The Third Day of Christmas

Queasy. Just how long will this take to get out of my system? Last night Jacob’s temp jumped to 103.6—when he already had Tylenol in him. He’s down on the couch trying to keep some Tylenol in his stomach right now.

Sigh.

Today is the Third Day of Christmas. My children had to take the steers they plan to show at the fairs next summer in to be weighed and identified. They have gone and returned. It is a cold, brisk morning. The little skiff of snow that we got earlier last week is still on the ground. The skies are covered with a thick grayish white cloud-cover. It is difficult to see much through our windows because they are all frosted up—typical when it gets this cold. The outside cats keep looking in through the sun porch windows asking to warm their toes around the woodstove. Since Jacob is sick, we will spend the day quietly.

Here on the farm, the ebb and flow of nature is reflected in our activities. This is the season for the world around us to rest. The trees are producing no leaves nor making food. Many of the animals are slumbering—and those that are not are simply trying to survive the cold of winter; food and warm shelter is all they seek. I like to think that we, too, benefit from the winter quiet. We are busy stoking the stove and doing the normal day-to-day chores, but so many of the out-of-door activities are minimized. This is a time for a change of routine, to add to the day quiet pondering and evaluating rather than planting or reaping.

For those of you who know about living in a place that does not have the change of seasons, do you still have a time where nature rests? Does the heat give you this same reason to withdraw from the busy-ness of life and allow you time to renew your Spirit?

I see that there are people who check in from all around the world. I’d love to hear from you and see where you live. When you have time, would you please leave a comment? I can’t live with 16 cats and not be curious, can I?

Merry Christmas to each of you.

Orion and Charcoal Warming their Toes