Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Honorable Profession
I have thought about this every day since ElleAnna and I went to the salebarn, and am going to try now to put it into words (finally, right Kathy?). With the snow falling gently outside today, it made me appreciate it even more and realize that I wanted to share it with you. I know it won't come out right, and I'll probably edit it a million times....
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Farming is truly an honorable profession. One that never gets the recognition it desperately deserves. Of course, as with everything, there are always bad seeds in the bunch. Please don't think about them as you read this. Forget about them for a while (I try to as much as possible as they only elevate my blood pressure). The farmers I am talking about work hard, probably as a family for many generations. They have earned what they have through self-determination, risk, and passion for the world in which they live.
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As ElleAnna and I went into the salebarn that day, it was filled with men and women in coveralls and boots. They have on warm stocking caps to block out the cold, or well worn baseball caps that rarely are about baseball. They usually have a John Deere logo or farm equipment advertisement on the front. Some have painfully true sayings about hard work and no money. Their hands are worn. Their nails are short. The buyers are always perched up top, usually wearing clothes that are obviously out of place. Their hands and nails are impeccable. They have on shiny cowboy boots that have probably never stepped foot anywhere but on the cement.
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The smells in the salebarn are strong and yet musty. They are a mixture of scents - of dirt, of cobwebs tangled on the ceiling fans that have never been dusted. Of the sweet cattle feed stuck between the hooves of the cows. Some think manure stinks, and IT DOES. But, in a sale barn, the smell is muffled and not as strong. Its undeniable, but subdued and not overwhelming. The salebarn smell stays on your shoes, in your hair, but you don't really mind.
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From the back, you hear the shouts of people trying to herd the livestock into the arena. You watch as years worth of hard work parades through the ring, to be purchased by the men in the white shirts. You hope for the best, pray to at least break even. You have cared for these animals when they were tiny, sometimes ill. There may be five, there may be a hundred, but good farmers know them - they know who their mother was, which calf she had last year, how much they've grown.
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There is much to be set about the souls of someone willing to carry a crying, wet, heavy, uncooperative calf in from the cold. Bringing him into the house to warm him and get him dry before retuning him to his mother. Alarm clocks going off at two hour intervals all night long during calving season to be sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Fighting the blinding snow to locate a mother and baby who have strayed from the warm straw bed.
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Its truly amazing to watch the cycle of growth as you plant a crop, watch it grow, harvest it as a family. Its heartbreaking when the rain does not come or the hail pounds a beautiful, flourishing crop into the ground, shattering all hope of a good harvest. There is nothing like wheat harvest - in spite of the heat and the dirt. The technology has advanced, but hands are still required to get the work done - many hands. Hands of grandmothers, grandsons, daughter, husbands... to bring the harvest in.
.
It is so touching when farm families pull together in a time of crisis - Helping one another in spite of their differences when there is an illness or death. That they will put their own work aside and go fix fence, harvest a crop, feed the cows, or whatever is the most pressing task at the time. These strong farmers look as though they have never shed a tear, but they do. They break sometimes for the losses, because of nature's wrath, or the pain of others for whom they care about.
.
The women involved are even more admirable - my highest respect goes to them. They juggle far more than any of us can imagine. They work along side their husbands, they comfort, they persevere, they clean and sew, they encourage, they manage the books, they cook, they love.... and they share the same respect for the land and the gifts that God gives us each and every day - including life, family, and hard work. They are amazing mothers and wives as well as truly dedicated to the community and church.
.
If you eat, regardless of what you eat, you reap the benefits of the farmers in this nation. You may believe that the prices at the grocery store are too high, but I can assure you that the farmer is not reaping that money. He and/or she is still owed a world of thanks that will never be paid in full.
.
I know that I owe a world of debt to my parents - very honorable farmers - who have made my life what it is today. Their amazing generosity, laughter, gritty determination, high standards, strong work ethic, love, and belief in God has touched my children, my nephews, and all the others with whom they know. They make us better people by sharing their love of the land with us. They make me want more for my future. They truly do value all the gifts that God gave us.
.
.
Farming is truly an honorable profession. One that never gets the recognition it desperately deserves. Of course, as with everything, there are always bad seeds in the bunch. Please don't think about them as you read this. Forget about them for a while (I try to as much as possible as they only elevate my blood pressure). The farmers I am talking about work hard, probably as a family for many generations. They have earned what they have through self-determination, risk, and passion for the world in which they live.
