Edenbrook Farm

Beaujolais "Boo" Helps Around The Farm

2010-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

So we have these kittens, Beaujolais and Shiraz, who were found in a trash can at White Hall Vineyards, in Crozet, VA. I needed barn cats and these two needed a home. They arrived in October, just before Halloween.

Beaujolais or Boo, is all black, and Shiraz is smokey gray.

Shiraz is timid and prefers life in the farm office. Boo is full of character and curiosity.

Each morning Boo waits for the chickens to be released from their coop, then picks a spot along their feed tray and helps himself.

Whenever we clean the chicken coop, Boo walks around on the inside, drinks from their waterer, and watches us gather the eggs.

Right after Christmas, Jack climbed the stall wall to take down the Christmas lights. Boo scrambled up the wall (the same way), and walked the top rail, watching Jack unravel 300 feet of cord.

The most interesting thing about Boo is that his belly has the picture of a smiley face. So if you pick him up, and hold him all stretched out, he has this GIANT smile for you! We love our Boo.

Field Trip to Touchstone Farm and Yoder's Country Store

2009-12-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Winter is the perfect time for field trips. Yesterday we spent a blustery morning visiting with several rescued miniature horses at Touchstone Farm, in Madison, VA. Both of our miniature horses, Willy Wonka and Snickerdoodle, began their journey of recovery here. It was great to see Kim K., owner and operator of the rescue, interact and teach us about the minis.

Then we were off to Yoder's Country Store, to visit the barnyard of animals. Yoder's just installed a "goat walk", where the kids could pulley grain up to the top and then watch the goats carefully travel the planks to get their treat. Very cool. Amy enjoyed snuggling the boer does as they peaked their heads through the fence.

And Jack loved the Royal Palm turkeys. He tried to talk "turkey" to them and has informed me we need one at Edenbrook Farm. They're kind of loud, aren't they?

25" of Snow at Edenbrook Farm

2009-12-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

No one has been in the right place since Sunday! I had to get all the critters close to the barn, so that trudging through the snow wasn't an issue. But let me tell you - it's still an issue. I am proud to say that I have made it through my first blizzard as a farmer. (I am exhausted). :)

Chicken coop in the wash stall.

Donkeys and Minis in the arena.
Ramona the cow in the round pen just beyond.

Fjords in the goat paddock.

Goats and llamas are in the barn witing their turn in the paddock.

Driveway down to the barn.

A winter wonderland. 12/19/09

The animals were a bit confused with the monumentous snowstorm we had last weekend. I couldn't get to the farm on Saturday, as the roads were impassible. My wonderful friend and farm neighbor rescued me and fed all the animals for me. The next day we plowed our way in, brought the horses and cow down to the barn. Every day gets a little better, but there is another storm coming on Christmas Day. Freezing rain. We had to cancel the Live Nativity, which makes me so sad.

All of the animals are doing fine and are cozy in the barn each night. I have had a full body workout every day since Sunday - shoveling manure AND snow. How does my Vermont farmer friend do it? Here are some pictures of the snowfall and the animals. Merry Christmas!

Amy and Ramona

2009-11-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

I captured a special moment a few weeks ago of our new cow "Ramona" and a little girl named Amy. I hope you enjoy watching their friendship and love unfold as much as I do.

A Great Party!

2009-11-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

Rainbow goat, Shamrock, stood absolutely still for 4 young kids as they painted her at our Halloween Party. This picture is right before her bath.

Goose and Solvin stood stock still for all the kids painting masterpeices. (A little alfalfa hay, and they would stand there forever!)

Ramona Is Here!

2009-11-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

Our newest member of the Edenbrook Farm Team is "Ramona" the Jersey cow. She is a retired milking cow, who will teach our participants about the world of bovines.

Mystery Tracks

2009-09-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

What kind of animal made this footprint? We can't figure it out!

Meet our newest member . . . LEGOLAS!

2009-09-14T17:56:00.001-07:00

Jennie and Legolas

Willy's first rider

Smiling kitty

Our First Fresh Eggs!

2009-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

How does a month go by so quickly? We've been chasing chickens at Edenbrook Farm all over the yard, in the barn, up the driveway, in the woods, and out of hay mangers. All 14 girls started laying eggs this month. And all were in search of THE perfect place to put their treasures. Here are some pics of our pride and joy!

