Giuseppe and Friends

2009-10-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Handsome Boy in Fall

John and his farm buddies

2009-08-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of John husking the corn for us one evening with some very interested friends just waiting for him to finish an ear so they could move in and help themselves. They loved the silk the best thank goodness but did get an ear or two before we realized what the belly laughing we heard was all about. Also in photos: the donks without their winter fury faces, Hank checking out our garden basket, the new red jumbo waterer, enjoying some pears from John and practicing being led in the pen. Oh yea, and Yacky telling us a story.

Birthday Bluegrass

2009-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Horray for a 4th of July 50th Birthday Party! I treasure being surrounded by wonderful family and dear friends. Thanks to everyone for sharing the day with me. The weather was beautiful, Josh and Bill pulled the meal together, and of course we had live bluegrass from Adam, Luke and special guest my nephew Quinn. Great job boys! Aunt Pat and cousin Stacey came in from Florida as a great surprise to me! Love to all...especially Bill and the boys for making me feel so loved.

Nancy's Big Birthday

2009-07-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Always be a little kinder than necessary. -James M. Barrie

Guess who is turning 50 on July 7th? Above is a quote I will attempt to live by this year. Many thanks to all my wonderful family and friends who help to make the journey worthwhile.....even the hard parts. And to my farm friends who always make me smile. (Except when Hank eats my garden)

A relaxing moment

2009-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Max just loving the farm life.

garden's bounty

2009-06-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Some of our yellow tomatoes-our large pepper we are hoping will turn red-and a few of those cucumbers......yum....

Wow Sweet Success

2009-06-30T19:10:00.001-07:00

Our vegetable garden! We are currently enjoying lots of cucumbers and a few tomatoes have ripened. Lots more will be ready soon.

This is Adam's herb garden. He tends it so well and loves cooking with all of the different herbs.

How does your garden grow?

2009-06-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Here are the beginning stages of our square foot gardening. The first is Adam's herb garden and the second is our vegetable garden.

Yacky the Boss!

2009-06-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

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Yacky giving the last bits of instruction for his minions. Below the crew stands on their handy work.

More dock pics

2009-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Bill, mom's friend Jon, Josh, Adam and Yacky worked hard all day on the dock.

We have a dock!

2009-06-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

The much awaited dock was indeed completed in a day.....well 99 % of it. It still needs a bridge-as of now we can step over the bank to it or walk the plank. It's beautiful and easy to launch the kayak from it. We have enjoyed several evening paddles around the pond and have spotted what seems to be perhaps three baby night herons. I will try to get some photos of them to post very soon.

Yacky was the shift supervisor in the construction process. It was the first time he discovered there was a large body of water at the end of the property....he liked it a lot.

Adam's Westy.....

2009-03-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Yacky...

2009-03-18T20:13:00.001-07:00

Me and my shadow

My own space

My crib

Gimmie a kiss honey

2009-03-18T19:54:00.001-07:00

How many of us get to see lips like these up close?

baby Hank

2009-03-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

Look at this sweet boy on his stump in younger days. We eagerly await a new playmate for hank hopefully arriving in early April.

winter beauty

2009-03-18T19:34:00.001-07:00

We know spring is coming but that winter storm sent us so much beauty!

Adam at Bean Blossom

2009-03-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Luke and Bill Monroe's Truck

2009-03-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

From Bean Blossom Indiana last summer.

2009-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Check out our snowy day photos!

2009-03-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/Giuseppeand/SnowyDay

2009-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

A link to Adam and Luke practicing their music

2009-02-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN8mzKSuIQ4

why am I the only one in here donks?

2009-02-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hank's not sure what is so great about standing under the playgym in the rain when there's a nice dry barn instead.

Singin in the rain

2009-02-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Not sure if the boys would call it singing in the rain or rainy days, Mondays always get me down. It seems we have a three day weekend ahead of us with nothing but rain, rain, and more rain.

Love my hats

2009-02-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend! Luck of the Irish from the Italian Boy Giuseppe!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone some warm times with loved ones on Valentine's Day. My photos didn't come out quite as well as I would like as we took them as the light was just coming up.

Don't be yourself - be someone a little nicer. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Harry Nicky

2009-02-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

31 Things about Harry......

She was a mini cat

We got her when we lived on Elberon Ave in NJ

John named her Harry and when we told him she was a "she" he said okay,

"Harry Nicky".

