Steadfast

2007-09-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Surprise

The other morning I woke up and stumbled down the stairs. I stood rubbing my eyes and gazing out of a large picture window looking out over our pasture lands. The morning mist still hung heavy in the little hollows giving the whole scene a cloaked appearance. As my eyes began to adjust to the growing light I though I saw a small long legged creature out in the field. Thinking my sleepy eyes were fooling me, I rubbed them again and strained to catch another glimpse of the creature I though I had seen.

Just then the, fog lifted, and to my surprise I saw a brand new baby foal standing there. His little nostrils flared as he took in breaths of the fresh morning air. An admiring mother stood by busily nuzzling him with her soft furry nose. The whole scene was breath taking and caused me to rejoice in God’s marvelous creation and the wonder of new life.

2007-08-29T09:46:00.001-07:00

A Curse or Blessing?

If you have lived in western Washington for any amount of time you will probably be quite familiar with blackberry vines. These persistent plants have been known to sprout just about anywhere and thrive in the most inconvenient places. Before you know it, a small blackberry vine can explode into a great thorny bush and be the cause for great sweat—and sometimes even bloodshed—trying to remove it. If this were the whole story about blackberry vines, I think that they most certainly would be voted as Washington’s most disliked plant

But, before you get too upset about this seemingly noxious weed, you must taste a handful of large, sweet, juicy, blackberries.

Although blackberries can be quite problematic when growing in the wrong place, we thoroughly enjoy the blackberries we have on the farm because they are growing in a great place.

Along the fence bordering our property, great mounds of blackberries grow and each year right about this time yield a bountiful reward of huge, sweet blackberries. Thanks to the horses and cows, these mounds of blackberries are kept trimmed back so that we can actually reach the black bounty without falling prey to the thorns. After several hours of picking, we will come back with enough blackberries to freeze for the winter, as well as to make into an after dinner pie.

2007-07-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Fleeced!

Have you ever completed a business transaction and found that you had been fleeced? Well, if you have, you can identify with some rather trim looking sheep running around on our farm. Knowing that summer heat was upon us and that we had a flock of very warm sheep who spent their afternoons panting in the shade, I realized that it was time to get out the sheep shears and go to town. So last week my brother Stephen and I rounded up all the sheep into one of our barns and began to catch them one by one and remove their fleeces. You may be thinking, “Oh, how wonderful! Now the sheep will be cool.” But in reality the sheep were thinking “Oh, no! He’s coming to get me with those big shears. I might die!”

Each greatly reluctant sheep was pushed and coaxed onto the shearing mat for their personal five minute dance with the shearer. For both sheep and shearer, this dance is not at all romantic or enjoyable, but rather is a five minute struggle between the shearer trying to remove the fleece and the sheep trying to get free. The shearer is forced to pose in a permanent bowing position while he constrains the sheep in a sitting position. Once both partners are in place, the shears are turned on. And starting at the head, one swipe at a time, the fleece is carefully snipped away. Once this perfectly choreographed act of kicking, grasping, and clipping is finished, the sheep is let loose to go bleating back to the flock. And the shearer slowly, and with an occasional painful groan, stretches back to an erect position.

Getting fleeced is always an unpleasant situation, but if you were to ask one of our sheep I think he would rather lose a few dollars on eBay then go through another shearing!

2007-06-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

A Summer Swim

After working for hours in the warm sun and wiping sweat from your brow, nothing sounds better than a cool dip in the river. For a half a mile the Wynoochee River runs along our property, sparkling and glittering on its way as if to entrance the hard working farm boy and beckon him to its cool comforts. After plunging into the cool water it is hard to even remember how hot you had just been.

But plunging in is just a taste of the fun that can be had. If you inhale a great lungful of air, you can dive down to the bottom of the swimming hole and sink your hands in the sandy floor. Or you can explore the sandstone sides and find the nooks and crannies where trout and salmon are hiding. For the more adventurous, there are cliffs from which you can jump and go sailing through the air landing with a great splash. Although those activities are wonderful, the thing that tops them all is swinging from the rope swing hung in a great leafy tree over hanging the river. From there you can glide through the air and land right in the center of the deep hole. If you are good you can dive off the rope... but if not, you can belly flop!

Swimming is fun- in fact, so much fun that at times a “quick dip” becomes quite long. Because, you see, you cannot swim with most watches, and the sun is generally covered with trees so it makes it very hard to keep track of time. Or, at least, that is the way the excuse often goes for the young swimmer who has tarried long in the swimming hole. Summer would not be complete without swimming- nor would farm boys and girls.

2007-06-06T12:44:00.001-07:00

Farm Photography

Have you enjoyed the photography on our blog? Well, the pictures that have been presented here have been taken by our farm photographer who happens to double as my little brother. Over the past two weeks he has been increasing his skills by taking part in a photography course. So just for fun, I thought that we might throw in a few of his shots from around our farm and the near by countryside.

Through photography it is our goal to depict the beauty of God’s glorious creation. When a picture is properly framed, lighted, and composed it can help us see the beauty in even the seemingly mundane things around us. The truth is that we become so accustomed to the creation we live in that we forget to step back and realize the marvelous intricacy and design of things such as a blade of grass or a water droplet. So as you view these pictures we hope that they will help you to step back and reflect. Be sure to let us know what you think!

2007-05-30T13:32:00.001-07:00

Companionship and Comfort

Sheep are interesting animals and are quite different than cows or horses. Although they possess some very obvious distinctions like sporting furry fleece coats and saying “baaa” instead of “neigh” or “moo”, they also have some very unique attributes like their desire for companionship and comfort.

Sheep are very social creatures. They are rarely ever seen by themselves. They always desire to be with their companions whether they are munching grass, frolicking in the sun, or exploring the farthest boarder of their pasture. In shepherd’s vernacular this natural tendency is called their “heard instinct.” Because most of our grass is taller than the sheep’s heads, if they get too busy eating and forget to pay attention, they can get separated from the rest of the flock. When they realize that none of their companions are to be seen they will set to bawling and running until they find the rest of the pack.

Hand in hand with this desire for companionship is their desire for comfort and protection. Because sheep are smaller then cows or horses they are more susceptible to the dangers of prowling nocturnal predators. If left to follow their own instinct, when it becomes evening sheep will gather together as a flock and all lay down in a close area. In this way they look like a bigger mass and do not appear to be an easy dinner catch. Here at Bradrick Family Farms we try to accommodate this need for protection by every night bringing our sheep into a warm barn where there is no fear of danger. Being creatures of habit, our sheep have grown accustomed to their lodging accommodations. Last night I went out just before dark to put them in, and they were all standing at the gate with a look of anticipation on their faces — waiting for me to open the barn door and let them in.

