dancing early days: to be real

early days and dancing: ring my bell

Ambrosia Farms - Celebrating 25 years

I have been fortunate to have lived on this Farm.  The name of the farm was inspired by the Carole King song because much of the words echo what I've felt here.  As mentioned in the song there is a river, reminiscent of Native American life - there is a running stream which really makes sleeping a wonderful experience when the night comes, and beautiful green pastures along with old growth forests.  The area is still quite rural and affordable.  The Amish have recently relocated here bringing both good and bad affects.  But for the most part - nothing has changed since I came here in 1988.

Complimenting my life here is my fiance Gene.  His talents and skills have been important in keeping our animals happy and healthy by building perfect facilities, making green and great hay, keeping us warm in the winters with a wood stockpile, and troubleshooting every possible thing that goes wrong .

Life on a farm is a constant struggle - not only for ourselves but for the animals - making ends meet is hard - even with off farm income.  We have 30 goats, 5 horses, 1 pony, 4 hound dogs, 12 cats - and 215 acres of land with 3 buildings - a dairy barn, a horse barn, and a house.  All of these buildings need constant maintenance and much of the work we don't get to.  All of the animals live with lots of space and freedom to move - including full out running space - a predominant reason the animals live a long and healthy life.  All of this open space, peace and nature is a rare jewel - priceless by todays standards.

Both of us love being outdoors 24/7.  Sometimes we find the chores hard - especially as we are aging. But our caretaker shows no signs of slowing - much older than us - he has been a reliable relief for many many years.

Friends and family have visited often, showing support for all of our undertakings which have included caring for these animals, growing heirloom veggies, making hay, woodshop and sawmill work, pony and horse rides, and goat dairying, agritourism as well as hound dog rescue and adoption of wild horses.  None of our ventures have made money - but they support the farm upkeep and real estate taxes.

We see nearby cow dairy farmers struggle to make a living and large commercial ones that make a living but at the expense of the cow.  And we see more and more cattle farmers.  And some new veggie farms and lots of small local producers of artisan items.  Overall the future of small farming rests in a reliable distribution system that works for small farmers.

We have a great quality of life that offsets what we lose in financial stability.   I am so grateful for my time here.  One thing is certain - the next generation of farmers will be lucky - our conservation practices provide that these resources are preserved!

With a Heavy Heart...

...with a heavy heart, I embed this video - the NY Times reporting on the status of wild  horses.  It seems every year we get a bad report.  lots of politicians - bought and paid for - lobbying for their demise.

These horses are some of the finest stock in North America - true horse pedigree.  I know firsthand -we adopted 2 of them.

Do they tell people like me - when and how they can adopt these horses - NO!

There are NO public service announcements.  For only 125 dollars - you can adopt and provide care - in return you get  a really good horse - get them young enough  - and they are easy to handle.  Adopt an older one - and you may look upon them with pleasure and admiration - knowing you have prevented one more slaughter.

I encourage everyone to bring these horses home - it is easier than you think!  here are  some photos of ours at Ambrosia Farms for many years we have given "Blackfoot" and "Blossom" greener pastures!

...please go to the following adoptions if you are in NY, NJ , or CT- make sure to pre apply if you want to adopt that day - their website has all the info:

in the North east 

July 12-13

Ithaca, NY

Milwaukee Field Office

July 19-21

Gloucester County, NJ Extreme Mustang Makeover

Milwaukee Field Office

NATIONWIDE
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram/adoption_program/schedule.html

we can help you with questions or concerns about requirements and facilities    to be eligible.
call us at toll free eight hundred 221 nine seven five five!

A Goat -able Year So Far

Psyche = gets her head stuck in the goat fencing again and Gene has to rescue her!

Gene with 5 of the 2013 kids

in the front is a black one from Pearl, next is Artemis from Diana, Diana is the tall one center (a 2012 kid) - behind her is the other boy from Pearl and Promethus from Hygenia (Undie), and his brother is blocked out in back - named Atlas.

Visit Our Farm

we were lucky to have been a part of this joint venture for a while and we are hoping to start our own more Zen like agritourism complimenting the beauty of our surroundings and animals with a simple Japanese inspired structure that will open itself up to yoga, art,  food, and culture.

Music for the Soul

According to the NYTimes.com, "When pleasurable music is heard, dopamine is released in the striatum — an ancient part of the brain found in other vertebrates as well — which is known to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli like food and sex and which is artificially targeted by drugs like cocaine and amphetamine."

Yes, there is even more to it - so press the MUSIC category to the left -hear/see all the videos labeled "MUSIC" - let those dopamines roll...