Power of Design

Notice It

I used to be the worst at performing tasks that are tedious, time-sucking and just plain hard - all without even noticing that it was highly inconvenient.  I did it all the time, and the worst part was that I don't even notice that I was making life harder than it had to be. Doing things the hard way became a habit. Even something as simple as moving the toothbrush holder from one side of the counter to the other weren't always things I readily thought of. Little changes can make a big difference in your day. It was 4 years ago that I started making changes to my DNA by asking myself a very important question: "How can I experience the world better?" (i.e how do I not have to work so hard around here)

Tuning My Eyes

Come on, Cyndi. In the barn, garage, pastures, and coops, aren't you tired of moving fences yet? Aren't you tired of taking the feed farther away than it really needs to be? Aren't you tired of performing tasks that could be so much simpler if you would just notice it. But really, it took me awhile to realize I even had a problem. I wasn't noticing design flaws. I wasn't noticing my habits and all the extra work they created. I told myself I liked doing all this extra work. I had lost control to these things thrust upon me or that I created myself. I was doing way too many things the hard way because I had designed it that way.

12 Step Program

Once I accepted the reality that I had a design problem with many things on the farm, and when I acknowledged it to my husband was when I could begin the recovery process. First, I would need to tune my eyes to it all, to notice it. Is that gate really working well? Would a henge on the other side be better? Can I automate this or that? It's hard to see the world more clearly when your bogged down. Wrenching my control back of design flaws was certainly needed. I needed to be able to recognize and say "I can do this better". I had to acknowledge that I needed to make changes to do things differently, and not fall into those same time-wasting habits. I needed to try and save my body, my time and my mental health. It was a slow progression, but it's also a slippery slope. Once you start down this road of innovation and better time management, there's no stopping it. I look at all gates, fences, structures, tools, feed containers, etc differently now. How can those things work better?

Teach yourself

I have done many physical task in my life over and over mindlessly. No matter what the tasks, I wasn't always the best at recognizing that I could transform it, make things better or easier - unless it happen to jump up and slap me in the face. The habits of my life had taken over, and I was not terribly creative with solutions. Until, I woke up to it all. Now, there's no stopping me. One of the greatest gifts I've given myself is to try and solve really "great" problems in my day to day life. When something I'm doing is driving me crazy, notice it. Why does it have to be so hard? Oh, it's a really great problem, and I should try and solve it. And the answer always seems to lie in the design. No more just accepting it - do something about it and make it better.

I need an example, please

It goes something like this.......every time you reach to eat an apple, you begin to wash it and there's that stupid sticker on the apple. Sure, it's nice because when you're checking out at the grocery store, the code number (sticker) is ON the apple and it's easy to check out at the grocery store. But once you get home, it's not that great. You have to peel the sticker off with your fingernail, breaking the flesh of the smooth apple skin. Then, you have to flick the sticker off of your finger, hopefully hitting the trash can. And the first time you ever do this, it's highly annoying. The 10th time you've taken this stupid sticker off your fruit, you're less upset about it and beginning to accept it. Then, by the 100th time you've taken that stupid sticker off with apple-flesh under your fingernail and picking the sticker off the floor for the second time because you accidentally flicked it there, you actually just do it without thinking that innovation is needed here, people. We just keep doing it and become desensitized to the bad design of it.

But I can't change the sticker-on-the-fruit issue

But I can change the daily tasks, gates, fences, animal shelters, and water sources around me to be better. It took ALOT just for me to realize I had a problem with not fixing problems. It took a lot for me to see these habits, the little details and all the frustration I have. I had become desensitized to a lot of it. This has been a big Ah Ha moment for me in my life. It's been a 4 year progression of waking up to 'Hey, What's wrong with you? You can do that better, girl.'
I recognized that I've not been open to seeing our farm operation from an outsiders perspective. I've not seen the value. I've been overworking instead. Silly me. Thank goodness I woke up from this. Granted, aging and mindfulness helps this process. I'm happy to say that once this idea of taking the power of design into account in all I do, that it's changed the way I look at most things. Now, I'd like to fix something once. I'd like to think it through, and may even have tweaks on it, but let's not do it over and over in a bad design way. I've done that too many times - yes, I've learned a lot - but using wisdom and innovation over physical and time-consumption methods is optimal.

