Dexter and Lilly
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Morning light
Morning at the farm is delightful. I love going out, feeding everyone, and then sitting with my coffee in the goat pen, just taking in the sounds and sights around me. The early sun streams through the old tree that shades half of the goat run and most of the pig pen. It backs up to the side of the 100 plus year old barn. It's a storybook tree. Like the ones in fairy tales; old, rugged, outstretched, twisty arms and very, very majical. The starlings are busy feeding their babies that are hidden between the cracks in the barn siding. And the Wrens, and Jays and Bluebirds are all busy mating, nest building and feeding. The Barn Swallows gracefully swoop over the goats and pigs, who are oblivious to their acrobatics. It's so peaceful. I sit on the bench that we put in the goat run for them to climb on. Goats love to climb! I also dragged a large Maple branch that fell in a storm, and propped it up on the bench. Now Daisy and Banjo nibble the bark and leaves from the branch and jump on and off the bench. Eventually we will build a bigger, more elaborate play structure for them, but for now, they are happily entertained. I am getting two more goats in July. They are Miniature Silky Fainting goats. They are similar to my Nigerian Dwarfs in size, but have long silky hair and they faint when startled. Well, they don't actually faint, but they have a condition where their muscles tense up and they fall over. It's actually pretty funny to see. But I love them for their coloring and the fact that they are dog-like in personality. Sweet, affectionate and playful. Daisy, my female Nigerian is the sweetest goat ever! She loves to be petted, and brushed. And she loves to smell my breath. She has stolen my heart. Banjo is still so young, and developing his personality. I would say he is more playful and aloof. He is still being bottle fed, and going to get neutered next week. But he is a doll and the kids adore him. Lilly and Dexter are the Mini pigs. They love each other and sleep together in their pig hut. Dexter is neutered, but we may breed Lilly one day. For now though, they are just sweet, happy and very spoiled pigs. We also have two Pekin ducks, which we raised from day old ducklings. They free range around the yard and have a dog house that they sleep in at night. I think they are both females. And they are inseperable. The chickens are all almost full grown. We also raised all of them from day old chicks. We have eight total. One Coocoo Maran, one Silverlaced Wyandotte, one Goldenlaced Wyandotte, one Arucana, one Delaware, one Salmon Faverolle, and two Polish Cresteds. I would like to get a few Silkies soon and put them in a separate coop. Silkies are much more delicate, they are flightless and have fluff, not feathers. But they are so cute and sweet that they are hard to resist! We plan to build a 4 foot fence around the coops so that they can free-range without my dogs attacking them. It's a work in progress, but it's so much fun to be doing all of the outdoor projects first. We moved in right when Spring started so it has been all about the outside of the house. The painting on the inside can wait. Luckily the previous owners chose nice colors, so it still looks good. We also planted the front flower beds and did some tree trimming. And we opened the pool and got that ready for summer too. We need to stain the deck around the pool though, it looks like it hasn't been done in a few years. And we got the trampline up for the kids. The yard is beautiful! We have one huge old Willow tree that hangs over our gazebo and another smaller one in the yard that we hung our daughters horse tire swing on. We almost named the farm after the Willows, but we stuck with "Daisy Hill" since it has so much meaning for us. And of course I named my first goat Daisy, so she can be our unofficial mascot! With six acres, that are uneven, and hilly and rough in some areas, we needed to upgrade our riding mower. So Roger bit the bullet and bought an ExMark zero turn mower. It was worth every penny! For this kind of acreage, you need a durable, fast, powerful mower. Otherwise he would be mowing all day long once a week. Now it takes about 2 hours!
So far I have learned a few things about farm living:
1. The floors are always dirty. I sweep at least once or twice a day.
2. We wake much earlier and are way more tired in the evening.
3. When a pig escapes it's pen, don't chase it, just let it come back to the door on it's own. You will NEVER catch a pig!
4. Bats, snakes, turtles, pheasants, wild turkeys, deer, and various wildlife also share our farm. Sometimes it's good, sometimes bad.
5. I am at my happiest when sitting with my animals, surrounded by nature.
6. My dog Lulu LOVES to eat duck, goat and chicken poop!
So,the move was the best decision we ever made. We love Clarkston, and Ortonville. And we love the house and the property. I will post pics of the animals and the house.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Footloose farm
So it's been two weeks in the new house in Clarkston and we are so happy. I know it may sound predictable,
or even boring that I am so happy, but it's true. Truer than anything I have ever said or thought. It is wonderful here.
This house has a warm and inviting presence. And all of the new residents seem happy. The kids seem happy. The pets seem happy.
I guess it's not what I expected. No resistance. No real adjustment period. No tears or moodswings. Just open mindedness.
We all just moved in and took possesion, mentally and physically. It's like all of us and the house
were meant to find each other. Today is Friday, and I let each of my kids invite a friend to sleep over.
So I picked them all up from school and now the six of them are all exploring and playing and all I hear is happy,
silly kids. It's raining, so rather than being outside on dirtbikes and dunebuggy's and scooters, or
chasing the animals around, they are on the WII, dancing to "MC Hammer", and gaming upstairs on the X-box. And
Lilly, the mini pig, is snorting around the parlor with the dogs, thrilled to be out of her crate. Our baby ducks
are on the porch in a crate, resting from their first swim today. And 5 baby chicks are in my kitchen in a make-shift brooder, cardboard
box. And a wide selection of junk food is scattered on the kitchen island, which is a rare treat for anyone in this family.
But in the midst of it all, I am filled with joy and gratitude. I have never been happier! This life that we
have created for our family is all I ever wanted. It's full of pets, kids, friends, noise and messes and craziness. There
is always something to do or get done. Always chores, and work, and laundry, and some smelly, dirty, mess to clean up. I can't
even count the wide variety of poop I have cleaned up in my day! But nothing phases me anymore. I take it all in stride. Some days
are more stressfull of course. But days like this, when I can just be in the moment, enjoying the chaos, these are the times to
cherish. Life is short. Too short to be too busy, or too distracted to enjoy all of it's beauty. Kids are amazing the way that
they have no inhibitions. They just live life. Care-free and full force! They don't worry about the future or think about the past. They are present. As adults we lose that. We forget how to be present. It's such a shame.
Take time to enjoy life/ Be footloose and fancy free! Here's a good quote for the day-
"Forever is composed of nows."-Emily Dickinson
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Heaven sent
I need to write about something very special that happened with our move. When we decided to try to sell both of our houses and make the permanent move to a farm, I talked a lot to my deceased father and asked for his guidance. In his time he was a genious at making great real estate deals. He also played a big role in my love of nature and animals. He took me fishing as early as I could walk, taught us to ski as toddlers, took us hiking in the woods and beaches of Northern Michigan, and he always loved a great adventure! So, naturally, with him as our guardian angel, I asked him for help. I knew that if I could make it all happen that he would be really proud of me. And I also knew what a challenge it would be in the poor real estate market that is plaguing our country. But I tried it anyway. I talked to him many times a day. I begged him for help. And within a couple of weeks we had offers on both houses! It was real estate miracle!
And when we found our new house in Clarkston, an area that we weren't even looking in, it was perfect! It was all we had been dreaming of for the last 11 years. It was a Centennial home, historic, lots of acreage, outbuildings, tons of charm and original details, etc...We jumped on it right away. So, when we closed on all three deals, we went into town to celebrate. We ate lunch at the Clarkston Union, the place where Roger took me on our first date 15 years ago! We had never been back since that date!
And we sat in the booth next to the one we first sat in. Then, a week later, I took my mom to see the house. She couldn't stop talking about how she felt my dad's presence out here. He used to sell lots right down the road from our street. And my grandfather, his dad, lived out here on a horse farm. I agreed, I felt him more than usual at the new house. And I knew that he helped us to get the deals closed! So, I took my mom to the Union for lunch too. We sat at the end of the bar and when she looked around, she saw stained glass windows right behind us. She told me to look. They say, "Here's to Ivan." then next piece, "Gone to Glory."
I couldn't believe it! Talk about signs! If you look for signs, they are there, right in front of you. Amazing! He is here, and he is our angel. I believe he looks after us all the time. My children talk about him constantly and we keep him alive in our hearts. When things are meant to be, they happen. I believe that moving here, to this place, this house, this town, was meant to be. Call it fate, call it destiny, whatever. Either way, we are home, and my dad played a role in it. Cheers to Ivan!
And when we found our new house in Clarkston, an area that we weren't even looking in, it was perfect! It was all we had been dreaming of for the last 11 years. It was a Centennial home, historic, lots of acreage, outbuildings, tons of charm and original details, etc...We jumped on it right away. So, when we closed on all three deals, we went into town to celebrate. We ate lunch at the Clarkston Union, the place where Roger took me on our first date 15 years ago! We had never been back since that date!