2007-05-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Curious Cows

The other day my brother Stephen and I drove our Ford Ranger pickup out into the field where our cows were residing. Now to a cow, you must imagine how odd a bright gold colored mass of moving metal must look. Well first, all the cows stopped munching grass and decided to race us. As we drove along, they went running beside us showing off their agility by kicking their heels and shaking their heads.

Once we came to a stop, they formed a large circle around us and began inching closer and closer trying to figure out what this gold beast was. Their courage got stronger as, shoulder to shoulder, they inched closer. Soon they were standing just feet away, stretching their necks and sniffing the truck all over.

Meanwhile, Stephen and I were sitting in the truck enjoying their humorous behavior and their attitudes of sheer curiosity. Now it was all fun and games, until one rather bold cow decided to try and bite the truck’s mirror off. At that moment, I came to action. I quickly opened my door and stepped out. All at once, the whole herd took one good jump backwards and then stood there looking in disbelief. It was almost as though they thought I was from Mars and had just stepped out of my space ship!

Not long after that, when we had finished the errand that had taken us to that part of the pasture, we were off again. As we drove back to the gate, we were still followed by those curious cows. They stood watching in rapt amazement as we shut the gate behind us and drove off into the distance.

Now, I’ve heard that “curiosity killed the cat . . . We’ll just hope it doesn’t the kill cows!

2007-05-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

A Cowboy

Most people across our land have a highly romantic or rosy conception of what it is to be a cowboy. For centuries, western films have depicted the cowboy as a rough and tumble character that spends his days on a horse, working cows, and riding the range. Now that is an accurate description of part of a cowboy’s life, but it is not the whole story. The part that is so often missing is the hours of cleaning out manure from barn stalls, building and repairing fences, putting up hay, and caring for sick animals — just to mention a small portion of the tasks that make up a cowboy’s entire job.

But, it is not too surprising that many people would have a misconception about a cowboy’s life, because every cowboy likes to show the very best of what he does. It is not too exciting to show someone how to clean a stall or mend a fence, but it is quite another thing to show off your horse and display its ability to rear, run, and round up cows!

2007-05-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Moods of Spring

There is a certain mood that comes with spring. It is an infectious mood that seems to grip man and beast. Deep down inside there is a growing excitement that explodes on the first warm day. This feeling universally grips both farm and farm life, but each different man and animal expresses this uncontrollable feeling in a different way. Take for example a cow. For the most part cows are quite down-to-earth creatures, but a cow that is gripped with spring infection will run and frisk and kick up its heels.

Sheep will also do strange things when they are feeling the energy of spring. Their mood will change from being peaceful and curious to frantic and frenzied. All at once they will leap with all four legs off the ground and then run in circles, butt heads, and wag tails. A sheep gripped with this infectious mood will make the most formidable stoic burst out laughing.

Now this mood takes a slightly different grip on the farmer. He will not be seen frisking or butting heads. He becomes very allergic to the indoors and the only cure is to get him outside. Some times this mood is so intense that it will cause him to shout aloud and then listen to his voice echoing on the hills beyond. But probably the most noticeable affect that this spring mood has is that he whistles most all the day.

Every year I see the effects of this mood. It is something hard to explain; but if I had to sum it up in one brief description, I would call it “Spring Fever.”

2007-03-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

Lick’um Stick’um and Stamp’um

One of the projects we face every spring is publishing and sending out our farm news letter and order form. This takes a lot of time, so we must set up an assembly line in order to get the letters out the door on time. So why don’t I show you a little peek behind the scenes.

First, we must print the letters.

Next we fold them. And stuff them in the envelopes.

Then comes the Lick’um…

Stick’um…

and Stamp’um.

Then we put them in the mail, and send them to you.

Photographs taken by Stephen Bradrick

2006-12-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wintry Whiteness

After days and days of endless rain in the month of November, wintry weather welcomed in the month of December. Soggy leaves began to stiffen as the temperatures dropped. The sound of there grass under each step changed from a squish to a crunch. Then one, then two, then twenty, then two hundred snow flakes began floating out of the sky. For hours the sky was blurred by a thick fall of large soft snowflakes. Trees and shrubs, houses and barns, fields and fences were soon covered with a thick, white blanket of snow.

Then all at once the sky stopped yielding it frozen flakes and a quiet stillness fell upon the whole valley. It was so white it dazzled your eyes and so quiet you could have heard a pin drop that is if it had not fallen into the soft snow with out the smallest sound.

2006-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

There are two times of day when God most reveals His beauty to us, His creatures . . .

At Sunrise...

...and At Sunset

The sun peeps over the hilltops and sheds its warm rays into the sleeping valley below. As it warms and wakes the world below things begin to change–the birds burst into song, the wooly blanket of fog raises to its heavenly heights, and the dew begins to sparkle and makes the world look like it is decked and adorned with diamonds

So too, when just before the day is done and the sun is shedding its last rays over the hill tops and the birds begin to sing their good night lullabies and the blanket of fog tucks the world into bed, there is a time that we ‘round here call “the golden hour.” This happens when the sun is low, and just before it sinks to rest every thing looks golden.

So now that the day is done
and every eye and mortal tongue
sleep peacefully in their beds,
The question still remains
did we do vain and earthly things
or did we strive to praise Christ’s name
in everything we did?

By Stephen Bradrick

Photographs taken by Stephen Bradrick

2006-11-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

Frost

Photographs taken by Stephen Bradrick

2006-11-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

The Last Rays of Summer

As I looked at this picture I realized that in many ways it sums up the month of October. Here, through the window, the last soft rays of evening light pour in and spill over the rack of warm coats. It seems almost as though the sun wished to point them out and warn us of the cold night to come before it slipped over the hills leaving us amid cooling shadows. During the month of October, we enjoy our last days of warm weather and also enjoy our many nights of wintery chills. And once again the wood cook stove is stoked, giving forth its radiant warmth.

This month has been one of big change at Bradrick Family Farms. We successfully completed another year of farming and now our little spread is settled down for the winter months. If you have read my profile you will know that I am currently working on my B. A. in business and public policy. As a part of my studies, the Lord opened up the opportunity for me to take part in a business internship for the next two semesters of school. As of October second, I have been working in Dallas, Texas as an Executive Assistant to the C.E.O. of RealManage.

RealManage is a Home Owners Association management company. It is a young, fast-growing company with six branches stretching from California to Florida. This opportunity will give me the ability to work side by side with a seasoned business man, gleaning and learning from him every step of the way. I am specifically assisting him with the company's sales and marketing process, doing the back end management of all the branch sales data as well as working on opening new markets and executing marketing campaigns. So for the next six months I will not be living in a cozy little farm house, riding the range on my cow pony, or getting my hands durty doing farm work, but rather I will be living in an apartment, navigating Dallas traffic, and stuffing my brain full of business knowledge for implementing in the management of Bradrick Family Farms.

