Back in Training

Today the weather reached 41 - yippee! Savannah and I got the horses back in training. Each horse tried out leg wraps for the first time, and we saddled up Sonny and Baby Girl. Amber had a good doay, too. She waited patiently when her "herd" left her in the round pen. Eventually, they came galloping back, but the whole event didn't send her to the moon. We ARE making progress!

This is winter in Virginia?

OK, -2 is just cold. This has got to be the coldest day on the farm since we've owned it. Luckily, I had Dave's help today breaking the ice in the pond. It was 4 inches thick. My hand is still swollen from yesterday's ice hacking. I had to fill the troughs by hand with water buckets. And you'll love this . . . my carharts were so warm and constricting that I could barely bend over to scoop up the water. Ha! The horses are fine, the ponies are fine, and the two goats are fine. Maybe later in the week when it's 20 something, I'll wear a t-shirt. Say a little prayer for the animals tonight - theyre not used to this type of VA winter.

2009 - Time To Get The Blog Blogging!

I'm back to blogging on this icy, cold morning. Today, the horses were ready for their morning grain after a long, cold night. I broke through the ice in their troughs and in the pond, which left my arms kinda numb and useless. But, what a blessing to see the sunshine and my cold breath puffs at the same time!

EFTP is still in hibernation, but I'm slowly getting the word out around town. The added respite gives the new horses more time to get acclimated. I have enjoyed getting to know the neighbors, and I pray that the quaint gravel road will continue to blossom.

Drop me a line! I'll post new pics and update the blogspot more often. Best Wishes

A Future in Farming

The Velikys just returned from a week on the farm. We spent 5 days at Cornerstone Farm completing their Farm Mentorship Program learning about all kinds of livestock. It was great fun and a lot of hard work. Our schedule started at 6:30 for coffee, 7:00 morning chores, 9:00 farmer's breakfast, 10:00 Farm School, 1:00 Lunch, 2:00 Hands on Experience, 5:00 Evening farm chores, 7:00 Dinner. We covered the care and maintenance of Miniature Jersey Cows, Nigerian Goats, Barbados Sheep, Sicilian Donkeys, Chickens, Geese, Quail, Turkeys and Guineas. Here are a couple of pictures.

Easter is coming!

I was thinking today that I should sit down and open my Bible. The day got busy and I still haven't cracked it open. I am so thankful for all that God has provided for me, but I am especially thankful for the loving sacrifce of His son, Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to church this week, and to the new life we'll celebrate on Sunday.

Please pray for guidance and direction in my life. I wish to glorify God in everything I do. But, sometimes the path is so hard to see. Pray that I can look for the joy in all things. God's plan is amazing!

Happy Easter everyone!

Tinkerbell's Last Day

March 18, 2008. Tinkerbell Veliky was put to sleep today. Dr. Ed made her transition to heaven a smooth one and she is finally able to truly rest. We don't know how old Tink was, being that she was a stray, but she was our first ever cat for 7 1/2 years. We have fond memories of her sweet personality and tiny stature. Our favorites are sitting on the Playstation box and sleeping under the wood stove. She was Dave's cat and she couldn't wait for him to sit down in the evenings so she could make biscuits on his shirt. She battled many health problems, which in the end made it very hard for us to continue her care. Have a nice long rest, Tink. God bless you.

First Snow of 2008

It's January 17th and snowing like crazy! The kids trudged off to school at their regular time, but now the buses are turning around and bringing them home. It will be a Snow Day after all! This is a day for mac-n-cheese, hot chocolate, and dvd movies.