I KNOW
What the hell, right. No hugs. No kisses. No closeness. No faces. It is so loud at the mill- with two mills running 24 hours a day now and with masks on all the time – we have given up on casual conversation – just shark attack quick 6 second communications.
If I am home by 7 of an evening it is an early night. I leave at 5.30am. But I could work 24 hours a day and still not be done.
The demand for flour is like a big monster and when that meets a little country mill that celebrated for breaking-even last financial year, well, as you can imagine, the owners are pretty excited. In fact the owners are working longer hours than me trying to keep this thing afloat in these wild seas.
The orders are like a big maw. Insatiable. We keep running out of everything, then finding a new supplier then running out of that, it is an incredibly game of hide and seek.
But surely this has to settle down soon. Something will break. Not me, 12 hours a day is just farmers hours to me. I have been nowhere but the mill and the farm for weeks. Just like you all. Keeping isolated. We need to. I know that. But there must be a way to create joyful communication within this isolation.
Piglets are coming today. This summers first group. That will be good. And I will shift the chicks out into their outside space. Hopefully this last week was the past of the cold. Why is it still so cold.
The good news is that there is a massive drop in pollution. This surely must impact the climate crisis. More people taking walks and sitting in their porches I hope. I have a friend in Chicago who describes every day as a Sunday afternoon.
John’s sons have been sent their stimulus checks of 1200 dollars. I won’t get one because I am not an American citizen though I am still working so I have no need of one. John is retired so his small income is un-interrupted for the moment. Though there is concern that the pension funds have been tied to the stock and mortgage markets.
However we need to all be very frugal. The anxiety of it all must be monitored within ourselves as well. Now is not the time to break and run out screaming – we have a while to go, the time to plan and change has come, we need to be adapting and growing as we hunker down. So we emerge like butterflies new and better prepared and different. It will be different. Now we need to seek ways to thrive. We need to find new ways of getting the job done. New ways of living. New ways of doing business. New ways of being loving.
We adapt – that is what human beings do.
How are you all doing out there. Let’s hear from each other again. Answer each other’s messages too. I love it when you all talk amongst yourselves. We have been the fellowship a long time now. 
Write me a message. Tell us about what is going on in with you and in your region. Tell me how things are with you. Let’s have an update. I worry about you all out there.
🦋All my Instagram posts for the mill have always had this butterfly in them. This blue butterfly. So people know it is me talking – ironic really. 🦋 because this is now where my focus is lying – emerging from all this – new. With wings! Different . We can design a new world.
I need someone to make me a T-shirt!
Cecilia
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Wow, I guess you are in the perfect business for these times, but hope it will slow down a bit for you soon. Glad you are all well, and the arrival of the new babies are such a positive sign of life going on and hope for the future. Here in Michigan, I’m doing my best to try to teach and connect to my 2 preschool classes from afar, and it is so counterintuitive to me, it is very hard, but I know it’s important to show up and continue routines to offer them a sense of security and safety. I’m walking in the parks and woods each day and like you noticed, the air is cleaner, and the animals have returned)
Do you remember when I was doing those classes for teaching English online ? I never did it of course but much of what I learnt there must be what you are doing now. A different voice – colorful backgrounds – reading stories to them – and you can do it all on vid using your phone. Now that I think about it / I should be doing this with my grandchildren . Maybe make little utube vids – magna’s corner or something. Hmm
oh, yes, I’m sure they would love that. you all would.
your grandhhildren would have fun with you!
Great idea!
You are doing something so important in such trying and unfamiliar circumstances. I think teachers are some of the biggest unsung heroes in this crisis.
it’s a huge challenge, but i do think it’s important to keep it going for the children/families ) thank you
I find the omni directional anxiety is now even in my dreams. However, I continue to take my walks and I continue to be able to go to work, like you. I’m grateful that I can maintain that level of normalcy but it’s also what is feeding the anxiety. I’m constantly worried that I’ve caught it and am non-symptomatic and spreading it to everyone at work. Since they have cut staff so hard that if those of us who are left get sick, the place is in deep kimchi. I’ve started a meditation app last night and the dreams were not nearly as bad, so maybe that will help.
