We are in the midst of November. The end of autumn is a perfect point from which to look ahead to spring. The countryside reveals its period of rest and dormancy, a time when rebirth and renewal are just a few short months away. With the harvest ended, the land recovers. As it is now, we enter a season where hope takes us through the expectations of winter’s icy grip. … [Read more...]

Again we have come through a time of year that when it is passed, brings a sense of relief and rest.  The deadlines of processing foods from the garden before spoilage sets in have been reached.  The fresh garden vegetables are settled on the cellar shelves, or they are at rest in the deep freeze. Now I can look forward to equally-pressing work that has been set aside while … [Read more...]

Agriculture is a diverse occupation.  Not only do we raise crops, but we have a variety of animals.  Dairy was our main product for many years.  We now raise beef cattle.  In addition, for our own use we raise chickens.  There are many ways where farming is productive and of value. The chickens, though small creatures, do require attention.  Generally, our flock is free to … [Read more...]

Summer can be a very fruitful time on the farm. Besides baling hay, the garden gets a start in producing its treasures. After the asparagus and rhubarb emerge and produce, the berry blossoms silently make their presence known. As the mature strawberry crop climaxes and declines, the June berries, the currants, and raspberries take to the fore. Yes, fruit is in the making … [Read more...]

Farming Father’s Day Melodious bird songs, bright sunshine and the wide blue sky greeted us as my family awoke on this Father’s Day.  We all set out to prepare to attend church.  The grandchildren, their parents, my daughter and I busied ourselves to celebrate Father’s Day.  From all appearances we could expect to spend the day happily with Father. One of our number was … [Read more...]

You never really know what a day will bring.  I can make plans, but situations come about in which I need to reassess my “Do List” and make changes.  Has that happened to you? Today I arose to do my daily reading.  I read the Holy Bible.  After my devotional time I read a couple of pages from some classic writer.  Washington Irving is the author I have been reading lately.  I … [Read more...]

The milk production from our cow is tapering off, but the chickens are producing many eggs.  Some days customers empty out our cache of large brown eggs.  Then there are other days when 20 dozen sit in the cellar waiting to be used. My husband collects nearly four dozen eggs a day.  You might imagine what a challenge it is to use all of them.  We give many to our children to … [Read more...]

Valentine wishes It is not always that I get the chance to publish an article on the exact date of a holiday.  So this is a unique opportunity to share with you something out of the ordinary.  My interest in writing did not emerge until my children began to learn about composition and creative writing in high school.  Since then I have tried my hand at writing short stories, … [Read more...]