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Wednesday, July 22, 2026

After a hard rain overnight, the forecast was calling for nearly another inch of rain before tomorrow. Rainy days on the farm have a rhythm all their own.

The chores don’t disappear.

The animals still need to be fed, watered, milked and cared for.

It’s simply the timing that changes.

Instead of watching the clock, a farmer watches the weather radar and keeps one eye on the sky, looking for those little windows when the rain eases enough to get outside and accomplish what needs doing.

This morning was one of those slower starts.

I was up early as usual, but there was no sense charging out into a downpour.

The dogs were the first to remind me they needed attention.

When I first opened the door, the rain was coming down so hard they weren’t especially enthusiastic about going outside. We all agreed waiting a little while longer seemed like the better idea.

Eventually they ventured out, took care of business, and hurried back inside.

After breakfast and washing the dishes, the farmhouse settled into a quiet calm.

There’s something almost comforting about listening to rain on the roof when you know there’s little to be gained by rushing.

The forecast promised a break around one o’clock, so that became the plan.

If the rain eased, I’d make a quick trip to the barn, feed everyone, milk Patsy, and get back home before the next band of showers arrived.

I debated taking Roscoe, River and Beau with me.

Normally they’d never forgive me for leaving them behind.

But today wasn’t a day for long walks through the woods.

Today was about getting the work done between showers.

Sure enough, shortly after one o’clock the rain eased just enough to make the trip.

I pulled on my rain gear, headed over the hill, through the woods and down the trail to the barn.

The rabbits were fed.

The quail were looked after.

The goats received their grain.

Patsy patiently stood for milking as she always does.

Everyone was checked over before I made my way back home.

Dry?

Not exactly.

The rain never really stopped.

It simply became manageable for a while.

By about three o’clock I was back at the farmhouse.

The yellow rain gear had certainly earned its keep.

The animals were all cared for.

The chores were finished.

Mission accomplished.

Now it was time to peel off the rain gear, put the kettle on, and enjoy a hot cup of tea while listening once again to the rain falling outside.

That’s farm life.

You don’t wait for perfect weather.

You wait for an opportunity…

…and then you get the job done.

Some people might look out at a day like today and see nothing but grey skies and rain.

I see healthy pastures.

Full ponds.

Happy animals.

And another quiet day at Briden Farm.

Tomorrow the chores will begin again.

But for today…

The farm is content.

And so am I.

Enjoying today’s journal?

You might also enjoy This Week at Briden Farm, my weekly look back at life, livestock, and the little adventures that make up Briden Farm.

https://brianhurlburt.substack.com