Tough Tuesdays

Tuesdays are tough. Today was a very long day for everyone. 9.5 hours at the office and almost 12 hours away from the farm. Ian did all the farm chores plus made supper. On days like today, I spend the long commutes thinking of the things that do bring me joy - like the delicious cookies we made last weekend.

Victory Tarts

We celebrated Seamus' courage at swimming lessons this week as he jumped (well, eased) himself off the pool wall into the deep end. Two weeks ago he was terrified and refused to even try so this slide in was a huge accomplishment. To recognize his progress we pulled the very last of GG's homemade tart shells out of the freezer and whipped him up some lemon meringue tarts for dessert. A perfect treat infused with GG's love to commemorate a big moment!

 

Honouring Scotland's Bard

We celebrate Robbie Burns Day here at the farm with Ian's homemade haggis, mashed potatoes, and boiled turnips. While we didn't recite any poetry this year, this feast in honour of Scotland's most famous bard was fun for all - even if the boys decided the haggis needed a splash of ketchup. Sigh.

A Soul Soothing Adventure

After being cooped up inside all week except for car trips to daycare and the office, the boys and I headed out for a Saturday morning forest adventure. 7km of a well packed trail, beautiful snow-covered trees, and plenty of snow angels, we are tired out but happy. There's nothing like a good hike to sooth the tired soul.

 

Seeking Forest....In Need of Joy

 

I am dreaming of blue skies and snow-covered forests today but sitting in front of my computer. I will be getting out for a hike this weekend. I am sorely in need of some fresh forest air after two very busy weeks at work. Forests bring me joy. Computers do not.

Walloped by Winter

We got another solid dose of winter weather today. We have snow coming out the wazoo! Two hours of shovelling and the sheep can now exit their barn to stand in the snowbank. Victory? Questionable.

Some Love from the Rock

 

The highlight of my Wednesday was this Tupperware of cod au gratin from my favourite Newfoundlander. Lunch never tasted so good. Two more days until the weekend!

It's Only Tuesday?!

 Is it the weekend yet? 

What do you mean, it is only Tuesday?!

Maple-infused Daydreams

It is about this time of year when I begin daydreaming of maple syrup making, when I am not busy daydreaming about planting seeds, of course. Maple coffee in the morning is the perfect reminder of why all our work done during maple syrup season is worth it. Homemade maple syrup is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year long!

Pizza Pick-Me-Up

Ian took over kid duty for swimming lessons, grocery shopping, and chauffeuring to tutoring today while I caught up on some school work that I needed to get done for the course on Organizational Leadership I am taking through the University of Toronto's Rotman Business School. School work instead of family time is not my ideal way to spend a Sunday, so I was happy to reconnect later in the day for family pizza night. Homemade Hawaiian was just the pick-me-up I needed.

Common Sense vs. Adventurous Spirit

We took the family smelt fishing for our Saturday afternoon adventure. Not one, but two kids managed to put their foot in a hole. What they lack in common sense, they make up for in adventurous spirit. That's what counts, right?

Goats Just Wanna Have Fun

The sun finally peeked out giving us a chance to get the barns mucked out. The goats also insisted on some hayloft playtime. What am I to argue when goats just wanna have fun?!

 

Grayscale

This is a colour photo but you sure can't tell. It is a grayscale kind of day.

A Blue Bird Sky

I can't argue with a blue bird sky. Mornings where you can see the sun - and the moon! - are most welcome this time of year.

A Surprise Pick-me-up

Tuesday are the most challenging day of the week for me. I am in the office all day and just feel like I must rush, rush, rush to manage all my normal goings-on in addition to the long commute. I thought this morning's beautiful sunrise would be the highlight of my day but I was wrong...this was. I am lucky and grateful.

I love that he signed it in case I didn't know who it was from, lol.

The sunrise was really pretty too.

Grateful for the Sunrise

I am grateful every day that the sun rises on this beautiful farm of ours.

I think the sheep are grateful too but they would never say so.

Longer Days

 It is a beautiful day when that fireball in the sky is still visible after 5pm! Springtime is just around the corner. Okay, maybe a long way around the corner - but still!

Paw Patrol! We're on a Roll!

We rang in Alistair's 4th Birthday with Paw Patrol Pirates precision and a swashbuckling good time. His blueberry-lemon birthday cheesecake was a Pinterest fail, but his party was perfection. We had Trix waffles for breakfast, Zoodles and grilled cheese for lunch, and liver links as appetizers. We made and decorated pup treat cookies and feasted on an ocean-inspired Jello creation compete with gummy blue whales and sharks. Our baby is 4 and not so much of a baby anymore!