Keeping the Water Flowing and the Kindness Going
Winter Prep on the Farm
The first real snow always kicks us into winter mode. This week we had the plumber out to fix the heaters in our outdoor water troughs — a job I thought I could handle myself, but it turns out frozen pipes + -30 nights are not something I want to learn the hard way.
Thankfully everything is repaired and working, and knowing the animals have clean, unfrozen water is a huge relief. One cracked pipe can turn into a few days lost and a big bill… so we’re grateful we caught it in time.
A Weekend Away (with a Horse!)
This weekend I’m actually off the farm with my mare at a training clinic. I haven’t ridden since before I was pregnant with Bree, and it feels good to take time for something that fills my cup again.
The goal? Get working together well enough to try some team penning this winter.
(What’s team penning? It’s a timed event where riders work together to sort three specific cattle from a herd and move them into a small pen. Kind of like a mix between ranch work and a friendly mini-rodeo.)
Last winter I played women’s hockey on Sundays, and it reminded me how much I need some hours that aren’t “mom” or “farm manager.” Watching my mom growing up, I saw how much she poured into us — and how much it cost her to never take a break. I’m trying to show our kids (and maybe Tony, too) that rest and hobbies aren’t selfish… they just make you more able to show up for the people who need you.
And yes, I do occasionally think about buying Tony “his own horse”… but let’s be honest — we all know who would actually end up using it… me.
Blake loves his pony and I can’t wait until we can do horse events together. Bree? She loves the horses from a safe distance — petting is fine, riding is a hard no. And that’s okay. Not everything has to be everyone’s passion.
Why the Horse Matters to the Farm
This clinic isn’t just for fun — a well-trained horse is a real tool here. We used horses to sort cattle a few years back and it saved us and our crew a lot of steps (and frustration).
My mare was born and raised on our farm, so working cattle with her feels like the most full-circle, heart-proud thing.
Looking Ahead: Christmas Giving
Christmas is a big season for us, not because of what’s under the tree, but because of the chance to give. Last year we built a hamper for a single dad with two young girls, and we’d love to help another family again this year.
If you know someone who could use a little extra support this season — groceries, small gifts, anything to ease the weight — please reach out. We handle it quietly and respectfully.
The magic of Christmas isn’t in what we keep. It’s in what we share.
