Hi! I’ve been meaning to write, but I’ve been a little discouraged lately and hate to bring that here. I have been trying to avoid the internet and staying immersed in gardening and baby animals, and things that generally don’t make me feel upset. The weather betrayed me though when we had multiple nights of freezing temperatures weeks after our typical last frost date. I did my best to protect everything: vegetables, annual flowers, fig trees, grapevines, and Japanese maples with tender new leaves. It was so much work, but thankfully I didn’t lose much, mainly just most of my marigolds and a few zinnias. According to the ten-day forecast (I check obsessively), we are in the clear now. It’s been quite warm the past few days. A second wild swarm moved into one of our empty hives last week, so now we have two hives! After losing all of our bees last winter, that’s pretty exciting.
I look forward to visits with the baby goats each day. I named the little buckling (he’s the white one), “Dobbin,” for Captain Dobbin in Vanity Fair (we considered naming him after Little John but decided against it), and the doeling is “Tasha,” for Tasha Tudor of course. Seth and Keats don’t acknowledge the name Tasha and instead call her “Skunk.” Both babies are incredibly sweet. Dobbin insists on sitting in my lap and will fall asleep there if I have time. Tasha will do the same but isn’t quite as insistent as Dobbin on being in my lap.
I won’t even pretend that I’ve been a very balanced person lately. The only part of my schedule that I’ve stuck to is my morning rosary. I’m doing a terrible job of planning meals and keeping up the house, but I’m hoping to get on top of that this week. I’ve been hyper-focused on preparing garden beds, planting seeds, and growing flowers. I’ve had a difficult time getting the soil in my new raised beds right and between that and the frosts, I was a mess last week. It’s like everything hinged on things going well in my garden. (Feeling a little more balanced now. A little.) We picked up a trailer load of well-rotted horse manure a few days ago and I spent an entire day moving it one wheelbarrow load at a time, spreading it over each and every bed. It was so much work, but I couldn’t stop. At the end of the day, I laid down in bed completely wiped out. I could use some more manure, but I’m not sure there will be time to get it. Jonny is very stressed with work right now and has little free time. He has more to do than ever and is working seven days a week (still from home). We are so grateful that he has a job, but he’s just gotten word that his pay will be cut due to losses incurred because of COVID. He’s working more for less, and trying to figure out how to make up for the loss in the tiny cracks of time he has left. I need to get my own act together so I can better support him.
It’s interesting to observe how these months of isolation have affected each of us. Beatrix has become obsessed with slime. She’s a slime expert now and has gone through almost an entire gallon of glue making different variations. I hope that somehow counts towards homeschooling because we aren’t doing much of that in an official sense. Larkspur is very focused on pet care. She spends hours researching food and toys. She worries over what and how much each of her pets is eating. After asking us for years for budgies, we caved and allowed her to adopt a pair from a friend whose pet budgies hatched babies. They have only been with us for a couple of days and are still settling in and are mostly quiet, but every now and then they sing. Last night, Keats was playing the piano and they started singing. They sounded so sweet and that made me happy.
Small things can easily become big things when floating through periods of uncertainty. That can be either good or bad. I am up and down in my moods and trying to do things every day that bring me peace. I know that when I have peace, I bring that to my family. A few days ago I walked through the woods with my younger kids to the beaver pond to see their new dam. Silas caught a tiny frog and handed it to me. I held it in my cupped hands for a few seconds and then released it back into the water. Watching it stretch its legs as it swam away made me happy. I always try to notice small things and make the good ones into big things. I think we all need to right now.
p.s. My Shaelyn shawl is finished and blocked and I love it.
Melissa says
I walked by our local school today on my daily walk (absolutely recommend the daily walk – rain hail or shine – it ALWAYS gets me out of my head) and they has this up on their noticeboard: “It is what it is. Until it isn’t”
That simple phrase has stuck with me all day and I’m going to try and keep it in my head.
One day at a time, and when that’s too much I just go one hour at a time. Trust yourself, your kids are so lucky to have you!
Laura says
Ginny, prayers for your family. It is definitely hard right now, and working longer hours for less pay is very disheartening, but I am sure you and Jonny are both doing a great job. All your baby animals are adorable and the shawl is amazing! The picture of Beatrix and Silas with the baby goat is beautiful! Once again I loved seeing your beautiful pictures and words ?
Emanuela Scuccato says
Hold on Ginny, even here in Europe climate change creates many problems. We must all work together worldwide to respect the planet and influence our governments to meet the 2030 Agenda’s sustainable development goals. I love your puppies and your flowers. I’m sorry for your husband: it’s a difficult and even unfair situation. A hug
Elizabeth says
I admit I am most curious about the old looking house (?) that you all seemed to be moving! Looked super interesting and neat!
I am SO very sorry for the extra stress Johnny has with his job; that is so hard and difficult.
I agree with the mother above of grown children – your kids are fed and loved and right now that’s enough.
I am so glad for every good thing you wrote about and I send my sincere love!!! and faith that God will help you all!!!!
