08/21/2025
The sun dipped low behind the hills of Cove Creek Polyface Farm, casting a warm golden glow across the fields. The day’s work was done—rows of freshly weeded gardens stood proudly, baskets of picked berries, tomatoes, and cucumbers lined the porch, and the market stalls were empty after a successful Saturday in Prairie Grove. The hustle of the day faded, replaced by the gentle evening breeze.
The lady farmer stretched, brushing dirt from her hands, the satisfaction of a full day’s work lingering in the air. Hausie The Aussie, loyal and true trotted by her side, his tail wagging with contentment. Penny, the ever-enthusiastic Catahoula was never far behind, her nose to the ground as she explored every inch of the yard.
The scent of fresh soil mingled with the sweet, earthy perfume of wildflowers in bloom. It was peaceful here, in this corner of the world that The McLaughlins had nurtured. The grandchildren, full of energy from a day of market excitement, now dashed through the yard, laughing and squealing as they chased fireflies. Nile, with his Viking braid bouncing on his shoulder, leapt to catch a glowing flicker in his hand. Hazel’s braids swayed as she twirled in the twilight, her arms reaching for the light in the air. Chthon spinning in the yard, Beaux racing hot wheels with Timmy, Oakley squealing with delight from the swing, Bentley ever playing legos on the porch
They watched them, hearts swelling with love. It wasn’t just the land that thrived here, but babies did too, the simple joys found in these small moments. She and Papa exchanged a look from the porch, both silently appreciating the life they had built—a life that pulsed with the rhythms of the earth and the laughter of grandchildren.
As the first stars began to twinkle above, Nana sank into her favorite chair, Hausie curling up at her feet. Penny flopped beside the children, exhausted from a full day of play. The farm was quiet now, except for the soft hum of crickets and the occasional call of an owl.
It was the perfect ending to another busy day, a peaceful reminder that sometimes, unwinding meant simply being still, surrounded by family, love, and the hum of the land.
