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Wind, Wells & Almost Winter Healing
Welcome back to the Hollow, dear friends.
This week’s update is a little late, but for good reason. We’ve been busy, busy on the farm, tending to animals, coaxing old things back to life, and watching the land shift deeper into winter’s upcoming embrace. We haven't had too many cold ones… but I am already dreaming of the promise of warm days again!
Donkey’s Surgery & a Family of Support
Our sweet Donkey had his surgery on Tuesday, and though he’s been a bit quiet and not quite himself, he is healing. We are so incredibly grateful to Tri-County Veterinarian, who came out to the farm and performed the surgery right here on Donkey’s own turf.
A quick call to the vet yesterday reassured us that the low appetite and sluggishness are completely normal and that by next week, our Donkey should be right back to his spunky self.
The most heartwarming part?
Jolene and Corbie have stayed right by his side.
Steadfast. Gentle. Loyal.
Watching the three of them bond during this healing time has been such a gift.
Corbie especially needs a buddy who matches her fire, and soon… she’ll have her playmate back.
The Wells Wake Again
Clay has been an absolute force of nature this week.
After restoring the first old well on our property, he moved on to rescue the second well, bringing it back to life through a beautiful handheld pump system.
We later learned this well had been closed since the early 1970s, and was likely dug long before that. To see it drawing water again feels like waking up a memory buried deep beneath the Hollow.
And as if that wasn’t enough
Clay then modified the first well again, installing a hand crank and topping it with our signature river rock and mortar. Now it flows seamlessly with the rest of our farm’s aesthetic. It’s truly stunning watching him breathe life into forgotten pieces of the land.
He is, without question, the Hollow’s quiet magician.
Tom Turkey Finds His Voice
A delightful surprise this week,
our Tom turkey finally learned his gobble!
He expands, puffs up, and proudly announces himself to the world…
and we laugh every single time.
He spends his days strutting around, showing off for the turkey hen who, for now, couldn’t care less.
But Tom doesn’t seem discouraged.
He’s convinced he’s the star of the show.
And honestly? He might be.
Vultures in the Wind
This past weekend brought strong wind gusts, and with that came our beautiful Vulture friends, gliding effortlessly above the Hollow. They rode the currents for hours, circling silently, wings stretched wide.
There’s something so peaceful, so humbling, about watching them soar.
It always feels like a blessing, a reminder of the Hollow’s origins and the spirits who have watched over this land since the beginning.
Flowing Into Winter
Otherwise, life keeps moving and so do we.
The farm is settling into upcoming winter’s rhythm, and though the cold bites hard, every animal has what they need. Donkey is healing, the wells are flowing, the birds are gliding, and the Hollow breathes on.
We are grateful, humbled, and grounded…
one day at a time.
Until next week, friends
may the wind be gentle, the water be clear, and your heart warm as winter settles in.
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
11/22/2025
Chill Winds & Warm
Hearts: A Week on
the Farm
Frost on the Hollow
Brrrr, friends; it has been a cold week here on the farm! ❄️
Winter seems to have arrived early at Vulture & Raven Hollow, and I’m already daydreaming of warm breezes and sunshine again. But even in the chill, the Hollow hums with life, laughter, and a little magic.
Flossy Joins the Flock
Our sweet Flossy has officially been accepted into the flock!
Nine weeks old and full of charm, he finally made the leap from quarantine to the chicken run. I’ll admit, my momma heart has been anxious about the transition. Being the lone baby means he had no feathered ally when the adults began teaching him the pecking order.
He learned fast though and now spends his days out with the flock and his nights snuggling up in the coop with all the other chickens.
And my sweet boy? Every afternoon he chirps and flies straight to me the moment I walk down the hill.
Having a pet chicken who loves me wasn’t on my bingo card, but oh, how I treasure it. 💛
The Well Awakens
A small piece of farm magic happened this week:
Clay brought the old well back to life.
He rebuilt the structure, attached a hand-pull system, and even crafted a beautiful arbor over it. The water is still clearing, but the sound of it being drawn again after who knows how many years feels like the Hollow exhaled a long, quiet breath.
It’s amazing watching forgotten corners of the land awaken under Clay’s steady hands.