Stay beginners, my friends

Steve Jobs used to tell his employees to 'see through the eyes of the customer'. 'Staying beginners is how we will succeed', he told them. Beginners don't want to have to charge their new electronic device before they use it. They don't want to have to wait to use their new electric toy they've saved for 3 months to buy. Let's package our products with a battery fully charged, so that when the box is opened, the electronic is usable at that time. It's the little things that make a difference. No more "charge before use" stickers! How about no more (real) apple stickers, too.

Satisfaction please

After demanding days, inundated with life, going through the motions, losing track and control of what I'm doing is how I happen to get myself in this situation. A little satisfaction please, a little more action. I've committed myself to being mindful in the moment to say, "Hey, Cyndi! Find your eye for design. See the value. Find the design flaws and bring a better experience to your life."
Creating that as a habit has changed the lens in life. Don't be a settler. See the world more clearly. You can do better, girl. I'm trying, man oh man am I trying.

Nature's Playbook

It's with this new lens that the last year or two has been less taxing on the farm. I've seen the improvement in my ability to mange issues and problems that arise. And they arise, trust me. David and I both strive to use nature on our side. Which animals are best with who, which pasture has the best growth for food, and are the fences secure. There's a whole college degree on how humans look to nature for design, and I can't even possibly even go into all those details. I'll just sum it up by saying we try to consider that in our projects by up-cycling materials and mimicking strategies found in nature. If nature uses raw materials around them for all the things used and built by nature, it's certainly a wonderful incentive for us to do the same.

Sum that up please

This acknowledgment of my awakening to the value to good design is just that. It may come naturally for some people, but for me, it's been a process of "getting there". I'm happy to say that farm life has brought me this understanding of the importance of good design. I now look at life differently - How can I experience life better? How can I make processes better? How can I make this less frustrating? I apply this to big and small things in my life. Sometimes I miss the bus, but I'm trying to catch it every time and it's a habit I'm forming. I feel it deep in my soul, and the more I practice, the better I get.


Where's the fun stuff

We welcomed Hope (mama) and Faith (daughter) to the Graves Farm recently! They are two mini horses that were awaiting a new home at a local Rescue. Welcome Home!

I love Hope's "Chaka Khan" hair!

Their ages are a little vague, but Hope is maybe around 8-10 years, and Faith is maybe around 4-5 years (right around Diego's age). No one seems to know much about them, as they came from a Kill Pen in California and have been in Texas for a year looking for a home. They are not halter broke, never tamed or seemingly even around people for a long period of time. I will say they are loving, sweet-natured and learning to trust us. So far, they will take treats out of our hands (Hope does with extreme caution, but Faith is willing to give us a chance readily). Their sweet and kind disposition make them wonderful additions to the farm. I would give them about a year to settle in and realize that they are home. Although they do get along well with Dora and Diego (and the goats), we have recently moved them to the front of the property, up by the pond so they can adjust and have special attention from us without the goats, Diego and Dora influencing them. They love long walks by the fence, shade by the pond and treats whenever possible. And so far, their favorite things are the mineral block and salt block. A side note: we also moved them because Faith was incessantly fence-walking in the back pasture. It's said that horses do this when they are nervous or anxious. We are hoping the new view up front will eliminate this behavior.

Faith has the light nose (farthest right)

So while the two new mini's are up front now, Dora and Diego (along with the goats) are doing wonderfully as well. Speaking of habits, Diego is a little mouthy/bite-y so we were given some advice to give him some toys to play with. I introduced him to his very own ball.

Diego has really gotten super friendly. Almost dog-like friendly. Dora is sweet - but also in charge, one eye and all. She's alpha horse, fo sho.


Special Mowing Unit

Lawn and Order

With the growing and mowing season upon us, we work our grass off getting it done. We are truly grateful for nature to grow upwards and feed the sheep, goats and horses (and chickens!). With 2 mowers, David and I are better equipped to spend less time on mowers and more time enjoying the farm.


Fowl Play



The Nursery is where we typically keep the little chicks. Like the ones on the top left who are tiny and needing special care (warmth, extra protection, and an older chick to keep them warm and comforted). What we find happening is the prior residents (now teenagers) like to go back and revisit their first home, The Nursery. They are not little anymore, but they still like the feel of where they were raised. Almost like the times you drive by your childhood home and reminisce. Except they chase the occupants out and hang out like they own the place. It's hard being a teenager, as you're not a child, and not yet an adult. They are finding their way in this universe of Chicken Land around here.