She was never, ever mean to people.

She would not let us have another kitty...she was very mean to them if we tried and once chased a prospective new pet high in a tree.

She loved chicken and always knew when it was on the menu.

She loved to lounge in the warm sun outside or in the sunroom.

She adjusted beautifully to the farm and enjoyed the last two years of her long life there.

She slept with us everynight.

She drank my water or tea on the bedstand every time she saw a cup arrive.

She thought it was undignified to be chased by that darn duck

She sat on the nightstand in our kitchen and leaned on my shoulders at dinner to see if there was anything she might like.

She loved to be near any of us, no matter where we went she would follow.

She hated to be "put away" when there was company coming and we thought she might be too pesky for them.

She loved to be pet especially under her arms and her ears.

She purred plenty.

She loved milk even though she shouldn't have it.

She loved tuna and chuncks of cheese.

She was a playful kitten.

She liked the dogs, especially brownie.

Brownie would share her dinner with her if she had to.

Bill loved his Harry and gave her lots of attention.

The donkeys would check her out and nudge her with their noses and she didn't care.

I was always afraid the garage door would close on her and she would just be scratching her back on it!

John fed her all the time.

Bill and I thought she was such a beautiful cat.

She loved to climb right up until she died.

When we would take walks she would stalk us all the way around the block.

When we lived on Smoketree Drive in her younger days she would run up trees to show off when we went outside.

We will miss her presence and devotion after nearly 20 years with us.

Snoop cat Harry Nicay with an invitation.....

2009-01-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

The boys will be playing this weekend at EarthFare for the following fundraiser. Join us for some warm chili and great bluegrass! For our long distance friends you can catch a home practice on you tube...it's Big Spike Hammer and listed as performed by ncbluegrassboys.

Chili for Charity!
01/24/091:00 pm - until supplies last!
Warm up at Earth Fare and enjoy a hearty bowl of chili (vegetarian or meat) and a side of fresh baked corn bread. $3.00 for a cup & $5.00 for a bowl.
All proceeds benefit Seven Homes Foster Care & Adoption Agency.
*Seven Homes Foster Care & Adoption Agency for Children will also offer an adoption information session for all interested adults.Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 pm

The inside duck

2009-01-19T05:59:00.001-08:00

Yacky settles in for a nap. This inside stuff isn't so bad. His splint came off last week and he is beginning to do some weight bearing. He is so enjoying a real soak in the laundry sink, no more of those sponge baths. I think you could call it hydrotherapy. This morning when Bill and I were going out to feed the farm animals he followed us right to the door. Next we will see his head sticking out the cat door...wait for me guys.... It was much too cold to bring him out today. Hoping for a few flurries today or tomorrow so I can get some pics!

The Curious Trio

2009-01-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

Here's what happens when I try to sit outside the pen and catch them playing. Well, they're still pretty darn cute I guess.

Cowboy auditions for Oliver

2009-01-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

"Please sir, may I have some more?"

Okay, he wasn' t auditioning for a play....we don't have a trailer to get him back and forth to rehearsals anyway. No, he isn't starving either as you can see. This is a game he and Giuseppe play everyday. It's the most indestructable bowl I have ever seen. One of the donkeys picks it up and brings it to the other. Then they spend the next hour playing tug of war or keep away with it. It's so funny to watch from the window. I always want to take some play pics or movies but so far haven't been able to catch them. The minute you step out the door (even trying to sneak) those ears perk up and they drop all toys and just watch you. It's like they don't want to be caught on camera being silly or immature. I'll keep trying though.

Weaver Academy Guitar students on NPR

2008-12-29T19:46:00.001-08:00

See the link below for the interview done at Weaver with NPR. Adam plays a duet about halfway through with Virginia Wimmer on violin. They don't say who it is but it's the only regular music selection other than the background playing.

88.5 WFDD: Triad Arts Up Close

2008-12-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

88.5 WFDD: Triad Arts Up Close

Cowboy and Giuseppe wait for Santa..they want to pose as reindeer

2008-12-24T09:05:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-24T08:54:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and enough time to relax and enjoy family and friends.

Farmer Giovanni

2008-12-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

John just loves his donkeys. He goes outside and hugs them everyday. Here he is helping with yard chores (he's the stick man) Kacie's dad Hopie gave him his cap that he puts on anytime he is working.

and more...

