Every year we try to do new things in our orchard.  The big thing we did this year won’t be seen when you visit the orchard as we planted just under 3,000 trees at a location about 2 miles away from our orchard.  This portion of the orchard will not be open to the public.  We did this because our orchard has been planted on for about 75  years and we’re starting to see signs that the soil is just not up to par like it had been. 

But we did have to do something new that you’d be able to notice when you visit the orchard.  About a month ago our friends and neighbors were cleaning out there place as the prepared to move and we spotted a surf board in the “junk” pile.  Jared was on it instantly … and now …

Now the goats have a surf board in there pen so if they’re in the mood (and if you throw some grass on to it …) you may catch the goats surfing the next time you’re at the orchard.

You can see they weren’t quite so cooperative for my photo shoot.

We have some fun and adorable little goats at our orchard this season!  I’ve finally managed a few decent pictures of them so I can introduce them to you all.

Pumpkin Pie Sweetie, named by Pip

Whoopie Pie, named by Mercedi

Hippo, named by Kim

Andes Mint, named by Capri

Next time you’re at the orchard be sure to stop by and say hi to these guys!

#lapaceksorchard

Yes, we are welcoming three new goats to the orchard today! Cedi named them: Itsy, Zestar! (after her favorite apple at the time) and Tree (it was Galya, but then tree…we’ll see what she says tomorrow). The whitest goat is Itsy. We decided to go with goats instead of cows this year since the cows escaped early last year and in the process of coralling them, Jared fell and broke a couple of ribs. An injured picker/cider-maker/caramel-appler is not an option again. Of course, our lovely new goats have already escaped. Diane was running the store while the others picked apples when this happened. Luckily, some very kind, patient and talented customers, Susan and Edward Dotski helped wrangle the goats back into the Barnyard. (THANKS!) I hope you all decide to come and visit our new family members! While you’re there don’t forget to say ‘Hi’ to our other farmyard friends!

Our Emus Mac ‘n’ ToshOf course, there are a couple of chickens to be seen running around. Our newest canine addition, Jackson – a beautiful Newfoundland - Golden Retriever Mix. We can’t forget about Barney – our friendly St. Bernard – Great Pyrenees mix! And, the kids always seem to enjoy seeing how many of our farm cats they can find!

I’ll keep you all posted if we add any new animals to our little menagerie.