Across the Pond (Part 4): Down to the Farm

It is in their blood…

Luke grew up on a small holding in Cornwall.  On this trip, I enjoyed stories of their cows, Primrose, Mary Rose and Springtime, and also hearing about how all the animals, including his dog Pip, cuddled together in the barn.  Before weddings and Christmas milking came first.  Luke did reveal that he and his other brother, Matt, used to always peek in their stockings just to make sure Santa came before heading out to the cows.

His brother, Jim, now has a small holding and we love to take long walks in the woods down to his fields to visit.

The woods are tranquil with dappled light coming through the tree canopies and flowing clear streams. The slate hedges covered in moss run along the public footpath.  Walking through the woods in England, I’m transported to another world filled with fairies and poetry.

After about a mile walk in the woods we come to this beautiful slate cottage:

As you can imagine, I’m in love with the blue door!  Then into Newhall Green hamlet we spy this cottage with this lovely climbing rose:

From there it is a short stroll through the village to Jim and Sharon’s small holding.  The animals are so lovely.  At the top of their drive they have a little shop called Mum’s Pantry.

The shop is filled with delicious goodies – eggs, homemade jams and jellies and the best sausages I’ve ever eaten made from their Gloucester Old Spots!  I wish I could take some sausages to America, but I don’t think they would get through customs….

Sharon also sells handmade bags, hearts, garlands, cards and soap.  Mum’s Pantry is such a fun and inspiring space to visit.  I really enjoyed poking around the shop.  Our boys were more excited to visit all their animals.

This is Lily and and Jasmine –

such sweet girls! Lily and Jasmine are Golden Guernsey, a rare breed, who produce lovely goats milk. Sharon uses the milk to make cheese and goat’s milk soap.

There are sheep, ducks and geese:

Their Norfolk Black turkeys were very loud and there were many, many chickens.

Can you see the sheer delight on Conor’s face following all the animals?!?

On our visit the pigs enjoyed the English sunshine, unaware they would become sausages on Monday…