Last Weekend

The kids and I were in need of a little getaway to the Bay Area and a visit to my husband, who is on day 8 at work and 4 more days to go. We went to spend some time with dad on Saturday evening and then he was back to work Sunday morning. So, I decided to take the kids to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. I used to work there as a Naturalist Aid while in college. It was one of the best jobs I had. I got to be outdoors, do nature and historic tours, roam in the gardens, and be a part of the East Bay Regional Parks District. A cool college status.

This is the Perry Farm stand right out side of the park where we stocked up on some local fruit to snack on while roaming the park.

This is George and Claire Patterson's house. George Patterson came out West in search of gold from Indiana. He soon discovered that the soil was rich and decided to plant fruit trees, corn, and walnuts instead - to sell. He then became a part of the railroad industry and tapped into that area. Three generations of Patterson's lived in that house until it was donated to the city.

How about letting the kids stroll though an heirloom herb garden? Fever few, lavender, and rosemary are a few thriving here. I used to hang out here on slow days on the farm and read a book.

Every afternoon the kids can help feed the animals. There are turkeys, hens who lay green eggs ( which the kids though was pretty awesome), goats, sheep, 2 cows, a pig - but not this time, rabbits, and a few draft horses. There is also a aviary with doves and other birds.

And a few of theses guys. This male really dug the grapes that *fell* out of our lunch bag.

The kids got to pump from a well.

The kids got to practice shelling Indian corn, like in the old days. After it's shelled, they grinded it and took it to feed the animals. They also had cookies made from and out door kitchen. The real treat was spending 4 hours walking and talking with them without a time constraint or an agenda to get all the "sights" in. Just lots of strolling and stopping when we wanted.

And for a treat. We took a couple of ears of popping corn home. The popping corn has been drying in the crib for a year. All you do is take one, place it in a paper bag and put it in the microwave for about 3 minutes... and POP! Fresh organic pop corn.

Ardenwood offers a site for weddings or events, tours of the house, and many events during the year. Next weekend is the annual harvest festival where all the corn is harvested. Bring a basket to carry your take home if you go. And pretty soon, the monarch butterflies start migrating south, and take a stop here in the Eucalyptus grove. It's pretty fun to see.