And we sat in the booth next to the one we first sat in. Then, a week later, I took my mom to see the house. She couldn't stop talking about how she felt my dad's presence out here. He used to sell lots right down the road from our street. And my grandfather, his dad, lived out here on a horse farm. I agreed, I felt him more than usual at the new house. And I knew that he helped us to get the deals closed! So, I took my mom to the Union for lunch too. We sat at the end of the bar and when she looked around, she saw stained glass windows right behind us. She told me to look. They say, "Here's to Ivan." then next piece, "Gone to Glory."
I couldn't believe it! Talk about signs! If you look for signs, they are there, right in front of you. Amazing! He is here, and he is our angel. I believe he looks after us all the time. My children talk about him constantly and we keep him alive in our hearts. When things are meant to be, they happen. I believe that moving here, to this place, this house, this town, was meant to be. Call it fate, call it destiny, whatever. Either way, we are home, and my dad played a role in it. Cheers to Ivan!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
At last
It's official, we own our new farm and we couldn't be happier!
When we got the key to the front door and went inside, Roger and I just walked around trying to absorb that it was finally real! We stood in the empty living room, sun streaming through the windows, and he turned to me and hugged me, he said, "congratulations baby, it's ours," and I just cried tears of joy. It seems so surreal. But it's ours now and we can't wait to put our stamp on it!
So, now we can clean and paint and do all the things we want to it before we actually move in. It's so nice to have time to do that since we don't have to be out of our Franklin house yet. And with the weather the way that it is, it just makes me yearn for spring and new flowers to pop up, and everything to turn lush and green. The horses across the street even neighed when we pulled in, as if to say, "Welcome, welcome to our neck of the woods." It was music to my ears.
Our realtor Brad was so wonderful to work with. He was easy, and helpful and we really enjoyed getting to know him. Plus he gave us great tips about the area and fun places to go, shop, eat, etc...Clarkston is a lot like Franklin actually. It has that small town feel. Concerts in the park, a hometown parade, a farmer's market, etc...And we are only five minutes from the Village and close to all the convieniences. It will be a wonderful place to call home, and I hope to grow old in our new, very old, historical farmhouse.
When we got the key to the front door and went inside, Roger and I just walked around trying to absorb that it was finally real! We stood in the empty living room, sun streaming through the windows, and he turned to me and hugged me, he said, "congratulations baby, it's ours," and I just cried tears of joy. It seems so surreal. But it's ours now and we can't wait to put our stamp on it!
So, now we can clean and paint and do all the things we want to it before we actually move in. It's so nice to have time to do that since we don't have to be out of our Franklin house yet. And with the weather the way that it is, it just makes me yearn for spring and new flowers to pop up, and everything to turn lush and green. The horses across the street even neighed when we pulled in, as if to say, "Welcome, welcome to our neck of the woods." It was music to my ears.
Our realtor Brad was so wonderful to work with. He was easy, and helpful and we really enjoyed getting to know him. Plus he gave us great tips about the area and fun places to go, shop, eat, etc...Clarkston is a lot like Franklin actually. It has that small town feel. Concerts in the park, a hometown parade, a farmer's market, etc...And we are only five minutes from the Village and close to all the convieniences. It will be a wonderful place to call home, and I hope to grow old in our new, very old, historical farmhouse.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A toast
The closing is getting closer! We are starting to pack the house. And I have reserved some chicks and two pekin ducklings at the feed store in Ortonville! I also found the mini Silky Fainting goat breeder in Michigan and as soon as the kids are born we can go pick out the two that we want.
They are so cool to look at, long silky hair like a dog, pretty colors and some even have blue eyes. Plus if you startle them, they freeze and fall over! Thus the name, Fainting goat! But they are very small, ony about 35 lbs full grown, so they are easy to take care of. I also looked at some mini pigs and we have a runt that we like. He's all black and the parents are small, around 35 lbs. He should be ready to go in mid March.
So, the menagerie is forming quite nicely. I am looking forward to settling in, and decorating. We have work to do, but it's mostly fun work. Painting, new carpeting, cleaning....The outbuildings will need work and the yard, gardens, etc...but that is nothing that has to be done right away. Right now we are just focused on getting organized here, sorting our "sell" piles, "give away" piles and "trash" piles. It's been 9 years since we have moved, so we have a ton of things to sort. But luckily we are getting a bit of an early start on it. So we should be fine.
The stress is slowly transforming into excitement. But still reserved excitement. No celebrations yet. Two more weeks til closings, then we can make a toast!
To a fun and long awaited new chapter in our life! Cheers!
They are so cool to look at, long silky hair like a dog, pretty colors and some even have blue eyes. Plus if you startle them, they freeze and fall over! Thus the name, Fainting goat! But they are very small, ony about 35 lbs full grown, so they are easy to take care of. I also looked at some mini pigs and we have a runt that we like. He's all black and the parents are small, around 35 lbs. He should be ready to go in mid March.
So, the menagerie is forming quite nicely. I am looking forward to settling in, and decorating. We have work to do, but it's mostly fun work. Painting, new carpeting, cleaning....The outbuildings will need work and the yard, gardens, etc...but that is nothing that has to be done right away. Right now we are just focused on getting organized here, sorting our "sell" piles, "give away" piles and "trash" piles. It's been 9 years since we have moved, so we have a ton of things to sort. But luckily we are getting a bit of an early start on it. So we should be fine.
The stress is slowly transforming into excitement. But still reserved excitement. No celebrations yet. Two more weeks til closings, then we can make a toast!
To a fun and long awaited new chapter in our life! Cheers!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Pinot and a Papillion
We moved most of our things out of Hentennial today, and eventhough I felt a pang of sadness to be leaving there, I also felt happy for the memories that it gave us. We found ourselves there. As a couple and as a family. It was the doorway to our new adventure, and if we never bought that place, we may have never bought our new farmhouse. So for that I am grateful. The new owners will love her even more than we did. They will finish the house, and put their horses in the barn and pasture, and the house will be lived in the way it should be. Loved.
So, we filled the Uhaul trailer to the brim and got almost everything out today. We just have a few large items to move and the toys in the barn. But Roger and his brother will do that on the next trip out. Now we just have to find places to store it all until we move out of the Franklin house. I haven't really begun packing anything here yet, just some clutter. But I am going to have a huge estate sale and get rid of all the furniture and items that I know we don't need in the new house. A lot of our pieces here don't really go with a Centennial farmhouse decor, so I'm better off selling them. I already have much of the new house decorated in my head, and on paper, and I can't wait to really dig in and fill my days treasure hunting and plotting. I'm so ready for a new look. New colors, new styling, just different. I love change. I love developing my taste over time. And I have realized lately that it took me until the age of 40 to really find my style. Not my personal, clothing style, but my house style. My taste has definately evolved over time and through many houses. I know what I like and what I don't like now. I know what colors I like. What style of furniture, what kind of antiques, what kind of bedding. So hopefully in this new house I can put it all together in one, perfectly imperfect collaboration. Vintage, comfortable, traditional, timeless, romantic, nature inspired, and very, very me. I will post pics of the before, and during the whole make over process of the new farm as soon as we close on it in a few weeks. We don't have to do any major work on the interior, just some cosmetic changes, paint, carpet, etc...And we want to take out a wall between two rooms upstairs to make a master suite, and knock out a wall in a room that they had made into one very large room from two original smaller bedrooms. Also we want to bump out part of the kitchen to make an eat-in area and sitting/t.v. area with lots of windows and french doors leading to the pool area. So there will be work, but not nearly as much as we did on the first farm. Well, just different work. Fun projects that will just make it better. And it's pretty great just the way it is right now.
And when I'm not busy daydreaming about the decor, I'm busy searching for my new furry friends to add to the farm. I found a woman who breeds Mini Silky Fainting goats and she is going to call me as soon as the kids are born so we can go pick a couple out. They are so funny and adorable. They have long sily hair like a Yorki Terrior, and they are super small, only 25-30 lbs as adults, and some even have blue eyes! Plus, they faint when startled! I'm obsessed with them and want to get two as soon as we can. I also have my baby chicks ordered for a March delivery and will be reserving more from the feed store in Ortonville. They get different breeds all month long from March thru May. So you can just pick what you want and they will hold them for you. But for now, it's all just planning, moving our things, trying to organize and plan where to put what, what to keep, what to sell, what to trash. And on top of it all, just living, and hoping that all of the closings go smoothly!
A glass of Pinot and a Papillon on my lap is good therapy! Calm before and during the storm comes in all forms, especially furry with four feet! And for that I am also grateful!
Here's to it all running smoothly....ahhhhh!
