Free family fun is a rare commodity in these economically challenged times and watching the broad smiles on the faces of the old the young and the very young was priceless for us. Our farm gates are always open, our farm policy is based on an “open farm“ policy. If we are selling meat or eggs to the general public we consider that the public should be able to see the way we raise and keep our livestock on any and every day of the year, not just for one day of the year. That being said, Farm Tour day is a very special occasion for us and our customers, new and old, a day when laughter smiles and wonderment fill the farm yard, a day when our customers can share the life that fills our days with such blessings.
Thank you to our WWOOfer interns who work so tirelessly on a daily basis, to Jean and Beck who volunteered their day and worked so hard, to Heidi and Ashley, always smiling and enthusiastic. Patrick our "tractor man" who never fails to transport a trailerful of tiny smiles as he chugges back and forth on the seemingly endless free hay ride and William his always exhuberant son who assists our guests with their parking on the farm road. Thanks extended to Ralph and Sue, our neighbors who offered their property as a parking lot and thus prevented a mess of headaches, we are so glad you came here ! Our thanks to Deputy Eric, kindly loaned to us by the Mason county sheriffs department, a deputy with kindness and humour who interacted with our guests and was a credit to his profession. Thanks to Dana Pederson, a John Lions certified horse trainer who took on the challenge of giving Quest our Shire gelding an attitude adjustment, to Mustard Seed and The Historical Society, dedicated volunteers. To Rita with her antique treasures , to the 4H Differences dog agility team for their very entertaining and skilful presentation and to Robin..what would we do without you. Thank you all, SO much.
There is something very special about taking a shy little three year old into a chicken house, reaching under a quietly clucking hen and pulling out a beautiful shiny brown egg. There is an extraordinary feeling that rewards us for hosting this event when we watch families interacting with Macho and Alissia the honeymooning goats, the look of awe when Lady and Quest, our Gentle Giant Shire horses lower their huge handsome heads for a carrot snack and the happy children’s chatter when introduced to our congenial flock of hair sheep and lambs. A bus from a Gig Harbor retirement home pulled up at the farm and the elderly residents quiet and dignified shared memories of days gone by, recolections of happy days long gone but clearly still fresh and memories of long days and hard work. These are the treasured moments that make the Farm Tour so special for us and we thank you all for giving us these memories.
Well, it’s time I got moving, no time to rest, things to do…take care, keep safe. Photographs will be posted tomorrow….Promise !!!M