I have had a very frustrating couple of weeks here on the farm. I lost three nice kids in a row. I had several others get sick, and am still treating them. Combine that with no rain, and wishing there was, and I have just been having a time of it. However, this morning I was laying in bed, just sure that when I went and checked the littlest doe I am treating she would be gone. I heard the roosters crowing off in the distance. I know there are a lot of people who just can't stand roosters crowing, but for me it is a very comforting sound. Every morning I hear that sound and I know that all is right with the world. I lay in bed this morning and started thinking about how even when there are problems on the farm there is always some good too. Farmers make decisions every day that may mean life or may mean death. Sometimes even the smallest action can make a real difference here. Even with all the problems I can't think of a nicer way to live. I got up this morning to see my little doe that was prostrate last night, lifting her head, maaing, and yes even walking. I took her to her Mommy twice to nurse, and brought her back to the house to keep her out of the heat until she is stronger. I went in my kitchen and had a taste of my freshly canned nectarines. OOoh! They were good. I ate a fresh peach off my tree, and picked some corn, southern peas, and some tomatoes. I looked this years crop of ducks over on one of my trips to the barn. Butchering day is coming quickly as we are expecting some cooler evening weather within the week. I have perhaps twelve that are nice butcher size. I also have some chickens not too far behind. And Praise the Lord, rain is on the way! It just goes to show, no matter how dark the night, the roosters still crow in the morning. That is a VERY good thing!

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), July 20, 2003