We’ve been having some extraordinary weather in Norfolk this fall. It’s been in the 70s and 80s and from what people have been saying, the fall foliage hasn’t been too spectacular.
I beg to differ. Here’s exhibit A:
And Exhibit B:
The weather has cooled off a bit and it looks like we’re going into more days of rain with more decreasing temperatures. So I’m glad I took some time off from writing this week to meet up with a new friend.
I met this friend at an artist’s opening we both happened to attend in early September. I knew some of her local photographs, and with my husband who is also a photographer, we struck up a conversation about how much we love Norfolk, amongst other things.
We then became friends on Facebook. One day last week, up popped in my Facebook feed a notification that this friend was attending an event at White Memorial Conservation Center. My husband and I have driven by White Memorial many times, most notably on our way to Arethusa Dairy to get the best ice cream in CT and possibly the United States (rumor has it they wash the cows’ butts with Pantene Pro V every day to avoid tail poop contamination with their udders), but we had never stopped there.
The event looked fascinating. A Scottish naturalist and biologist named Bernie Lundie would lecture on what it means to be wild. Having an interest in the nature-human connection, I thought attending would be well worth my time. Plus, I’d get to hang out a bit more with my new friend.
My friend and I chatted about the event on Facebook Messenger for a bit, before she ended the conversation with a temporary farewell as she had to see to her pig. Of course, I wanted to know more about that. So that’s how on this past Monday I ended up at her family’s farm outside of Norfolk.
OH. MY. GOSH.
Spectacular doesn’t even begin to describe scenery. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful fall day. Then there are her animals. I am delighted to introduce to you:
Abe R Ham the pig
If you love him as much as I do, he has his own Facebook page. Just search for Abe R. Ham @AbethePig
Zorro the goat
A frisky little fellow who has a very sweet, playful personality.
And Drummy the turkey who is as majestic as he looks.
There was also a peacock out and about but he never made his presence known.
What a wonderful way to spend the day! I sat surrounded by everything I love about nature – changing leaves, fluffy clouds, a placid lake, and ANIMALS! Plus, I got know my new friend a little bit better and I have a feeling we’re going to be friends for a long time.
After such a wonderful day outdoors, I felt refreshed on so many levels – mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s a good reminder for whenever I feel myself become too time invested in my writing. There are benefits to taking a break – friends, pigs, goats, turkeys, and fall foliage are just a few of them.