As 2011 wraps up, it is interesting to reflect on where we have come as a couple and as farmers in this past year. To call it a rollercoaster would be cliche, but also remarkably accurate. I read through some of my past blog posts, and reflected on those things that I did, and did not cover. A lot of the positives I didn't take the time to write down, and some of the hardest moments I didn't write about because some things are simply too personal and hard to share. And other stuff, I was simply tooo busy! When it comes down to it, no one really understands our life except for Luke and I, but that's okay, because when it comes down to it, I wouldn't trade this life for anything. Maybe people don't understand why we would want to live this way - I hear that all the time, but it is a great and complicated life, filled with stories, tears, and bliss. Before I reflect on that, let's reflect on some of the things this year has brought.
1. Banjo and Murtle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such amazing contributions to our farm life - these cute little kittens have grown into large outdoor cats who greet us as the door in the morning, and jump on the hood of my car when I get home from work. I typically say that I hate cats - then why do I like these two? Because they are more like dogs!!!!!!!!! They greet me all the time, they love affection and people, and they go on walks with us! Yes, when we take Tobshu on a walk around the tree farm - they trail behind us closely and cautiously - Tobshu gets a little aggressive out there. But they tag along - and I love it! They are so friendly - during Christmas tree farm season, Murtle even hopped in a customer's vehicle! They had driven for about 10 minutes only to discover a cat in the car - thankfully, they turned around to return her. These two were one of my most spontaneous decisions, but they were also one of my best!
3. The large walk-in refrigerator! We went from the refrigerator crisis of June, to having our very own walk-in fridge in July! And thank goodness - we needed it. I remember in the blistering heat of the summer - when it was 95 and muggy, Luke and I would dart into the walk-in fridge and shiver in there - but it felt so good. Now, it is ironic that when Luke and I are packing for market early Saturday morning and we are shivering - we go into the fridge to warm up! Luke's like it is multi-functional for cooling/warming.
4. The chickens. We have chased countless chickens this year - now we don't even bother to chase them when they escape - they make their way back to the coop! Not only have we chased countless chickens, we also butchered 100+ chickens this year!! That was quite the experience. I can't even tell you what it was like to look outside, see Luke butchering a bird, and then bring it in to me to cook up - while it was still warm! Odd, but delicious when it was all said and done!
5. The floods. In the course of the greenhouse project, we had over 100 dumptrucks of dirt brought in (thanks to the Pulaski round-a-bout project) but it tore up our yard! Literally, a dirt mess. Then, a few downfalls that delivered a couple inches of rain brought us to flood city. See below - we didn't put a pond in - it just appears that way. Muddy, wet, mess. Well, we have a dog - and he loves to play in the water. I think I had to give him a bath every day for two weeks straight. I guess it was worth it because we have the awesome greenhouse now, and I guess Tobshu had fun, but man, that was a pain!
So, we head into 2012. Luke and I said that in 2012 we would take a two week vacation, buy some cool toys (like a new vehicle or something of the like), will fix up the house further and make progress on our yard.We were dreaming big, and after a year's worth of reflecting, its easy to make change some of our 2012 thoughts. Some things we have already accepted won't happen - like the big vacation. Luke and I will never have the lifestyle or the money to do that, and when we finally do, we will want to have children - we already talk about that like every other week! But that's okay, because we don't need to travel to have crazy experiences. We have every kind of moment right here in our very own yard. We might get another dog, and we might venture into the world of turkeys. It will always be an adventure out here, and I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. Maybe I will finally talk Luke into that pool I've been wanting...
One things for sure - I'm going to try to make an effort to blog more frequently - so stay tuned!
