Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Happy New Year To You!!!



I have been so busy, that I have not been on the computer much. I wish each of you a Happy New Year, one that draws you closer to the Lord and closer to your family and friends. We did not really make resolutions, but we always look at the beginning of the year as a time of new beginnings. We talked a lot about the things that we want to accomplish with the house this year. There are so many projects that need done both in the house and around the farm. We desperately need to get the barns painted. We got an estimate for the big barn (in the first 2 pictures above). It was over $10,000. It would be a lot of work to try and do it ourselves though. So, at this point, the barn stays in need of paint. =) We put down a realistic list of things we would like to do. We are having company for a week starting the 13th, so we will not start any of the bigger projects. The family that is coming to visit are very good friends from Florida. They are praying for lots of snow the week they are here. We are praying with them. They have 8 children. We have never met the baby and are looking forward to seeing them all and hugging their necks.

On Sunday afternoon we were over at the neighbor's house. Someone looked out the window and asked if the animal over by our pond was a coyote. The men decided that it was a coyote and they all ran out of the house grabbing jackets on the way. It must have seen them coming and was gone by the time they got there. We don't think it got anything that time. However, on Monday afternoon, I heard the chickens making a racket. I hollered out to my husband in the shop barn and he quickly went out there. He did not see a coyote, but he did see some feathers on the ground. Last night we counted and one chicken is missing. This animal is coming in broad daylight. The windows and doors are closed, so it is hard to hear unless you are sitting by a back window. I kept checking on the animals today. Both times that it was around, you could see the sheep all huddled together looking in the direction it would have been. They are behind an electric fence, so I am not as worried about them or the goats. However, their behavior today was a good indicator that all was OK. They were all spread out grazing away. The chicken run is open on the pond end since we let our chickens free range. I will have to keep a sharp eye out. I know it will be back.

The pictures above were taken this evening. The vivid colors in the sunsets never show up. The moon looked so neat coming up through the trees. You can see a bit of pink on the clouds around it. If you look closely, you can see the sheep in the second picture.

9 comments:

Peggy said...

It is so homey and relaxing visiting your blog, listening to your music, and catching up on your thoughts and tasks. Have a blessed new year!

Patty said...

your blog is always so pretty ! I love the pictures Marci, like the perfect homestead.
Happy New year dear friend

LadySnow said...

I have been praying for snow too. Titus has been begging for it.

Anonymous said...

Well, my dear, if we lived nearby, I'm sure my husband - who is a painter by trade - could give you a lower bid on painting your barn, and he certainly could use the work! :)

I hope you're having a wonderful year so far. Can't believe it's already three days into 2007. I agree with Peggy and Patty - your blog is the comfiest place to visit. What is that beautiful tune anyway?

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Marci!! I love coming here! Thanks for sharing farm life with us! Blessings, Kris in WA

Marci said...

Emily, I wish you lived closer as well, but not only for the barn. =) The bid was actually by a friend.

The song on my blog is How Beautiful by Twila Paris. It is the accompaniment (sp?) for someone to sing along with.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you, Marci!

I think this is my first time listening to a Twila Paris song. We all enjoy the music so much.

Blessings to you and your family!

~Karen

Emily said...

Oh, Twila Paris! Love her music. What a great song writer she is. I have her House of Worship and Bedtime Prayers and Lullabies CD's in my car. Anna-Rose and I love to sing along with Twila! :) Must get her latest one: He Is Exalted.

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how much a baby monitor will pick up when out in the barn. You can hear what is going on outside for quite some range. But then again, sometimes it is better not to hear what they have to say out there...lol