Our Farm
When most people think of a farm, they think of open fields and grain growing in perfect rows, with a barn full of animals to sustain the farmer and his family. I think of that too, only it’s not exactly like that here.
We don’t have much open land, just spruce trees and rocky beaches. There is no sign of amber waves of grain here either, and the animal/sustenance thing has been a bit of a struggle. We do feel a need to ensure that everything has a” purpose.”
I’ve thought about what the animals do for us, here goes.
The cat catches mice(and song birds too unfortunately).
The dogs are excellent bed warmers and compassionate companions.
The chickens provide us with wonderful eggs. (now that sounds like a real farm, until they stop laying and keep eating)
The geese are faithful watchdogs of the barnyard-you couldn’t sneak up on them if you tried. They also serve as a touching example of life long love for and devotion to each other.
The bees are brilliant pollinators and make delicious honey.
Once a year the sheep give up their beautiful soft fleece and the rest of the year they show off their superb lawn mowing capabilities.
The goats (maybe, someday) will give milk, and in the meantime are quiet and efficient ,natural weed eaters. They also serve as goodwill ambassadors to the island children.
The donkey is the guardian to all the rest. With proper training he could even pull a cart or be a pack animal for long hikes on the beach.
The one thing they all do is make excellent compost-something that is very valuable to a farm perched on the shores of the Atlantic. But their main purpose for us, I have too say, is joy. They are wonderful to watch, hilarious at times. Anyone who is feeling sad should spend an hour watching goats.
Our farm may not be a traditional one, but it pleases us.
