Two story hen houses and things that go bump in the night are normal topics of conversation around our dinner table, but that’s not until after we have spent the day working. I just wanted to give you a quick update on what we are doing, have done and will do:
We are continuing to acquire implements for farming as planned. We have a disc, spring tine rake, mower, one bottom “sod buster” plow, spring tine digger (I’ve heard this called by many names), and my own invention to install wire and pipe underground. (It won’t reach below the frost line, as that’s about 8’ deep.) We continue to upgrade the property, and that keeps us going day after day. With winter just around the corner, we have much preparation to do! We dug 18 holes that are 12” diameter the other day and mixed 3200# of concrete mix for adding on a porch, mud room, equipment shelter, greenhouse and a new outhouse hole. We built a shelter on top of the chicken run for the guineas to perch in at night, and keep them safe from the “things that go bump in the night”. The bobcat has become one of my best friends, as we change the grade in the front of the house to obtain positive drainage away from the house, rather than pooling it against the foundation.
We started fence line repairs and determined it’s a lot of work. Just clearing the old fence line is a ton of work, years of neglect have caught up to the property and fallen onto my shoulders. I’m not convinced we will achieve completion of fence repairs in the time frame I was hoping for. This will delay our plans considerably, but we will push on.
The house still needs to be trimmed out. We have the trim and just need the time to paint it. This has been assigned to “winter projects” now. Jess maintains a healthy list of projects, and I am sure we will not lack anything this winter to keep us busy. Also on the winter list is the great car repair parade… brakes, 02 sensors, u-joints, electric wiring repairs and so much more! About a month ago, I bought a tire changing contraption that has already been put to good use. Out here, a man needs to be self sufficient. It’s a long drive to town for a valve stem replacement.
But, don’t get me wrong, it’s not all work and no play! We started this thing we call “Family Fun Day.” Each of us gets a turn choosing an outing like a hike, visiting a local (or not so local) historic site or just going to town for an event. Keeping a balanced diet of work and play is healthy. Jess helps me remember it can’t be all work all the time.
There is so much to tell, so much going on every day. I don’t want this to be all about “us”. Maybe you can tell us about how things are going for you? Drop us an email or a comment and tell us how we can pray for you, or just a note to say hello. Maybe go old school and write a letter? We would love to hear from you.
Anyway, we are blessed beyond measure and hope to see you all again soon. Btw, my big, smelly German Shepherd loves to share with us all the great stuff he finds to roll in! Yes, you guessed it, dogs can be gross!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.