2008-12-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

More wrapping fun...

2008-12-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Wrapping Party....

2008-12-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well we actually stick to Bluegrass, but had a Christmas wrapping extravanganza complete with a fire in fireplace, live bluegrass by the boys, a Christmas duck for entertainment and of course the dogs and cat too.

Break a Leg

2008-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Our dear duck Yacky must come straight from "Are You My Mother?" He becomes (in his mind anyway) whatever creature he hangs with. After spending the spring, summer, fall and into the winter roaming at his farm friends side with only a lost toenail he was found with a broken leg. Yacky had gradually begun chasing the dogs but on this day we watched him go after the donkeys eye, hang from their tales and other not nice behaviors. We were about to separate them when things seemed to settle down. Later that evening we called them home and Yacky was just sitting on the path in the yard. He had no use of his leg. We brought him in the house where he continued to eat but didn't attempt to move or get up. On Monday morning we took him to see Doc who confirmed it was broken and fitted him with a nifty Christmas red splint. I must say he was the perfect patient. After a day or two he was balancing on it, and now after a week or so he can hobble on it, or sometimes he slithers across the floor like a snake. So it's at least six weeks of healing......inside....what some ducks will do to come in for the winter. Now he thinks he is one of us and is enjoying new food samples all the time. Loves fried egg, apple, and of course his tomatoes. He sits in a plastic tub, wants to be in the same room as people, and even joined in the wrapping party. Above you can see his cast and a picture of him lounging on the couch with his daddy. Oh and no more laundry room baths for a while, we have to dunk him in the sink. He hates to be lonely so will go to work with Bill and ride all day in the truck.

Luke and Adam

2008-12-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

Performing at FSN Holiday Jamboree and the Rangers performance on Sunday

The VanHine Brothers Bluegrass

2008-12-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun month of performing for Luke and Adam. They performed together at a wine event at Sweet Basil's in early November, the Family Support Network EarthFare Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser in mid November, the FSN Holiday Jamboree on December 6th, the Moravian Candle Tea on 12/6 and most recently they had the opportunity to open for the Steep Canyon Rangers on Sunday 12/7! They really enjoyed all events and love playing and performing. Below are a few pics from those events!

2008-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

2008-11-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all! Giuseppe and Cowboy used to be easy to tell apart, but now their furry winter coats are just the same so from the photo I don't know who is who. They are both adorable though aren't they?

Hank smiles for the camera with his reindeer ears. The three amigos plus their mascot Yacky the duck always travel together. It's the day after Thanksgiving and they are all enjoying an afternoon of grazing while we do some yard work and trimming.

Farm Friends

2008-11-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Bill and I are still recovering from the shock of coming home from work on a Tuesday evening and finding an empty farm pen! We must have accidently left the barn door unlocked in the morning and the three amigos went a wandering. We were so afraid and panicked especially knowing it would be dark and impossible to see anything in minutes. We called every sheriff, police, animal control office we could think of but no reports of missing farm animals. We ran around the neighborhoods on foot, on bikes, in cars, asked everyone we saw, and nothing. Heather left work to join in the search. By 6:25 it was pitch black and we were all ready to give up. I asked Bil to take me to the one place I hadn't been. It was behind a church a few blocks over. I knew if Hank the goat could hear me call him he would answer me with his baahhhh----and he did! All three were found safe and sound in the pen of a farmer who had goats. We had never known anyone else had farm animals. Anyway getting them home is a story in itself. They had their first sleepover that night and our friends Andi and Parke arrived bright and early the next morning to help us get them home. That's for next time....

2008-11-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yacky enjoying a donkey ride.

2008-09-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here is Yacky keeping right in step with his favorite donkey Giuseppe. BTW you may have noticed a huge lag in any postings before now. It seemed my camera and my computer had a huge disagreement and wouldn't speak to each other making it impossible to post. It seems they have patched things up for now so I hope to keep getting some new pics up!

2008-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yacky has gotten so big this summer. He loves to graze in the evenings with his buddies. We think he first thought he was a human and now thinks he is a donkey. Follows them everywhere they go in the evenings. He does not like to come out during the hot afternoons anymore since he had another scary incident. One very hot day we couldn't find him anywhere...we searched and called for hours, knocked on neighbors doors, the works. He was found finally by our dalmation Maxx when I was walking the yard one last time. He had gotten lost or disoriented near the pond and was stuck in a sticker thatch. He was soooo happy to see us, so hot and thirsty as well.

