Dairy Daze...and Now Beyond

All of our open heifers were bred to calve in November; at least we calculated that to be so when we put them in with the bull in February.  All of them calved last month.  At least all but one. This one was a hold out. Imagine my surprise when I went up there Sunday and found this little girl: She's another red one!  I could hardly believe it! And I am a bit bummed that we had to sell the bull that sired the red calves.  This is our third little red calf this year.  I told Gary that our calf buyers would be thrilled to get a little red heifer, as the other red calf they bought from us was a bull. Gary said; "Maybe we will keep her." If we do keep her I am going to call her "Lucy."  Don't you think that would be a good red-head to name her after?  (Always thankful to the Lord for fun little surprises.  A healthy calf and new mama cow are also wonderful blessings.)

Here in Missouri for many years my arch nemesis has been nothing more nor less than the proverbial Christmas tree.  For me it has been the fly in the ointment of my holiday cheer.  If you'd like to read more about this go here: Christmas Grinch But here, before I go further, is a picture of my little Christmas Tree Grinch-let.  This was her first Christmas, 2007.  Haha... We were at Gary's aunt's house, and Ellen was just not having any of this posing beneath the Christmas tree.  Nope, nope, nope! Anyway.  I digress. Here, also in 2007, is how I got our Christmas tree: Look at that smile.  And the rather dull saw.  Little did I know this chore would become an overwhelming aggravation. Fast forward to last year; 2017.  Mama had had enough.  Mama got a very nice fake Christmas tree from her Secret Pal in early 2018. And the wailing began...  (see above Ellen picture for an idea). So I said; "Fine.  I don't min...

This barn is yea-and-I-don't-know how many years old.  It is up on the ridge above Four Mile Creek.  When I go there and visit it, I am always saddened that we are unable to keep it up.  It is almost inaccessible, and the way it is built prevents it from being moved and restored elsewhere. Here is what I know of the story behind the old homestead.  I will edit this as I get more information. This is the house as it is now. The Howards originally came to this area in the late 1800s as far as I can gather.  They homesteaded up on the ridge; built a log cabin (no longer in existence) and a barn.  I do not know if this is the original barn, I would guess not.  I would guess the original was probably of logs as well, but I am not clear on that point.  There is also a pond to the west of the barn. The original homesteaders of the property were Edward Spain and Rachel (?) (Haney) Howard, I believe, though I am sure someone will corr...