Like a Soap Opera 'round here

As the World Turns, with only One Life to Live, the farm keeps moving forward. As we shake off the recent events with the storms and #goatdilemmas, the shake out starts to reveal itself. This shake out is how it's all coming together, instead of flying apart. The dust settles once again, and we are guided in how to manage it all. Hope and Faith are the biggest sponsors of this season. God has shown us that with hope and faith, anything is possible - and we hold on to those two with a tight grip.
These Days of our Lives have brought us great peace. As we settle and shift into Spring, so do the animals. Everyone is glad to see the green grass, new forbes, warmth at night and an abundance of sunshine. The quiet is deafening, as All My Children are finding contentment in their own lives. All the farm animals are able to forage, and not feel the need to hee-haw, baa, cluck, and maa for food. It's right there in front of them, and plenty of it. The change from cries of hurry-up-and-come-feed-me to heads-down-busy-eating-here is like living in a polar opposite world from merely a few weeks ago.
It's not only Spring that has brought changes to our Bold and Beautiful. We also have completed some pasture management, that brings about the shifting of animals from one pasture to the other. As Lauren always says, we love to move things. I think I'm addicted to moving things and somehow feel okay about it. The reality is that for us, having the farm is constant movement on a small or large scale. Things are moving and we're moving it (or the wind is moving it). After recently re-fencing parts of the pasture, adding a couple of new gates, buttoning-up the back pasture (with goat/sheep fence panels applied to existing fence) and ensuring all areas have shelter and water supply we have a new labeling system of the different pasture areas. They are as follows, along with the occupants:

Front Pasture: This area is where the pond is located, and now houses our two sweet donkeys, Mama and Papa. They have not grazed this area for quite awhile now, and are Loving their new digs. This pasture is closest to the road that runs in front of the house, and farthest pasture from the house. The donkeys will guard there, and ensure no predator comes across the fence lines. They are the experts at that, and have a shutout every night. Donkeys win - every time. Period.

Middle/Side Pasture: This area has recently been blended by opening an adjoining gate to make it a larger area for our 6 sheep - Belle, LuLu, Eve, Grace, Clara and Licorice. They are guarded (and barn mates) by and with Levi & Whisper, who are brother sister Great Pyrenees who have never allowed a predator to come across the parameter, with the exception of one coyote. The coyote did not win, but it did leave alive. As a side note, Whisper had surgery (TPLO) last Nov 2018, and after 3 months of being penned, is back out at 99% with her back left leg. The surgeon blessed her and gave her the use of her leg back. She has recovered marvelously and we could not have asked for a better outcome. She's feeling better than ever, uses her leg again, and is so very happy - and you can see the joy in her eyes. She's back doing what she does best. Whisper and Levi were part of the house/land transaction - and they are truly priceless. They keep the chickens, barn cats and sheep safe - always watching, always there. Simply incredible. The sheep are grazing more than ever with the new forbes, and they are no longer The Young and the Restless.

Back Pasture: In Another World lies the brother sister duo of Dixie and Davis, who are now 9 month old guard pups, put in a pasture to guard 5 goats. Yes, what started as 2 goats, is now 5. Nona and Twizzler, then Chia and Georgia, along with the lastest newcomer, Sprinkles. Sprinkles came to us from a (different) Feed Store who was looking to rehome her. They are all "versions" of Nigerian Dwarf goats. Small and feisty. Thus far, non-destructive, playful, and fun as they romp and play like kids. The Guiding Light of Dixie and Davis keep them safe (who learned from the best). As a side note, Nona is doing better after losing her two kids last Sunday. She's been able to bond back with the goat herd, and in fact, is the calm and kind leader of the herd.

The 15 chickens in the barn, along with an ebbing and flowing number of barn cats (mostly staying strong at around 8 - due to various strays coming and going) round out the farm animals of which live mainly in the barn. All the chickens free range, but at The Edge of Night return to the barn to roost and rest, always In Search For Tomorrow.

As we were once The City, we are now country. And there's absolutely no where I'd rather be. We are no Port Charles or Sunset Beach, we are Gunter residents who love our small town. We went to the City Council meeting a few weeks ago to speak at the 'time' where citizens can talk for 2 minutes, and it made me realize the magnitude of all things "small town". We went to ask about some road repairs, and I left the meeting feeling heard. I love it that no one is driving to fast, no one is in too much of a hurry, and we all are here for the same reason - looking for life that's a little slower, a little quieter, along with land to roam.

During this season of quiet as Spring has bestowed itself, we relish in the sweet spot of not-too-hot and not-too-cold. The animals are settled and happy. I didn't move anything today. I sat on the back porch and reflected on how wonderful life is. No crisis and nothing to fret about. Just peace and joy. It feels good, and this is what I lean into, letting myself feel the feelings of it all. It's like licking your lips and tasting the last bit of icing from the cake you just ate. Delicious.

Big sigh,

Cyndi