OMG, I despise fences. I know they serve a purpose - especially here at dairy central - but in the past two days I've discovered that fences were put on this earth to torment me.
OK, maybe not, but yesterday, I rode in the tractor with Scott to the north fence line. He needed to move the feed bunks in the yard, so he hopped out and opened the fence. Then he asked if I'd want to wait and watch the gate so there would be no escapees.
Sure. So I had a stare down with a couple of them. The cute little jersey - #736 - came up to me and let me touch her (so see, she's definitely a show cow). Scott finished and came back through with the tractor; I picked up the fence and moved it over. That's when I noticed two problems: the barbed wire grazed my leg, leaving a humongous scratch (OK, it's only about an inch long) and I was wearing flip flops and sinking into the mud/cow manure/gunk pretty quickly.
Did I mention that these were my favorite flip flips? Did I mention that I bought them in San Diego three summers ago, and they are the first pair of flip flops that I have thought were comfy? Did I mention I will be requiring a new pair??
So today, I had to cater lunch in the field. No problem. New field, different gate. Right?
When I get there, the fence isn't stretched tightly. Not a problem. I know how to unhook this one (of course, I had to be shown how to tighten it back up about two weeks ago, but that's another story and I am digressing from the point). Obviously, when Mr. Terra Gator went through to fertilize the field, he wasn't confident in his fence-tightening skills.
When I pull on the lever to release the gate, it falls toward me, and not wanting to be scratched by barbed wire yet again, I grab for the post. Only this time, I missed and grabbed the wire. Now I have a puncture wound the size of the Grand Canyon (OK, maybe the size of a pencil lead) at the base of the pointer finger on my right hand. I hope it doesn't affect my writing. :)
Later this afternoon, I had to take a healthy dose of H2O out to the man in the tractor because 1.) he's my husband and 2.) he asked politely if I would bring it to him. Sure, not a problem. He told me I could just stop on my way home from voting (today is Nebraska's primary). I called him to see if I could go in through the east gate and get to field #5. He said there shouldn't be a gate up.
But there is. I tried to pry the heavy gauge wire from the post to no avail. I even tried pushing up on the whirl of wire that is wrapped around the post. If I keep doing that, you know what will happen: the wire will jab through my hand, and I will end up having to go to the ER and have stitches sewn into the palm of my hand.
On second thought, I'll go around to the west side. After all, I have mastered that fence. A quick phone call to the husband lets me know that I can leave the west fence unlocked, but when I get to the cornfield, I will have to open that gate because the black hos (our nickname for the group of black cattle that are more trouble than they are worth) are next to that gate.
Not a problem. Yeah, right.
I approached gate #2 and there they are - the black hos - guarding the entryway to the cornfield like valiant knights. OK, maybe not so valiant. After all, they were snoozing on the ground when I pulled up. By the time I got to the gate, it was time for a stare down: me vs. eight hos. I tapped on the car horn and they scattered. Except for one brave soul who thinks I will be the one to chicken out. I have news for you mister (or sister): I have a 2500 pound piece of metal to protect me from you. That piece of metal has a name: Jimmy by GMC. That's right; I win.
But as I attempted to close the gate -because the husband hasn't secured it tightly in the first place - I had difficulty getting the post into the hole and the barb wire lasso around the other post. Basically, I just stood there, hoping my real knight in shining armor (his armor is a red Case IH tractor) will come and rescue me so I can get out of this field.
And over the mountaintop, (yeah, yeah, it's just a sandhill), I saw Prince Scott riding his valiant steed.
He sensed my dilemma, told me he didn't tighten the fence completely because he knew I wouldn't be able to open it, and laughed as I back up into a grassland of black hos and sand.
Sure, life on the farm isn't always sexy, but there is always something to smile and laugh about. Even if I'm the one who is being laughed at!! :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Uncooperative Weather
Weather in Nebraska is....weather in Nebraska. People always joke that if you don't like the weather here, just wait a few minutes and it will change.
Yesterday, the air had a strange feel to it: stormy, humid, cold. But the outdoor temperature was 63 degrees at one point. Then the cold front moved through our region, the wind picked up and it felt like an Arctic blast from midwinter slammed into our house.
Rain has fallen most of today, and while we will be wishing for these spring showers in late July and early August, right now I'm wishing it would cease and desist! The ditches are full, again, and it is causing problems with our planting schedule.
But instead of complain about it, I'll just wait until tomorrow, when the predicted high should be near 59 degrees and the sun should shine brightly.
