Spring Is In My Blood

The sun has been shining these past few days with a warmth that suggests spring. The snow is gone from our land. Today, I spotted the first tender, green grass shoots of the year, just before one of our turkey hens gobbled it up! Spring is in her blood as well, evidenced by the pink-ish colored eggs she keeps leaving behind!

It’s hard to stay focused these days. My man and I want to bask in the sun, to sit in the (dirt) yard and make plans regarding the land. Yes, even though the house isn’t finished yet!

Things are so close to being done inside. So why not get some fresh air and start making plans for the outside? Like where we’re putting our gardens? Trees we need to clear? Where we’ll put our fruit trees!

This land needs work. It’s soil needs amending! Speaking of soil, I found us some manure for the gardens!

I’ve noticed we have a neighbor who keeps cows and sheep. He was out and about, so I yelled to him across the fence and inquired about buying some animal manure.

When he asked me if I’d like to see his farm + the manure pile, I said yes! And when he told me that he and his wife follow Joel Salatin’s principles for raising food, I got excited. Even up here in the mountains, it looks as if we’ll have like-minded neighbors! Not that I’m a die-hard Salatin fan. But ole Joel is all about naturally raised food. And of course, so am I.

Walking about the neighbor’s farm awoke my spring fervor ever further. I don’t know if it was good or bad! The positive is, we’re lined up to get some of his cow manure. But the negative? Seeing the little creatures all about the place gave me a fierce itch. It’s only getting more intense!

I’m afraid it’s going to happen again, like it does every spring.

I get excited about new life, outdoor activities, over plan and overdo it, until my man reins me in.

Whoa, girl!

I usually spend a while dancing about his attempts and chomping at the bit. But finally, I slow down.

I’ve been trying to decide if the itch is better or worse, living on our very own piece of land? I think I’ve concluded, it’s worse.

But I also know what’s at stake, so I’m trying to be patient, to make certain we have an adequate setup before we collect too many little creatures! This land is wild, with more predators than we’ve had in times previous. And so? We’ve gotta play it smart, or we’ll face some serious losses!

Sigh. So this year, we’ll limit ourselves to finishing the house (we’re currently putting down flooring), developing gardens, raising meat birds, tree clearing and perhaps, putting in a root cellar.

Spring is in my blood. I can’t deny it. And I don’t even want to!