Since I will not be on the farm to keep you posted on farm happenings, my brother Stephen will be using his skills in photography to help you stay in touch with daily farm life. I hope that you have wonderful winter feasting on Bradrick Family Farms meat, and I look forward to picking back up as lead farm journalist when I come back in the spring.

Until then, your friend,
Phillip Bradrick

2006-09-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

CAUTION: Slug Crossing

One of the largest specimens of wildlife that roam the range at Bradrick Family Farms was spotted today crossing the driveway. After holding up farm trafic for the better part of an hour, this slimy creature slugged its way to safety on the far side of the road.

2006-09-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Wood Cutting

Every year, as the summer draws to an end, and as days grow shorter, and nights grow colder we take to the woods to spend the day storing up wood for the winter. Now if you are one of the many people who heat their houses with gas or electric heat you truly miss out on one of the most satisfying days of the year. That is, wood cutting day. Well let me fill you in on today, our first wood cutting day of the season.

After a good nights rest and a morning of chores and preparing equipent for the day's labors, we headed out to the woods pulling our sixteen foot stock trailer. In it we had all the necessary tools for the task: chainsaw, axes, splitting malls, gloves, ect. For the next twenty minutes we wound up our valley and off onto logging roads to a remote place where cull logs had been left from a recent logging opperation. Daddy fired up the chainsaw and began cutting off rounds of wood.

The race was on: man and machine against malls and muscles. We were feeling our oats but we knew the name of the game was endurance.

As round after round was cut, Stephen and I began hauling them to the trailer and splitting for all we were worth. First it was one log, then two, then ten. The trailer began to fill with split pieces.

After we had exausted one area of accessible wood we moved to another. Although our backs began to ache and sweat covered our foreheads the satisfying feeling of a large log cracking and splintering under a powerful well placed blow was enough to keep us going.

When ever we paused for a moment to catch our breaths we could hear the drone of the chainsaw, and knowing that every second we paused caused us to fall behind, we again pushed on.

Although it felt like days, after four hours of intense labor, our trailer was filled to the gills with aproximately three cords of wood. (Which being translated means a whole lot.) As we straightened up after throwing the last log in, we could not help but smile at the amount of work our three man opperation had just accomplished and the months of warmth we had just stored up for the winter to come.

2006-09-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

Rain

After weeks of warm, sunny, dry weather the grass at Bradrick Family Farms began to slow in growth and its vibrant green color began to fade to weaker shades and seem to cry out to heaven for rain. When the grass runs low we have to suppliment our cows and sheep with grass hay or alfalfa and this creates more work and expenses for us. So we too looked up to the God of heaven from whom all good things come and prayed for rain. In His perfect time He opened the flood gates of heaven and poured down on both farm and farmer pure, cool, refreshing rain. And then, with Job of old, we marveled at God's wonderful provision.

"But as for me, I would seek God,

And I would place my cause before God;

Who does great and unsearchable things,

Wonders without number.

He gives rain on the earth

And sends water on the earth. "

Job 5:8-10

2006-09-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Highlights

As a farmer, one of my most faithful companions and co-laborers shines down from the heavens above. To us, the sun is an absolutely essential part of our farming endeavors. That sphere, guided by the Omnipotent Hand, faithfully morning after morning rises to greet us, shine light on our way, and provide the solar heat necessary to make our vegetative valley brilliantly flourish. Without it we could not grow grass, which means we could not provide you with quality “grass-fed” meat.

Although the sun runs its course from east to west day after day, it continually finds new ways to express its brilliance and declare the glory of its Maker. Here on the farm, we particularly enjoy watching the sun at sunrise and sunset. Often the sun rises, veiled in misty dreaminess, and shines its shafts of light into our fog-laden valley as if groping to pull this vapory blanket from the sleepy lowlands.

And then, when work is over and the day comes to a close, the sun frequently bids us farewell with a dazzling show of color. Now you have to understand that being a tough cowboy I am generally not too excited about pinks and purples. But when they are projected onto an endless screen and given character by puffy clouds on which the sun’s last gleams dance and play, the scene is absolutely breathtaking. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some of them with me.

2006-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Back In the Saddle

After a wonderful two week vacation and trip back to the east for my brothers wedding it feels good to be, once again, back in the saddle. I reached home one week before the rest of my family in order to keep things going on the farm. In hopes of breaking up my loneliness as the sole cow poke on the ranch, our dear friends the Bittners stopped by and spent most of the day playing with horses and picking black berries. As you can see I was not the only one in the saddle that day.

Stephen Bittner (age 15) stayed for two whole additional days to help me finish a suprise project for my sisters and mother. For several years they have been hoping that I would build them some rose arbors for their climbing roses in our berry garden. Well, with the right materials and some hard labor some respectable arbors arose. I was very thankful for Stephen's great assistance because positioning these large arbores into place was definitely a two man project.
P. S. Don't spill the beans. They get back late tonight and won't see them untill tomorow morning.

2006-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

A Last Farewell

This is our last night at the Bradrick Family Farm. Phillip arrives tomorrow to take over the reigns and begin the process of hopping back into the saddle again. I can’t believe how fast the time has gone but what a time we have had! From escaping sheep to fishing the Wynoochee River to sightseeing Aberdeen via an ambulance (my own personal tour) to harvesting a bounty of wonderfully fresh organic vegetables to bike riding at Ocean Shores and so much more! You know I realize that as fast as I tend to talk I could never fill enough pages to describe our wonderful, amazing, and enjoyable time at the farm. There are just too many terrific memories but I will highlight a few more for all those inquiring minds out there.

This last week we had one of the cows make a secret escape to the neighbor’s field directly behind the farm. Amazingly enough cattle can jump, not very well mind you and kind of in the same vein as a chicken that tries to fly, but they can jump or at least this one did. Somehow this crafty cow climbed and circumnavigated not one fence but two. Well, if these guys are going to be that smart what chance can old cowpokes like us have? So somewhere tonight there is one cow boasting of his “Great Escape” among the neighbor’s cattle. Who knows, maybe the sheep are supplying the cattle with wire cutters? Either way, I’m beginning to think the phrase “the grass is greener on the other side” is actually code for, “Break out tonight at 10:00 pm…meet at the red barn…pass the word!”

