Rest...

 After a few lovely days of "January thaw," winter returned yesterday morning in the form of snow flurries. 

They flurried and flurried all day, a soft, gentle, fluffy snow that exceeded the forecasters' predictions by several inches. The goats, who will not tolerate so much as a drop of rain falling upon them, didn't mind the snow a bit. 

For no apparent reason, I had been laid low by back spasms for two days. My body needed to rest, and Chris declared that rest was what I would do. He made me breakfast. He took care of all the animals. I sat by the fire and drank tea. Then I sat on the sofa and surfed the net. Chris ran all the typical Saturday family errands, hauled in wood, and even went out to clean the goat cozy for me. I have cameras in the goat house, so I stayed in my warm living room and watched him, feeling incredibly blessed. 

My Aunt Pearl used to say, "You found a real helpmate with him," and she was so right. I didn't do anything more strenuous than start a load of laundry and empty the dishwasher. I took a nap and went to bed early. Chris took care of everything else.

The goats always look pleased when they find their house freshly tidied. They were even happier because my guy brought them a treat ball. This is a rock-hard goodie made of oats, seeds, and a sweet substance that holds it all together. It is hung by a rope from a beam in their house, and they nibble and lick it as it swings about in the air. Imagine a big caprine lollipop.  It keeps them happily entertained on these long, dark winter days. 

I felt much better today and was glad to walk out and see and take care of all my animals, throw a toy for Bravo to chase, and breathe the crisp air. More snow is coming down tonight. Tomorrow I'll accomplish all the things I should have yesterday and today, renewed and recharged from the gift of rest. 

Surprise..!

 It was well after dark when I went out to take care of the animals tonight. I stuffed the goats' hay bags full and locked them up safely in their cozy. I checked the little chicken coop and emptied their water bowl so it wouldn't freeze overnight. I peeked in on the big chickens; all eleven of them were calmly nestled on their roost. I locked them in, then went to the side of the coop and lifted the lid that covers the nest boxes. I peered in with my flashlight. The first box has two lovely eggs. The second box had one. I gasped when I glanced into the third box. 

A wee opossum. I closed the lid and hustled back to the house. Rachel had not left for the evening yet and excitedly came out to see. I wasn't quite sure how to proceed, but she didn't hesitate. She took my warm winter gloves from me and reached right into the box, lifting the little thing out. It didn't seem terribly upset by the close contact. 

She gently set it down, and it scurried off across the snow at a rapid rate, disappearing into the darkness. I hope it doesn't come back. I don't want it to get any ideas about my hens, but it was a fun surprise to see it. I don't envy the nearly hairless thing living in this climate, but it seemed healthy and well-fed. May it find shelter and food, but not in my henhouse. 

New Year...

 The wee grands had a "spend the night" with us on New Year's Eve. The four-year-old was all on board. The two-year-old had some misgivings. Finally, I got them both snuggled into bed. I was asked for a story. I made up one about a princess with a well-equipped kitchen who was bored, so she whipped up a big batch of chocolate chip cookies and delivered them to all her neighbors by way of dog cart. The girls loved it and asked for more, so I stretched it out, weaving in mice and crumbs and cats and more until they fell asleep. All was well until around  3:00 AM, when the wee one poked me in the eye, giggling, and said, "PEEK A BOO!" Then she blew raspberries at my face. I didn't get a lot of sleep, but I did get some excellent snuggles, some giggles, and a "This is the best sleepover EVER!" What could be better? These days (and nights) are fleeting, and I need to appreciate them while I can. I am most grateful that their parents so generously share these wee girls with us.

I had a fun New Year's surprise while doing chores. Late last summer, I added some new pullets to my flock of chickens. These particular birds were bred to lay unusual colored eggs. I've had several olive-green eggs (left), which delight me, and now a blue layer has begun to contribute, and they are so pretty. 

In case you wonder, the eggs all taste the same. White, brown, green, or blue... It's just fun to see a variety of shell colors in the carton. I now have shades of brown, white, blue, and green coming out of my very own coop. Like an Easter egg hunt every day. 

I'm past the point of setting resolutions for the new year, or even looking back on the past year to ponder events. But on the first day of the new year, when I woke up to see three inches of soft, fluffy snow covering my world, and the windows framing a sky filled with flakes, I felt almost as excited as the tousled-headed, wide-eyed girl bouncing beside me.  "Lovie! It SNOWED in the night!" I let myself feel the awe and joy. Clean slate, new year, full of wonder.