Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Some days leave you with a long list of accomplishments.

Other days simply leave you tired.

This one was almost a blur!

The morning began as most mornings do these days. Before heading outside, I spent some time at the computer taking care of Country Air Radio, posting the latest news, answering a few things online, and getting caught up before turning my attention to Briden Farm itself.

Then it was breakfast and the morning chores.

The chickens, broodies and their chicks, Maple, Brooke, and everyone else here at the house were fed and looked after before I finally headed out.

By around midday, it was time to check on the pigs and the roosters over by the sumac. River and Bow came along for the outing while Roscoe stayed home to rest. Fresh feed and water were delivered before we returned to the house.

Then came the biggest job of the day.

It was finally time to move the pigs.

Normally they rotate to fresh pasture about every two weeks, but life had other plans this time. Between making hay, caring for Roscoe after he was struck by a passing truck, and everything else that has filled the past few weeks, this move had been delayed longer than I would have liked.

Before the pigs could move, a new woodland paddock had to be prepared.

Out came the gas trimmer.

Hundreds of feet of fence line had to be opened through brush, saplings and summer growth before a single fence post could be driven. By the time the trimming was finished, roughly fifty step-in posts had been set about every two paces, two strands of electric wire were run around the entire paddock, the solar charger was moved into place, and everything was tested before opening the gate for the pigs.

Watching them discover fresh ground always makes the work worthwhile.

By the time I finally made it back to the house, it was nearly five o’clock.

Earlier in the day I’d been thinking I might stop home for some leftover macaroni around dinnertime.

Instead…

Supper was dinnertime.

Thankfully, there was still plenty in the refrigerator. Like so many homemade meals, it seemed even better on the second day than it had on the first.

After eating, I took a short break—perhaps half an hour or so—before heading back out once again.

This time River and Bow joined me while Roscoe stayed home for a well-earned rest.

The evening barn chores included feeding the rabbits, goats, sheep and quail, milking Patsy, checking everyone over, and making sure all was well before heading home for the night.

Looking back now, I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly where every hour of yesterday went.

Some days are like that.

You simply keep putting one foot in front of the other, moving from one job to the next until, almost without realizing it, the sun has set and the work is done.

They are long days.

Hot days.

Exhausting days.

But they’re also the kind of days when your head finally reaches the pillow, and sleep comes easily, knowing that every animal has been cared for and another day at Briden Farm has come to a satisfying close.

Brian
BridenFarm.com