A Short Break From Harvest

Farmers near Chuckery have taken to the fields in a mad dash to bring in the bounty of this year's harvest.  Tractors are moving wagons of corn and beans.  Combines are busy harvesting fields.  Farmers are spending long hours toiling to reap the rewards of the season.  But, today, well today farmers have a brief break from the grind.  Showers moved into the area around 9 AM, and combines are sitting idle today. . .  waiting for the rain to dry.  The hope is that harvest can resume tomorrow.  But, today farmers are resting.

A New Dawn

Mow the Yard or Move the Fence?

The original original purpose of our sheep was to keep the grass short on our farm.  We have about 15 acres that we have mowed for years.  And, as fuel prices have creeped up over $3/gallon, my father-in-law encouraged us to get sheep or goats.  We choose sheep and our flock has really grown!  However, the down side to our growing flock is that our portable fences need to be moved quite often.  Fortunately, my girls have grown very proficient at moving the fence.  We have two portable mesh electric fences that we can move to enclose an area of about 1/2 acre in size.  That area will last our sheep about 3-5 days.  We have been fortunate that this summer we have not needed to feed much hay.  It is in dry summers that our system does not work very well.

My Nutty Little Entrepreneurs

My husband has been asking the girls to pick up walnuts out of our yard for about a month.  Let's be honest.  Who wants to pick up those dirty nuts?  However, yesterday my youngest daughter offered to pick up the walnuts if we would pay her.  I made a counter offer.  I told her if she picked the walnuts up out of our yard, I would be more than happy to take her to a walnut hulling location.  I told her that she could have any of the money that was made.  So, my gleeful little entrepreneur has been skipping around our yard, picking up walnuts.  When her older sisters came home from school, little Stephenie made them an offer, too.  They could have a quarter if they helped her pick up the walnuts.  Stephenie was generous. . .  She prepaid her sisters!  I just love the entrepreneurial spirit in my girls.  If you are interested in finding an Ohio Walnut Hulling Location near you, check out http://www.onga.org

Another Word of Mouth Marketing Site

Well, you know me.  I really cannot resist a good deal.  If I am given the opportunity to try something at a discount or for free, I will take that chance a run with it!  Sooooo, what is my latest find?  Expo TV!  If you would like to try out this website, please go to  https://www.expotv.com/register?rid=1597084.  I have just signed up, but I have friends and family who rave about the products they have sampled from that site.  Happy sampling!
 

Round Two with PhotoShop!

My first attempt at Adobe Photoshop!

Friendship Bread on the First Full Day of Fall

I woke up this morning to temperatures in the upper 30s, not that I am complaining.  But, the crispness in the air is a true sign of the changing seasons.  So, amid the protests of my daughters, I insisted that jeans must be worn to school.  I did relent and allow them to take shorts in the backpacks.  But, at least I sent them out the door in jeans.  Good mom, I hope!

After I dropped the older three girls off at school, my youngest daughter asked if we could make friendship bread.  I thought that sounded like a great idea, so I let her take a start out of our freezer.  Starter, you may ask?  What is that?  I, too, wondered about this over the summer, when one of my friends gave me a friendship starter.  And, I will have to be honest, to date all my daughter and I have done is make more starter.  We always seem to run out of time in our days and never actually get the bread made.  But, I hope that this time we are able to complete the task that we start.  If not, well, we will be able to add to our starter stash.

So, back to my question. . .  What is a starter?  Simply stated, starter is a substitute for baking yeast in the friendship bread recipe.  It has been claimed that only the Amish know how to make a friendship bread starter, but there are plenty of recipes available to suggest otherwise.  Many bakers call their starters "mother bread," and they are very particular in their care of their starters!  It has also been suggested that the making and care of a good starter is more of an art that exact science.

Well, here it goes!  We have pulled one of our starters from the freezer.  The recipe that I have followed all summer is from The Cookie Counter.  Yet, a quick Google search shows that there are a lot of websites, blogs, and articles devoted to friendship breads and starters.  Today I am supposed to "DO NOTHING."  If the bag holding my starter becomes over inflated with air, then I need to burp the bag tomorrow.  Otherwise, I am supposed to do nothing tomorrow, too!

If you are interested in a starter, please let me know!  I have several to share in my freezer.  And, if you are interested in starting your own, check out Allrecipes.com.

