The best thing about this weekend was that I didn’t go anywhere. I am such a homebody. Sports keeps me running. Football ended on Friday night with a defeat for Roane County in the first playoff game. It’s been a hard season here. A member of the football staff was lost in a sad event. And my son missed half the season due to a knee injury. On the morning of his first chance to play after his recovery, he woke up with a 102-degree fever. He couldn’t play that night (or go to school that day, for that matter). That they made it to the playoffs at all was some consolation as it gave him back an extra game. I picked him up at the high school at 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Away games are rough. He was in good spirits, as he always is whether it’s a win or lose. As often as sports drives me to the brink of insanity and exhaustion, I know there are lessons learned, about working as a team, about sportsmanship, about accepting defeat as well as victory with the same positive spirit.
It’s also a lesson for me, constantly (and against my will), in patience and selflessness and endurance in dealing with the hours upon hours of driving it requires from me to let them do this. Basketball has only just begun, so it’s not over.
But this weekend? I got to stay home.
I baked bread. I canned more whole berry cranberry sauce. I wandered about my farm and found curious fallen trees with double trunks.
I looked at the sun shining between the trees so bare and remembered that winter is pretty, too, in its own way. It’s coming and I have to learn to love it.
I keep letting the fire go out in the wood stove because I am terrible at keeping it going (novice here!), but yesterday was a beautiful day with beautiful weather.
It was a day when ducks finally found the pond again.
Oh, the rapture of it all!
There was a lot of dunking and washing.
A lot of fluffy-butted slurping.
A lot of declaring, “We’re never going back to the chicken house, NEVER!”
Chickens followed, curious to see what divine secrets the ducks had uncovered.
They couldn’t figure out this whole obsession with water and wandered off to the woods to peck bugs on the steep hillside over the river.
Cats and dogs came to see what all the excitement was about, too.
Boomer is doing well, by the way, and he appreciates all your support.
We have a delicious pile of wood that was given to us by the man we bought our new “old” freezer from. He just wanted to get rid of it. I see a new chicken house addition.
It was a lovely day. One of those days when nothing really pressing was bearing down.
A day to just do small things and breathe.
I think there should be more days like that, but then I think–would I appreciate them if they were the norm? Maybe, maybe not. It’s hard to appreciate what you have unless sometimes you don’t have it.
And so I will embrace basketball and all the driving and the practices and the games and the late nights. They serve as contrast. (Yes, I’ve got the right attitude now!!!)
Sorta like, you know, a day on the pond versus a night in the chicken house.
We all have our crosses to bear!
Sheila Z says:
I’ve got 4 Khaki Campbell ducks who get along well with the chickens. Maybe because they were raised with this batch of chickens and think they are closely related to them. All I know is the ducks are laying better than the chickens. I’m about ready to make chicken soup and just keep ducks if the chickens don’t start contributing more.
On November 16, 2009 at 2:53 am
C says:
Well, you know, patience and selflessness lessons are always against our wills, aren’t they? Else we would not need the lessons! My going-to-sports days are OVER! Praise God! I dutifully went to all my son’s games, and my enthusiasm for the team was real because Isupporte him. But he’s grown and not playing now, so stadiums will never see me again! C
On November 16, 2009 at 3:54 am
Berta says:
Is that a tear in Boomer’s eye?
On November 16, 2009 at 5:22 am
JoLinda Flemister says:
I used to own a duck while growing up that actually thought he WAS one of the chickens. I would put him in the creek and he fly screaming back to the chicken coop.
On November 16, 2009 at 5:40 am
JOJO says:
:woof:
Thank you for sharing such a lovely day with us.
I was outside yesterday also, and the smell in the woods this time of year is incredible.
Every season has it beauty and smells–I love them all.
On November 16, 2009 at 5:59 am
Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:
Want I wouldn’t do for one more day filled with running to lacrosse. I had three children playing lacrosse at one time. Travel teams. My husband and I would hi and bye somedays/weeks.I thought I would go crazy!! I could not stand it. Now my girls are grown and moved out with their own families and my son is going to be 18 and graduated from high school. I would kill for one more day with them all here.LOL.Now I help with watching the grandkids!! JOY!!
Love your blog..Your farm life pictures..Hugs to Boomer!!