The terrible chemicals in the sanitizers and harsh soaps have made my hands break out. But I have discovered that cortisone cream seems to help.
And I’ve figured out a bread recipe/process that works and I’ve developed a rhythm for doing. I’m even starting to dream about branching out into trying different breads. Challah is very tempting.
Ultimately, I guess I’m figuring it out. The transition is hard on my anxiety – but each thing that trips me, I find a solution for. And I just keep taking the next steps.
There is a web page, maybe Facebook, I don’t remember, where people can send their anxious, weird dreams. It’s coronavirus dreams or something like that. I think that’s how the anxiety comes out if you can control it during the day. I like your “deep kimchi!” LOL
My dreams have started, also. I have a challah recipe I’ve been using for twenty years or longer if you’d like it.
I would like that recipe too! I am often asked what flour would be best for challah.
I’ve only ever made it from AP. I’d be curious to taste it with different flours mixed in but am not sure how it would go.
OMG I would love the recipe. I bet lots of us would.
Yes! Would absolutely love it♥️
It’s linked above 🙂
It’s linked above 🙂
I would love that recipe!
It’s linked above 🙂
Plum dirt – get in touch with me! Let’s get your challah recipe here soon!!
I found an online version of it! https://www.bigoven.com/recipe/rachelis-deluxe-challah/1036577
I’ve never done it with raisins as I don’t like raisins inside baked goods. I’ve only done it with AP flour from the grocery store as I haven’t made it in years (before I discovered mills like Janie’s!)
Thank you PlumDirt! There are (at least!) five different Challah recipes listed on Google from this site. WooHoo!! Thanks for this link♥️
Racheli’s Deluxe is the one I use. Enjoy 🙂
Wow, Ive never been on this site before. (20 recipes on the 1st of (at least) 5 pages of challah recipes: ) thanks again. (Send out the Mounties if you don’t hear from me within a day or two, lol: )
The meditation app and short periods of daily meditation are both wonderful ideas. Sending loving, peaceful energies and thoughts your way. xo
Thank you. I found it encouraging that it seemed to help so quickly. Nothing seems to work that quickly in my life
Being retired, the biggest change is no physical contact with my children and grandchildren. I spin, knit or weave, prep my garden, and cook. My last blog post shows I contribute to your long hours with my jar of Janie’s Mill flour beside my bread bowl. Spring is coming, new growth but we still had frost last night.
Knitting is such a nice way to pass a couple hours : )
Spring is going to make the world of difference – I feel bad for my children on the other side of the world going into winter with all this.
It’s odd how being productive is some how a hit hollow without the ability to share the moments.
I get out and walk, sometimes with my grand kids and a great grandson. I’m sure it helps me sleep. I spend a lot of time thinking of what I should be doing instead of diving in and doing it. But that’s the worst of it. Hope everyone finds their best way of coping.
I also think a lot about how we are all going to be going forward.
Good morning! You must miss the quiet of the barn terribly . I know I would. I have a little yarn shop here in town and my business has been impacted a lot. I am staying afloat with some mail orders and I pick up phone messages. People are knitting during their hours at home so I just might survive this with enough sales : )
I am carla_knit2yarns on Instagram if anyone wants to follow along. Bless you as you work so hard to fill orders !
Fun fact : I also started baking bread again. Sooooo good
I’ve bought the wrong yarn twice in an attempt to make my husband a winter hat. I am the newest of beginners. I crocheted a pot holder once, age 8, and knitted a wonky scarf once, age 10. Any recommendations for yarn and a hat pattern? And does your Instagram link to your shop?
Carla! Thank you so much for linking your shop to us! Are you in our Cottage business page? It is so long since I have been there I forget what we call it. But we need to re- invigorate that during this time!
Tincan knits has lots of free patterns for beginners. A worsted weight or #4 yarn would be great
Thank you!
This is so hard on small business. Even with the CARES act, it’s going to take time and resources to come out at base line. I hope that the online sales keep coming and you come out with a broader customer base.
Hi Cecilia! Good to know you’re doing well. I live in Spain and we’ve been in quarantine at home since March 16th, the kids since the 12th. It’s being hard to juggle work, family, housekeeping and entertainment for this long, but we are doing ok. None of us has gotten sick which is good. Although several friends have lost some relative. It is very sad.
