10. Taking down the haymow
I fear change. But in order to make the barn useable, we needed to take out the floor of the haymow. My great grandpa built the barn. It looks so different. But we saved the wood and we'll be using it in our garage someday!
9. Representing farmers in DC
When you go to speak to our representatives, you might be the only dairy farmer they talk to that month. True, nothing got done this year, but that's true most years.
8. Covering the pile/bonfire/going away party with the guys
Really nice, fun people work here. It's fun to hang out!
7. Watching my kids and niece play in the irrigation
They were screaming with joy. The whole scene was just perfect.
6. Seeing my first calf of the season being born.
Memorable doesn't always mean good. I had the perfect spot ... and the time ... to watch a cow have a calf. She pushed for just a little while, and then the calf was stillborn. It was an awful ending.
5. Seeing the new herd come.
We bought a friend's herd. It was so exciting to see them arrive! Everyone was excited ... they had quite the welcoming committee!
4. Finishing the lagoon.
The huge hole is done! Watching people put down cement on a steep slope is impressive.
3. Finishing the barn.
Some people talk about builders and say they don't show up, or they do just a few hours of work, or they come late ... these builders were here 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. every day they worked here. Even on weekends some people came. It took a long time, but it was just because it was a lot of work. Kudos to them!
As a gift, the builders gave us a ham for Christmas. This is the most expensive ham ever. Ha!
2. Finding out our herd didn't have tuberculosis.
Wow - what an incredible relief! Six weeks of talking about 'WHAT IF', ending with, 'GIANT SIGH.'
1. Getting a history book
For Christmas, my mom gave us a book called 'Homestead' that she compiled. It's the history of our house and farm. It has original documents, pictures, the history of everyone who farmed here, what changes they made to the farm and house, and even letters from my dad, my dad's siblings, and cousins. I was so moved and so happy. The next day, Kris' mom gave him a book she made about his genealogy with pictures, stories, and family history!
Before this, I always said that if there were a fire I wouldn't need to rescue anything material. Now I do! Kris thinks we need a fire safe.
So, we're on year 6 of farming, year 12 of being married, year 4 of blogging, and year 1 of talking about tuberculosis for a month straight. Let's add to all of those but one in 2014. Happy new year!
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