Easing Away From Farm Life

Last week was a mixed bag of emotions. We had decided months ago that it was time to let the goats go. We were still able and willing to tend them, but we could see the writing on the wall. Would we still be able to trim hooves, medicate an unwilling animal, or corner and capture a big animal as the years went by?

My biggest fear was that my goats would go to someone who would mistreat them. Fortunately, there was a man who asks to buy my baby goats every year. Just as we were pondering what to do he texted me again for the year and jumped at the chance to buy my adult girls. He didn't need the buck.

Rather than face Craigslist with endless spammers, I decided to put the buck in the freezer. That was another arduous task, but as fate would have it we got another text from a niece who was interested in learning how to dispatch and butcher a large animal. Extra hands are always welcomed.

She came down and we taught her what we knew about dispatching and butchering. I think she went away knowing that it was a much harder task than she anticipated, but it also gave her some valuable information in case she ever had to do the same. I sent her home with as much frozen meat as she could carry. Amazingly, airlines allow you to carry meat as long as it doesn't leak during the journey.

I have to admit I've been very sad since losing the goats. I really miss them. Their pens look so empty. We've discussed putting ducks or geese out there, but it's a risk. The fence has barbed wire on top so it should keep coyotes out, but it won't keep raccoons out. Geese might have the best chance of fighting off a raccoon but only after they reach adulthood.

I guess I could concentrate on creating a food forest and adding more natural habitats for wild animals. I would like to put up some housing for owls, bats, and bees. There are a couple of owls that like to serenade me right outside my bedroom. LOL! I wouldn't mind if they moved a little further away.

My life feels like it's entering a new phase. I always thought I might go back to writing once I had more time on my hands, but I think the world already has too many voices and not enough listeners.

That leaves me at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. It's actually a new sensation for me. I always have something more to do, and now my list has grown smaller and more introspective.

I don't mind doing more for myself. It seems I've been doing for others long enough. I'd like to have some fun before exiting the stage.

What are your plans for 2022? Do you see yourself doing anything different next year?