59 Comments
User's avatar
Joe's avatar

Always a great read from you

Amy MoDud's avatar

If you like Vermont, you might like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I grew up on the western end and all of your pictures made me remember watching huge black tadpoles swimming in mud puddles in the spring, catching frogs in the pond, and having hundreds of acres to tromp around in.

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Thanks Amy, that's one place we hadn't really considered. I'll look into it.

meandmom6681's avatar

Reading this took me back in time 60 years ago when my two little brothers and I caught tadpoles in mudholes, made mud pies and brought our mother the bounty of an afternoon picking dandelions and other tiny flowers out in the pastures. Spent the afternoon in reflection and absolute joy Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

Ashley Adamant's avatar

You're quite welcome!

Glenn Bowman's avatar

Hey Ashley, that's a great looking spread you and your family have created. Love the pictures. I grew up on a farm and we also milked a cow. I remember my mother skimming off the cream next morning after it set in the fridge all night. That dandelion honey looks YUM!

Erin's avatar

I’m in love with these precious pictures!

Donna Kelly's avatar

Cobb ovens?? Please tell us!

This year I just switched to raised beds also!!! Skipping the Spring weeding before planting was just glorious!!

Thank you for sharing your life with us. I so enjoy your prose!

Ashley Adamant's avatar

I'll definitely share our process as we get to it. This video has a great tutorial on cobb ovens for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0foHjPVbP4

Claire Schauer's avatar

Wow, starting on another farm just as the fruit trees are bearing! But I am not one to criticize-we started farming at a time when many people our age are selling their farms for easier living. Oh, well, always up for the challenge! BTW, the "western slope" in Colorado is a great place for organic farming, especially the North Fork(of the Gunnison River) Valley.

Carla's avatar

Loved your new raised beds and your garlic!! I just made some lilac blossom almond scones from my lilac blossoms. Enjoyed your article.

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Oh now that sounds delicious!

LinMaree's avatar

Lovely to read…absolutely lovely. I almost felt like I was you! Thank you.

Ashley Adamant's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it!

Sue's avatar

Congratulations on looking for a new homestead. If you land in south central PA (hint hint). I have learned so much and hope to continue learning with you. I enjoy reading your posts and seeing you on fb and instagram. I appreciate all you do. Thank you.

Cissie Dee's avatar

What an adventure! Love your updates. How I miss my growing up years in PA when anything would grow just about anywhere and spring peepers were such a treat. In the Southwest desert, the lettuce was done a month ago, the jalapenos are blossoming again and other than a few flowers, we're done until fall. I'll bet you hate to leave your home to start over, but what an adventure. Wishing you all the best. Praying God guides you every step of the way in your new endeavors. Stay safe.

Cissie Dee

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Thank you Cissie!

Mimah Millan Vieira's avatar

Your post makes me want to go out and get sweaty in the garden today! You’re absolutely inspiring!

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Ha! I hope it succeeded and did get you out in the garden =)

Lee's avatar

Well said. All the best of luck in your new adventure.

Gail's avatar

Great read. Thank you for sharing. P.S. Hindsight is always 20/20 🤗

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Ain't that the truth!

Pamela8's avatar

What a big undertaking as you grow into a new space! We are rooting for you!☺️

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Thank you so much!

JG's avatar

Do you put any chemicals in the stock pool pond? I was recently gifted a stock pool and have been researching pool and hot tub options with it.

Ashley Adamant's avatar

Last year, we didn't add anything to out pool. We have so many raised beds nearby that we just pumped it out to water all the beds every 2 weeks, and that kept it clean. A simple sump pump for about $50 does the trick.

We had a neighbor down the road tell us that their well can only pump about 200 gallons of water a day, and because of that, they had to have a water truck come fill theirs. They can't use it to water their gardens (and they don't even have gardens, since they can't water them on a well like that). Anyhow, they said just throwing a chlorine tablet in it each week did the trick. For science, I'm testing that method since I want to write about stock tank pool management options, and at 2 weeks in the pool is still clear. But, it's early in the season and the real test will in the heat of summer.