Spring at Last
It sure seemed like spring would never get here this year, but it is now in full swing. The milks cows have been grazing for a few weeks and the dry cows are now out on their own pasture so the milkers don’t have to compete with them. All the calves, except the ones on milk, are now on the calf pasture so the barns are empty except at milking time. Grass was late and the hay supply was down to the wire, so I’m happy to see everyone out and eating of the fat of land again. I wanted to be further along on the garden than I am, but I had equipment break down and it took a while to get it figured out. The gardens are making progress now anyway. Today I planted some sugar snap peas, spinich and swiss chard and gat a lot of tilling done. If you remember, last year I did some heavy liming and heavy compost on about half of the big garden. Wow, what a diference that lime made. That half tilled up like a breeze and drainage is unbelieveble. I was out on it within 12 hours of some very heavy rain. The other half tilled up like a patch concrete compared to the heavy limed half. It will probably take twice as many passes before it is good enough to plant anything. I’ll be hitting the second half with lime before the season gets to far. If it dosen’t rain tonight I’ll try plant a few more early season things tomorrow. Turkeys have been gobbling every morning but I’ve not made a trip out to talk to any. Spring season gets neglected around here, can only hunt till noon and I’m pretty busy this time of year. Heard the coyotes yipin’ it up this evening. Fighting over something, they were. Found a fox den the other day not far from the house. I’ll try to get some pictures of the babies when they come out. They are always cute little buggers to watch. John and Noah have been out practicing with their bows in the evenings and that is always fun to watch too. They are getting to be pretty good shots with their air rifles too, Johnny is probably a better shot than his dad. Well, my back is sore and I’m tired. I’m going to finish off this honey porter that a friend gave me and hit the hay.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Good Morning Scott,
Man, I love these kind of posts. It is inspiring to hear what goes on in a free man’s life on the average day on the farm. Still plugging away down here. I think we are making some progress digging our way through the cement walls of Babylon working on our escape. My biggest problem is that I’m impatient and do not like the idea that it may not happen in my generation. I guess thats more selfish than generational, but it aches my heart to be a slave sometimes. Being blessed with a good boss, makes things much easier though… then again, it also makes me more complacant.
Speaking of my boss, who is more a friend than a boss. He went to a nearby farm to buy four Jersey mix steers for his boys (ages 9 &6) to raise to sell for slaughter. They have had them in racks in their backyard for a few weeks now, letting them out daily to walk and are almost ready to put them out on grass. Anyway, the farmers they bought them from dairy for Organic Valley Co-op. Chris was extremely impressed with their organic operation and is very interested in learning more. He raises black Angus, but his model, as for now, is more corporate ag style. Meeting these people may do him some good, though. When he went out to their farm, they were just receiving their new mower. When they told him they needed it for a write off, his jaw dropped. He had never heard of farms needing a write off. Well, being a good capitalist, he is now very interested in organic. Today, though, I overheard him talking to his wife about the milk they’ve been feeding the calves, which is also organic and the overall health of the calves. He said “maybe there is something to this organic thing after all”.
That statement may not seem like much to you average reader, but it is a huge step in the right direction.
Sorry about the rambling, Scott. All this to say, thanks for your dedication in letting the wannabes like me into your daily goings on.
In Christ,
Matt
May 9th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hi Matt
Its always good to hear from you. Life on the farm is good, but don’t get to thinking that I’m any less a slave than you. Its a different kind of slavery for sure, but without a close knit covenanted community of believers, living “on a farm island” is not a utopia either. The important thing is realizing that and then doing something about it. In many ways we are less beholden to the world and her pagan ways, but we are not free and clear of that either. Life on the farm has some very good advantages that I am thankful for, but I’m as much on the “agrarian journey” as anyone else. We are all in it together and by God’s grace we will pass on “a good start” for our children to build on. I trust all is well with you and yours and that Stacy is doing well with her pregnancy. You all are in our prayers.
May 10th, 2008 at 4:20 am
I am glad to hear you have finally got off to a good start with your spring planting. We have yet to plow the sorghum and corn patches because of all the rain. We are expecting more today, so it might be better to look for a hearty variety of rice to raise. Susan and I are off to another round of turkey hunting this morning. You are all in our prayers here in Rayville.
May 10th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Scott,
It’s still the never-ending winter here in the west. 48 degrees forecasted for a high today and snow flurries off and on. I plowed up a 2′ by 20′ strip of lawn and planted some salad veges anyway. They should do fine, even though last frost around here is usually about the end of May.
Matt,
It’s better to live a slave then to actively sin against the Lord. I’ve started reading Mooney’s ‘Usury’ book and I’m starting to realize that I am both; a slave and a sinner. I’ve justified a lot over the years by a mis-reading of the parable of the talents. I don’t know how I’ve missed the correct interpretation all this time. God have mercy.
Missouri Rev.
Good hunting. Keep us posted.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Scott, the pregnancy is going well other than Stacy’s usual migraines. Last week we were all sick and Stacy did not have the migraines (they were replaced by flu symptoms). She said it that’s what it took, that she would gladly trade for the remainder of her preganncy. I hope all is well way up there, too. Stacy kind of chuckled when she read this post dated May 6th “Spring at Last”. Usually, spring comes late February/early March down here, but this year has been quite cool. Thank you for your prayers. They are much appreciated. We often pray for you and your family as well.
Randall, I do both also. I suppose you are talking about sin involving usury, but unfaithfulness and pride are great foes. I appreciate your wisdom.
Pastor Tom, did you get a “tom” yet… pun very intended. :o)
Matt