.
.
As ElleAnna and I went into the salebarn that day, it was filled with men and women in coveralls and boots. They have on warm stocking caps to block out the cold, or well worn baseball caps that rarely are about baseball. They usually have a John Deere logo or farm equipment advertisement on the front. Some have painfully true sayings about hard work and no money. Their hands are worn. Their nails are short. The buyers are always perched up top, usually wearing clothes that are obviously out of place. Their hands and nails are impeccable. They have on shiny cowboy boots that have probably never stepped foot anywhere but on the cement.
.
The smells in the salebarn are strong and yet musty. They are a mixture of scents - of dirt, of cobwebs tangled on the ceiling fans that have never been dusted. Of the sweet cattle feed stuck between the hooves of the cows. Some think manure stinks, and IT DOES. But, in a sale barn, the smell is muffled and not as strong. Its undeniable, but subdued and not overwhelming. The salebarn smell stays on your shoes, in your hair, but you don't really mind.
.
From the back, you hear the shouts of people trying to herd the livestock into the arena. You watch as years worth of hard work parades through the ring, to be purchased by the men in the white shirts. You hope for the best, pray to at least break even. You have cared for these animals when they were tiny, sometimes ill. There may be five, there may be a hundred, but good farmers know them - they know who their mother was, which calf she had last year, how much they've grown.
.
There is much to be set about the souls of someone willing to carry a crying, wet, heavy, uncooperative calf in from the cold. Bringing him into the house to warm him and get him dry before retuning him to his mother. Alarm clocks going off at two hour intervals all night long during calving season to be sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Fighting the blinding snow to locate a mother and baby who have strayed from the warm straw bed.
.
Its truly amazing to watch the cycle of growth as you plant a crop, watch it grow, harvest it as a family. Its heartbreaking when the rain does not come or the hail pounds a beautiful, flourishing crop into the ground, shattering all hope of a good harvest. There is nothing like wheat harvest - in spite of the heat and the dirt. The technology has advanced, but hands are still required to get the work done - many hands. Hands of grandmothers, grandsons, daughter, husbands... to bring the harvest in.
.
It is so touching when farm families pull together in a time of crisis - Helping one another in spite of their differences when there is an illness or death. That they will put their own work aside and go fix fence, harvest a crop, feed the cows, or whatever is the most pressing task at the time. These strong farmers look as though they have never shed a tear, but they do. They break sometimes for the losses, because of nature's wrath, or the pain of others for whom they care about.
.
The women involved are even more admirable - my highest respect goes to them. They juggle far more than any of us can imagine. They work along side their husbands, they comfort, they persevere, they clean and sew, they encourage, they manage the books, they cook, they love.... and they share the same respect for the land and the gifts that God gives us each and every day - including life, family, and hard work. They are amazing mothers and wives as well as truly dedicated to the community and church.
.
If you eat, regardless of what you eat, you reap the benefits of the farmers in this nation. You may believe that the prices at the grocery store are too high, but I can assure you that the farmer is not reaping that money. He and/or she is still owed a world of thanks that will never be paid in full.
.
I know that I owe a world of debt to my parents - very honorable farmers - who have made my life what it is today. Their amazing generosity, laughter, gritty determination, high standards, strong work ethic, love, and belief in God has touched my children, my nephews, and all the others with whom they know. They make us better people by sharing their love of the land with us. They make me want more for my future. They truly do value all the gifts that God gave us.
.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
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Happy New Year!
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Today marks the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is one of the 12 animals represented in the Chinese Zodiac. The Ox symbolizes patience, hard work, tenacity and loyalty. Last year was the Year of the Rat. Here are photographs from MSN showing the celebrations in China.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28854872/displaymode/1107/s/2/
Families in China celebrate with the color red - which means good luck and happiness in their culture. Sweeping the house "sweeps away" the bad luck from last year in order to prepare to welcome the good luck for the new year. Quince blossoms are used as a decoration - the tiny buds reminding everyone that new things can always grow. Oranges and tangerines are set aside to honor ancestors. The fruits stand for money and good luck. Families wear brand-new clothes and have their hair cut - to start the year all fresh and new.
Foods such as soup and dumplings are made as well as Eight Precious rice pudding. Extended families gather together at a big round table to eat the meal. Red envelopes are given as gifts and they contain money. Things brings even more good luck.
