A Day at Joie’s Farm

My dear friend Joie is spending the summer as an intern at Prairie Whole Farm in Ida Grove, Iowa. The kids and I visited yesterday, and I don’t have words to describe what a terrific day we had. We came home dirty (so dirty) and exhausted (in the best way), our heads and hearts full of new experiences and our arms full of produce and fresh flowers and even eggs from the prettiest  chicken I’ve ever seen (June). I’m still buzzing from friendship and inspiration.

Missy and Phillip (the farmers) and their family were so generous with us. The kids made fast friends, and the hardest part of the day by far was saying good-bye. We harvested vegetables for a snack and for the most delicious lunch ever (ok, maybe not ever, but it was so fun to know that more that three-quarters of the food on my plate came from the gardens less than an hour ago. I’m still kind of in awe of that. So, yeah, maybe ever). And I finally learned the secret of kale chips!

We played with the animals (that poor cat!) and walked in the gardens and splashed in the puddles and jumped on the trampoline. I don’t think I could ever get enough of this place. What a gift it was to spend the day with Joie and get a glimpse of her life and spaces this summer.