My Sunday Morning Mini-Vacations

My family goes to church every Sunday.  We have made our faith in God the top priority of our family.  Our girls have never asked to stay home on a Sunday morning, no matter how tired they are.  

My girls also enjoy Sunday School.  They love their teachers, they love the lessons that are taught, and the love their classmates.  I usually go to an adult Bible Study class, but on occasion, I sneak off the the sanctuary.  There, I sit and enjoy an hour of time with God and my thoughts.  Sometimes I might read the pew Bible.  Sometimes a friend or two will follow me to the sanctuary and we will visit over the Sunday School hour.  And, other times I find myself sitting in my pew, sipping on my coffee and enjoying a few minutes of solitude. 

No matter what I do during this Sunday morning hour, I always find myself refreshed.  I might go to the sanctuary with the weight of the world on my shoulders as I think about all I need to do for my family in the upcoming week.  But I always leave refreshed by my time alone with God.  Psalm 46:10 (ESV) says, "Be still and know that I am God."  It is in these moments that God helps me to sort out my life.  So, I have decided to call these moments my Sunday morning mini-vacations!  I hope that you, too find time to recharge your soul each week!

Farm Science Review 2014

Whew!  What a whirl wind of a few weeks!  Last week I flew to Washington, DC for briefings on important agriculture issues.  And, this week, I spent time promoting and learning about Ohio agriculture at the Farm Science Review.

Farm Science Review, Farm and Science?  Review, review of what?  Yes, that is what I thought. . .  years ago.  I used to wonder how farming could be considered a science, I did indeed wonder before my first trip to the Farm Science Review in 1991 when I was a high school freshman.

But, today I know better.  I know that all aspects of agriculture involve science.  And, while I am not saying my parents were negligent in not taking me to the Farm Science Review all those years ago, I am ensuring that my daughters have opportunities to attend the Review each and every year.

So, what exactly is the Farm Science Review?  It is an interactive showcase of Ohio and American agriculture held over three days each September at the Ohio State University's Molly Caren Center near London, Ohio.  The show has its roots in a farm demonstration show that was once held on Ohio State's farm land at the Don Scott Airport in Columbus.  In 1982, the Ohio State University purchased the Upper Gwynne South Farm from Molly Brown Caren, creating a new location for OSU to host the Farm Science Review.  The Molly Caren Center remains the home of the FSR to this day.

My children have grown up, loving the FSR like I do.  My youngest daughter was the only one able to attend this year, but she took advantage of all that the FSR had to offer.  She even participated in the Ohio Corn & Wheat Grower's Association's Tall Corn Contest, placing 5th!

If you ever have the opportunity to attend the Farm Science Review, definitely take advantage of it!  I hope to see you there next year!

AgriPOWER Class VI Session 3: Washington, DC

View of the US Capitol from the roof of the AFBF Headquarters

The long anticipated trip to Washington, DC finally happened!  AgriPOWER Class VI traveled to Washington last week.  We left wondering what we would learn about American Agriculture, and we returned wondering what we can contribute to American Agriculture at the federal level.

Our first stop was a visit to the American Farm Bureau Federation headquarters, just off of Capitol Hill.  We were immediately briefed on several issues currently affecting the AFBF: EPE Regulation, Tax Reform, Big Data, and the Farm Bill Implementation.  We also participated in a (fun!) interactive Legislative Budgeting Workshop.  I say fun because we were separated into groups in which we debated various cuts or additions that needed to be made to the federal budget.  Too often as Americans we like to play sideline quarter back and second guess all of the calls that our federal legislature makes, but being asked to make those same decisions ourselves brought a whole new understanding to the process.  It really is not as easy as most Americans think to balance our federal budget.  A brief tour of the AFBF offices followed the budgeting workshop.

America's House - the White House

That evening, after a delicious meal at Fogo de Chao, members of our class were treated to a night tour of Washington, DC.  Our guide took us to the front gates of the White House, where a protest was underway.  Not to be deterred, our group waded through the crowds to take some spectacular night pictures of America's house.

WWII Memorial at night

We then travelled to the National Mall.  Our first stop on the Mall was at the World War II Memorial, a testament to America's Greatest Generation.  My grandfather served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, and I am moved to tears every time I think about his heroism.  In my mind, anyone who has served in the US Armed Forces is a hero!  In 2009 my grandfather was honored to travel to Washington, DC as a part of an HONOR FLIGHT from Nebraska.  The mood at the WWII Memorial was one of awe and reverence.  I will be forever thankful for the Americans who stood and defended their country all of those years ago.