A few days later we took the kids to downtown Montesano to see the Grays Harbor Courthouse. It is a wonderful old building with a dome similar to the one at our state capitol in Olympia. The inside is filled with these huge paintings or murals depicting the founding of Grays Harbor and even Biblical scenes. As we were acting like typical tourists and clicking away our cameras, an attorney leaving the building decided to play tour guide and show us where a deputy tried to stop a fleeing inmate with a shot from his gun and instead shot the door. This kind man was so sweet and so funny because you would have thought he was describing the shootout at the O.K. Corral. In fact, when that story ended he went to the hair raising escape of another inmate (I’m beginning to see a pattern here) who jumped from the 3rd floor of the courthouse. Even though he broke both ankles he still tried to hobble away before the police finally caught him. By now I’m thinking if we just hang out a little longer we might be able to catch some real action shots on film or at least see Wyatt Earp. I think this town should put up a new welcome sign with a catchy town slogan like, “Montesano - Home of the most attempted escapes made by man and beast alike!”

How can anyone not spend two weeks at the Bradrick Homestead and not have a great time. Thank you Bradricks for giving us such great memories and if you ever need farm sitters again, all I can say is, “Sign us up!” Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have so much fun blogging on your site Phillip! It has been a wonderful experience. One only has to spend a few minutes here to see why you love it so much and what a blessing from the Lord you and your family are to so many people. Welcome home!

May all your trails be happy ones,
Mrs. B and her posse

2006-09-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

A few tears in the farming process

Sometimes teams are made up of individuals each with an agenda of their own. Other times you see teams that work together for a common goal. It’s not hard to realize that those teams, the ones with a united vision, are usually the teams that have the most victories. I shouldn’t be surprised by this and yet it is easy to forget even when the coach of the team has to depend on its members to carry forth towards the goal regardless of whether or not the coach can lead in person. Here is an example in point.

I told some friends the other day that sometimes there are things you blog about and other things that you just leave out. However, after today’s Holy inspired message at church by Pastor Pollock, I had a reversal of decision. You see last week I had a valuable lesson in pride, humbleness, dependence, and trust. I wasn’t even going to blog about it because I felt embarrassed. Yet, if I can’t share lessons that the Lord has shown me then perhaps I have lost sight as to what my purpose on earth really is. I must bring glory to God in all things and this is one of them.

We invited some dear friends over to the farm after church so the kids could enjoy some time together. We were having such a grand time playing at the river, feeding the animals, playing with the dogs, and just visiting around the garden that we soon decided one afternoon wasn’t enough so they spent the night. My friend has two boys and they were relishing the idea of rising early and doing farm chores and being real cowboys for a whole day! So at dawn we wiped the sleep from our eyes and made our weary bones move in the direction of the back door. Everything was going great! The boys were loving every moment of their adventure and even poor Janet (my dear friend) was being a true trooper to walk out to the pasture to help me get a horse to round up one of the sheep.

My desire (and I must emphasize that tell-tale word “My”) was to show off my peeress with the equine family so I quickly snagged one of the horses named Comet. By the way names of horses should be dead give-a-ways as to a horse’s temperament but I’m optimistic by nature which basically translates to “very slow to catch on.” As excitement in the air grew with anticipation of wrangling one of these sweet critters I mounted my mighty steed. Now there are times when one must show an animal who is boss and then there are other times when the animal shows you who’s really the boss. This would be one of those times.

Comet wanted nothing more than to have the morning spent in grazing bliss among all his buddies in the East pasture when I decided to spoil his plans for the day. I had ridden Haley a few days before and it was so much fun and I was looking forward to some more “fun” when Comet, true to his name, took off like a streak across the starlit sky. Only this sky was a bumpy pasture and Comet decided to show some of his buckaroo skills bucked with all his might. You know it just dawned on me where this word must have originated from. A buckaroo was one who either stayed on a horse during the bucking or was the one who flew off during the bucking. I, unfortunately, was the later. In my pride I said to myself, “I know that I will never get bucked off a horse because I never have.” Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it sounds? Yet, I really felt that since I had spent my younger years jumping horses and doing vaulting with horses and never falling off, why should I do so now? Gee, maybe that could be considered optimistic but really I was simply being prideful.

With a bolt and two or three bucks I soon realized that my hypothesis was wrong and the truth of Newton’s law of gravity was soon to be proven. What goes up must come down. I just failed to come down in the saddle. In fact, I don’t even remember feeling the saddle. But as I flew over Comet’s neck and on to the ground two thoughts passed through my mind. One, I now know for sure how Humpty Dumpty felt when he fell off the wall and Two, I kept seeing a giant bottle of Elmer’s glue. Now I’m not sure if I was thinking that I would have to be glued back together or whether I was thinking that Comet would look really good as a bottle of glue but either way one of us was heading to the glue factory. Once again I took that prize.

As I laid on the ground in complete embarrassment and humiliation beyond belief I was trying to think of what to do next. Everyone is gathered around this “buckaroo” and asking all those questions at once; “Are you all right?” “Can you move your legs?” “Where does it hurt?” “How many fingers am I holding up?” Of course all I’m thinking is, “Good I can move my legs so maybe if I click my heels together all this will be just a bad dream and I’ll be back in the house waking up to a nice cup of tea.” Problem number one – I have no ruby slippers and problem number two, this was real not make believe. Finally, as I am beginning to catch my breath I reassure everyone that I am fine and under no circumstances was anyone to move or touch me until I felt it was safe to move. After laying there for about five minutes (which felt like five hours) one of the boys poignantly points out, “Well, you can’t lay there all day.” I knew that but I was considering exactly how long I could stay out there before moving. With Janet sitting by my side, Leanne and Matt grabbing cell phones, I finally relented to the fact that I would have to call 911. I would have to resolve myself to God’s Holy Spirit to move upon my pride and humble me once again. Yet, this is where my amazement came to fruitition when I saw how the “team” worked together despite the absence of their coach.

Leanne and Matt immediately took hold of the situation and opened gates for the ambulance, caught the horse, gave medicine to the lamb, called Daddy at work, called all the necessary people to cancel appointments, and took care of the farm while I was whisked away to the hospital in Aberdeen. My team won a great victory that day and I learned a very valuable lesson. Everyone falls in life and as Pastor Pollock pointed out in Ecclesiastes 3:7 today “There is a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak.” I speak today because sorrow does allow us time to see with heaven’s eyes and not our own. We stop seeking worldly pleasures and desires and we seek God and His comfort, His truth, and His purpose in all things. I share that my pride got in the way of enjoying a day on the farm and caused anxiety and fear for my dear friends. Yet the paradox is that it served to open my eyes to my sin, it served to bring praise to my lips in seeing my children work as a team in a critical situation, and it served to bring a voice to these silent lips. May we remember that pride cometh before the fall – literally!

Oh, and before I forget, I am feeling better and I have no bruises or broken bones. I’m sore and in time that will heal but for now Comet has a reprieve from the glue factory and the doctor’s have managed to put this old Humpty Dumpty back together again. Praise God for He truly is faithful and merciful.

