My way of Life

I am so proud to say we are finally finished with our back pasture. We have worked our behinds off to get their new pasture finished. They absolutely love it. They have tons of space, places to hide, and new adventures awaiting them all. This was by far one of the biggest areas we have fenced in all at one time.

My motley crew of a mismatch herd has embraced and welcomed the change. In the very back of the pasture is a wooded area. It isn’t very big. Its just big enough to provide some shade and a little bit of entertainment for the gang. They have now been in their new pasture about a week. Everything was seemingly going so well. That is until….

I noticed Leo‘s breathing labored. I looked in those big brown gentle eyes and saw that he was miserable. I reached out to a good friend and my vet. Both suggested he be stalled during the day and turned out at night. Leo will stall and do fine. But oh he absolutely hates it. Leo and Hogan love the freedom of being in his pasture and running and playing, and hanging with their crew. We are now revamping our barn to prepare for the upcoming heat wave. Our stalls will be 18x16 complete with fans and misters to keep both my big guys cool when the day reaches its hottest point.

Now just for the record, Hogan is completely fine. He shows no signs of distress. I am however going to keep them both stalled up for their own protection and well being. I do worry it could be something more. I feel like having the vet out just to check things out would be a wise idea. I feel like I jinx myself every time. I just told Jimmy that I wanted us to take a break from all of the work and the day to day farm chore list to just be with our family and kids. We did take a day or so, and per usual its back to the grind.

I feel so lucky to have him in my corner. I told him straight up what was happening. He came in from a very long day at work and went straight to work on the barn. I don‘t stall my guys often. They have been stalled before and done fine. I just prefer to leave them out on pasture. They are happier that way. I also found myself apologizing for all that I have put on my husband. In my mind I know with everything going on around us this is only adding to our costs. Thankfully, most supplies we have and the cost should be minimal. I still feel guilty. He told me these guys weren’t a want. They were a need. He said I needed them to be able to deal daily with my PTSD. He reassured me that we would manage regardless and I believe him.

Next week’s heat wave will bring even more heat. I am hopeful that with some hard work and a lot of determination we should have them ready to go before it hits. I don’t know who I am kidding though. I live in Georgia. Once you swing past the beginning of May, God reminds you daily of why hell is not the place you want to be. Fingers crossed and the creek don’t rise, this all goes smoothly and the boys transition to the new normal easily enough. I have to say though. I am cautiously optimistic. I want to be hopeful. I do however have my doubts.

Now Rip and the goats seem to be embracing the new situation quite well. They love their shady hideout in the woods and all of the treats and treasures it holds. They enjoy forging new paths, and exploring their new area. As Rip gets older and matures, I can’t help but smile. He is embracing his role as guardian. He really loves his little buddies the goats. Rip is so patient and kind with them. As he lays down for a rest in the tall grass, I catch him allowing them to climb all over him. Piper drapes across his back and rests her back and legs from the extra strain on her body from being without her front leg. I love how Rip is extra careful with her. He is always extra watchful over his little friend. He loves them both. Rip does however give Piper just a little bit of extra attention. Pickles doesn’t seem to mind. He has trouble on his mind and adventure in his bones. This little guy is my one little booger that I must keep an eye on. Pickles loves the art of escaping. He never ventures far, and just loves his kids. Pickles loves to play with the kids. He wants to be where ever they are. Pickles definitely is an attention hog and loves all of the scratches, and treats, and love he gets from his human counterparts. Life seems to be going extremely well for the smaller members of my farm.

Today, we had some of our family come to visit the farm. What an amazing evening we have had visiting, catching up, and watching our kids bond and play. My heart is so full watching them create stories that they all will carry throughout their lives. I pray this life we live, and the adventures that seem to unfold daily leave memories and stories that will last a life time.

I wish for my kids, nieces, nephews, and cousins have endless stories about times they visited the farm.I hope when they all look back they see this place with a fondness of the love shared, the memories made, and fun that was had.

This farm that I have created is constantly growing and changing. It is expanding and morphing every single day. This place that I have turned into my place of peace is more than just a farm. Its not the land that makes the farm. It’s the people who work it. It’s the animals

who touch your lives. It’s the memories made and the lessons learned. The land it is a big part, however this farm is more than just the land we are sitting on. It is a way of life. It is getting up and not quitting even when you want to. Its showing determination and grit, and not giving up or giving in despite the fact you know you may not have it all under control. For me, its therapy and much needed relief for my PTSD.

I love this way of life and the land we live on. I appreciate the blessing this life gives to me and my family. For my family, my husband said it so well,”This is absolutely necessary. The animals, the work, this farm in its entirety is a must.“ For us its vital. I am so blessed to be able share this place, and my animals with others around me. Being here, you find peace, distraction, perspective shifts, and appreciation. This farm is life goes on and it is absolutely okay. It is finding a strength you didn’t know you had and pushing on. It is not always easy. The rewards outweigh the bad every-time. Leo will be okay. This storm will pass. My kids will make memories, and learn lessons, and life will trudge on. This farm it isn‘t just the land. It is a big part of who I am.