USA.
Back in the USA. And guess what- they are still sniping and arguing with each other. Same words, same tone, different subject, same soundtrack. Radio – off.
And it snowed and the temperature plummeted just as I got off the plane.
All is well on the farm – even Mr Flowers who was not doing well after an altercation with Boo, just before I left, has improved out of sight. He is still hopping about on one foot but getting stronger and will now launch himself into the air and is back roosting in the barn alongside Mrs Pania Flowers. 
Jill from the Mill looked after Godzilla my sourdough starter while I was away so I was able to bake two days after I landed. A really lovely loaf too.
BooBoo trying to speak. 
While I have been away the winter weather has been unusually warm here in Illinois – staying above freezing most of the time. Kind of a NZ winter here. But today it is frozen and very cold. Back to the usual Illinois weather.
The chooks are laying more eggs and the ducks are starting up again as the days lengthen.
I added more straw already to the beds of wai and tane. Wai loves a mountain of straw so he can crawl into it. And they are both doing really well. Tane is a bit slow but now that I am back he will get hand fed again, so Tima does not steal his food. Tima is fat and happy!
The Farmer was out last night in sowing red clover into the wheat fields. Now that the wheat is established they lay in the cover crop seed so they all come up at the same time in the spring – crop and weed protection together.
The seed will lie dormant on the cold soil being moved down by the thaw and freeze and melting snow, until spring then the cover crop will germinate slightly behind the already established wheat enabling the wheat to rise up above the clover. That’s the plan anyway!
It is cold and blowing outside. I will do the rounds with extra straw. Time to get out there again.
Have a lovely day.
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
42 responses to “BACK IN THE …”
Welcome home!
Thank you – it is good
Welcome home. Must be a good feeling to be back on the farm.
I missed the farm and the mill – I must love working!
Wow – the snow looks beautiful, but I’m sure you could do without it.
It’s been a very mild winter here so far – up to 13ºC today with a big storm.
Fantastic bread, as always!
The mild winter gives us all a little break. But it smells damp here m. My bread making continues to evolve – I am pleased to report!
Glad to have you back. All sounds good on the animal front.
Yes! They are all a bit fat! I have had to adjust John’s feeding equations s bit!
Maybe it was emotional eating and they were just eating more and packing on pounds to stave off loneliness and sadness with you away.No doubt you’ll get them back in fine condition and they are thrill you are back as we are!
Yes, a VERY lovely loaf!
I am pleased with it – I did not sleep that night so I baked earlier than usual – a good move
Welcome home. I’m sure all your 4 footed and winged family missed you as much as your 2 legged ones/readers.
Welcome home ! So true about the sniping- I am going on a European vacation this spring- so have been reading up on European history to refresh my memory. As I was reading I was thinking it sounds just like today- the wealthy leaders bicker with the minor leaders and nepotism continues. The clothes may have changed but history repeats itself! Your bread is beautiful!
Welcome back!!
Welcome back! I wish things would change and FOLKS WOULD STOP complaining etc! There are so many things to be thankful for and being positive is far healthier. No radio OR TV on here! Hugs and glad you are home safely! ! Love Boos pic! xoxo
It’s always good to come home. I’m glad things are going well. We are hoping spring is just around the corner!
Welcome back, I hope you had a nice break with your family, it looked like you did.
jSo glD TO Hve you back!
Welcome back, wanderer! So hard to go from the carefree to the humdrum of everyday demands, isn’t it? But we’re all glad to have you back!
The above is me, Ceci ! Sunny
So glad to have you on this side of the ocean, i ! It’s hard to go from carefree to the humdrum pattern of the everyday, but I know your farmy family is glad to see you back, as are we – your blog family!