farming – This Prairie Life.

All the emotions, some in disguise.

We picked some corn. Actually, we picked marginally more corn than we expected, given all the potential for the adverse weather conditions to do their worst. We had hail and wind claims this year and, in face of this drought, are almighty thankful we are on the water mound resulting from the canal irrigation systemContinue reading “All the emotions, some in disguise.”

Wait, there’s joy to be found in complaining?!

I’ve noticed recently a tendency of people in my community to do a lot of complaining. Nothing is off limits — leadership style, business decisions, house color — and it’s bringing everyone down. Even me. I like the optimistic side of life. I function better if I choose joy even if things are kinda crummy.Continue reading “Wait, there’s joy to be found in complaining?!”

‘Tis the season for silage harvest.

I’m grateful that Jeremy and I work together pretty darn well. I’ve tried to figure out what makes this happen, and I don’t know, really. Our dads have completely different styles. For the most part, we learned outdoor and mechanical work from our dads, although we are our own individuals and awfully independent (yes, sometimesContinue reading “‘Tis the season for silage harvest.”

Things I love about summer.

I’m glad the prairie is a place with seasonal change — there’s something about that seasonal change that is invaluable for perspective. And while each season has its high points, somehow I’ve settled into a strong preference for this one. It is missing some good things (*cough* school *cough*) and has some annoyances (ugh, humidity!)Continue reading “Things I love about summer.”

Husbandman, the series.

Last Thursday, before it rained, Jeremy was planting soybeans up at his folks’ place. I’ve been taking this photo (and mostly adding this quote to it in some way) off and on since 2014. It’s one of those things that the timing has to be just so to get it to happen. “No husbandman wouldContinue reading “Husbandman, the series.”

On a serious note.

Speculation and anger are rampant regarding the idea of the 30×30 conservation proposal. There are very few facts available. Governors, who rightly ought to be in the know, are asking the same questions that run-of-the-mill citizens are asking. At our house, we spectate decisions made by agencies (mainly federal decisions made abstractly, not local agenciesContinue reading “On a serious note.”