This post could also be titled: A little slice of heaven.
(Jack- the house dog)
So, awhile back (like in May 2011), I innocently commented on the JMF blog. Susie was running a birthday contest, and I figured that I’d add my comment to the chorus of others. I never expected to win the contest, and I was stunned when I was picked. And then I started jumping up and down, which was difficult because C was only 3 weeks old at the time. I spent some time trying to figure out how to get us from Texas to Virginia, and then spent a bit more time trying to figure out if the kids could stay with someone while Steve and I went out, or if we’d need them to come along.
Needless to say, it took a while to get everything nailed down and organized for the 1,300 mile journey! It was so worth it though. We ended up staying in Lake Anna, and then hopping over to the farm for a vacation within a vacation. The farm is simply beautiful, and mother nature took care of us- providing a little cool spell for the two nights we stayed.
I am failing to come up with the right words to describe what a feeling of calm overtook me while we were on the farm. I enjoyed talking about pressure canning, and the dangers one might face if you made wine with poison ivy. It was a treat to sit down at the big, wood table and have freshly harvested vegetables for dinner. Not to mention waking up to the smell of spice bread and apple cake.
The animals are lovely. Truly, they are just as I had pictured them from reading the blog.
The little goat twins and triplets won me over. With their insistent maa-ing, enthusiastic tail wagging, and general cuteness, Asiago, Manchego, Parmigiano, Blanco, and Fresca became the highlight of my day. They were pretty eager to be pet, and I was eager to pet them. I think it worked out well.
We also got to be there for the puppies first trip outside. Oh my goodness- the cuteness!
Before we left, intern Charlotte was taking the goat kids on their first leashed walks. That was a sight to see and hear.
Some seemed to take to the leash much better than others, but they all were very cute.
It was also fun to walk around, observing the chickens. Since we don’t have a rooster, I’ve never thought about how different the flock would be with a guy hanging around. Those ladies love their roosters. My favorite was Chanticleer, as he looked as if he was wearing pantaloons. 🙂
But, Mojo was a close second (just look at all his ladies!).
Jerry tried to sneak in a kiss, but Steve deftly dodged out of the way just in time. I think Jerry sensed a kindred spirit.
Should you ever get the chance, I’d highly recommend a stay. I’m not sure quite how, but I feel like I’ll be back again someday. And if you’d like to look at even *more* pictures, here’s a link to the Flickr set.
adventures in knitting and mommyhood 