On November 16, 2009 at 6:27 am
CindyP says:
Beautiful fall days…….at one time we thought they were gone. But a wonderful way to spend a day. Everyone deserves it. And you? Would probably go batty if that was your day……too many things left to be explored and conquered in your life!! :happyflower:
On November 16, 2009 at 6:44 am
Diane says:
I know what you are talking about. My dd is in the band and our football team made the playoff’s. The band goes where the football team goes. So every friday was figure out something quick to eat. Get my dh’s clothes ready so he could change,eat quickly. Run out the door and off we go. The football players lost last weekend. 🙂 It was our second play off game. We are looking forward to next weekend I think. My dd informed me that she and a group of her friends are meeting at the movies to see New Moon, Sat is a benfit thing for the band. lol. It never ends. But I did enjoy my Sunday also. Quite and not hurried. I appreciate that.
On November 16, 2009 at 6:46 am
Kathryn says:
I am glad you had such a nice day!
On November 16, 2009 at 7:51 am
carol says:
What a perfectly beautiful day for you, Suzanne! And you got so much done….walking and looking and seeing and thinking! My kind of day to be inserted between days of work and running and normal life when you don’t get to do the ‘nothing much’ thing.
Good for you! And thank you for sharing with all of us.
Carol
On November 16, 2009 at 8:14 am
becki says:
Basketball practice started this morning at 6:30. Lasts until February. Daughter couldn’t find her homework, backpack, signed UIL paperwork, science fair presentation board, or shoes that matched. It’s going be a long three months.
On November 16, 2009 at 8:17 am
Runningtrails says:
What a great day you had! Thank you for sharing it!
My sports days are over too, PTL! My kids are grown but not gone and still a source of worry and stress. I don’t think that ever goes away.
That fallen tree at the first of the blog will make great firewood. You should saw, chop, split and get it stacked to dry before the snowfalls.
Great find, that wood! I love freebies too! Construction dumpsters are a good place to get free wood.
On November 16, 2009 at 8:46 am
Brenda says:
Hi Suzanne,
I too have to run so much for sports, even leaving work early on fridays for the away games but I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass so enjoy it while I have it.I have had to learn patience along with selflessness also. My boys are in so many sports that they overlap each other keeping us all so busy but I wouldn’t change it for the anything. Like you, this weekend I didn’t leave the house~I absolutely love to be home more than any other place in the world. Finally got around to making puree from the pumpkin that I had, made 2 pies and some of the best Caramel Pumpkin pecan bread pudding I have ever had touch my lips.. Would love to share the recipe if you would like it.
Again thanks for sharing and hugs to boomer.
On November 16, 2009 at 8:50 am
Gert Hubbard says:
What a nice way to start my day…Thank you so much.. God’s beautiful world that most people never get to capture…. :wave:
On November 16, 2009 at 9:14 am
Claudia W says:
My YD asked me if I wanted to take in the layng hens fromt he ranch she works at! I get chickens! (but I can’t let mine be in the road) She is going to help me get the backyard set up and a nice secure chicken house for them to live in. (We have very bad racoon problems here) I am so excited to have chickens once again!
I am so happy for you that you got to “take a weekend off”. It sure makes a big difference doesn’t it?!?
On November 16, 2009 at 9:30 am
Jennifer June says:
Posts like this make me wonder why I live in a big city.
I’d like a farm…and some ducks.
I don’t eat meat but I think a couple of pigs and goats would be a nice touch too.
Thanks for a glimpse in to a very comfy world and a break from the rumbling sound of traffic outside my window.
https://www.theladyslounge.com
On November 16, 2009 at 9:54 am
pamb says:
From the other side of Busy Mom Life, yes, you will appreciate quiet days. Very, very much. :happyflower:
On November 16, 2009 at 10:12 am
Jo says:
Oh, I can relate to the running….both my sons had football and soccer the exact same weeks, which meant two practices each, each week and two games on Saturday!! More fun for them than me. We were running all over the country on Saturdays trying to get to games. So glad that is over….but it is only a season. Pretty soon I’ll be wishing these days were back. My boys are 8 & 11.
Thank you for sharing the beauties around your farm. I just love fall, just don’t enjoy what comes after too much.
P.S. Can hardly wait ’til tomorrow!!!!! :sheepjump: :snoopy: :happyflower:
On November 16, 2009 at 10:20 am
Kelly says:
Love my ducks! And love the kinda days like that, wish there were more of ’em!! Kelly, http://www.whatupduck.com
On November 16, 2009 at 10:41 am
Nancy in Iowa says:
I was a single working Mom with only 1 kid – and soccer was her game. I had enough to juggle with work, practice, car pooling, and gong to all the games – I don’t know how you’ve done it with 3 kids, 47 sports, a zillion farm animals, and all your writing!!!
