORDER COLLIE AND HALP AUSTRAILIAN SHEPHERD..BOTH EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT...KEEP SMILING AND HAVE A SUPER DAY/..I LOVE THESE !!!!!!!!!
Karen said…
Your husband isn't the Trail Boss for nothing! He takes such great care of everybody - and enjoys every minute:)
You and your Jack are quite a team, Bev. It is easy to see how much you love your animals and you love even the chores! You guys are the best! How nice that Jack put the cover on the sheep's hay feeder. My mouth is watering thinking about your baguettes with cherry preserves! Sounds delish. Take good care! You're getting 12 more minutes of daylight right now, than we are. But we'll get there! Love your blog!
Wanda1950 said…
Cherry jam is a real favorite here and with anybody who is gifted with a jar. We have to use bought cherries as we haven't ever succeeded growing them.

We have been in & out of hospitals this week. My husband has a subdural hematoma and he began to have symptoms (raging headache) last week. We have been to Vanderbilt in Nashville and to the local hospital. They think this may be migraine associated with the hematoma and we have a couple of medications that help some. He just told me today that he's having trouble concentrating and remembering and doing tasks. I already had noticed. We have hope that this will improve when & if the hematoma shrinks. We were not offered surgery but were offered a procedure that blocks the artery supplying the area. The latest CT scan said it's not any larger at this time. We will see the surgeon in a month and he will get a lot of questions from me. I don't even know where or how large this thing is.

Anyway, didn't mean to write a book. I guess you can tell my anxiety is super high. For all who pray, please pray for him or send us "good Vibes".