“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” Leo Tolstoy
From a practical standpoint, it makes sense that when spring arrives the days get longer and it’s time to start working on projects. But the To Do List has a different energy and motivation during springtime. It’s inspiring to see all the change around us and nature waking up from the winter. Spring has a freshness that makes me want everything around me to be fresh too. It’s the only time of year I feel compelled to scrub every surface, wash all the windows, and donate multiple carloads of stuff. This is year is no different and here is a look at some of the projects going on around the farm.
Calving Season
We had our first calf hit the ground yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work (I wasn’t late but I did forget to brush my teeth)! We should have five more birthing any time now.
Brett got this calf (the girls named him Bill) tagged and banded with a little “help” from the rest of the herd. They are so curious, they all had to get right in there and see what was going on!
Cement Season
There is so much water and so much mud, it can be overwhelming around here. We have a list of areas we want to cement to help cut down on the mud and you can bet we started pouring more cement as soon as the weather warmed up!
The first on the list was raising the level of our barn floor. It’s hard to tell from the picture, but it was built in a low spot and fills with water. Hopefully pouring a new floor will help the barn stay dry.
Pruning Season
Our abundance of water pushed pruning our fruit trees out a little later than is ideal, but we managed to get them pruned this year before they bloomed. It has to dry out enough to be able to walk through the orchard without sinking down into the mud. Last year we didn’t get it done in time, which I think contributed to our hornet infestation. We pruned them all back hard this year and we’re praying that it helps control pests in the coming year.
Pig Season
We will be picking up our piglets in a few weeks and I can’t wait to bring them home! They are so much fun to have around. In preparation, we need to clear the hay out of their covered area and secure a few gates.
Spring Cleaning Season
I felt compelled to clean everything! Go through the closets, toy boxes, cupboards, bookshelves, nooks and crannies to get rid of all the clutter. Dust and mop and scrub surfaces and wash all the windows. I just think it would feel amazing to freshen up the house and have some order. My mom agreed to come into town and watch the kids for me because as soon as I get one chore done, they’ve undone it before I can finish the next. I’m so thankful she came to visit even though I absolutely zero spring cleaning because…..
Strep Season
…all four kids ended up with strep! Ruby got sick first. It started with a fever and belly pain that seemed quite a bit like appendicitis. After two ultrasounds and a CT scan later, the doctor decided to check for strep. The most expensive strep workup on the planet, I’m sure. Then one by one they all got it even though no one complained of a sore throat. I’m so thankful my mom was here to help, even though it wasn’t what I expected to need help with.
This blog post was written in participation in a Blogging Bee-an online gathering reminiscent of the quilting bees and sewing bees of days past when women would bring their work together to create art. If you enjoyed this post about “Spring Fever,” take a look at these posts from other farmers, small business owners, homesteaders, and creatives.
Spring Fever: 8 Easy Steps to a Showstopping Garden by Brooke Fraser Slack
