April on the Farm
Welcome to the farm!
The world around us has come to life. Pink and white blossoms sweetly adorn the trees. The baby blue sky peaks out from behind gray clouds. You can't help but catch the excitement drifting on the warm spring breeze.
What I've been up to...
We started out the month celebrating Easter. This year I got to try a project using plants and herbs to dye eggs. We used Onion skins, Turmeric, Yarrow, Lavender, Paprika, and Hibiscus to create the lovely colors. Caleb and I also participated in his family's annual "egg painting competition." I am pleased to announce that we both had eggs that qualified in the "top dozen." Caleb's egg was a landscape scene of a vineyard and mine was an ice cream sundae.
This month I listened to the complete Anne of Green Gables Collection. The way Lucy Maud Montgomery describes the seasons, nature, and everyday life is so inspiring. It was the perfect spring listen and I would highly recommend it! I also read Handmade Gatherings: Recipes & Crafts for Seasonal Celebrations & Potluck Parties by Ashley English. This book has inspired me with its lovely photos and creative ideas. If you're interested in taking your entertaining game to the next level, this book is for you. I can't wait to throw my next dinner party!
In the greenhouse I've started my warm weather seedlings which mainly consist of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and cucumbers. I also started potting the hanging baskets which will go on the front porch. In the garden we have tiny onions, carrots, turnips, cabbages, and greens sprouting up. It's wonderful to watch those tiny plants grow.
It seems as though we've had a lot of dreary and rainy days this month, but I suppose the old saying is true. "April showers bring May flowers." On my walks lately I find Narcissus and Grape Hyacinths scattered among the trees near the stream. They are so beautiful! The delicacy yet strength of these little plants leaves an impression in my heart.
What Caleb's been up to...
Caleb had the Monday after Easter off and we decided to tackle the chicken coop. There was dust and shelled corn scattered throughout. The spiders had a haven in the rafters and junk had accumulated in the unused space. It definitely needed a good spring cleaning. The project took longer than we thought (as projects always do), but now everything is organized and clean. The chickens are happy and the spiders have found a new home.
Caleb has also been working on sanding down and repairing the door for our office. It should be done soon and we will share the office renovation project with you! Spoiler alert - it might just be my favorite room we've redone. Caleb also did another small project for me. He added a tiny fountain to the greenhouse garden. We were gifted a galvanized tub and a pump which worked together so nicely. The fountain is tucked in the flower bed near the corner of the greenhouse and offers a lovely trickling sound. It is such a fun addition.
Outside, Caleb has been grading the lane to hopefully help with water erosion when we have heavy rains. He also removed some dead trees and filled in the holes that seem to plague our yard. All in all he's been keeping very busy.
What Tucker's been up to...
Tucker has been very naughty this month. While I was busy dipping Easter Eggs at my parent's house, he had a grand time playing in a pile of cow manure. I guess that's what I get for not paying attention to where he was. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant ride home, and he promptly earned himself a bath. Two days later, he found a mud puddle by the creek and felt the need to roll in it. His fur was covered in stagnate water and mud. He again earned himself a bath. Baths are not his favorite, but despite all of his whining, he was thoroughly washed, shampooed, and conditioned. Hopefully he learned his lesson, although I have my doubts.
Tucker still can't decide if he likes our cat. He alternates between cuddling and chasing her up trees. The cat seems indifferent as to whether or not he decides to like her.
So that's what we've been up to this month. We hope you've enjoyed following along. Leave us a comment about what you've been doing this past month! We love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading,
Abby
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