Time

Time.  That is what it is all about isn't it?  How we spend it.  Do we fill every hour to the gills or stop and savor them before they pass us by?  In today's world, every day seems to be an exercise in time management; how to be the most efficient, most effective, most well rounded.  Why is this?  To keep up with those around us?  To give into that fast speed by jumping into the flowing main stream? To make a name for oneself? 

Time.  Each moment is precious, yet sometimes we are so caught up in the pace of things that we forget to indulge in what is in front of us.  We all have the luxury of time if we live in each moment don't we?  Have you ever thought about how your actions may affect the space of those around you?  We should enjoy and respect the time we are given with each other, you never know when someone else's distracted moment may alter your time.

Time.  Mother nature, has it right.  The spring has been cool and wet, so planting is much delayed this year.  The time has been delayed, but she is not worried.  Over the weekend as the sun finally began to warm us we put these seeds in the ground.  In time, they will grow to sustain us.  Patience, and some TLC will see the garden through.  Shouldn't this philosophy be applied to how we all function in every day life? 

Have you ever been frustrated by someone who comes up behind you fast, tail gates for a period of time, then passes you in a hurry, only to be stopped just in front of you at a stop light?  Then they begin their frantic commute process again.  How much time do they ultimately save?  One minute?  Two?  Was the intensity worth it?  And, how did you as the recipient let it effect you?  Emotions can be contagious.  Did you get caught up in that other persons moment, or did you just let it go?  Now, can this be applied to how we conduct ourselves in the rest of life?  Work, kids, activities, social commitments.  Moving to the farm was in part a way to slow down that pace that runs at break neck speed beyond the cocoon of the homestead every day.  The best of both worlds, all reliant on how we spend our time.

Have you thought about how you spend your time?

**I am headed to Mexico with some girlfriends later this week.  I am looking forward to the time :)

Habitats of the Homestead

This week has finally brought some warmer temperatures, and the homestead has begun to come alive.  All of its inhabitants are turning their faces toward the clear skies and sunshine, and soaking it all in.  The most telling sign of spring is the grass is finally green and growing like crazy.  The habitats of the homestead are coming alive, waking up from their winter drudgery.

The baby bunnies do not look so small anymore at over half the size of mom already.  They made their transition to the outside hutch easily and are enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors.  It has been such fun to watch them grow.  The time is soon approaching where three of the little ones will have to make their way to new homes.  I think there is a ribbon winner or two among this bunch!

The bees are emerging from the hives and testing their wings after a long winter.  We began to supplementally feed them, and though our own property has only a few flowers beginning to open, B spied a few flying home this morning with their legs coated in pollen!  We can easily spend lots of time watching these busy bees, they have such an amazing social structure, each one having an important task vital to the household.

The chickens spent some time scratching and dusting yesterday evening.  They have been cooped up (love figuring out where phrases come from!) since January when the outer enclosure roof collapsed during a heavy snow.  We had intended to repair it, but that is on hold until B's hand is healed.  So in lieu of unlimited access outside like they would normally have, we are letting them out for the last few hours of the day.  Then when they head into roost we close them in.  Despite having a large number of trees, the areas immediately around the house and barn are very open, and the chickens been subject to predatory birds in the past, so completely free access just does not work for them. 

The kale, spinach and lettuces that overwintered in the cold frame are robust and have been adorning our table all week.  We can hardly seem to make a dent in them.  I foresee a salad with every meal this week! 

With an almost non-existent spring until now, I leave you with our little hint that summer is right around the corner.  The lilacs are enjoying themselves and preparing for their own show...soon to come.  Happy Weekend!

Blogoversary

It is hard to believe that four years ago, in an attempt to better organize our growing homestead, and keep our families up to date on daily life I began to write this blog.  The first post was balance.  Fitting, now a handful of years and a seeming lifetime later it remains a goal.  My kids have gone from babies to tweens and pre-teens.  

I have met many amazing people on this journey, who have shared in my life through writing, photography, even daily thoughts or mentions through social media.  I thank each and every one of you who take a moment out of your day to catch a glimpse of mine.   It means so much.

