The timely Autumn rain throughout Saturday night filled up our lagoon and nourished the dry, parched land. New grass shoots are sprouting everywhere. The sheep, cattle and chickens will have plenty of feed. The crisp cool air is especially refreshing and uplifting after a warm Summer season.
As we walked along the lagoon, a beautiful rainbow bestowed a magical touch to the images. Much like rain, it is an unexpected gift from the heavens, a pleasant surprise. After the thunderstorm, it brings hope and is a symbol of God’s love, faithfulness and mercy.
The Lord has indeed answered our prayers and sent us showers of blessing in great abundance.
Luke and Ashely visited and stayed with us on the farm on New Year’s Day. It was lovely to see the both of them after quite a while. I think they have become more mature individuals as they journey life together as a couple, standing by each other during tough times and growing as individuals.
We really appreciate Luke for offering to help us build a new chicken coop. It was rather impromptu but was done quickly and efficiently. Apart from being a hip-hop dancer, he definitely has potential to become a builder, too.
Ashely is a city girl like me and initially had reservations about flying insects and getting too close to farm animals. Yet she braved the scorching heat and helped me feed and water the chickens. In the end, she even took a liking to Tolkien, our gentle white Australorp rooster, and gave him a hug.
Luke & Ashely stayed with us over the long weekend. We had fun doing the usual stuff on the farm, plus digging for some fat, wriggly bardi grubs. The chickens simply loved the nutritious treat.
I made this short video to usher in the Year of the Rooster and to send well wishes to all my friends. We had no rooster at that time so the 2 hens Elinor and Marianne had to stand in. They enjoyed being the pampered stars and still love coming up to the water bowl at the front door for a drink nowadays.
Lunar New Year is also known as the Festival of Spring. Hence I thought of this popular evergreen classic by Teresa Teng. Enjoy!
Kia Hong stayed with us and experienced the Aussie winter for the first time. He loved photographing the cattle and went so close to the bull that we got a bit worried. Luckily, our docile Boran bull just happily chewed its hay and did not mind at all.
Diane and Doris stayed with us on the farm. The dogs especially loved having them around as they got lots of pats and tasty treats. We really enjoyed the signature Singaporean dish - Hainanese Chicken Rice - which the ladies prepared for us. Hope they can come and visit us again in a cooler season and experience different things the next time.