At last, it is time for the Chinese New Year parade. The Lion Dancers come down the streets, the mouth is open and he gobbles up green lettuce and more red envelopes. There are drums, cymbals, floats, and paper lanterns. Finally at the end of the parade is the the dragon - who is a sign of good luck and the beginning of spring. There are also plenty of fireworks in the sky.
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Gung Hay Fat Choy from our family to yours!
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.
Happy New Year!
.
Today marks the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is one of the 12 animals represented in the Chinese Zodiac. The Ox symbolizes patience, hard work, tenacity and loyalty. Last year was the Year of the Rat. Here are photographs from MSN showing the celebrations in China.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28854872/displaymode/1107/s/2/
Families in China celebrate with the color red - which means good luck and happiness in their culture. Sweeping the house "sweeps away" the bad luck from last year in order to prepare to welcome the good luck for the new year. Quince blossoms are used as a decoration - the tiny buds reminding everyone that new things can always grow. Oranges and tangerines are set aside to honor ancestors. The fruits stand for money and good luck. Families wear brand-new clothes and have their hair cut - to start the year all fresh and new.
Foods such as soup and dumplings are made as well as Eight Precious rice pudding. Extended families gather together at a big round table to eat the meal. Red envelopes are given as gifts and they contain money. Things brings even more good luck.
At last, it is time for the Chinese New Year parade. The Lion Dancers come down the streets, the mouth is open and he gobbles up green lettuce and more red envelopes. There are drums, cymbals, floats, and paper lanterns. Finally at the end of the parade is the the dragon - who is a sign of good luck and the beginning of spring. There are also plenty of fireworks in the sky.
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Gung Hay Fat Choy from our family to yours!
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
ElleAnna's New Adventure
Yesterday, Elle had an amazing new experience. I so wish I had taken photos, but I didn't... the look on her face was beyond priceless. ElleAnna went to her first salebarn! My parents were selling calves and Elle got to watch. The annual day the fat calves are sold has ALWAYS been a big deal in my family. When Ranelle and I were at home, my parents would often come get us from school even so that we could be there. When Bryant and Alex were little, and my husband was farming full time for my parents, they too got in on the excitement.
ElleAnna loved seeing the animals in the arena. She counted how many "brown" ones were there, how many black, how many had a white spot on their head, etc. She knew Grampa's cows had blue tags in their ears and recognized them as they came inside to be sold. Actually, when we drive down the road ALL the cows she sees are Grampa's cows, so he has a bigger herd than he ever realized! :-) She wasn't bothered by the loud auctioneer, but she was amazed when she told her daddy later about the adventure that he could talk just like that too!
When Mom and Dad's calves were about half done selling, Elle needed to go potty. As I was taking her out, she got mad, wanted to stay, was afraid she would miss something... I told her we would hurry, but if she needed to go potty we had to go now and not wait for the cows to be done. When we came back in, they had just finished and were moving on to another farmer's livestock. Elle didn't really notice and went back to her counting game. She did not want to leave though when Grampa and Grama were ready. There were still cows selling for goodness sake, it was not time to go! We went to the dining room though and she ate M and M's and drank hot chocolate to her heart's content though, so that made it a little easier to handle!
It was great to see the sparkle in her eyes and know that this was something that she would have NEVER experienced without coming to us, to our family. She is greatly loved and none of us can imagine our world without her in it. I know that when she fights with her brothers over me and says "MY MOMMY" that I am loved too. She is full of spunk and energy and I am glad that we can help her along life's journey just as she does for us!
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ElleAnna loved seeing the animals in the arena. She counted how many "brown" ones were there, how many black, how many had a white spot on their head, etc. She knew Grampa's cows had blue tags in their ears and recognized them as they came inside to be sold. Actually, when we drive down the road ALL the cows she sees are Grampa's cows, so he has a bigger herd than he ever realized! :-) She wasn't bothered by the loud auctioneer, but she was amazed when she told her daddy later about the adventure that he could talk just like that too!
When Mom and Dad's calves were about half done selling, Elle needed to go potty. As I was taking her out, she got mad, wanted to stay, was afraid she would miss something... I told her we would hurry, but if she needed to go potty we had to go now and not wait for the cows to be done. When we came back in, they had just finished and were moving on to another farmer's livestock. Elle didn't really notice and went back to her counting game. She did not want to leave though when Grampa and Grama were ready. There were still cows selling for goodness sake, it was not time to go! We went to the dining room though and she ate M and M's and drank hot chocolate to her heart's content though, so that made it a little easier to handle!