Hank Kisses

2008-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Gimme a kiss pleeeaaase..........

Hank continues to entertain us with his funny antics. If he sees you walking into the house when he is out grazing he wants to be invited into the kitchen. Thank goodness for the new tile floor...no more beige carpet! He knows right where the pantry is and wants a saltine cracker...or two or three.

Cowboy

2008-07-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

My name is Cowboy and I am a miniature donkey who loves carrots and apples. I love to graze and kick around with my buddy Giuseppe. Hank the goat is sometimes nice to me, but mostly a bossy little thing. Oh yeah, I also have a duck friend named Yacky. He's no trouble at all, just likes to follow me all over.

Yee Haw!

Cute asses? (he, he, he)

2008-07-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when we have a family party. Lots of laughs all around.

Jake and Josh

2008-07-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Fun!

2008-07-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone had a great time at our 4th of July cookout. The boys enjoyed sporting their red, white and blue visors.

2008-05-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Evening paperwork with Dad

2008-05-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Swimming lessons on the deck

2008-05-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Can someone pleeeze help me with this homework?

The hills are alive!

2008-05-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Max thinks the farm is so pretty he was inclined to sing about it! Nothing like a good howl to clear your sinuses. He also has discovered that the sweet feed the farm animals enjoy is actually delicious. We have to save him a bite or two everyday.

Yacky enjoys the flowers

2008-05-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

We have really enjoyed watching spring bring the beautiful wildflowers again this year, and Yacky likes them too. The donkeys and hank always jump over them instead of stomping on them, it's really cute....I will try to catch it on film.

Splish Splash!

2008-05-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yacky enjoys swimming for hours everynight while we hang out or Bill does paperwork in the kitchen. Then he settles down for a quiet night in his laundry basket.

Yacky takes a ride

2008-05-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is Yacky our amazing duck. He was a rescue of sorts, someone dropped him off and he needed a home until he was big enough to swim off on his own. Unfortunately he was attacked by two small dogs of mom's and almost died. It really was unbelieveable that he survived. He had many open wounds and lost a lot of blood. He was so weak for days that he couldn't lift his head up. We feed him pedialyte, washed his wounds with betadine, he had aspirin for pain, and antibiotics. Here he is nearly three weeks later seemingly good as new. He is very attached to Bill and is not happy unless he can see a friendly human. Bill built him a sweet little Yackytat right next to the farm pen. Here he takes a donkey ride and thinks the view from up there is just grand! Yacky goes wild for salsa, and will try almost anything. Not sure he will ever be able to be released....this should be interesting at best.

2008-05-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

New baby ducks on the pond. There are six of them and they are sooo tiny and cute.

2008-04-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

What's for dinner dad? Curious Cowboy runs to see what we brought home from the grocery store tonight. He is happy to see we are using only cloth bags these days.

Our newest farm buddy is Yakky, or Spike, or Daffy. No one can decide what his name should be. He doesn't care much though. As long as he can follow someone around. The donkeys think he is adorable. Someone turned him in to the vets office and said they found him abandoned on the side of the road. He sure looks like someone's now unwanted Easter chick. A sweet ducky!

2008-04-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Bluegrass on the deck.........

2008-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

John learns how to clean the pen. Go John!

2008-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Three farm friends enjoy a rain free and mild spring evening.

2008-04-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Cowboy poses for a spring photo

2008-04-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

"It doesn't get much better than this" is one of John's favorite sayings. Here he enjoys a nice cup of hot tea in his new mug from Uncle Chris.

2008-04-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hank is a joy to his mom and dad. His needs are simple....a scratch on the head, munching some grass and playing with my donkey friends.

2008-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Not much sunshine yet,
but plenty of pet therapy!

2008-04-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

John and his friends....

2008-04-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

How do I look in these ears?

2008-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Did someone say chocolate?

Hank enjoys trying out bunny ears for Easter.

A long day

2008-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Every hard working goat needs a little chair nap

I love my donkeys

2008-03-19T19:29:00.001-07:00

Hank bonds with Cowboy. Hey you really are a nice donkey too.

