I found these beauties doing my chores the other day. Of course, I had to pick them. For some reason, the winter has felt exceptionally long this year. Maybe it was the ice storm, or the two broken bones in my right arm from falling on said ice, maybe it was simply anticipation for the upcoming summer with one year old animals and bringing on new ones. Whatever the reason we are ready for spring, aren’t you? So when I saw this pop of yellow amongst still brown grass, I had to bring this happiness inside.
There is something wonderful happening here that signals the arrival of Spring.
A few weeks ago, I spotted six geese wandering around, their joyful honks gently filling the crisp air as they waddled across the green grass. I eagerly began my search for my precious girl. Although I initially felt disheartened and shed a few tears when I couldn’t find her, I held onto hope, imagining her safe and sound. Walking around our property, past the vibrant daffodils and around the sparkling pond, I remained optimistic. At first, I thought she might have been lured away by some curious stray dogs we had seen, and a twinge of loss filled me. Yet, I entertained the thought that she could be brooding and cozying up somewhere hidden. While I searched along the pond’s edge, I didn’t realize she was cleverly camouflaged in the brush, preparing to go broody! Unfortunately, that mischievous little fellow in the picture below has been causing some trouble, and she has momentarily left her nest. She’s still laying a few eggs here and there, but I believe he startled her, preventing her from sitting for now. This is her first year, and we remain hopeful that she will welcome some adorable goslings next year!
There’s a remarkable presence of spring all around us. Our seedlings are vigorously sprouting in the greenhouse, reaching confidently for the light, while our fruit trees are poised to emerge, stretching their limbs and signaling the powerful transition from winter’s cold grasp to the sun’s warm embrace.
How are you protecting those fresh buds in this chilly blast? I’ve encountered several effective strategies, from letting nature run its course and allowing resilient plants to adapt, to carefully disbudding new growth to minimize damage. Others recommend covering the roots with a thick layer of mulch to insulate them, creating a robust barrier against the cold.
As the days lengthen and warmth envelops us, it’s imperative to find the right balance in caring for these budding beauties, ensuring they thrive amidst the changing conditions.
Finally, there’s a few more exciting updates that I have been chomping at the bit to tell you guys about……
We have added some new friends to the mix, and let me tell you, it’s like our very own reality show! Ms. Piggy now has her Kermit, bringing a delightful dynamic to their interactions; their playful antics often provide entertainment and joy for all of us, will make you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a petting zoo or comedy club. Mutt and Geoff also have girlfriends now; Allison (Ally) and Elsie have quickly become integral members of our little menagerie, injecting even more fun and laughter into our daily lives—like a sitcom that never gets canceled. Ally is 2 and is the self-proclaimed queen of friendliness, sweet as pie, and a master at sneaking into the front of the snack line whenever animal crackers are involved. Elsie, just over 1, is the shy one who’d rather play peek-a-boo behind Ally than deal with the pressure of being petted, but every day she takes tiny steps out of her shell, slowly shedding her role as the backup dancer. Together, they’ve charmed Mutt and Geoff, sharing those adorable moments that make me grin like a fool, and the boys have welcomed them into the family. Meanwhile, we’re also adding chickens and turkeys to our farm—told you we have big dreams! I was initially reluctant to get chickens because let’s face it, who wants to deal with a feathered bird brain with a death wish? But BJ was adamant that he wanted them to enhance our farm experience, envisioning a lively atmosphere filled with clucks and flutters that would make even a circus jealous. After some soul-searching, I decided to roll with his enthusiasm, and now we proudly have 24 adorable baby chicks and 2 very lively turkeys, who are already exploring their new domain, pecking at the ground like they own the place and flapping their wings like they’re auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars,” all while pumping up the laughter and joy in our home each and every day.
Meet the crew!