Many Blessings,
Mother Goose and her little goslings

2006-08-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Green Thumb

Today was the perfect day to spend in the garden. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold. If you haven’t seen the Bradrick garden then you’re missing out. The Kitchen garden and the greenhouse sit directly outside the back door. The greenhouse is filled with lovely smells of basil, thyme, and rosemary. The cherry tomatoes are almost ready to be picked as bunches of green novices’ crowd each branch making it hard for the plant to lift its leafy arm. The bees’ love the lovely purple flowers that decorate the low climbing thyme which make the greenhouse hum with the working song of these busy insects.

The kitchen garden is filled with all kinds of wonderful vegetables that make for a virtual salad bar before your very eyes. Red leaf lettuce and Romaine lettuce bunch together near rows and rows of juicy carrots. The beets and garlic and chives all clamor for more room as beautiful nasturtium blooms at the end of each row. Even sage and Echinacea perfume sweetly amongst the chives and various flowers. The far rows contain broccoli and the purple and green leaves of large heads of cabbage. It is hard not to get a recipe file flipping through your head as you pick each vegetable. As we weeded the garden I kept seeing steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, fresh sweet and sour coleslaw, and tossed Caesar salad! I don’t think it’s weeding that works up an appetite; it’s all the food you have to pass by on each aisle!

Tonight I think we will have a chicken Caesar salad with fresh baked rolls and raspberries and cream (thanks for the suggestion Cecily!). I would write more but I think I hear my stomach growling and those of my two hungry cowpokes. Goodnight and may you have a dinner fixed with loving hands and a loving family surrounding your table.
Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. Colossians 3:23

2006-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Mates!

Yes, you heard right. I start this blog with a hearty ahoy because of our recent experience of canoeing down the Wynoochee River. We enjoyed fishing on the river so much that we decided a nice canoe ride down the Wynoochee would be just the ticket for a time of relaxation after a long day of chores on the farm.

The Bradricks graciously loaned us the use of their canoes while they’re away and I’m afraid we took full advantage of their wonderful offer. After figuring out the logistics of such an adventure we decided that Captain Bryan and the kids would go on the canoe ride and I would drive back to the farm to make them a delicious dinner to greet their triumphant return. So with lots of rope in hand we proceeded to tie the canoe to the top of the van. Sounds simple enough. Of course, with the Bryan family ordinary tasks do take on gigantic proportions. So with rope and more rope and then some more rope (just for good measure) the canoe was finally secured for the next hurricane or a drive to the river, which ever came first. We all hopped into the van and we off to find the perfect place to unload our precious cargo.

After driving 5 miles up a road that seemed to be heading along the Wynoochee we finally found a spot that lead down to the river. With canoe and crew dropped off and a kiss and a wave the good canoe “Grace” set sail for a leisurely drift down the serenely cool water of this enchanting river. I barely made it to the van before I heard a short scream and squeals of laughter. No doubt their fun had already begun!

I drove back to the farm with the purpose of making a rib-sticking dinner for their return to home port, knowing that these fine old deck hands would be thirsty and hungry from their grand adventure. I prepared the casserole and the salad and I even had dessert ready for their return. As I puttered around the house I began to notice the time. Do you remember the old “Gilligan’s Island” television show? The theme song went something like this “…the crew set sail that day for a three hour tour, a three our tour. The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost, the minnow would be lost…” Well, three hours had passed and the Minnow or I should say the “Grace” had not returned.

Now I’m thinking that five miles down a river should take a couple of hours at most including scenic stops along the way. Yet, my fearless crew hadn’t returned after three hours so that was about the time that I began to imagine all sorts of ridiculous things. I could see the men on the Titanic going down bravely with their ship. I saw dear Leanne standing on some island in the middle of the river awaiting rescue from some passing ship. Wait a minute, this was only a river and not the Atlantic Ocean and I was pretty sure there weren’t any icebergs in the river! Realizing that my imagination was allowing the enemy to bring worry and fear into my heart, I began to pray. Just then the phone rang and it was Bret (aka Mr. Bryan) saying, “Hi honey, didn’t want you to worry, we are fine, the trip is taking longer than we realized so it’s a good thing I brought the cell phone along. It’s also a good thing that I wrapped it in a Ziploc bag because we’ve already flipped over twice!” I was not relieved by that statement. “Where are you? Is everyone alright?” I asked in a not so confident tone. He replied in a much more confident tone, “Oh we are fine. I’m not sure where we are but I do know we are at a spill dam and we have to portage the canoe around the dam. Hit a log once and flipped over and then we got too close to some overhanging blackberry bushes and we leaned too far to the left and fell in again. But Matt saved Leanne’s sandals and the paddles. We should be home soon.” With relief I praised God and then asked, “But how did you know the Bradricks phone number? I didn’t think you had it with you?” “Oh, I didn’t have it but Matt found it written on the oars!” Praise God again!

I felt better until another hour went by and then I began loose confidence in the Lord again. Soon the phone rang and my dear husband is saying in a not so confident voice, “Hi, uh, I’m not sure where we are because we thought we would be home by now. Do you think we could be on a different river? Could you check and then call me back?” Well, needless to say, that was the one thing I never even considered. Suddenly, my imagination is running wild with visions of the Grace and her crew sailing straight into Grays Harbor and out to sea! I race to the internet to bring up some maps. Of course, I don’t even know the street that I dropped them off on and I’m endlessly pressing the west button on Map quest to see if I dropped them off on the expressway to the Pacific Ocean. Five minutes later I hear, “Hi mommy”, at the back door and I realize its Leanne and the rest of the crew from the Grace. After lots of hugs, laughter, stories, more laughter, and passing out of towels Leanne shows me a small log they found on the river that had been chewed by a beaver. “Matt rescued it twice for me!” she exclaimed. I was so proud of my son. My men not only went down with the ship twice, they raised her twice, and they saved my daughters sandals and her chewed up stick. Can’t ask for better memories than that! What heroes! By His grace we are saved – Halleluiah!

May all your seas be smooth,
Captain and Mrs. B and crew

2006-08-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Fishing For Fun

You know the saying, “The early bird catches the worm”? Well, this morning we decided to get up early and head to the Wynooche River to do some fishing. Of course, plans always seem great the night before but then in the morning when the alarm goes off you begin to wonder if this grand plan was really such a good idea. Yet, despite our initial reservation about leaving such warm and comfortable beds we grabbed our jackets and poles and headed for the river. This morning was foggy but not too cold and we were excited about the possibility of catching some fish for dinner.

By the time we walked over to the river a couple of fisherman were already there casting their lines into the swift flowing river. We rigged the lines and began fishing right away. Matt was using a lure, Bret had some bait, and Leanne and I shared a pole. Each cast brought anticipation that we were one step closer to a fresh fish fry at the farm. Soon Matt caught the first fish. He was from a large school of fish. Unfortunately, that would be the “Preschool” size so he had to release him. A short time later Matt caught another fish but this one was only about five inches long so it had to be released as well. We knew we had some chores waiting for us back at the farm so we couldn’t stay too long. As the time wore on I prayed for my son that the Lord would help him catch a fish. I knew how much it meant to him and I was hoping that he wouldn’t be disappointed. Fishing really has a way of allowing time for reflection and I can understand why fishermen love it so much. It’s very relaxing. For two hours we enjoyed the sounds of the rushing water and the reels as they spun with each cast.

