The Hay Field

The view today from the kitchen window is the hay field. The men (my husband and son) are working hard to get the hay baled before it rains again. We've had a wonderful week for hay--lots of sunshine and hot weather. However, on Sunday the hay baler suffered a major break-down. It was Wednesday before we could get back into the field. Then within five minutes it was down again. This time a minor fix, but that was followed closely by another break-down. Then it rained..... Now doesn't that just make you want to run out and buy a farm?

I read somewhere that farming was the third most stressful occupation. I can't remember what number two was, but number one was an air traffic controller. That should tell you how much fun farmers have. However, you won't find a more dedicated group anywhere. They love it all. Yes, there are bumps in the road (some years it's more like major pot-holes) but they keep on doing what they love. I guess the great days of hard work and seeing what you accomplish, the satisfaction of working together as a family, seeing your children grow with responsibility and a strong work ethic, the love of the land that God has given us make all the problems that go along with it seem worthwhile.

My husband grew up on a dairy farm. He knew early on that if he wanted to get ahead in life he would have to do something besides farm. Farming is a great life but you probably won't get rich while you are at it. He went to college, majored in ag-economics, owns an insurance agency and comes home and farms every night. I tell him that he works to support his hobby.

So why do we do it? I honestly can't imagine living in a city. Nothing against cities, they are great places to visit, shop, go out to eat, but then I want to go home. I want to look out my window and see---well, cows and fields and trees and space. I like being able to water my flowers in my nightgown or sit on my porch and watch the grandchildren without yelling " watch out for the cars" a thousand times. I love being able to go to the garden and pick supper. There are few things more satisfying than being able to put a meal on the table that you have grown for your family.

So today we are putting up hay for the cattle to eat this winter. We are using our resources to provide for those creatures that are in our care. Yep, it's a good feeling.