Early misty mornings soften the landscape and bring about a sense of peace at Rivendell. As I type, I can hear a rooster crowing in the distance. Someone once told me that roosters crow when they see an angel. I've never forgotten it.
Our nights are long and mornings early as we continue to care for Frodo, who has become quite clingy and in need of frequent reassurance. At this morning's second breakfast, he slowed down eating toward the end of the kibble in his bowl and looked up at me with the sweetest of looks. We are coming to understand that he is a sensitive puppy and has big feelings. We give him lots of kisses and tell him it's okay to feel big things. I am still finding it hard to hold back the tears when I love on him and can feel what seems like every single bone in his body.
Around here, we live on hobbit meal schedules with breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. Already, we've run out of puppy food and must restock today. Between Freya and Frodo, we'll be hauling in kibble by the truck full. Speaking of Freya, she isn't so sure about her new baby brother. We've had to take integration very cautiously. Our 166 pounds, Freya, is momma-bear and very protective of her domain. Compared to Frodo, she seems wise and equipped to handle anything that gets in her way of doing what she is hardwired to do.
Our dreams for Rivendell have always included the vision of permaculture gardens sufficient enough to feed ourselves and our animals. This year's garden has been a discovery period without any big expectations. I'm learning about the soil and observing all the little critters we attract. It looks like grasshoppers and slugs are our biggest considerations. I think our future chickens will take care of what I am seeing.
Despite our critter and weather challenges, the garden is producing a surplus of cucumbers and tomatoes. Not wanting anything to go to waste, I preserve what we cannot eat. A couple of weekends ago, I was able to put up five jars of pickles. Today, on my early morning stroll, I saw we have plenty more cucumbers to turn into something delicious that can be eaten during the fall and winter months.
Each month, we put more of our vision into the landscape. Paul has been watching Facebook marketplace for free pebbles and mulch. Already, he's picked up a trailer full of pebbles and another one of mulch. It's such hard work but he never complains. We are operating in so much dirt (and endless weeds!), that we have real concerns about the winter and spring when the rains will return. Groundcover has become a priority with all of the other priorities.
Building Rivendell from scratch has been more challenging than what we ever imagined. It has also been more gratifying than what we ever hoped. We have three large projects coming that are already partially funded by generous friends. We've lost two important people to the sanctuary, my father and the sanctuary's first friend, Denise. Friends and family have donated to the sanctuary to build a memorial for my father down in The Shire, and the chicken coop on behalf of Denise. Private donors also provided funds for a pole barn and my dad donated his SUV and trailer, which has been a godsend. Donations sit in a dedicated account until they are needed for their intended project.
We haven't spoken about the funding of the sanctuary much but want to ensure we are fulfilling our mission and remaining transparent of where people's money goes. All sanctuary costs are covered by Paul and me through our work. Paul works in the pro audio business, and I work in higher education administration. Outside of our home build, we put any extra earnings straight into Rivendell, which is always needy. We are very grateful for generous hearts who donate items, equipment, and funds toward the sanctuary's goals of providing a forever home for animals in need. If you have items hanging around not in use, please do check out our Get Involved page.
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