Oh, were you wondering if we ever caught a fish? Well, yes, but not in the usual way. We did fish for two hours but after Matt’s two “returns” no one else got a nibble. As we packed up our gear and headed for the trail up to the road Matt noticed a small land locked area of water that had baby fish in it. As he looked closer his eyes caught a glimpse of a foot long trout. We have no idea how it got stuck in this little area of water so we released him into our net and then into the frying pan at home. I know it sounds like we cheated but didn’t Peter use a net to catch fish? Somehow we felt like Peter in the boat with Jesus on shore saying, “Cast your net on the other side.” We weren’t catching anything and yet, like Peter, Jesus directed my son to look in the pool of water to find his fish. Only Jesus can answer a mom’s prayer like that! Isn’t God good?

2006-08-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Counting Sheep

Bret (ie. Mr. Bryan) crawled out of bed at 6:30 am and my eyes awoke to filtered sunshine peeking thru the fog. Since I’m near-sided and wear contact lenses I have to grab my glasses to see my way around. I sleepily headed towards the office at the back of the house and stood adjusting my eyes to the early morning. You can see the beautiful grape arbor from the back window and the west field from here. Everything was quiet and as I stood enjoying the scene before my eyes what do you think should appear?

The last thing I expected to see was a neat little line of lambs marching across the garden towards the front yard! It took a second or two to register that this wasn’t a dream and then I was running upstairs calling to my two young cowpokes, Leanne & Matthew, to come quickly because the sheep were making an organized escape!

So with everyone grabbing shirts, boots, coats, and scrapping the sleep from their eyes we ran outside. Leanne was the first one out taking the dogs with her to make sure the sheep didn’t head towards the road. Matt soon followed as did Papa and then I came carrying the most important sheep catching tool of all…a fish net. Don’t ask me why but it looked big and Matt was going to use it when he went fishing and I thought, well, I don’t know what I thought. It was early and I wasn’t thinking too straight. What a site we must have made! But Praise God we herded these jail birds back to their pen without too much trouble. By the way the electric fence works great, Bret tested it by mistake. It sure woke my hubby up in a hurry!

I then saddled up sweet Haley and headed out to count the sheep and make sure we weren’t missing any. Praise the Lord for all His sheep were accounted for. We then rounded up the little one who needed some medicine for his sore. Matt handled the web fencing with expertise and Bret held the sheep while Leanne played nurse and applied the medicine. The sheep are so cute. I know I said that in the previous blog but it’s true. They may not be the smartest creatures on earth but they are cute!

Soon we were off counting cattle (just to be safe) and finishing up animal chores before heading in for a well needed cup of coffee and a piece of toast with jam and some fruit. After a few showers we were able to sit down and enjoy reading 1 Corinthians 7 and Proverbs 23 and 24. The Lord refreshed our spirits and gave us some sweet time in His word to strengthen us for the day ahead. We learned to apply our hearts to wisdom and to seek after righteousness. Just as He cares for His sheep so we are learning to care for the sheep of Bradrick Family Farm. It takes work but it is a joy to see all their sheep safe and sound. I know the Lord feels the same way about us too. May we all walk in the safety of the Lord and seek refuge in His perfect will.

Mrs. Bryan and fellow wranglers of Montesano

2006-08-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

First Impressions
(Guest Blog Post By Mrs. Bryan)

We left Ferndale, Washington this morning anxious and excited to reach our destination…namely the Bradrick Farm. It’s a funny thing how you find yourself in a different driver’s seat and begin to understand what it feels like to anticipate watching over another man’s sheep (and cows). We have asked friends to watch our farm with all its odd assortment of critters and never thought what it might feel like for them when they come to watch our place. So with feelings of excitement and a bit of fear we drove south for our big adventure.

We arrived at the Bradrick Farm a little after 1:30 pm and immediately we were greeted with the excited barks of old Dutch the Dalmatian and two stick carrying pups, Arrow and her brother Badger. What a joy to have such a welcoming committee! After ten minutes of endless “throw and retrieve” and realizing that this game really has no end, we headed over to greet the rest of the animals. The cows looked us over with the “I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole” kind of stare and kept their distance. They are in the far West pasture and have plenty of good grazing to make them healthy and happy. This was definitely the Contented Cow Club of Montesano.

Next we wandered over to the sheep and saw the cutest critters you can imagine. I’ve warned Phillip that when they returned we may have each of sheep named. There is just something about sheep that makes you think cuddly thoughts. Yet, I have to admit I did have a juicy lamb chop dance before my eyes too!

After petting the horses and checking out the amazing barn swing we saw a sight I will never forget. Arrow and Badger were taking turns swinging by their teeth on the rope hanging from the rafters! They looked so funny waiting for the rope to swing their way and then jumping up with all their might to snatch the rope in their mouth and then twirl around. We laughed and laughed to see two dogs getting into all the fun. Just as I turned around to walk away the rope swung away from the dogs and hit me in the back of my head. I twirled around to see two dogs innocently staring at me as if to say, “It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me”.

Upon finally entering the house and finding bread, cookies, sweets, and fruit to greet us we settled down to some classical music and a nice cup of coffee. The farm is beautiful and the only thing that would make it more enjoyable would be having the entire Bradrick Family with us as well. We look forward to tomorrow and our first day roping’ steer, branding sheep, and rounding up strays. O.K., maybe I’m getting carried away, but so far we really do feel like cowpokes on the range. Adios Amigos and many blessings from the Bradick Family Farms.

Mr. & Mrs. B and their cowhands

2006-08-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

Bradrick Family Farms From an Outside View!

Having a farm with lots of animals is much like having children. They are a great responsibility to care for and cannot be left alone to fend for themselves. So when ever it becomes necessary for our whole family to pull up the tent pegs and leave for some time it also becomes necessary for us to find someone to watch our farm and care for the herds and flocks of hungry herbivores.

This year the big occasion that is taking us away from the farm for a few weeks is my older brother Peter's wedding. He is marrying a wonderful girl from North Carolina... which means the wedding is in North Carolina. So we had to scramble to find someone suited and willing to watch our farm during our absence. By God's grace, just the right family offered their aid. So for the next two weeks they will be stepping into our shoes and experiencing the joys, sweat, and sometimes tears that come in the farming process.

So during our absence the Bryan family will not only be watching our farm but will be giving you their personal account of what it is like to spend a week or two at Bradrick Family Farms.

