Happy New Year Friends!
As a lover of symmetry and even numbers I am thrilled to be here now in the year 2020. Beyond that though, this year just feels ripe with possibilities and growth in a way that 2019 never did. Yes 2019 was a very full year for us with moving from our beloved Colorado to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, buying a 34 acre farm, Tim starting his career at VMI, and me figuring out ever new and inventive ways of sneaking more animals unto Hidden Meadow. 🙂 (For those keeping count: 4 goats, 4 chickens, 3 cats and one adorable Border Collie pup).
With all that change and upheaval, it felt more like a year to survive, to just hang on and breathe through until the dust settles. But now, in this new year, a new decade even, it feels right to flex our farm muscles a little more, stretch our roots a little deeper into the rich Virginia soil, and really dream deeply about the plans God has for us and this little slice of paradise He’s entrusted to us.
Since I last wrote after Christmas, we drove up to New York for a few sparkly days over the New Year. My dear sweet momma came up to farm and pup sit for us so we could relax and make the most of our time seeing my best friend Eleni and her husband Michael who were there visiting from Cyprus.
We stayed in our dear friend’s apartment in New York. They were out of town for the holidays and graciously allowed us to crash in their adorable and convenient home. The subway stop was close by through the Columbia campus and this enchanted walkway. (above) Each evening walking back through the majestic buildings and glimmering trees felt like magic.
We braved the downtown crowds to see all the holiday sparkles and observe the New Year’s festivities. Chinatown, Bryant Park Holiday Market, and of course Rockefeller were all on the docket. Fireworks in central park after an incredible dinner felt just right.
Is it even New Years in New York if you don’t wear the glasses? No. No it is not.
While we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the holiday happenings downtown, it was so nice to stay in Upper Manhattan and partake of the simple pleasures of walking the streets, discovering new places, and eating ALL the good food. Ramen, Pizza, Really good Italian, and bagels. Oh the bagels. You guys. You may or may not know that I have been mostly gluten free for a couple years now, I also have been mostly vegan for a few months now. But here’s the thing, I make exceptions when we travel, because, I mean, do I need to explain? The bagels, guys.
We’re learning that moderation is the key and we don’t let our eating preferences get in the way of experiencing life. And, yes I had a bagel every morning we were there. My order is and always will be: Everything, lox spread, and capers. My stomach is growling now just thinking about it.
The sunset outside our friend’s apartment on the morning we left. Loved their location, the building, and everything about it really. Thank you so much Lauren and Kellen for your hospitality!
It was a life-giving few days, and we realized that especially for Tim, but also for me too, these trips to the city, be it D.C., New York or Boston will have to become a regular thing for us. While we love the peace and quiet of the countryside, there’s just something undeniably delicious about the energy and diversity of the city. I still maintain I can only enjoy it in moderation, but its so nice to know it’s only a few hours drive away.
Meanwhile down here in Virginia, we enjoyed our first proper snow, five inches of it. I marvel each time at the snow’s ability to blanket the grey, the muddy, the bleak, with a fresh and pure coating of innocence. It’s just magic. It was also very helpful for me to observe over the following few days where the snow melted first, and where it stubbornly lingered, definitely gave me some new thoughts about barn locations.
Islay the pup has been getting used to going into town more often. We went to the vet this month and also to observe some local agility trials. Everywhere we go she gets fawned over and loves all the attention. She’s been learning all her commands and has a firm grasp of sit, shake, lie down, roll over, and stay. She loves playing frisbee and has been a huge help herding the goats for me when they start to stray near the deck.
Islay couldn’t figure out who that other pup in the mirror was. 🙂 I picked up this antique mirror at a local thrift shop this month for $10. I think it’s gonna look amazing (with some fresh paint) in our bathroom that we will hopefully remodel in February. I also got an incredible buffet last week that will become our bathroom vanity. This adorable little shop I stumbled on refinishes all their furniture with beautiful milk paints and glazes and I fell in love with this particular one. We’ll use a vessel sink on top which makes for an easy conversion to a vanity.
Isn’t she a beaut? I can’t wait to get this bathroom done ya’ll. And don’t worry I’ll document all the hilarity, frustration, and hopefully the progress as we get into the thick of it next month. Our aim is to get it finished before Tims’ parents visit from England in March.
Otherwise the only news is that our hardworking RAV will get some new accessories soon. Tim surprised me with custom plates that I just adore. And I mean, the bear is just perfect.
Until next time friends.
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