From l to r: Hippie House (silkies area), our house, our garage, Guest (chicken) House, and Nursery Area (not pictured)

We have made a few more tweaks to the silkie Hippie House area. We fenced off Post Malone (silkie rooster) on his own, and will give him a playmate when we would like to have some silkie chicks again. Chompchi will be first in with him, as we would love to have some lavender splash silkies. This change enables us to use the eggs the silkies lay, as there are 5 little silkie hens that lay almost every day, and if Post is around, the eggs are fertilized and not able to be sold.

Maybe and Sugar frequently hang
with the chickens.

Whisper tries to nap in the fire pit,
but the chickens want to dust bathe there.

The one thing that stands out (besides the chickens) around here, is the fact that the dogs do not eat the chickens. This in itself is very unusual. We have had visitors come to our farm, and bring their dog(s) thinking that's a great idea. It's usually not, as we've had friends dog's kill the chickens. It makes for discomfort in relationships. Kind of like when your best friend in high school ran off with your boyfriend......but worse.


Bust a move

As we prepare for what May will bring and what life will throw our way, we continue to spot our design flaws more readily (design flaws = bad decisions). I just like the way design flaws sounds. We are trying hard to work easier. We are observers of ourselves. We undo things, sometimes a lot. The doomsayers will forecast clouds and storms are in our future. God's forecast is sunny skies and a new future ahead. The waters are unchartered, but somehow we will all find our way. My recipe includes a heaping pint of love, a cup of eating well, a generous portion of moving (exercise) and a dash of less stress on top.
We look forward to lambs late May early June. The sheep are being sheared in May and they will be most grateful to lose their wool coats. There's likely new fencing around the property, as it's much needed. We will continue to love on the animals as they provide comfort in these uncertain times. While we all undo, redo and revamp ourselves, we are provided an opportunity of a lifetime to stay home and enjoy. When your housemate gets rowdy, mouthy or annoying - that's when it's time to maybe appreciate their special 'design flaws'. Just so you know, those design flaws of others are not open to change, as I have enough of my own to work on.

Its times like these that Young MC brings me home with, 'From fustration first inclination is to become a monk and leave the situation, but every dark tunnel has a light of hope'......Break it down, Fellas! I feel a dance party coming on......now Bust A Move......

Farmer Graves and I will continue to bust a move here on the farm.

Thinking of you all,

Cyndi

Farm-ish

Find what you love and let it kill you

Between working, caring for farm animals, mowing, gathering eggs for a (very) small egg business and staying home during this pandemic, I have learned a few things. My main take away is that most everything I love is right here at home (well, Lauren isn't, but she's close). Therefore, with more time at home, the projects, chores and fun never stops. I can literally always find something to do around here. I feel very blessed. Keep in mind I have no small children to home school, which is why I might feel so 'at ease' about staying home.


I'm a lot

There's no doubt about it. I'm a lot. I get tired of myself sometimes, so I can imagine those around me do too, at times. I'm not sure how David does it, but he's still around after over 30 years. He obliged me with doing many outrageous things over the years. Biking across Tennessee (behind me), as I ran 314 miles in the Vol State race. He towed a trailer on his bike with everything we'd need to survive days on the road.

He did this at least twice, mind you. In sharp contrast to that, he's stayed home and cared for everything while I left for 78 days to run East/West across the US, and again when I went North/South (which I hope to finish one day). He's met me at all kinds of destination runs, trying to find me in the dark or unfamiliar places. He crewed me in a car while I was running the RougeOrleans 126.2, all up on the Mississippi levy for 126.2 miles for 40 hours straight - up 2 nights in the freezing cold and wind. I could go on, but you get the idea. David did participate in his fair share of marathons, half marathons and triathlons. We've raced in merky lakes and cold, cold waters with a wet suit in tow. But really, he's more of the BBQ at home and watch a game type of guy. Our mash-up has now created a farm with mindful occupants. This took time to get to this new destination, unlike a 100 mile run that will stop within 24 hours (give or take some). In many ways, what helped prepare me for this chapter of my life was the world of Ultra runners. We/they are people who crave extremes, push hard and have learned to play the mental game to see long distances through. I've learned a lot from these friends of mine, and applied many of the lessons I've learned to life itself. Example being about 4 years ago, when we hopped aboard the farm animal train and rode it hard. As time has gone by, we have honed in on how to right-size so that we are able to manage all we have. David is still crewing (as we call it in the Ultra world) and we work hard to take care of our precious cargo here at home. There's never been a better time than this quarantine to tweek details and work on projects. David has retired his bike (and cart) and I've stayed closer to home, more than ever. Wheel he miss those fun times out on the road? Hard to say.


