Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Cedar Dresser Final Saga

It is finally done the cedar dresser we had made. We logged the cedar ourselves, delivered the logs to the local mill, then transported the cut wood to a local Amish craftsman. After almost 6 months we have our huge cedar dresser. It is a feeling that I do not think a modern human has felt in a very long time. Completion - from sweaty start in logging to the final installation. The finished end result that we can enjoy and pass down to the next generation. We saved some trees that needed to be harvested and made quality furniture that will last. I think we honored these trees using them well. It was worth it, the time, energy, sweat and labor to make this dresser. And on the back I wrote down all the names and dates of those who made this dresser possible. And the best part is we kept it all local to our small town. Nothing oversea nor made in China, made in the USA in Missouri, as it should be. And with all the people involved in the making of this dresser, we made friends and learned how other people live and skills they have to share.

Death and New Life on the Farm

ur

Last week was enough for me to want to run screaming down the road. Dolly our 19 year old mare went down in her stall and was clearly in distress from a high fever. The vet came and we agreed she was past the point of no return. So together with the help of friends we got the hole dug and put Dolly at peace. Then, I had some hatched chicks not make it and one needed to be euthanized due to deformity. Then a neighbor decides he wants to have his coffin ready this year. He wants to have his wooden coffin upholstered at his wife's request. All of this happened in less than 24 hours last Sunday- Monday. Ugh it was rough.
But then life begins again. My surviving chicks are now outside in the big brooder in the chicken coop. The trees and plants are all flowering and the air smells wonderful. Baby birds, snakes and butterflies are everywhere. I have so much new life springing up around me, makes me happy again to be on my farm.