I love the smell of manure. I don’t get to smell it every day like I used to. Friday, when I was walking to the post office, I was caught off guard a bit by the familiar smell that wafted into my nasal cavity. It was like an old friend. But where was it coming from? It is not a typical smell in the village of Greenwich. It…
Ever seen one of these? I would be shocked if you hadn’t. They are a staple on our farm– a calling card. The yellow Genex Breeding Card. Never throw one out. It might have a valuable piece of information on it, scrawled in hen scratch, smeared with grease and oil–even an occasional splat of manure. On my home farm, my uncle was famous for using brown paper towels as…
There used to be three little faces in this picture. Like clockwork every year. All decked out in their new sneakers, shirts, and backpacks. But this year, there was only one. Just one, on the first day of school. As I sit back and think about the past summer and the launch of child number two out into the world, I am also thinking about the launch of…
The kids say I take more pictures of the dog than I do them. It’s true. I talk to her, and I find myself staring at her. I hug her, I kiss her, I make over her constantly. She absolutely is the object of my affection. My dog. Trixie. Do you know we have a joke in the office about the dog having seasonal depression?? I swear, whenever…
Memorial Day Weekend in New Hampshire. Nestled up near the Canadian border, Pittsburg sits unassuming. It’s crufty, worn, and strong like the old barns that dot its landscape. The old barns are a nod to the farming landscape that used to be abundant, vibrant, and thriving as a way of life. Every year I get to trek up to this country. I think about the family members I…
15 years ago, being a mother was doing tubs in the kitchen sink and then tucking three little boys into their beds every night. Now it’s a “Mom, I am home” at 1 in the morning after they have come in from being out with their friends. I think about all the days I balanced a child on my hip while I made supper or filled sippy cups…
I have a royal confession to make. I am a card-carrying royal watcher. I receive notifications from People Magazine about the latest going’s on at the palace. And I OWN IT! (please don’t think me pathetic) This “interest” goes way back to when I was younger and visitted England. I can’t help myself! All those jewels, fineries, and stories, oh, the scandals! So, of course, I tuned in…
The decision has been made, and a deep sadness permeates everything. There are visions of what life will be, how life will feel. Emptiness. The last headlock clanks, and the pump stops. Silence fills every space on the farm. A final cow is loaded, and the truck and trailer head down the laneway and out the gate. It’s over. The feed wagon will sit idle, and the birds…
Dear Jakey, Watching you play basketball has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Seriously, it has. I am your biggest fan! Through primary basketball, AAU, DAGS, and Varsity. Late nights coming back from practices and weekend-long tournaments, it has been so much fun, and I wouldn’t trade that time with you for anything. Your feisty defense and serious offense—you never let up, always working hard…
It’s a podcast kind of world, helping us to collect many grains of sand along the way. With busy schedules and minimal time, it’s nice to multitask by taking information auditorily. Recently I have had the opportunity to speak with 2-podcasters and be a guest on their shows. It was a lot of fun! Thank you, Chrissy Wozniak of North American Ag and Matt Brechwald of Off Farm Income.…
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