Hidden Haven Homestead

05/03/2026

New additions to the farm and it's SPRING 🌱🌷☀️

We introduced 10 chicks to our home - 8 of them Barred Rock (which is the breed of our OG Henrietta girls) and 2 Cream Legbars (please - look them up for their beautiful fluffy heads). Just look at how much Steve and Roxy were fawning over those cuties 🥰

It's been an unusually warm spring so garlic is coming in hot and even a few asparagus have made an appearance! We're so grateful to Grandma Mary for planting these and the rhubarb many years ago because it feels like she's still feeding us even though she's not with us anymore 🤍

The goats are shedding their winter coats and leaving the remnants along fence lines that they use as their own personal back scratchers. This also means it's almost hoof trimming season - it's basically sumo wrestling meets mortal combat trying to wrangle those extra skittish ones for their pampering (that they hate even though they always get treats).

The girls are enjoying a pretty consistent stream of kitchen scraps from our home and a few loyal friends who save their own for us. Seedlings have sprouted inside for the vegetable garden and Roxy is experimenting with cold stratifying seeds and is itching to get into the beds for clean up 🪏🌿

Beltane was on Friday which means we're halfway from the spring equinox to the summer solstice. We hope you're enjoying these slower, beautiful days before rhythm picks up for summer 🌳

04/19/2026

Hi everyone! Quick update from us on the homestead.

First of all, we are all safe. Thank you to everyone who checked in on us. The tornado ripped along our property line up on the hill along our neighbor's land. Grandpa Virgil said he saw it out the back window and thought it was (in his words) 'a bunch of birds'. My dude needs some glasses 😅

It tore through a patch of trees, went across our road and our neighbor's field, jumped 52, and hit Marion Road and the surrounding area pretty hard which we all know now. My brother took his drone up and snagged some pictures that I've included here. The faded yellow area is the path of the tornado with the arrow pointing to our farm. The aerial field image is where you can see the path towards highway 52.

Though we've been without power for over a day now, we had exactly zero damage. None. We cannot begin to put into words how deeply lucky we are that our home and all our animals are safe. Over the many decades this land has been in the family, multiple tornadoes have been through here and my mom and aunt say that the little valley we're in seems to protect us. I'd also like to believe Grandma Mary was looking out for us.

All the thoughts, prayers, and vibes go out to those who had damage from this storm. This home and land mean more to me than I can explain and I can't imagine the devastation others are going through having lost theirs. I'm so grateful to see our community come together on places like the Buy Nothing page on FB for donations and Autumn Ridge Church opening their doors for temporary housing and support.

This has been a ride and has given perspective. And reminders of the power of mother nature. I'm grateful to this community and keeping space in my heart for those impacted.

Much love,
Tara

03/17/2026

Vincent's Van Goat's face when he walked out into the snow yesterday 😳

T'was quite the storm! Tara trekked down the driveway midday in full winter gear to see if the plow had come through yet (spoiler: not until 5:30pm). There WAS a road under all that snow in picture four 👀❄️

Then farmhand, Steve, came to the rescue. But alas... the truck with the plow was allllll the way up the driveway in the shed. His car couldn't make the four foot leap of snow the plow left behind, so he left it in the capable hands of Roxy to trudge up the driveway in the blizzard to save the day. Grandkitty, Gerard, supervised from the living room.

Picture numero five is two dumb dumbs trying to make more little dumb dumbs which proves it's never too cold to get some action. Yesterday was powered by a bunch of chaotic energy all around.

Anyway, we see it's going to be 50° again by Friday so here's hoping that was our third and final winter of the year. Muddy season is next!

03/07/2026

That full moon a few nights back left us feeling some kind of way and gave the opportunity for the goats to pose for a pretty rad picture 🌕

02/07/2026

Please swipe for by far the best photo we've ever taken of one of our goats. We promise it's worth it 🤪

We've officially hit Imbolc - the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. So even though we battled that extreme cold front a few weeks back, we're enjoying the slow return of the sun.

Time has been filled with refilling hay feeders, plugging draft gaps in the chicken coop, snuggling Queen Solstice 🐈‍⬛ after she's quietly supervised our mediocre work, baking bread, and dreaming about the warmer days when we can put our hands in dirt once more.

Our seasons in Minnesota force rest and enough down time to contemplate future goals and projects. As we don our winter gear for chores, we're training our eyes on the months ahead. We're ready for potential, for growth, for 9:00pm sunsets.

