Jemma's Tales: Aplin Sunflower Farms
A few weeks ago we took a lovely jaunt up to Dothan Alabama to Aplin, with our Panama City family to do some exploring, investigating and Sunflower picking! Who knew that just an hour up the road heading North that we would discover such glorious farm country. If you are one of my loyal readers you know that farms and I go together just about as good a PB & Jelly.
The humidity just seemed to have vanished on this fine Saturday in mid-October and the drive was pure splendor for this gal. Country roads with fields of cotton and corn. Pastures with content cows and horses formed the landscape as we listened to some good old country music and had the windows rolled down too. I sort of felt like I was rolling along in my Dad's old Ford F-150, with a stick shift.
I am not going to fib, I miss the wide open spaces of farm land, the sweet smell of hay, the mindset of the farming community and the pure down to earth integrity of those people who work so hard and who take such pride in doing a good job.
Naturally the three of these adorable tykes added to the general overall happy vibes of the day! 💓Scampering here and there and in awe of the magic of the hayride, plucking pumpkins and picking the very best Sunflower bouquet of the day!
Some of us strolled through the never-ending Sunflower fields taking in every sip of the sweet nectar that the day provided us. Then there were the others of us who raced through the golden fields. We all dodged all sort of bugs ( with absolutely not one sting) and cohabitated in a friendly communion with all of nature.
We have chatted before and we will chat again soon about my love of gardening. My dream, my goal, my vision of having my own flower farm. Dave and I have taken many a detour in accomplishing this goal.
But as I have said before and I will say it again. You can take the girl away from the farm, but you can't take the farming out of the girl....there will be more to this story!
If you have a gardener in your family or even better yet a farmer, give them a big hug!
Blessings to one and all my friends!
Jemma
Those youngins are adorable Jemma! Just melts your heart don't they? Love sunflowers. One of my most favorite Autumn flowers. Loved what you said about old Ford 150 stick shift! YES girl...do I ever remember the days of old ford pickups and stick shifts. Made me smile! Happy Day dear Lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect day! It’s good to absorb all that nature provides. The sunflower field was fantastic! Love the pics of the grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteJemma, I grew up on a farm in the middle of Kansas and I relate completely. I will be a sunflower from the sunflower state always ....even though i have resided in SW Florida for the last 10 or so years. i learned to drive on a Ford N Tractor as well as a stick shift truck.
ReplyDeleteSunflowers are a favorite of mine. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The photos are terrific!
ReplyDeleteOh Jemma what a special day and outing for you. Love love love sunflowers. The photos of the kiddos are so cute. Happy Halloween. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteJemma, You were so close to me at Aplin Farms. I went recently for the first time. It was extremely crowded on Saturday. It is better to go during the week.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great pumpkins. I love your stacks in your first picture.
How fun to enjoy the countryside ride enjoying the beauty of fall. And how wonderful to experience all the sunflowers and pumpkins with your daughter and grandchildren. The pictures are delightful.
Was so nice to see a Jemma Tale in my inbox this morning. You captured and described this outing beautifully and I'm just imagining how fantastic it must have been to walk through a sunflower farm. I agree with this: "You can take the girl away from the farm, but you can't take the farming out of the girl." What a neat day that must have been for your grandkids because I'm sure you had stories to share as you walked those fields together. You know, I don't regret selling our farm but something about that lifestyle I still miss, it changed me and I can only hope that when the time is right God let's me know where Robert and I are supposed to plant roots again...
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed...
Love and Hugs,
Carole
This is an amazing & beautiful field trip! I want to go there one day! 🌻🌻🌻I hope my aunt, who asked you about it, gets to go! She lives in Dothan!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun place for adults and kiddos. I love sunflowers. So much happiness. The kids look so cute and happy. So sweet you can spend quality time with them. Lots of hugs and love. Happy Halloween. xoxo
ReplyDelete