We still have at least another 15 days ahead of us but we will be fine. Thanks for being such an inspiration. Take care!!!
Tons of good thoughts and love coming your way from us. Spain id having such a hard time of it!
Thanks Cecilia! Same to you! Take care
Celi, I’ve missed your posts! And I much admire your ability to pull 12-hour days. My husband and I live in Illinois as well, southwest of Chicago, and I agree, why is it still cold? 🙁 It would help us all immensely to be outside in more comfortable weather. We are retired since 2017, and both had part-time jobs that we loved, which neither of us are able to do since the virus. I spend as much time outside as I can, walking, and soon working more in the yard and sitting on the deck, camera in hand. When inside, I knit, read, cook and try to clean things long neglected. I love reading blogs from all over the world, and connecting with others. It blows the mind how similarly we all live – our feelings, our anxieties, our love for our families and friends. Perhaps this is one way the Earth can unite us. I agree with you too, on understanding we must all morph into a new way of living, and caring for our Mother Earth and each other. Be well, Celi, and enjoy those new piggies!
It is sort of crazy how the whole world, across all cultures is having the same weird and scary exp. I too hope it makes us more united.
I hope your part time job recovers Karla. Like you I do love to work!
It certainly is a strange time and to a certain extent if it was for the news I wouldn’t notice much change. Since I’m in cottage country and we rely very heavily on the seasonal business now is when the trouble starts to really be evident locally. Cottagers are discouraged from coming up, the camp grounds are closed and getting any sort of business done is much more awkward. I’m in a bit of limbo, since my property is sold the bakery is closed. Now I’m concentrating on finding a new place to build a life again but that is going to be complicated since realty has slowed down and the banks are hard to contact as well as lawyers. Plus I’ve got to move a ton of stuff; tools, bakery equipment, household, etc. Every once in a while I feel overwhelmed but for the most part I’m the type who just plods along getting shit done. As a customer said, ” just put your head down and do the next thing, don’t look any further ahead than you have to.” I’m healthy, so is everyone I know, that’s good and enough.
I’ve stumbled across that same sentiment in many different places these past few weeks (to do the next step, the next right thing.) We’re also trying to plan a big move and I have to keep my focus on going through our things to donate/sell/release somehow so we’ll have less to move. That’s about all there is to physically do right now about the move.
My mother in laws mother in law used to say – clean the house one corner at a time. I always liked that idea!
Hi there. We’ve been in since March 11th, celebrated a 4th birthday at home, a 91st birthday from afar (closer to you than me,) and are coming up on a 6th birthday in about a week. I’ve started making sourdough like seemingly half the country but the kids won’t touch it so I’ve been sneaking it into banana bread and today will be waffles. I’ve added three new gardens to the big ones I’ve had. And I started an even bigger garden at a friend’s house and we are able to chat from a safe distance a few times a week.
Last week was hard, as 3/4 of us had been sick, I was grateful to qualify for screening, and hoped to be positive as our symptoms were all mild and we’d be able to put some anxiety behind us. The test came back negative only to find out there is a high “false negative “ rate with the testing.
And we had to say goodbye to our eighteen year old kitty 😥 It was better for him but still very hard.
To test positive then get better you become a very important member of the community – building the immunity of the collectively. I can see your point if the negative cannot be trusted. How boring!
A big part of the high negative rate has to do with trouble we’ve had with education about testing. If they didn’t stick the swab way back in your nose (until it felt like your brain was being scrambled) for 10-15 seconds on each side, you have a much higher chance of getting a false negative. It’s very specific and a bit rougher than a flu swab.
I really hope we get good serology testing soon (for antibodies). I’m in a similar boat– I got mild sick, though I didn’t bother with testing because I didn’t ever have a fever. It would be nice to know (if) I have antibodies. I think we would find that a lot of healthcare workers have developed the antibodies for it, even if they didn’t get sick. Here in Seattle, we’re pretty sure we were seeing active cases (without the kind of protection we have now instituted) before we were looking for it.
Thank you for explaining. They did scratch my brain (bloody nose and a headache all day after) but only on one side. They were also quite surprised by the blood so perhaps that was something amiss as well.
