When They Come

• Andi


• 27 Apr 2014

Sunday morning sunshine feels different than any other light.  It’s more robust, more golden, more open, somehow.  And right now, the farm is fairly glowing with it.

If I’d ever been to Ireland and stood overlooking a range of hills in the early morning, I’d say the farm looked that like today.

This morning, I can’t help but think the place is helping shape our lives into just what we want them to be – settled, natural, and full of great people.

Tuesday, our friend Alex came down for dinner, and we chatted about dogs and her upcoming PhD defense, which she passed.  (Congrats, Dr!)

Yesterday, our friend Ann taught a great basket-making workshop, and we each made a harvest basket.  I can’t wait to use mine to bring in some of the lettuce that is coming up in the garden.  (See our Facebook page for pictures.)

Right now, Dad is camped out up the mountain at the cabin site.  I expect we’ll smell the bacon and eggs he’s cooking over the fire soon.

But it’s not only people who are coming to share this space with us.

Wednesday, we took a ride back over to my home county and visited two 5-day-old Nigerian Dwarf goats. One is fawn-colored with white spots, and the other is black with a few peeks of white.  In mid-June, they will be joining our herd.  We’re in the process of thinking of names. (Want to help?)

We also reserved two myotonic (fainting goats) from a farm up near Harrisonburg.  They will be coming here on May 11th, the same day as the two Great Pyr puppies arrive.  Just two weeks away! 

Our final pair – two cashmere doelings – will join us when they are weaned in early July.  The excitement tickles the inside of my ribs.

Philip spent much of this week refurbishing packing crates as dog and goat houses, and we just reclaimed his dogs’ unused dog lot to finish the goat shed. We have fencing to finish on the gates, and a couple of pesky stumps right near the fence to goat proof.  A Tractor Supply run for feed and a salt/mineral lick . . . . and then, we’ll be ready.

So should you come by in the evening, expect to find us in the pasture . . . or maybe taking a break in the chicken coop.  (They babies became escape artists this week, so I think we’ll be allowing them to roam the full coop soon.)

But do come by.  We’d love to see you.

 

We still have opportunities to sponsor the goats, dogs, and 14 chickens/guineas. Each opportunity comes with a heavy vote in the name we give the animal, and you also get your name (or the name of someone you love) on the coop/doghouse/goat shed.  For more details and to sponsor, check out our Farm Store.