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.