What you definitely have time for now

It's been awhile since I outlined the population here on the Graves Farm. Let's take a closer look:

Chickens:        31 hens + 6 silkies + 4 teenage chicks + 2 baby chicks = 43

Goats:               3  Chia, Petunia and Dotty

Sheep:              5   Belle, Lulu, Grace, Licorice and Deuce

Donkeys:          2   Mama and Papa

Mini horses:     2   Dora and Diego

Guard Dogs:     2  Whisper and Levi

House Dogs:     2  Sugar and Maybe

Ducks:              1 dozen

Total Population: 71

Life is like a box of chickens

I never could've dreamed it, but our silkies have had 3 baby chicks on their very own. Sadly, we lost Blossom. But 3 silkie chicks have survived. 

Typically, the baby chicks stay inside the Nursery,
with the Nursery Cam keeping an eye on them.

Our oldest silkie chick is now
watching out for it's younger siblings. They are
only outside during warm weather days.

With all this eggcitment, we have deemed
the adult silkies (fenced ) area the Hippie House.

Our 3 teenage chicks are two leghorns and a
wyandotte, who are beginning to leave their
coop to free range for short periods of time.

They are in there, Sugar. 

Guest House

While these teenagers are growing up and adjusting to life with the others, they are staying in the Guest House, which is a new coop we've set up to allow for the time between the Nursery and living full-time with the actual flock in the barn. As they grow and adjust, they will eventually live with the flock and become one with them. But this takes time. 

One-der

We're told not to play favorites, but if your wondering what my recent favs are......

My chicken shoes - and Poppy. Poppy is by far our friendliest chicken. She is front and center in everything we do outside. You can lean down to pick her up, just like you would a dog or cat. Sweet thang.


Shut the front door

I drive past a horse and donkey rescue each day to work and then when I walk during my lunch break, I walk right past it. I've had my eye on a couple of mini horses there. I say Hello to them, and see how they are. They watch me walk by, with their shiny coats and brown eyes. One day, the "people" who run this program were there. You know me, I'm walking right past there for lunch break and say Hello to them. We talk and sure enough, those mini's have been there for 1 year (after rescued from a kill pen) and are waiting for their forever home. A mother/daughter duo - Faith and Hope.

Coming soon!

Now faith and hope mean everything to me. They are words are that I live by. I carry faith and hope in my pocket everyday, I hold onto faith and hope in hard times, and now, here's Faith and Hope staring straight at me. After much thought and a serious discussion with David, they will be joining Dora and Diego soon! More on them next time, as we work with the rescue to get them transported and adjusted. They have not had an easy life, but we're hoping their life will change soon.


Tablescape

While I'm still driving to work to the clinic each day, David is working from home. He typically has a 1 hour drive to work, and another hour back home, so he's been granted 2 more hours in his day with this quarantine. I'm very happy for him, and even though he may use some of this time to work more, he's able to use some of it for himself. His new office at home can be a little loud, but he seems happy with it.

There's a lot of natural light in his new office.
And a new assistant. 

There may be some sheep poo close by. 

Overall, he's pleased with working from home. I imagine he has to hit the mute button more often on conference calls. Good news, the bathroom is out back of the barn, and no toilet paper needed.


So many questions


Is there AC in the barn?

Yes, if Belle isn't hogging it.

What do you do on your lunch break?





Hold the horse while the vet cleans his foot he
got caught in the fence.



Is there security there?



Absolutely.



Lettuce Do Better

It's time like these that we all give back in little ways. David and I are reading children's books (on video) for the Celina Public Library to place on their Facebook page. Due to the library closing, they are having virtual story times for children, as most libraries are these days. We contributed to this effort, and plan on doing more. The best part is we don't have to be professional or pawfect. Kids love spontaneity - and animals. Just be you, because if you're not you, whose going to be you?

He read a book for the horses.

The goats and chickens enjoyed it.

Sugar loved this one 

As I close, I'm holding you all in my thoughts and prayers during these unsure times. 

😘

Cyndi

Waddle While You Work

Anything is pawssible

What can I really say that's not been said about the beervirus. It's horrible, terrible, and hopefully something we will never see in our lives again. But for now, it's here. I pray every day for a cure, treatment or vaccine so that the loss of lives, suffering and economic hardships may cease. In these dark days, we have many things to be thankful for. Family, friends, a roof over our heads, water and food. We will see this through.


