Grapevine Comeback: When You Think It’s Gone… But It’s Not 🍇 Well… I thought it was done for. Last summer was the first time I ever got to walk under our grapevine arches and actually pick grapes. It might sound small, but it was something I had always pictured — walking under the arches and picking fresh grapes straight from the vine. And it finally happened. Then the Sheep Happened 🐑 If you’ve been following along, you know our sheep have a way of getting into places they shouldn’t. And unfortunately… the garden was one of them. They didn’t just nibble a little — they stripped the bark right off the grapevine. At that point, I was pretty sure it was done for. Spring Surprise 🌿 Every spring, things start waking back up around here. But I honestly wasn’t expecting much from that grapevine this year. Then the other day, I went out to the garden… …and there it was. Growing back. Not just barely hanging on — actually coming back. So it...

Adding Carambola Starfruit Trees to Our Food Forests 🌿 Today we added carambola starfruit trees to both of our food forests — one on each property. We’ve been slowly building out these growing spaces over time, just adding fruit trees and plants as we go. Nothing rushed… just planting a little at a time and letting it grow naturally. Two Properties, Two Growing Spaces 🌿 Since we have two properties, we’ve been working on both areas little by little. It’s not anything complicated — just adding trees, learning as we go, and seeing what does well here in Central Florida. Adding a starfruit tree to each space felt like a good step forward. About Starfruit Trees in Florida 🌞 Starfruit (also called carambola) grows really well in warm climates like Central Florida. It’s known for its sweet-tart flavor and the unique star shape when sliced. Once established, these trees can produce fruit regularly and sometimes even multiple times a year. They do best with...

When the Sheep Escape… Again 🐑 Well… it happened again. The sheep escaped. I had just moved them to our other yard and even put chains on the gate this time — because Dolly is a very smart sheep and has officially learned how to open gates. Apparently that didn’t matter. Someone took the chain off… and Dolly did what Dolly does. Good Timing 🌿 Fortunately, I was already awake and heard the baby sheep crying before they made it too far… —or before they decided to head straight for my fruit trees. 😅 So I went outside, and sure enough… Beulah, Dolly, and one of the babies were already making their way back to Sampson like they had somewhere to be. Meanwhile, one baby got left behind. Getting Everyone Back Where They Belong 🐑 We rounded everyone back up, reunited the baby, and got the ladies back where they were supposed to be. And yes… we made sure the chain was actually on this time. Living on a small farm definitely keeps things interesting. ...

A Dress From the 1800s on Our Farm We recently had my girls try on a dress that’s been in our family for a long time — it was made by their great, great, great grandmother back in the 1800s. We took a few photos outside, and they ended up looking like something from a completely different time. No filters needed — just the dress, the yard, and a quiet afternoon. Simple Moments Like This It was one of those moments that makes you realize how different life used to be. Slower, quieter, and probably a lot more work too. But there’s something about that simplicity that still feels good today. What Guests Notice Here We hear it all the time from guests — things just feel more relaxed here. It’s not fancy or overdone. It’s just quiet, open space, animals nearby, and a slower pace than most people are used to. If that’s what you’re looking for, you can check out our farm stay near The Villages . Not Much Has Changed (In a Good Way) Even though a lot has c...

Apparently my mom ears don’t only work for human children. Last night around 2:00 in the morning, I woke up to the unmistakable sound of a baby crying… except this baby had four legs and a very loud opinion about life. The baby sheep was hollering. And hollering. And hollering. So naturally I sat straight up in bed in full emergency mode. 🌙 The Midnight Investigation Begins I tried to look out my bedroom window but couldn’t see a thing in the dark. I could barely make out Samson standing out there, and I could hear the baby somewhere near him — or maybe beside him — honestly I wasn’t sure. So I began what can only be described as a very clumsy midnight farm patrol. I stumbled down the dark hallway into another room to get a better view… only to discover a loud alarm noise. It was actually my freezer alarm going off because I had accidentally left it cracked open. So there I am at 2AM fixing frozen food logistics while a baby sheep is still yelling outside like the ...

  Guest Review: A Peaceful Farm Cottage Stay That Melted Stress Away One of the sweetest parts of hosting at Dana’s Florida Getaways is hearing how guests truly feel during their stay. Recently, a lovely guest named Ruth stayed at our peaceful farm cottage for a short weekend visit to spend time with her daughter and granddaughters who live nearby. What she shared afterward perfectly describes the experience many guests are searching for when they choose a quiet country vacation rental. A Relaxing Farm Stay Near Family Visits Ruth mentioned that our cozy cottage worked out perfectly for their visit. While the stay was short, the peaceful atmosphere made a lasting impression. Guests often tell us they are surprised by how quickly they begin to unwind once they arrive. Even though the cottage sits on our property, it is thoughtfully set back and surrounded by greenery and privacy landscaping. Many guests say it feels like stepping into their own private oasis. Simple Joy...

☀️ Slow Farm Mornings, Roosters & Hummingbirds One of the things guests remember most about staying here isn’t just the location… it’s how the mornings feel different . 🤍 Instead of waking up to traffic or hotel hallway noise, many guests wake up to the gentle sounds of the countryside. 🐓 Sometimes you’ll hear the rooster in the distance as the sun begins to rise. In the private cottage courtyard, it’s common to see tiny hummingbirds visiting the flowers while guests sip their morning coffee. ☕🌺 It’s peaceful, simple, and surprisingly memorable. Our stays are designed for travelers looking for a quieter experience — whether you’re visiting family nearby, passing through Central Florida, working temporarily in the area, or planning a romantic getaway. 💕 Many couples love starting the day slowly o...