As part of my morning, I spent some time looking back on posts of the last four years.  This is a handful of my favorites or most momentous occasions.  It does good to look back and see how much we have learned, how far we have come, and give some perspective about what is important in this great journey of ours.

Happy writing!

our story

a split second in slow motion 6/3/2009

my budding activist 8/3/2009

what would grandma do? 10/4/2009

reverb10 wonder 12/4/2010

reverb 10 party  12/9/2010

a difficult decision 2/16/2011

don't count your chickens 3/14/2011

a guest post from b  8/8/2011

raspberry tip 10/2/2011

legacy in life, in art 10/11/2011

newspaper seed pots- video tutorial 4/17/2012

first farm bags of 2012 6/17/2012

operation swarm containment 7/1/2012

a glimpse 7/12/2012

harvest is 7/23/2012

harvesting honey- part one 9/17/2012

deguster 9/20/2012

paths and bridges 9/24/2012

new eating schedule 9/26/2012

then and now 12/19/2012

#scintilla13 - chance meeting 3/18/2013

back to the garden

taste of taw

Silent Sunday ~ Bloom

12 Years Old

It is so hard to believe that my little bird is twelve years old today!  This year she has continued to build on what she loves at her core, she has tried new things, started a new school, and is very comfortable in her own skin.  I am not certain where the time has gone, but I am sure that she is turning into an amazing person and I am so proud.  Happy Birthday Sid!

Thinking Spring

A beautiful sunny yet cool day fed my soul.  You know that we have had an exceptionally grey winter and spring when you hear this from your son as you head out to school in the morning: "mom, why's it so bright...it's hurting my eyes!"  to which I respond, "Yes, honey...that's the sun!" 

With another 3 plus inches of rain on its way, I was determined to spend a few fleeting minutes outside doing a mini spring clean up.  My arms and back ache, but I feel clear.  Tonight, we will settle to a meal centering on our beautiful micro-greens.  We moved a flat from our basement greenhouse upstairs into the window for grazing on the rest of the week.  Today I tilt my chin toward the sun, soak in vitamin D and think Spring.

Silent Sunday ~ Spring In Wisconsin

Raindrops on Roses

The Root River was above flood stage this morning, and I set out before work to take a few shots of the magnificent power of water. This week has been non stop rain, pulling us solidly out of our drought conditions and I can almost hear the trees sigh with relief as they are sated. What better time to reflect on a few Friday Favorite things...

:: the music of relief to our ears every time we here the sump pump kick on..poor thing has been going non stop for days now!

:: these amazing blankets that my SIL Christy turned me on to when I was in New Jersey. I was lucky enough to get them as an end of season sale..and with nursing injuries and the cold damp weather, they are like snuggling up in soft clouds. And a bonus they left virtually no lint after I washed and dried them!

:: I just cannot stop thinking about this magical artwork..I will have one, someday.

:: This video so made me laugh, if you're a Doctor Who fan, you will love it too!

Wishing you a happy and dry weekend!

Natures Gifts

Last night it was warm enough out for the kids to jump 'til dark on the trampoline, and for us to be comfortable walking the property in light jackets. We were able to check the beds that B had filled with dark compost last fall, to see that they were frost free, and ever so slowly warming. It is time. Cooler weather seeds can now go into the ground; peas, chard, kohlrabi, beets, carrots and more greens. We had some rain overnight which helped to minimize the final patches of lingering snow, and further prepare the beds to envelop their little seed gifts.

B's limitations as he recovers will impact how we approach the garden this year. But maybe we will take lessons instead of frustration from it. It will further teach us to better secession plant, be sure that we utilize every inch of space we have, and maybe let a few beds rest. For those who haven't heard from Facebook, or other outlets, B was hit by a USPS truck last week while training on his bike. I am certain that one of those guardian angels that I so believe in, that I made gifts of for both my nieces and sister-in-law last weekend for their baptisms, was sitting square on B's shoulder.

This years garden will not only be a symbol of our sustainable life, but life in general. It will also be a healing garden, yet another of natures gifts.