Gentleman Farmers

Earlier this year one of Ken's co-worker's, Jeannette, bought an old, 10-acre farm in Malvern, and she invited the four of us to come visit this afternoon. Today was the perfect day to go -- mild, and the fall foliage was at its peak. As soon as we pulled up and Luke spotted chickens walking around in the garage, I knew we were in for a treat. We started our tour with the chicken coop where Jeannette and Wayne's original six chickens have multiplied to 100 -- silky whites, black bantam chickens with feathers covering their legs and feet, brown ones, too. The chickens have run of the property and have even found their way into the house!

Next we met the three goats, one of which is an angora goat. They're very friendly, and Luke asked that I "take video" as he pet them. We saw guinea fowl and sheep, too, and three ponies that were staying with Jeannette and Wayne for a few weeks. With the help of Jeannette's daughter, Bryn rode Barney, a 28-year-old pony, with nothing more than a saddle blanket. We learned that you can hold onto a horse's mane as a horse can't feel a tug from it's hair. We stayed for about an hour and had to pry Bryn and Luke away from the impressive farm when it was time to leave. We've been invited back for the first snowfall when we'll be able to sled down the big hill that comprises the sheep and goats' grazing area. We can't wait!