I would much rather have blood drawn many times before doing that again. I hope there is an antibody test soon and it’s made available to everyone after healthcare workers get first dibs.
Blood is unusual, but perhaps your nose was very dry. I hope we get serology for everyone too!
Life in London is eerily quiet, outside it’s more like being in the countryside, no background rumble of traffic. From my window I see people walking and jogging down the street, often down the middle of the road since passing cars are few and far between. This last week though the number of people out walking has diminished, I think people are very cautious right now. On the few occasions I’ve been out the only sign of activity is the long queues outside supermarkets. My own life hasn’t changed much, I’m retired and live on my own, watch far too much TV. I really miss meeting up with friends for a capuccino, but welcome the street WhatsApp group that’s been set up. One person in the group, a chef, has started selling freshly made sourdough bread to us neighbors.
How do they organize the queues outside the supermarket ? I have not been in one since February !
Well it kind of looks like those queues in communist era Russia that they used to show us as propaganda as to how west was best … a security guard on the door, then one-out-one-in … with social distancing and people standing 6 foot apart that makes for a long looking queue. I went past my usual mid-size supermarket and the queue stretched the full width of the frontage, then round the corner where they’d set up barriers to make a zig-zag queue, Disney would approve.
Life isn’t so different for me. My work goes on, except now that Forrest is working from home I must keep things more quiet as he’s on conference calls a lot. He just lets me know when there is a window of opportunity to run the vacuum or kitchen electrics! It’s all about shifting gears. My farm girl roots have always taught me to be prepared for anything, and common sense is how I live. Since Forrest isn’t selling eggs at work now, we still have a few of his co-workers come to call at the front gate – the transaction is made masked and gloved up with distance kept. Surplus eggs are distributed for free to needy neighbors.
You mentioned John’s retirement nest egg – that’s something that we are now unsure about. Forrest had hoped for early retirement next year, but that is up in the air now. Lot’s of things are unknown at the moment in the world. I believe there is a shift in global consciousness – it’s a time to be ready, to move forth with open minds and hearts, to be alert with all senses. I think COVID-19 is just a part of the transition. It is an important time for all of us to be flexible and to have compassion and understanding.
No nest egg I am afraid / his retirement payment is a stipend however at least it is steady at the moment . I agree we must be ready to change / and it is a good thing too!
I’m going to copy this and share it with my missing, and missed, family: ” it’s a time to be ready, to move forth with open minds and hearts, to be alert with all senses.” It’s so encouraging to hear good words from others.
Living alone, but still working as I am considered “essential” has kept me connected to the world in ways that I wouldn’t be otherwise. I order my groceries online and go pick them up. Other essentials come to my door as I don’t remember the last time I actually went into a store in person. The grandchildren and I talk over video, or on occasion through glass as they leave pictures on my doorstep or I leave them treats on theirs.
My life was rather solitary before this virus, so I notice the changes more with others rather than myself. I wonder if all the families I see, doing simple things like walking together outside, or gardening together will continue sharing time once restrictions are lifted, or if the slower pace will disappear.
I am sure it will stay in children’s minds – how their parents won’t this time with them / plus teaching them – with homework and so forth. It must make an impression.
You wouldn’t recognise London – it’s perpetually like a bank holiday back in the 70s – especially in the City. The lack of cars and people, does make for good cycling and as we are allowed out for execise, I’m making the most of it. The council closed all markets in Islington – very short sited IMHO. Breathing in recycled supermarket air can’t be good and local farmers need to be appreciated and supported. Fortunately, my farmer also has a stall in London Fields, so I have been there this morning. It’s now 2 people shopping at a time, so I went early and was 8th in the queue, 30 minutes before it was officially open at 10 am. The extra distance is no hardship, with a sunny ride through the leafy streets of De Beauvoir Town.
I’m looking forward to meeting your new pigs!
Keep safe.
Anything outdoor has GOT to be better! I occasionally have city people come down and sit in the hay field. It is kind of sweet!
You can’t get safer than an empty hay field!
