(photo by Ben Lester)

Oh it’s good to be home.  We had a great time at Animal Powered Field Days in Tunbridge, Vermont.  We saw lots of draft horses of all kinds, oxen, mules, and even . . . draft goats!  That’s right, little draft goats in halters hitched to tiny sleds.  I’m not quite sure what the point is (I have more draft power than a goat), other than the cuteness factor.  And it was cute.  Ben will probably do a post soon with some of what he learned – he mostly went to workshops, while Ella and I tried not to freeze our tootsies off (it was 40 most of the weekend), ate barbeque, enjoyed the company of our good friends who came with us, and petted all the animals.

Back home, Ben and Adam and Arnie are hard at work preparing the fields for next years grains and beans, planting the winter wheat, and harvesting the corn – the last of this year’s crops!  Here’s Adam checking out the corn before they began picking it on Monday.

(photo by Ben Lester)

Back home, we had a few landmarks last week – one of which was our first true family day at the bakery.  Usually when we all go in, Ella and I spend a lot of our time at the library, walking around town, playing on the commons or in the park.  But last week she was totally happy to stay at the bakery, talking to customers, playing, and . . . baking of course!  It was awesome, and something we’ve been dreaming of ever since we knew we were going to have a baby.

Back at home, we’re trying to settle back into a rhythm, amidst the pressing needs of the bakery, farm, family, etc . . . as many of you know well.  Especially since winter seems to be trying to come extra early, with the two(!) snow showers we’ve had already.  I’ve been really inspired by an amazing batch of books lately – Seven Times the Sun, Heaven on Earth, and You Are Your Child’s First Teacher are all on my nightstand, and the ideas from them are building into what I hope will be a more peaceful family life for us.  I’ve created a weekly schedule, mostly for myself, of when certain chores are done, and also our daily rhythm.  I find it really helpful, to know that even though the kitchen floor is covered in muddy paw prints, tonight is sweeping night, and then there will be mopping night.  The daily list helps me too, otherwise I’m apt to forget snack until Ella is really grumpy and I’m wondering why.  Must have snacks.

We’ve another busy but beautiful week ahead of us -wish us luck.