On April 8th, the eclipse made its grand entrance, and it did not disappoint. Along its path of totality, it united us in a truly invigorating way! It provided us with a collective moment of shock and awe at the farm.

Work stopped. Pictures were taken of the sun and each other! The view through our paper glasses was remarkable.

None of my pictures captured the historic view of the eclipse like those taken by my friend, photographer Mary Hightower! I am grateful to be able to feature the amazing shot Mary captured of the total eclipse from Heber Springs, Arkansas!

The eclipse allowed each of us to experience the power of the sun’s rays. Going into the eclipse the air grew cooler as the light grew dim. Coming out of the eclipse at the farm the wind picked up, a group of bats flew over our heads, and the birds welcomed another day! The singing seemed to go on for hours.

This was a busy month in more than one way. The spring showers nurtured the flowers and planting began in the flower beds, vegetable garden, and fields.

Renovations at the farmhouse continued this month. A classic pink commode was moved from the house and into service as a planter for memory’s sake! It is a classic.

In addition to changes at the farm, our family is growing! We are excited to be welcoming a new daughter-in-law in June (Grant and Lauren) and our first grandson in October (Lauren and Stewart).

B & B’ soy food research in partnership with the Mid-South Soybean Board continues for a third year, with a new partnership with Missouri and Arkansas Extension nutrition specialists and FCS agents. The Cooperative Extension Service has over 100 years of experience providing research-based non-formal education across our country. So pleased we will be working together with clinical dietician Mandie Smith and health and nutrition educator Stephanie Spencer to support professional development training and consumer outreach.

Last but not least, pictures from the country are provided below. These pictures are always a part of the farm blog and help us to stop and smell the roses.  : - )

Enjoy the view!

~Karen

The Eclipse sunset on the farm. What a great day!