Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

The weather has been unseasonably cool here in Sugarcreek. This morning we awoke to yet another frosty and cool morning. The flowers seem to be blooming more slowly than usual, and many of the more tender varieties we grow  have had to be covered nightly.

The spring garden that was planted a few weeks ago is coming along, but it too seems to be taking forever. I try to remember that growing from seed is in itself a lesson in patience and often times humility. The young peas and lettuces are just now emerging, and with enough sun and warmth  will burst through the soil quickly.

The rhythms of nature do not necessarily match my own, and I try not to be too hasty in my expectations. A visit to the peace garden this morning seems to be the perfect way to start the day.

Mr. Drooley came to us this past winter when the winds were howling, and the temperatures were below freezing. Truly, the last thing I needed was another mouth to feed, but I am inclined to take in anything that needs warmth and nourishment.

I tried to find a home for him. but it never materialized. He went nameless for months, as we told ourselves he probably wouldn't be staying. Not too long ago we noticed that he has been hanging around with the chickens. We are not sure if he doesn't realize that he is a cat, or the chickens don't know he is not a chicken. Daily, we find him taking dust baths with the chickens, or all of them curled up in front of the barn for an afternoon nap.

Every evening when we put the chickens in he follows them to the door. Once they are secured and the small barn door is closed he wanders over to the hay and finds himself a warm place to sleep.The oddest thing is, that we have two other outdoor cats who will have nothing to do with him. They hiss and swat at one another, and we thought he would be happier in a new home. Mr. Drooley though, seems content to be with his feather-brained friends, and they seem to enjoy his company as well.

The chickens and Mr. Drooley taking an evening stroll.

 Yesterday's weather proved to be as glorious as the optimists had predicted. The chilly early morning gave way to above average warmth by noon. The children at school quickly shed their heavy winter jackets, and the birds sang loudly. Finally, we enjoyed a day of springtime warmth.

Today, unfortunately was not as pleasant. It appears that Mother Nature has decided to change her mind and remind us that winter is not completely gone. We have wind gusts between 35-45 mph, and the temperature has plummeted. The children have put back on their winter coats, and the brave souls sporting shorts have surrendered them yet again to long pants.

It is still early Spring here in Sugarcreek, and it will be a few weeks before we see some real warmth.The early spring flowers keep their buds tightly wrapped, hesitant to open completely. The only flower seemingly brave enough to open completely is the Lenten Rose. They were planted  years ago, because they are one of the earliest Spring flowers. True to their name they only open during the season of Lent.

Today seems no different than those early spring days when I feel I have to work a little harder to make up for the time I’ve been away from the gardens. The winter provides a much-needed slumber for the beautiful plants that surround our farm, and by the time the ground softens I am stealing minutes and even hours outside. Mornings are still chilly here in Sugarcreek, but the afternoon gives way to the gentle warmth of the springtime sun.

 Last night I was feeling energetic and decided to tackle a small garden in front of the barn. Some plants had grown under a large stone, which was surrounded by two smaller ones. Well, I’d like to say that I am the patient type, after all growing from seed and carefully cultivating does take patience, but in some matters I am the first to admit that I want it done NOW. I decided that despite my small stature I would move the large stone with merely a shovel and some misguided ingenuity. As most ill planned projects go this one was doomed from the start.

I had not accounted for the fact that my body weight was not enough to move the stone, and that placing my gloved hands under it was probably not the best idea. I did manage to move the middle- sized stone, and began gently working away the earth around the plants. I must admit that I was quite proud of my accomplishment until I realized that the tubers of the plants had grown directly under the larger stone.

 I tried to move the large stone, but after much huffing and puffing I decided that the stone was more stubborn than I, and I had to admit defeat. Despite my protests I would have to ask my husband for help in moving it. I clumsily picked up the middle-sized stone to place it back to where it was originally, and set my sights to another day. As I am lost in thought I set the stone down too close to another and wedged my fingers between the two. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t let go of the stone in my hand and then proceeded to smash my already wedged fingers.

For now I have been gracefully sidelined, but at least I know there is always tomorrow....

Yesterday the day began with howling winds barreling across the pastures. It was a brisk wind, one that cleanses the atmosphere while it tosses around everything in its path. The early morning songs of the peepers and birds were almost all but drowned out by the roaring wind, but if you listened carefully you could still hear them.

