January 2012 begins with a sunset. 
and so mild I was drinking a beer on the verandah. 
February 2012 – got a little bit chilly though the winter of 2012 was comparatively mild. 
Queenie Wineti the Hereford heifer and our darling Mary’s Cat did not mind the cold. Mary’s Cat was everyones fearless friend. 
March 2012- Mama began to get fat and TonTon was never far from her side. 
and The Duke of Kupa made his first appearance on the farmy. 
April 2012- The sun came out and the gardens grew, just like they should.
and Mama had her lambs. 
May 2012- after some deliberation amongst the real bosses
Minty was voted to lead the visits to the Old Folks Home. 
June 2012- The arrival of Charlotte and Sheila – the Shush Sisters. 
and the birth of Bobby Blanc – heralding Daisy’s career as the house cow, feeding us all and still going.
July 2012 – the grass was growing slowly but still no rain.
It was a very dry month, but the bees did not care, there were lots of flowers. 
August 2012 – we began to harvest. If I was going to be self sufficient this year I would have come down with scurvy this winter, lack of rain in the gardens and fields made a huge impact on the yields and on my pantry. 
But the summer feeds were awesome. 
and the animals grew fat on all the good forage. 
September 2012 was busy with putting whatever we could grow in jars and in the freezer and getting ready for the winter. 
Stacking wood and making hay as winter fodder for the animals.
October 2012 was still dry but we missed the worst of the drought with a little rain here and there.
I kept the stock to a minimum to make the grass last and the hay paddock grew, though I decided against a third cut due to the dry and it being its first year.
We all ate well.
even the smallest members of the farmy.
November 2012 – began fine and fair and dry.
The Duke of Kupa was in fine form.
Then winter came upon us too early and wiped the gardens out. 
December 2012 – I was in New Zealand.
and on the prairies. Such a life I have. I am glad you are with me. 
There were so many pictures to choose from and I know that some of the animals missed out but we will make it up to them.
The Daily View, yesterday, and the last shot of the farmy for 2012. 
Good morning. We may not have had a White Christmas but we have a Snowy White New Year.
And now it is 2013. 0 1 2 3 .. an interesting collection of numbers. I think it means that no matter what, we shall smile and move upwards and onwards. If only in our ongoing pursuit of knowledge and goodness. And kindness, remember that kindness is the most important of all. I have learnt so much this year and much of it I have learnt from you. Thank you.
Have a lovely New Day in your New Year. Luckily we get a New Day every 24 hours. Now, what shall I do with this one!? Milk my cow first I think.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
88 responses to “A few Farmy Highlights (in pictures) from Jan-Dec 2012”
Ahhh–mazing.
What a lovely journey (we) you have had.
Here’s to 2013! Cheers.
Loved the idea of a look back over the year…. great photos to remember it by… interesting that you see 2013 as a collection of 0 1 2 3, really made me think about that… Farm sure looks white compared to NZ and SA at this time of the year…
It’s so interesting to see the changes on the farmy and to reflect on them through your photography, c.. it’s been an amazing year filled with challenges, accomplishments and wonderful friendships and sweet animals!! All the best in 2013!! xx
What a marvellous overview. I enjoyed remembering some of those highlights with you. You have the art of selection well mastered. Your pictures tell a story of the changing seasons and a life filled with loving engagement with the farm, the seasons, the animals, and commitment to sustainable living. Congratulations on a great blog, where the interest is always maintained.
Such a great (and beautifully photographed) look back on your year. I only came across you a short while ago so it was fun for me to see the “cast of characters” on your farm throughout the year. And you brough a lamb to the old folks home? I simply love this! A very happy new year to you all.
I took lambs, little chicks and the dog, this spring I hope to take kittens as well, maybe even a tiny piglet! My little cooking oil car will be loaded down with squealers! c
What wonderful photos — so many characterful animals. You have what I call a proper farm 🙂
we do feel very proper sarah, lovely to see you .. c
To expand on that …as a farm should be, rather than all that intensive stuff with caged animals and wrecked eco-systems.
I always listen to “Farming Today” on Radio 4. A very interesting programme.
I understand exactly what you mean sarah, a big reason for growing our own food is that we choose not to support all those un natural farming practices, not many people get that choice and this is why I am thrilled to bits to be described as a proper farm.. it is a fantastic lifestyle, hard work in the cold, but it does feel right.. c
I find this post very touching, somehow, Cecilia. So much life, so much hard work, so many chores to mark the time… and so much peace and acceptance and love.
there is a lot of peace out here granny, lots of good solid work.. c
Amazing photos, Celi. I just love them. The photo of the butterfly is exquisite! I’m glad I didn’t miss this post. I do send my blessings for another wonderful year! oxo
Wonderful collection of photos. I can’t believe how much the Shush Sisters have grown. 🙂
I can’t believe Kupa has been with you so long! 🙂
and hasn’t he grown!! I did not notice him getting bigger.. c
Growth is like that, sneaky. 😉
These are all stunning, Celi, but my favorite is TonTon in the field. A gorgeous sky, and a smart looking dog make it a real winner for me!
Most wonderful pictures gallery today C, thank you!
🙂 Mandy xo
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Wow what a beautiful collection! Thank you for sharing with all of us!!