What was I thinking?

I asked my husband to retire to the family farm...

Who are we? We are Frank and Vici Jennings and proud parents of two great adult children (Sarah and Seth) and a wonderful son-in-law (Adam). We have three dogs, bunches of farm cats, and our very own herd of chickens! I am also the great-granddaughter of Fred and Jennie Goldsmith, the creators of our family farm. 

Three Generations

The Farm, it's official unincorporated name, has been a part of my fabric for 66 years. I lived with my grandparents in the original farmhouse for a little while (though the only proof is a couple of pictures) while my dad finished college and my mom worked as an RN. We had a couple of moves, but always were here for holiday and summer visits. From age 9-13, we lived in Lyndon, putting us a two-mile bike ride to the farm. I loved the time I spent with my grandparents - Harlan was a hard worker, a smart man, and ornery; Elsie a quiet, hard worker with the kindest eyes and a college degree. They ran a dairy, farmed crops, gardened, and had livestock. I learned work ethic and skills that I still use. From eighth grade to the first year of our marriage we didn't get to see my grandparents as much, but our visits were meaningful, every time.

Four years ago, my mom, JoAnn, died. She was our matriarch and the preserver of the family farm, established by her grandparents in the early 1900's. Mom and Dad (Rudy) lived here after her parents were gone, making them third generation stewards. Now, we are fourth. 

So why? My brothers and I had to decide what to do with the gift of a homestead and 219 acres. The boys have different lives, businessmen and near/city dwellers. They didn't want to farm. We aren't farmers. I am an educator and Frank worked in Swine Production. (I just realized both those jobs help herd chickens...😊)  After lots of work and sale of the majority of the land, I chose the homestead and 30 acres. We aren't farmers either, but we thought this was just right for a retirement home and a small amount of income. 

But there was more. I have always felt pulled to this place. The land and work of farmers and then, the memories. Every corner holds a memory; every moment a mini-glimpse into the work of my ancestors. I have always been happy here. We like knowing that we are taking care of a legacy. While The Farm is small and manageable for two old farts, we are learning what it takes to be good stewards of the homestead, the land and our livestock. We are fast becoming managers of seasons and money necessary to be the caretakers. We have learned about laws specific to land and livestock. We rent our pastures to cattlemen and we learn from them too. 

And we are happy, blessed, and content, especially after I was sure Frank was glad to be here! We have no regrets and this incredible gift from my mom and my brothers is sometimes hard to fathom. I am at home.