On the farm, and around Loudoun...
Last year, we had the opportunity to be involved in the Loudoun County "Green Friday" farmers' market. Steven, Olivia and Will braved the windy cold to introduce ourselves to the community and sell some wreaths and ornaments as well!
We've spent much of our free time this past year settling into our home and realizing our dream to raise a few farm animals. The children have taken most of the responsibility and have impressed their parents a great deal. It started with one hen that the former owners of our house couldn't catch. Olivia, determined to win her trust, eventually got "Honey" to eat from her hand and follow her around the yard! One chicken soon turned into a box of peeping chicks in the corner of the kitchen. Then came the sheep and finally the baby goat. The goat came to us early enough for us to bottle feed him for several weeks, which served to bond each one of us to this adorable guy. Be sure to bring your children (and a pair of boots) when you visit, so they can visit with the animals!
On the tree farm, we're excited about our chest-high saplings. We've lost quite a few trees to disease and deer, but there are enough thriving to keep the dream alive! Every season is another year closer to being able to offer them for sale. Steven is still attending the tree grower workshops throughout the year, gaining knowledge and getting to know local tree farmers, who have become some of our closest friends. Our hope is still to find the perfect piece of land to hold our tree farm and a small homestead. We'll see what the Lord has in store for us.
