To say that it's cold is putting it mildly.  Many of you are experiencing colder than normal temperatures. With this week's cold snap, the wild mallards have flocked back to the pond.  Our pond gives them water to float in that doesn't freeze (due to the aerators in our pond) and plenty of food. What is different this year is that the ducks are a little more skittish than they used to be.  If we go to the pond after the sun rises, the ducks leave.  Jack has been going down to feed the ducks before sunrise so that the ducks can float in peace during the day. I could spend ..read more

There's nothing like a snow day for photographing birds.  They flock to the feeders as though the world were ending... stuffing themselves in a last meal type of frenzy.   I always pull out the good camera on days when it's snowing... hoping to get a good shot of all the friends who frequent our bird feeders. Everyone is puffed up to insulate themselves from the cold. We have a lot of downy woodpeckers that visit our suet cakes. And there's always a lot of birds in the trees across from the bird feeders... waiting their turn. Colorful finches... Mrs. Cardinal ..read more

It's PA State Farm Show week.  If you live in Central Pennsylvania, then you know that Farm Show week is almost always the coldest week of the year - and typically snowy.  It looks as though this year will be no exception to the rule.  As with much of the country, we've been having unseasonably cold weather these last few days.  Snow is predicted for today, but just a couple of inches (perfect!).  It's been bitter cold and fiercely windy - so, the donkeys declined going out into the front pasture yesterday morning. They prefer room service on mornings such as this, an ..read more

 Good Morning! The holidays are officially behind us now and we are back to winter life as usual here on the farm.  I woke up early yesterday (4-somehting), did a little reading and decided to get up and build a fire to warm up the house.  Yes, we do have heat (geothermal), but we turn it down at night and reheat the house in the mornings with our fireplace.  Our fireplace was built with a catalytic converter which helps to clean the emissions from the burning wood.  In the end, the fireplace provides much of our heat all winter long, reducing our electricity usage a ..read more

Sunrise...   It's not yet to the point where I have noticed a difference in the light.  It still remains dark when I rise... giving me time to do a few small chores around the house.  By the time we reach the barn, the sun begins to peek above the horizon.  The horses eagerly meet us at the barn, and we place Moonie's fly mask on and give Red his antibiotic.  Then, out to the pasture they go as the sun sets the sky on fire and the clouds become pastel tufts of cotton candy.  Another day begins... triumphantly, proclaiming,  "This show is for you... fo ..read more

From all of us, here on the farm, to all of you, our friends and family, we wish you peace and happiness in the days to come.  May the new year bring you closer to your dreams, ignite your passions, fill your heart with love, and surround you with laughter and joy. Know that you are loved, appreciated, and celebrated.  We look forward to sharing another year with you.   Personally, I have never been one to make resolutions - but I do set intentions for the year.  I look forward to having another year of trying to bring love and light to the world around me.  I will co ..read more

Winter typically consists of two seasons... ice... or mud.   For some reason, we get the bulk of our precipitation during the winter months and it seems that the ground never dries out.  It freezes occasionally - giving us a break from the mud.  We are currently in the mud... as the temperatures have been up in the 50's these past few days. The only real downside to the mud is the horses' propensity for rolling in it... especially Moonie!  I have no idea why he does this... but he does it all of the time.  Perhaps he rolls all of the time and I just don't realize it ..read more

There is something wonderful about the period of time after Christmas.  Life slows down considerably.  Although our holiday, this year, was unlike most, thanks to the flu, we were eventually able to spend time with loved ones.   The Littles came for an overnight on Friday and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas village.  We played, visited the barn and animals, and took the dogs for their woods walks. We were so happy to finally be able to spend some fun time with these three! A quiet, foggy weekend gave us the opportunity to do chores unhurriedly and spend time with our c ..read more

 As I stand, looking out of our windows, at the winter sun setting in the southwest sky, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and wonder.   Our small haven is not only a home for our domestic animal, but it is a home to a myriad of wild ones as well.  It is these souls to whom the land actually belongs.  Their progeny will continue to inhabit this land long after we are gone.  We are honored to share this space with them and to be a part of the intricate web of life. During our time, living here on the edge of the woods, we have taken great care to ensure these ..read more

I spent a little time, yesterday, looking back at past Christmases here on the farm.  We have had the privilege of caring for and loving so many varied souls over the years.  some remain with us to this day... others have passed.  All have given us wonderful memories that we will forever cherish.  Two donkey girls who are always game for a little dress-up.  Our two sweet, peaceful half-sisters - Daphne and Chloe wish you a peaceful, heartwarming Christmas.  Next, there's Moonie - in his younger days, when he still had both eyes.  Older and one-eyed now, he r ..read more