The reason the hubby and I make the long drive from Maine to Houston is to to stop in Franklin, Tennessee, where one of our daughters moved to a small farm 3 years ago.
Every visit we see changes. The Katadin lambs that once grazed in the pasture are gone because they liked to jump up on people and as they grew larger that was not such a good thing. Not only that they were nasty creatures whose fondness for the barn left it stinky and messy, and no one was crazy about cleaning up after them.
There were lots of ducks, but who knew they would be so prolific. Every hatching introduced 10-15 new ducklings. Unfortunately, the ducks never left because they liked their lifestyle at the farm. As a consequence, some ducks ended up on the dining table.
Turkeys became a bit of a problem as well. The intent was to have them be a good food source, but there’s a small window of time when they are good to eat otherwise they get tough, really tough. So into the wild went the turkeys.
Still, there are chickens that roam freely
and keep the family in plenty of fresh eggs. In fact, there are so many that the girls have made a little business of selling the extras.
Buddy and Bella, the big Anatolian shepherds, earn their keep by keeping predators off the property. They’ve been the winner in a number of encounters!
In the pasture, there is a new visitor who seems very content in her surroundings. She’s a boarder that gives just the right look to the farm.
This visit I was touched to see this flower blooming. Believe it or not, it propagated from a plant that belonged to my great grandmother which means it is well over 60 years old. Just mentioning this flower leads to a whole other story, but I’ll save it for next time.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Joining
Lulu's Musings 
Your daughter’s farm looks absolutely wonderful. And, like Alice, I can hardly wait to hear the story of the plant with a 60-year history.
How great to hear about life on the farm…brings back lots of memories. Can’t wait to hear the story about the 60 year old flowering plant.
I am sure you can relate to much of life on the farm.
Ah the ever changing life on a farm. Love it and beautiful pictures!
It’s been a real learning experience for the kids.
What a great place to live!
For the kids,it’s been a good thing.
Definitely worth the drive. Love the packaging on those eggs!
My daughter is a detail person.
That farm must make visiting your daughter doubly pleasurable.
It’s always a good stop because things are never the same.
Love your daughter’s farm in Franklin. Animals are great, and yes can be somewhat of a nuisance at times….I just have to deal with the flower and plant eating deer and pesky squirrels who would love nothing better than to make their home in my attic….Loved the beautiful photos!….Glad you are home safe and sound…I hear there is a bad storm headed your way…stay safe!
The farm has been a continual learning experience to say the least! Yes, today is very blustery and we are expecting heavy rain so it’s a good day to stay inside and catch up on blog reading. BTW, I loved all of your creative ideas for gift wrapping. My efforts pale in comparison.
Linda, I live in the country with lots of wild turkeys, deer, fox, etc but not on a farm! I love your daughter’s spirit of adventure and what a great place to raise children!
Living on the farm has been a great way for the girls to learn responsibility.
I miss your daughter’s posts. Is she still blogging? We visited Franklin in September—beautiful country.
I guess you live and learn…having a farm is very hard work and it’s usually the long time farmers that can give you advice. When we first moved to the lake we learned the hard way about determining if the water was frozen, what sort of storms could pick up in a milisecond on the water, how to build a bonfire and of course, watching out for coyotes and raccoons that like your trash!! So I identify with your daughter and her family and wish them all the best!
Jane x
Despite its challenges the kids have prospered from their move. Isn’t life just one big learning experience?
Yes, Linsey is still blogging but has changed her location to Bravehearted Beauties.
Yikes…it sounds charming to live on a farm but like everything I guess it’s hard work and a bit messey!!!
The lambs look so precious …who knew..
Now we need to hear about the 60 year old plant.
Suzy
Farm life has been a real learning experience but it seems to be a positive one.
That flower is a living legend.
Who could have imagined it lasting so long?
I think it speaks volumes that your daughter has the courage to live on a farm, I know it comes from your creative nurturing~
Jenna
Oh Jenna, I’m not sure I get any of the credit. I never thought this girl would leave Houston but it’s been a good move.
Beautiful Lulu! How wonderful your daughter lives on a farm. I bet it is pretty special. Safe travels!
Quite a different experience for her for sure!