FORTH OF JULY

When I awoke this Morning I didn't know if I was just going to write, NO BLOG TODAY, or what. I wasn't sure I had anything to say {of course that is usual} and my time is limited.

I still have the dishes to wash and we are leaving for a family party in an hour or so. In the last fifteen years or so, my oldest Son, Stuart, and his wife's family and friends have been gathering together on an old farm site in Wisconsin and celebrating the Fourth. They often make a three day affair of it. They invite the extended family and we have gone for the day several times.

It is generally the younger folks [under fifty] that camp over in tents. I guess that younger group is getting older. Stuart was fifty last year. My oldest daughter, Laura was fifty-four this year. Wow, how could a young man like me have two children over fifty? I have six children. My second Son, Matt, will be fifty next year. Andrew is next, he is forty-six. Noah is thirty-six and Naomi is thirty-four.

I always have loved celebrating Fourth of July. It comes at the end of the busy Spring season and ushers in the endless Summer. How I love Summer! My animals need very little attention. I let the chickens out in the Morning and lock them up at dusk. I have tried not closing their little door and for a few days it will work; but sooner or later a fox or skunk will discover they can get in and have a delicious dinner. Also, they will emerge at first Dawn, another time to be wary of predators. Great Horned Owls are still making their rounds at first light and they like chicken, too. 

We have a pond for the sheep but I do keep water for them in the farmyard area, also. Summer chores are light; making sure there is fresh water available and gathering eggs. I feed the chickens a little corn and mash. There have been times in the past when I have just let them forage in the Summer. They do fine and seem healthier. Giving them a little feed means I can wait until 8 to 8:30 to let them out in the Morning. They then lay most of their eggs in the coop and I don't have to hunt for them. The hens generally will lay their eggs in the coop anyway. It is only a few adventurous ones that will hide their eggs.

I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July, basking in the love of friends and neighbors. Keep spreading the light.

Love and Peace,  Gregg