Duck This

I often find myself counting the Duck Dozen at the pond. They can't fly, and have the pond to escape to in any emergency. That's their safe place. Somehow, they manage to instinctually protect themselves and thrive. Thrive and survive in their own little world, as they live in a constant state of quarantine. The guard dogs protect them well, and look after them, with their reward being a fresh duck egg to eat whenever they please.

Caught the ducks playing and dipping into the water with
tail feathers in the air, like they just don't care.

The ducks lay eggs anywhere and everywhere. Sometime on the waters edge, sometimes in their duck house and other times randomly around the pond where you'd least expect an egg to be. I typically pick them up daily, wash them, and place them for pickup in the refrigerator. Sometimes people are really excited about buying them, other times they turn their nose up to them. Either way is fine with me, as it's definitely a personal preference thing. Right now, I'm running a Special on duck eggs, as a 6 pack of them is free for the taking so that people can "try" them and see what they think.

I've begun to write all over the fridge with dry erase markers.
I've placed a change bowl in the fridge for people to make change.
This is how my 10 year old self sells eggs.

Sometimes I sell eggs like this on weekends.
It's self serve, too, with a money box.

Even though it's hard to see, Lauren has created a new Flyer for my egg-selling, that is hung at the local Feed Store on their door. I greatly appreciate their support.

So it turns out many people are selling their eggs right now. Why you ask? The small, local farms who once sold to local cafes have now closed. These small town cafes are closing, and there is an abundance of fresh farm eggs available. Mine are selling here and there, but I've really begun to give them away to co-workers, family and friends again. I was selling out for awhile, and now it's slowed as the supply has increased. This gives me the opportunity to give eggs away to people in Gunter who need them, as well. There's always someone who would like eggs. Especially my own guard dogs who are big fans of scrambled eggs - anytime. They deserve them.


Pinball Wizard

As we may feel like a ball in a pinball machine, our thoughts bounce from scared to happy to fear to relief and every other emotion imaginable. As we clean ourselves of fear, we can see the light that is still there shining brightly. This is reflected in our farm animals on a daily basis. They remind me that life is still moving on as usual. They have no idea what this state of the world might be, but instead, remind me of what happenstance means in life. How those unexpected and random events are still all around me. My narrow scope of life opens back up when I glance into the silkie chicken coop to find this:

They are literally 1 day old.

Underneath this sweet silkie named Chompchi
is 2 little chicks. 

These silkie chickens are masters at laying on eggs. Lots and lots of eggs. Day and night, only getting up once or twice a day to eat and potty. We'll see how many of these eggs hatch........

Usually, once one silkie mama goes broody, another one tags along. Chompchi and Dorothy are both laying on about 30 eggs total. Ridiculous, right? But the next week will tell us day by day how many will hatch.


Can't be happy if your scared

The goats are my constant reminder that happiness is found at all times. Yeah, I know goats are known as destructive, feisty and escape artists, but I'll tell you that Chia and her two kids, Petunia and Dotty are a perfect fit for us. Chia is gentle and kind, and has taught her kids to be that way as well. Chia in particular loves to be petted like a dog would. She stands patiently while you rub her neck, and stroke her back. She's a fan. I love how her kids watch us pet her, and they get curious that maybe they want that too. Their pink noses smell our hands, and cautiously allow us to touch them. It's a work in progress, but those 3 goats are loving and gentle. The best trio we could have ever asked for in regards to goats. Goats are not easy creatures. I'm a little partial to them and think they are the best!



We recently decided (because we love change) to move the miniature horses out to the back pasture to allow them to have their own space and barn. This then opened up this once shared space for just the goats inside the barn by the house. The goats enjoy their own place. And ironically, so do the horses out back. The horses spend a lot of time galloping around, playing and using the larger space to stretch their legs more.

Dora and Diego enjoy a large pasture to romp and play.

Pre Quarantine 

Once upon a time, the world allowed us to move about freely. Back in those days, we had made a trip to Tractor Supply. We frequent there often, and on this day, I was trying to decide if I needed a t-shirt, as they often have many options.

She is beauty, she is grace, she will peck you in the face

Okay, maybe not that one.

Free range

This is a good July 4th shirt.

Today, I'm feeling.....