Cheers ☀️❄️

01/14/2026

Oh hey! 👋🏻 It's been a minute since we've checked in here. We're still working every day, tending to the animals and doing other cool things. Winter brings a battle of snow and ice (the only kind we want in Minnesota), but quiet reflection. So may we present some thoughts...

❄️🐐 January on the Homestead 🐔☃️

The best thing about January on the homestead is the natural downtime for rest and thoughtful planning that sets the stage for a successful and (hopefully) less stressful year ahead. The slower pace allows us to shift focus from urgent outdoor tasks to essential indoor projects, skill-building, and reflection.

After the rush of harvest and the noise of the holidays, the land finally rests... and so do we. Fields lie still, gardens sleep, and there’s no pressure to push growth that isn’t ready. January reminds us that rest is part of the work.

Chores are simpler and steadier. Feeding and tending the animals - there’s comfort in the routine. Winter chores don’t overwhelm... they ground you. Breath fogs in the cold air, boots crunch on frozen ground, and the day feels honest and manageable.

Inside, the house turns cozy. Soups simmer and bread bakes more often. Evenings slow down enough for reading, self-care, and planning instead of rushing to the next task.

January is also for dreaming. Seed catalogs, garden sketches, and 'what if' ideas fill the quieter hours. There’s time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to try next - without urgency.

The beauty of January is subtle: frost on windows, snow-softened fence lines, pink winter sunsets. The homestead stripped down to its bones shows you what really matters.

January is the quiet reward of homestead life and brings us much needed pause. It’s the deep breath that makes the rest of the year possible 🤍

07/04/2025

❤️ Red - the color of the chicken tractor
🤍 White - the color of the old family farm house
💙 Blue - the color of the sky

On this 4th of July, we're remembering that the original holiday was celebrated as we gained independence from tyranny, from the oppression of a king, and from unfair taxes on citizens.

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Stay safe out there today and we hope you make it through another Independence Day with all ten fingers 🎆

05/23/2025

Goat Spa Day: Hooficure Edition 💅🏻

Recently we had spa day on the farm, and the VIP guests? Our goats, of course. Forget cucumber eye masks and lavender-scented candles. We’re talking hoof trims, back scratches, fly/lice treatment and plenty of snacks to keep the mood just right. The day began with some gentle coaxing (a.k.a. bribing with alfalfa pellets and apple flavored snacks) to lure the herd into the 'spa lounge', also known as the grooming area. One by one, each goat took their turn, front hooves up like little divas ready for their pampering session.

Clippers in hand, we carefully trimmed away the overgrowth, shaping each hoof with the precision of a seasoned nail tech. Bits of dirt and old hoof bits came off, revealing the neat, healthy base beneath. As we worked, the goats gave varying levels of feedback — from blissed-out stillness to a few dramatic head tosses that said, “Do you mind?!?” as well as performing exorcisms on the few that didn't appreciate our labors.

Midway through, we took snack breaks. Because what’s a spa day without refreshments? A few apple slices and bananas here, some hay there — all part of the five-star treatment.

By the end, our goats strutted off with fresh, balanced hooves and an undeniable air of confidence. Clean feet, comfy strides, and a sense of barnyard glamour — the hooficure was a success.

05/18/2025

A month late but... thank you, volunteers! 🌎💚

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to help with our roadside cleanup for Earth Day! Your time, energy, and commitment to keeping our community and planet clean made a real difference. Because of your efforts, we collected litter, beautified our surroundings, and showed what’s possible when we work together for the environment.

We’re so grateful for your dedication and hope you take pride in the positive impact you’ve made. Here’s to a cleaner, greener future — thanks to volunteers like you!

04/08/2025

When: THIS Saturday, April 12th @ 1:00pm
Where: Hidden Haven Homestead in SE Rochester! (4200 45th St SE)

In honor of Earth Day, we are cleaning up our stretch of highway we adopted a few years ago! Last year we found some preeeetty interesting things 👀
We provide all the necessary equipment, just come with good walking shoes and ready for some light snacks afterwards. Please RSVP to our FB event if you plan on coming so we can make sure we have enough food.

Vincent Van Goat is expecting extra pets and treats so please come show him some love 🐐

03/28/2025

Oh hey our goats, Bucky and Vincent Van Goat, make a guest appearance on a local small business page to showcase an excellent pinot noir they carry! 🍷

So glad those two always play along with our antics 📸🐐

Les Brebis Pinot Noir Walnut Hill—because even goats know good Pinot. 🐐🍷 Family-owned, small-batch, and smoother than a goat hopping a fence. Is it the GOAT of Pinot? Take a sip and decide.