A Day on the Farm: Animal Care, Easy Dinners & Finding Peace in the Chaos

Country living isn’t always as peaceful as it looks, but I’ve learned that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. Most days are a mix of animal chores, family life, puppy training, and finding little moments to slow down. It’s a lot, but it’s a life I genuinely love. Here’s a little glimpse into what that looks like for us.

Start the Day With the Animals

Most mornings, I’m up earlier than I’d like, making my rounds to care for all our animals. Between the dogs, cats, goats, and chickens, there’s always someone waiting on me. Fresh water, feed, checking on everyone, and making sure they’re happy and healthy. It’s a routine that doesn’t take a day off.

Embrace the Unexpected

After getting everyone settled, I finally get a minute to make breakfast. I used a little of my Gratsi olive oil to cook my eggs, only to have one of my goats decide that joining me on the table was a much better idea. Meanwhile, the cat was trying to lick my eggs and the dog was trying to sneak a bite. And honestly? I’ve learned to embrace it. These little creatures depend on us. They trust us to provide food, shelter, love, and a safe place to call home, and there’s something really special about being the person who gets to give them that.

Give Your Chickens Room to Be Chickens

I love giving our chickens the freedom to scratch, forage, explore, and just be chickens rather than keeping them cooped up their entire lives. But happy, healthy chickens need daily checks too: clean water, watching their droppings for signs of coccidiosis, making sure their vents are clean, and keeping an eye out for unusual feather loss. It’s not the prettiest part of having chickens, but those little checks tell you a lot about how they’re doing.

Goats Need More Than Just a Pasture

Our goats have their own daily checklist. I regularly check the inside of their eyelids using the FAMACHA system to look for signs of anemia, watch for bloating, and keep up with trimming their hooves. They also need specific vitamins and free-choice minerals. These little things make a big difference in their comfort and health. And with all their personality, there’s never a dull moment!

Add a Little More Chaos

We’re also in the middle of training our newest puppy to become a ranch dog, which has added another layer of adventure to our days. It’s a lot of work, but I’m not complaining. What’s one more animal, right?

Make Time for a Good Homemade Meal

Even after a long day, I still enjoy making a healthy meal for my family. One of our recent dinners was a creamy spinach and artichoke salmon, made with Gratsi olive oil. It feels a little special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons Gratsi olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings
• Fresh lemon juice
  
  STEPS

1. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
2. Heat Gratsi olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the spinach and artichoke hearts and cook until the spinach wilts.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Add a squeeze of lemon, return the salmon to the skillet, and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve warm with your favorite sides!

Find Little Ways to Slow Down

After a day like that, there’s nothing wrong with pouring a glass of good wine and taking a little time to slow down. That’s one of the things I love about Gratsi. Whether I’m using their olive oil in my everyday cooking or enjoying a glass of their wine at the end of the day, it’s a little something I love bringing into our home.

Find the Beauty in the Chaos

Country living isn’t always quiet, clean, or glamorous. Sometimes it’s goats on the breakfast table, muddy paws, chickens everywhere, and a puppy who still has a lot to learn. But it’s a life filled with things I love, creatures who depend on me, and a family I get to come home to every day. And I wouldn’t trade that beautiful chaos for anything!