Donkeys are HERE!

2009-08-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

The donkeys first "sleepover" with the Goose and Solvin.
Hot Shot and Peanut walk to the paddock.

Grazing is pretty good!

Thanks to Bray Zen Farm in Charlottesville, we welcome our first two miniature donkeys, Hot Shot and Peanut! They are slightly bigger than our miniature horses, but all four have become fast friends. (. . . after chasing each other around the paddock a few times. The mini horses haven't had that much exercise in a long time!)

Some special perks regarding the donkeys - their faces are rabbit soft, they love their ears rubbed, they eat responsibly, and they love to bray in the morning!

We are so blessed to have them at Edenbrook Farm.

Make the effort

2009-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Grandma GG and Vicky

Special dinner together in May

In May, when David and I traveled to Ohio to purchase our fjord, Solvin, we made a little side trip to my Grandma's house. It was a last minute thing, so spontaneous and unlike us. Our visit meant the world to her! We picked her up and went out to dinner. We stayed up late talking and sharing stories. I admired her spunk and thought she looked fabulous for 91! I was so glad we MADE THE EFFORT.

It is from my Grandma's family that I probably inherited this "farmer gene". Many of her nieces and nephews still operate large farms in Ohio today.

We'll be returning to Ohio next week, because Grandma is not doing well. A fall and a bump on the head two days ago, has swiftly taken her spunk and she is asleep in a deep coma. Please pray for my mom and her family as they deal with what is ahead.

So, when the opportunity arises, be spontaneous and see your loved ones. Give them big hugs and say "I love you". Life is precious. Vicky

Thankful Heart

2009-07-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

"In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Colossians 3:23-24

Today I am reminded of why Edenbrook Farm Therapy Program is my mission. The animals, land and wildlife have touched so many people these last few months. My family and I are blessed to offer this haven to others. But don't get me wrong - I am not taking the credit. All of this belongs to God. He is using the farm to reach others. He is mending fences. He is extending forgiveness.

He is working the miracles. He is giving strength.

And strength is what I ask for each day. Physical strength to care for the animals and maintain the land, emotional strength to protect the farm's mission, mental strength to navigate the truth, and financial strength to forge ahead to serve others who struggle. Please join the journey with me.

Amazing Chicken Tricks

2009-06-10T15:36:00.001-07:00

My son had a great time last weekend playing with his Buff Orpingtons. This girl is about 3 months old. We have been watching the chickens lately, and there seems to be a rooster or two in the bunch. Now what do we do? Ha

Some DEFINITIONS

2009-05-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Interactive Farm Outreach

Farmers and landowners using their farms as a way to reach the community. This is done by inviting the public to experience farmlife and its benefits.

Farm Therapy
The feelings you get while spending time on a farm. It's therapeutic to the mind, body and soul to connect to the land, animals, and wildlife found on a farm.

Blog, Blog, Blog

2009-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am sooooooo behind on Blogging! It's been very busy at the farm. Time to catch everyone up on all the news at Edenbrook!

In May, we welcomed two Norwegian Fjord horses to the farm. Meet Gustav and Solvin, from Wisconsin and Ohio. These two boys are fitting in nicely, and are so much fun to ride. They will be the heart of the equine assisted learning program at Edenbrook. They are very gentle and love people.

Next came the baby Indian Runner ducks. 11 in all. They arrived in the mail. I picked them up at the post office - a little box of peeping ducklings. It has been almost 4 weeks, and they've grown so big. Yesterday was the first day in the duck yard. They were exhausted. Some have names, and others we are waiting to see if they are hens or drakes.

And lastly, the llamas arrived on Tuesday. Meet Peppermint Patti and Charlie Brown from Culpeper, VA. Pepper, the white llama, makes the most amazing shape when her ears are forward. Do you see it? Charlie is small and sweet. He is new to a halter and lead rope, but just follows his Pepper wherever she goes. And, AsparaGUS the goat, was the first to welcome them with a playful headbutt.

Keep us in your FAVORITES browser. We are looking forward to updating you on our very first media release. The local newspaper is featuring us in an article for this Sunday's paper. Yippee! Again, thank you for all of your support. With God's guidance and your help, Edenbrook will serve many people searching for a little "farm therapy."

Happy Easter from Edenbrook Farm

2009-04-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! We have enjoyed the beginning of spring on the farm. Our chicks arrived one week ago. We decided on several varieties including Buff Orpington, Dominique, Araucana, and Rhode Island Reds. All arrived safely and are living in the office.

Gus and Clover are growing so fast. This will be the last week of bottles for Clover. All the goats will live together and we'll get ready for the llamas to arrive. Here are some pics of our growing "kids".

And lastly, David and I will be traveling to see two horses for our program. They are located in Wisconsin, and are both Norwegian Fjords. A very exciting time and whirlwind trip is ahead! Here is a beautiful photo of Sophie, a been-there-done-that kind of girl. I'll post pics of Gustav, the other horse, very soon.

Having a bad day? Try a little Farm Therapy!

2009-02-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

These pictures speak volumes! There is nothing a baby goat can't fix in about 2 minutes.

February is the month of LOVE

2009-02-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

AsparaGUS and Clover have all of us so full of love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Monday, February 16, 2009

2009-02-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

Ivy had her kids on Monday this week, while I was at WalMart. Her aunties, Karen and Laura, and I all fretted over her for hours Monday morning. I was convinced Ivy wouldn't "go" until after 10PM. We all left to get some errands done, and that's when she had them. OH IVY!

These are the most LOVED goats in Virginia. With the help of prayer partners, Facebook, Blogspot, and email, we have people from all over the US following Ivy's babies. We named them AsparaGUS and Clover, keeping with our plant theme in goat names.

I am SO proud to introduce our unexpected additions to Edenbrook Farm . . .

And I thought Ivy was just fat!

2009-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

How could this happen to my little girl? We've had a whirlwind week at Edenbrook trying to adjust to the BIG news that our Ivy is pregnant and going to deliver any day! i spent two nights this week sleeping at the farm and checking on her every 2 hours through the night. No sign of the kids yet!

My friends Laura and Karen, have been great Aunties, and helping me pass the time as we all wait on pins and needles. The billy goat is white and Ivy is black and tan. Hmmm.. . . .I wonder what colors we'll see in the kids.

My family has started a list of possible names for the babies. Blog your suggestions or vote on what we have already! So far the favorites are "Clover", "Lily", "Asparagus", "Edamame", "Annabelle", and "Oakey".

And an update on the horses . . . I have rehomed the whole herd to a new trail riding adventure. A local cowboy came Wednesday and loaded them on the trailer, for continued training and their new job as trail horses. It is a relief to have found them the perfect place. God is so good! I'm taking a break from the big horses until the pond thaws and the weather is above 35. I'm a grumpy farmer when I have to break the ice! Ha.

Back in Training

2009-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today the weather reached 41 - yippee! Savannah and I got the horses back in training. Each horse tried out leg wraps for the first time, and we saddled up Sonny and Baby Girl. Amber had a good doay, too. She waited patiently when her "herd" left her in the round pen. Eventually, they came galloping back, but the whole event didn't send her to the moon. We ARE making progress!

This is winter in Virginia?

2009-01-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

OK, -2 is just cold. This has got to be the coldest day on the farm since we've owned it. Luckily, I had Dave's help today breaking the ice in the pond. It was 4 inches thick. My hand is still swollen from yesterday's ice hacking. I had to fill the troughs by hand with water buckets. And you'll love this . . . my carharts were so warm and constricting that I could barely bend over to scoop up the water. Ha! The horses are fine, the ponies are fine, and the two goats are fine. Maybe later in the week when it's 20 something, I'll wear a t-shirt. Say a little prayer for the animals tonight - theyre not used to this type of VA winter.

2009 - Time To Get The Blog Blogging!

2009-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm back to blogging on this icy, cold morning. Today, the horses were ready for their morning grain after a long, cold night. I broke through the ice in their troughs and in the pond, which left my arms kinda numb and useless. But, what a blessing to see the sunshine and my cold breath puffs at the same time!

EFTP is still in hibernation, but I'm slowly getting the word out around town. The added respite gives the new horses more time to get acclimated. I have enjoyed getting to know the neighbors, and I pray that the quaint gravel road will continue to blossom.