Holy cow- you are working hard. Do pace yourself…rest is important also! We are fine here in the Pacific Northwest. Both of us have been retired for years…but that doesn’t mean we are sitting on our derrieres! We are finishing projects, starting and finishing new one…lots of progress here.We cannot just sit and watch TV. Matter of fact I watch very little. Too much hype and yelling. I’d rather be peaceful and do what I can. Our little neighborhood of 44 houses in a circular street ( some houses on the inside of the circle and some on the outer side of the circle) is a circle of friends and helpful hands.We all
do what we can do to help each other and keep everyone’s spirits positive. Take care and be safe. Cannot wait to see the photos of piglets! They will make all of us smile! Hugs all round!
psI have two blogs going right now- one just for this month- here’s Saturday’s 2020 A to Z post: about penguins
https://katheatoz.blogspot.com/2020/04/saturday-april-18-2020-p-is-for-penguin.html
And I haven’t been able to find flour (along with some other things) at my local store. Guess everyone has taken up baking again. Morning miss c….t
We have not changed much up here on the ridge. We are fairly isolated, anyway. We are on line a lot more than we ever were, I suppose it’s because of the cold weather we have been having. I am prepared to plant the garden, as soon as we get past frost warnings. We do wonder how life will look afterward, but the hay will grow, no matter, so we work and get through each day…one at a time. Hope you all are doing well, and pray for the future health of all our families.
Here in Mississippi it’s life as usual for me and my husband who is an essential worker while I stay at home caring for our chickens and ducks, which I have several of each sitting and I’m hoping excitedly that babies will be born. I have one cochin who went broody last month and I have just one chick from her but yet it’s a hope for the future. We have planted our gardens yesterday. Plants and seeds are hard to find here but my husband was able to find what we usually plant. It does feeling like Sunday as your friend stated,it reminds me of my youth when Sunday’s were quiet,most stores where closed and we visited family, that’s the only draw back not being able to see the family though we text often and when I need to hear my grown children’s voice I’ll call. I’m pleased to hear you’re doing well and the mill is busy but I hate that you must work the hours you are. I’m excited to see your piggies and love reading you posts. Much love sent to everyone
Hello from Northern California. I received my order of flour from Janie’s yesterday and it looks wonderful. I can’t wait to make some bread with it! We are doing okay — busy in the garden and mending fences and missing “normal” life (hugs and kisses and time with friends); but doing okay.
Hi Celi, All is well out here in Portland. We are being very dutiful about social distancing and my favorite thing about it is being able to walk down the center of the neighborhood streets, due to lack of traffic. My husband is working at home, and I’ve worked at home forever, so we are juggling zooms and calls but it is all working out fine.
I feel so grateful for all that I have in this time when so many are suffering. I was in France at the beginning of March and left early because of the lockdown. Very, very grateful to have gotten home without exposure to the virus.
I’m trying to get a sourdough starter going but I seem to keep killing it. Anybody have any ideas what I’m doing wrong?
So good to hear your report about the mill and read everyone else’s reports as well!
Sending virtual hugs!
Charlotte
My eldest daughter had her baby two weeks ago, so in the lockdown here in the uk. A boy! A first in this family of girls.
As it’s her second child she’s fine and not at all stressed, which is good as all midwife and health visitor visits have stopped. I feel really sorry for first time mums in these times very stressful.
We are very lucky that we can walk out of our house straight onto a common, which is a lovely place, but is so busy now with people jogging and walking and it’s so funny seeing people veer off into bushes when they see you approach which we do too. Everyone is being very good. The weather here has been really nice so that helps a lot, especially when I have to queue outside the supermarket! Keep safe.
Oh you work SO hard. How do you manage to run a farm as well. Little pigs coming, looking forward to that.
Many of my grand children live in the same village as l do so when ever any of them are passing my house with their parents the can open my back garden gate and we can catch up with a good chat with a good distance between us.. Lack of physical contact but l know l am very lucky. Aside from that, walking, gardening and knitting, all very therapeutic. Stay safe everybody.
It gives me hope to have read all the comments here about people doing what they should be doing! I constantly am afraid for the people of the US and how many want to open up the country again which would be devstating for all of them. Canadians are much more likely to follow the rules than our neighbors to the south! I am in Alberta but not in one of the big cities so there are few cases. I am working from home and love it! I hope I get the option to continue working from home when this is all over or settled down. Take care all and stay at home!
