Sunday, December 15, 2013

We have departed the Organic Farm...




The dawning of a new day at the Organic Farm was exciting and fun.  Our goal here was to learn how to be Organic Farmers.  I was hoping to learn about planting, soil, scheduling and all the things that a farmer could have in his head after 30 years on a farm.  That was not to be the case. Although I learned many things to do during our stay.  I equally learned many things not to do.  There were some differences of opinion and some difficulty with how some tasks were done.  After many confusing days we decided it was time to simply part ways from the farm and move on with our adventure.  I was very busy during our stay so here, I will update you on some of animals we had the joy of taking care of and the ice storm we endured.  

We were greeted by a friendly Cat, Anastasia.  I named her Bebe.  She was a sweetie.  Both of us were sad to say good bye to her.  She stayed close to the coach every night and even slept on our steps sometimes.  I made her a bed after a few chilly nights.  She seemed to like it.  I wish we could have took her with us.  She got to keep the bed and big bag of cat food hidden away for her enjoyment.






One of my tasks was feeding the dogs everyday.  I call these guys the 3 musketeers.  They take care of the sheep.


This is my lovely Molly.  She takes care of the Chickens by making sure no hawks swoop in and help themselves.


The chickens are grateful for Molly.  There were about 125 Chickens I looked after.  

The sheep were enjoying some dinner after a long day in the pasture.  


This is Lassie AKA Floyd for me.  The farmer didn't tell me his name so I named him.  He seemed fine with it.  He was such a sweetie.  



Sunrise ...I saw my fair share of these.  Getting up early to do my part on the farm.  

The farm was over 170 acres with 4 ponds, a large garden, greenhouse and farm store.  I fed animals, worked in the farm store, cleaned up, office work, cooked for the dogs, worked farmers markets, helped with sheep, and took care of the chickens.  

While we were there for a tour of jr high kids.  It was a fun and educational day.  I explained GMO's and what not to eat and why.  If you don't know what a GMO is message me and I'll tell you.


Kids looking out over the garden.


Part of the garden and the sheep.


The garden...It was 80 degrees this day.

The next day the weather turned ugly and by Saturday morning I woke up to.....below freezing and ...




We were living in an icy tomb...


The puppies didn't seem to like the 22 degree temps.


Frozen leaves...


I forgot to bring this fern in.


The icy prison the chickens and Molly were in.  It took me all day to get in that gate.


Bike ride anyone.  

After some differences of opinion we decided it was time to go.  We had to stay around another 4 days waiting for the thaw and packed up our toys to move on.  We'll miss the wonderful people we met there and hope there are a few we can stay in contact with.  It was super fun while it lasted.  

Right now we are in the South Dallas area decompressing and catching up.  We hope to be in Austin by Christmas... We'll see

Thanks for riding along. 




Friday, November 8, 2013

New Direction

Tom and I have a new direction in this crazy, hold on for your life adventure we are on.  For the past year and half we have toyed with the idea of getting property which then turned into having a small garden.  Then turned into lets have a couple of animals.  Finally we came up with the idea of having an organic farm / ranch.  We have been looking for property in many places and none seemed just right yet. The idea seemed scary since I am a city girl and Tom is barely a country boy !  Neither of us has farming experience unless I can get some telepathically from my family who has and still farms in Iowa.

To update also, we left Reno and went to Salt Lake City then to California and onto New Mexico.  Finally landing at our friends place in Central Texas about a month ago.  We hung out there and had a great time and started looking around again for property when a perfect opportunity came up.  I found an Organic Farm looking for help and willing to educate us in exchange for a full hook up spot on his property.

We now live on 177 acres with a small store I get to run and stock.  A large greenhouse for growing, fields for planting, fruit orchards and a wild flower garden.  I am in heaven.

I will post updates and photos as I am able.  The sun is rising and I gotta run.

Look for more.....

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Great Reno Air Race

Following the Balloon Race the airplanes came into town on Tuesday and the Great Reno Air Race began.  This was a great bonus for Tom since he loves all things having to do with airplanes.  He was in heaven.





This guy was flying around like he thought he was jet too.....














TOP GUN !!!!

Over the finish line


A fun day !!!! 

Where in heck have Tom and Lorraine been.....

Well the last couple of months have been busy and fun.  I don't know sometimes how I fit it all in a day.  We left California and headed into Reno Nevada.  Not planning on spending much time there until we found the Great Reno Balloon Race was coming.  We ended up spending almost 2 weeks there.

Early morning,  coffee and some hot air.



Getting ready for glowing


Glow show from up on the hill near the park. 




The balloon are getting bigger and bigger.....

Until they become this....

Racing for the finish line.  But the wind decides where they go.

I don't think most of the balloons cared they were racing.

Just a beautiful site...




The finish line.  Throw a sand bag over and get it on the X...  I think he made it.



These just were enjoying the ride.







Fun to experience and to see these beautiful balloons.  So much so we went to Albuquerque after this to the Fiesta in early October...