farm animals, rocks and streams

Yesterday was quite relaxing. It was a gorgeous day, temperatures not so chilled, a pre-spring day that allowed us to enjoy the outdoors without heavy jackets for the majority of the daylight hours.

We had made plans to go out to the Farm out in front of the hills, a good 1 1/2 hour drive from here, to pick up another 1/2 animal we had ordered for our freezer. It is an organic farm, all grass-fed animals, very healthy, in a really beautiful location. The family has had that farm since the 1820's and it is nice to be able to support such a longstanding local effort of growers. The kids got to get up close and personal with some horses, since all the sheep and cows were too far away in their grazing--they have a vast 800+ acres of land--but we would like to go back in early summer when there are new babies to behold.

The highlight was a beautiful mountain stream that runs through the property. The babbling brook beckoned to both my children, to which they responded with great delight. C simply loved throwing rock after rock into the brook, while K found long sticks on the ground that she could use to pretend to fish. I got the chance to demonstrate some rock-skipping prowess and take some photos that I hope will turn out nice--we shall see within the week.

The solitude and peace that my soul feels out there reinvigorates my desire to move away from the bustling suburban life we now live. If MQE's workplace move has us going out closer to that same general area, I will not be upset with anything but leaving the incredible community of friends I have met here...but it is all starting over yet again, something I have done so many times in my adult life and I know I can adapt again.