Let's hope!
Yesterday, the air had a strange feel to it: stormy, humid, cold. But the outdoor temperature was 63 degrees at one point. Then the cold front moved through our region, the wind picked up and it felt like an Arctic blast from midwinter slammed into our house.
Rain has fallen most of today, and while we will be wishing for these spring showers in late July and early August, right now I'm wishing it would cease and desist! The ditches are full, again, and it is causing problems with our planting schedule.
But instead of complain about it, I'll just wait until tomorrow, when the predicted high should be near 59 degrees and the sun should shine brightly.
Let's hope!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Chemo Observation
Yesterday, I met my mom and sister at the cancer center where my mom had her fourth chemo treatment. There is a big room with rows of highback chairs where patients sit during the hours-long process.
I made a few mental observations on the drive home:
It's like this group of disconnected people become a family. They share sound bytes of their lives: vacations, weddings, where they live, the layout of the land.
The bond binding them together is a toxic cocktail, mixed to perfection for each one's needs, and dripping into each of their arms.
The family reunion congregates once every few weeks; for others, the get-togethers are farther apart.
There's a feeling of camaraderie in this room, an inkling of an 'I'm gonna beat this thing" mantra being silently spoken, but the 'c' word is never mentioned - at least while I'm sitting here.
I made a few mental observations on the drive home:
It's like this group of disconnected people become a family. They share sound bytes of their lives: vacations, weddings, where they live, the layout of the land.
The bond binding them together is a toxic cocktail, mixed to perfection for each one's needs, and dripping into each of their arms.
The family reunion congregates once every few weeks; for others, the get-togethers are farther apart.
There's a feeling of camaraderie in this room, an inkling of an 'I'm gonna beat this thing" mantra being silently spoken, but the 'c' word is never mentioned - at least while I'm sitting here.
New Cows, Windy Conditions, and Planting
We got 16 new dairy cattle today. I'm not sure why we got them, except that I guess it was a good deal. It's kind of funny because if you know us and you're reading this blog entry, you know who is in charge of the dairy cattle and you know where this person ranks on the hard work scale. So......
I know that the week of the wedding, several dairy cattle went to auction. The day before the wedding, the auction was live on the Internet, and when "Bonnie", a huge mama of a milk cow came up for auction, Riley asked why Bonnie was there. Scott's dad said Bonnie was going to a bigger and better dairy; Riley replied with "you mean she's a bigger and better steak."
Priceless.
The wind is picking up. When I went to teach this morning, the temp was 58 and by noon it was up to 65, but a cold front went through this afternoon and the wind has increased dramatically. Rain and possible severe storms are in tonight's forecast. I can do without the rain, and I haven't heard the significant other say if we need it or not. I'm guessing NO because we need to get fields planted.
The new field is finished; now, six more to go. A second field is disked but not planted. Probably finish that field tomorrow if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, it will be a weekend spent in the field, which is tiring, but it brings peace and quiet to the house and I can write and concentrate on what I need to accomplish. But....
It also means that I am "errand girl" and spend time running for parts or running food and drink to the hubby. It usually allows for a nice break. Except for yesterday. There was a "fence stretcher" kind of lock on one of the gates. When I went in, I just instinctively knew how to get it undone, but when I drove inside the field and had to lock the gate, my mind went blank and I just didn't get it. So... I half-way hooked it and made Scott go down there with me and show me the proper method of locking the gate. I'm sure he was thinking "dumb blonde and non-mechanical wife." Now, it makes sense, but just for a moment, I had a brief lapse of..... fence-locking skills!!
I know that the week of the wedding, several dairy cattle went to auction. The day before the wedding, the auction was live on the Internet, and when "Bonnie", a huge mama of a milk cow came up for auction, Riley asked why Bonnie was there. Scott's dad said Bonnie was going to a bigger and better dairy; Riley replied with "you mean she's a bigger and better steak."
Priceless.
The wind is picking up. When I went to teach this morning, the temp was 58 and by noon it was up to 65, but a cold front went through this afternoon and the wind has increased dramatically. Rain and possible severe storms are in tonight's forecast. I can do without the rain, and I haven't heard the significant other say if we need it or not. I'm guessing NO because we need to get fields planted.
The new field is finished; now, six more to go. A second field is disked but not planted. Probably finish that field tomorrow if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, it will be a weekend spent in the field, which is tiring, but it brings peace and quiet to the house and I can write and concentrate on what I need to accomplish. But....
