OK….it’s
been a while. I admit it. And yes, we have been guilty of swimming in the sea
of no farmers’ markets; in the ocean of less chores and the coziness of
preparing for the winter slumber. In other words…… we’ve been engaging in active
procrastination while sipping the sweet nectar of rest. So here we are…. the
inevitable has approached and back at it we go.
STREEEEEEETCH. yawn.
So what’s been goin’ on you ask? …it
can’t be all recliners and rose hip tea…
Well the most exciting accomplishment
for the farm over the past couple of months has been the completion of the inside of the barn
~ Farmer Luke has been waiting since this time last year for the barn to be
accessible to the animals….. I’m happy to say patience has paid off and now he
has an amazing space, designed by him and brand spanking new! It’s a pretty
huge milestone on this crazy journey that was thrown into our laps. This will
be our first winter with the animals housed on our property ~ new routines will
be harvested and preserved as we embark on the challenges ahead.
On my front….. in the world of
the ever evolving Granola Girl….. I have to say the pace has certainly changed.
I have only a few anticipated trips early next year and other than that my calendar
remains manageable allowing me time to focus on MY contribution to this crazy
adventure. I’m embracing the change, loving the consistency, and enjoying the
moment. OK. Truth be told…. it’s all harvesting and preserving at this time of
year. I’ve spent most of my ‘new found’ time picking, sorting, washing,
cutting, blanching, drying, packing, canning or freezing….. anything I can get
my hands on!! So ya, it’s a ‘different’ kinda pace now but I’m happily donning
the role and enjoying the spoils of my effort.
There are still challenges ahead…..but
it isn’t that bad
Our immediate challenge is water.
Clearly an extremely important factor to raising animals…..you just can’t
compromise with water. So……although we had high hopes of installing the new
well and solar water pump this season it simply did not happen. There are only
so many kites you can fly in the summer without one or two falling to the
wayside. So what does this mean? It means we…..um…. I mean….Farmer Luke will be
shuttling water between our house and the barn all winter long. YUP…It’s just
an endless moment of ‘looking forward to’ in our world!!! Sigh. So is life.
So yes, water is a challenge.
Food and shelter we’ve got sussed so no worries on that front. Generally
speaking we are in pretty good condition heading into winter. The laying
hens just came home so we can control the light and egg production
and keep them toasty and warm throughout the winter. Forrest Rea has become
super protective of her eggs and insists on collecting them each day ~ besides
the obvious ‘free labour’ (….did I say that out loud?....) it’s also a whole
lotta adorable! The other animals (insert cows, sheep & llamas) will spend their
first winter in the barn together... but have no fear… Farmer Luke has collected lots of good
quality hay this summer and it’s stacked and waiting! Bring it.
Finally….the girls are rotating!
YES!! I have to say, I really had
no concept of Farmer Luke’s vision when he began down the road of turning the
land into a farm. I honestly just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I have watched
as he carefully and methodically took every step in order to get to this point.
He has met with and consulted with so many diverse people on so many different
levels ~ from Municipal and Planning Officers to Conservation Authorities and
MNR….from Engineers to Contractors and equipment operators….from other farmers
to assessment officers ~ it’s really quite amazing how complex it has been. And
if I may…..I need to take a moment to….
WHOOP WHOOP OH YA, WAY TO GO
FARMER LUKE~~~HANDS IN THE AIR, HANDS IN THE AIR!!!
All this to say….yes, he has
managed to bring his dream alive! The cows are home….happy…..and hanging out.
Despite only having one permanent (i.e. completed) fenced in paddock….Farmer
Luke has managed to use temporary solar electric fencing (produced by Gallagher…not
surprisingly a New Zealand manufacturer) to rotationally graze three fields so
far. It’s AH-MAZE-ING to see this unfold. This time last year…….NONE OF THIS WAS POSSIBLE!!! How craze-balls
is that?
So Okay....WE'RE BACK in the world of the living....see you all at the Christmas Markets in Kemptville and Brockville next month....no rest for the wicked they say....or maybe just a little......
Yay! So happy for you guys! (And so NOT happy you posted the creepy baby picture - yes I remember that!)
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