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!