Sanctuary on a Crossroad, Donkeys Welcome

NORTH CAPE MAY ─ At the corner of Seashore Road and Sandman Boulevard, tucked behind a high fence and shaded by trees, stands a small barn, garden, and historical home. “Most people don’t know we’re here,” said Nancy Geisert, describing the delicate harmony she and her husband, Frederick (who goes by Joe), have found along the highway leading into Cape May.
Although the Geisert home has been standing since 1750, Everything Lovely Farm gives a glimpse of two people who have found harmony with nature, the past, and themselves.
Kitted out with apples, Nancy led the way to the barn and pasture area as pale December sunshine gilded the waning afternoon.
Fred, a 12-year-old pygmy goat, greeted with a bleat along with three donkeys who stared between the fence rails. Geisert introduced the herd: 18-year-old Serena, Dan, the man of the “harem,” and Lily, daughter of Serena. “I grew up with animals,” said Geisert while distributing apple slices to the “gang.” Geisert told stories of her childhood, how her family took in “anything that needed a home” in neighboring Cumberland County.
Originally, the Geiserts owned three goats, but Fred is the only one at present.
When asked how a goat can peacefully cohabitate with three donkeys, Geisert replied, “Serena babies him and Lily teases him.”
Relations between Dan and Fred fluctuate. Yet all have a place and a refuge at Everything Lovely Farm, including a cat called Possum. “She thinks she’s a donkey!” Geisert explained with a smile, pointing to the cat snoozing in the sunshine.
According to Geisert, when the donkeys parade out of the barn in the morning, Possum walks out at the end of the procession.
Living with donkeys, in Nancy’s words, is not always “calm” or even simple. “They can open doors with their teeth,” Geisert said, “they are very clever.” Mischief can abound on the farm, especially when Fred butts Geisert’s knees from behind.
However, donkeys hold a special significance to Geisert as she pointed out the cross pattern on Serena and Lily’s backs. Donkeys played a role “in Christ’s life from beginning to end,” Geisert added.
When asked why donkeys hold such a special place, Geisert replied jokingly it is because of the film “Shrek” but attributes the change of lifestyle to something else entirely. “We had an old farmhouse, so we needed animals,” Geisert began.
The Geiserts have lived in their historical home for 17 years, restoring and refurbishing when they visited on weekends. Joe, originally from central New Jersey, worked at a state military cemetery farther north and would return on weekends.
Both Nancy and Joe took the house on “full time” after Sept. 11, 2001. “Some would have called it an ideal marriage.” Geisert laughed, referring to the commuting days before retirement. “He’s a good man. He supports all of this animal craziness.”
Geisert, who studied art history in college, says she finds caring for animals very fulfilling and even profitable for health reasons. “It keeps us moving!” Geisert said. Geisert explained the natural, active lifestyle has harmonized with her giving to animal charities and other groups in the Cape May area. “It’s good for mental health,” Geisert added.
A tiny cottage sits on the property, holding two treasures. “This is my sanctuary,” Geisert said, opening the door to what was once a tool shed. Now the “cottage” serves as a place for Geisert to come away and relax.
Two bookshelves, chairs, a small desk, and a kitten called Buff fill the cozy space. Buff, a foster kitten, is the newest addition to the Everything Lovely Farm.
According to Geisert, she “Cried for five days” after taking the kitten back and went back to fetch her.
Tucked away off the highway, Everything Lovely Farm shines as a reminder of what is possible to achieve: a little piece of paradise surrounded by the modern world.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.