“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
This St. Patty’s Day golden Daffodils and Dandelions are popping up everywhere. We didn’t plant them but we are enjoying their unique beauty. The previous homeowner planted daffodils at some point in history and God orchestrated the location of our dandelions. These are part of the “pot of gold” at the end of our rainbow, a miraculous blessing from our loving Heavenly Father. Each new season and all of nature proclaims just a small glimpse of His artistry and glory. Every step of our journey He has been leading us to this green pasture where our cup overflows. What the Irish might call “luck,” we call unmerited favor. We hope you too are feeling especially “lucky” or “favored” this St. Patrick’s Day.
As we admire what is sprouting and blooming around us, we are starting some seeds indoors in anticipation of garden season outdoors! We will wait a few more weeks before planting our little tomatoes in the garden but the potatoes, onions, lettuce, peas and carrots are freshly planted and showing some signs of growth. The hope for an abundant harvest is strong. We have plenty to keep us busy at the Homestead while we wait.
Our cousin, Dave Wachter, loaned us his rototiller to get our garden started. Having family nearby has been a huge blessing.
Our neighbor’s dog, Ginger, is a great deal of help as we work in the yard. We work, she runs around us in circles.
“Lucky” the lizard has been sighted around the homestead. Unlike Ginger, he’s super chill. He likes to stay very still and just hang out in our garage. We assume he eats bugs so he’s very helpful and low-maintenance.
Our pressure canner was given a test drive to make sure it works well. Thanks to some new friends, we are ready for canning season with a large supply of jars and lids.
The fencing around our new garden will hopefully deter any hungry creatures who prowl near the creek at night. Mr. Brady, our neighbor, has given us access to the bamboo grove on his property. Bamboo makes great fence stakes.
Mark used some old pallets to create our composting area.
The Hydrangeas needed cleaning up and roses needed pruning.
I have the “war wounds” to prove I fought the roses. I am assured that they will come back stronger and better than ever. The amount of pruning that the internet suggested seemed extreme. We shall see ; )
We enjoyed an evening at the Wachters’ home to celebrate a new member of their family…
Lady Lorelei, our Cousin’s Great Dane puppy, was the guest of honor.
The 2nd-hand, Facebook Marketplace John Deere tractor needed a little work. Mark replaced tires and brakes and then sanded and repainted the mower deck. There will no doubt be future repairs needed but…
she works really well for now. First mowing of the season is complete.
The previous homeowner left some metal furniture. We repainted and spruced it up a bit.
Since our new septic line is complete we finally got around to placing the pavers back by the basement entrance.
The run of warm weather has allowed us to complete a lot of work around here AND Mark smoked a delicious Pork Butt outside one day.
Aunt Karolyn and Uncle Jim introduced us to a great, paved walking/biking trail very close to our house. Some amazing weather has allowed us to enjoy the Lake Hickory Trails several times.
And last but not least a list of our “treasures” would not be complete without our Leila ?. We receive almost daily pictures and updates and she is trying sooo hard to say “Grandma” or “Grandpa.” She is a very “talkative” 2 month old.
Mark and I are both scheduled for our first COVID vaccinations this week. If all goes well, we will be fully vaccinated by the middle of April. We hope you are all healthy and happy and enjoying the beauty of this spring season. Happy St. Patrick’s Day and may your pot o’ gold be overflowing!
