By the Light...

This moon just keeps messing with me!

I love having all my windows open. Even when I first went away to school in the city I always left my windows open (something I learned the hard way was a bad idea but that's another story). I like waking up with the sun in the summer and looking out at the stars at night or the moonlight on the landscape. I never worried about peepers or neighbours because we never had any!

I lived in the city for a while, its where I met my husband, where I was able to get the good (but soul-crushing) jobs, and I was always saddened by the fact that I had to keep my windows closed. It was necessary since most places we lived were facing other people's windows... culture shock is going from no neighbours to virtually sharing dinner with the guy across the fence. I wanted to die.

Husband was raised in the burbs. He was used to close proximity neighbours and the need for privacy through closed blinds. The shoe is on the other foot now, as we are back to the country once more. That constant feeling of claustrophobia is GONE. Now I've got my windows wide open with fields for days. Husband still closes the blinds at night though... he's convinced people who drive by are going to see us and he backs it up with 'the cold air gets through the glass!'. That is the only reason I am allowing this... I hate being cold and this house is freezing. No wood fire here... madness.

So summers are windows open all day and all night, while winter we go back to the blinds down in the evenings... for warmth purposes.

Do you sleep with your windows bare or covered? Is this a city vs country cultural thing or am I crazy?

Off to the BFO AGM!

The second last week in February is always the Annual General Meeting for the Beef Farmers of Ontario. I have gone for several years and I've always enjoyed myself. There is a lot to learn and I can always learn more about raising cattle more effectively. I like getting the updates on what we've accomplished, networking with other beef farmers, eating the banquet dinner, and hearing the keynote speakers. This is also a time for us to vote on resolutions, things we want our elected board of directors to take action on. I find it very informative to see what the different counties put forward as a key issue for their area or for the industry as a whole. Usually, we are in agreement, but there are cases when a debate breaks out on the floor. I live for the debates, you guys.

This year I was a little more involved than usual as I ran for a position on the board. I was not the elected candidate but that doesn't matter. I wanted to introduce myself as someone who is passionately interested in making a difference in our industry. I want us to succeed so that we can continue to raise cattle for generations. Small family farms are dying out and I can't just sit by and not do anything about that. That was what running was about, getting my foot in the door and making an effort.

That is also why I make comics and write children's books and do all these insane things that take up all my time and don't pay enough. I see a problem and I need to be a part of the solution in whatever way I can.

The AGM was fantastic. I got so much out of networking and learning about our new marketing strategies. Upon leaving the final day I felt inspired to try harder, in everything I'm doing. I want my girls to be a strong herd producing the best quality meat, I want to get my comics out further to reach more people, and I want to fight harder for agriculture in Ontario. What sort of things are you involved in to make a difference? Are you a member of any organization like BFO or OFA? Tell me about them!

Happy Valentines Day!

The husband and I don't like to go out on Valentines Day. There is just way too much going on and we don't need to wait forever in line at the Keg. Instead, I always cook a nice meal at home.

This year I decided to get dressed up for our little stay-date. Husband was notably concerned, but I set him straight. I could honestly hear his sweat drop as he watched me apply my mascara like... 'oh God, did I agree to something I forgot?' hahaha. Needless to say, dressing up is not a thing I do very often. Once in a blue moon. I like to be comfortable and practical. My Doctor Who booties were a 2015 Christmas gift from Husband (because he knows I like to collect these things) and I wear them every day of my life. They are SO warm, SO comfy, and they're non-slip on our freezing hardwood floors. Everyone needs a pair of these little TARDIS cuties, honestly, and they pull the look together so perfectly. *hair flip*

What did you get up to this Valentines day? Stay in or go out?