Appleberry Cove Farm

03/07/2026

Such a beautiful day to sit for a bit with the goats.

03/07/2026

An update to yesterday's frogs activities! Tadahhhh! We have babies!

03/05/2026

Now, for some joyous spring music!

03/05/2026

Philoppono, one of 5 frogs that live in a "pond" in my garden was out on a flop-about today. The "pond" is actually a cast-aside tub that filled up with rainwater and plant matter that I used for watering. And... maybe I put some tadpoles in there from school last year... They have survived well through the winter and have been a joy to hehold!

01/15/2026

We are having a serious influx of them in our part of WNC. Almost every night we hear them screeching, yapping, and howling. Thankfully, we have an amazing Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) that is very attentive to her goat family.

Coyote behavior intensifies during mating, denning, and pup-rearing seasons.
From January through May, coyotes expand territories, hunt more frequently, and respond aggressively to perceived threats — especially small animals. Pet attacks increase during this period due to heightened instinct, not malice.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY: Mating
- Males are aggressive, territorial
- Actively patrolling larger areas
- More bold, more desperate

MARCH-APRIL: Denning
- Females need extra food for pups
- Both parents hunting constantly
- Attacks spike 60% during this period

APRIL-MAY: Pups Born
- Parents are protective and hungry
- Hunting overtime to feed litter

For the next 4 months, coyote attacks on pets will be at their annual peak.

01/12/2026

👨‍👧‍👦💪 Studies have revealed that when fathers regularly roughhouse and wrestle with their children, it increases their children’s brain development and emotional strength by a whopping 40%.

Roughhousing creates scenarios where children experience heightened emotions like excitement and sometimes frustration, but within a safe and playful context. They learn to recognize these intense emotions, practice managing them, and develop self-control.

Successfully engaging in roughhousing and overcoming challenges within the play can also boost a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. They test their limits and learn resilience by getting back up after being “knocked down”. This experience of “failure” in a playful environment can teach them to see challenges as opportunities to learn and preserve.

Roughhousing also often involves reading body language and facial expressions to gauge their playmate’s emotions and adjust their play accordingly. This teaches them empathy and understanding of how their actions might affect others. They also learn about constant by respecting boundaries like “stop” and “no” during the play.

Roughhousing also provides a safe space for children to explore aggressive impulses and learn how to manage them appropriately. They learn the difference between playful and harmful behavior and understanding the importance of boundaries and rules within the play environment.

Beyond just emotional regulation, roughhousing fosters a range of social and emotional intelligence skills. Children practice turn-taking, negotiation, and cooperation, crucial for forming healthy relationships.

PMID: 35883947

Did you grow up with this kind of play? What benefits have you seen in your own family?

For educational purposes. This content is based on publicly available scientific research.

01/08/2026

Just rambling out and about with the goats on an unseasonably warm day.

12/29/2025

Use these easy baking substitutes to save your batter—and the day!

12/27/2025

12/27/2025

A few friends on the farm want to wish you Happy Holidays!

12/04/2025

🐦 All About Sparrows: Simple Facts Kids & Adults Will Love
🌿 What Is a Sparrow

A sparrow is a small, common bird found around homes and neighborhoods. They’re known for their friendly nature, chirping sounds, and ability to adapt to many environments.

🍽️ What Do Sparrows Eat

Sparrows enjoy:

Grains and seeds

Crumbs of food

Small insects like ants and worms — especially to feed their chicks

These tiny birds help reduce pests naturally!

🏡 Where Do Sparrows Live

Sparrows build nests in:

House corners

Trees

Rooftop edges

Holes in walls

They use dry grass, feathers, and straw to make warm, cozy nests for their families.

🌱 Why Are Sparrows Important?

Sparrows help the environment in many ways:

They eat insects, which protect plants

They spread seeds, helping new plants grow

These little birds play a big role in keeping gardens healthy and ecosystems thriving.