Farm Life Update: April 2020

I think it’s fair to say, the past six weeks have been like no other for anyone on the planet. But life on the farm goes on as usual, the animals know nothing about COVID-19. For them, it’s business as usual. For Mr GGF and I, it’s the same, but not. So here’s the latest edition of Farm Life on Green Gate Farm.

Mid-March

Mr GGF travelled back to work in Mid March, just as the outbreak was ramping up globally. It was anxious two weeks for us both, as flights were being cancelled across the country. We had no way of knowing when or even if, he would be able to return to the farm.

To take my mind off everything, I did small projects around the house like my DIY Ivy Topiary. Cooking suddenly became a thing, so I tried a few new recipes. I made Pear Butter for the first time and can highly recommend it on hot buttered toast. I worried about what’s going to happen in our community and how we’d cope if Mr GGF could not come home. Teaching and looking after a smallholding alone is not something I wanted to do. Plus, I don’t like uncertainty. I like things organised.

In the two weeks Mr GGF was away, students across the country were instructed to stay at home. Teachers prepared for a term of remote learning. There was so much to be done to transition, so much learning for those who don’t use technology in their classrooms on a regular basis. I worried about the welfare of my vulnerable students, some who don’t cope well with change and have troubled lives at home. But the decision was a relief, too. The idea of being in close contact with small children who have no idea about social distancing and teenagers who really didn’t care was not conducive to a good nights sleep. Everyone was anxious and on edge. At least this decision gave us a direction.

Here at the farm, the leaves began to turn and fog became part of the morning routine. The hens and ducks slowly stopped laying and I had to buy eggs for the first time in six months. Maggie, one of our belted Galloway cows grew fatter and slower, ready to give birth. She still managed to gallop down the hill for a treat of hay, though!

Farm Life in April

The beginning of April saw Mr GGF thankfully return from work but into two weeks of mandatory isolation here on the farm. This meant he was unable to leave the property, had to sleep in a separate bed and use the other bathroom. It was weird not to kiss each other goodnight or hold hands but I’m truly grateful he was able to complete this time at home. Not so grateful I was provided with a long list of items on the odd occasion I left the house though. I like it when he can do for himself. 🙂 There was a lot of photos and phone calls from the local hardware shop to make sure I’d found what he needed!

But the days have been productive and slowing down has been good. We’ve used the time to construct an island in the kitchen and try out Green Tomato Chutney with tomatoes from the garden that didn’t ripen. The chutney is a bit of a process to make, but not hard, and well worth the effort. Mr GGF has been putting it on just about everything since. The glut of vegetables led me to meet an Instagram friend (at an appropriate distance) and doing a vegetable swap. We’re now trying out quince recipes and variations on beer bread! I added some cinnamon, all spice, chopped dates and sultanas to the latest batch to make the YUMMIEST fruit bread ever!!

House projects are underway too. The dresser I painted seven times has been stripped back to bare wood. I’m in the process of finishing it. Maggie had her calf yesterday and it happily followed Maggie down the paddock this morning, to get the daily treat.

Terry has been extra snuggly too, coming up for pats and ear rubs. He’s nine months old now. It seems like last week he was trotting up the steps to the verandah to get his feed each afternoon. The ducks have stopped laying and for the first time months, we’ve had to buy eggs.

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Despite the rules imposed on us, we’re enjoying being at home, making and doing. I hope you’re making the most of your time at home, no matter where you have to spend it.