The Fall came and gave way to a beautiful mild winter with many projects to keep us occupied. On the homestead, 48 chicks kept the little ones busy with early morning feeding and evening round-ups. The cows continued to pack on the pounds, while continuing to be very sweet. God-willing we’ll have a calf in the Spring. Nathaniel is officially in the sheep business, selling an Icelandic ewe and ram. He is also getting good at using his Shepherd’s staff. The rabbits are nearly as prolific as is customarily believed. Watching baby rabbits slide down to their nest makes all of us smile.

Learning by trial and error seems to have an abnormally uneven ratio of error. We’ve learned that hawks eat one chicken/day, barber pole worms quickly destroy your herds if left untreated, round bales of hay are deceptively heavy, and muddy roads are not to be trusted. Remedies included a 25x60 surplus safety net, twice daily shots of vitamin B/iron to all our goats and sheep, a lawn mower, and trust that despite the sleet and snow you can successfully unload 1800lbs of hay without heavy equipment. On the homefront a new book and new journal rounded out a challenging yet joy-filled 2020.

Christmas Merry Making

We continued the tradition of making each other gifts (a few intense days in St. Joseph’s workshop) and the kids’ abilities are certainly upping the quality. Knife throwing targets & salmon ladder for the older boys. Animal coasters, chess sets, craft kits and looms for the littles. The season was filled with prayerful expectation, most of all for the return home of our oldest. Annie’s few weeks at home were an absolute joy, with Jacinta faithfully saving space for her till she returns this Summer. Overall this Christmas season was peaceful and calm filled with the joy that always accompanies the mystery of Christ’s birth.

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