So, we filled the Uhaul trailer to the brim and got almost everything out today. We just have a few large items to move and the toys in the barn. But Roger and his brother will do that on the next trip out. Now we just have to find places to store it all until we move out of the Franklin house. I haven't really begun packing anything here yet, just some clutter. But I am going to have a huge estate sale and get rid of all the furniture and items that I know we don't need in the new house. A lot of our pieces here don't really go with a Centennial farmhouse decor, so I'm better off selling them. I already have much of the new house decorated in my head, and on paper, and I can't wait to really dig in and fill my days treasure hunting and plotting. I'm so ready for a new look. New colors, new styling, just different. I love change. I love developing my taste over time. And I have realized lately that it took me until the age of 40 to really find my style. Not my personal, clothing style, but my house style. My taste has definately evolved over time and through many houses. I know what I like and what I don't like now. I know what colors I like. What style of furniture, what kind of antiques, what kind of bedding. So hopefully in this new house I can put it all together in one, perfectly imperfect collaboration. Vintage, comfortable, traditional, timeless, romantic, nature inspired, and very, very me. I will post pics of the before, and during the whole make over process of the new farm as soon as we close on it in a few weeks. We don't have to do any major work on the interior, just some cosmetic changes, paint, carpet, etc...And we want to take out a wall between two rooms upstairs to make a master suite, and knock out a wall in a room that they had made into one very large room from two original smaller bedrooms. Also we want to bump out part of the kitchen to make an eat-in area and sitting/t.v. area with lots of windows and french doors leading to the pool area. So there will be work, but not nearly as much as we did on the first farm. Well, just different work. Fun projects that will just make it better. And it's pretty great just the way it is right now.
And when I'm not busy daydreaming about the decor, I'm busy searching for my new furry friends to add to the farm. I found a woman who breeds Mini Silky Fainting goats and she is going to call me as soon as the kids are born so we can go pick a couple out. They are so funny and adorable. They have long sily hair like a Yorki Terrior, and they are super small, only 25-30 lbs as adults, and some even have blue eyes! Plus, they faint when startled! I'm obsessed with them and want to get two as soon as we can. I also have my baby chicks ordered for a March delivery and will be reserving more from the feed store in Ortonville. They get different breeds all month long from March thru May. So you can just pick what you want and they will hold them for you. But for now, it's all just planning, moving our things, trying to organize and plan where to put what, what to keep, what to sell, what to trash. And on top of it all, just living, and hoping that all of the closings go smoothly!
A glass of Pinot and a Papillon on my lap is good therapy! Calm before and during the storm comes in all forms, especially furry with four feet! And for that I am also grateful!
Here's to it all running smoothly....ahhhhh!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
It's all in a name
So, we need a new name for our new farm and my blog. I don't think we should keep the Hentennial name, since that was a completely different place, different adventure. We are open to any suggestions. I have a few ideas that we have been throwing around. And one of them is Daisy Hill. The meaning behind it has nothing to do with the flower. About 12 years ago, when Roger took me on my first country drive out in Oakland Township, we came across a beautiful, old, white, stowic, farmhouse that sat up on a hill. The little weather worn sign in the front said, "Daisy Hill", and from that day forward, that was what I wanted. It was picturesque. Quaint, lived in, cared for, and had a lovely old barn and a few little outbuildings. I never forgot about it, and I feel like we have been searching for our own "Daisy Hill" ever since. So, I like the idea of borrowing the name for our new place strictly for sentimental purposes. But we are also open to new ideas. Something original. They say the basis of the name should be either your family name, what animals you raise, or the setting, ie: Valley Oak, Frog Holler, Maple Knoll. Or, Milk and Honey, Ponies and Jam, etc....You get the idea. So, I happen to have a few that may work: Fat Dog Farm (solely based on our bagel loving, 94 pound Goldendoodle), Forever Young Farm, Firefly Farm, Happyhen Farm, Amy's Acres. The house is a Centennial farm, it will have chickens, goats, mini horses, ducks and a mini pig. Plus our 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a tortoise. The house is white, and does sit up on a hill with a river rock wall along the front of the property. If that helps at all with name ideas.
I will post some pics as soon as our closing dates are set in the next few days. Too superstitious to post before that.
All suggestions are welcome!
I will post some pics as soon as our closing dates are set in the next few days. Too superstitious to post before that.
All suggestions are welcome!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
One step closer
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."~ Elenor Roosevelt
I love this quote, and it resinates with me so deeply right now. We have some family and some friends who are not especially happy that we are moving, but luckily, mother is my best cheerleader. She recently told me that she is proud of me for going after my dream, and for not giving up, even in the midst of madness. It is just what I needed to hear to keep a positive attitude. People will always have opinions about your choices. They will always judge and you can either let it bother you, or just hold firm in your decisions. It's life. And I have certainly learned in my 42 years, that I can't worry about what people think. Life is short, and I want to make the best of it.
We are so excited because our offer on the new house was accepted! We are now one step closer to closing. We are just waiting to set a closing date on our Franklin house and then set a date on the new house. We will also be moving our things out of Hentennial in the next 2 weeks. The new owners are wonderful and love the house as much as we do. They have horses so the barn will now have two new residents. It will be lovely to see people living there and enjoying it's beauty.
So, with emotions running high, I am trying my best to keep a level head. To not let the stress get to me, and to keep our homelife as normal as possible. It's not easy. I want to celebrate, but I can't until we actually close. I am very superstitious that way. The popping of the cork will have to wait a few more weeks. But until then, the planning, the decorating, the ideas for the outbuildings, are all consuming. It will be a the beginning of our new adventure, one that is long overdue...
I love this quote, and it resinates with me so deeply right now. We have some family and some friends who are not especially happy that we are moving, but luckily, mother is my best cheerleader. She recently told me that she is proud of me for going after my dream, and for not giving up, even in the midst of madness. It is just what I needed to hear to keep a positive attitude. People will always have opinions about your choices. They will always judge and you can either let it bother you, or just hold firm in your decisions. It's life. And I have certainly learned in my 42 years, that I can't worry about what people think. Life is short, and I want to make the best of it.
We are so excited because our offer on the new house was accepted! We are now one step closer to closing. We are just waiting to set a closing date on our Franklin house and then set a date on the new house. We will also be moving our things out of Hentennial in the next 2 weeks. The new owners are wonderful and love the house as much as we do. They have horses so the barn will now have two new residents. It will be lovely to see people living there and enjoying it's beauty.
So, with emotions running high, I am trying my best to keep a level head. To not let the stress get to me, and to keep our homelife as normal as possible. It's not easy. I want to celebrate, but I can't until we actually close. I am very superstitious that way. The popping of the cork will have to wait a few more weeks. But until then, the planning, the decorating, the ideas for the outbuildings, are all consuming. It will be a the beginning of our new adventure, one that is long overdue...
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Bittersweet symphony
Well we have two deals on the table, one PA on the Franklin house and one offer on the Metamora house! I feel very lucky that we are able to do this "by owner" and not pay any Realtor fees, and that it only took a couple of weeks to get offers on both homes! So now we just have to hope that the first deal closes, and then the second, and that we can maneuver moving out of both simutaneously, and have a new place to go! We think we have a good plan, just hoping nothing gets screwed up. As it turns out, that little farm in Metamora was a wonderful investment! Not only did we get to enjoy it, many, many times over, but the work we did to restore it will certainly pay off! I learned all of my real estate skills from my parents. My dad was an amazing deal maker and made lots of his money by investing in real estate. And my mother, brother and myself all had our licenses in the field. We even have an in-house attorney with my mom. So, that comes in super handy!
It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to both homes. The Franklin house is where I raised my babies. It's where we grew as a family and where we have called home for the last 9 years. We have formed lots of friendships here and love our neighbors. It is a small, tightly knit community and we will miss that. And the farm, well, it was a labor of love, and a door to a new beginning. But I know the new owners will love her even more than we did. So, there will probably be some tears, but there will also be lots of excitement about a new start. I think we found the perfect place for us, it's just what we have been looking for. Very old and stately, lots of room, lots of property, big old barns, a great area, and mostly, tons of character. It will be a great place to continue our journey on our quest for a life less ordinary.
So right now things are quite hectic, two deals negotiations, managing the kids schedules, work in full force for both me, and Roger, and just trying to keep all the balls in the air! It's a circus, but I couldn't be any happier. I feel like my father is looking down on us and he is very proud of our ambition. It was just the 11 year anniversay of his death and I feel him closer to me than ever. Thank you daddy, for all you taught me. Especially for teaching me to live my life to the fullest! You continue to inspire me on a regular basis. xo
It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to both homes. The Franklin house is where I raised my babies. It's where we grew as a family and where we have called home for the last 9 years. We have formed lots of friendships here and love our neighbors. It is a small, tightly knit community and we will miss that. And the farm, well, it was a labor of love, and a door to a new beginning. But I know the new owners will love her even more than we did. So, there will probably be some tears, but there will also be lots of excitement about a new start. I think we found the perfect place for us, it's just what we have been looking for. Very old and stately, lots of room, lots of property, big old barns, a great area, and mostly, tons of character. It will be a great place to continue our journey on our quest for a life less ordinary.
