Peeps, 2024 Edition

After breakfast yesterday morning, I went back into town to see if the farm store had gotten the shipment of chicks. I heard peeping as soon as I walked in. It is amazing to me how such tiny animals can make such a huge racket. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out with a box containing 12 Buff Orpington chicks, who are now occupying the brooder box in our old garage:

This is a lively bunch. They spent the day hoovering down food and establishing their own little pecking order.

I, of course, am an anxious mama and will be for a few weeks until they are big enough to go out to the coop.

The bunny—turning browner by the day—was out by the porch again:

I spent the rest of the morning working on pastor search stuff. Our congregation is actively seeking a new pastor, but we are at a distinct disadvantage. We are small and cannot currently support a full-time position. We are geographically isolated from other Mennonite congregations—unlike the east coast, where one can swing a cat and hit half a dozen Mennonite churches. And we’re in an area that has become unaffordable for many people. We began our search using the established channels, but that has yielded no candidates. A few weeks ago, I had a great conversation with a friend of mine in Boise whose church is also looking for a pastor. She suggested several ways we could broaden our search. Because I am the chairman of the search committee, I’m the point person for most of this work, although Susan’s daughter—who is also on the committee—did a chunk of research that is making my job easier.

This is a process, and we are aware that it is a process that may take a while. It’s also a situation where the concept of “trusting the process” takes on more weight.

After lunch, I finished tracing the Emerald dress pattern. There are two lengthen/shorten lines on the pattern, one just under the bust and one further down at the hips. The pattern indicates that it was drafted for someone who is 5’6" tall. I added 2" to the length of the dress using the upper line. Dresses that hit just below my knees are more flattering on me than shorter ones. Now it’s on to making the muslin.