Stan & Joyce Orchard
Trying to figure it out since 1975.
New Chopping Block
After more than twenty years, my old cedar chopping blocks have all disintegrated. One of our neighbors had a few so he gave me one. Works great! This is what passes for exciting news on The Orchard Compound these days.
Forest Cathedral
Our woods are usually quiet. Except for the frogs and coyotes and occasional bugling elk, it’s really quiet. But when it snows the forest becomes a very special place.
The Light Of My Life
On this date long ago in Ketchikan, Territory of Alaska a child was born. A little beacon of light on the darkest day of the year. She continues to amaze me that she has survived her journey into the dark world of stroke survivor which began in 2009. The doctors told me repeatedly her odds of making it were slim. Yet here she is, still brightening our family’s world with a smile, not a voice. Despite that madness the madness that seems to have us in its grip, there is still goodness in this world. Celebrate it, people.
First Snowman Of The Season
The ground was covered when we got up at 4 this morning. Been showers off and on all day. Our youngest granddaughter and her dad still found enough to create this diminutive, icy humanoid. With all the insanity these days, it’s nice to see that some things never change.
Exploring With Jazzy
A cold, dark, dreary day was brightened by our youngest grandchild. We discovered deer and elk tracks, threw sticks and stones in the pond, and splashed in puddles. Both learning new things. Priceless.
Cows, Sheep, Companions
Earlier this year our neighbors added two lambs to their small farm. One didn’t make it so the remaining lamb bonded with these three cows. They’re now inseparable. Life goes on and on.
Rainy Day
Dismal, wet, windy weather. Ever-rising prices, ever-increasing anger, insanity seemingly everywhere. Easy to get overwhelmed by it all. Then there are these little guys. They just keep on keepin’ on. We can do the same.
A Quiet Halloween
Weather couldn’t be better for October to end. We never get trick-or-treaters, but our resident young buck and a neighbor cat stopped by to enjoy the sun.
Forty-Six Years
Our hair is much shorter now than then, and we both weigh slightly less than we did then. Sure, we’re both dealing with health issues we couldn’t have imagined then. But we’re still together, enjoying a meal out at a favorite haunt. Still making plans and trying to figure out this crazy life. Here’s hoping the end is a long way off.
A Volunteer
The pot of geraniums on the left has a persistent guest: a tomato plant. We recycle all our soil so a stray seed must have made it through winter and finally emerged late this summer. Haven’t had the heart to cut it down. Grow, little plant!