Farm Life Fun

 

I never imagined I'd end up as a farmer's wife. It's like a plot twist from an old TV show! Remember "Green Acres?" Lisa Douglas, played by the fabulous Eva Gabor, never saw herself trading in her glamorous New York life for a farm either. But her husband Oliver had a dream, and off they went, with Lisa stumbling through farm life with all the grace she could muster. Did she ever fully adapt? Who knows! But I've got to say, it's a different kind of wonderful.

Gone are the days of stressful commutes and the frenetic city pace. Now, I find myself lounging in the backyard, drink in hand, gazing at the horizon, soaking in the splendor of nature.

We named our farm Brookside Farms because of the street name and the brook that runs along the back forty of the property. My husband created the farm logo. He is quite talented in many ways. We are a family-owned farm. Our goal with this farm is to be a food resource for the community. Right now, the farm only supports my husband and me. But, we have plans to expand over time. 

Expansion means we would be an additional resource for people in this mountainous region to obtain fruits and vegetables without having to travel to the nearest municipality, which is about 30 miles away. If it happens, great. If not, we are still happy farmers. Hubby keeps the farm running like a well-oiled machine. I just try to make it pretty and provide comfort for anyone who resides or visits here.

Our door is always open to friends. Drop by anytime, and you'll be welcomed with love and open arms. Farm life is something you have to experience to truly understand. It's a dive-in headfirst kind of deal, and you let the lifestyle shape you. You get some animals, grow your own food, and just live in harmony with what you've started.

Take our adventure with chickens, for example. We kicked off our farm life by building a chicken coop and bringing home a bunch of baby chicks. We turned our guest bathroom into a cozy nursery for them, complete with puppy pads, pine shavings, and a heat lamp. Their constant chirping was music to our ears. We'd feed them, and soon enough, they'd repay us with fresh eggs.

Then came the goats. Living in a fire-prone area and being a senior citizen, the thought of mowing and weeding the land was daunting. Enter our two goats, the ultimate landscapers! They munch through everything, keeping our property clean and our worries at bay.

We've got big plans for the future—pigs, cows, and sheep will join the crew in due time. And let's not forget our two loyal dogs, bred to guard the livestock. They're sweet as pie, but don't test their patience by wandering into their territory uninvited—you'll regret it!

Being a farmer's wife means being the epitome of hospitality. Have you ever seen "The Pioneer Woman" with Ree Drummond? She's my inspiration! Her show is a delightful mix of entertainment and education on thriving in this role. Her amazing kitchen and fabulous meals are goals I aspire to achieve.

My kitchen is my sanctuary. I decorate it with treasures from the farm—pinecones, rocks, and native plants that adorn my windowsill. Fresh herbs are always within reach, enhancing the flavors of my cooking and bringing a refreshing vibe to the kitchen.

Outside, we've got a vegetable garden and a fruitful orchard. Tending to these plants is both a workout and a way to unwind. Deers roam freely here as if they own the place, and we coexist peacefully.

As the day winds down, watching the animals, butterflies, and hummingbirds flutter about, I realize that being a farmer's wife is a life truly worth living.