Some Updates from the Farm

The Christmas rush is here, even though it’s just starting to feel like fall. Seasons are somewhat of a myth in middle Georgia. We had some pretty foliage followed by heavy rain leaving any of the vibrant yellow leaves mucky and brown. We’ve had some delicious chilly temperatures and have enjoyed burning the firewood from trees knocked by Hurricane Michael. Silver linings, I suppose.

George, defender of animals and trees stronger, older, and wiser than him.

Though we’re harvesting whenever it’s dry enough, and frying pecans as fast as you can order them, but always plenty of excitement about a hundred feet away from the orchards.

All of our goats are named after our ancestors, out of a feeling of heritage? Or a last laugh toward old relatives? Couldn’t say.

You’ve probably heard once, twice, or hundred times about our dogs, but did you know we keep a host of barnyard animals? Just for fun, not for eating. We have five goats, a mess of chickens, two ducks, and one lone (paradoxically elusive) peacock. They’re very social and live together in harmony. You’ll often see goats with chickens riding their backs, or chickens and ducks splashing together in their kiddie pool. They coexist in a barnyard, complete with a playground that the goats climb for fun and sleep in, though we also have a little red barn for warmth and egg laying.

But here’s the exciting part: we have two pregnant goats! These two girls, Ruby and Pepper, have grown big ‘round the midsection, and their udders have dropped in preparation for their kids. Baby goats are the sweetest little creatures, cozy and cuddly with moonbeam eyes.

Pepper, pregnant and not named after a relative

Ruby, pregnant and named after an aunt Ruby (?)

With all this in mind, and watching the seasons change, it’s apropos that we’re able to celebrate the themes of the holiday season. By reaping in a harvest and bringing in new life, despite the blows our little farm took this year, we celebrate joy and love, rebirth and renewal. That might be a lot of significance applied to a bunch of pecans and some baby goats, but it’s gratifying to all the work we do.