Oops!

A lesson was learned this week, at least as far as managing a small homestead is concerned. It was a tough week, and we were a bit short on time, energy, and hands. We lost a beloved member of our family. Unfortunately, that meant only the things we deemed critical (like feeding the animals and kids) were accomplished. Watering the greenhouse was accidentally forgotten. Fortunately, it is humid and mild, and we will most likely be able to cut back the greens in an attempt to rescue our winter salads. I guess there is more to fret about on the farm than just kids and critters when you're short-handed. But, all is not lost... not everyone would agree with that assessment. It seems the girls are QUITE happy with our error!

Just add water

Got to love rural California in January- the weather is cool and damp, and the farm is green. Perfect for our goats and the girls (chickens), they have all kinds of wonderful, yummy weeds to eat and grubs to peck. The dogs enjoy it as well; the soft, moist dirt is ideal for digging and hunting gophers. I love these early mornings when the world is still asleep and the mist just hangs in the air as I make the morning rounds with Ripley's "help". But with the new year, it also means it's time to prune and begin planning the gardens for the coming spring.