I find it hard to believe that it has been an entire year since we literally ‘bought the farm’. We’ve made it through many milestones and life changes. We’ve learned a few lessons on the realities of farm ownership and have adjusted our goals accordingly. Quite possibly the hardest lesson was accepting the reality that it will take years to do all of the things on our list. Things don’t happen immediately, they take lots of time, money and work!
I know both my husband and I are grateful for the blessings this experience has given us. Like most, we have had our struggles but it doesn’t lessen the gratitude we have for this oasis we call home. When things get tough or frustrating we just have to remind ourselves of everything we’ve accomplished up to this point.
We went from a household on a fraction of an acre to a household with 25 acres. Our lives consisted of 3 adults, 2 dogs and a cat. Now, we still have 3 adults, 2 dogs and a cat to which we’ve added 6 ducks and 24 chickens. We went from 3 rows of garden boxes to 2 large gardens and numerous plants & trees ready to bare fruit. We are working towards putting meat in our freezer, lots of canned goods in our pantry and it has been nearly 8 months since I’ve purchased eggs from a store.
In the past year we have made new friends, met many of our neighbors and have found a church. We’ve witnessed bald eagle, moose, deer, coyote, feral cat, owl, pheasant and turkey sightings. We’ve dealt with mice too numerous to count, rabbits, wild geese and destructive ground squirrels. I myself have hatched chicks, butchered ducks and learned how much I enjoy the company of chickens.
My husband has learned the value of useful equipment every farm must have. From riding lawn mowers to tractors with snow blower attachments; he’s in big-boy toy heaven. Most of all, he enjoys days like today…it happens to be Friday. A day when he turns into the driveway knowing the weekend is ahead of him and can enjoy the fruits of his weeklong labor.
For me, days like today are the best. The weather is beautiful. All of the animals are resting from an active morning of foraging and following me around the yard. Overall, I feel accomplished. It is not only about today but also the 364 days of work leading up to today. #lifeon25acres
Dirt On My Plate 