October teaches me ...again.

It's approaching three thirty a.m. and the backyard is illuminated by a nearly full moon hanging low and squat in the western night sky. I am waiting for the dog who has awakened me so that she can go out and relieve herself. This is happening with increasing frequency as her age and the effects of a newly diagnosed kidney disease make themselves more known.  Turning as I shut the door, a wisp of a memory brushes up against me-it is Maisie snug in bed between her mother and I. A pang of ...of what?  I'm not really sure what to call it.  Am I envious of my young daughter for whom the weight of the world does not yet labor her slumber?  Am I sensing the icy grasp of a grief long forgotten? The loss of my own worldly innocence,  a time when, I too, was nested in the loving embrace of those I held most dear to me in my little realm? It is said the veil between "here" and "there" is thinner this time of year...perhaps it is one of my ancestors paying a visit; reminding me to mind what I have and to let go that which I don't.

Perhaps this is the secret of staying (en)lightened- wings and a tutu?

Savor joy!

Birds Afield

The chickens have been having an evening stroll of late...moving toward more free range.

Bertha, Jane, and Hazel (Sadie hasn't ventured out yet)

Then I saw this bird out in the "pumpkin patch" at Wolfe's Neck Farm today.

Joy and the Art of Chicken Coop Maintenance

There is an architect in Blue Hill, Maine who has a series of books about little houses.  I have always been fascinated by them.  Today while I was "winterizing" the hen house, I was thinking about the joy I get from this.  I have  been thinking a great deal about enjoyment and which activities generate and perpetuate it lately.  I met with a career consultant last week-did not go well as I couldn't justify $6000+ to meet with a man who argued with me about my spiritual beliefs and never really asked me what I had been doing or thought I enjoyed.  I also recently heard a second talk on TED by Sir Ken Robinson about finding your passion.  Any way, I am trying to remain open to the process  and think outside the box or apparently inside the coop! Any and all insights and suggestions are welcomed.

Farming Fashion

These shoulder days between seasons are complicated when it comes to dressing. Too many layers?  Not enough layers? Rain gear? Sunny day clothes?  Work hard enough you still sweat like crazy, so then you need the right wicking /barrier combination.  ARGH!  What's a farm girl to do?  (Apparently, my approach is "don't give a damn". )  Don't hate cause I'm beautiful.

The Fruits of Their Labors

The girls eggs have been laying four eggs pretty consistently and the eggs are getting bigger. They are also eating a lot more...scraps and pellets.  We are feeding them an all organic diet and I put a little vinegar in their water a couple times a week to help as a digestive.  They especially relish the greens from the carrots and bean vines.  They like a juicy ripe tomatoe as well.  They also get lettuce, kale, apples...really anything but onions or garlic (the eggs would pick up the flavor-wouldn't be bad if you were making a quiche I suppose).