Visitors at the Hollow
We had several wonderful visitors this weekend!
Our dear friends Karen and Tommy came out, as well as my cousin Kate and our southdown sheep, Tall’s former mom Abby stopped by to see her sweet boy. We truly enjoy having people come to the farm. The animals brighten instantly at new voices and new energy. These visits breathe life into the Hollow in ways that warm our hearts during these cold months.
Donkey’s Upcoming Surgery
This Tuesday is Donkey’s surgery, and we’re already preparing for the adventure of getting his bridle back on. After our first hilarious (and exhausting) attempt, we know it won’t be an easy feat but we’re determined.
We will be so thankful to have this part behind us. Once he’s healed, Donkey will finally be able to live with Jolene and Corbie again. And honestly? Corbie desperately needs a playmate who actually matches her wild, fiery energy. Her mother Jolene… does not share that enthusiasm.
Winter Settles In
Otherwise, life continues to move as smoothly as it can.
The trees are growing bare and the wind has a sharper edge to it, but we are far more prepared for winter this year than the last. Every animal has what they need, every shelter is strong, and their health remains our greatest blessing.
The Hollow may be cold, but our hearts are warm and that makes all the difference.
Until next time, friends, may your week be peaceful, your hearth warm, and your spirit bright.
Thank you for walking this path with us.
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
11/12/2025
"Water, Wool, and Warm
Hearts: Life at Vulture &
Raven Hollow"
Welcome back to the Hollow, friends. 🍂
The air has turned crisp, and the rhythm of the farm hums steady beneath autumn skies. With the recent move up the hill for our male goats, getting water to them has become quite the task. Each trip reminds us how much we rely on simple tools and steady hands.
We’re deeply grateful to anyone who can donate 5-gallon water jugs to help make these treks easier. Every drop we carry keeps our boys happy and hydrated. In the meantime, Clay has taken on yet another project; rebuilding an old well on the property near the boys’ run. If the water can be coaxed back to life, it would be a true blessing for the farm.
Flossy, our little feathered miracle, is now eight weeks old! 🐥 Watching him grow has been equal parts joy and worry. As he transitions from chick quarantine to the main chicken run, my motherly instincts have been in overdrive. Because he’s our lone baby, he doesn’t have any flockmates to defend him while learning the pecking order.
During the day, he spends time with the adults, exploring and learning. But at night, when the temperatures drop into the 30s, the others still refuse to let him near the heat lamp. So, for now, he comes back inside to the warmth of quarantine until his feathered siblings finally open their wings to him. Patience is the lesson this week, and we’re learning it right alongside him.
This past weekend brought a beautiful visit; Onyx’s former owner, Jenn, came to see her old friend and meet the rest of the Hollow. Onyx was thrilled to see her, and they spent some much-needed time reconnecting. We love moments like this, when people from the animals’ pasts can visit, bringing joy, familiarity, and new energy into their lives. Each visit reminds us that the farm isn’t just a home for animals, but a living bridge of stories, hearts, and second chances. 🖤
Clay and I also found a small but mighty solution for our sheep: hay bale netting that fits over our round bales to help reduce waste. Keeping the hay contained means the sheep can get every bit of nourishment they need. And speaking of sheep, it’s that time again, deworming weekend!
It’s quite the adventure corralling seventeen stubborn sheep, each with their own opinion about what’s happening. Getting the medicine into them is a task that leaves us humbled, exhausted, and usually covered in dirt, but we do it with love (and a little laughter).
Otherwise, life keeps moving, and the farm keeps us on our toes and our hearts warm. Each day brings new lessons and small miracles, the kind that make us pause, breathe, and remember why we do what we do.
And as always, we’re so thankful for your continued support. 💫
We still have our 5x5 farm decals available for $5 each, with every penny going directly toward feed, care, and supplies for our beloved animals. And don’t forget our Lock of Love Trellis is still open to visitors! For a donation of your choosing, you and your loved one can place your own love lock under the watchful eyes of Demeter, leaving behind a symbol of connection that grows with ours.
Thank you for being part of our story, for cheering us on through each muddy, magical day here at Vulture & Raven Hollow.
