Anyone who has lived in the eastern midwest (a bit of a paradox) has heard of Bob Evan's restaurant and may remember the "down on the farm" jingle that it used to tout.
Well, now Nathan and i have decided that that's where we want to live! We want a farm with a llama, a goose, and a dog or two. And a barn and an herb garden. And sustainable housing. LOVELY!
I've not time to write much, but have you ever lived on or spent a significant amount of time at a farm? What was your favourite thing? We are taking suggestions!
love to you all on this cold, wet, and grey day!
~liz
Posted by lizington at October 18, 2004 01:02 PMI'm glad to hear Nate isn't afraid of goats after being cornered by the Bitsui's goat at NABI!
Posted by: katie at October 25, 2004 09:39 AMGoats!
It's all about the goats, baby.
They're funny, smart, loyal, and can live on anything. Not to mention the crazy nutritious milk they produce - no lactose either, so their milk won't make your body produce mucous.
Goats' milk - the eighth wonder of the world!
Posted by: J at October 24, 2004 10:25 PMWell, I've never LIVED on a farm (according to my mom, however, I did live in a jungle bar), but I had a friend who lived on one when I was a kid. Farms can be a lot of fun, but are most definitely a lot of work. Are you thinking of this farm as a hobby or a living? Think really hard: do you really want a farm, or just a small plot of land with some critters?
As for my favorites, it's all about the ostriches baby!
I know it's been mentioned before, but before you run off and choose what is regarded as an alternative lifestyle, read
"Choosing Simplicity" by Linda Breen Pierce.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0967206715/qid=1098552328/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-4154182-1751267?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Read and reread it no matter what you choose to do, whether it's on a farm or in the city.
Posted by: Mark Fojas at October 23, 2004 11:36 AMI speak truth.
Posted by: nathan at October 22, 2004 05:12 PMHmm... Mixed reviews. Thanks for the feedback (now I'm thinking about the cuteness of baby pigs). We are really looking forward to it, but you can see that in today's post!
love,
~liz
Posted by: liz at October 21, 2004 03:19 PMI took care of my aunt's place (5 acres with 3 horses) during the most brutal week of winter earlier this year. It was utterly exhausting shoveling frozen waste at -1 degF for at least 4 hours a day just to manage those horses. A llama is not the same as 3 horses, but just a few # of animals add up very quickly. Good luck.
Posted by: nathan at October 20, 2004 12:14 AMBaby pigs. As Bill Baker could tell you, I can, if allowed, rhapsodize about baby pigs for several minutes at least. They are the tiniest, most cuddly, wiggly baby creatures I have ever met. And their little noses feel just like suede. They love to be held and will nuzzle up against cheek or neck and squeak in your ear. Don't know if pig farming is for you, but if you ever get the chance to visit a new litter, you won't be disappointed. Much love
Posted by: Amy Eades at October 19, 2004 06:06 PMI love farms! My cousins lived on one, so I grew up playing with them in the hay barns and other outbuildings and climbing in the apple trees (and eating apples when they were ready of course!) and petting the horses and goats and dogs and cats and whatever other animals they had around. And, we used to go out there for the 4th of July because that was the BEST place to see the fireworks since it was surrounded by fields.
That said, two other awesome things I can think of about having a farm would be space for a compost pile and plenty of room to grow all your own veggie-tables.
Oh, wow! Thanks for bringing back such great memories for me with this post, Liz! :)
Posted by: Heather at October 19, 2004 11:00 AMThe space. And trees. But definitely not the cow smell.
Posted by: katie at October 18, 2004 03:50 PM