In many ways, Life around the world has slowed right down, which inevitably gives my mama’s heart great joy. It seemed things for me were continually ramping up, moving too fast, and I wanted to pause and savour my loved ones but there never seemed time. Looking at the bright side of our global situation, we have been gifted the ability to hold tight to this moment in our family’s life, and to get a lot done on the farm. (I realize that this is an entirely privileged situation for us, given our nationality and where we have chosen to raise our kids, and our government’s financial support for all of us. I don’t take it lightly, and my heart is constantly filled with the pain and chaos and uncertainty that is the reality for most.) Certainly, this is largely true for my family, and there has been so much chaos going on beyond the photos captured here. But focusing on these moments of everyday joy has been balm for my heart and a lesson in letting things go on many levels.

My parents moved to our little mountain town in early 2020, which is a 45 minute drive from our farm. I try and see them a few times a week, if not every other day, switching off with my sister who lives closer. But sometimes, they venture out to the farm for chess matches and bonfires and good food, wine and conversation. I am cherishing these days with them and with family.

As planned before life as we knew it was turned upside down by the pandemic, our sheep were sheared by Josh this spring (you can read more about it here) so I have been busy picking fleeces and sorting wool. There are literally mountains of wool piling up in many corners of our home, waiting to be sent to the fibre mills. Days on the farm have their own slow but busy rhythm, feeding sheep, cleaning up and planting gardens, waiting for lambs…waiting…and waiting…

We finally started lambing almost a week ago, and so far with 3 out of 7 ewes finished, we have 5 ram lambs. Two of the births were challenging and I had to perform midwife interventions, but it also helped give me confidence as a shepherd. The first births, the ewe and her twins wouldn’t have survived unless I helped out, and I am so grateful that now Delilah and her boys are thriving.

April showers have begun and the world is coming alive. There are more lambs to be born, gardens to be planted, yarn to dye, and homeschool to finish. Life is busy, in this slow motion reality we are all finding ourselves in. Wishing you all the best as spring unfolds and Life carries on.

xo Jules

P.S. Those yummy low carb/keto mini cinnamon rolls that Sunshine made came from here. They were delicious and didn’t last long!