Heartland Farm: Thanksgiving

We had a different kind of Thanksgiving this year, as we traveled to the deer woods where Lon hunts. (See the post for Deer Camp & Wonders ) He and Jason left earlier last week for some Father~Son time. Leah and I left the day before Thanksgiving to meet them and Meme & Granddaddy there. Brian and Crystal drove down later that day to round out our group for the celebration.

Daddy & Lon

Last time we did this was a couple of years ago and Leah was just an infant. Sleeping arrangements had to be re-think this year, as she no longer sleeps in a crib. She enjoyed the options of sleeping with mommy or with daddy or between Papa and me. It was so much fun to see her enjoying the pleasures of the outdoors, camping and of course the daily campfire. One of the neighbors had brought down their 2 dogs which gave her plenty of opportunities for some "doggie kisses". The highlight of her days centered around 4-wheeling with a family member. I think everyone gave her a ride at one point or the other that weekend. She provided a good excuse to ride ourselves.

United in love and Camo ~ Brian & Crystal

Fun was had by all and we enjoyed being together even if stacked on top of each other. Our "I hate bugs!" girl got in on the fun. Donning the appropriate attire for her time around camp. Check out those smiles.

Brian, Crystal and our little hunter, Leah

The Family that hunts together, shares memories

Cooking was a challenge with the small stove in our camper, but with a little effort we were able to pull off a traditional meal with the help of Mom's oven too. Everyone enjoyed eating out under the trees on a makeshift picnic table. The weather was perfect for our al-fresco dinning. Mom took pictures of our group and as soon as I can get copies I will post them.

Leah & Uncle J

Uncle J made sure the smallest of the family clan was decked out in camo as well. As you can see Leah was ready for the woods from head to toe, check our the pink camo hat and boots just like uncle J J has. She looked so cute and walked with the guys around camp, saying hi to everyone she met.

The weather turned cooler and rain entered the picture by the time we left on Saturday. But Lon and I got the opportunity to do what we have come to enjoy while there once more. Riding the back trails around camp and through the woods on 4-wheelers has brought us much pleasure as we share the adventure with only each other. It is hard to describe the feeling of setting off with no planned agenda other than having fun and seeing what we can see.

The chickens back home, were left on their own for the duration of our Thanksgiving trip. Thankful we were, that no one decided to take advantage of their unsupervised time. By putting them on a platter for their Thanksgiving meal. Arriving home on Saturday we discovered that in the 3 days that I was gone, they still gave us 2 1/2 dozen eggs. With the very cold temps at Heartland Farm that week, they were refrigerated naturally in the nests where they were laid. Jason did the collecting and stated that there were a LOT of eggs to pick up. Before leaving for our trip, Lon found some new customers just down the road, who would love to help decrease our supply of eggs.

The garden has taken a beating with the freezing temperatures and I feel sure that only a small amount will be gathered from it now. The last of the fresh greens may be on the horizon for our table. Before we turn around it will be time to start planning our early spring garden. After Christmas you will find us huddled around the fireplace with seed catalogues in hand, marking our favorites and a few new varieties to try in 2009. When the last of the produce is collected we will put the garden to bed with the chicken manure we saved for a winter blanket to feed the soil. Rich in the fertilizer it will provide for next year's crops.

I had been busy finishing up a project for our church's "Covered in Prayer" ministry, delivering it before we left. It was the 6th project that I have been privilege to make. This is a great ministry for using the talents God has given me. It has also enriched my prayer life, as I pray for the person I am making the token of love for, every time I pick up my needles. To date our little group of crafters have delivered 80 projects to those with a health need, death, or other life difficulty. I was also able to complete the turkey for Leah, even though the one for our home is still in pieces on my sewing table. She loved taking out the feathers, counting them and then stuffing them back in that fat-bottom fowl. Sorry no pictures to post at this time.