On November 16, 2009 at 11:07 am
Okie Book Woman says:
An especially good post today, Suzanne. The contrast . . . oh, yes, the contrast is good.
On November 16, 2009 at 11:21 am
Nic says:
This is not related to this post, but I’m new to your site (found a link to your christmas tree stuff from last year in the natural family community on livejournal and had to keep looking around). I love it, and I just wanted to say hi! HI!!!
On November 16, 2009 at 11:53 am
Sharee says:
I had a breather this weekend too….My kids tied me up and threw me in the closet and proceeded to tear apart the house….But the closet was so quiet and peacefull…zzzzzz….Still love them though… 🙂 Thanks for the reminder! Being truly grateful is a hard lesson learned. Have a great day!
On November 16, 2009 at 11:59 am
Julie Harward says:
I LOVE TO TAKES WALKS…I COULD JUST SMELL THE TREES AND HEAR THE DUCKS! YOU ARE WONDERFUL..THANKS FOR SHARING! COME SAY HI 😀
On November 16, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Donna says:
Ohhhh, I love all the little farm animals!! :dancingmonster: 😀 :woof: I got tickled at the chicken that wandered down to the edge of the pond to take a look and the kitten and pup were so cute down there too. Last week, I had lunch by our duck pond here, and saw a couple of Swans too! I love to look at them glide on the water…just love animals. Aren’t those days nice, when you can relax like that? I am enjoying a sort of mini vaca myself right now.
On November 16, 2009 at 12:42 pm
TXLady says:
Yes we all have our crosses to bear and really, they strength it gives us might be what life is all about. I have lung cancer and it has not been a fun situation and indeed my cross to bear but I have to tell you, so much good from those people who love and care about me has made for a new appreciation of life not just for me but for all of my family and for that, I count my blessing everyday. I enjoyed your quiet day and am glad that it brought you peace, we all need that too.
Ruthie
On November 16, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Michele says:
What a beautiful life you have, you work hard and are reaping the benefits. Lovely animals. :hole:
On November 16, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Kathleen H from Indiana says:
It’s nice to have a weekend without a full schedule. I remember the running days with my two kids. Lots of fun and excitement. It was a whirlwind and now I shake my head and wonder how I did it.
Do we start voting again tomorrow? I can’t wait to see your video!!!! Know it will be fantastic.
:snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:
On November 16, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Amy says:
I had one of those days yesterday where we didn’t do a single thing. And it was beautiful. Sports keep us busy 6 days each week, so I feel your pain of runnign to and fro… Sometimes I wonder what life will be like when there is no practice/game to go to… Thanks for reminding me to enjoy the contrast. 🙂
On November 16, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Dessa says:
I LOVE days like that…when you get the chance and have the time to sit quietly and just be for a few moments–or a even a couple hours.
On November 16, 2009 at 2:27 pm
JOJO says:
If anyone missed reading the post Suzanne mentioned in the early part of her post today–lost in a sad event–please take the time to read it–and remember the true meaning of the up coming Holidays. Love caring and understanding are gifts that are priceless and forever remembered and something we can all afford no matter our station un life.
Thank you.
On November 16, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Letha says:
I know exactly where you are coming from…..we just got finished with volleyball and band will soon be over. I am ready for a short break….then right back to a routine for more sports. Yeah!
On November 16, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Yvonne M. says:
Hey Suzanne! I was wondering, since all your kids play sports, if you played any sports in school.
Absolutely can’t wait for tomorrow to see your video and vote for you again. I will vote every day, just like I did in the first round. Sooooooo hoping you win, you deserve it! :snoopy:
On November 16, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Immigrant daughter says:
I am impressed! This is a beautiful group of pictures
On November 16, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Alison says:
When you wrote this post, it was my birthday!!
Rory, 7 yrs old
I really enjoyed sharing this post with my boy. We dream about the days when we can live in our own homestead with chickens and ducks. He surprised me with his knowledge of ducks – I thought they were “cleaning” themselves, but he informed me that they were actually oiling themselves 🙂
On November 21, 2009 at 10:26 am
Jane says:
Do your cats ever attack your chickens – or ducks?
On February 27, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Jane, the cats leave the chickens alone. Chickens have scary sharp beaks. 🙂
On February 27, 2010 at 4:09 pm