Sorry (Not Sorry) To Hound You

They call it dogged for a reason: I’m never going to stop reminding you that you are loved. You are loved by your friends, family, the people whose lives you’ve touched in the past, and, of course, one big, goofy dog in Tennessee. —Veli Belly

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Here’s What’s Happening At Good Spirits Farm

Y’all, I won a farming award! I’m so surprised that someone—or actually a group of someones—noticed the work I’ve been doing here. Each year, our local soil and water conservation district recognizes farmers who prioritize healthy soils and waterways. They picked me as their “grassland farmer” for 2022. Basically, because I raise grazing animals, I farm grass. My entire farm is set up to promote grassland health and biodiversity, from encouraging native grasses, to creating habitat for ground nesting birds. I had no idea this award existed, so I’m tickled to have gotten it! (Also, how cool is that shirt??)

It continues to be very grim on the egg production front. I think I got one egg yesterday? I keep telling the gals it’s fine if they take a break while they go through their molt, since they work so hard the rest of the year. Hopefully, though, they’ll be done with molting and fully feathered again before it gets too cold. A few look especially naked (and pathetic) right now!

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Here’s What I Loved This Week

A funny thing about farming is that I now relish winter’s long nights. In summer, there’s so much to be done and so much light to do it in that I can still be outside at 9 p.m. In winter, everything slows and I have more after-dark time for other pursuits.

Last January, I took up crochet and found I loved it. By mid-April, though, there was no time for such things! Now that I have several hours of darkness before bedtime, I’m back to it. It’s surprisingly easy to learn (this is the video I used), cheap to get into, and I find the soft yarn twirling between my fingers supremely comforting. If you start now, you still have time to get a scarf made before Christmas!