This past week has been nothing short of exhausting.
We kicked things off with a jam-packed weekend in California, visiting family and friends. It was one of those quick trips where you try to squeeze in as much as possible, lots of catching up, and not nearly enough time. It was full in all the best ways, but by the end of it, we were definitely running on fumes.
And of course, because this is homestead life, nothing ever goes quite according to plan.
Georgie Keeps Us on Our Toes
While we were away, our puppy Georgie decided she no longer wanted the comfort of the house and instead chose to spend her time outside, freely roaming the property.
Needless to say, being away while your puppy decides to make her own rules is not exactly relaxing.
Thankfully, we have wonderful friends who kept an eye on Georgie and all of our animals while we were gone. We’re incredibly grateful for good people who step in when needed.
And in true Georgie fashion, the little brat came strolling right back inside the second we got home like nothing ever happened.
Dogs sure know how to humble us.
Back to the Homestead Hustle
We got home early this week and immediately jumped right back into the chaos of homestead life and keeping up with the kids.
At this point, I’m fairly certain we’ll just stay exhausted until winter.
Between animal chores, preserving food, keeping the house running, and managing all the summer activities, the days feel full from sunup to sundown.
But that’s summer on the homestead, isn’t it?
Doctoring Our Runner Duck
This week one of our runner ducks gave us a little scare.
We discovered a piece of twine had gotten wrapped around his foot and caused an infection. We’ve been cleaning it up, keeping an eye on it, and doing our best to doctor him back to health.
Thankfully, he’s doing much better now.
It’s a good reminder that animals always seem to find the strangest ways to get themselves into trouble.
Cherry Season and Apricot Overload
This week I processed 20 pounds of cherries that we got from a local co-op we’re members of. Let’s just say my hands and nails might be officially stained from pitting so many cherries.
Most of them went straight into the freezer because we love tossing them into smoothies all year long. There’s nothing better than pulling out summer fruit in the dead of winter.
I also dehydrated some, which make such a good snack.
As if that wasn’t enough fruit to keep me busy, I also have a 24-pound box of apricots currently taking over my dining room table.
I’ve been slowly working through those in the dehydrator while sneaking bites here and there because they are just too good not to.
Homestead life means your kitchen is either spotless or completely overtaken by produce.
There is no in-between.
Rodeo Night Tradition
Tonight, the rodeo is in town!
Every year the kids volunteer to help wherever they’re needed, and in return they get to watch the rodeo for free.
It’s become one of those summer traditions we all look forward to. There’s nothing better than a small-town rodeo. I don’t know if it’s the community, the excitement, or the dirt, but it’s always full of fun.
After a busy and tiring week, it feels like the perfect way to slow down (or at least slow down a little).
More Animals on the Way…
And because apparently we don’t know how to sit still, more farm animals will be joining the homestead soon.
I’ll save that story for next week.
Stay tuned.
Keeping On
This season feels heavy in the best and hardest ways. Full schedules, full freezers, full hearts, and sometimes empty energy tanks.
But even in the exhaustion, there is so much to be thankful for.
Safe travels. Good friends. Healing animals. Full pantries. Family traditions.
And through it all, God keeps carrying us.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29
And praise God for that because we’re going to need it.
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza