I just can't wait

"I just can't wait to get into that garden."  Those words were said by our 6 year old when we came home from school one day, and she saw her daddy working in the garden.  Some people might not get excited about that, but to us, that is awesome.  That means we are instilling a deep love of the land in the lifestyle to our children.  That is very important to us.  It was a conscious choice we made to move back to Lugoff and another debatably sane choice we made to start farming.  Robin has always told people she is not a gambler. The life of a farmer is one big gamble.  You are always gambling with so many elements beyond your control. 

Julianna certainly did not inherit that gardening gene from Robin.  She gets that trait from Keith.  He loves to be outside digging in the dirt. It does not matter what the temperature.  He would rather be outside than working in an office any day.  Robin is convinced gardening just gives him the excuse to be a kid once again and play in the dirt.  Robin on the other hand least favorite, and most enjoyable chore on the farm, is working in the garden.  She really does not like all the work involved with growing your own food. The weather has to be perfect too.  She is a fair weather farmer.  However,  she loves to eat all the fresh food produced by our own hands.  Nothing can compare with walking outside to your backyard  picking a fresh squash, cuke or tomato and then having that on your plate for your dinner.  There is such satisfaction in this chore.  Once you try it you will be hooked.  We promise.  It really is not difficult.  Got questions, contact Clemson Extension office.  They can be a great resource.  Also, the Master Gardeners often have a booth at the local farmer's market.  You can always email us and ask  questions on how to get started.  We may not always have the answers, but we  will try. 

One of our goals in writing this article is to share the joys, sorrows, trials and tribulations about this journey   of farming we are on.  We also, want to encourage you to start your own journey. You may never  produce enough to direct market, but you and your family will benefit not only by eating the fruits of your labor, but also by the time you spend together.  If you care to follow the events of our life and the farm in detail, then we would like to encourage you to become a fan of the farm on Face Book.  We usually post daily about what is happening here on the farm.

There are a couple of new arrivals on the farm.  Being the proud new "parents"  we are, we had to share them with you. We have had 2 baby lambs born this week and hopefully more will come soon.  This is a first for us.  We have had lambs before.  We usually buy them at weaning age from other farmers and then grow them out on the farm. Also, we have a new baby goat.  Our son, Zachary, received him from Back Country Farm in Blythewood.  Zachary is now the proud new "mom" to Shadow who is 2 weeks old. He will be responsible for the bottle feedings and care of his new pet.  Goats are so much fun and make the best pets.  Outside pets of course.  Shadow  tries to come in and the kids want him too.  Robin draws the line.  No goats are  allowed inside the house. However, we think pigs may  live in our children's bedrooms.  We have made our  front porch into a goat playpen .   Shadow follows you around everywhere hence that is why Zachary named him this.  It is so much fun to watch Shadow  and the kids running in the yard chasing each other.  Watching them together, we realize once again how blessed we really are to be on this journey of farming.

Does all this sound like lots and lots of work? Well it is! There is just something magical about a family working side to side together.  Watching our kids work next to Keith parent's, his father is 89, processing eggs will warm your heart.  Sharing in the bounty together that you worked so hard to produce makes at even better.  Seeing the children becoming responsible and caring for the animals are lessons they will never forget.  As we stated earlier, farming and life is a journey.  A journey that  we are sharing together and hope that it makes all of us better.