Everything was covered in white, sharp ice crystals crisped underfoot, the spider’s lacy webs sparkled and the wood smoke hung heavily in the air.
Greg and I were home alone, Quatre is back in Seattle and Carla on her weekend off….but the cavalry was on the way. Michael our new WWOOFER was just leaving Portland and due to arrive about mid day. Our schedule (such as it is) was in chaos, how to complete the regular farm chores, break all the frozen water troughs and defrost water hoses and milk Daisy May the momma Dexter cow. I was granted a concessionary 10 minutes to try to look like I haven’t just arrived from the depths of the barn, recycled a ton of steaming manure, got soaked by a faulty hosepipe and manhandled seven reluctant cows, seven horses at various levels of stress ( everyone wants to be first !!) three stubborn goats, all before 11 am…. AND be there to pickup Michael from the Greyhound bus depot in Tacoma.
We survived, they survived and Michael, weary after a “why on earth did I do that?” never to be repeated ( I believe) bus trip from Florida uncurled his cramped six foot something body from the bus and met us with the BIGGEST smile. I have a feeling it is going to be a good couple of months with our newest WOOFER. Welcome to Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch Michael.
Time to go, take care, keep safe, M