Until next time, may your week be steady, your spirit nourished, and your heart light as autumn air. 🍁
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
11/5/2025
“Where Harvest Meets Shadow: Honoring Samhain on the Farm”
As the last of October settles over Vulture & Raven Hollow, the air hums with quiet magic. The Celtic festival of Samhain is upon us the time when the veil between worlds softens, and we honor both what has been and what is yet to come.
For the Celts, Samhain marked the beginning of the new year, a sacred time to reflect on the harvests of the past season and to reap the rewards of one’s labor. It was a moment of stillness, gratitude, and gentle transition an acknowledgment that even as the world darkens, life continues to renew itself.
Looking back over this past year, Clay and I have accomplished more than we ever dreamed possible. Our little Hollow has blossomed in ways that humble us. We’ve welcomed a rescue sheep, a rescue pig, and of course our baby chick Flissy Flossy, hatched right here on the farm beneath his mother’s wing. All the baby sheep in the spring who unfortunately didn't all make it to the fall with us that we now honor in our home. Their loss taught us valuable lessons in purchasing hay from unreputable people. We’ve expanded our chicken coop, raised turkeys and guineas, and found ourselves enchanted by Jolene and her surprise baby, Corbie.
Each new life, each small victory, has been a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in perfect weather or easy moments. It happens in the messy, muddy, magical spaces where love and work meet.
A recent cold front swept across the Hollow, and the animals have tucked themselves into their shelters or, in the pigs’ case, decided to make new ones deep in the woods. Their stubborn independence makes me smile every time. Through it all, I’m endlessly thankful for Clay’s steady hands, for the strong shelters he’s built, and for the sense of safety he’s created here both for the animals and for us.
Not every task goes smoothly, of course. Take Donkey’s rescheduled gelding, for instance. The rain delayed his appointment, but that didn’t stop us from having quite the adventure trying to get his bridle on for the first time. Picture this: two determined farmers, one lasso, one very opinionated donkey, and a lot of panting laughter. Let’s just say Donkey wasn’t exactly thrilled about his new fashion accessory but by the end, we all survived with our sense of humor (mostly) intact. 🐴
This Samhain brought us an extra spark of joy our sweet grandson Kaiser came to the farm to help feed the animals and check on everyone. His laughter filled the Hollow as he carried feed buckets beside us, greeting each creature with the same tenderness that keeps our hearts rooted here. Later, he joined us in carving a pumpkin in honor of Samhain, a bright little flame of tradition glowing through the cool evening air. Watching him take part in this ritual felt like watching the next generation carry the light forward — a reminder that our magic doesn’t end with us, it continues through those we love. 🎃
This Samhain, as the wind carries the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke, Clay and I find ourselves filled with gratitude not just for what we’ve built, but for the lessons the land keeps teaching us.
When the season’s celebrations fade and Halloween’s lanterns dim, we’d love to invite anyone local to bring their used jack-o’-lanterns to the farm. Our pigs adore them as sweet fall treats, a sustainable little gift back to the land.
And for those who wish to carry a piece of the Hollow home, our 5x5 farm decals are still available for $5 each, with every dollar going right back to the care of our animals. You can also join our circle of love by placing your own Lock of Love on the trellis beneath Demeter’s watchful gaze. With a donation of your choosing, you can leave a token of your devotion a symbol that love, like the seasons, always finds its way back.
As Samhain reminds us, endings are simply new beginnings wrapped in twilight.
The fields may quiet, but the spirit of the Hollow is alive and strong. A tapestry of laughter, hooves, feathers, and faith.
May your own harvest be full of gratitude, your home filled with warmth, and your spirit lighted by love. 🍁
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
Locks of Love and Lessons in Hay: October at the Hollow
This past weekend brought new warmth to Vulture & Raven Hollow—not just from the golden sun of October, but from the kind of love that builds things meant to last.
Clay, ever the romantic craftsman, built our very own Lock of Love Trellis from materials donated to the farm. Beneath it, he mortared a statue of Demeter, Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, harvest, and the sacred bond of marriage. Her story has long moved me; how her grief for Persephone brought on winter’s stillness, and her joy at her daughter’s return awakened the green world again.
