Back to Normal

Everyone is finally feeling better after stomach flu ravaged the household. It was back to swimming class this morning where Alistair put his whole face in the water and Seamus jumped into the deep end!

Daddy's a Mountain Climber

While the boys and I stayed home still recovering from my terrifically awful stomach flu experience, Daddy was feeling well enough to climb a mountain with his Scout leader buddies! We are very proud of him. What an accomplishment.

 

Losing Big

For a Family Day weekend that was supposed to be about cottaging with Uncle Brian, Auntie Sarah, Peyton and Harper, it ended up being about half of the family getting a major bout of the stomach flu and Alistair ending up in the hospital. You win some, you lose some. We lost big on Family Day 2023.

Superbowl Sunday!

Every year we look forward to Superbowl Sunday. I would not say that we are huge football fans, but instead that we are huge fans of our annual tradition of a feast for the first half, followed by the halftime show, and then bedtime. The boys had a great time and the seven-layer nacho dip did not disappoint!

 

A Hidden Lake Adventure

Some days are just so beautiful and adventure calls to you so clearly, you have no choice but to answer.

Asking for Electric Blankets?

The thing about winter on a farm is that the weather very often dictates the timing of chores. With rainy weather is ahead it was time to muck out the damp straw and replace everyone's bedding. Wet turned cold is hard on the animals. I figured that I might as well try to help our farm family stay as warm as possible, though I would never be particularly surprised if I found a noted pegged to the barn door asking for electric blankets. My animals are probably distant relations to Farmer Brown's.

Clam Juice = Liquid Gold

 I got busy in the kitchen after work today and created this masterpiece - homemade clam and walleye chowder. Pretty fancy but also it broke the bank. Who knew clam juice was liquid gold?!

Stars Everywhere!

We know stormy weather is ahead but you can't tell from this clear blue sky. Stars everywhere!

In the Dog House

If I were a dog, this seems to be a nice place to live. Ava, however, prefers to snuggle with the goats and bury herself in the straw in the barn. Oh well, that sounds nice too.

Glorious Normalcy

As Sunday draws to a close, we are happy to report that the laundry is completely done, the beds are changed and made, and the house is more-or-less tidy. It was a weekend filled with family time at home and the glorious normalcy of swimming lessons, a visit with Grandma, and grocery shopping. As we face another busy week, we remain grateful for each other and for this wonderful life we have built together.

Pancakes & Laundry

Nothing says lazy Saturday like pancakes for breakfast and then doing a zillion loads of laundry. At least it's still super freezing outside, so no one had plans for going very far anyway.

Polar Vortex

Polar vortex is just a fancy way of saying really, really, freaking cold. We jumped from zero degrees C with no wind, to -38 degrees C with crazy wind. Luckily everyone has lots of food to keep their internal engines working hard and they are all tucked in safe and dry. I would normally say "warm and dry" but while the goats and sheep are well protected under their wooly coats and out of the wind inside their barns - I seriously doubt their little noses are warm. Brr!

Evidence that everyone inside is still breathing.
Their warm breath freezes when it exits any of
the cracks in the door making a forest of ice crystals.

Frigid Days Ahead

If it wasn't for the weather network, there would be no way to know that a deep freeze is coming. It was so warm this afternoon that I didn't need a hat or mitts. Even so, I carved out some time to prepare our farm family for the frigid days ahead. Barns were mucked; fresh, dry straw piled high; heat lamps ready. Anyone that thinks that farmers don't love their animals, doesn't know farmers.

Making Time for Joy

Balance is a constant effort. I wake up each morning vowing to take the time to do at least one that brings me joy. I mean, there are lots of things I enjoy doing. It shouldn't be that hard to remember to do one of them. But then, before I know it, it is 5pm and time to pick up the kids, do the farm chores, make dinner, fold laundry, do bedtime routine, do dishes, and then - seemingly before I know it - the day is over and I have not managed to do one thing that sparked joy. Not one. Sigh. Balance is a constant battle that I today I did not win.