Evenings in the Garden….

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Double S Farms

I am very blessed to have my mother and my sister live very close to me.  However, this was not always so.  Twenty-four years ago, I moved to Arizona from California as a new bride.  The rest of my family remained in California.  Of course, there were many visits back and forth.  But I never really knew how wonderful it could be to have them living close by.  Until about 3 years ago.

My sister and her family along with my mother purchased Double S Farms just over a year ago and so began a weekly tradition of us having dinner over there once a week.  I always look forward to this day because for one, I don’t have to cook dinner – but more importantly, it is a wonderful time of visiting with my mom and sister.

With our beautiful weather, we have recently been eating outside in the backyard, surrounded by their garden full of flowers, the vegetables, the fruit trees and some feathered visitors.

Each week, as soon as we drive up, I love to check to see how the fruit trees are doing in the front garden.  It looks like the peaches will soon be ready…

Double S Farms

My son is always the first to reach the front door and upon entering the house, he is promptly wrestled to the floor by his two little cousins (Little Farmer and Littlest Farmer).

Double S Farms

Each week, my mom (Pastor Farmer) always cooks something new for us to try along with fresh-baked bread.  We love to eat outside and enjoy the sunset and our food.

Beautiful weather

Beautiful weather

Then it is time for the kids to play and the adults to sit back and relax in the garden.

Of course, there are usually new vegetables to check out….

Beautiful weather

As well as seeing how the apples are growing on the trees….

Double S Farms

The kids love to play as well on the cool, green grass.

Beautiful weather

Beautiful weather

About this time, the newest residents of Double S Farms come out of their chicken coop to come and visit.

Double S Farms

Ramona is the first to come out to visit.

Double S Farms

Followed by Flo.

By the way, did you know that chickens like macaroni & cheese?  Well, these chickens do…

Double S Farms

Especially Lucy.

We enjoy watching all of the chickens and their antics.  But, our favorite is Effie. 

Double S Farms

 Now, Effie will not win any chicken beauty contest.  She is decidedly awkward looking and has fluffy cheeks.  But, it is her personality that is so endearing.  She is very friendly and lets us all hold and pet her – even the kids.  

Beautiful weather
Double S Farms

Effie is not camera shy, like Flo can be and the other day, she hopped onto my sister’s (Chicken Farmer), lap and promptly lay her head down and fell asleep.

Double S Farms

Not to be outdone by some chickens, Double S Farm’s resident hummingbird, Jose, makes an appearance as we eat our dinner.

Double S Farms

The sun is setting and it is time to go home.

Double S Farms

I hope you have enjoyed our evening visit to Double S Farms.

Double S Farms

Good Night….

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
16 replies
  1. Antique ART Garden
    Antique ART Garden says:

    You are so blessed to have your family close, and I loved seeing a family playing and enjoying the outdoors instead of glued to video games or TV. Thanks for the post ! Gina p.s., I want those chickens in my yard !

  2. Rosie@leavesnbloom
    Rosie@leavesnbloom says:

    What a privilege to have your family close by Noelle. We have an ocean between us and all our family and only get to see them twice a year.

    Those chickens are so cute especially the last photo – I am amazed that Effie will fall asleep on someones knee.

  3. debsgarden
    debsgarden says:

    I enjoyed the visit! I can see why you look forward to these weekly dinners. The setting is perfect. Effie is my favorite! Thanks for a peek at your wonderful family.

  4. Kimberly
    Kimberly says:

    Noelle, thank you for sharing your evening at Dbl S Farms…what a lovely place to share with your family! The chickens are so sweet!

  5. Annelie
    Annelie says:

    How nice to have your family follow you. I wish that my family moved here from Sweden.
    I can't believe the size of your peaches. Almost ready to pick. Here in MA, they're as small as pits. Strange to that difference. This country is so big.
    Love the look of chickens. They look so… I don't know… homey, cozy… not sure how to describe it. A sort of country feeling.
    Hard to catch a humming bird. You've must have been ready with the camera and just waiting for it.

    Best,

    Annelie

  6. Terra
    Terra says:

    You are right to say that you are blessed with having family nearby, and on such an ideal ranch. Chickens and all, it looks like fun.

  7. FlowerLady
    FlowerLady says:

    What a great story! I love Effie and can see her personality just by looking at her. It's in her eyes and the way she is holding her head. To think that she likes to be petted and held and will fall asleep in a lap, is just wonderful.

    Enjoy the close relationship you have with your family. All are not so blessed.

    FlowerLady

  8. James Missier
    James Missier says:

    Its so cute to see the children playing together (wrestling) and having a fun time with the chickens.
    Trully its a blessed moment shared with the family (gardening & all)

    Thanks for sharing.

  9. Christine B.
    Christine B. says:

    I think "warm enough to eat out" means different things to different people. Here, anything over 50F is eating out weather. I suppose it's quite a bit higher where you live. Reminds me of a day when I was enduring a snowstorm here when my dad called me from Mesa. He told me he was out picking oranges in the backyard to make OJ for breakfast!

    Christine in Alaska

  10. Rose
    Rose says:

    I know how wonderful it is to have family close by. Your weekly visits with your Mom and sister must be a special treat, especially with such a beautiful setting. The chickens are cuties!

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