2024 Be gone

A good friend of mine commented a little while ago that I hadn't updated this in a while.  So, here I am, over a year since the last post, making an "update".  

2024 is one of those years that I'm still processing.  I spent most of it wondering where the time had gone and feeling like I was dodging one near disaster after another.  

It was definitely a season of growth.  

We think of growth as being fast and glorious and visible.  The type of fun growth that grabs attention and says, "look at me!".  Others notice.

Sometimes growth is slow, maybe painful, achy and quiet.  Barely noticeable even.  You wonder if it is even happening.  2024 was that season of slow growth.  

We could also call it, "The Year of the Truck".  I spent more time on the phone with wreckers, friends and mechanics than I care to think about.  I can also fix or rig more parts of a 7.3L diesel than I ever imagined would be necessary.  The synopsis of that scenario is here if you want to read it.  

The farm marched on as farms do. 

We added a heifer and show lambs to the ensemble.  The kids have had a grand time getting them out and showing.  Southeastern Youth Fair 2025 should be a lot of fun.  Big plans are being hatched for the future.  Our 4H club, the leadership and friends there are gifts beyond measure.      

The gardens are romping along - both ornamental and production.  If you have the opportunity to watch "The Biggest Little Farm", watch it.  It serves as constant inspiration.  

On the note of constant inspiration, Village View Community Church has grounded us when we have needed grounding.  We started attending out of locality convenience and a few friends also attend.  Over the year, it has become "home" and we look forward to supporting them more in the future.  I'm not one to cram religion at people, but know if you ever have questions about becoming a follower of Christ, I'm here.  Their services are also available on line. 

The horses have been amazing!!   "The Boys" are both turning into strapping two year olds.  Both have been saddled, and ponied.  Tango earned a first premium at his KWPN-NA Keuring this summer.  Henry and I fancy pranced our way to our USDF Silver Medal in the fall.  Rose is skipping around 1.40m at home and I'm learning more confidence in the show ring, so hopefully bigger classes are in our future.  Bravo is turning into the superstar we know he can be and is starting the search for his new rider.  

So, 2024 had its progress.  Small, but there.  My overachieving self has struggled to be satisfied with it, but I'll definitely look at the wins and laughs and strong relationships and smile.  It still didn't keep me from ringing in 2025 at 12:01 a.m., just to make sure 2024 was out the door.  

Here's to 2025 and maybe some more visible progress.