2 Things Keep Me Warm in Winter
1) Hameau Farm is known locally by its colorful silo (si lo: rural structure, usually found nestled near barns; a tall, rounded, sometimes concrete winter feed storage for cows). Each girl who attends our summer program has the opportunity to add to our silo their unique signature with paint…so imagine, in snow, sleet, rain or sun as I push the door open from the milkhouse, there are brightly colored names that greet me as I do my daily chores. And with each name there are stories and (warm) memories. Some examples: down near the base, BONNIE, first came to the farm as a nine year old camper–an animal-lover and curious. Lots of question and smiles later, Bonnie has been on staff for the past two years fielding questions, checking for smiles and considering a career choice that involves farm animals. Farther up in a green square, VERITY, a five-year camper at the farm, joined our first group travelling to Scotland. During our tour, perhaps while we were attending the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, she and EMILY became fast friends sharing tastes in music. The next summer they attended ‘Rock ‘n Roll Camp’ together and subsequently joined bands. Always intriguing what new interests friends can encourage. And then over to the right, with colorful lettering, KATJA, counselor from Germany for three summers. I can still hear her magical laugh as she joined into the program interacting with each camper. Katja now has a daughter of her own. Yes, MARIE is signed up for the year 2017! I could go on…
2) Camp Fairs! During the winter months I attend 12-15 of these events to spread the word about fun (and warmth) here at the farm. An advance notice in our ‘moos’letter goes out to former campers. And when family schedules align, what great (warm) energy occurs as we share ‘moos’ and farm experiences with each other and with new, potential Hameau farmers ’round the table! So far we’ve been to New York City, the Washington, DC area and the Philadelphia area. And there are still fairs remaining–Feb 16, Johns Hopkins; Feb 19, Arlington, VA; Feb 24, Alexandria,VA; Feb 27, Moorestown Friends, NJ; and Feb 28, Westtown Friends, PA–please stop by our table, feel the warmth, and plan to join us this summer.
OK, well maybe there is a 3) FLANNEL SHEETS! My 200+ year old farm house does not have heat on the second floor. Most nights I love this… yet there are nights in December, January and February when it is wonderful to snuggle into flannel sheets and down comforters…