Sweet dreams

2008-03-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

If I wish real hard they might bring me a little sweet feed.....

The thinking goat........

2008-03-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

How can I get outside the gate today???? Should I go through the back side of the fence or break the gate down??? No matter what they tell you that grass really is greener on the other side. bye, bye, donks...

Cute Hank pics

2008-03-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Does anyone care that my bowl is mt?

Donkey Play Time

2008-03-16T19:05:00.001-07:00

Come on Cowboy let's play.....Don't be so boring....try to live up to your name. Or should we call you Eeyore?

Hank gets a backrub...

2008-03-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Scratch right there....no a little to the right. Thanks Cowboy you're alright!

The farm pets are all getting along nicely. Hank is getting a little bossy and chases those poor donkeys away from the hay.

Donkey talk.....

2008-03-16T18:49:00.001-07:00

Cowboy "Why d u wear the hat?"

Giuseppe "Come on humor her, she likes the hats"

Cowboy "they look stupid"

Giuseppe "Oh lighten up, we look cute, and listen to them laugh"

Cowboy "Well that goat won't wear the hat and I don't want to either"

Giuseppe "Whatever, I'll wear it"

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

Hello to all from the McVanHine farm. O'Giuseppe here as the master of all things green....grass, hay, shrubs, hats, apples, mmmm.......Oh and a bit of luck to you too for St. Patty's day too!

New donk on the block...

2008-02-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

Cowboy was a little timid, but seemed happy to meet new friends and taste test the grass. So far we know he likes to have his neck scratched and is very sweet.

He joins us from the Donkey Depot in Mocksville and arrived around 4 pm on Saturday, February 16th, 2008. Thanks Melanie, Kris and their four children for taking good care of cowboy and sharing donkey tidbits to help the rookie farmers. As for looks Cowboy is thinner and all together smaller than Giuseppe. He also had a haircut so he is minus the fluffy body style that Giuseppe has.

Hank can't believe his eyes

2008-02-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Is that what I think it is, or am I seeing double?

Giuseppe jumps for joy!!

2008-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Yippie, yippie a new donkey friend!

Giuseppe's meets Cowboy

2008-02-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

He looks nice...

He smells nice...

Friends come to play

2008-02-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

Parke, Andi, Lisa, and Mia joined us to welcome Cowboy to the farm. Giuseppe gives them a warm welcome in his party hat.

Our new friend

2008-02-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

A great day for a new donkey!

Party on!

2008-02-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Giueseppe dons a party hat to welcome his new friend Cowboy.

The Italian men....

2008-02-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Josh, John and Giuseppe enjoying some warm sunshine and good company.

John and Giuseppe spend some quality time

2008-02-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

John and Giuseppe spent some weekend time just hanging out and getting to know one another. As you can see from the photo they are a great match. Giuseppe just wanted to give kisses and kisses.

Hank gives a blessing

2008-02-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

Bless these treats and keep them sweet. Thanks for all the carrots too.

love,

Hank

Quinn and Giuseppe enjoy a powerwalk together

2008-02-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Let's go get some more of that delicious hay!

I brush donkey?

2008-02-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Quinn spent the weekend and enjoyed every minute of farm life. He fed the animals, brushed the animals, chased the animals and attempted to drink from the waterer.

Hank looks cute....

2008-01-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Anyone have some sweet feed?

Bill and his buddy

2008-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Giuseppe thinks Bill is great!

Snowy day

2008-01-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Finally a snowy day in NC! Just in time for Aunt Pat to see on her visit from sunny Florida. She fell instantly in love with Giuseppe and Hank. Not even freezing temperatures could keep her away from her daily hugs from Giuseppe.

Can we talk?

2008-01-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Hank,

Isn't it nice that I don't ALWAYS chase and torture you. I mean sometimes I'm nice to you right? We cuddle in the shed, I watch out for you when those dogs are running around, and those little nips....haven't you ever heard of love bites? And for goodness sake do you have to carry on like that when I'm running around and you can't find me? Your pal, Giuseppe

Grumpy ol donkey

2008-01-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

What's the matter mommy, yer afraid of one little grumpy ol donkey? Come on in, I'll be nice...really.....(he, he, he)

Hank speaks

2008-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Is there a treat for me mommy?

2008-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00