“Welcome to the farm,” Lisa said when we pulled into Bleu Stallion Farm, so named because of their mini pony, Rascal’s blue eye. Built in 1928, the two story, metal roof farmhouse welcome all who enter it’s premises.
Touring the grounds brought a smile to my face as I met ducks, chickens and roosters all living together in harmony.
Both avid chalk painters, Lisa’s offer of visiting the Restore in town came with no resistance from me. Wandering through the many buildings, my pile near the register grew large. Spending just over $60, I felt like a kid in a candy store with all my treasure!
“What did the snail say when it road on the back of the turtle? Weeeeeee!”
Barbara, our tour guide on the Edenton trolley, sat comfortably facing us, as she regaled story after story of Edenton. Small in stature, short gray hair framing her pleasant face, the black microphone sending her voice through out the bus.
We learned much on our hour long trolley tour. Starting at the Historic Edenton Lighthouse, the last remaining one if its kind, moved from its original location, to where it now resides, has a fascist mating history. Edenton’s Tea Party 1774, led by a woman, has a tea pot in the city’s square. And the Kadesh Church, the oldest black church in the area, had to close because of the structural damage from Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Now, twenty years later, reparation work has begun.
Isabel wreaked havoc in Edenton, flooding the police station completely, as well as the visitor center. As a resulted, the town moved the police station to higher ground and raised the visitor center 10 feet so it wouldn’t happen again.
We spent the afternoon sitting street side, enjoying a couple of beers and solving the world’s problems.
Returning to the farm we enjoyed a delicious dinner of pulled pork, macaroni salad and green beans while sitting under the shade of a pecan tree.
Dave built a fire for our evening entertainment, then we called it a night. Sleep came quickly, tired from a fun day!
“Let’s go feed the animals,” Lisa said, showing us her morning routine. First stop, the chicken coop, the parade beginning as soon as the door opened.
Connor, the youngest rooster, crowed as the hens followed. Animals greeting each other as the dogs sniffed and the cats watched, a new day beginning.
After the chickens found freedom we headed to the chicken condo, purchased from Amazon, where the ducks and Maybell rested during the night.
Ciri, the border collie, whose name came from Game of Thrones, couldn’t wait for her herd of one, Maybell to wake up.
Benny, Wrigley and Leo ran all over the yard, playing and frolicking with each other.
After feeding the chicks, we headed to the barn to feed Jake, Rascal and Buster, all anxious for their breakfast.
St. Anne’s Catholic Church, the oldest active Catholic church in NC, had full pews when we walked in a few minutes late. Beautiful piano music accompanied us as we sang and the priests joke to start the service made us all laugh.
“A lady went to the doctor because she didn’t feel well. The doctor asked her, “Do you drink?”
“No, I don’t drink and I don’t associate with people do.”
“Well, do you smoke?”
“No, I don’t smoke and I don’t associate with people who do.”
“How about sleep, are you sleeping ok.”
“Yes. I go to bed at 10:00 and wake up at 5:00. I’m a busy woman, I don’t have time for shenanigans.”
“Well, why did you come to see me?”
“I’ve been having headaches.”
Looking over his notes, the doctor said, “I think I know what your problem is.”
“What?”
“I think your halo is on too tight!”
After church, we enjoyed the pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Dave, an active member, helped cook and serve the delicious meal.
“This is Dot and Jack. Jack just turned 92 in July and Dot turns 89 in November. They’ve been married 69 years. When we first moved here, they friended us in church and now they’re our best friends,” Lisa said, introducing us to the precious couple.
“Come back and visit. We’ll save you a seat in church,” Dot said as we prepared to leave.
“We will,” I responded, feeling the warmth and love exuding from the Parrish and its members.
Hugging Dave and Lisa goodbye, we held hands as we crossed the street, headed to our car. The front porch of the Granny Bond house our last look at Edenton as we headed the car in the direction of home.
The drawing on the dry erase board in the social hall epitomizes life in Edenton. A small community, full of love, welcoming all who enter it’s limits.
