a stubborn . kind . kind of guy . back on the farm

I am back on the farm! Let’s catch up with a few of the characters here. I hope to do this every day until I leave again (in a week) - we will be farm gluttons!

On the farm. In Central Illinois ( in case you don’t know).

Nanny Granny is never not Nanny Granny for long. The kids (Our John’s grandkids) heard I was back in the US and zoomed over for some farm time.

The trees are growing so fast! But the gardens not to much. I will show you the gardens tomorrow.

I decided yesterday to begin by going in and pruning all the willows and mulberries in the corridor paddock (it is a working field with traffic of tractor and equipment, and mowers and people and animals and the trees had grown into all the gates - the tractor shed doors were stuck open) it looked like a lot of work but after putting my trusty mini-chainsaw on charge I smacked my forehead with my hand. What a dummy. Just close all the gates and barn doors and put the cows in to do the pruning for me. So the kids and I moved the cows in. Then the pigs joined in and all was delightful bedlam for a while.

Brava!

Wai was a star in Notes yesterday.

WaiWai is a stubborn curmudgeon kind of guy. He is happy to see me if there is food. Otherwise not so much.

TonTon sleeps under the porch all day. Where old farm dogs love to sleep.

Oh Ton. He is such an old dear. He cannot see so well or hear much but he was all for joining in the fun.

These little black pigs are over a year old now and so fat! They have been fed a little too well but are healthy.

Boo-Boo had to stay inside while the kids were here - which was half the day - because he has always herded the children’s mother - he likes the kids but not the mother so he had to stay inside the office for the duration of their visit.

He did not take it well.

After the kids left we made dinner with tomatoes and roast beef and garlic and freshly dug potatoes all from the gardens and farm. Everyone - even the animals and birds ate from the farm today - vegetables and wheat and hay. I call this a free day (though nothing in life is free). My aim has always been to close the circle against outside purchases and have the farm feed the farm - and at this time of year and for a few months yet, it works beautifully.

The epitome of sustainability is self sufficiency. And low to no waste. We did it!

These daily updates will be short!

I am going to be writing to you every day while I am on the farm. Plus I hope to get as many photos into Notes and our Chat.

The chat is HERE:

Good morning. Today Rhonda will come out and I will begin to get into the gardens. Dig more potatoes and organize the garlic for sale and storage.

Fried potatoes for breakfast- my favorite.

Have a lovely day. Leave a comment. Being part of the conversation is so important to the fellowship of the farmy!

Time to begin chores. Take care and Talk soon.

Love Celi