The Christmas decorations are all put away. The only indication of our festivities are the boxes of Christmas candy and Christmas cookies on the kitchen counter. I love Christmas and all the Christmas decorating that comes with it but by the end of December I crave clear counter-tops and simple, almost bland home adornment. I finally got my thank-you cards and a few very late Christmas cards off in the mail and now am preparing practically for the new year around here.
Today I separated my pregnant ewes ( female sheep ) from the ewes I did not have bred this past year. The un-bred ewes will be wormed & vaccinated Sunday, while the bred ewes will have increased rations. I put my ewes in with the rams later this year so am not expecting any lambs before the end of February. Here are a few of my favorite ewes. I can't help myself, I just love their faces and love to watch them.
I also cleaned poultry pens today. Boy, that was back-breaking work and my husband came home just in time to help. And he was a big help ! He shoveled & carted at least 6 wheelbarrows of poultry poop & built up shavings from their pens to his vegetable garden. I shoveled and carted at least that many to areas in the back of our home needing such precious fill. I also dusted my chickens with the powder that rids them of poultry lice , added hen grit to their pens and contentedly watched them settle in for the night in freshly cleaned pens & nest boxes. I have to admit that all this heavy work takes a toll on me now-a-days and after this much work I need aspirin, hot tea, and rest. But tomorrow I'll be fine.
Now I feel I can begin again to craft with my wool , making more little sheep, weaving more rugs , and spinning up the wool my beloved flock produces into yarn. There is of course the anticipation of new lambs and new chicks in the spring, more special times with my husband of over 40 years, and the joy knowing we are able to spend much time with our grown children and their children. My home is clean, my animal pens are clean, a new year of possibilities lies ahead . My cup of blessings is full to overflowing. God is good, praise Him !
14 comments:
I do love a clear out. It makes the rest time so much sweeter. The lambs will soon be taking up a lot of your time x
Oh Kathy it is nice after a hard days work to relax with a tea. You have a good life much like mine I know you are a happy as I am 40 yrs. that is wonderful and I can see him helping you with a smile and sitting sharing a tea with you after and knowing all is clean and done. It is all about family and sharing the load and I LOVE you photos. Those chickens are very cool:) Happy New Year. Hug B
I have come to the conclusion that what is missing in my life is something to keep me busy. Your work is good work. Hard on the body, but rife with satisfaction, good results, and a good night's rest.I believe this year will find my niche.
I haven't even begun to put up my decor. With more snow expected tonight I'm still enjoying the glow of the tree, some nice candles and even my Christmas music. I love good Christmas choirs and all the old songs and hymns. It'll pass. :)
Man you guys work hard!!! We did up until a few years ago when Bob got sick. Now we just wing it. We wish you and yours a wonderful happy healthy new year. love lj
That cup of tea and rest are well-deserved after all that work. It is a good feeling to have things all in order again. Happy New Year, Kathy!
Hi Kathy, your photos are wonderful! I love to clean, organize and purge!
my blessings cup is also runneth over and I am so at peace with that! Love your ewes faces, they have so much expression and beautiful eyes. Have a wonderful new year and keep counting those blessings.
I'm the same way. I love Christmas decorations, but I also love taking them down on New Year's Day and cleaning up again.
You got me thinking that our chicken coop could also use a cleaning, but not when it's snowy and below zero outside! ha!
May you have a super new year!!! It snuck up on me.
Christmas almost all put away, but I had so little out. Hoping next Christmas to be more festive.
Blessing to you,
d
always wonderful to visit Cedar Pond - I have been using Bloglovin feed to keep up and for some reason can't comment on your blog - but as always good to read all your projects - of course now i feel like a sluggard but hey - truth is truth! LOL
What a beautiful overflowing cup you have! Just love your sheep and it certainly sounds like you have been very busy! Take care and stay warm!
My what busy fingers you have! I feel the same as you.........sometimes the work gets harder to do. I love your sheep and chickens! Hope this finds you staying warm!
It all sounds good : )
Yay for you to be in such a good place to begin the new year.
You sound like you worked very hard! I hope the tea and aspirin did the trick.
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Terri
Kathy, your home looks quite serene and cozy; may God bless you to overflowing this year.
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