One of the best things that I have experienced in this life time has been living here on the farm. We built our home here 13 years ago, moving from the suburbs to the rural countryside, and I have never had a sorry moment. Each morning I awaken grateful for the life that I live - eager to watch the sun rise over all of the souls that I love so dearly.
And though caring for these souls is a commitment that limits our freedom to a certain extent, I have found such joy amongst my animals. Joy - that I would not trade for freedom, or travel, or anything that I can imagine.
They are all a part of my family... every single furred and feathered soul that calls this farm "home". I have learned so much about animal emotion and intelligence over the years. We humans don't give them enough credit.
I am occasionally asked which animals are my favorites. That's a hard question to answer, for each of them has their own unique personality and qualities. But, I suppose, if I am being completely honest, I have a special soft spot in my heart for my pigs.
I have loved them since they were just small piglets. They have lived on the farm nearly all of the ten years of their lives. They are as smart if not smarter than dogs and equally personable. They are affectionate, and their affection goes way beyond the services that we provide!
They are friendly to all of the other farm animals (sometimes much to the horses' chagrin). Their friendliness goes beyond just tolerance, for they seek out the company of other species.
Belly rubs and massages are their very favorite thing (ok... after food) and they don't care who provides the service.
There's nothing better than a cat with kneading paws... especially if you are a pig with very thick skin!
Bobby loves providing a cat scan.
These inter-species moments are especially precious to me!
I spent a little time yesterday afternoon picking purple dead nettle. I am going to dry it and make it into a salve for dry, chapped skin. I'll share more of that process when the time comes.
Today marks the beginning of another trip around the sun for me. I've now had 65 of them and I can scarcely believe it! What a wonderful life it's been. I can't wait to see what the next 65 years hold for me! Because I am going to spend today in celebration, I am going to take one day off from blogging and will not be here to chat with you tomorrow.
Have a lovely weekend, and we will be back with more Tales on Monday.
Much love and hugs... from the farm.
Comments
🎶🌸🎉🌷🎂🌷🎉🌸🎶
Loved the “cat bliss kneading routine” on the piggie!
Noting total appreciation! ❤️
Blessings...
Hope you have a wonderful day.
I know what you mean about farm life
We are defenitlty more tied down but i wouldn't trade it for anything either. Cant imagtion any other life.
Enjoy your blog so very much.
Happy Birthday Bev! I hope you have a wonderful day.I love your blog, read it every morning, helps me get my day start.I love the picture with the cat on the pig.
See you on Monday!! ❤️
Wishing you a Happy Birthday today! BTW, I look forward to leaning about your salves and medicines from the earth. We certainly have that same interest! I have made an elixir out of wild lettuce, called opium lettuce. (a very common weed!) I also put lamb's quarters in my salads, I rub plantain on a bee sting, and have taken an interest in wild mushrooms!
I am sure that you know a lot more than I about various uses of wild plants and I can learn from you!
I am unfamiliar with the uses of Purple Dead Nettle. I recall pulling it out of the edge of my garden, and I think it has a bad dirt-like odor. Is that the same plant of which you are speaking?
Anyway, hoping for many continued healthy years, for you, Bev! Again, Happy birthday from an-almost 78 year old reader of your blog! ~Dee Hartman
Wishing you a Happy Birthday, Bev! Enjoy your special day to the max. Your blog is one I read faithfully so I'll be looking forward to Monday's news & beautiful pictures.