The winter chill is certainly setting in and the Autumn wind is crisp and cool, however the required rainfall is a rare sight at Rivergum. While these are perfect conditions for a bonfire they are not conducive to grass growth. So, as we couldn't make the rain fall, we did have a rather large bonfire. Two years in the making, this bonfire was mammoth. Sparks flew hundreds of metres onto the air and the glow of fiery orange could be seen from miles away. It was indeed a beauty. Providing us with another opportunity to invite family and friends to share our evening, we waited until dark to set the pile on fire and it soon turned a very chilly evening into our own personal outdoor heater. Earlier in the day we lit the fire in the spit and got some rolled pork sizzling. Prepared by our local butcher with a pig from our neighbour's property, this free-range hog was succulent with a crunchy salted crackle - perfect.
During the afternoon, the smaller visitors to our farm enjoyed some egg gathering, possum hunting and cattle feeding. It's such a treat to have everyone over and seeing them enjoy the farm. We have enjoyed a number of guests and visitors to the farm in recent weeks and the bonfire event took place soon after Easter where we had the family plus a few friends join us for some festivities. Easter egg hunts, lots of home cooked food and fine wine along with fabulous company made it a another of many great day.
The home renovations are finished for the moment and I am delighted to have our combustion stove back in action in the kitchen. After removing the brickwork, which was originally put as a heat barrier between the stove and the wall, we have painted a feature wall in a rich red wine colour. It has added depth and warmth to the room and I must admit, despite hating the painting process, it was worth the five coats!
On the farming front we have started counting bales and have worked out we have enough to feed the stock through winter if the season doesn't provide us with enough pasture. We recently bought some silage bales to supplement the feed and the cattle are very happy with our choice.
As calving is about to begin we have brought the herd up from the morass and hopefully we will soon have some new babies running around the paddock. The fencing contractor is due to start the new fence line in the next fortnight and two 22,500 litre poly water tanks will arrive this week. Another 104,000 litre zincalume water tank is on order. A new bore will be sunk this week and the ripper is also due to arrive any day and so the workload has increased substantially. On a recent trip to Farmworld we bought 100 native trees to plant along the boundary fence lines and the driveway. We have also expanded our orchard and have planted a range of fruit trees.
It is so nice to be building things rather than always pulling things down. However, the clean up has not ended (I'm not sure if it ever will!) and Daryl has off loaded a ute full of copper, which paid surprisingly well, and continues to cleanup old timber railings, fallen trees, concrete and metal.
On this very cold evening, it is time to rest in front of the wood fire. The familiar smell of woodsmoke and occasional crackle of the timber is more comforting than any blanket and I am thoroughly enjoying this moment. This is my kind of meditation.
Until next time, keep warm.
N
No comments:
Post a Comment