2006-08-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

A Belated Introduction

An introduction to some of our farm's most playful and helpful friends is long over due. On our farm we have three dogs. First, I will introduce my personal favorite dog and furry friend Arrow. She is a fun-loving Border Collie . She is a great help (well most of the time) with the sheep. Though she is only about 35 pounds, the sheep quickly learn to respect her because of her compelling nips which she sometimes has to give to get them to move.

And here is her brother named Badger. He does his best keeping up with his crazy sister and keeping guests supplied with a ball or two for them to throw.

Last, but not least, is our spotted friend Dutch. This purebred Dalmatian looks more like a Lab with spots. He is a very vital part of our farm, barking at by passers and lazing in the shade.

Dogs at play...

2006-07-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Alpine Wilderness

You may have heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” So in the hopes of avoiding this dull state, we boys at Bradrick Family Farms joined five other friends last weekend and headed up into the Alpine Wilderness. The objective…summit Mt. Daniel. A combination of complications held us back from starting on the trail until 9:00 pm. Thursday, July 27. With night falling on us, we donned our packs and started hiking. Over the next two hours and two thousand foot climb we steadily wove our way up the mountain path guided only by the light of our head lamps. When we reached an adequate camping spot we were thankful to rest our heads before another long day of hiking.

The sun playfully broke in through the tent screen with no consideration for our tiredness, and he seemed to laugh thinking how he would beat down on us all day long.

We ate a hasty breakfast, packed up, and hit the trail. On one side of us we could look up and see Cathedral Rock jutting fifteen hundred feet above us and on the other Deep Lake shimmering two thousands feet below us.

Before lunch we reached our final camp site and set up camp beside the ice cold waters of Peggy’s Pond.

As the sun reached the apex of its climb, we set our eyes on the apex of ours and again began hiking. Following a gushing mountain stream we moved towards a steep ridge on the South face of the mountain. Our eyes smarted as the sun glinted off a vast snow field. The steeper the ridge became the slower we had to pick our way across the rocks and snow.

After a very steep scramble up the icy snow pack we made the final assent to the ridge.

From here the view was breath-taking…

But there was still over a mile of knife-back shale ridge to navigate before the summit.

One step at a time, we pressed on.

One step at a time, the peak of Mt. Daniel loomed closer. Soon it was only a half mile, then a quarter, then only a few hundred yards. Loose rocks shifted beneath our feet as we made the final assent. Then that glorious rush swept over us as we placed our feet on the 8000 ft. peak of Mt. Daniel and took in the 360 degree view of craggy rocks, glittering glaciers, sparkling lakes, and rugged trees as far as the eye could see.

And far, far below us we could make out our little camp site— the place where dinner and a night’s rest awaited us.

But with the aid of gravity we made the descent much faster

There is nothing quite like flying at top speed down the snow-covered shoulder of a mountain. And that is exactly what we did.

Although a bit cold, we reached the camp in good time and feasted on a meal of hot spaghetti fixed by none other than my newly acquired brother-in-law, Tim Craig.

The last two days of our trip were spent water skiing, swimming, and relaxing on the shores of Lake Cle Elem.

The whole trip was a refreshing break from the daily rigors of life and a great time to spend with dear friends. And we are quite sure now there is not a dull boy among our lot.

2006-07-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Back-Yard Grill

Have you pulled out your grill this season and grilled up some Bradrick Family Farms’ beef or lamb? Well, we sure have. Just the other day I stood over our grill in a cloud of smoke, carefully watching a line of steaks as they cooked. At just the right moment, they came off the grill and onto our plates for dinner.

For the next few minutes there was a hushed silence as we each enjoyed our steak. There are few things as delicious as a tender, grass-fed piece of meat sizzling hot off the grill.

If you have not ordered this season and are interested in purchasing grass-fed meat, feel free to contact us or go to our website http://www.bradrickfamilyfarms.com/ and download your order form online.

2006-07-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

Summer's Bounty

At our house, we men put the “meat” on the table, but it is the ladies who make sure that our diet is enriched with plenty of greens and fruit. As a result of their diligent efforts planting, weeding, water, weeding, fertilizing, weeding, thinning, and weeding some more, our gardens are bursting with bounty and beauty. So, if you have a minute, let me take you on a quick tour…

2006-07-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Moon Over Bradrick Family Farms

2006-07-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Against All Odds

Although Bradrick Family Farms is, for the most part, a blissful sanctuary, we do have to cope with rain. Rain is a majestic thing. It is not tied down to any humanly devised schedule, but rather comes when it comes whether you like it or not. After a stretch of beautiful sunny weather the skies darkened over Bradrick Family Farms and the clouds poured forth refreshing rain on both foliage…and farmer.

But against all odds, brother Stephen headed out to mow the leftover grass after the cows had finished grazing. With hat, boots, and coat, he met the gloomy weather with a grin.

2006-07-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Ocean

Although the rolling grasslands of Bradrick Family Farms nestled between wooded hill sides is what we know and love as home, one of the next best places is the ocean. Only forty-five minutes away, the majestic Pacific Ocean crashes its waves against the shore lines of Washington’s beaches. This glorious sight, where sea and sky meet, where the fresh sea breeze lifts a soaring kite, where the sand eagerly retains the impressions of moist toes or the message of some gleeful visitor—this is the scene we love so well to visit. It is always a refreshing time to relax with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

An added joy, when visiting the sea shore, is to take a few of our horses. The tug of a kite string and the splash of wave around your ankles are wonderful delights, but nothing beats the freedom of horse and rider, moving as one, flying over the endless wet sand.

As the day draws to a close, it always seems that the sun and sea feel compelled to bid us farewell with a grand finale of color and beauty. After a day of soaking in the power of the sea and the majesty of its might it always causes us to remember and praise our God who created both land and sea.

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters,

yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.” Psalm 93:4

2006-07-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July

At Bradrick Family Farms the 4th of July is a wonderful time for us to take a little break from the normal rigors of life and enjoy time spent fellowshipping with friends and rejoicing in the country that God has given us. Instead of spending the day blowing things up, we enjoy packing it full of fun games and activities.

One of the most enjoyable activities is volley ball. Many hours were spent in serving balls, cheering on team mates, and sometimes glorying in a victory.

I am sure that you have heard of sack races before, but have you ever seen a six man sack racing team? Well neither had I until some ambitious and fun-loving fellows gave it a go this past weekend.

There is nothing like finishing off a great day of hard play with a hot dog roast and sing time/ jam session around an open camp fire.

2006-07-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

Predators

As a farmer, one of the most important responsibilities I have is to make sure that our animals are protected from harmful, carnivorous predators. One of the most deadly and difficult predators to catch is a coyote. There is nothing a small lamb can do to protect himself from a coyote, so it is up to us to keep a watchful eye out for these ravenous intruders and to deal with them when they become a threat.

