Welcome Spring!

It is hard to believe just two weeks ago we were wearing snow boots and attending to the wood stove.  Now the windows are open, the ceiling fans are spinning and it seems we've jumped right into early summer.  It may not last but we are enjoying it.  

The girls have moved most of their day outside packing little suitcases full of toys, crayons and coloring books, then with a little blanket roll under their arms they are off.  Usually a few chickens, a cat and a younger brother follow as they settle into their favorite shady spot in the front yard.

We bagged our usual family home evening routine this week and called for foot races in the hay field instead.  They all decided it is hard to race in farm boots and they all slept very well that night.

It is hard to put into words all the senses of spring, if I could record the sounds here I would, the birds, the toads, the crickets, bleating goats, laying hens, purring kittens and playing children.  All owning their unique call in the celebration of life, it sounds like heaven.

But I will say as someone new to farm life I'm finding the smells to own their own pungency that are quick to remind me of my senses.  The flowers and grasses are quite pleasant and I suppose it may take time for the smell of animal to become familiar enough to be called pleasant as well.

The overnight change in season had me feeling unprepared like one of the  foolish virgins.  My children were tossing all sorts of hats, mittens and snow clothes aside in search of their favorite sneakers and tie dyes.  What I normally would call "the big switch" became the big bomb.

Maryanna rediscovered her skirt with petticoat and found it to be the perfect uniform for practicing head stands and cartwheels - watch out Cupcake!  

And now it is time to set some boundaries for our friendly bunch of hens.  It is hard to stay away from children who offer so many hugs and handouts but the chicken poop on the front porch and scratching in the flower beds have got to stop!  The top of Paul's weekend to do list involves several rolls of chicken wire.   

With the chicken area well defined we'll be ready to make movement on our summer garden plans.  The boys drew me out a map on graph paper, the girls have been sifting through garden catalogs and I am simply trying to balance out the possibilities and the realities, both of which are great.

I suggested to Paul that we build a small play structure in the middle of the garden to lure in helpers, he suggested we keep things simple, and that is actually how most our possibilities and realities work themselves out.  And whatever comes of it we all feel giddy with anticipation. 

So here's to a new season and our first springtime on the farm.........