Checking in with our favorite Canadian/Russian farm family this week, I found Arend, a couple of the boys, and some non-family members out in the cold and snow, working on the framework for what will be a large barn for the cattle, dairy cows and chickens they plan to add to the farm, both as food for their own table and for sale as part of their farming business.

There has been a change — a delightful one, really — to their YouTube program introduction, featuring all of the members of the family, from Dad Arend and Mom Anneesa right down to the adorable toddler, Maddie.

The day started with Anneesa in the kitchen, where I assume she must spend most of her time producing meals for her large crew. Various children were already busy — one studying, another sewing a new skirt from the fabric of an old dress, and a third helping a younger child with a project or game.

After breakfast, Arend headed outdoors for some construction work, and an explanation of the family’s future expansion plans . . . which, to my complete surprise, now included some cabins for paying guests.

That’s right — we’re talking about a possible Feenstra Gostinitsa.

It has become obvious over the past year that the Feenstras are very competent, very hard-working, and very determined. Arend, in addition to being a successful farmer, also has a talent for construction work. But are they now to become innkeepers as well? As though they don’t have enough to do . . .

But as he continued talking about the joys of farming and country life, and being able to spend his days with his family rather than at some unfulfilling job in the city, it all began to make sense. Because he said that he would like to be able to rent the cabins to people coming to Russia to see what life is like there, the opportunities that exist for them to live the good life, and perhaps to consider emigrating as he and his family did.

Not only is all of this in line with Putin’s ”family values” drive; it also supports the Feenstras’ obvious agenda of proselytizing on behalf of the government’s program to increase the country’s population, which has been in decline for a number of years.

And they’re doing it so well.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/19/25