Loaded up the rest of the flock in New York this morning and now everyone- sheep, goats and dogs- are on their way to Juniper Moon Farm in Virginia.
This is Kevin, my hero and livestock manager. If you ever have animals to move- horses, cattle, sheep, whatever- Kevin is your man.
Cini had to make sure the breakfast hay was safe for his flock.
Roquefort thought that breakfast would be served buffet-style.
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. Starting over is so hard but, you know? Hard and scary and unsettling. But now that I’m on the other side of all that stuff, I can honestly say that all that angst and worry seems tiny. Like something annoying that I could scoop up and stick in my pocket.
There is still a lot of terrifying stuff to get through- this move has really strained my financial situation and it’s going to take a while to recover- but I know I can turn it around. The next few months will be all about settling in and working my backside off. But you know what?
I can’t wait!
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
If there is anyway I can come help spare the burden, Please Please call on me. In Virginia remember, but honestly I truly believe this will be a good start and good things will come to you.
Keep going, keep going, keep going!!!
Or in the words of the inimicable Dory: Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming…
She didn’t say this, but I’mm convinced that if you do that long enough you will eventually fly!
Hugs and best wishes.
Mary Beth
In my experience with major life changes, the worst part is the anticipation—the planning, the worrying, the dreading. Once the change is underway, you surrender yourself to it, take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’re on the other side. Added benefit–once you get through all that, you’ve become a little bit stronger, too. As my mother always said–and my mother was right–what doesn’t kill you makes you strong!
Don’t forget, I am just a little bit down the road from the new farm..I’m a big girl, with a strong back and am always willing to help. We went through a big move like this 8 years ago when our old place burned..sheep lived on a cattle carrier for 10 days while we found a new place. Give a shout if I can help! – MaLinda
I have to be honest Susan–I am desperately jealous of you. Getting to start over again, but with a head full of knowledge, folks (and critters) you love, and a whole new perspective. Not many people get to do it again knowing now what they didn’t know then. Big hugs, darling.
Good for you. It’s a courageous step to take.
Working your backside off is something you know you can do to turn this whole thing around into a good situation for you, the farm and everyone involved. And we know too.
go, girl!
Congratulations! I am looking forward to toasting your new beginning with a nice glass of wine this weekend!
Keep moving forward–the hard part is behind you (OK, ahead of you too, but the stuff that’s worth doing is always hard, right?). Didn’t somebody around here just say, “jump, and the net will appear”? Well, she was right. You’ll do great. Wishing you good luck, good health, new friends, peace & prosperity in your new place!
susan, you are brave and strong and on a new page on an adventure.
i know you’ll do great i just know it
hang in there and we’re here for you
i only wish i could do and or give more
but for now
kudos and love will have to suffice!
hugs love and all good things to you, erin, the flock, dogs and everyone
xoxoxo…
enjoy
love
rona
slow and steady wins the race. You and Erin are amazing women and you WILL survive and succeed!
YES!!!!!!!
There is no doubt the worst is behind you and having weathered this you will always know you can handle whatever comes your way. What a strong woman you are. You are an inspiration to me and so many others, I’m sure. Congratulations on getting through and getting past all this crap.
Your almost there, in our thoughts and prayers!
Like several others who have commented, I live in the neck of the woods you’re movin’ to. I can’t say I have any experience with wool still on the sheep, but I can lift and carry boxes with the best of them and generally follow orders, so shoot me an e-mail if you need help. I work flexible hours (and not many of them these days), so I’m pretty free right now.
Susie, I’m devastated you are leaving New York – I loved having you right down the Taconic! But…when you get a little more settled, please post a map online of how to get to the new farm. My sis lives in Richmond, and Charlottesville is not THAT far away!!!!
Sending hugs. You seem to really be able to handle it! And you know what? A hug for Erin too. It’s obvious that she holds a large piece of the puzzle!
Susan in HK
Don’t ‘they’ say that the grass is always greener on the other side? You know what? I envy you your new start! Wish I had the guts!
Best wishes for your move! Us Virginia spinners / knitters are sure excited to have you here – welcome
I can’t wait, either!
The hard work that you have ahead of you will not only keep you focused but will be so rewarding! You guys are a great team and you can obviously do anything that you set your minds to. Enjoy it all – even the bumps in the road because they are the funny stories of tomorrow.
Good for you, Susie. Believe me when I say, I know all about starting over. It is terrifying, especially when you are just getting by financially. But that, in a way, is something I can, and you can, control by working our butts off. And like you, I am willing to put in the time because the end result will be so wonderful. Go girl, go!
what a great attitude! I know you will turn it around and things will be even better than ever!
Welcome to the most fabulous place on earth! We Virginians welcome you with open arms.
We welcome Susan and Erin and all their critters to our place (we haven’t named it ourselves yet, but Juniper Moon Farm sure has a nice ring to it). It is a small world and neat things happen. We grew up in Virginia and have lived in Dallas for more than thirty years, and Susan grew up in Texas and has found her way to a wonderful place in Virginia. We feel lucky that Susan did not give up looking before she found our place, and we look forward to visiting one of these days. Good luck!
As one of the Mid Atlantic States, I want to welcome you! It’s not snowing here yet! You will love Virginia and the Valley. I can’t wait to visit you and your sheepies on your new farm.
Hey! the website looks great! Hope you all are having fun and learn a lot.
Love,
Mom
So happy for you and looking forward to meeting you soon