There is always a sort of glamour people place on country living. Peace, tranquillity, homemade treats, beautiful night skies, chickens clucking and cooing at each other. Farm living is an amazing, rewarding life but it's a hard one too. Before moving here from the city I knew there would be challenges. I'm not sure I knew how many things would need my attention. My friends still tell me I'm crazy. A woman with 2 kids making a go of running an organic farm, completely renovating a 175 year old farm house and now taking on a part time job managing a boat repair shop to help pay the bills. Goodness, I'm overwhelmed after reading that. This is how I'm able to make things work on my own. Sure not everything is perfect. I have a mile long list and it's all dealt with by their ever changing priority. I just keep moving and doing my best.
This winter which seems to have been condensed into a month has hit hard and the farm and me are feeling it's effects. I had a leak over the dining room due to an ice dam that formed on the roof. The snow melted above it and then pooled coming in under the shingles and into the house. It took me two attempts to fix it.
The first time I was able to lean out the window with a hatchet. Then when the drip reappeared a couple days later I had to expand my search area for the water. I ended up on a ladder swinging an axe. Ouch, pulled some muscles that day. Still mission accomplished! Always rejoice in your victories no matter how small. Yesterday found me chopping wood to refill the wood box and shovelling as much snow off the roof as possible before the Blizzard hit last night.
This morning I was shocked when I went to take care of the chickens with the amount of snow down. Already it was almost up to my knees! I'll nab the kids to come help me shovel the patio this afternoon.
5 minutes after coming down from the barn.
There are always a lot of items on my to do list. Most days my house is a mess. I'm happy just to get the dishes done and have the boys clean up their toys. Still it's all worth it. I'm sitting here by the fire with my cat purring next to me, listening to my boys laughing. The wonderful smell of baked bread is making my mouth water and enjoying the view of my farm which has so many possibilities. I have a smile on my face. We all have hard days, tomorrow is another chance to make things even better. Each of us has the ability to realise our dreams. Enjoy those sunsets!