Ginny says
That’s our chicken house! We move it around the yard. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Oh that’s so fun!!!!!! Great idea! You are really doing so much as a family; God bless you!
Mercedes says
“Small things can easily become big things”
These words went right to my heart.
I think of the hazelnut, a simple prayer, a baby, one unwashed dish multiplying into an overflowing sink, one angry word into a gaping wound in the heart, a pollen laden bee, a sip of soothing tea, a seed planted into the earth with faith of its future yield, ….
Yes, I will hold this message close. I too add my deep gratitude for your words and photography-blessings.
Katie @ The Cozy Burrow says
Ginny, thanks for writing this post. It’s so helpful to hear that we’re all in similar boats – balance hasn’t been easy for me either. It’s especially helpful to hear that you’re also struggling with schooling right now because I feel like an utter failure!
Your goats are adorable. Your shawl is beautiful. And your bees are amazing!
Thank you for giving me a few moments of joy while reading this post!
Tirzah says
I have loved your blog and like so many I have been blessed by the beauty of your posts.
I like to worry, and these days, my mind could easily become ablaze like a wildfire of fear. Yet…when I pray, I hear the Lord whisper in my heart, “pray, hope, and don’t worry.” “Be not afraid.” ” a new beginning for mankind ” “a second Pentecost” “look forward to the future with hope and amazement”. ” It will be OK.”
I said I feel like I am not in control, and heard, ” you’re not. I am. ”
I share this to encourage you as you have encouraged me and so many others.
Megan Barnes says
“I need to get my own act together so I can better support him”—I keep feeling this same thing as my husband has been working more and processing work upheavals. And I‘m trying to remind myself that I must receive grace and love in order to give it; that I cannot berate and punish myself into having enough love and care for others. I too am definitely Not a balanced person right now, and my routines are out the window as well, except for trying to say the Lord’s Prayer when I wash my hands ?
And yes why does the garden feel like a lifeline?
Andrea says
We have four children, all grown, 3 married. Can I just say to all you phenomenal moms, these are really strange and scary times but as long as your children are loved and fed, all will work out! Please ladies, y’all are doing wonderful and it’s okay to have scattered days, it’s okay if school is not on point, it’s okay if the house is a mess. Some days are better than others but we’re all just doing the best we can. And that’s good enough! Ginny, love your inspiring words, photos, etc. Hang in there, you’re doing WAY better than you think you are. Big hugs!
Ginny says
Thank you, Andrea! I think we all need to read your words!
Karen says
Andrea, what a lovely and needed thing to say right now. It’s true, when you have grown children your perspective changes with regards to what the most important things are! They will remember the walks to the pond, and yes, maybe they will remember the stacks of dishes and laundry, but that only prepares them for real life with families of their own, and most of all, they will remember time spent, grace given and love felt.
Lana says
I am 60 years old with five grown children and 6 grandchildren. My Dad is in the last days of his life and the thing that is my fondest memory is him taking us for rides after dark through the state park near where we lived in Iowa. We drove slowly through looking for animals eyes to reflect in the headlights. We did that often in the summer. Such a simple thing. I don’t remember any of the day to day good or bad, only the good fun things that he did with us. And so I trust it is with my own children.
Marilyn says
The shawl is lovely. Hope you are feeling better. Relax and take it easy. Everything will get done in good time.
Marilyn
Kelli Ramey says
Just bless you.
Marion says
That is so cute that the goats want to sit on your lap just like human babies. Ginny take one thing at a time. relax.
Marion
Kris S. says
My husband has been working from home too, as busy as ever. It was quite an adjustment having him in “my” space all day long and rearranging my own schedule so that I’m not doing noisy things (like vacuuming) when he’s in meetings or on conference calls. I was out of sorts just from that, and when his company announced he was getting a 20% pay cut but still working just as much I took it really hard. Kicked me right into weeks of depression.
So far, God keeps little financial blessings coming our way, and we’ve been able to keep current on all our bills. I’m slowly starting to feel better. Working outside with our animals and plants definitely helps.
I will keep you in my prayers, may God grant you peace of mind and financial blessings as he has me lately.
Antonia says
Dear Ginny and other friends,
it looked pretty desperate over here in the Czech Republic few weeks ago (or months?! we totally lost track of time). Now shops are allowed to be open again, even the big ones. People wear face masks less and less. Spring is gets prettier and warmer every day. Things do turn around eventually. Tomorrow I am even going to the hairdresser where I was supposed to go the first day of the quarantine (16 March) – I cant wait!
Nevertheless I still pray that the curve doesnt turn around and the precautions dont have to be re-established.
My prayers with you and your family <3
The baby animals are super cute! <3
Phyllis says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ginny. I feel the same most days and keep trying to figure out why I can’t talk myself into a positive mood when I know things will work out eventually. I love your baby goats – they are so sweet to look at and I can imagine how soft and warm they would be sleeping on my lap. I pray you all keep well in your home and that Jonny’s work load lessens and his pay returns to what it was – and hopefully more when the virus leaves us! Your photographs, as always, are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing them. God bless.