Just as Demeter’s love restored life to the land, Clay’s gesture brought new spirit to our Hollow. We celebrated our wedding anniversary this past week beneath that trellis, where he gifted me a custom lock engraved with our names, our date, and the vow to one another that anchors our souls: “As long as waters flow and fires burn.”
He is a water sign, I am fire and on our wedding altar, we placed bowls of water with candles floating inside, a union of two elements forever intertwined. Now, we share that magic with others. For a one time donation to the farm of whatever monetary value you feel, we welcome couples to visit and place their own Lock of Love, sealing their devotion to one another with Demeter’s gaze.
The animals, too, are deep in their own kind of preparation. The air grows cooler, and the haystacks higher. This week alone, the sheep devoured an entire round bale in five days! But we’re grateful for what we’ve learned—how to balance, plan, and sustain through each turning season. Farming may not bring riches, but it brings wisdom, and that’s wealth enough.
Our son Daniel and nephew Andrew earned our endless thanks for helping us unload and stack hay in the barn loft this past weekend. Four sets of hands make lighter work than two and laughter carried across the field made it even sweeter. We hope to use this newly acquired restock to sustain the goats and donkeys through the winter.
Our boy goats are now happily settled into their new run. Clay built a lean-to beside the gifted doghouse to store hay and feed, keeping everything dry and tidy. The boys seem to love their new space; content, curious, and full of play. They’ll soon be joined by a new rooster in need of a new home, and we’re hoping they’ll all become fast friends.
Speaking of the boys, Donkey is preparing for his gelding surgery this Tuesday. We’re hopeful it will calm his rowdy energy less “jackass,” more gentle guardian! And since three donkeys is the perfect number for us, this will help prevent any future baby surprises.
As autumn deepens, gratitude fills every corner of the Hollow. The air smells of hay and hearth smoke, the persimmon tree glows with ripening fruit, and the world hums softly with change. Each creature, each task, and each new addition reminds us how sacred this work truly is.
And for those who wish to carry a piece of our Hollow home; our farm vinyl decals are finally ready! Available in black or white, each 5x5 decal is $5, with every penny going right back to the care of our animals and the land that sustains them.
We’re humbled, grateful, and endlessly in love with each other, this land, and the magic that continues to unfold here at Vulture & Raven Hollow.
May Demeter bless your harvests, may love root deeply wherever you stand, and may your days be filled with quiet, beautiful magic. 🌾✨
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
10/22/2025
Where the Persimmons Ripen and
the Air Turns Gold
Fall has swept into Vulture & Raven Hollow, and with it comes the quiet shift; the air crisp with promise, the land whispering that another season of work and wonder has come full circle.
With the fading of summer’s warmth, the pastures slow, and the grass begins its long exhale. For our animals, that means the food source begins to die back, and the rhythm of the farm changes. Clay and I go through three round bales of hay each month, five square bales, and countless bags of feed for our pigs, chickens, donkeys, and sheep. That equates to farming not being lucrative in money, but in spirit, it is abundant. The rewards we reap here are measured in peace, healing, and connection and not coins.
Amidst all this change, our little miracle chick, Flissy Flossy, has grown to five weeks old. Hatched right here under his momma’s watchful wing, he’s growing into what looks to be a Barred Rock rooster. He’s full of curiosity, loves to be petted, and still curls up in our hands like he remembers the heartbeat of home. We hope he stays our sweet little companion among the hens.
Recently, a generous soul donated a large wooden doghouse to the farm. It’s far too big for any dog we have, but just right for our goats. With some teamwork and a tractor ride, we moved it into our newest run, which will now house our two adult male goats and their three mischievous baby boys. It’s important to keep the bucks separate, and now they have a cozy shelter of their own.
We’re always grateful for useful donations like that whether it’s fencing, troughs, hay racks, or feed containers. Nothing goes to waste here; everything finds a second life and purpose. If you ever have something you think might help our animals, never hesitate to ask. You might be surprised what magic can bloom from your generosity.
Our not-for-profit status is still in the works, and while the paperwork inches forward, the heart of the farm beats just the same. Clay and I continue doing what we’ve always done, giving these animals the best lives we can, every single day.
