WELCOME TO HIDDEN MEADOW

Today marks one week since we closed on our 34 acre farm in Lexington Virginia.

One week full of excitement, utter exhaustion, and an incredibly (approaching impossibly) steep learning curve. So even though there are still boxes to unpack, corners to be dusted and acres of weeds to be pulled, I’m taking a break to sit down and officially welcome you to Hidden Meadow Farm.

Once we made the decision to embark on this journey, we knew we wanted to share the process in all its beauty and hilarity and exhaustion with all of you. Each week, we’ll post a blog, detailing that week’s adventures. Each month we’ll post a video update from both of us. And hopefully, maybe, start our very own podcast in the new year. There, I wrote it, so now we have to do it. 🙂

So what has our first week been like? Let’s break it down into categories to help out my tired brain.

• The animals.

Atticus Finch + Oscar (L to R) couldn’t wait to explore their new home. We cracked the window and let them look out as we drove down our 1/4 mile driveway for the first time after closing. Since then they’ve been cautiously exploring all the new things, the pool, the creek, and have enjoyed having three levels to explore.

The chickens. My Mom and Roger generously gave us 4 young hens and a rooster from their flock. They also gifted us this awesome chicken tractor to keep them safe until we get a permanent coop built for them. We’re still learning their personalities to give them names, but if you have any suggestions we’d love to hear ’em.

• The house.

We’re still in the fun of arranging and rearranging but its nice to see things starting to take shape. My mom and sister started our first project by putting a base coat on the ceiling. Once we get the ceiling and walls white we’re hoping it will feel a little less lodge like and a little more farmhouse. We love the large beams and all the natural light (Although after scrubbing 11 screens and windows yesterday in the living room alone, I was a little less enthused about the natural light)

• The land.

While there’s still a lot of exploring and clearing to be done, it’s been so fun to start learning more about this land of ours. Two days ago I discovered a huge pear tree in the yard and found the cutest baby pear on the ground underneath. The tree is full of pears though so my mind is already full of all things pear tarts and salads and breads for the fall.

We have a lawn mower and tractor on our ever-growing “to-buy” list. But growing grass waits for no man, so this week we paid to have the lawn mowed and will have the pastures bush hogged on Sunday. We can’t wait to see more of the land and start getting the pastures ready for my quarter horse Ama in the spring.

Our babbling brook is bewitching and I’m already planning how I’ll clear it out and create a couple ponds for our future ducks. 🙂

• The family

I can’t thank my family enough for all their help getting us moved. From my brother and sister-in-law Mark & Sarah (and niece Allie) helping us load up a beast of a piano in Tennessee, to my brother Matt (and sister in law Heather for loaning us Matt for the the weekend), sister Sara, brother in law Steve, nephew Gideon, and my Mom and Roger helping us with everything in Tennessee and here in Virginia. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We love you and can’t wait to hang out more often now that we’re closer.

I also can’t finish this post without thanking everyone for helping us feel loved in our new community. From the former farm owners leaving us beautiful flowers and a card on the kitchen counter, to our realtor gifting us a welcome basket full of local wine, and goodies, to our old friends Kevin and Jessie who brought by a lovely housewarming gift. Also, our realtor/s took us out to a lovely lunch with the former owners this week, so so nice. We are definitely feeling the small town love.

We can’t wait to keep you posted on this adventure. Upcoming projects include re-staining the deck, painting the exterior, building a new chicken coop and run in barn. Oh and buying a puppy. So only a couple things. 🙂

Thank you for coming with us on this journey to a simpler life.