It snowed today, it won’t stick long. We got 30 more bales of good hay, they are all stacked neatly and safely in our barn. That’s a good feeling. Maria woke up early today, she said she is worried about leaving me along in the farm in February when she goes to India.

I love her for that, but I told her stop worrying about me, I can and will take good care of myself, as she will take good care of herself in Kolkata. Barring massive snowstorms, I’m not concerned. We have a wonderful helper who cleans out the farmhouse from time to time and I’m planning to ask her to come by the house twice a week while Maria is gone.

My big concern is not having Maria come home to a house that is a mess – no dirty dishes, stacks of laundry, unpaid bills, clothes and junk stacked all over the place. My plan is to put some extra money away, pay every bill the second it comes in, do laundry three times a week, clean the farmhouse every few days.

She will have enough of an adjustment when she returns, she doesn’t need any of that, and I normally shop and cook anyway, that won’t be a change.

I’m not worried about the animal care,I often do it by myself, when Maria is away or with her friends. I was alone for years in Hebron, the first farm, and I do chores with Maria every morning. Animal care in the winter can be messy and uncomfortable, but not complicated. Hay twice a day, shovel out the manure. Pray the pipes don’t freeze, inside or out.

If it snows heavily, I might ask for some help shoveling the paths and walks. I have good people to call.

Maria and I have rarely been apart in our time together, it will be an adjustment for each of us, we tend to share the important things in our lives. It will also be healthy. Love is about independence as well as connection.

I am thrilled about her trip, I have this feeling it will be a life-changer, and I do not want her worrying about me. If I need help, I will yell out for it. I see these things as creative challenges, I will focus on this around December and make sure I have plans ready and in place. I can’t wait to see the first texts and blogs from India.