Today, we were teased by snow as Mother Nature tries to make up her mind. Will it be winter or spring? We are tempted to plant, but know that we could still be in for some more winter weather. In our area we usually plant peas and potatoes on St. Patricks Day along with some other cold weather crops. We are tempted though to grab the pitchfork and start a little sooner.

 The winds of change have also swept through our lives and at times have thrown us off balance. We steady ourselves as best we can, and set our sights on this years' harvest and the promise it brings. Though the winds may howl we are thankfully reminded that some things will never change. 

This morning we were greeted by the Northwest winds roaring across the pastures in Sugarcreek. Occassionally, the winds would subside just long  enough for us to hear the sweet songs of  the springtime birds.

In the past few days the weather here has been warmer, warm enough to send the farm animals into their springtime frolic. The chickens were up for a friendly game of hide and seek and were eager to taunt me with their antics. Instead of laying their eggs in their chicken house they decided to lay them in the barn in a nest of dirt and hay that they had collected from the barn floor.

The heat from the much needed sun was warm and welcoming as we watched many more robins gather in the front yard. We decided to venture out and look for some spring flowers. Like treasure hunters searching for gold we set out, and were quickly rewarded when we spied a lone golden yellow crocus bravely peeking out from the soil.The almost overlooked jewel was nestled among the dead grasses and twigs of last years' growth. Our son seemed the most captivated by its simple beauty as he bent down to get a closer look. We watched as he pushed his little nose deep into its soft petals. "Wow, he exclaimed, "this is the sweetest flower I ever smelled!" That it is, and soon the land will be filled with many colorful flowers and the sweet scents of Spring.

The chickens it seems are convinced that Spring has arrived in Sugarcreek. The warmer weather has them venturing out from the safety of the barn, and we find them out looking for a tasty springtime treat. They strut around the yard clucking loudly as they make their way across the driveway, behind the barn and even into the horse pastures.

The cats too have broken out of  their winter cacoon,and we no longer find them curled up in a ball under their blankets in the garage. Instead, we open the door to feed them and find them ready at the door. Ready to pouce and play in the spring like weather.Later in the day, we find them curled up on the porch enjoying their noontime nap.

The horse's whinny has become more robust as they gallop across the pasture to greet us. They search for the tiny green shoots of the spring grass they know will soon cover the pasture with lush forage. I watch the farm animals and I am swept up by their excitement. I find a small hand shovel and begin scraping the earth looking for the newly emerging flowers. Spring, I think, is not that far away. 

It's early here.Too ealy for even the sun to rise as we greet yet another frigid morning in Sugarcreek. It is bitter cold. Just how cold I am not sure. I have stopped looking at the thermonmeter and only catch pieces of the weather forecast. It is that time of year when I start looking outside to see the weather and the wonders of Mother Nature. 

Spring for me holds much promise with the anxious bulbs that peek through the frozen ground and the welcome return of the robins. I can tell we are getting close when I see the daffodils up about  a 1/2 inch and one plump robin at the feeder looking a little out of place. Soon the bulbs will burst forth providing a canvas of color that only Mother Nature can create.

Not long after the emergence of the early spring flowers baby birds will hatch. Watching the mother birds teach their young to gather food and learn to fly provide us with hours of entertainment. We also enjoy a host of springtime wild bunnies.Sometimes we name our springtime guests. We have had Dory the mourning dove, Hopper the robin, and Thumper the baby bunny.

As I put the dog out this morning I stop and look up into the early morning sky. I look for the Big Dipper and some of the more familiar constellations. I barely even notice the cold. As I watch the twinkling stars I  remember of a story one of my students told me, and I can only smile. 

This past year we had a bad wind storm which knocked the power out in our area.While most of the students were complaining about no t.v., no video games and the fact that they had to go to bed early becasue they had no lights one students voice rose above the others. I listened while she told the story of how she had seen "the most beautiful thing".

She told the story of how out of boredom she and her Mom had stepped outside and with no street lights she had been able to see something for the first time. Something that we sometimes take for granted. Just above their house they noticed the evening sky. She was amazed at how brightly the stars had twinkled and just how dark the evening sky was. Normally, this magnificant veiw would have been washed out by the street lights.

So as I start my day filled with thoughts of peace and solitude I am determined to hold onto these no matter what craziness this day will bring.  Should I  begin to fret or worry about things I can not change I need only look to Mother Nature for Inspiration.