Thinking About Summer

Every late fall, I feel so worn out. I am so ready to hibernate! Bring on the movies, books and the hot coffee! I don't want to do anything or go anywhere! I want to cook and enjoy the delicious food that I have been growing, preserving and freezing! For months, I have been living the farm dream! And with living the good life that I live, I get tired of it all. I always come up with the thought; why are we doing all this work and why do I care so much about the food that I am going to feed my kids? I always look forward to the long winter months where I will have some freedom to relax, and to not rush to the next project.

In the summer on the farm it is possible to write a list of what you want to get done that day, work really hard, and at the end of the day wonder, what in the world did I get done? It looks like all we did was put out fires! How come it still looks like we don't get anything done? Why does it take so long to get a project done? Do we ever finish any project around here? Can you relate?

On a summer day when we are going to be really focused on something that is on "the list," there are always distractions. I feel like we have animal A.D.D. There is always going to be some farm creatures that needs to be moved to greener pastures, feed to mix up, garden produce to water. There is always something that needs attention! Always!

So as I was saying; by the time I get everything buttoned up for the winter, and the freezers are full of amazing meat, and vegetables. I got it all canned up. When the garden is harvested and put to bed. I am ready for reeelaaaaxaaaation!!!

I wonder if that is the way we were created, to work hard, wear ourselves out and then have a break in the winter. It is early February right now, and I am just starting to dream and think about "the list." How much work should I sign myself up for? How should I plant the garden this year, how many animals should we grow and how many projects can we realistically get done? I am starting to think about the green leaves and grass that will be coming out in a couple months. How many apples will I get this year out of my young orchard? I am starting to think about planting some seeds soon inside the house so I won't have to spend quite so much money at the greenhouses.

But for the next month or so, I am going to enjoy the wood stove that keeps us warm, the coffee that is abundant and the wonderful family that the good Lord has given me! So thankful!