So right now things are quite hectic, two deals negotiations, managing the kids schedules, work in full force for both me, and Roger, and just trying to keep all the balls in the air! It's a circus, but I couldn't be any happier. I feel like my father is looking down on us and he is very proud of our ambition. It was just the 11 year anniversay of his death and I feel him closer to me than ever. Thank you daddy, for all you taught me. Especially for teaching me to live my life to the fullest! You continue to inspire me on a regular basis. xo
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Greener pastures
When you find yourself in the midst of trying to make a dream, (a really BIG dream) a reality, it can be quite stressful. S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L!
Things are certainly stressful around here lately. We had a what seemed like a forever long break from school. So, with all of the holiday madness, and no real schedule, I did not have much time to blog, or do much of anything productive. And I don't do well with too much downtime. I like being busy. I like having projects. I like it when the days seem to just fly by. But now we are back on a schedule, and we have taken on a whole lot of productivity. We started with a major house cleaning, purging, organizing mission. All the closets, all the rooms, etc...It was a huge job, but I felt great gratification afterwards. Then we took on some long overdue painting projects. We painted the boys room, the living room, and the front hall in two nights. Now we are prepping the kitchen and great room and back hall. Then we will finally tackle the master bedroom.
I have also done some major decluttering, and I must say, it looks great! We are hoping to sell the house soon and move to a big, old, character-filled farmhouse on some acreage with a barn. We already started our search and have found a couple that we really like. This weekend we will go see some of them. I am so excited! I LOVE house hunting! In the meantime, our house has gotten some interest and we may even close a deal soon! Thus, the source of the stress, especially for my husband who just isn't quite mentally prepared for such a major ordeal. He's ready in theory, but I think it's happening sooner than he expected, than we both did, and it's a lot to take on. We also have our fixxer farm for sale and have had a few people look at it. We may have a buyer for that soon too!
For me it's all "good" stress. I have waited for this for 10 years. I have dreamed of our life on a farm many times over. I have even made two different vision boards. One was destroyed in a moment of frustration and despair, but I eventually made a new one at the urging of my husband. He knows how important this is to me, and he wants the same things for us. He just doesn't feel the urgency that I do. But I think part of it is because I am so decisive. When I decide I want something, I want it. I go after it. And I don't quit until I get it. I am very determined, and I don't give up easily. And this dream has been holding strong for over ten years and it hasn't waivered for one moment. Also, I think that the time is right. Our kids are older, they are on board, and we are at a good point in our lives.
So, I imagine the next couple of months there will be lots of stresses. Lots of frustration, heartache, headaches, and hopefully some joy thrown in. In the end it will all be worth it.
I will keep my positve attitude and be patient.
We are closer to achieving our dream than ever before, so for that I am grateful.
Here's to greener pastures...literally.
Things are certainly stressful around here lately. We had a what seemed like a forever long break from school. So, with all of the holiday madness, and no real schedule, I did not have much time to blog, or do much of anything productive. And I don't do well with too much downtime. I like being busy. I like having projects. I like it when the days seem to just fly by. But now we are back on a schedule, and we have taken on a whole lot of productivity. We started with a major house cleaning, purging, organizing mission. All the closets, all the rooms, etc...It was a huge job, but I felt great gratification afterwards. Then we took on some long overdue painting projects. We painted the boys room, the living room, and the front hall in two nights. Now we are prepping the kitchen and great room and back hall. Then we will finally tackle the master bedroom.
I have also done some major decluttering, and I must say, it looks great! We are hoping to sell the house soon and move to a big, old, character-filled farmhouse on some acreage with a barn. We already started our search and have found a couple that we really like. This weekend we will go see some of them. I am so excited! I LOVE house hunting! In the meantime, our house has gotten some interest and we may even close a deal soon! Thus, the source of the stress, especially for my husband who just isn't quite mentally prepared for such a major ordeal. He's ready in theory, but I think it's happening sooner than he expected, than we both did, and it's a lot to take on. We also have our fixxer farm for sale and have had a few people look at it. We may have a buyer for that soon too!
For me it's all "good" stress. I have waited for this for 10 years. I have dreamed of our life on a farm many times over. I have even made two different vision boards. One was destroyed in a moment of frustration and despair, but I eventually made a new one at the urging of my husband. He knows how important this is to me, and he wants the same things for us. He just doesn't feel the urgency that I do. But I think part of it is because I am so decisive. When I decide I want something, I want it. I go after it. And I don't quit until I get it. I am very determined, and I don't give up easily. And this dream has been holding strong for over ten years and it hasn't waivered for one moment. Also, I think that the time is right. Our kids are older, they are on board, and we are at a good point in our lives.
So, I imagine the next couple of months there will be lots of stresses. Lots of frustration, heartache, headaches, and hopefully some joy thrown in. In the end it will all be worth it.
I will keep my positve attitude and be patient.
We are closer to achieving our dream than ever before, so for that I am grateful.
Here's to greener pastures...literally.
Monday, December 19, 2011
The most wonderful time of the year
It's that fun time of year again, and it's not Christmas. It's time to order baby chicks for Spring! I love choosing my new baby chicks and putting their mail delivery date on the calender. If I order early enough, I can get them delivered during the week of my birthday in March, so it's really like two gifts in one, Christmas and my birthday! And I can't think of anything I would rather get than chicks! This year I chose one Easter Egger, one Coocoo Maran, one Salmon Faverolle, and one white Silky Bantam.
I love having a variety of egg colors and of course a variety in cuteness and temperment! There really is nothing cuter than a white Silky Bantam hen! With the fluffy soft plumage and the feathers on their feet, they don't even look like chickens, more like a little Dr. Seuss character! I have had each of these breeds in the past, so I have come to know what I like. And with the click of the mouse on the computer, my husband's holiday shopping is done! Thanks to www.mypetchicken.com.
As for the farm, we put up our little country tree, hung a huge wreath on the barn and shut off the water for the winter. We won't be spending a lot of time there, except for snowmobiling, so it saves us a lot of money to shut the water off and keep the heat off in the cold winter months.
We haven't done more work on the kitchen or bathroom, but we hope to make some progress in the Spring. It is still a labor of love and it has helped us realize that we really would prefer being on a farm full time. The best parts of farm life are the parts that require time. Time playing outdoors on the dirtbikes, or snowmobiles, gardening, picking pears, watching the chickens forage aroung the barn, enjoying the sunset from the white rockers on the porch. Those things that make us the most happy, the most appreciative, they are things that can and should be done on a daily basis. We have learned that we are all happier in that environment, and we become our true selves out there. Whether the kids are climbing in the trees, or searching for salamander's, or swinging on the chairlift swing, they are in their element. And when Rog and I are driving the tractor through the fields of firefly's on a warm summer evening, or laying on a blanket under the apple trees, or admiring our work on some part of the house, we are all at our purest, most natural place of joy. It is who we are and who we have become as a family. And it is better to understand where your heart lies than to spend your life never knowing. Once you find it, live it. Whatever that dream may be. Here is a quote that I love by Oprah, "When you're honoring your calling, there's an undeniable sense of stimulation and exhilaration. It just feels so right."
I look at that quote every day, and it keeps me moving forward in the right direction.
Happy Holidays!
I love having a variety of egg colors and of course a variety in cuteness and temperment! There really is nothing cuter than a white Silky Bantam hen! With the fluffy soft plumage and the feathers on their feet, they don't even look like chickens, more like a little Dr. Seuss character! I have had each of these breeds in the past, so I have come to know what I like. And with the click of the mouse on the computer, my husband's holiday shopping is done! Thanks to www.mypetchicken.com.
As for the farm, we put up our little country tree, hung a huge wreath on the barn and shut off the water for the winter. We won't be spending a lot of time there, except for snowmobiling, so it saves us a lot of money to shut the water off and keep the heat off in the cold winter months.
We haven't done more work on the kitchen or bathroom, but we hope to make some progress in the Spring. It is still a labor of love and it has helped us realize that we really would prefer being on a farm full time. The best parts of farm life are the parts that require time. Time playing outdoors on the dirtbikes, or snowmobiles, gardening, picking pears, watching the chickens forage aroung the barn, enjoying the sunset from the white rockers on the porch. Those things that make us the most happy, the most appreciative, they are things that can and should be done on a daily basis. We have learned that we are all happier in that environment, and we become our true selves out there. Whether the kids are climbing in the trees, or searching for salamander's, or swinging on the chairlift swing, they are in their element. And when Rog and I are driving the tractor through the fields of firefly's on a warm summer evening, or laying on a blanket under the apple trees, or admiring our work on some part of the house, we are all at our purest, most natural place of joy. It is who we are and who we have become as a family. And it is better to understand where your heart lies than to spend your life never knowing. Once you find it, live it. Whatever that dream may be. Here is a quote that I love by Oprah, "When you're honoring your calling, there's an undeniable sense of stimulation and exhilaration. It just feels so right."
