Last Call

I didn’t need last night’s gale force winds to remind me that winter’s near.  All the confirmation I needed was the diminishing milk production that our goats were yielding over the last month.

It’s with a mix of emotions that I welcome winter to the farm. 

The obvious down side is the cold—it’s no picnic to wake up in darkness, layer up in clothing until you resemble the Michelin tire guy, and make rounds (which necessarily include cracking the ice out of buckets).  But that is physical and the ‘pain’ disappears quickly—especially when you’re greeted by goats, sheep, cow and even poultry who seem to appreciate the effort you make to feed them (or when you go back inside!).

. . . It’s been a long 8 plus months of effort, caring for the animals and making cheese.  The 24/7 nature of the life on the farm has it rewards but does take a physical toll—a well-deserved ‘farmer’s holiday’ in is store for us—that means quieter times, fewer deadlines and even an off farm vacation!

But it’s the milk, signaling the end of a glorious cheese producing season that makes me the most conflicted.  It seems like only yesterday when kids were popping out at all times of day and night.  Thanks to those births, we were flush with fabulous milk which yielded delicious cheese.   I’ll miss the rhythmic nature of milking and of my day; the smell in the cheese house each morning as I open the door, greeted by the sweet fragrance of a batch ready to be molded; the customers smiles when delivered our cheese each week; the satisfaction of having come so far from bringing home two goats just four years ago.

So, yes I’m tired and ready for a break, but by the same token, I’m anticipating March and the renewal that spring and the kidding season bring.

As we put the animals and garden to bed for the winter, I look forward to the picturesque blanket of white that will soon envelope the farm.  I know that the impending rest is well-deserved for the animals, gardens and people of Rainbeau Ridge.  But I must admit to anxiously counting down the days until we get to start over! 

-Lisa

Comments

[anon]

wow! you really bring it to life...i can smell it and feel it.