My Grandpa took great pride in being a farmer. He was third generation, that seems to be the story of many of America's farmers. It's not an easy job, they wake up early and go to bed late so that livestock are cared for and crops are brought in on time.
It's easy to forget about the hard work involved in farming, after all most of us just swing by the grocery store once or twice a week for milk, bread and some kind of meat to make a meal. Very few of us live on farms that provide food for the nation.
When I was growing up, my Aunt Joy and Uncle Wayne milked for Carnation. They were a small operation, my Uncle had a full time job so the milking fell to my Aunt most of the time. Summers when I would be there, I got to milk too! It was a big thrill, I was a city kid who thought the chores my cousins had to do on a daily basis were "fun." They would laugh at me when I would take their turn!
That farm was a hub of activity in the Springtime, it was a race to get the garden in and the hay cut. My Aunt would be in canning mode from May on till late October when the garden would finally give it's last tomato! The reward for all that hard work was jars and jars of fruits and vegetables to be enjoyed for many months. All through the winter, she'd open green beans, tomatoes, and corn... not to mention the jams, jellies and preserves!
If you've been seriously thinking of trying to grow the food you eat, you will LOVE this website...
Old Fashioned Families tells you where to start. From planting a garden to canning the vegetables, it has everything you need to know.
On Bug Patrol this week: The ants have marched off to someone else's yard, mine are gone!
The Master Gardener's tip about Terro granules got them moving! We put down the Flea and Tick granules this past weekend so I'm hoping all the bugs are packing their bags. Ticks can be dangerous in our neck of the woods, treating your yard is a must every year.
In the Kitchen this week: Two cute ideas for deviled eggs...
Just click on the pictures and they will take you to the recipes!
We're hoping that your Easter is blessed with food, family and friends!
Those eggs are adorable. I also had cousins who farmed. They would never let me in the barn, I was told I would scare the cows. I was a hyper kid and bounced around a lot. That may have been the reason.
ReplyDelete"Scare the cows"... now that's funny! My cousins always gave me a hard time but I was having so much fun I didn't care! My Grandpa had an old Farmall tractor when Mom was growing up-
DeleteOh how I wish we had a Farmers Co-op closer to us. And what's with that chicken picture with the flowers, it MUST be fake as MY chickens have destroyed ANY new flower that comes up in the bed. Stupid chickens. Stupid humans for not putting up fencing in our yard.
ReplyDeleteIt is too perfect, isn't it? Sure is pretty though! Lots of people think the co-op is just for farmers, but they have many of the same things I buy at Lowes or Walmart- and they offer FREE advice!
DeleteWe have a cop-op close to us here in CT, Joy. The ticks are terrible here and in fact, the Pres recently sprayed the entire yard!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteThe bugs are going to be bad this year since it was such a mild winter. Those little seed ticks are everywhere. Have you ever got into them?
Deletei loved growing up among the dairy farms in wisconsin. spent the first 13 yrs on a farm, then dated a few farmers. :)
ReplyDeleteLucky you living on a dairy farm! I would have been in Heaven with all the cream and butter! I do my part to keep them in business!
DeleteHubby went for Terro granules the other day and either couldn't find them, or they were out. Looks like I'm going to have to get out and search. I WILL FIND THEM! Plus, even though I showed him the baits... he got the wrong ones.
ReplyDeleteThey work, the Amdro I used first DIDN'T. I need to read on the container and see what the active ingredient is. They are no where to be seen outside either, this stuff rocks!
DeleteHi Joycee!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your pictures - nice tractor - and could relate to "remember when" and visiting my grandparent's farm in southern Indiana! Would spend all day outside! Hate that my own kids never visited a real working farm of family!! Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog!! Wishing you and your family a Blessed Easter Day!