I look at that quote every day, and it keeps me moving forward in the right direction.
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Does our past define our future?
Lately I have been doing some self therapy by taking extra long walks with Ozzy, my loyal walking companion. And during my "self therapy" sessions, I reflect. I try to focus on what I want in my future, what is holding me back from my past, and how to forge ahead. Of course, I'm not entirely sure what an actual therapist would say to me during my "sessions" if I was actually paying him $80/hour, but I can probably guess due to my many experiences with real therapists. Therapy is NOT a bad thing. It's fine if it helps you. If not, then do something else. Exersize. Eat healthy. Get spiritual. Find religion. Whatever works. I'm just sayin, since I can't really afford real therapy, I choose to do it for myself. By walking. Long, 5 or 7 mile walks on a crisp fall day with my best walking buddy ever, our Papillon, Ozzy. He can go as far as I can, and then some. It always amazes me, he never gets tired. So, during these walks lately I have come to realize that a lot of my past history is a huge part of my future. And by that I mean, that it's better to come to terms with your past. Let go of hurt and pain and regret. Forgive and move on. Free yourself to be a better person for your the next half of your life. Don't let your past predict how your life will turn out. Not that I could really do that. I was raised in a very absurd, and priviledged lifestyle. I was adopted at birth to a wonderful loving couple who really wanted children but could not have any of their own. And in the late 60's, adoptions were closed. No medical history. No information on the birth mother, aside from basic facts, age, race, height, etc...So into this wonderful life I was welcomed. I was raised Jewish. Had a very warm and loving early childhood. I never felt resent or anger about being "given up." I thought it was a brave and selfless act on my birthmother's part. And still do. So as I grew up, my father became extremely successful. He built up his many businesses and went onto Broadway to produce plays and musicals. He eventually won a few Tony Awards and owned a famous restaurant in N.Y.C. We hobnobbed with celebrities and had a jetset life. We had houses on all coasts. But with the success came a lot of craziness and grief and the end of my parents marriage. So, as years passed and I grew up, I had a hard time trying to figure out who I was. Who was I going to be. I had some rough years. But once I met my now husband, and had a family of my own, I realized that life is what you make, it is not defined by your past, or your parents, or even the path you took to get to where you are. It is who you dream of becoming. It is who you envision yourself being and setting out to become that person. I am a nature lover at heart. I have always sought refuge in nature and animals. Ever since I was little I would find peace laying in the grass or holding a kitten on my lap. I would smell the flowers and play in the stream and climb trees and lose myself in the clouds. It is a big part of who I still am. I still find serenity in nature. And with animals. In the garden, or hiking up a mountain. I feel free and calm and close to a higher power. My husband shares my affinity for all things natural. We both love being outdoors and being somewhere far removed from the stresses of every day life. So, we bought our small farm in Metamora. It is a project that is still only half way there. But it's ok. It made us see the real joys of being in the country. It made it tangible, and now I have a new level of yearning to be in the country on a permanant basis. We always thought we would do it one day. Make the move from the suburban jungle to the wide open spaces of horse country. And we almost did about 10 years ago. We had a signed deal on an old farm house in Milford, with a horse barn, dairy barn, and a chicken coop. The house was stowic. Grand, old, white, and worn by years of living. I fell in love. But to our dismay, the home inspector found termite dammage in the basement which jeapordized the stability of the home and we had to terminate the purchase agreement. I was devastated. My dream died that day. But years went by, babies were raised, one after the other, and the urge came back. Full force. Like it never had left. I still wanted, needed to be in the country. Why? I didn't understand my desire. I am a girl who grew up, silver spoon and all, in the heart of suburbia. Why was I being pulled like a giant vaccume to make a life away from all things familier? Was I running from my past? Trying to re-invent myself? No. I always loved all things farm related. Barns. Farm animals. The smell of dirt, grass, dust and manure was something in my soul. Maybe even in my blood. But I knew that it was real. And it was pressing. So, it became evident that a better plan had to be put into place. The small, fixxer-upper farm is not enough. It only made me want to do it full time, permanantly. It gave me a taste, but not a whole bite. But it did show me that it is possible. So, my therapy sessions led me to this belief:
Realize your dream. Develop a strategy. Be realistic. But don't give up.
Your dream may have everything to do with your past, or nothing at all. It can be something to heal you, or something to change you for the better.
Just make it happen. We are only here on this Earth once. We get one chance to do it right. Listen to your heart. Use your head. And do your homework. But never, never, let the dream go. No matter what.
Realize your dream. Develop a strategy. Be realistic. But don't give up.
Your dream may have everything to do with your past, or nothing at all. It can be something to heal you, or something to change you for the better.
Just make it happen. We are only here on this Earth once. We get one chance to do it right. Listen to your heart. Use your head. And do your homework. But never, never, let the dream go. No matter what.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Makes me wanna take a back road...
In Michigan we have the most gorgeous Indian Summer's. It's the time when the weather stays warm and the sun comes out and the trees are all transforming from green to shades of burnt orange, red and gold. It's when you can smell burning leaves in the air, feel the warmth of the sun on your face and absorb all of the colors bursting around you. It happens to be my favorite time of year here. It's a time that is full of hope and renewal. It is the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, and Yom Kippur. A time to make apologies to those you have hurt, and to pray for forgiveness and to start fresh. A time to buy pumpkins, and mums and to rake leaves. It is a time for Halloween, and Thanksgiving and visisting cider mills. It is a time to go for long walks and admire the beauty around us, and to breathe long, deep breaths and give thanks for being alive. The days get shorter, and the nights get colder. So snuggling with the kids, or dogs, or loved ones becomes are priority. It is a time to cook more, bake more, and sit longer after the meal is gone.
Change is good. Change is renewal. Change is a time to reflect and improve and to feel energized. Season's give us change. Season's define so many parts of our daily activity. So, in the Fall, we prepare for winter. We cut back our gardens, empty the birdbaths, fertalize the lawn, and put away our flip flops. We get our our scarves, and hats and Uggs. We open the windows, and sleep in the cool Autumn air. We let the freedoms of Summer slip away and refocus on work, and school, and a schedule.
As I drove home from dropping my kids at school this morning, I noticed the sunbeams streaming through the tall pines, each one like a beam of golden glitter. It made me stop, just to admire it's beauty. The beauty of a crisp fall morning that couldn't have started any better. These Michigan fall days make me wanna take the back roads, just like the song, by Rodney Adkins. That song, "Take a back road," and an Indian summer, have a way of just recharging your soul. If you get the chance, take a back road. You'll be amazed what it can do to lift your mood.
Change is good. Change is renewal. Change is a time to reflect and improve and to feel energized. Season's give us change. Season's define so many parts of our daily activity. So, in the Fall, we prepare for winter. We cut back our gardens, empty the birdbaths, fertalize the lawn, and put away our flip flops. We get our our scarves, and hats and Uggs. We open the windows, and sleep in the cool Autumn air. We let the freedoms of Summer slip away and refocus on work, and school, and a schedule.
As I drove home from dropping my kids at school this morning, I noticed the sunbeams streaming through the tall pines, each one like a beam of golden glitter. It made me stop, just to admire it's beauty. The beauty of a crisp fall morning that couldn't have started any better. These Michigan fall days make me wanna take the back roads, just like the song, by Rodney Adkins. That song, "Take a back road," and an Indian summer, have a way of just recharging your soul. If you get the chance, take a back road. You'll be amazed what it can do to lift your mood.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
On the road again!
Well, we did take that trip afterall. We loaded up the old airstream and hit the road to Cave City, KY. It was a long drive, lots of stops along the way, but we made it there in one day and spent our first night at Jellystone Park, in Cave City. It's a great park for young families. Lots of activities for kids, clean, and close to all of the area attractions. We got a nice spot backing to a big open field, with a cow pasture beyond that. So just before dawn every morning we would hear cows mooing in the distance. Not a bad way to wake up. The park had a nice pool, a waterslide, an arcade, a store, a fishing pond, and golfcart rentals. The second day there we rented a golfcart and had the best time booking around the park for 48 hours. They also have Yogi himself walking around each day to greet the kids and take photos with. Quite a highlight for the little ones! So, I recommend that RV park to anyone traveling with kids. They also have nice cabins and cottages to rent if you don't have an RV.
