I Spent the Pandemic on a Farm

When the pandemic hit, Chelsea, Marpessa, and myself carpooled from Florida up to our friend Sarah's farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin, for the summer. If we had to shelter in place, why not do it together in an idyllic rural setting with all our dogs and best friends?

The whole group at Squashington Farm

Sirius isn't worried about covid germs

Squashington Farm sits in a small town called Mount Horeb, and it's surrounded by lakes, rivers, and small towns that are perfect for exploring in the summer time. I have visited Sarah many times in the winter too and it's always magical regardless of season.

Swimming at Stewart Lake in Mount Horeb

We spent many days traipsing around the fields

Many futon nights watching movies and cuddling dogs

Sirius getting piano lessons in the farmhouse

Dressed up for a farm potluck

Being reunited with my best friends from home as an adult was an incredible experience. We cooked and ate the best farm fresh meals, took long walks together, road-tripped around the area, visited historic sites, and reforged our bonds as lifelong buddies.

Sunset over the wheat fields

Kevin showed me around some of the small towns in the area

Sarah and Butternut taking a cuddle break

Paddling day outside of Madison

I was living alone when the pandemic hit, so being able to stay on a rural farm for the worst of it saved me. Meeting up outdoors met minimizing the spread as well as an added bonus. It's weird, but I'll look back on the first year of the pandemic with fond memories for this summer frozen in time.