Vietnam War Memorial

There we went to the Vietnam Memorial.  We learned about Sharon Lane of Ohio, one of eight nurses who died during the Vietnam War.  We stopped and said a silent prayer in her remembrance.  It is truly humbling to think about those who gave their lives for America.  But, how many times do we stop and remember those who went to Vietnam to care for the injured?  I am very grateful that our tour guide took the time to show us Sharon Lane's name and share her story.

From the Vitenam Wall, we walked over to the Lincoln Memorial.  As we were approaching the memorial, my oldest daughter texted me, begging me for a picture of her favorite president, Abraham Lincoln.  I, ever the good mom, was happy to oblige.  It thrills me that my daughters share my fascination with history!  Standing in a monument dedicated to a man who gave his life in service as president of the United States, I truly was humbled.  An ordinary man from an ordinary family in an ordinary state grew up to be quite an extraordinary president!  What a country that we live in where even those with the least can give us the most!  And, the Lincoln Memorial gives us even more to marvel at, the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Korean War Memorial

We soon left the Lincoln Memorial to walk over to there Korean War Memorial.  This is yet another testament to the fortitude of the American Soldier.  Men and boys who had just returned home from WWII were called upon to defend people they did not know about in a country that they had no idea existed.  Yet, once again, our soldiers went were they were called to defend freedom.

The Reflecting Pool and National Mall

It is important to remember that our night tour of Washington, DC took place on the eve of September 11, 2014 - the even of the twelve year anniversary of a series very tragic terrorist attacks on American soil.  How blessed I felt to be standing in our nation's capitol on such an occasion, being reminded that America was and still is a great nation!

Rep. Bob Gibbs R-OH

Many of our briefings on Thursday morning were cancelled due to a current terror threat to the United States.  However, Rep. Bob Gibbs of Ohio made it a point to speak with our group.  And, he was with us as the chimes tolled at 8:46 AM, and we all bowed our heads in remembrance of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks of 2001.  Rep. Gibbs also took time to share with us his view on the current issues facing Ohio agriculture.  From water quality to the need for a new farm bill, Rep. Gibbs truly cares about both the Ohio Farmer and the American Farmer.  On a side note, Rep. Gibbs once served as the Ohio Farm Bureau's state president!

The European Union Embassy

We then left for the European Union's Embassy.  While there we learned how the United States and the European Union work together in world markets.  We learned what European exports are important to the United States, and we learned what imports the European Union values from the United States.  We were informed that the European Union is placing an emphasis on "green" products, products that are not harmful to our environment.  An important number to think about is the $19.5 Billion in agriculture goods that the EU exported to the United States in 2012.  This number continues to grow!  On the other hand, $10.9 Billion in agriculture goods were exported by the US to the EU in 2012.  There is room for growth in the US exports as the EU population continues to grow!  This is great news for the American Farmer!  An important arrangement between the US and the EU is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or TTIP.  This is helping to diversify both imports and exports on both sides of the Atlantic, adding more jobs and growth to both American and European agriculture.

AgriPOWER Class VI on Capitol Hill

After we left the European Union Embassy, we returned to Capitol Hill for a tour of the US Capitol Building.  For me, ever the history nerd, this was one of the most anticipated parts of our trip.  However, due to the post-9/11 world we live in today and the fact that there were renovations taking place, our tour was very limited.  I am hopeful that I can return at some point in the future for a more in depth tour.

After our tour of the Capitol, we walked to the Russell Senate Office Building where we met with fellow Ohioan, Joe Schultz.  Joe is the current Chief Economist for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.  He was able to brief us on the complexities of writing and enforcing a Farm Bill.  And, as an Ohio farmer, he was able to recognize the HUGE need for a comprehensive farm bill.  As a Washington insider, he was able to tell us how the bill would be introduced and the time frame for implementation.  He also shared with us that the effort would have to be bi-partisan to pass.  His comments were greatly appreciated by our OFBF AgriPOWER group!

Clydes of Georgetown

That evening we dined at Clyde's in Georgetown.  This is a place known for it's unique presentation of classic American dishes.  It also featured a quirky collection of American memorabilia items decorating the walls.  After dinner, we were free to roam the streets of Georgetown.  Many of us chose to head to Georgetown Cupcakes, a shop featured on the TLC hit reality show DC Cupcakes.  The line was long, but in the end we all found a cupcake or two to satisfy our sweet tooths!