Cave City is really interesting. It is a true time capsule, not much has changed there in the last 50 years or so. Same roadside attractions, same old shops, same old motels, pretty much stuck in 1970 for the most part. But it gives it that old feeling of traveling from when I was a kid. It's an adventure. We stopped at a small go-cart track that also had the old alpine slide. It was something I remember doing as a kid. And I don't think there are many left these days. So, both of my boys decided to do it. We rode the chairlift to the top of a small foothill, and from there you sit in a little flat cart with a lever to slow you down. Then, you basically just ride down the mountain on your cart on a cement track. No helmet, no safety to speak of actually. Just the hopes that you know not to take your hand off of the break! And the locals who work the slide, the chairlift, and the other parts of the park are all characters right out of a movie. They ALL chew tobacco, they all look somewhat dirty, and the one at the top of the slide even had a twitch, probably from too much tobacco! Plus they all have a very strong southern accent, which my 6 year old daughter can now recreate in perfect dialect! Pretty much everywhere you go in Kentucky, the accent is the same. You get quite used to it after a week. And we didn't meet one person who was not completely hospitable and kind. We also toured Mammoth Cave, which I highly recommend! The tours go all day, every couple of hours or so, and it's good to call ahead if you are there during their busy season. But they are guided tours that are about 1 to 3 hours long depending on your preference. We did an hour and a half tour of the New Opening. It was really wonderful, and the kids just loved it. We also toured the Lost River Cave, which takes you on a boat tour into a short cave and tells the stories surrounding the Lost River and Jesse James and his gang. There are lots of different caves to see and tour in the area and they are all amazing. There is also a lot of antiquing in the area, which we did a bit of, but it paled in comparison to the caving.
So, after 3 nights at Jellystone, we loaded up and drove to Cumberland Falls State Park, which is outside of Lexington. Cumberland Falls is called the Niagara of the South. The falls are really impressive and there is a lot of history about them which you can read about at the tourist center and viewing areas. The campground was more rustic. But still we had bathrooms and showers close to our site. It is black bear country there, so there are lots of signs around about being careful with your food. Of course the first night there, my husband carved a mellon and threw the insides into the woods next to our Airstream! Within minutes, we had a raccoon hanging out under our picnic table looking for more free meals! Not the most brilliant move on his part! But luckily, no bears.
We decided to go horseback riding through the mountains the first day and the kids loved it! It was a huge highlight for me too. The next day we heard about a hike that leads you to a smaller waterfall that you can swim in. So we found the trailhead and went for it. The kids did the hour long hike like pros! And it wasn't easy, lots of tight areas, narrow spots and huge rocks to climb over. But when we reached the falls it was breathtaking! We had it all to ourselves. We all jumped into the water under the falls and cooled off. The kids were awe-struck! Just us, the water, the rocks, the river and the views of the bigger falls in the distance. It was the highlight of the whole trip! So, we stayed there for a while and took lots of pictures before hiking back out. It was one of those moments in time with your family that you know you will cherish forever! The ones that stay with you, long after you go back to the daily grind.
So we spent two nights at the State Forest. We also ate dinner one night at the old Dupont Logde which has rooms for rent and a nice restaurant with sprawling views of the forest and valley below. When you eat dinner there, the racoons come up to the windows and eat birdseed outside, so it's really fun for the kids to watch them. And they have really good berry cobbler and banana pudding! We also spent an afternoon swimming at the Dupont pool which is only $2.00/person if you stay at the campgroud. A nice way to cool off and relax before heading out to see the Kentucky Horse Country. It was something that I really wanted to see since I had heard about it, and seen glimpses in movies. And Lexington had the most unbelieveable equestrian estates around! The properties are amazing, prettier than I've seen in movies and the Horse Race Museum is fun to visit too. They have tours, but not on the day we were there and a nice gift shop. But we did do the scenic driving tour which takes about an hour and drives you through all of the fanciest estates. Wonderful!
Then, it was time to head home. But on the way back we decided to surprize the kids with an impromptue stop at Cedar Point. There were beyond thrilled, so we settled in at the campgound for the night and woke the next morning to spend the whole day at the park. It was really hot, so we spent most of the day at Soak City which was a perfect way to end our vacation. I must admit, nothing beats floating down the Lazy River on a 90 degree day in August! By 5 pm, it was time to hit the road, and drive home to Franklin. We were all cooled off, tired, relaxed and happy. Our second Airstream adventure may have even topped the first one to the Adirondacks, or at least it tied for the best. But now Maryann is parked back at Hentennial Farm where she will spend the winter, and await our next travel destination....
Cave City is really interesting. It is a true time capsule, not much has changed there in the last 50 years or so. Same roadside attractions, same old shops, same old motels, pretty much stuck in 1970 for the most part. But it gives it that old feeling of traveling from when I was a kid. It's an adventure. We stopped at a small go-cart track that also had the old alpine slide. It was something I remember doing as a kid. And I don't think there are many left these days. So, both of my boys decided to do it. We rode the chairlift to the top of a small foothill, and from there you sit in a little flat cart with a lever to slow you down. Then, you basically just ride down the mountain on your cart on a cement track. No helmet, no safety to speak of actually. Just the hopes that you know not to take your hand off of the break! And the locals who work the slide, the chairlift, and the other parts of the park are all characters right out of a movie. They ALL chew tobacco, they all look somewhat dirty, and the one at the top of the slide even had a twitch, probably from too much tobacco! Plus they all have a very strong southern accent, which my 6 year old daughter can now recreate in perfect dialect! Pretty much everywhere you go in Kentucky, the accent is the same. You get quite used to it after a week. And we didn't meet one person who was not completely hospitable and kind. We also toured Mammoth Cave, which I highly recommend! The tours go all day, every couple of hours or so, and it's good to call ahead if you are there during their busy season. But they are guided tours that are about 1 to 3 hours long depending on your preference. We did an hour and a half tour of the New Opening. It was really wonderful, and the kids just loved it. We also toured the Lost River Cave, which takes you on a boat tour into a short cave and tells the stories surrounding the Lost River and Jesse James and his gang. There are lots of different caves to see and tour in the area and they are all amazing. There is also a lot of antiquing in the area, which we did a bit of, but it paled in comparison to the caving.
So, after 3 nights at Jellystone, we loaded up and drove to Cumberland Falls State Park, which is outside of Lexington. Cumberland Falls is called the Niagara of the South. The falls are really impressive and there is a lot of history about them which you can read about at the tourist center and viewing areas. The campground was more rustic. But still we had bathrooms and showers close to our site. It is black bear country there, so there are lots of signs around about being careful with your food. Of course the first night there, my husband carved a mellon and threw the insides into the woods next to our Airstream! Within minutes, we had a raccoon hanging out under our picnic table looking for more free meals! Not the most brilliant move on his part! But luckily, no bears.
We decided to go horseback riding through the mountains the first day and the kids loved it! It was a huge highlight for me too. The next day we heard about a hike that leads you to a smaller waterfall that you can swim in. So we found the trailhead and went for it. The kids did the hour long hike like pros! And it wasn't easy, lots of tight areas, narrow spots and huge rocks to climb over. But when we reached the falls it was breathtaking! We had it all to ourselves. We all jumped into the water under the falls and cooled off. The kids were awe-struck! Just us, the water, the rocks, the river and the views of the bigger falls in the distance. It was the highlight of the whole trip! So, we stayed there for a while and took lots of pictures before hiking back out. It was one of those moments in time with your family that you know you will cherish forever! The ones that stay with you, long after you go back to the daily grind.
So we spent two nights at the State Forest. We also ate dinner one night at the old Dupont Logde which has rooms for rent and a nice restaurant with sprawling views of the forest and valley below. When you eat dinner there, the racoons come up to the windows and eat birdseed outside, so it's really fun for the kids to watch them. And they have really good berry cobbler and banana pudding! We also spent an afternoon swimming at the Dupont pool which is only $2.00/person if you stay at the campgroud. A nice way to cool off and relax before heading out to see the Kentucky Horse Country. It was something that I really wanted to see since I had heard about it, and seen glimpses in movies. And Lexington had the most unbelieveable equestrian estates around! The properties are amazing, prettier than I've seen in movies and the Horse Race Museum is fun to visit too. They have tours, but not on the day we were there and a nice gift shop. But we did do the scenic driving tour which takes about an hour and drives you through all of the fanciest estates. Wonderful!
