
I'm back! I had a fabulous trip to Arkansas and Oklahoma this past week. For once, flying went smoothly, minus a bag mix-up on my part (I can't recall a time when I have made such a mindless, stupid mistake) and it didn't completely wear me out. I drove a bunch, which if you know me, you know I really don't like driving anymore. But, the rental car had all the cool new gadgets and I enjoyed piping Joshua Bell through the stereo from my phone and the fabulous jazz XM station.
The trip included a visit with my friend and mentor, Ellen Dorsey at Dill's A Little Goat Farm. One of her does kidded while I was there and it was neat be part of the ebb and flow of her farm and see her lovely goats in their home. I got to play with her boys, which helped stave off homesickness for my own children and simply enjoy her lovely family. Goats and good friends always means a good time.
Our cousins in Arkansas bought their first dairy goats during my visit, as well. They purchased two very nice Oberhasli does in milk. I was able to milk them and help get them set up. I love to teach and mentor and teaching family is even more special. I didn't have room for barn shoes or clothes, so I did get a kick out of myself - feeding and milking goats in sandals and street clothes.
The goat experiences were fabulous, but the main reason for my visit was musical in nature and all about my family. I was able to watch Bradyn and my Aunt Judy perform at the Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Their performances were fabulous, right along with all the other performers that night. I met Bradyn's teachers, his conductor and many of his new friends. It was a bit surreal. He's there--that age where he will soon be his own man. He had friends and teachers that I did not know and many experiences that changed him for the better. I am grateful that each person I met was a delight--he could not have been at a better place. And then add the family element and I was just humbled at God's goodness to Bradyn and to me.
Now we're back---and I am working to recover from little sleep and get us "back in the saddle". From a farm perspective, we are going to scale the herd back pretty sharply. Things are changing quickly here and we need less to do. For our goat followers--I will have a for sale page up in the next week or two. I may hold most of our juniors off for breeding, as I really do not plan to freshen a bunch of does next spring. Meanwhile, I'm hustling and trying to get us back into a routine here that keeps things running smoothly. Thanks to all who prayed for our safe travels. We're here---moving to the normal tune here, but the changes are coming, both in tempo and style--thanks for coming along for the ride.
The trip included a visit with my friend and mentor, Ellen Dorsey at Dill's A Little Goat Farm. One of her does kidded while I was there and it was neat be part of the ebb and flow of her farm and see her lovely goats in their home. I got to play with her boys, which helped stave off homesickness for my own children and simply enjoy her lovely family. Goats and good friends always means a good time.
Our cousins in Arkansas bought their first dairy goats during my visit, as well. They purchased two very nice Oberhasli does in milk. I was able to milk them and help get them set up. I love to teach and mentor and teaching family is even more special. I didn't have room for barn shoes or clothes, so I did get a kick out of myself - feeding and milking goats in sandals and street clothes.
The goat experiences were fabulous, but the main reason for my visit was musical in nature and all about my family. I was able to watch Bradyn and my Aunt Judy perform at the Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Their performances were fabulous, right along with all the other performers that night. I met Bradyn's teachers, his conductor and many of his new friends. It was a bit surreal. He's there--that age where he will soon be his own man. He had friends and teachers that I did not know and many experiences that changed him for the better. I am grateful that each person I met was a delight--he could not have been at a better place. And then add the family element and I was just humbled at God's goodness to Bradyn and to me.
Now we're back---and I am working to recover from little sleep and get us "back in the saddle". From a farm perspective, we are going to scale the herd back pretty sharply. Things are changing quickly here and we need less to do. For our goat followers--I will have a for sale page up in the next week or two. I may hold most of our juniors off for breeding, as I really do not plan to freshen a bunch of does next spring. Meanwhile, I'm hustling and trying to get us back into a routine here that keeps things running smoothly. Thanks to all who prayed for our safe travels. We're here---moving to the normal tune here, but the changes are coming, both in tempo and style--thanks for coming along for the ride.