I’m home again after a sunset tractor ride with Bear through our bush. It’s one of our favorite things to do together, getting totally away from everything and trundling along on our old red Massey tractor as we point out roving gangs of kangaroos, the exquisite light shimmering through the gum trees, and our favorite spots where “one day” we’re going to build a cabin with a veranda overlooking the trees, back dam, and valley beyond.

It’s been a contemplative week for me, one where I needed to pull my borders in close and rest, giving myself time to grieve the loss of two dear ones, time to do those things that comfort and heal.

Nature, love, and companionship with a trusted soul, these are the things that strengthen me.

I took naps and read books and wrote many, many words in my journal.

I lingered in my gardens soaking up sunshine and celebrating every new sign of life, excitedly showing Bear each tiny harvest of asparagus, peas, and baby beets.

I shared many cuppas with Bear, talking or just sitting quietly, finding comfort in his hugs and kindnesses.

They were all good things, so good, and today I was ready to step back into the world.

It was a lovely day for stepping back. Gorgeous Spring sunshine warmed us to our bones and cool breezes fragrant with new blossoms kept us from sweltering as we worked.

Bear and I have been building new pens this week and this afternoon we nearly finished number three. Soon we’ll have enough to be able to rotate our flocks of ducks, chickens, geese, and turkeys so they always have a source of grass and weeds to peck through while staying safe from foxes and wild dogs.

Today I spent with Oma at her farm, visiting over our favorite Earl Grey Tea and homemade chocolate cake in between all sorts of projects. We oohed and aahed over her gorgeous pigs, trimmed the beaks of naughty egg-pecking chickens, dispatched some roosters for the stew pot, bottled her latest batch of whiskey (smooth as silk, I tell ya!), and taste-tested her luscious caramelized marmalade jam – just to make sure it was OK.

It was a beautiful end to my stepping back day.

Now it’s time to finish up my latest wood-burning orders, have an evening tipple of Oma’s whiskey, and go to bed for a good sleep.

Wishing you a beautiful weekend. xo