Rachel was on call this weekend (she's in hospice), so she was on a call when we got there, but Bob (her husband) & the kids, Gavin, Gracey, & Gabby (Hailey's 2nd cousins) took us on a tour. Bob had mowed down a path through their 14+ acres, so we hiked along the path looking at all the various trees, plants, and wild fruit bushes (they have quite an extensive blackberry patch). We then checked out the several gardens they have for the various fruits, vegetables and herbs they are growing. They were growing pumpkins, gourds, zucchini, butternut squash, peppers, tomatoes, horseradish and so much more! We then walked over to where they were beginning a little fruit orchard with pear and apple trees along with a grape vine. After that, we headed over to see the barn. The previous owners didn't take very good care of it, so they said they have a lot of cleaning up to do. By this time, Rachel got home from her call and took us on the rest of the tour. They are raising 17 chickens of several different types. So, we checked the nests to see if there were any eggs and sure enough there were several more. Rachel grabbed some baskets from inside and let the kids collect them. Hailey wasn't comfortable enough to collect them, because she was worried that one of the chickens was going to get her. It was also a little dark in the barn, because of an approaching storm. By the time we gathered the eggs and walked out of the barn, it was pouring down rain. We ran into the house and waited out the storm. Afterwards, Rachel dug up some horseradish and put that and a rhubarb plant she had previously dug up for us in a plastic bag. We picked a few gourds off the vine to bring home for decoration and she put a dozen fresh eggs in a plastic carton for us to take home as well. We were very appreciative!! They mentioned that they'd like to take a trip up to Chicago sometime, so we're looking forward to that!
We headed back to Brian's parents' house for some chili and garlic bread. It was perfect for the cooler weather the storm brought in. We had Texas sheet cake for dessert (Brian's favorite). Afterwards, we ran over to Kohl's and Walmart to do a little shopping. The day went by way too fast!
This morning, we hung around the house and chatted and before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Brian's mom made chicken & noodles, corn, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. This is one of Brian's favorite meals. It was again very delicious! After lunch, we headed out to Brian's Aunt Lana's (who also lives on quite a bit of land...27 acres...and is Rachel's mom and Brian's mom's sister) and took a short hike down a path to where they are building a hunting stand/tree house. They are also raising chickens and this time, Hailey must have gotten over her apprehension towards the chickens a little, because she walked right up to them. Brian's mom had picked a stem of Milkweed pouches, so Hailey was carrying that around the whole time. Even after we got home tonight, she wanted me to plant her Milkweed as well. Aunt Lana sent us home with a pumpkin and it's actually an eating pumpkin. So, we can make pumpkin pie from it. I need to read how to do it, but we can't wait to taste a "fresh" pumpkin pie! For now, it's a decoration on our front porch. :-)
Barn, house & tire swing
Lots of chickens and such pretty colors!
Hike on the path & views of the gardens and orchard. The second box in of the middle row is the pasture where the previous owners let their animals graze.
Gathering "farm fresh" eggs.
Visiting Aunt Lana & Uncle Larry's. The tree on the right is an Indiana native, the Tuliptree. The chicken in the bottom right was in the process of laying eggs when we went to look for any new ones.
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