02/16/2018
S*x, Hot Fudge and Pickles
Sometimes I just have to chuckle to myself at the situation. I was walking from the house one beautiful quiet morning this week, dog at my side, to the facility where the office for our farm operation and Victoria Park and Ride is located. (my commute). I glanced over to say hi to the horses who were intently staring at the herd of cows next door, as if to be a cheering section for some very interesting event. Of course I joined their intentional stare, to discover the bull of the herd hard at work ensuring the future of his bloodline.
What made me laugh is that I hardly considered it anything unusual.
We raised our family around a very busy lambing operation, and releasing the ram into the flock of ewes each season was almost ceremonial. We would marvel at his intentional efforts in a similar vein. But I must admit the drama surrounding something as big as a full grown bull up on his hind legs...well say no more.
But the classic moment many years ago, was when we had two llamas on the property. They were being raised and trained for packing and treking as a 4H project. Their names were "Hot Fudge" (the stud), and "Pickles". Two magnificent animals... friends for life.
Well I came home from the hotel one night all dressed in suit and tie, and one of our neighbours met me at the front door. A nice elderly gent with a most beautiful, but very thick German accent. I never did know his name. But he began to tell me this: "I thot yu sould know dat today de big llama, de brown von, had hees vay vith the liddle vite lassy, unt i hope e did not hurt her, he is zo big...anyvay I thot u should know"
I politely explained to our very kind and concerned neighbor, that the two llamas were both boys!!
I'm not at all sure what he said next as he turned and walked away shaking his head as if to wonder how this could be...
All this flashed back through my memory...so I walked with a bit more of a skip and a smile, and marveled at the things the farm life have brought our way, and tipped my ball cap to Hot Fudge and Pickles. And also to our years as shepherds, those years raising all those lambs for our restaurant down at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Our guests enjoyed lamb ethically raised with love, here, right outside our little farm house.
By the way if you are looking for some amazing beef check out Woodgate Farm, our friends next door, (www.farmandmarkettrail.com). I have watched how well these beautiful beef cows are treated by my farmer friends next door. They feed our community with food that is local, properly raised and prepared for their customer base all year round.
Remember this show goes on everyday here. So when you park with us at Victoria Park and Ride - our off airport parking and shuttle service... look out the window or even take a walk around...you may find it refreshing and inspiring. But for sure you will see a couple working farms, run by farmers determined to make a difference toward healthy living, and healthy eating for our community.
Cheers to the ongoing-ness of our bloodlines each and everyone...
Kevin
This little filly was born here on the farm almost three years ago...she was under saddle for the first time this week. we call her Neveah!