Then, it was time to head home. But on the way back we decided to surprize the kids with an impromptue stop at Cedar Point. There were beyond thrilled, so we settled in at the campgound for the night and woke the next morning to spend the whole day at the park. It was really hot, so we spent most of the day at Soak City which was a perfect way to end our vacation. I must admit, nothing beats floating down the Lazy River on a 90 degree day in August! By 5 pm, it was time to hit the road, and drive home to Franklin. We were all cooled off, tired, relaxed and happy. Our second Airstream adventure may have even topped the first one to the Adirondacks, or at least it tied for the best. But now Maryann is parked back at Hentennial Farm where she will spend the winter, and await our next travel destination....
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A good sign
Haven't written in a while, got a little busy with three kids at home, and no real schedule to speak of! The kids all went to farm camp for two weeks at Upland Hills and I drove them, so that took a chunk of time out of my schedule. But they love it there, it was their third year going, and this time for two weeks instead of one. It's a wonderful camp, full of baby animals, lots of crafts, activites, and swimming in the lake. My eldest son, who is 11, wants to be a counselor there when he's old enough. The farm is in Oxford, MI and the camp runs by the week in the summer. If you click on the picture of my daugher with the calf, it links to their website. So between camp, trips up North to Oscoda, work, fishing at Wing Lake and the swim club, time has really flown by. I can't believe that summer is almost over!
I am happy to report that the new chickens are adjusting quite nicely. They all mesh well with the ladies, and they seem to love the new outdoor addition to the coop. I noticed last week that the white one is actually an Arucana, and the black and white one is the Leghorn, so we ended up with one of each breed that I ordered, and two blue egg layers. One Maran, one Leghorn, one Salmon Faverolle, and two Arucana's. So I will have chocolate brown eggs, white eggs, blue or green eggs, and light cream eggs as soon as they start laying. A perfect easter egg variety in my egg basket!
Today, my son Dylan and I are running out there to feed and water them and get some eggs, and bring them a watermelon treat. They absolutely love watermelon on these hot summer days! Roger is working on our farm sign through a sign company that he uses at his office and he sent me the rough drafts yesterday. I think we found a winner. A simple white sign, with black letters, "Hentennial Farm" and circa 1870 at the bottom, with a black sillouette of a rooster in the middle. Simple. Old school. Original.
Maybe we will have the sign up by next week! I can't wait!
And as crazy as our schedule has been lately, we decided to cancel our trip during that last week in August, so now I am hoping we can spend some real time at Hentennial and maybe even get some work done. Even if it's just gutting the rest of the kitchen, and prepping the walls and floor. The hardest part of this renovation is finding the time. Time is fleeting, especially in summer. But it will get done, we just need to be patient.
Pics of our new farm sign coming soon...
I am happy to report that the new chickens are adjusting quite nicely. They all mesh well with the ladies, and they seem to love the new outdoor addition to the coop. I noticed last week that the white one is actually an Arucana, and the black and white one is the Leghorn, so we ended up with one of each breed that I ordered, and two blue egg layers. One Maran, one Leghorn, one Salmon Faverolle, and two Arucana's. So I will have chocolate brown eggs, white eggs, blue or green eggs, and light cream eggs as soon as they start laying. A perfect easter egg variety in my egg basket!
Today, my son Dylan and I are running out there to feed and water them and get some eggs, and bring them a watermelon treat. They absolutely love watermelon on these hot summer days! Roger is working on our farm sign through a sign company that he uses at his office and he sent me the rough drafts yesterday. I think we found a winner. A simple white sign, with black letters, "Hentennial Farm" and circa 1870 at the bottom, with a black sillouette of a rooster in the middle. Simple. Old school. Original.
Maybe we will have the sign up by next week! I can't wait!
And as crazy as our schedule has been lately, we decided to cancel our trip during that last week in August, so now I am hoping we can spend some real time at Hentennial and maybe even get some work done. Even if it's just gutting the rest of the kitchen, and prepping the walls and floor. The hardest part of this renovation is finding the time. Time is fleeting, especially in summer. But it will get done, we just need to be patient.
Pics of our new farm sign coming soon...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
It's a dog's life
Anyone who knows me knows about my intense love of animals. Anyone who has been to our home knows that we have a small menagerie living amongst us.
And luckily for me, my husband was well aware of my animal appreciation before he married me. I had 3 dogs when we met, and we have 3 dogs now. So not that much has changed, except now we also have 3 children, 2 cats, a tortoise, a hamster, a goldfish and the chickens. But let me start with the dogs. Our Goldendoodle, Bella, is an all around perfect dog. She is well behaved, very loving, very playful, and a good watch dog. She only barks if people come to the door, and she loves, loves, loves our children! Then we have Lulu, our Lhasa apso/Bichon mix, and she started out being my dog, but now she is very much Roger's dog. She has melted him with her charms and wit. Yes, wit. She is hands down, the funniest dog I have ever known. She does this thing when she is feeling friendly where she will drag her hind legs around the floor in circles, the whole time batting her eyes at her target. She also snores, and grunts, and is 100% trusting of us. She makes me smile a million times a day. Then we have Ozzy, the tiny Papillon who we rescued from his second owner who didn't want him anymore. And we cannot imagine who wouldn't want such a wonderful dog. He is perfect. Smart. Beautiful. Sweet. Good. He has no flaws. He came to us very malnurished, very sickly and thin. But we got him all fixed up, and now he is a gorgeous little guy. People stop me in the street to ask me what kind of dog he is. I have even had someone offer to buy him from me. I always tell Rog, I wouldn't give him up for a million dollars! He is the sweetest, most gentle little soul. The perfect lap companion and I can take him everywhere with me. And I can't forget to mention Scout, our recued cat who I got at "Meet your best friend at the zoo", 11 years ago. He was a tiny kitten, and now he is a majestic pure white cat. He comes and goes as he pleases, unaffected by dogs or any other animal that enters the home. Just an easy going, good guy. And our latest addition is the kitten, Mittens. She was free from a lady in Metamora, along with her littermates, so we took her home. She is sweet, and playful, and a fun little girl. She reminds me of Scout when he was little, and I know she will be a great pet for the kids.
So, my days, as busy as they are, are always filled with joy from these amazing pets. I wake up and the dogs are all looking at me, so happy to see me, licking various parts of my body and wagging their tails. It's a wonderful way to start a day! And they are always there if you need a lift. Always loyal, always ready for anything. They are the same way with our kids, the dogs love them immensely. Bella swims with the boys and watches them like a hawk. If they get too far away from her view, she swims out to get them. She is very protective, very noble. And if anyone is sick and bed-bound, the dogs will stay in that bed the entire time, keeping the sick person company, and sleeping next to them.
Of course there are times in the midst of chaos, where I imagine what it would be like without pets, without the added stress it can sometimes bring, but it would like not having kids. Unfulfilling. We manage it well. We work as a team. Our house is never boring or quiet or calm. But it is always, ALWAYS, full of life and love. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
And luckily for me, my husband was well aware of my animal appreciation before he married me. I had 3 dogs when we met, and we have 3 dogs now. So not that much has changed, except now we also have 3 children, 2 cats, a tortoise, a hamster, a goldfish and the chickens. But let me start with the dogs. Our Goldendoodle, Bella, is an all around perfect dog. She is well behaved, very loving, very playful, and a good watch dog. She only barks if people come to the door, and she loves, loves, loves our children! Then we have Lulu, our Lhasa apso/Bichon mix, and she started out being my dog, but now she is very much Roger's dog. She has melted him with her charms and wit. Yes, wit. She is hands down, the funniest dog I have ever known. She does this thing when she is feeling friendly where she will drag her hind legs around the floor in circles, the whole time batting her eyes at her target. She also snores, and grunts, and is 100% trusting of us. She makes me smile a million times a day. Then we have Ozzy, the tiny Papillon who we rescued from his second owner who didn't want him anymore. And we cannot imagine who wouldn't want such a wonderful dog. He is perfect. Smart. Beautiful. Sweet. Good. He has no flaws. He came to us very malnurished, very sickly and thin. But we got him all fixed up, and now he is a gorgeous little guy. People stop me in the street to ask me what kind of dog he is. I have even had someone offer to buy him from me. I always tell Rog, I wouldn't give him up for a million dollars! He is the sweetest, most gentle little soul. The perfect lap companion and I can take him everywhere with me. And I can't forget to mention Scout, our recued cat who I got at "Meet your best friend at the zoo", 11 years ago. He was a tiny kitten, and now he is a majestic pure white cat. He comes and goes as he pleases, unaffected by dogs or any other animal that enters the home. Just an easy going, good guy. And our latest addition is the kitten, Mittens. She was free from a lady in Metamora, along with her littermates, so we took her home. She is sweet, and playful, and a fun little girl. She reminds me of Scout when he was little, and I know she will be a great pet for the kids.
