One of my favorite things to do is to chat with a member of our oldest generation about the chores they had to complete each day on the farm. It serves to remind us just how much easier life has become for all of us, and in many cases, this enormous change has come at […]
“The wind howled and the snow came down all night long, across this vast prairie. We will wait until daybreak to make the trek to check the fences and the farm animals. The children are already planning a day of sledding, and are gathering up extra gloves to tuck in pockets for their day of […]
“As the light faded from the sky, we would build an immense bonfire and settle down to eat steak and roast corn, drink boiled coffee, sing songs and tell stories as the fire roared upward and sent its sparks toward the star-lit hood of the sky. Then the cattle would gather all around us in […]
“Speak gently — it is better far to rule by love than fear; speak gently, let not harsh words mar the good we might do here. Speak gently, love does whisper low, the vows that true hearts bind; and gentle friendship’s accents flow, affection’s voice is kind. Speak gently to the young, for they will […]
“In February a farm is like a child’s hand, opened and held palm up to show that nothing is concealed in it. Without leaves to veil the farm buildings and fields, the naked facts of a farmer’s work habits and holdings are revealed even to the casual traveler passing along the road. Did the farmer […]
“Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”
– William Butler Yeats
One of the greatest life lessons taught to me came on an ordinary day, delivered in a quiet way, and has stayed with me forever. I have passed it along to many others who now stand in the same shoes which I stood […]
Be kind by living responsibly and doing right.
— Anonymous
While at work Tuesday, I suddenly had a chill and an overwhelming feeling that something was not quite right. We had a bit of a break in the busy schedule and I asked my boss if I could step out to make a phone call, which […]
Ringing in 2010 with our house filled with exuberant friends, I couldn’t help but feel joyous and hopeful about starting a whole new decade.
I have read that 2010 is the year of the tiger in Chinese lore. Here on our farm, 2010 will likely be remembered as the year of the fainting goat.
Each […]
There is joy in new beginnings, no matter how many new year celebrations we might have under our belt. This, for me, has been one of the most exhilarating and joyous years of my life.
So many times, we cannot put our lives in perspective until we are allowed to view it all in retrospective. […]
The chill in the air and the lightly falling snow outside my window is a wonderful backdrop to the wonder of the blessed holiday.
There is no other time of year that is quite so wondrous, so magical, so worthy of our wonder.
Christmas is the most important birthday celebration of all time. No matter […]