Well, I'm not that consistent.

Sorry I can't, my chickens need me

This is more like it. No, I didn't buy any of them even though I rationalized them as a sleep shirt, working outdoors shirt, or even a wearing in the public shirt. Since I already have several chicken shirts, I passed. I do wear a chicken shirt referencing Chicken Math often, that a friend, Brooke was kind enough to get us. It's my favorite because being a mathmachicken is a real thing.


Where things aren't so baaaaaaaaa(d)

In the world of sheep, Belle, Lulu, Grace and Licorice along with our ram, Deuce are all doing wonderful. They are actually huge. I'd like to say it's because they are likely pregnant, but if truth be told, they graze a lot. They have a big appetite, and sheep will even overeat themselves to death. Right now, the ground is growing lots of their favorite forbs and they are taking it all in. I do think Deuce has done a wonderful job of getting (hopefully) all of them pregnant, but only time will tell. We anticipate lambs in the next 30 - 60 days, if we did our calculations correctly (which is never promising). It goes a little like this, "Did we get Deuce in Dec? Wait, Jan? Where's the receipt of when we bought him. I don't know, do you? Did he start breeding right away? No, yes, I don't know". Let's just say it's not an exact science going on around here. The fact that we're surprised that baby chicks are here is telling. That's why I like to call us a Hobby Farm. It's a hobby, and we are still fine tuning this farm hobby thing. This is Round 2 of lambing. Our grown lambs are now going to have lambs of their own.

Deuce, whose 'normal' size because he's always
chasing the ewes around.

Grace and Licorice

Belle

My predictions?

Belle - One lamb
Lulu - One lamb
Licorice - Not sure if any?
Graces - Twins

Lulu in the background, Belle in front

When I look at the ewes, each angle provides a different analysis. What can also distort their size is the amount of wool each one has. The Shearer is coming in mid-May to shear each of them. I'm not sure if she can shear them if they are about to lamb, but I'll wait and see what happens at that time. The sure-fire way to know if they are about to lamb is when their udders start to fill. The exception to this rule is Belle. Hers filled after she had Lulu.





Tell me more

Along this vein of baby farm animals, I'll provide an update on Rainy, Flower, Brownie and Freckles.

These four chicks who are growing quickly are now
living outside in a small fenced area.

I've created a small area whereby these 4 chicks can mingle and be outside. They still sleep in their crate at night with a heat lamb until they are all fully feathered and the weather warms just a bit more.  This foursome gets along wonderfully. In this foursome is our first silkie chick born here, and she's growing and getting bigger all the time. Once large enough and able to survive on her own, we'll release her with the others. Since these chicks have become very close, we will likely set them free to free range with our flock. Although the silkie may end up going into the silkie fenced area. We haven't decided for sure yet about her destiny, and where she will be. I'd love her to stay with her friends, who will be out with the regular flock free ranging. I just worry about these silkies being so small and vulnerable.


Solved it

Another wonderful update to add is the completion of the bridges at the pond. There is a waterway into the pond, and out of the pond. Since we need bridges to go across to the other side for the animals, mowers and such, they are vital to getting to the back side of the pond.

2nd bridge completed

David throwing out the aerators.

Purple Martin's help control the
mosquito population at the pond.

David has placed his aerators in the pond, and the solar panels are generating the energy needed for them. The 2 Purple Martin homes 15 feet high are housing multitudes of these birds who are flying insect eaters. We love that, as the mosquitos can really ramp up.


Psst

As I close, I'd like to give good news, besides the wonderful farm updates. Firstly, my back is healing after surgery 3 weeks ago. I'm making great strides healing and can now "pull" my shoulders back in position, and starting to be able to ignite my abs without cringing. Shoulders back and abs-in are important in posture, and the back pain had taken those (once taken for granted) away from me. As I slowly am able to do these "once-natural" things, I see the progress my body is making. The pain is lessening, I'm able to do more physically, and I feel my spirit rebounding from it all. I need more time, but am grateful for the progress thus far. So very grateful.

Secondly, but actually the highlight of this blog...... is the newest addition to our family. Not a farm animal, but a hooman! Lauren is expecting, and will be bringing a beautiful new child into this world around mid October 2020. We are more than excited about this, and look forward to sharing this journey with her. Congratulations, Lauren!!!


Please stay safe as we move through these unusual times. I continue to trust and have faith that all will be well in life.

Sending love to you all,

Cyndi