Wicked Witch of the East

I always have ambitions of writing about something other than my second career, that of being a farmer's wife, and I had a great idea ready, even a picture snapped. But that blog will have to wait as I have once again experienced another totally outrageous incident in this second career. One that left me befuddled!

The guys were busy selling cattle tonight so they said they would be late for supper. About 7:30 I began making Swiss Steak with mashed potatoes, one of their favorite meals and not too hard for me. No recipe needed as I have made it so many times. Then the phone rings! It's Daniel! Never a good sign.

"Mom, there's some pigs out in the field and dad's gone to take the cattle. Can you come out and stand by the gate while I round them up?" Sounds so easy and innocent. Anyone would be willing to oblige him. But I knew better. I was on alert.

The swiss steak was simmering and I thought I was safe there. The longer it simmers, the more tender it is. But the potatoes! They weren't boiling yet and I didn't know how long I would be outside. Should I leave them on the stove to cook, with the possibility of them overcooking, or should I turn them off and know that it would be at least 15 minutes of cooking time once I returned? I opted for choice number 2. First problem solved.

When inquiring of Dan which pen of pigs was out, he had hesitantly told me it was the northern most pen we had. In a split second I made the decision to take my bike out on this jaunt. Problem number 2 solved.

And what a sight I was. Since it was past 7:30 and I had already worked out, I had on my pj's and long pink robe. Proper attire for lounging around the house but not for riding a bike and rounding up pigs. But that has never stopped me before. I ran out to the garage, hopped on the bike, and with my robe flying in the wind and the white basket on my bike rattling up and down, I knew that I was reminiscent of a scene right out of "Wizard of Oz," and I wasn't portraying the good witch.

The entire incident lasted less than 15 minutes with only a few swear words and slight mudding of shoes. I got back in, started the potatoes, and the guys only had to wait for 5 minutes for supper once they got in. They've eaten, a little left over, and I remain in my pink robe and pj's, hoping that my second job is over for the night.

Three (sets of ) Sheets to the Wind

I really know that summer is here when I begin to hang sheets out on the line. This past week has been a perfect opportunity for that for two reasons: 1. The weather has been gorgeous. 2. I have some very special guests coming for the weekend and I knew they would love to have sheets that had been "hung out." And, I needed three sets of sheets. Perfect weather!

As I was hanging them out I received a text message from one of my daughters telling me she was splurging and going out to lunch with her sister. I was immediately jealous but enjoyed the message nonetheless.

It got me to thinking. Our farmhouse was built in 1850. Even before the Civil War! I was hanging laundry up on a clothesline between two trees that I was certain must have been planted by the women who lived there so they could hang clothes out. And as my mind began to wander even further, I had to laugh at how far things have come since those first ladies hung clothes out on the line. Bringing it closer to home, I've lived here for 32 years and can't believe the changes.

Can you imagine my 1850's women and what they would be thinking of me receiving a text message while I was hanging out my laundry, which, of course, I did NOT have to do by hand? Throw it in, add soap (purchased at the store) and continue doing other things. So many years later and we can talk with our daughters across the country at a moment's notice. If there are any ghosts living in this house they must roll their eyes at me and wonder what in the world I am doing most of the time. (It wouldn't bother me if they had supper ready once in a while when I got home either, in case they get into my computer during the day and read this post!)

Three sets of sheets to the wind. It's been done here on this farm for over 160 years.

Executive Board Meeting

All executive employees were called in on this important meeting. We have present, not in any particular order, the CEO, CFO, and Human Resources. There were some important decisions being made, no doubt. Who could ever get bored with a board room like this?