Abundant Blessings Homestead

Lately....

Our farm lately has been changing....we have down sized our farm to a more manageable size. Life is too busy still. Yet, feel somewhat freer for what we have sold off.

The water situation has not improved. The spring does have some water...we can run the faucet a little..then let the spring area fill up again. I was able to do a load of laundry this morning!! What joy to be able to use the washer!

We've been using paper plates, plastic cups and silveware (at times..other times you just need regular silverware!). It's been a lesson in conservation. Do you really realize how much water you use in a day? Or how much you waste in a day? Think of all the times you wash dishes, do you need a full sink of water? Or brushing your teeth? Do you need to let the water run? How about washing your hands? Does the water run down the drain while you scrub your hands? And those cups of water that you get to drink? Do you finish them or toss 'em down the drain?

All those little wasters of water add up! I am thinking of times past...where water was not available in the home. All water, be it for drinking, washing or bathing, had to be carried into the house. Then heated, then thrown out again. Think of wash day long ago....what a job! I don't think we truly appreciate what the pioneers endured, with little complaining, that we take for granted. I am now sitting in a comfortable air conditioned home. It's 100* outside! Yet, I'm comfortable. Think of that heat...with no relief. No air conditioned home, vehicle or store. No relief whatsoever. We've had very hot days all this month. I can't imagine not having a respite from that.

The events of late have shown me how much we have. And how much we complain. And how much we just take it for granted...with no thanks for what we do have. Only concentrating on what we don't have.

I, for one, am incredibly blessed. Yep, I say that even after all that we have endured this year. From the loss of our babe in February, to my accident with Gentle in July, to Honey's leg injury, to having to sell our bull cause he wouldn't be contained, to losing water...and oh so much more...still blessed.

We are praying fervently for rain. It is desperately needed. We do have a pond full of water still...or those cows would be sold as well. Many in our area do not have a pond full of water and have already sold their herds. How sad...we are in the growth stage of our farm...it would be sad to sell them all now only to have to start over again. We started with 3 heifers and 1 bull...we now have 15 cows out there...including Gentle and the bull (Cheeseburger who was slated for the freezer..but is now our bull after the sale of Beef)....the rest are all female. 5 new calves this year. Next year...we'll have 8 calves. The growth is beginning to get large. We're getting close to being at the point of selling some calves...and..gasp...making some money!

Think of your blessings....there are many, I am sure!!!

love this

{ 07:08, Sunday, August 19, 2007 } { Posted by Cathy }

Laurie,
What a beautiful post....you have reminded me to stop and give thanks!! I thank you for that!!
You are such a dear friend.
Love ya,
Cathy