I saw Dan's boots by the well, the tall ones he uses for choring.
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?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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!
I saw Dan's boots by the well, the tall ones he uses for choring.
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?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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!!!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Bird Brains
Nature and I have been playing tug of war for about 4 days now. Actually, it has been a war with the barn swallows around my house. Now that the last battle has been fought I am able to claim victory and write about my accomplishments.
Last year a family of swallows decided that they would build their mud laden nest on the side of the overhead light on our front porch. They snuck in under the radar before I realized what was happening and had a beautiful nest built in which they raised a nice family. It was ideal, for them anyway.
For me, I had to duck their swoops every time I used my front door, walk through their bird droppings, and listen to them chattering at all hours. Not the best situation but nonetheless, who am I to destroy the whims of nature so I let it pass. Their condo would soon be gone and I would have my front porch back.
Last Thursday I noticed a bevy of barn swallows in the front yard hanging around my porch again. They must have been pretty impressed with the accommodations from last year as, before I knew it, they were back at putting up another nest on the overhead light on the front porch. I was not going to be caught unawares this year so planned to stand my ground and fight for my rights.
I let them work about an hour and then went outside and raked the still wet mud/grass mixture off the light fixture with my garden hoe. Mission accomplished. I would show them who had stake to this territory! Brains over brawn.
After carrying on about my business, I noticed an unusual amount of commotion outside. Sure enough, my swallows were back and there were more of them. They would build their nest up, I would hoe it down. Lord knows we have plenty of barns that barn swallows could build their nests in. The war was on!
This went on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They would spend time building the nest, I would knock it down. How long was this war of the wills going to last?
Much to my chagrin, I got up this morning and noticed that the swallows were back, using another side of the fixture this time. I stood my ground and let them know who was boss.
Finally, they gave up this afternoon. I have been wondering what made them change their minds. Do they work for four days and have a nest and then quit? Or did they get the hint they were welcome on the farm, just not on my front porch? I couldn't believe that I could knock their house down and they kept rebuilding in the same place. Who would do that? And then I had to smile as I realized that humans who build homes on the ocean, hillsides, and along rivers, among other places, do the same thing year after year to be destroyed by floods, hurricanes, mudslides, etc. If they don't "get it", why did I think a bevy of barn swallows would?
Last year a family of swallows decided that they would build their mud laden nest on the side of the overhead light on our front porch. They snuck in under the radar before I realized what was happening and had a beautiful nest built in which they raised a nice family. It was ideal, for them anyway.
For me, I had to duck their swoops every time I used my front door, walk through their bird droppings, and listen to them chattering at all hours. Not the best situation but nonetheless, who am I to destroy the whims of nature so I let it pass. Their condo would soon be gone and I would have my front porch back.
Last Thursday I noticed a bevy of barn swallows in the front yard hanging around my porch again. They must have been pretty impressed with the accommodations from last year as, before I knew it, they were back at putting up another nest on the overhead light on the front porch. I was not going to be caught unawares this year so planned to stand my ground and fight for my rights.
I let them work about an hour and then went outside and raked the still wet mud/grass mixture off the light fixture with my garden hoe. Mission accomplished. I would show them who had stake to this territory! Brains over brawn.
After carrying on about my business, I noticed an unusual amount of commotion outside. Sure enough, my swallows were back and there were more of them. They would build their nest up, I would hoe it down. Lord knows we have plenty of barns that barn swallows could build their nests in. The war was on!
This went on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They would spend time building the nest, I would knock it down. How long was this war of the wills going to last?
Much to my chagrin, I got up this morning and noticed that the swallows were back, using another side of the fixture this time. I stood my ground and let them know who was boss.
Finally, they gave up this afternoon. I have been wondering what made them change their minds. Do they work for four days and have a nest and then quit? Or did they get the hint they were welcome on the farm, just not on my front porch? I couldn't believe that I could knock their house down and they kept rebuilding in the same place. Who would do that? And then I had to smile as I realized that humans who build homes on the ocean, hillsides, and along rivers, among other places, do the same thing year after year to be destroyed by floods, hurricanes, mudslides, etc. If they don't "get it", why did I think a bevy of barn swallows would?
Monday, May 31, 2010
My Little Corner of the World
Yes, it has been one month since I've written but I have been busy in my little corner of the world. Where would that be might you wonder? Well, even though I have many, I am currently talking about my garden.
We have had a wet spring and that has given me the opportunity to sit back and really plan what I wanted to put in for a garden this year. Well, the opportunity was there but I took no advantage of it. I spend my thinking time walking around the garden centers wondering what looks good and trying to decide if a certain vegetable is something my "guys" would eat.
I am on the final leg of my journey after hearing the weather forecast for today. I got up bright and early to finish putting in some plants I purchased yesterday. I think I have almost completed my mission.
In neat little rows and hills I have the following variety of veggies:
4 basil plants, 3 red peppers, 3 golden peppers, 3 Annaheim peppers, 2 hills of cucumbers, one each of the following tomatoes: Early girl, Better Bush, Juliette, Roma, and Supersteak, 1 melon plant, a row of Blue Lake green beans, and a row of snow peas. Almost forgot, my lovely lavender plant that I put in for the senses.
I still have room left. Might do some sweet potatoes, eggplant, sage, oregano, thyme, who knows? I'm making quite a bit of work for myself but there is nothing better on a cold winter's day than taking fresh veggies out of the freezer and cooking them up. We are so blessed to have such bounty available to us for a minimal amount of work. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the garden, unless the rabbits beat me to it!
We have had a wet spring and that has given me the opportunity to sit back and really plan what I wanted to put in for a garden this year. Well, the opportunity was there but I took no advantage of it. I spend my thinking time walking around the garden centers wondering what looks good and trying to decide if a certain vegetable is something my "guys" would eat.
I am on the final leg of my journey after hearing the weather forecast for today. I got up bright and early to finish putting in some plants I purchased yesterday. I think I have almost completed my mission.
In neat little rows and hills I have the following variety of veggies:
4 basil plants, 3 red peppers, 3 golden peppers, 3 Annaheim peppers, 2 hills of cucumbers, one each of the following tomatoes: Early girl, Better Bush, Juliette, Roma, and Supersteak, 1 melon plant, a row of Blue Lake green beans, and a row of snow peas. Almost forgot, my lovely lavender plant that I put in for the senses.
I still have room left. Might do some sweet potatoes, eggplant, sage, oregano, thyme, who knows? I'm making quite a bit of work for myself but there is nothing better on a cold winter's day than taking fresh veggies out of the freezer and cooking them up. We are so blessed to have such bounty available to us for a minimal amount of work. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the garden, unless the rabbits beat me to it!
Monday, April 26, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
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?
. 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?
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