This rooster reminds us of that. When it was a chick three years ago, a predator got into the pen where he and other chicks were kept. He was Blaise's favorite. We were able to find all of the other chicks except for him along with evidence of a bloody struggle. I was convinced the predator took him out and it saddened me to explain that to Blaise but Blaise prayed for his return. Miraculously the next day Blaise found him, I was amazed.
It is wonderful to have Caleb and TJ back (Caleb is still unloading the van); they've returned with a lot of knowledge from the farm internship and they are eager to implement what they have learned. (It doesn't matter to Sammy who he hugs as long as it is someone).
We've also been able to partake of produce from the small garden Caleb established. This is Keena's first taste of a beet straight from the garden. Observing Keena eat what initially looked like a purple dirt ball caused Sammy to put his pacifier down.
More pollen, I'm posting this pic because of the color, it changes as different flowers bloom and it was delicious as usual.
A local bridge, you don't see many like this anymore.
Another opportunity to save on a gym membership. The grim task of burying livestock (in rocky soil). Our perspective on livestock has changed considerably. A year ago we would have all been sad (we think it died from a bacterial infection), but the reality is that it is not a bad thing if the animal does not perform well. This one in particular was not a good mother and you don't want bad genetics (which includes behavior) to be passed on to future livestock. The better the animals perform (birthing, rearing, foraging, strong immunities, etc.) and the fewer the inputs (medications, store bought feed, etc.) needed the more likely your farm will be sustainable.
Here's something fun to try. Collect eggs at night without a flash light. Apparently grabbing a big black snake munching on an egg feels just like holding a naked chicken. Until you realize "but... all of my chickens... have feathers...." Then you jump into the air and scream. Just ask Calvin.