Outside, the persimmon tree is heavy with ripening fruit a sure sign that autumn has wrapped her arms around us once again. The air smells of hay, earth, and change. There’s beauty in this slowing down, a sacred rhythm that reminds us how every ending carries new beginnings within it.
This past week, Clay and I slipped away for a short four-day trip to the mountains. It was a much-needed recharge. The crisp mountain air always grounds our spirits and clears our minds. But our time away wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our son, Daniel, who stayed behind as our trusted farm hand. He made sure every creature was fed, the dogs were loved, and the Hollow stayed humming in our absence.
As much as we love the mountains and their healing quiet, there truly is no place like home. Coming back to Vulture & Raven Hollow, to the soft nickers of donkeys, the rustle of goats, and the flurry of feathers, it reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
This land is alive with spirit, lessons, and love.
And as the leaves turn, we’re reminded again and again that this is where we’re meant to be.
Thank you for walking beside us, for reading, for caring, and for believing in our dream.
Until next time may your days be full of warmth, your heart grounded like the roots of autumn trees, and your spirit free as the ravens circling above our Hollow.
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
10/15/2025
Where Feathers Whisper and Magic Grows: Welcome to Vulture & Raven Hollow
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when nature begins to trust you.
When the land itself feels your heartbeat and whispers back.
For us, that magic began in 2019, on a single acre of soil shared with a flock of vultures and ravens who became our unlikely companions. Every Sunday, they’d arrive like clockwork, waiting for our table scraps and sharing the air with us in solemn understanding. The ravens, clever as ever, began leaving small gifts on our porch — tokens from the wild. That’s when we knew the name of our farm had already been chosen for us.
Vulture & Raven Hollow isn’t a set of nicknames or a clever whim; it’s a living symbol of respect for all creatures, great and small — the winged, the wild, and the wise.
By June 2024, our single acre expanded to seven. What followed was a summer of sawdust, sweat, and sunrise projects. With Clay’s steady hands and a craftsman’s eye, and the willing help of our sons, we built fences, runs, and shelters — one after another until our dream began to take shape. Our old tobacco barn was reborn into a feed shelter, and a beautiful new chicken coop rose beside it, warm with fresh wood and promise.
That August, our pastures filled with new life — a herd of Scottish Soay sheep, a rare and ancient breed from the Highlands. To protect them, we brought home a baby mini-donkey we simply called Donkey. But as farm life goes, not all stories unfold as expected. Donkey turned out to be more mischief than guardian, and after a few rough lessons, he found himself in need of company. In January 2025, we brought home a gentle jenny named Jolene, and in true magical fashion, March surprised us with a baby donkey we named Corbie — meaning “Raven.”
Between August 2024 and March 2025, our Hollow grew busier than ever. Two pairs of goats joined us from separate breeders, followed by two female guinea hogs and two male kune kune hogs. Our chicken coop came alive with 21 chicks and four turkeys, each with its own curious personality. And to help us keep order on the farm, an Australian Shepherd named Hirsel Cotter — or simply Cotter — became our loyal right-hand pup.
Every creature here has a story, a lesson, and a purpose.
We run the entire operation with just the two of us — Clay and me — and the occasional help from our sons. It’s hard work, but it’s a kind of sacred labor, the kind that fills your lungs with gratitude and your heart with rhythm.
When we look back on this past year, we’re in awe of how far we’ve come. The Hollow hums with life now — goats calling, chickens chatting, donkeys braying, and sheep grazing under the same sky where our ravens still circle.
Our farm brings us joy beyond words. Coming home each evening to the animals waiting for us feels like a blessing — one we’re grateful to share with you.
We’re so excited for what’s ahead as Vulture & Raven Hollow begins its journey into becoming a non-profit sanctuary. Soon, you’ll be able to support our efforts through donations, merchandise, and animal sponsorships — from t-shirts and prints to opportunities to sponsor your favorite farm friend for just $1 a day. Every dollar goes toward feed, vet care, and treats (because even donkeys deserve toys and the pigs love their pumpkins).
Thank you for walking this path with us, for believing in our dream, and for being part of our growing family here at Vulture & Raven Hollow —
where feathers whisper, hooves echo, and magic quietly grows. 🌙
— Shel & Clay
Vulture & Raven Hollow Farm
10/08/2025