My Friends,
Here we are, almost to the middle of the 2nd month of 2026!
The Holiday memories are packed away in boxes, some are stored deep within our hearts. The New Year of 2026 is only in its 2nd month, and even though our resolutions (perhaps some of which are already broken) seem far away, we are only in February. We can still adjust and redirect our plans and aspirations! Remember to be gentle and open with yourself; flexible and aware of the effect our actions have on one another.
I have a quote in the Farm kitchen that I look at often, especially during difficult times. I would like to share it with you:
“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”
-Henry David Thoreau
I often think of how when thoughts of empathy, kindness, generosity and forgiveness fill our hearts (particularly in February, a month filled with hearts and flowers and reminders of love) they overflow to create and sustain restorative action in our communities and in our world.
And so we move forward into the new year of 2026, hopefully with renewed focus on understanding and compassion, and an ever present willingness to begin again.
With that, here is our: NEWS FROM THE FARM
This has been a winter to remember. From December (we had a wonderful white Christmas) till mid-January, it was cold, below zero on many, many mornings. In Mid-January we had a bit of a break… moderate daytime temperatures in the 20’s…sort of an early January thaw.
Coops were cleaned, water buckets were washed and dumped. We (myself and the furry and feathered members of the Farm) enjoyed these warmer temperatures.
However, it didn’t last. Severe cold weather returned. Several mornings were 10-15 degrees below zero. It was a challenge to keep everyone healthy. Diamond, our older thoroughbred, really felt the frigid weather. We purchased a new heavy-duty insulated coat to keep him warm.
Bodie, our draft cross, does not tolerate a blanket, so we fill his stall with lots of wood shavings for bedding to help keep the worst of the cold out.
Extra hay was necessary for both horses. Goats and chickens, too, love to munch hay. Quality hay for horses is very important in winter, when it’s consumed frequently, as the horse’s digestion keeps it warm.
The chicks got through the cold with lots of grain, warm water, and alfalfa tea to help keep them warm.
Our ducks (we have 9 Muscovy ducks) seemed to suffer the most. Even with lots of hay and bedding, it was difficult to keep them healthy. One hen suffered frostbite on her feet. For some reason, she separated herself from her flock and was not kept warm. We found her the next morning, unable to stand. We brought her into the kitchen for three days and then returned her to her flock. Thankfully, she is doing much better and will probably make a full recovery in the spring.
As I write this, the February sun is glorious…Spreading warmth and light, allowing everyone in the barn yard a little reprieve of sunbathing as they enjoy this late winter afternoon. The light is returning and we can see it in the morning and evenings!
I wish you all a lovely late winter season! Enjoy the sun. She promises to grow stronger each day. May that hope warm our spirits.
From all of us here at Ephphatha, we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and a cozy remainder of winter. May the day be a celebration of all the forms of Love that surround you.
Blessings, Robin