So good to hear from you Celi and from the fellowship! All is well with us on our small farm. We are waiting for ducklings that will be hatching soon, and watching our goat, Betty Boop, who will have babies in a month. Spring has sprung down here in North Central Arkansas, which makes this craziness easier to bear. Sending love to the Fellowship of the Farmy!!!
I have really missed your posts. 🙁 Btw, if you have a green card, you should be able to get a stimulus check – you don’t have to be a citizen.
They say it is only likely a green card holder will get a check – except that mine is expired – hopefully I get my replacement soon! But like I say I am still working / the money should go to people who lost their jobs.
It’s surprising to me that Australians, traditionally the disobedient, independent larrikins, are mostly obeying the lockdown orders without excessive whinging and griping, but the Americans are protesting it. Perhaps it’s something to do with how the Australian government is making an effort to take care of those thrown out of work… My life is not very different, since I was always at home before, and the Husband is in an essential occupation and still hard at work. I have managed to get past that period of intense distraction by coronavirus news coverage; it’s clear to me now that our curve has totally flattened and if we stay patient we’ll soon be on top of it. Not that we had such a bad situation to start with, of course… Groceries are a never-ending source of frustration, as the supermarkets juggle supplies against demand. One of these days, I’ll be able to buy flour, pasta, canned tomatoes and sugar once again. Meanwhile, we do without.
It is a cool spring isn’t it- a friend of mine here in northern lower peninsula of a Michigan posted of photo from here 2 years ago and we were dealing with a snowstorm with 2” of snow- at least I see the grass starting to turn green! Ramps have popped up in the woods behind our house- will wait another week so they get a little bigger. I am going to make sourdough starter- and I wanted to use your recipe- how can I find it? So hope the work slows down for you a little. Hopefully when the weather is nicer and people will be outside more. Stay healthy- love the farm photos!
Thank you for all of your hard work. I ordered a couple different flours and received them last week. Friday we made pizza from the Italian Flour. It was amazing!! Can’t wait to try a few more things. We are in Southern Illinois and I am still working in the hospital. My husband has been home going on 6 weeks tomorrow. I have always loved cooking and baking. With this virus/stay home order, baking seems to be the thing to do right now. I know so many people are baking that usually never baked.
It’s great to hear from you Celi, and to read how others are managing. I tend to lurk and read, usually. I’m in central Scotland. I’ve worked remotely for a long time so no difference there, except with the entire company working from home I’m invited to more meetings (I think they used to forget about me!) and by Thursday I’m all talked out and feeling rather anti-social. My work is manic busy at the moment, with long hours, but I am v thankful to have my job and income. But… there’s no time to get seeds in, unless I start a night shift …I will carve out some time, somewhere. Had to say goodbye to my beautiful old dog right at the start of the year but I’m v glad we made a mad dash up north to collect another rescue just before lock-down. An 18-month lurcher boy. My horizons have narrowed but he gives me a reason to get out into our local fields and woods. I found two tins of dried yeast at the back of the cupboard (use by 2017) but I’ve experimented and the yeast is still active. Flour is a bit of a prob though! I’m missing hugs and just being able to reach out to touch. My partner is self-isolating on his boat away from the house and my usually lovely 18-year-old son is being v teenager at the moment. Gosh, I’ve written a book here… will I actually post it!!
Working remotely up in remote Scotland sounds a bit romantic actually !! I am glad you posted your book! We love hearing each other’s stories.
Our reality is somewhere between Kate’s and Lori’s. Here in Alice Springs we are in a nearly virus free zone! The only two cases locally, were not from here and stayed in hospital, but had contracted the disease overseas, which is where we were until four weeks ago! We got home just in time to be able to self-isolate at home instead of a hotel, thank goodness. Groceries are being delivered as we are of ages that are still being told to stay at home, so we are dependant on the supply and demand of grocery items. Mostly we are fine. Even my hairdresser was open so after seven weeks I could get a haircut! Glad to hear from you. I hope the mill makes lots of money from all your hard work. Things will be bumpy for everyone for a while. xx
I think it is so funny – no hairdressers – and I was woefully in need of one when this whole thing started! Now my fair is long and curly and wild and grey and just hilarious! Lucky we wear caps at work !!
