Life Done Well

They say work hard, play hard. Well that’s what we like to do. The first trip over the bridge this week was work for us both for different things- Then the second trip over the bridge Friday was the same- but we also got a little work together in as well as a day of chill before Bubbie and Zayde duties. This weekend of chill was a little different only because we needed to chill to talk about business, sounds weird, right? But for us it works. Our work, personal, travel and family has changed greatly over the years and I am not sure either of us would known what to do if it wasn’t weird so we just go with it. But we need sneak in this night out to our favorite *tarodc omakase- always like going home.

Because David had work over the bridge, I arranged meetings so I wouldn’t have to go another time. I was able to ride along and work too. And- after work we traded business hats, literally to Bubbie and Zayde. We picked yo Madden early from school and stayed through dinner. for the win for dinner and then back on the road and home.

Focus- determining what is most important at the current time is so key to success. I realized the other day it was my focus that had to be fixed. So I spent some time to figure out the why my focus was off then I determined the answer was a pivot is needed. We are growing way way faster year over year than an average restaurant at , the farm is filling up for the summer and two new very important things are about to launch. But my gardens and a few other little things but big to me are behind. So I decided to focus on pivoting staff where we are successful to focus to focus on what is now needed to grow. So today when I meet with the ops team I will bring them on board with this and then I will actively engage in working with the team to get the rest done. Here is the thing, by setting up the restaurant staff to be successful without me allows me to focus on the other pieces.

This past weekend reflected a lot on raising the twins. Being a Bubbie and Zayde is very different but the responsibility is still there to instill being a good human. Having Madden here at the farm is everything and modeling simple things like caring for animals, routines, cause and effect, patience and so much more. Even at under 17 months he picked up routines, kindness, caring, patience and laughter. Sounds crazy right? But it’s true, gentle hands, feeding animals, waiting while we finish a task, splitting cat food demonstrating sharing, giving animals room, using slow feet and so much more all I still behaviors that will last a lifetime. We could take the easy road and rush tasks, not allow him to participate, do for him but honestly that would have not been fun and terrible role models. Doing things is often hard and takes longer but worth it. I work with a lot of people and honestly much of this is lost in today’s world and on the drive home today from dropping him off I reflected a lot on this and how I can do better in my every day at our businesses and community to help build this.

We have had a lot of dogs over the 40 years of knowing each other but this is the first time it feels like we have a “real” dog. Not a lazy house dog, fancy city dog, dog that had to be on leash, dog with a special diet, special needs, dog who requires special grooming and all the things. Sadie is a dog dog. She fetches sticks, walks with you, goes out the wander the farm on her own, sleeps in bed, eats what she wants, swims and is easy. She is sweet, easy with Madden and loves everything but the fed ex truck. Maybe it’s not her, maybe it’s me- maybe the farm has made me more relaxed as I understand animals better. My vet and other animal partners have made me more confident. So to all the dogs we have loved before and to Sadie and Zoe thanks for making us the best dog parents. Animals are special.

I forgot my egg basket - again! But Bart is helping me so it’s all good. Velcro Donkeys make everything better.

Perfect morning on the farm. Full house, farm stay season starts today, restaurant humming, , and our grandson. The fog is just beautiful on the river.

Wishing my a very happy birthday! A very good human that gives his all, whole self and heart to all and all he does. Literally the smartest and kindest person I know.

It’s true, I like Sundays. I love the start that’s a little later, a shorter day that’s fast and furious at the restaurant, a laid back afternoon at the barn and a relaxed evening. Good night barn and good night to all.