WIAW - the farm edition

Hello from Paradox Farm in Lexington, VA! Nate and I arrived Saturday night and have been so enjoying being with his family and pets on their lovely farm. For newer readers, Paradox Farm is a fully operational organic vegetable farm started by Nate’s dad, and this is where Nate grew up. I love hearing about all of the silly things that him and his siblings did to entertain themselves on the farm when they were younger. I really cherish the time we get to spend here - there is no cell service, it’s beautiful, and we always get to partake in farm activities and do lots of eating!

So even though I’m taking a bit of a break from blogging this week, I wanted to link up for a WIAW “farm edition” for fun!

gooooood morning!

BREAKFAST

I made some oatmeal with almond milk, one egg white, and cinnamon, topped off with PB and a half a banana. Plus drip coffee on the side!

I then did a 30 minute circuit workout upstairs before meeting the boys to cut down some dead trees - time for the chainsaw! Poor Lacey (the pup) was TERRIFIED of Nate in his work gear.

After helping them lug the branches, I made my way down the hill where all of the farming takes place, and where the chickens live!

I spent some time chatting with Chad and Cat - the two young farmers who do the majority of the farming on Paradox Farms these days, and it was really fun hearing about all of the things they are getting involved in to sell more produce and reach more customers. Managing a farm and making money is NOT easy. I’m always impressed with how Nate’s dad and Chad and Cat do it!

LUNCH

I went back up to the main house to get lunch ready for the hardworking men. I made them a stir fry with leftover (super delicious) local deer meat, greens, peppers, onions and quinoa. For myself, I had a tuna salad with greens and peppers from the farm. The greens were a mix of mustard greens and mizuna and something else - lots of peppery lettuce! I also had some gluten free lentil crackers Nate’s mom had bought me, and we all shared some fruit.

SNACK

Afterwards, I did house stuff like laundry and cleaning and then sat on the couch for a while attending to a bunch of e-mails and stuff that I had been putting off until I had this vacation time! I sat in the sun with all of the pets while Nate started his actual workday, and it was really pleasant.

For some reason, I was an insatiable snack monster today. I noshed on some of the homemade granola they make here on the farm and sell at the farmer’s market, which is super delicious. It is has a base of oats, millet, flax, coconut, sunflower seeds, almonds, and cashews. Addictive to say the least! Had several of these small bowls, in a failed attempt to portion control myself. Also had an apple and peanut butter.

After all of the snacking, I took the pups out to play and walk for about an hour and a half as the sun went down, and Nate’s mom joined me when she got home. So pleasant out here in the mountains!

DINNER

Then it was time for dinner! We had lots of leftovers that we made into a stir fry, plus some quinoa, butternut squash and salad on the side. Seconds? Yes please.

DESSERT

Finished off the day with a mug of homemade apple cider - Nate’s dad even pressed the apples himself - and a delicious cookie made of sunflower seed flour and candied ginger. Nate’s mom and I baked more of these too - so yummy and surprisingly soft and pillowy.

We tried to bed early because of an early Wednesday morning wake up - we’re off to the farmer’s market to sell the goodies made here on the farm. It’s the day before Thanksgiving, so should be a super busy day at the market!

It's only fair to share...