Honoring Hades & Celebrating Freya at Gnomestead Farms

Hey friends! It’s Joe from Gnomestead Farms, checking in from our little corner of Ellington, MO, on this warm July evening. Life out here has been a mix of heart-tugs and happy moments lately, and I want to share a couple that have stuck with me. In my experience, sharing the ups and downs of life pulls us closer. So, grab a cold drink, settle in, and let’s talk about a furry friend we’ve lost and a little one lighting up our days.

We recently said goodbye to our beloved Hades, our scrappy multi-poo who was more family than pet. He passed peacefully in my arms not long ago, an old guy who’d earned his rest, but it hit hard. Hades was always underfoot, barking at ghosts (or maybe just the wind) and claiming my recliner like he owned it. He was special, no doubt—hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, seizures, and in his later years, what we think was sundowners, with nonstop barking for no apparent reason. Three times a day, we gave him seizure meds and a special diet, and let’s be honest, he wasn’t the sharpest pup in the pack. But loyal? Fierce. If someone playfully swatted me, Hades would nip the offender. If I swatted my hand, he’d go after it! We buried him in a quiet spot we’re turning into a butterfly garden, a place that’ll draw pollinators and bring life to the land we’re building on. Hades taught us patience, loyalty, and a bit of mischief—our sweet boy’s memory lives on in our hearts.

On a brighter note, we celebrated our granddaughter Freya turning one! It was a simple, private gathering, just our Gnomestead crew, good food, and plenty of giggles. Freya’s standing now, taking wobbly steps, and it won’t be long before she’s chasing her big sister, Alice, around the yard. Her curiosity is infectious—pointing at the animals, yelling to be picked up, like she’s ready to run this place someday. Moments like her birthday remind us why we’re building this homestead: to create a refuge where our family can always come back to, no matter where life takes them. It’s a dream taking shape, one step at a time.

We’re still hard at work on Josh’s gnome home. Framing’s done, electrical is nearly complete, and plumbing’s next, while dreaming of gnome-themed Airbnb cabins tucked in the woods someday. It’s a slow build, but we’re steadily getting there.

What’s a bittersweet moment with a fur baby from your own life, maybe a pet you’ve honored or a memory that sticks with you? Got a tip for a memorial garden? Drop it in the comments. I’m all ears and could use some ideas for our butterfly garden.

Thanks for being part of our Gnomestead family. Here’s to growth, laughter, and a little magic along the way.