It also means that I am "errand girl" and spend time running for parts or running food and drink to the hubby. It usually allows for a nice break. Except for yesterday. There was a "fence stretcher" kind of lock on one of the gates. When I went in, I just instinctively knew how to get it undone, but when I drove inside the field and had to lock the gate, my mind went blank and I just didn't get it. So... I half-way hooked it and made Scott go down there with me and show me the proper method of locking the gate. I'm sure he was thinking "dumb blonde and non-mechanical wife." Now, it makes sense, but just for a moment, I had a brief lapse of..... fence-locking skills!!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Planting Begins
Planting season started today.
We have a new field this year. An excavating crew came in, removed a windmill, evened out the sandhills, and created a new field. After lunch, Scott headed there. I think we're planting popcorn in that field, but if not, soybeans will be the crop of choice this year since they are selling at a very high price.
I'm estimating that it will take three weeks to get all the fields planted. Of course, that will depend a lot on the weather. This week looks cooperative until Friday, when it might turn stormy again. Our south fields will need to dry out. An late spring sleet and snow storm on Friday melted into an abundance of H20 in the ditches and fields. (my mind is thinking mosquito infestation if the ditch water doesn't dry up.)
The three-week estimate will also depend on the amount of breakdowns we have. Hopefully, the tractor part run we made last week will mean that there won't be any down time during planting. Is that asking for too much?
We have a new field this year. An excavating crew came in, removed a windmill, evened out the sandhills, and created a new field. After lunch, Scott headed there. I think we're planting popcorn in that field, but if not, soybeans will be the crop of choice this year since they are selling at a very high price.
I'm estimating that it will take three weeks to get all the fields planted. Of course, that will depend a lot on the weather. This week looks cooperative until Friday, when it might turn stormy again. Our south fields will need to dry out. An late spring sleet and snow storm on Friday melted into an abundance of H20 in the ditches and fields. (my mind is thinking mosquito infestation if the ditch water doesn't dry up.)
The three-week estimate will also depend on the amount of breakdowns we have. Hopefully, the tractor part run we made last week will mean that there won't be any down time during planting. Is that asking for too much?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Spring Fling in Lincoln
From all indications, Saturday (April 19) in Lincoln mirrored a sunny fall day in Husker Nation.
Rock The Dock was jamming at The Embassy. Lil Red and Herbie Husker joked with the crowd at Misty's. An 80,000+ sea of red filled Memorial Stadium. There were cheerleaders, the Scarlets, and the Husker band. The ORIGINAL tunnel walk music pumped up the crowd.
The only thing missing was the fly over. Oh, and Bill Callahan. (Thank God....I mean T.O.)
The opening play - which was supposed to be a throwback to the days of option football - fell flat as the fumble rolled across the turf. Sure, there were broken plays, dropped passes and missed tackles. That's part of the game.
But something was different in Lincoln on one of the warmest days this spring. A new beginning. A rebirth of a withered (and weathered) team.
There's a new deputy in town - (he can't be the sheriff, because that role has been delegated to T.O.) - and the fans seem to be having a love affair with Bo Pelini. One highlight on the big screen was when a pick of Pelini sporting a Husker cap flashed up with the words "The Tradition Lives in 2008." The crowd went crazy!
The state of football appears to be looking up in Lincoln and across the Cornhusker State; however, fans still need to realize that the deputy is not a miracle worker and he has his work cut out for him. Trying to undo four years of hands-off football and reinstating order are keys to success. The Huskers face a tough autumn schedule, and true fans realize that year one will be a rebuilding year.
Remember T.O.'s first year?
Year two will be better.
Sure, there will be surprises and disappointments this fall. But hopefully, Husker Nation will begin its resurgence to prominence.
Rock The Dock was jamming at The Embassy. Lil Red and Herbie Husker joked with the crowd at Misty's. An 80,000+ sea of red filled Memorial Stadium. There were cheerleaders, the Scarlets, and the Husker band. The ORIGINAL tunnel walk music pumped up the crowd.
The only thing missing was the fly over. Oh, and Bill Callahan. (Thank God....I mean T.O.)
The opening play - which was supposed to be a throwback to the days of option football - fell flat as the fumble rolled across the turf. Sure, there were broken plays, dropped passes and missed tackles. That's part of the game.
But something was different in Lincoln on one of the warmest days this spring. A new beginning. A rebirth of a withered (and weathered) team.