K Lynn Ronkainen says
So glad to be let into your family and world for the time it takes to read your post and then savor it – thank you Ginny! I’ve been living on my back porch and in my garden (flowers & small trees, bird bath and trellises) during the ‘social distancing’ began in TX and today have to make myself go back to cleaning/organizing my studio (started a month ago and still not useable… ) May the weather continue in your favor and the gardening, animals and your wonderful family fill your soul. Hugs from Houston TX
Lynn
Donna says
Uncertain times makes for scattered feelings and emotions in me. COVID-19 isn’t real to you until it comes close to someone you knew. My daughter lost a friend to it. Forty-four days in ICU. He lost his battle and went to be with the Lord. We were shocked by it. He was an Evangelist. We don’t know how to make sense of that. But we look at things differently today. Truly, God has the last say. I hesitated to share this. Because I know we hear so much about this. It can be unnerving at times. But for some, the Pandemic may not seem so real. But, it truly is.
Your shawl is lovely. They baby goats a delight. To be out into nature and around it is such a blessing. I confess, I envy you in that it is outside your door. I live in a crowded area. No woods around me.
Hopefully God will begin to turn things around soon. I will be glad when he does.
God bless your husband and give him peace of mind. I know he has a lot to do. I pray all is well with you, too. Your children are beautiful.
Take care. God bless.
Joan says
Nice hearing from you Ginny. I try to get everything done for the day and then approach a project .
Joan
Susan Kuhlman says
MY daughter and her finance had a beautiful wedding planned for Oct. I just called her on her birthday and agreed it could not happen this year. Then we got silly. She said she is trying to get a puppy but their is long waiting lists. Her finance said that this dog could be fourteen when they get married. Oh yeah, their kid could be seven or ten. Then I suggested she get two puppies. Her fiance said, or two kids. They are thinking about getting another car, and I said it was a great time to shop for a car. Then they said, how old will this car be when we finally get married? It is very strange to live in such times when we do not know what the future will bring.
Kate says
It’s ironic – when I don’t feel completely together, I don’t feel like writing; but when I write, feel better about not having it all together. I hope you feel better after this post.
We’re fortunate that the shutdown hasn’t affected my husband’s income yet. He’s always worked at home, so the shutdown wasn’t a huge adjustment for him. Now that things are opening up, we’re trying to spend our stimulus money on local and small businesses that are struggling. Prayers!
KAde says
As always, Ginny, I love and truly appreciate your honesty. I always come away from reading your blog uplifted and inspired. I thank you for that. My twelve-year-old daughter also looks forward to any new post from you.
I find these words of Our Blessed Mother at Fatima very heartening when I am inclined to feel completely overwhelmed, which is quite often…..”Do not lose heart. I will never forsake you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.”
Donna says
Ginny, I look forward to your posts every week and love your photos of the beautiful small and essential things that enrich our lives. Thank you for your sacrifice of time and effort to share these wonderful joys.
Michelle says
Uncertainty can be such a tough thing to bear, but focusing on the things that bring you joy is a good strategy. It’s something you can control, unlike the external situation with the virus. And you’ve definitely got wonderful distractions with the garden and baby animals.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Emily DeArdo says
I’m feeling the same way about meal planning and house stuff. Sigh. I haven’t said the liturgy of the hours since Easter…..I’m just totally off the count there. I’m trying to keep up with spiritual reading, rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Today I’m planning on laying siege to the house so we’ll see how far I get.
Nicole Cox says
I’m sorry about your husband’s job situation. It’s such a mess out there and the uncertainty is a killer. Prateea for your peace and security.
Also, I LOVE Capt Dobbins abd that is a great pet name!! Have you seen the Amazon original Vanity Fair yet? It is excellent and the Dobbins in it is to die for.
Nicole Cox says
*prayers, sorry! Autocorrect. ?
Lisa says
I have been reading your blog for many years. I think Silas was the littlest when I started reading. I can’t begin to know all that you have been through, good and bad, but I do know that you have shown me what a resilient woman you are. Even in bad times you look at all the Small Things? and blessings you have. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love your blog!
Gwen says
Ginny, what a beautiful shawl. Yes, I’ve noticed Virginia has had some hard times brought on them by the government. Hopefully you Virginian’s will get together and show them what it means to stand up for your rights. Wisconsin was able to make some changes. Love the pictures. Yes, we need to see beauty in our lives! Yes, we’ve got a sign up on our church door…6 ft. social distancing and wear masks…but every Sunday I hear the preacher talk about trust in God, and yet he keeps talking about Pandemic this, Pandemic that, and is acting scared. We’ve got a God that takes care of us. We just need to let Him do His job! I told my husband I’m not going back to church until I hear the online sermon’s make a change to the positive. Jonny will be fine. He’s got a great big family to take care of everything and a loving, supportive wife! Gwen in Iowa