Thank you for your updates. Things are strange here in Ohio – there’s food in the stores again but everyone is feeling the impending spring and getting antsy. Demand for eggs, chicks and rabbits has been high – the local feed stores are totally out of chicks almost every day. We had snow two days ago -over an inch and it stuck around for a day or two. There are protesters demanding the state be opened again but their protests have been largely selfish and scary – demanding services for themselves like haircuts and movies. The doctor leading the Ohio response is Jewish and protesters have been carrying antisemetic signs. Many have been armed. It’s a small gathering, but still concerning.
But the plants keep growing. And the bunnies have babies. And the flowers bloom. And the new dog gets trained and fetches his ball They don’t care about any of it.
That sounds like a frightening gathering – armed as well. What are they thinking!!!
Actually my life hasn’t changed much at all. Being retired my first thought when I wake up is always, ‘now what day is it?’. I haven’t noticed any huge shortages at the grocery or the local farm supply/feed store. I’ve never been much of a tv watcher and I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news – the hysteria is ridiculous. I spent almost two weeks in Ecuador and the Galapagos (a truly magical place!), and fortunately got home just before everything hit the fan. We’re having a bit of an up-down spring weather wise so it’s been kind of a challenge getting spring chores done when there are snow showers. A warm up is expected this week so hopefully it’ll be an end to the cold. So good to see you post again, missing any updates on all the critters.
HI, YOU ALL! Any room left for a straggler on this lovely day?
Ceci! THANK YOU for the pictures. So nice to see someone else’s yard! Our daughter went home after helping me for over a month – getting things organized and settled in after my hub’s heart attack in March. Being from LA, she kept a photo journal “A month at the folk’s farm”…animals, birds, flowers, chickens……….
Yosemite has seen a resurgence of animal life returning to the Valley, as the park is closed – period! We, too, have noticed the blue skies, brighter stars, and silence! So quiet and lovely!! Have our windows open to let in the warm Spring air – ahhhh!
PLEASE EVERYONE, STAY WELL, BE HAPPY, BE CAREFUL!
Hello, Celi ! So glad to gear from you ! Kate so, so correctly calls us Down Under ‘disobedient, independent larrikins’ who, at the moment, are toeing the line whilst shouting out ‘We are one and we are many . . . .I am, you are, we are Australians’ . . . people forget we had not even begun getting over six months of disastrous bushfires ere the virus hit us . . . since I live in the Sydney Basin, a wee bit more dangerous than in other parts of Australia . . . we have to be just a tad more careful for the common good . . . if Sophie has not suggested already click on The Seekers singing ‘I am, you are. we are Australians’ . . . it will come out alright in the end – how? Well, at least somewhat, that is up to each one of us . . .
Wonderful to hear from you, and that Janie’s Mill is prospering. I hope when we go back to more normal it will continue at least somewhat. Amazing to here everyone else’s accounts. We are all in the together… but apart… has been a silver lining. From my perspective here in Australia most people are onboard with iso. A notable few who “don’t like being told what to do” and a few others who quiety and probably quite safely circumvent the restrictions. But if more did it, that would be a whole different matter. We’re fortunate our broader area has minimal cases, important especially because of the high population of disavantaged and vulnerable ie aged and indigenous. Out here in the village life has sort of time travelled back 50 years. The hotel operations are restricted but it’s allowed to operate as a general store. There are a lot less cars going into town. Our lives have changed very little, we downshifted 4 or so years ago, I continue to study from home. The G.O. goes to town each week to do his mum’s shopping, at 86 she hates going out anyway would rather be in her garden. I go to town for grocery top up every 3 or so weeks. Fortunately we have local growers we can buy some sort of fresh veg from most weeks and a small edibles garden ourselves. The GO.’s knee surgery is on the backburner but he keeps busy with manageable projects and day-to-day has always seen us with more than enough to keep us occupied. The things we miss are going to local markets -there are some but not many happening, short drives exploring our local area… and most of all the beach…. which I think Deez-dog misses more. It’s Autumn… my favourite beach weather. Locals are allowed to exercise at a safe distance on the beaches but we’re not close enough to be considered local. So we play dog tennis in the churchyard, walk to the river and around the reserve, all in the village environs. It’s not a bad life, we’re grateful to be where and how we are. Like you, it feels like without knowing exactly what the future holds we’ve been preparing for such a thing long before it happened.
