Big Kick-Off Weekend!

That's a lot of soap, and for a reason! The kids and I will be vending at the Fiber Frolic for the first year this weekend and then my Mom and Faith will be holding down the fort or actually booth at a brand new farmers market that I'll regularly be at all summer. Very excited to see how things go! Unfortunately it's supposed to rain all weekend, I know we'll be under cover, outside in barns and Mom will have a large tent canopy for Sunday but if y'all wouldn't mind saying a prayer for us and for nice weather that would be much appreciated. I was steadily prepping things for this weekend and sent to kids to get the mail and lo and behold there was another invitation to vend at a local event in August! Goodness we are blessed! Details coming soon!

buddies

the sheep have arrived!

More later, just wanted to introduce the newest cast members!

Buck show tomorrow! Yikes! Excited, but YIKES!

He's had my heart for 5 years now...

 Five years ago today Garlic was delivered to his forever home and I'll tell you it has been the fastest 5 years of my life and some of the best memories I have include him. I've mentioned before and I'll say it again he is my childhood, little girl dream come true, only better. As best I can piece together he's about 30 today and I wanted to share some of the sage wisdom he's taught me since joining my life. There are some things I've learned in the past 5 years that only he could have taught me.

 He's taught me that sometimes what you think you want and what you need are completely different and what you need turns out being exactly what you want.

There are things in life worth waiting for because time is fleeting and causes you to savor every minute in a way that's not possible had you gotten it instantly.

 Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the fence but the grass is short, the people don't understand you and there is sweet feed served at home!

A few hours on horseback or a large warm shoulder to cry on are sometimes the same thing.

Sometimes it's the smallest stone that causes the most surefooted among us to stumble and it's ok we can recover and continue along that trail.

Lay down in the sunshine and rest when you're tired and take off at a full gallop when you're not.

Aging gracefully is beautiful.

Nicker when you see a loved one! They tend to eat that up - and bring carrots.

 Forgive the hurts from the past; they made you who you are, and who you are is appreciated because of the past, the good and the bad. 

It takes time to build trust, it's hard work but the payoff is amazing. I rode 'Boz' (Garlic) today bareback in a halter with just a lead rope. It was amazing, it gives me chills to relive it. We've gotten to know each other and built a trust with one another and developed an ability to listen to each other in a language only he and I speak, it's beautiful and there is now way this would have happened 5 years ago, but I'm so thankful we were put in each others paths and have had the past 5 years together.

It's ok to take chances, I did 5 years ago and have never looked back. I took a chance 5 years ago on a skinny old horse with a kind eye and completely unknown history, I took a leap of faith and I'm still flying!

I have no idea how much longer I have with him; 30 is getting up there, but if I spent all my time worrying about that and wondering I'd miss out on a whole pile time. So here's to the next 5 years Boz! Thank you for being the most amazing horse on the planet and for being mine. I love you Boz.

concentration

As part of the prep for the upcoming things we're doing, Andrew and Spice need to get used to milking together, actually Faith and Spice do too, but one thing at a time. Usually the milking chore belongs me and I really enjoy that. It's a time for me do sit down, breathe, relax and do only one thing. If I cannot relax Spice feels that and reacts to it which doesn't make for a pleasant experience. Since this is something I do because I enjoy it I don't want it riddled with a bad milking experience or two or 15...

I take this time to think and listen and enjoy.

Last night I sat back and let Andrew have a go at it and he did well, the mosquitoes were awful and she ended up kicking at one and kicking the milk pail then stepped in it so the milk went to the chickens, but overall everything went well. I was proud.

Plans for Saturday?

We'll be at the Windsor Fairgrounds on Saturday to participate in our first dairy goat show. This show also includes a Jr. and Sr. Buck show and Galloway has been entered. So if you're in the areas and have nothing else to do and want to come cheer us on pop in, bucks show in the afternoon!

it was just hanging around...

begging to get shot.

Oh! through the lens of my camera, what did you think I meant?! ;-)