News from the homestead: Greeting the future, respecting the past

For nearly three decades I’ve kept a daily journal. Just a few lines a day to capture key thoughts, events, trials, celebrations. It’s always amazed me to look back through the years and be able to immediately recall things simply by having those few lines to prompt my recollections. Of course, my first full year at Wittbrich Acres often required more space than a few lines, and fortunately, these monthly columns have provided additional space in which to elaborate and capture my memories. I’m sure one day, I will re-read my entries of our early days here and be astounded by how little we knew when we arrived. I may even wonder then, how any of us survived the transition from suburban ease to country labors of love.

What a difference a year makes

This January feels, and is in fact, completely different than last. For example, a bit of last year’s awe and wonder at every small experience has made way to familiarity and routines. While I still relish every morning, I no longer question if I’m doing everything correctly. Today I can distinguish between the urgent tasks and those that can wait. I know I am more than capable of pivoting when a perfectly planned plan doesn’t go according to plan.

A huge advantage I found in having my journals is that my 2025 entries have allowed me to replicate a relative timeline for when certain things happen or need to happen. For example, my 2026 planning calendar now features placeholders for things I was oblivious to a short year ago.  Things like the winter pruning schedules, when to remove mulch from the asparagus beds to help ready them for their late spring arrival, and when to start getting hives and apiary supplies prepared for active bee season. I now have a good record of molting seasons for the chickens so I don’t panic each time I’m greeted by what appears like more feathers on the floor than on the flock.  I know when the wild blackberries will arrive and when to expect to harvest pears, apples, and raspberries which allows me to plan for canning time demands. I’ve got placeholders for picking up and planting new trees, replacing hives if they succumb, bottling honey, and gathering elderberries to make healing syrup.  I know when to schedule wasp treatments, and window washing, mulch delivery, and so much more.

Peace from being prepared

Having a full four seasons under my belt of the cycles at Wittbrich Acres and having a plan gives me a sense of calm and confidence that was missing last year.

This year I can actually prepare a budget for expenses that I now know to expect. Everything from utility costs to monthly coop and hive related expenses, equipment maintenance, and allowances for outside help. I have a full years’ bookkeeping to aid me in identifying fixed and anticipating discretionary costs so everything won’t be a “here’s another new surprise to the expense line,” as was the case last year.

I am more relaxed, less anxious, with some of the wide-eyed wonder at each new experience being replaced with mental reassurances of “I know what to do.” Admittedly knowing what to expect when, combined with having a budget will help me focus more on enjoying and anticipating than on reacting and pitching around in a miasma of doubt.

I know there will be surprises in 2026 that will find permanent memorializing in my journal, but I expect there will be fewer of them. I also expect they will in equal parts thrill me and chill me, but at least I have a plan. That is more fortification than I had a year ago and with it I feel prepared to greet 2026 head-on.

If anyone has planning or organizing tips they want to share, please pass them along! You know how to find me at tami@toyourwealth.