The other evening, just before dusk, Stephen (my 16 year old brother) and I were walking out to move the cows to fresh pastures. As we climbed over the fence behind our house, I looked out across the fields. To the average eye it may have seemed like a perfectly calm evening without a worry in the world, but as I scanned the rolling pasture lands something caught my eye. It was a light brown object slinking stealthily through the grass. I immediately knew it was a coyote.

"Stephen," I whispered, “head back to the house and grab the gun.” I waited as he went to retrieve the rifle and all the while kept my eyes on our stealthy enemy. A moment later Stephen returned with the gun and I gave him the “go-a-head” to flank the intruder. After a few minutes of silence, I heard the resounding report from his gun. Then the questions flew through my mind. “Did he hit it?” “Had it run off?” “Was the gun sited in properly?” I shifted from foot to foot looking back over the field and waiting to see my hunter brother appear. I soon saw him walking up out of a hollow with a victorious grin on his face dragging "Wiley Coyotey" himself.

2006-06-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Watermelon

After hours of hard labor under the mid-afternoon sun there comes a time to stop for a break. Depending on the day, there could be any a number of refreshing treats prepared by one of my doting big sister. But one especially refreshing and enjoyable snack is a large, cool, crisp, sweet slice of watermelon filled with black seeds. You might not understand why it would be appealing to have a slice of watermelon filled with black seeds. I am sure that it is very nice for Sunday socials or evening parties to have those new and improved seedless watermelons where people have no need of spiting and spurting. Although, in the eyes of a farm boy watermelon seeds are not inconvenient interruptions to your enjoyment of a watermelon, but essential ammunition to protect yourself until the end of break time.

An afternoon break on the farm is not only an essential thing, but something that is greatly looked forward to. After downing a hardy snack and a few cups of cool water its time to head back to the project at hand. And when we come to the end of the day it always make for a good laugh to find a little, sticky black seed stuck behind someone’s ear or in someone’s hair.

2006-06-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Wholesome, Healthy Meat = Thankful, Happy Customers

"...Thank you and know that we appreciate all the work you go through to bring us such wonderful meat."

Mary K.

2006-06-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Fencing?

When some one asks me what my favorite sport is I sometimes like to tell them fencing. For me that has a double meaning because I enjoy both fencing and fencing.

But on the farm we spend a great deal more time building fences then playing with swords. Every spring we have the rather large project of getting the entire farm’s fences up and ready to contain frisky animals. Now if you are thinking of the cedar fence that may surround your yard, you are mistaken.

And, we are not talking about a few feet of fence but a few miles of it. On the farm we have three types of fence— permanent fence, semi-permanent fence, and temporary fence.

Permanent fence: We have a mesh wire fence called a “hog wire” fence surrounding our entire property and dividing our two main fields. Because our sixty acres stretches a half a mile in length, that makes approximately two miles of perimeter fence. This is held up by sturdy wooden posts and makes a strong and mostly impenetrable border.

Semi-permanent fence: Our sixty acres are divided into two main fields—the east field and the west field. Each of these fields is about 30 acres. In the west field, we have three fences dividing it into four long runs.(much like a bowling alley) We move the cows down these runs so that each day they have a new cuisine of fresh greens. This fence is made up of “pound in” iron posts (called T-posts) and smooth electric fence wire.

Temporary fence: When moving the cows daily, we need some type of temporary fence to move in front and behind them. This is why we have our handy reels of polywire (this is an electrifiable woven plastic/wire string) and step in posts.

During this busy season of getting the fences up to par, my little Ford Ranger gets dubbed the fencing mobile. And it is driven and manned by this happy, hardy crew. So that fills you in on one of the big spring projects that keeps us busy.

2006-06-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

As I start this new blog it is only fair that I give you some old history—history of why we are farming and when it all began. It all began with the desires and dreams of a young couple by the name of Michael and Susan Bradrick. Years ago, Michael (my father) was an air force pilot and he, my mother, and the “older kids” in our family became accustomed to frequently packing the household goods up and moving across the country to a new station.

In the mid 70’s they moved to Ohio and, instead of staying in base housing, they purchased a small house on two acres of land. As they began discovering the wonders that their two acres of flourishing flowerbeds, fertile gardens, flowing trees had in store for them, they began to become more and more attached to a life of working with plants and animals and enjoying God’s creation. Just this evening, over a sink-full of dishes, my father was telling me of the time that he had planted all the corn seeds that they had purchases in their garden on the “Ohio Homestead”. When it came around harvest time, he found himself with the huge job of putting up all that corn because my mother was greatly expectant with their number fourth.

Eventually those enjoyable days slipped by and again my family packed their bags, but this time they were headed for a postage stamp sized lot in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Although the yard was filled to bursting with bustling little people, they again planted a garden in the back yard and enjoyed harvesting fresh greens for the table. It was in this happy, busy family that I made my first appearance.

As a toddler, it was all I could do to transport my chubby self from one side of the yard to the other, but soon the yard was only a canvas for my little mind to dream up images of rolling range land and long cattle drives. I remember well, during a visit from my grandparents, my brother and I walking with my grandfather to get a morning paper. We stopped by a small park and enjoyed the greater distance to exercise our eager legs. On the way home we dubbed that little park the “South Forty”.

The dream of living on some acreage and raising plants and animals was for my parents a dream of sinking our roots down and working together as a family. And for us children it was a dream of adventures, animals, and excitement. In the early 90’s, at the age of five, I moved with my family to Northwest Washington. I quickly learned what a real mountain looked like, why not to pick up a crab, and how to play in the rain without an umbrella. In 1995 the Lord opened up a wonderful rental home on eight acres. We wanted to do more than just hobby farm, so we started raising meat chickens for market. It was in 1996 that we finally saw many dreams come true in the launching of a small business named Bradrick Family Farms.

Our eight-acre little farm began to burst at the seams with a growing number of animals. We realized that it was time to look for a larger spread and began praying that the Lord would open up the perfect farm for us. In the early summer of 2000 we were told of a wonderful farm in the Wynoochee Valley that was for sale. Although we had looked at countless farms, this one was clearly the right fit. After remodeling the house, we moved over—lock, stock and chicken coop—and began enjoying the sixty-two acres of fertile pasture land, the half mile of river frontage, and the cozy little farm house—the hub of the farm’s activities.

Six years have passed since we settled into this wonderful farm, and today we still enjoy it just as much and are just as thankful to the Lord for His wonderful provision. Today fifty cows graze the rolling green pastures, a flock of sheep nibble at the lush green grass, a couple of cow ponies await being saddle for their days’ work. No longer do I have to dream about rolling ranges and cattle drives because now that is the dream I live.