Field Trip to Touchstone Farm and Yoder's Country Store

Winter is the perfect time for field trips. Yesterday we spent a blustery morning visiting with several rescued miniature horses at Touchstone Farm, in Madison, VA. Both of our miniature horses, Willy Wonka and Snickerdoodle, began their journey of recovery here. It was great to see Kim K., owner and operator of the rescue, interact and teach us about the minis.

Then we were off to Yoder's Country Store, to visit the barnyard of animals. Yoder's just installed a "goat walk", where the kids could pulley grain up to the top and then watch the goats carefully travel the planks to get their treat. Very cool. Amy enjoyed snuggling the boer does as they peaked their heads through the fence.

And Jack loved the Royal Palm turkeys. He tried to talk "turkey" to them and has informed me we need one at Edenbrook Farm. They're kind of loud, aren't they?

25" of Snow at Edenbrook Farm

No one has been in the right place since Sunday! I had to get all the critters close to the barn, so that trudging through the snow wasn't an issue. But let me tell you - it's still an issue. I am proud to say that I have made it through my first blizzard as a farmer. (I am exhausted). :)

Chicken coop in the wash stall.

Donkeys and Minis in the arena.
Ramona the cow in the round pen just beyond.

Fjords in the goat paddock.

Goats and llamas are in the barn witing their turn in the paddock.

Driveway down to the barn.

A winter wonderland. 12/19/09

The animals were a bit confused with the monumentous snowstorm we had last weekend. I couldn't get to the farm on Saturday, as the roads were impassible. My wonderful friend and farm neighbor rescued me and fed all the animals for me. The next day we plowed our way in, brought the horses and cow down to the barn. Every day gets a little better, but there is another storm coming on Christmas Day. Freezing rain. We had to cancel the Live Nativity, which makes me so sad.

All of the animals are doing fine and are cozy in the barn each night. I have had a full body workout every day since Sunday - shoveling manure AND snow. How does my Vermont farmer friend do it? Here are some pictures of the snowfall and the animals. Merry Christmas!

Amy and Ramona

I captured a special moment a few weeks ago of our new cow "Ramona" and a little girl named Amy. I hope you enjoy watching their friendship and love unfold as much as I do.

A Great Party!

Rainbow goat, Shamrock, stood absolutely still for 4 young kids as they painted her at our Halloween Party. This picture is right before her bath.

Goose and Solvin stood stock still for all the kids painting masterpeices. (A little alfalfa hay, and they would stand there forever!)

Ramona Is Here!

Our newest member of the Edenbrook Farm Team is "Ramona" the Jersey cow. She is a retired milking cow, who will teach our participants about the world of bovines.

Mystery Tracks

What kind of animal made this footprint? We can't figure it out!

Meet our newest member . . . LEGOLAS!

Jennie and Legolas

Willy's first rider

Smiling kitty

Our First Fresh Eggs!

How does a month go by so quickly? We've been chasing chickens at Edenbrook Farm all over the yard, in the barn, up the driveway, in the woods, and out of hay mangers. All 14 girls started laying eggs this month. And all were in search of THE perfect place to put their treasures. Here are some pics of our pride and joy!

Donkeys are HERE!

The donkeys first "sleepover" with the Goose and Solvin.
Hot Shot and Peanut walk to the paddock.

Grazing is pretty good!

Thanks to Bray Zen Farm in Charlottesville, we welcome our first two miniature donkeys, Hot Shot and Peanut! They are slightly bigger than our miniature horses, but all four have become fast friends. (. . . after chasing each other around the paddock a few times. The mini horses haven't had that much exercise in a long time!)

Some special perks regarding the donkeys - their faces are rabbit soft, they love their ears rubbed, they eat responsibly, and they love to bray in the morning!

We are so blessed to have them at Edenbrook Farm.

Make the effort

Grandma GG and Vicky

Special dinner together in May

In May, when David and I traveled to Ohio to purchase our fjord, Solvin, we made a little side trip to my Grandma's house. It was a last minute thing, so spontaneous and unlike us. Our visit meant the world to her! We picked her up and went out to dinner. We stayed up late talking and sharing stories. I admired her spunk and thought she looked fabulous for 91! I was so glad we MADE THE EFFORT.