So, my days, as busy as they are, are always filled with joy from these amazing pets. I wake up and the dogs are all looking at me, so happy to see me, licking various parts of my body and wagging their tails. It's a wonderful way to start a day! And they are always there if you need a lift. Always loyal, always ready for anything. They are the same way with our kids, the dogs love them immensely. Bella swims with the boys and watches them like a hawk. If they get too far away from her view, she swims out to get them. She is very protective, very noble. And if anyone is sick and bed-bound, the dogs will stay in that bed the entire time, keeping the sick person company, and sleeping next to them.
Of course there are times in the midst of chaos, where I imagine what it would be like without pets, without the added stress it can sometimes bring, but it would like not having kids. Unfulfilling. We manage it well. We work as a team. Our house is never boring or quiet or calm. But it is always, ALWAYS, full of life and love. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Friday, July 8, 2011
For the love of chickens
Last weekend we finally got the ladies moved into the new outdoor addition to the barn coop. Rog got the rest of the roof on, and then Dylan helped with securing all of the chicken wire to the frame. It took about two hours to complete it. We also made an opening under the barn siding where the hens can go back and fourth through to the barn. Once we put them through the little door, they quickly started exploring their new outdoor digs. The seemed extremely happy to have access to the long grass, dirt and bugs, and to be able to come and go whenever they desire. Now we just need to do a little trim work along the roof and cut a door for us to be able to enter the outdoor part easily. But they are in. It's official. The "Chicken Ritz", as I like to call it, is open for business! So, our new little flock of pullets will be ready to move into the big coop in the next week or so. I just wanted them to be big enough so that the older hens won't pick on them. It's amazing how fast they grow. They are already fully feathered and looking like little ladies. The kids and Rog and I named the new ones and they are: Snow white-the Leghorn, Juanita-the Arucana, Peaches-the Salmon Favorelle, Shadow-the Cuckoo Maran, and Ester-the other one who we think may be a Wyandotte. My husband must really love me because this is the third coop he has built for me and my love of chickens. And he has also spent many hours building various other corrals for my pets, dog runs, bunny hutches, etc...he is a good man and he would do anything for me and my ever growing flock of critters! I am eternally grateful!
So, today the kids and I will go out and pick up a couple more hay bales and change their food and water and see how they are all doing. We seemed to have managed our Groundhog problems and haven't had any digging lately.
And now that the birds have a permanent and very fancy home, we can focus on all the other things we need to get done at the farm. The first of those being the kitchen and bathroom. We have a guy coming to look at the floor and give us a tile quote. Just too big of a job for us with so little time to do it. And we already have the tile, so that will help with the budget. The subfloor needs to come out and a new one put down, then the large grey tiles put in. Once the floor is in, we can order the two white cabinets for the kitchen and appliances. We also need to finish gutting the bathroom: Pull out old tub, and tiles and fixtures. And for the sink I want to get an antique dresser that we can cut the top out for a drop in sink. It will look better than any standard sink, and like it has been there forever. The house has so much character, and I want to keep that even in the remodeled areas.
Yesterday I picked up some amazing art for the house at the Antique Pavillion in Saugatuck, MI. I got a vintage round horse portrait, a tiny antique framed oil painting of a covered bridge, and a framed piece with Michigan State fair livestock competition ribbons dating to 1911. And I only spent $83.00 on all three! I love antiquing, I could do it all day long and never get tired. I love how almost everything you pick up has a story. And how you can find the most perfect item for your home that makes it about you, your passions, your interests, your dreams. Your home should be a reflection of who you are, it should tell a story about you and your family. Whether it's your main house, or a cottage, or a condo. It should say, "welcome to my happy place."
So, today the kids and I will go out and pick up a couple more hay bales and change their food and water and see how they are all doing. We seemed to have managed our Groundhog problems and haven't had any digging lately.
And now that the birds have a permanent and very fancy home, we can focus on all the other things we need to get done at the farm. The first of those being the kitchen and bathroom. We have a guy coming to look at the floor and give us a tile quote. Just too big of a job for us with so little time to do it. And we already have the tile, so that will help with the budget. The subfloor needs to come out and a new one put down, then the large grey tiles put in. Once the floor is in, we can order the two white cabinets for the kitchen and appliances. We also need to finish gutting the bathroom: Pull out old tub, and tiles and fixtures. And for the sink I want to get an antique dresser that we can cut the top out for a drop in sink. It will look better than any standard sink, and like it has been there forever. The house has so much character, and I want to keep that even in the remodeled areas.
Yesterday I picked up some amazing art for the house at the Antique Pavillion in Saugatuck, MI. I got a vintage round horse portrait, a tiny antique framed oil painting of a covered bridge, and a framed piece with Michigan State fair livestock competition ribbons dating to 1911. And I only spent $83.00 on all three! I love antiquing, I could do it all day long and never get tired. I love how almost everything you pick up has a story. And how you can find the most perfect item for your home that makes it about you, your passions, your interests, your dreams. Your home should be a reflection of who you are, it should tell a story about you and your family. Whether it's your main house, or a cottage, or a condo. It should say, "welcome to my happy place."
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Joy of Garage Sales
Well Rog and I got to spend our Anniversay night out at Hentennial and it was perfect. We went to dinner in Oxford at one of my favorite places, Red Knapps, and then drove to the farm and just enjoyed being alone. We put on some country music, sat on the sofa and split a bottle of wine. And we just talked. It was so nice to not have kids or dogs around, or any other distractions. Just us and the sprawling views out of every window. It's so peaceful there in the evening. Lots of birds singing, and one amazing sunset that is in full view from our picture window in the living room. And it was the second time we slept there, but this time in our new bedroom, and with no rooster keeping us up all night. I wouldn't have wanted to have been any where else in the world that night! The next morning we drove into Almont and had breakfast at the best little country eatery called Maria's where I swear I had the best omlet ever! Then we walked around the Almont Feed Store for a while and picked up a few things we needed. On the way back to the farm we got to do a little antiquing and stopped at a wonderful family owned antique barn in Dryden. Rog immediately found the huge collection of restored tractors and started chatting with the husband, and I explored the barn filled with various primitives. Of course the one thing I wanted wasn't for sale. It was a 6 foot long antique homemade chicken feeder with little perches that were attached along both sides and it was perfectly patina'd. She said to ask her again next time we come by, and maybe she would be ready to sell it.
So our 24 hour date was all that I wished for! I didn't want it to end.
This Saturday, we drove out to check on our new chickens and water the flowers, and on our way out we decided to stop at our neighbors garage sale. They live 2 doors down from us, which is far when you live in the country. We bought some little things we wanted: a military style backpack for the boys, a camping lanturn, a board game, a camper juice pitcher and a birdhouse, all for a few dollars. They also had a large barrel style Char-Grill bbq that they wanted $65 bucks for,so we offered $50 and they agreed. So Rog tilted it on it's back wheels and rolled it right down Dryden road all the way to the farm. It was so funny, watching him roll this huge solid steel drum bbq that weighed about 200 pounds, down the road. I had to take pictures! But ya gotta love garage sales! All of our best things at the farm came from one garage sale or another and we haven't paid full price for one thing! I also picked up a perfectly functioning vaccume yesterday for 10 bucks! And two gorgeous white rocking chairs last week for 60 bucks! Plus garage sales are a wonderful form of recycling! 'Tis the season...
So our 24 hour date was all that I wished for! I didn't want it to end.
This Saturday, we drove out to check on our new chickens and water the flowers, and on our way out we decided to stop at our neighbors garage sale. They live 2 doors down from us, which is far when you live in the country. We bought some little things we wanted: a military style backpack for the boys, a camping lanturn, a board game, a camper juice pitcher and a birdhouse, all for a few dollars. They also had a large barrel style Char-Grill bbq that they wanted $65 bucks for,so we offered $50 and they agreed. So Rog tilted it on it's back wheels and rolled it right down Dryden road all the way to the farm. It was so funny, watching him roll this huge solid steel drum bbq that weighed about 200 pounds, down the road. I had to take pictures! But ya gotta love garage sales! All of our best things at the farm came from one garage sale or another and we haven't paid full price for one thing! I also picked up a perfectly functioning vaccume yesterday for 10 bucks! And two gorgeous white rocking chairs last week for 60 bucks! Plus garage sales are a wonderful form of recycling! 'Tis the season...
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About Me
- C1
- I am a busy mommy of 3. Ages 10, 8 and 6. Two crazy boys and a just-as-crazy daughter. My husband Roger and I have been married for 11 years this June. He runs a family owned Architecture company in Bloomfield Hills. I am a clothing consultant for a wonderful company. But for the most part, I am just a country girl at heart. I have an amazing love of animals, all kinds, big or small. I love nature and feeling the rythms of the earth. I love to garden and grow my own veggies and fruits. So, it was only natural that I would some day grow up and buy a farm. I am just a mommy who wants to share my passion for all things natural with my family and friends. So, we are giving it our best shot!