There's a new deputy in town - (he can't be the sheriff, because that role has been delegated to T.O.) - and the fans seem to be having a love affair with Bo Pelini. One highlight on the big screen was when a pick of Pelini sporting a Husker cap flashed up with the words "The Tradition Lives in 2008." The crowd went crazy!
The state of football appears to be looking up in Lincoln and across the Cornhusker State; however, fans still need to realize that the deputy is not a miracle worker and he has his work cut out for him. Trying to undo four years of hands-off football and reinstating order are keys to success. The Huskers face a tough autumn schedule, and true fans realize that year one will be a rebuilding year.
Remember T.O.'s first year?
Year two will be better.
Sure, there will be surprises and disappointments this fall. But hopefully, Husker Nation will begin its resurgence to prominence.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Life slows down AND The Farm Bill
Sometimes, life just becomes too hectic and there aren't enough hours in the day. I know, I know, I keep singing that song on here - the fact that there isn't time to accomplish everything. But substituting full time, still coaching, planning a wedding, and writing articles and meeting deadlines kept me hopping for six weeks.
And now, I think I might actually be ready to return to my normal writing routine. Sure, there are still days filled with substitute teaching, but the other pressures have subsided and I can finally concentrate on my career. Oh, and probably a little bit on the farming side of it. Honestly, I don't know that much about the farm, but I am slowly learning.
A week ago, we spent our Friday evening watching Bill Moyer's show on NET public TV. The show featured a group of Washington Post reporters who showed how farm subsidies were paid to farmers who did not have any reason to receive the money. The story focused on the possibility of drought - which did affect a few counties in Texas that year - and the explosion of the space shuttle. Since debris from the wreck was supposedly scattered across the area, farmers could claim disaster relief, even though the majority of the farmers weren't affected by the explosion.
Shouldn't the intent of the bill be to assist farmers who truly need the money and suffer a disaster during the year instead of giving it to farmers who weren't affected but because of vague wording, received millions of dollars?
Moyer discussed the food stamp program and how for people who truly need it, the program is a blessing, but because of problems with the farm bill, there might be trouble for the program. The guest speaker mentioned that one of the problems with the program is that it doesn't cover expenses for an entire month. And for families who live below the poverty level - or even lower middle-class families who can't afford to put food on the table due to increased costs - the program is necessary.
I hear people complain because milk is over $4.50 a gallon and eggs are around $2.50 for a dozen. But people who don't follow the food chain and how it goes from field to table don't understand that those dairy cattle are being fed corn that is selling for close to $5.50 a bushel, so feeding that herd of cattle is costly to the farmer. Then there's the cost of operating the dairy, including the milk truck who picks up the milk each day, the processing of the product, the transporting of said product to the grocery store and finally the product is put on the shelf for a consumer to purchase. How much of that investment does the farmer actually make? Not much.
And now, I think I might actually be ready to return to my normal writing routine. Sure, there are still days filled with substitute teaching, but the other pressures have subsided and I can finally concentrate on my career. Oh, and probably a little bit on the farming side of it. Honestly, I don't know that much about the farm, but I am slowly learning.
A week ago, we spent our Friday evening watching Bill Moyer's show on NET public TV. The show featured a group of Washington Post reporters who showed how farm subsidies were paid to farmers who did not have any reason to receive the money. The story focused on the possibility of drought - which did affect a few counties in Texas that year - and the explosion of the space shuttle. Since debris from the wreck was supposedly scattered across the area, farmers could claim disaster relief, even though the majority of the farmers weren't affected by the explosion.
Shouldn't the intent of the bill be to assist farmers who truly need the money and suffer a disaster during the year instead of giving it to farmers who weren't affected but because of vague wording, received millions of dollars?
Moyer discussed the food stamp program and how for people who truly need it, the program is a blessing, but because of problems with the farm bill, there might be trouble for the program. The guest speaker mentioned that one of the problems with the program is that it doesn't cover expenses for an entire month. And for families who live below the poverty level - or even lower middle-class families who can't afford to put food on the table due to increased costs - the program is necessary.
I hear people complain because milk is over $4.50 a gallon and eggs are around $2.50 for a dozen. But people who don't follow the food chain and how it goes from field to table don't understand that those dairy cattle are being fed corn that is selling for close to $5.50 a bushel, so feeding that herd of cattle is costly to the farmer. Then there's the cost of operating the dairy, including the milk truck who picks up the milk each day, the processing of the product, the transporting of said product to the grocery store and finally the product is put on the shelf for a consumer to purchase. How much of that investment does the farmer actually make? Not much.
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