USDA - Whitten Building

The next morning, we stopped at the United States Department of Agriculture before we left Washington, DC.  It was interesting to learn that the USDA is the only cabinet department to have buildings on the National Mall.  This is a testament to the importance of agriculture to the United States.

Dr. Gregory Parham

While there we had the privilege of visiting with the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Gregory Parham (who is also from Ohio!).  It was good to talk with another person who has an intimate knowledge of Ohio agriculture, therefore can talk about national agriculture issues and how they relate to Ohio.  He answered many questions, including how the USDA field office sites work.  He also discussed the possible implementation of any prospective farm bills.

Levin Flake, USDA Economist

While at the USDA, we also talked with Levin Flake, a foreign trade economist for the USDA.   He has spent time on the job in many countries, working to strengthen the perception of American products in foreign markets.  He has been in many European nations.  He has also spent time in field offices in Africa.  Often he spends time helping local governments realize the positive impacts that American agriculture can have on local economies.

All in all, I believe our AgriPOWER class learned a lot about how Ohio and American Agriculture impact the world economy.  I know this trip has encouraged me to become more vocal on issues that are facing Ohio farmers today.

Where was I?

The US Capitol Building as seen from the Visitor Center

Where was I on that fateful September day in 2001?  I was safe and sound in the United States. . .  I had just returned from a mission trip to Costa Rica.  I was on top of the world, and then my world came crashing down.  I cannot remember the positive of my trip without thinking of the heartbreak that I felt as I watched the television and saw those buildings crash to the ground.  I was safe, but I now doubted who I was.

The sadness from that September in 2001 remains in my heart.  I know that I will never forget where I was, what I did, and how I felt.  Fear and doubt soon turned to anger. . . and that anger eventually gave way to sadness.  Gone forever was the innocence I felt prior to the terrorist attacks, replaced instead by an aching sadness.   I mourn for the child born to late to meet his father.  I mourn for the husband who will never again embrace his wife.  I mourn for the church who lost their priest.  I mourn for the cities who still bear scars from the attacks.  And, I mourn for the nation who is still struggling to rediscover its identity in this post-modern world.  Yes, I mourn.

So, it is very fitting that I was in the Rayburn House Office Building on 9/11 this year.  Today, I was sitting in a conference room listening to Representative Bob Gibbs of Ohio as a chime tolled and the building became silent as we all remembered those terrorist attacks of 2001.  On Patriot Day it is very fitting that I was able to be in Washington, DC to remember. . .

I would like to say that I now feel some closure, but that would not be true.  I still feel a loss, a sadness.  But, after observing the thousands of Americans in Washington today, it is obvious that all of America was changed on that fateful day in September so long ago.  On that day we all stood together and said, You may try, but you cannot destroy our PATRIOTISM.

I thank God everyday for blessing me with a wonderful place to call home.

EPA - DITCH THE RULE!!!

My Not so Little Secret

Shhhhhhh!  I love deals and steals!  And, I like to sample new products before they are released to the general public.  Do you feel the same way?  If you do, head on over to BzzAgent!  You will not regret this move!  Since I have joined BzzAgent (a free word of mouth marketing service) I have sampled dozens of items.  From shampoos and macaroni to vacuums and toys, I have been able to try a lot of products at either a huge discount or zero cost!  All I have to do is try the product and record my opinions of the product.  Yes, it sounds too good to be true, but it is true.  BzzAgent is a great community for people to try out products for free or at a discount.  CHECK IT OUT!!!

Little Darby of Chuckery

Luther and his sheep

Our family purchased a Great Pyrenees puppy in 2011.  We love Luther.
 And, Luther in turn protects our sheep.  But, as we have purchased and raised more sheep, we have felt the need for another guardian for our flock.  So, when we lost Wendy earlier this week, we felt that the time was right to bring a new puppy to our farm.

Our new puppy came from the Dellinger family near Unionville Center, Ohio.  And, she is a real sweetheart!  She will be moving out to our lamb pen by the end of October.  She is currently spending a few hours a day with our breeding ewes.  And, her name could not be more fitting if we tried!  Her name is Darby.  She was born on a farm on the banks of the Big Darby, and she is now living on a farm on the banks of the Little Darby.

Welcome to Chuckery, Little Darby!

Little Darby and her girls