Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, it’s breeding season here for Eastern Box Turtles, and the poor creatures often try to cross busy roads to get to their destinations…and you can guess how that plays out. We had another opportunity today to help a small turtle get across the road safely, and – with luck – we were successful.
Continue reading “Haiku: Tenacious Traveler”
When you start the morning chores and the sky looks this angry, you know you’re racing the clock. You think to yourself “just a few more minutes…”, but you know you’re not in control – nature is. After about 15 minutes, our luck ran out and the heavens opened up on us. We were both soaked. But that’s how it goes when you farm and there are animals to be attended to; sometimes, you get lucky and the rain holds off, and sometimes it doesn’t. And the chores still must be done.
It’s been a banner year for the elderflowers (sadly, the same can’t be said for some other flowers and plants, like the day lilies that fizzled out early, probably due to the dry conditions), and visions of a bumper crop of elderberries – and elderberry syrup and wine – dance in my head. If those visions become reality, I have pollinators like this tiny bee to thank. And I wholeheartedly do thank them!
It’s the time of year when Eastern Box Turtles move to their nesting grounds; often, it means crossing busy roads, which is frequently deadly for them. We try to help where we can, which means keeping an eye out for these beautiful, but slow, creatures.
Continue reading “Haiku: A Safe Crossing”
In a reversed world, these diminutive flowers could be stars in a firmament. Today, though, they’re tears. Despite how it may look, this scene is about transformation: the fragrant fading flowers will become vibrant berries – capable of becoming new plants and nourishing animals. And I will eagerly await the change. Be well.
I’m always happy to see our pollinator friends, but am particularly grateful now for the perspective they provide. When I’m mired in the seemingly inescapable “deep thoughts”, these hard-working creatures remind me that it’s important to focus on both the philosophical and the quotidian. Be well.