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.
I was outside recently and an odd iridescence on the concrete of the patio caught my eye. Investigating it further, I discovered that it was a slug trail – something arguably quotidian, yet striking. Sadly, the photo doesn’t quite capture the trail’s true brilliance in the sunlight, but I saw it. And marveled.
The weather has been strange lately: it went from very cold and snowy to unseasonably warm (mid-70’s!) with severe winds and thunderstorms in the span of a few days. Around here, you just roll with it. Once it begins to warm – even for a brief spell – the plants awaken and the landscape greens rapidly.
We’re lucky to have many wild bird visitors here, including cardinals, blue jays, finches, doves, indigo buntings, kestrels, and hummingbirds. Last summer, barn swallows built a nest in the barn’s rafters and hatched babies.
The bitter cold is dangerous for animals, including wild ones. One morning, a small goldfinch hopped into the garage, seemingly seeking refuge from the frigid temperatures (it’s been in the negative double digits with wind chill).
You know it’s cold when it’s 4 degrees out – and feels like 3. After a beautiful full moon (a Super Blood Wolf Moon) last night, we’re also being treated to a vibrant sunrise.
There’s an interesting formation of ice crystals on a window…see it from slightly different angles and phases of sunrise:
I just don’t tire of the beauty of ice crystals. It may be bitterly cold out, but Nature always has a show ready!