Today I made a loaf of bread – my first since my disastrous attempt in junior high school. It came out fair – perhaps as I had old flour (stuff found in the back, it was all I had). I was pleased at my first attempt. It is the only flour I had and none is available in the stores. I hope someday to try this again when flour is available and I can practice some. It was fun to do .
I read this early this morning and just getting back here to let you know I appreciate you spending what little time you have keeping us posted as to how you are doing. This isolation from family is the hardest thing I’m sure. I’m fortunate that my daughter has been living with me for the last year and is now working from home. That’s a mixed blessing to be sure. 🙂 I don’t understand the hoarding of flour. I guess because I don’t bake much anymore. It’s one of those staple items preppers hoard for whatever catastrophic scenario plays out in their minds. That stuff has a shelf life and needs to be stored cool so I keep very little at a time. I’m glad your friends company is doing well because of this but I sure hate to see it wear you all out. I am learning a lot from all of this. Hang in there. Hopefully it will be gone before winter sets in south of us. I keep in touch with family in Australia and friends in NZ too. Keeping fingers crossed for everyone.
Nothing much different from the last several years. Neither of us really go anywhere except grocery shopping. My spouse’s oldest daughter bought us groceries that he’ll have to go and pick up this coming week, but that’s the first time for something like that. I walk what little I can anyway around the driveway (I stay off the hill, my knees just won’t handle that) or sit on the patio or porch when it’s warm enough. It’s been cold here on the far southwest side of Chicago but the porch and patio face south which helps during the day. So far the step-kids and their families are all okay even tho they’re all over the country. We’re doing okay as far as his pension income so that isn’t a worry. Do take care of yourself, 12 hour days are wearing. Our best to everyone in the Fellowship!
Hi C, look who corona virus has bought out of the woodwork! I finished study in January and graduated one week before lockdown…..and now have time to catch up on everyone’s posts. Lovely to see all the same folks posting.
I’m working 12hr shifts, too. And I’m still not getting it all done. We have divided into two teams, and never the two shall meet. That way we’re more likely to have a healthy team to work. The opposite team works 4 10hr days. This, too, shall pass.
I am so excited for the mill! To be that busy is fantastic! I hope their business continues to boom after the shutdown is over. Though maybe a tad less trouble with suppliers!
It’s odd. Here in Northern Virginia, there is a LOT less traffic. It’s not as easy to go for a walk on the street as it used to be, but I try to get out into the loveliness of spring. I have baked bread with flour from the mill and have given the email address to a number of friends, so if you get orders from DC and Virginia, I did it. I loved the taste of this flour and I’m glad to have it to keep my baking going. It sounds pretty wild and stressful. Still, I hope it expands the customer base. I’ll be ordering again!
We’re well here in Milwaukee…simple amusements like road work machinery working on our street, watching neighbors’ new puppies, 3 family’s worth! We too are retired, but kids are working-albeit from home mostly. Stay well, glad of your posts!
You my dear are always busy! No matter what you do in life! We are doing well and nearly at week 5 of lockdown. Jacinda has done an amazing job! So very lucky to live here! Stay well dear Celi
I so miss your blog, but know that you are an essential worker, helping to feed those of us in isolation. Wishing you the best, Miss C!
Celi, it has been nearly a month since you’ve posted. I am anxious to know if you are OK. I don’t want to add any pressure to your incredibly busy life, but I know there are many of us who would like to know you and all your family and the farm are OK. x
I am ok. A little overwhelmed- a lot anxious, underwater and deeply tired but ok! Thank you so much for asking- I feel like soon I will come back up for air.
I was about to ask the same question – are you ok or lost in the mill? Glad to hear the answer. Remember that wearing yourself thin can cause its own problems.
Stay healthy
Chris S
I have been wanting to check on you for weeks now and finally found my way. I’ve been more than worried. I hope you are finding some down time to restore yourself or you will have wings of sand. You can’t create a new world without strong energy. We are all rooting for you and wishing you all things good. Be kind to yourself first and the rest will follow. Sending love and big squishy hugs.