It is from my Grandma's family that I probably inherited this "farmer gene". Many of her nieces and nephews still operate large farms in Ohio today.

We'll be returning to Ohio next week, because Grandma is not doing well. A fall and a bump on the head two days ago, has swiftly taken her spunk and she is asleep in a deep coma. Please pray for my mom and her family as they deal with what is ahead.

So, when the opportunity arises, be spontaneous and see your loved ones. Give them big hugs and say "I love you". Life is precious. Vicky

Thankful Heart

"In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Colossians 3:23-24

Today I am reminded of why Edenbrook Farm Therapy Program is my mission. The animals, land and wildlife have touched so many people these last few months. My family and I are blessed to offer this haven to others. But don't get me wrong - I am not taking the credit. All of this belongs to God. He is using the farm to reach others. He is mending fences. He is extending forgiveness.

He is working the miracles. He is giving strength.

And strength is what I ask for each day. Physical strength to care for the animals and maintain the land, emotional strength to protect the farm's mission, mental strength to navigate the truth, and financial strength to forge ahead to serve others who struggle. Please join the journey with me.

Amazing Chicken Tricks

My son had a great time last weekend playing with his Buff Orpingtons. This girl is about 3 months old. We have been watching the chickens lately, and there seems to be a rooster or two in the bunch. Now what do we do? Ha

Some DEFINITIONS

Interactive Farm Outreach

Farmers and landowners using their farms as a way to reach the community. This is done by inviting the public to experience farmlife and its benefits.




Farm Therapy
The feelings you get while spending time on a farm. It's therapeutic to the mind, body and soul to connect to the land, animals, and wildlife found on a farm.

Blog, Blog, Blog

I am sooooooo behind on Blogging! It's been very busy at the farm. Time to catch everyone up on all the news at Edenbrook!

In May, we welcomed two Norwegian Fjord horses to the farm. Meet Gustav and Solvin, from Wisconsin and Ohio. These two boys are fitting in nicely, and are so much fun to ride. They will be the heart of the equine assisted learning program at Edenbrook. They are very gentle and love people.

Next came the baby Indian Runner ducks. 11 in all. They arrived in the mail. I picked them up at the post office - a little box of peeping ducklings. It has been almost 4 weeks, and they've grown so big. Yesterday was the first day in the duck yard. They were exhausted. Some have names, and others we are waiting to see if they are hens or drakes.

And lastly, the llamas arrived on Tuesday. Meet Peppermint Patti and Charlie Brown from Culpeper, VA. Pepper, the white llama, makes the most amazing shape when her ears are forward. Do you see it? Charlie is small and sweet. He is new to a halter and lead rope, but just follows his Pepper wherever she goes. And, AsparaGUS the goat, was the first to welcome them with a playful headbutt.

Keep us in your FAVORITES browser. We are looking forward to updating you on our very first media release. The local newspaper is featuring us in an article for this Sunday's paper. Yippee! Again, thank you for all of your support. With God's guidance and your help, Edenbrook will serve many people searching for a little "farm therapy."

Happy Easter from Edenbrook Farm

Happy Easter everyone! We have enjoyed the beginning of spring on the farm. Our chicks arrived one week ago. We decided on several varieties including Buff Orpington, Dominique, Araucana, and Rhode Island Reds. All arrived safely and are living in the office.

Gus and Clover are growing so fast. This will be the last week of bottles for Clover. All the goats will live together and we'll get ready for the llamas to arrive. Here are some pics of our growing "kids".

And lastly, David and I will be traveling to see two horses for our program. They are located in Wisconsin, and are both Norwegian Fjords. A very exciting time and whirlwind trip is ahead! Here is a beautiful photo of Sophie, a been-there-done-that kind of girl. I'll post pics of Gustav, the other horse, very soon.

Having a bad day? Try a little Farm Therapy!

These pictures speak volumes! There is nothing a baby goat can't fix in about 2 minutes.

February is the month of LOVE

AsparaGUS and Clover have all of us so full of love!