It seems Camera House is tracking the big birds lately. January is here, the long winter months have begun. The birds stay mostly in the barn, undercover. As do I. As does Camera House. 
I often think that you would want to see something new each day then I remind myself that you are here to see what I see each day and I see the same animals getting excited about the same food, I drag the same frozen hoses and dream the same dreams every single day. Fast.. working against the painful cold in my hands.
Of course this winter we have travel to break up the monotony. Though leaving the farm in other peoples hands is scary even Jake who was sent to me straight from God. But when the family calls, Mama moves without question. So off we go to another sons wedding in January. In February I go for a week to visit my Third son and his growing family in California. Family calls. Mama comes.
Because of all the travel I had planned this winter to be quiet. So far so good. Sometimes we do get surprises. But yesterday was not a surprising day. Just a gentle cold work day. With a very good lunch and a light good luck dinner and lots of champers in between the chores. I have never resented doing chores, or the farming of the day. Pretty lucky really. Given all the highs and lows – I am lucky to be doing what I love to do best. Though God and you know that I was close to quitting a number of times last year. 
Good morning.. Elsie is getting a softly rounded belly and we are averaging about seven eggs a day. Slowly growing. Great aye! When I get back from New Zealand I will begin the search for an incubator and soon after that – start raising the spring chickens!
Queenie is deeply unimpressed with her diet hay.
I have only one New Years resolution. To look back over my day. Often. Every day at the end of each piece of work I will stand still and look back, and look up and look across and listen. Maybe two or three times a day, especially before I go inside to cook, I must stand, find my feet, raise my head, seek the stillness, then think and listen and assess. Thinking aloud in my head. “Did I get it right? Was I the best I could be?” Is every animal good. Am I good. That is all.
Love your friend on the farmy,
celi
ps. If you have a moment. Look at today in the archives. If asked; my favourite would be 2012!
pss I read an interesting story last night. I have no idea how I came upon it but it has made a lot of sense to me, so if you want a little inspiration to Crack On and “it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings” – then read this ‘count no man happy until the end is known’ A bit of Croseus and Solon.
The Kitchen's Garden 
28 responses to “Gone to the Birds”
C…I love the photos from 2012! I’m so glad I got to know you this year and read your blog every day! Happy New Year!!
The contrast of the second picture: the small icy window against the dark barn’s embrace sheltering and warming its’ occupants. Lovely
Never seen so many days of fog – woke today with thunder as it warms into 50’s…it will partly clear tomorrow, but temps will drop – but if there’s sun it will be welcomed.
Stay warm! (and some of those dreams deserved not to be forced into form on paper. Oranges smell so nice. And cows always seem to hold dreamy secrets) “My window sill is my mind” now there’s a perfect phrase. (worth points at the end of the day?)