Drop me a line! I'll post new pics and update the blogspot more often. Best Wishes

A Future in Farming

2008-04-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Velikys just returned from a week on the farm. We spent 5 days at Cornerstone Farm completing their Farm Mentorship Program learning about all kinds of livestock. It was great fun and a lot of hard work. Our schedule started at 6:30 for coffee, 7:00 morning chores, 9:00 farmer's breakfast, 10:00 Farm School, 1:00 Lunch, 2:00 Hands on Experience, 5:00 Evening farm chores, 7:00 Dinner. We covered the care and maintenance of Miniature Jersey Cows, Nigerian Goats, Barbados Sheep, Sicilian Donkeys, Chickens, Geese, Quail, Turkeys and Guineas. Here are a couple of pictures.

Easter is coming!

2008-03-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today that I should sit down and open my Bible. The day got busy and I still haven't cracked it open. I am so thankful for all that God has provided for me, but I am especially thankful for the loving sacrifce of His son, Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to church this week, and to the new life we'll celebrate on Sunday.

Please pray for guidance and direction in my life. I wish to glorify God in everything I do. But, sometimes the path is so hard to see. Pray that I can look for the joy in all things. God's plan is amazing!

Happy Easter everyone!

Tinkerbell's Last Day

2008-03-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

March 18, 2008. Tinkerbell Veliky was put to sleep today. Dr. Ed made her transition to heaven a smooth one and she is finally able to truly rest. We don't know how old Tink was, being that she was a stray, but she was our first ever cat for 7 1/2 years. We have fond memories of her sweet personality and tiny stature. Our favorites are sitting on the Playstation box and sleeping under the wood stove. She was Dave's cat and she couldn't wait for him to sit down in the evenings so she could make biscuits on his shirt. She battled many health problems, which in the end made it very hard for us to continue her care. Have a nice long rest, Tink. God bless you.

First Snow of 2008

2008-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

It's January 17th and snowing like crazy! The kids trudged off to school at their regular time, but now the buses are turning around and bringing them home. It will be a Snow Day after all! This is a day for mac-n-cheese, hot chocolate, and dvd movies.

I saw a bee

2008-01-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 75 degrees today! This has been such a great break from Old Man Winter. While I was at the farm cutting back some old mums, I saw a bee fly by. It's January! Amazing. I'm now on my way out-the-door to watch Jack play kickball. He asked if the pool was open yet. Ha. I hope all of my VA friends had a great day in the sunshine. God Bless!

Heard it on the radio

2008-01-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been thinking about something and a song comes on the radio that reiterates exactly how your feeling? Wow! I had that experience today. Try listening to SpiritFM 90.1 and I'll bet the same thing will happen to you!

8 in 2008

2007-12-31T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of 2007. I'm thinking about 2008 and what I want to see happen in my life and at Edenbrook Farm. I found a blogspot called http://www.extravagantgrace.net/ where the author is challenging everyone to "Live Intentionally: 8 in 2008." "You pick 8 things you want to see, do, feel, or experience in 2008. Your list can be spiritual, emotional, physical, but not too material! If the Lord leads you, dream as big as your heart desires and be willing to see His work accomplished through you." That sounds a lot better than a plain old New Year's Resolution! So far I've thought of some of my 8's:

1. Invite a different couple, family, single person from my church who I don't know very well over for dinner, or out to lunch, 8 times this year.

2. Eat organic produce and/or meats at least once a week in 2008.

3. Continue riding western and learn to rope a cow by the end of 2008.

4. Organize an event to raise money for the Hydrocephalus Foundation, in honor of my 4 year old nephew.

5. Read all of my books on how to have a Hobby Farm.

6. Read the Bible and transfer verses and reflections in my journal every day.

7. Make breakfast for my family every day.

8. Help my kids with their school choices.

Join me in this 8 in 2008! Check in at Extravagant Grace and sign up! Vicky

Edenbrook Farm blog birth

2007-12-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I'm sipping my coffee having a wonderful time creating a blogspot for my favorite spot on earth. This is so much fun! The kids and I finished putting away all of the Christmas decorations yesterday and plan to spend today at the farm. One of my chores today is to fix the toilets in the farm office. Oh Joy!

I'm interested to see how many people will find me on Blogspot. Drop me a note! V