It was great to see the sparkle in her eyes and know that this was something that she would have NEVER experienced without coming to us, to our family. She is greatly loved and none of us can imagine our world without her in it. I know that when she fights with her brothers over me and says "MY MOMMY" that I am loved too. She is full of spunk and energy and I am glad that we can help her along life's journey just as she does for us!
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Sunday, January 4, 2009
TOP TEN - 2008 - YOU VOTE (PART 5)
ABOVE - Photo # 21 - Bryant kissing Elle
ABOVE - Photo # 22 - ElleAnna by the Bales, Fall 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 23 - Elle and Dayton with Popcorn, Fall 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 24 - Yes, she is crazy
ABOVE - Photo # 25 - Conlee thinking they are weird, Fall 2008
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Pretty soon, I'm just going to have to quit looking - but this gives you an idea why something that I thought would be so simple, has evolved into something VERY DIFFICULT!
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TOP TEN - 2008 - YOU VOTE (PART 4)
ABOVE - Photo #16 - Elle as Snow White, October 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 17 - Ken and Elle in the Garden, Summer 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 18 - Elle and Mrs. Claus, Christmas 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 19 - Conlee and Elle at his School, Fall 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 20 - Ranelle and Elle Reading, March 2008.
TOP TEN - 2008 - YOU VOTE (PART 3)
ABOVE - Photo # 11 - ElleAnna and Alex, Fall 2008 on the Bales
ABOVE - Photo # 12 - Elle Sparkling at Football, Fall 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 13 - Bryant and Elle at Alex's Party, August 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 14 - The Airplane Locators, Summer 2008
ABOVE - Photo #15 - Alex and ElleAnna, September 2008.
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Vote as many as you want, as often as you want... I am not sure I'll get them all posted tonight, but I am going to try!
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TOP TEN - 2008 - YOU VOTE (PART 2)
ABOVE - Photo # 6 - Dayton, Conlee, and Elle at the Lake, Summer 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 7 - ElleAnna in Denim, May 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 8 - Does this look naughty? May 2008 
ABOVE - Photo # 9 - Five Grandkids in Wheat, May 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 10 - Three Kids with Flags, May 2008.
TOP TEN - 2008 - YOU VOTE
ABOVE - Photo # 1 - ElleAnna and Grampa - May 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 2 - Alex, ElleAnna, and Bryant - May 2008 
ABOVE - Photo # 3 - The John Deere/Angus Kids - March 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 4 - ElleAnna and her Citizenship Papers, January 2008
ABOVE - Photo # 5 - ElleAnna feeding her babies, January 2008******************
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Because I am totally unable to decide which ones are the best (there are far too many), I am going to post them... and you need to vote on them. I will title and number each one... Unfortunately, it will take me a few posts because there are slightly more than ten. Anyway, HAVE FUN DECIDING! Invite your friends, get them to vote too! The more, the merrier!
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Pix from Today - January 4, 2009
Ken's youngest brother, Paul, and his wife, Kim, came from Texas to spend a little bit of time with us this weekend. It was good to see them. Here are some photos of everyone. Ignore Bryant's attempt to appear to be smoking. It was cold outside and he could see his breath. Of course, that photo of us five is the only one where everyone is smiling, so I am kinda stuck with his naughty antics...
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As for my attempt to select the top 10 pictures of 2008, I have come up with about 30 of them... so, it may be the top ten with twice that many "runner's up" - SMILE. Again, if you have any favorites that I have posted in 2008, let me know as I am interested in your "votes".
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This week, Ken and Elle return to school tomorrow while the boys go back on Tuesday. Starting that day, we'll have the first of three evenings of basketball. Dayton has his third birthday this week - HURRAY! We also have an EMS meeting and an American Legion Meeting. That will make for an extra busy week. We hope you each have a good one and I'll try to catch my breath enough to get the "Top Ten" done.
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Friday, January 2, 2009
COMING SOON
I am going to work on a 2008 Top Ten List of our favorite photographs. If you have ideas or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. I already have some in mind.... Hopefully, I can get it done this weekend to share with you.
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