Pavlov's Dogs/Margaret's Cows

Having been a psychology major in college, I am always alert to behavior in both humans and animals.  It's something I enjoy and analyze with gusto that most people would not understand.  So I have enjoyed the summer experiment that I have inadvertently run the past four months and it makes me laugh each time I run it.

For those unfamiliar with Pavlov and his famous dog experiments, he easily trained his animals to hear a bell (stimulus) and then he would give them a treat and they would, of course ,salivate (response).  Throughout the course of the experiment, he was able to remove the treat and simply ring a bell and the dogs would salivate.

We have an area not far from our house that contains eight head of cattle that are in a grazing pasture.   It happens to be that I mow around the fence in the barnyard to keep it looking neat.  The cattle were quite intrigued the first time that I mowed and rather bored with their environment as they would follow the big green machine around the fence perimeter as if it were the pied piper, kicking up their heels and running around.

But, there was a positive outcome to their behavior.  My mower would throw freshly cut grass through the fence and once one of the cattle realized that they were being thrown goodies, they pounced on it like flies to honey.  Such a deal!!  Fresh grass and they didn't even have to work to get it.  I thought it was hilarious and watched them devour the sweets as voraciously as if it were manna from heaven.

When I mowed the second time, they followed me around again.  With all of the rain that we have been having this summer, they were in for some very tasty abundant treats!

And now.........as soon as they hear the lawn mower start up, they rush out of their sheds and stand at the fence, anticipating the return of the big, green machine that shoots treats out to them through the fence.  It just makes me howl.  They start kicking up their heels and running around like students on the last day of school.  The real test came about a week ago when it was almost 100 degrees and they were in the cool shed, trying to keep out of the harsh sunlight.  I was pretty sure that they would not respond to the lawn mower that day.  WRONG!  Out they clamored as they have been trained to do.

For them, I guess the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.

How Sweet It Is!!!!

Sweet corn is ready!  Need I say more?

Well.....Give Me The Boot

Farmers are so ingenious!  I love how they use what they have to solve problems.  I went out early this morning and saw a sight that brought a smile to my face.

I saw Dan's boots by the well, the tall ones he uses for choring.

I noticed they were next to the well, which has a deep hole alongside of it.

It looked like it just might rain.

Chores were over, boots come off, don't feel like taking boots inside but yet......don't want them to get wet if it rains.  What should he do?

Problem solved!

Tossing Out Orchids

The party's over! Our youngest daughter and child was married this past weekend amidst many tears, a whole lot of fun, and relatives and friends who wish the young couple nothing but love and joy in their lives.

And for us left behind, life goes on as usual. But putting things back together after everyone has gone is a bittersweet experience. I have washed 60 stainless steel trays of various sizes, 60 bowls, countless utensils, put away and frozen numerous pounds of food and done it all with a gracious and smiling face, reminiscing the glorious weekend. I am, however, in a quandary as to the disposal of the bridal bouquets and centerpieces.

Orchids and hydrangeas make a beautiful couple and I have yet to feel the need to toss them out. Never in my life would I have thought I would have so many tropical flowers at my disposal, let alone disbursement.

When it comes to orchids, does one give them a ceremonial burial complete with song and Hawaiian music? Or do I simply throw them outside and let the birds of the air embellish their nests with these immigrant flowers? Should I let them decay in the vase they are currently in and enjoy them as long as possible?

I guess the above picture is going to have to be my reminder of a time when dreams were made, dances performed, and vows made. The memories are what I must save and have, smiling and grinning from ear to ear almost every second of the day.

Best wishes Nick and Janice. We all love you so much!!!!