I've been mulling over an idea for a while, and yesterday morning it became clear what I wanted to do as I read a post on Des Kennedy's book at Kiirstin's blog.
I would like to document in a more serious way the life at Windy Poplars Farm. As you know, we aren't a working farm. The animals who live here, live here until they die. The only product we sell are eggs. And the money just about pays for the chicken feed, at least some months. Our animals are here because we love having them, and because their grazing stops this place from turning into woods. Our donkey, six sheep, and two goats keep us in green pastures. They also give great peace and contentment to Tom when he gets home from a busy day of teaching. And then there are the gardens, both flower and vegetable. I post a lot of pictures, mostly in the summer. I take an occasional Sunday Stroll. But I want to pay more attention. I want to notice the way things change and the way they stay the same. I'd like to think I'll do this every year, but I'll begin with one year and see how it goes. I'm going to start on the first day of spring, which begins in my time zone on March 20 at 1:32 pm. Because that is a Saturday, I hope to write my Farm and Garden Weekly each Saturday thereafter.
Hooray! I'm really looking forward to reading this series.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind enthusiasm! It means so much to me, Sprite!
ReplyDeleteYou have a DONKEY? I would love to see pictures of him through the year. All the animals in fact. The sheep photo is delightful by the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Nan: This is a wonderful idea. I too look forward to joining you on what will be a journey of discovery.
ReplyDeleteThis is good news. It gives us another reason to look forward to Spring. Good Luck. Kay Guest
ReplyDeleteP.S. I made your Honey Muffins and Bean Potato Tacos and they were both delicious. Thanks.
I do so agree that it is important to catalogue the seasons; you notice change that way. I have written a garden/wild-life diary regularly since 2000, though I don't keep it up properly now that I blog. So it will be lovely to read yours, but do copy your postings into a scrapbook so you have a permanent record.
ReplyDeleteOh goody!! This is a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteYou should have seen me smile when I saw the sheep!
This is a wonderful idea and I look forward to reading along:)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds very nice Nan..We'll look forward to it.
ReplyDeletelove the photo of the sheep and is the flower mallow? I'm not sure and curious :o)
I'm excited for this!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea too. I'm currently reading a Wendell Berry book and so I'm in the mood for reading all sorts of farm news and information. I'll come and read what you write as often as possible.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Nan! It will be nice to see the seasons change with you on the farm.
ReplyDeleteI will look forward to your weekly Farm and Garden report. I think it will be such fun following your year. That sheep face is so sweet. I have always wanted to paint a donkey portrait. Maybe you will post a sweet face and I could paint it. I have always wanted chickens too. I didn't realize that you had chickens. I will look forward to hearing about the ladies.
ReplyDeleteI think that will be lovely and I will enjoy it very much. The sheep looks sweet. Are sheep sweet? I've never been around them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I can't wait to get acquainted with the rest of your "family" and to see the beautiful things you'll grow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Linda in Chapel Hill
Nan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Your blog is always so interesting and so full of ideas, this one being another brilliant one...with dear Kiirstin's help (Yeah Kiirstin!)
Love the sheep and floral photos!
Thanks for sharing!
Joanne
Bahhhhhhhh....Great photos
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited. I will be looking forward to this feature Nan.
I'd love to read this type of post from you Nan! First of spring seems like the perfect time to begin! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome...can't wait to read this!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds great. I am looking forward to it, especially since I am metropolitan area-bound. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I too look forward to this Nan.
ReplyDeleteWe are heading into autumn after a very hot humid summer.
Patricia
I think that is a marvelous idea Nan!! I can't wait to hear all about what is going on at your farm. I love your animal pictures. I don't know if you remember what John, the girls and I used to raise Romney sheep and the picture of your sheep bring back alot of memories! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh Nan,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your weekly farm report.
You have such a inviting away with words -- I suspect your post will feel like a weekly invitation to tea at Nan's.
Janell
Julie, Daisy has been on the blog a few times - before we 'met.'
ReplyDeleteThere's a great shot here:
http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2008/08/sunday-strollaugust-24.html
and here is a post about the death of our other donkey a couple years ago.
http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2007/12/our-gentle-donkey.html
Kay, thank you for such nice words, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed the recipes!
Donna, thanks. There is always something happening when you have animals. I've already written part of my Saturday posting about this Monday morning's adventure!
Wild Somerset Child, Tom keeps a weather journal and notes wildlife, birds, etc. He backs up my blog, so I'm hoping it will stay around. :<)
Pamela, I love thinking of it!
Book Psmith, thank you!
Val, yes it is - tree mallow. I lost a lot of it, but there's still some growing by the kitchen door. It's a zone 4 plant and we are zone 3 and even 2 some places but by that east facing door it seems ok.
Erin, thanks!
Margot, I MUST read Wendell Berry. Where should I begin?
Bookish NY, thanks. I've written off and on during the past three years, but nothing orderly so I'm hoping this idea works out.
Lisa, the girls have made the blog occasionally. Their big moment was here:
http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2007/05/farm-lifepullets-er-prize.html
We've had chickens since 1990, I think. We get them every few years as the older ones die. But these Dominiques are tough, and long-laying dears.
Kay, thank you! and yes, they are sweet. They can be skittish, and the rams can be a little feisty even after neutering, but yes, their nature is sweet. I love them.
Linda, thank you! There's always something going on around here. :<)
Joanne, I'll be over to visit your new blog! If anyone is reading these comments, please go meet Joanne!!
Diane, I laughed when I read your comment!
Aisling, It just worked out this way, but it sure is perfect, I think. As I wrote to someone above, I've already noted a Monday morning adventure. :<)
Staci, I appreciate your enthusiasm, as always.
Linda, that's one of the things I love about reading blogs - I get to see many different views.
Patricia, so good to hear from you! You ought to start a blog!
Sherri, yes I do remember. Ours are part Romney - a nice breed.
Oh my goodness, Janell, what a nice thing to say! I'm very touched!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteI love donkeys by the way.
Thank you, Cait. I love them, too.
ReplyDeleteoh nan i am very excited about this for you and all of your readers' as well. I am really jealous of you having chickens and i can't wait to live vicariously through your posts!
ReplyDeletemaybe these will help:
http://www.poorwillsalmanack.com/02WeeklyAlmanack.html
or
http://www.livinginseason.com/category/waverly-blog/
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I can't wait to read more of your Farm & Garden Weekly!! Who knows. There may be a book in all of this. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Nan, I'm really looking forward to this series. I'm glad I could point you to the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWow, splendid, thanks for those great sites! I've never seen either one of them. The chickens are really wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLes, thanks for your enthusiasm!
Kiirstin, thank you!
Looking so forward to your weekly updates!
ReplyDeletehave you ever read the picture books about Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen? A family favorite here (how we longed for a farm after reading these!)...http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Our-Animal-Friends-At-Maple-Hill-Farm/Alice-Provensen/e/9780689844997
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alison!
ReplyDeleteSusan, YES! I love those books. Our copies of The Year at Maple Hill Farm, and Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm are well-loved and well-read. I'm so happy you mentioned them. If anyone is reading these comments, please go pick up these books! They are wonderful picture books for kids and adults.
This sounds like a nice series. Living on a ranch, I have kept nature journals and often refer back to them.
ReplyDeleteJody
Jody, I've never been a diary/journal person but the fun of the blog is being able to put links and photos, etc. I expect some weeks will be short and others long depending on what there is to say!
ReplyDelete