I grew up running barefoot through my grandmother, Faye's greenhouse and my parents' gardens, listening to the pressure cooker chugging along in the kitchen and the, "POP" of a sealed mason jar lid.  I was spoiled by fresh veggies, homemade apple pie, and home cooked meals.  I never dreamt that I would be launching into a variety of animal caretaking.  In fact, if you had told me ten years ago that I was going to become a farmer, listening to pigs squealing for their supper and snuggling with baby goats, I would've told you that you were out of your mind.  The truth is, sometimes the most unexpected dreams come true, and I'm finding that it is a most challenging, but yet rewarding and eye opening experience.  My great grandparents started a farm shortly before the Great Depression began.  In its heyday it did quite well.  My great grandmother, Rose, was undaunted by the challenges of farm life.  She cooked for all the field laborers, made her own butter and preserves, ran a roadside farm stand, and even saved her house from burning down on one frigid January morning.  She taught me how to knit and my mom taught me to crochet at the age of 9.  While I was studying abroad in college it kept me busy on various long Eurorail rides, as well as awakening my artistic energy during dry spells through the years.  I collect yarns and fabrics from all over the world and use them to make someone happy when the time was right.  I am in heaven when I enter a yarn or fabric store, or tool around in the fiber tent at the Common Ground Fair.  Just as it was when I was serving in the military, when it comes to the farm and our products, I love knowing that I can be a part of something bigger than myself - in this case, it's nature and her creatures.  The best part of being a farmer is knowing that those who provide the products I use are treated with dignity and respect, and are rewarded for their contribution.