Get Real: Farm Life in Iowa

Millage Family Cookbook

2022-12-20T09:10:00.002-08:00

Last year we had 2 weddings and became empty nesters!

As a gift, I created a cookbook with family recipes, favorite recipes, and the odd one here or there. It can't be sold, but credit is given as credit was known.

Some of our December favorites are:
Spinach Dip                                                      Frosted Butterscotch Cookies
Russian Tea                                                      Caramel Chex Mix
Cherry Jell-O                                                   Caramel Corn
7-Layer Salad                                                  Gingerbread People
Cheeseburger Soup                                          Pecan Pie
Hector's Chili                                                  Pfeffernusse
Potato Cheese Chowder                                  Sugar Cookies
Stone Soup                                                         Tasty Pretzels
Cinnamon Rolls
Kuchen
Hot Ham Sandwiches
Sausage Spinach Quiche

So, for Christmas this year, click on the link. If you have questions or corrections, please leave a comment below. I would love to say mistakes were intentional (as in, I put them there as a reminder of humility), but the fact is, I'm not that bright--so you're sure to find some.

Merry Christmas from Pine Ridge Farm to you and yours: Millage Family Cookbook Download

Now You See Him Now You Don't

2018-02-23T08:32:00.002-08:00

During harvest, we see very little of Mr. Farmer. When he's cutting corn, he works long days--early to late. Beans don't cut unless they're dry, so he has a little more time to make daily preparations, check storage, and haul grain to market. Regardless, he makes hay when the sun shines, 'cause sometimes you can and sometimes you can't. This year's harvest went particularly quickly and easy for the Mrs. because of the farm crew. Matthew not only knows how to run all the equipment, find things and fix them, he also invested time learning the backside of running and managing a farm in the 21 century.

In addition to friends and children, a family from Turkey came to check out Midwest harvesting this year.

As always, the Farmer's mom has a great stagger:i.e.. "This is amazing!" "How did you do that?" "No one ever had such a _______ (fill in the blank)." She isn't able to get in and out of the large equipment anymore but she still drives out to watch and take it all in.

Somehow, in the midst of it all, house repairs got done. When the upstairs bathroom was remodeled ump-teen years ago, the only way to get the bathtub out and shower in was to remove the window and cut out the wall. It was a patch-and-go job at the time. Thanks to good help, Mr. Farmer's determination and the grace of God, it came together.

This year there were apples to pick and preserve. The Mrs. made a few bushels into applesauce and apple pie filling.

On the sidelines, the only child at our house was running cross country, competing in marching band and preparing for a performance of Seussical: The Musical. By that time, harvest was coming to a close.

Cast Party at Pine Ridge Farm

Matthew's girlfriend, Laura, was gracious enough to capture our family's essence:

We enjoyed another round of Good News Club at our local elementary school (click here for more),

A trip to see family in Wyoming for Thanksgiving,

and hosted a baby shower.

Once harvest was in, it was time to catch up on paperwork, make plans for next year and relax a little....

Including a trip to warm Arizona:

In January, after 3 1/2 years of study, the Mrs. completed a Master's degree in Biblical Counseling and is certified with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). The Mr. included office space for her when he designed and built a new farm office and conference room a few years ago--not knowing how it would be used. The Mrs. meets with individuals regularly. Just give her a jingle if you'd like to stop by to share a joy, concern, prayer, or see what God's Word has to say about where you are, where you've been or where you're going. She may not know, but God does!

In recent news, the warmer weather is raising the possums from their slumber. One old fella met with a snow shovel. The other played possum a little too long and was discovered as he pulled into an upright position. Who knew they actually part their skivvy teeth and hang out a tongue for effect? Fortunately Mr. Farmer had reinforcements ready after "discouraging" the starlings who eat the dog food. There's a picture somewhere of him shooting from the kitchen window...If only it was loaded (ha!); guess you'll have to use your imagination.

Spring is around the corner. Rain has fallen, the ground is mushy. Lambs are due any moment and the cow's date with destiny is on the calendar (i.e. meat locker). We're hoping to see more of the sun and less of the clouds. Life at Pine Ridge Farm: seasons, change, stability, and surprises. Thanks for stopping by! Come back in a few months for the latest news and updates.

Summer 2017

2017-09-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

Now that fall is nipping the air, we know what's happened since the last blog entry. Here are a few changes and happenings at Pine Ridge Farm:

Mr. Tuff

Mr. Farmer discovered this friendly fellow at the grain bin facility. After watering and feeding him 24 hours, we put his mug on Facebook and his family promptly found and retrieved him.

Rachael graduated from high school--and gifted each graduate with a marble to pass on to the high school principal, replacing the many he'd lost the previous four years:

Courtesy: West Liberty Index

We hosted a party for family and friends.

For Father's Day, Mr. Farmer started his journey to keeping cool and relaxed.

Matthew spent the summer in other people's weddings and working at IRBC (Iowa Regular Baptist Camp).

Laura and Matthew: the violinist and the groomsman--what a deal!

Grace worked and played at Higher Grounds Baptist Camp in Alaska.

Ranger Grace

Laura made a batch of homemade play dough for the nursery kiddos during Vacation Bible School and couldn't resist making a sculpture. It's one of those random pictures that scares you when you scroll through the camera roll so it's included here for your wonder and enjoyment.

Jonah

We hosted young people...and fed them. As my sister-in-law Ka-Lee says, shoes= love. The more shoes, the more love! We were blessed.

When the weeds and bugs were under control in the fields and the borders were mowed, Mr. Farmer decided to overhaul the back yard. He built a fire ring, ripped out a concrete retaining wall, built a new one, and filled it in.

The most recent additions to the fire ring are the lamp posts, otherwise known as "The Tumnus Project."

As part of the renewal, David rented a high lift, trimmed dead branches and did overhead work, including the installation of the barn quilt Grace made last Christmas.

Laura picked up more Jersey calves.

The barn, shop and overflow are full of Ancient Chinese Secret--farm supplements and chemicals the mad scientist farmer mixes and matches for optimum results.

And, perhaps strangest of all is the chicken saga. Matthew and Miss Laura, his girlfriend, picked up 50 pullets last spring.

Within 2 weeks of being teenagers, we lost all but 1--most likely to the fox next door. That left us with a flock of 6 older chickens (5 hens and a rooster), Pa Rooster, and one lone chicken that roosted on the garbage dumpster.

Mrs. Farmer checked out craigslist. Lo, and behold! A Mennonite family was selling older hens to make way for new ones. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer drove down one Friday night, paid the asking price, sat on the woodpile until dusk, then slipped in, grabbed and boxed the chickens. They didn't stop laying, and now the entertainment of the day is--which hens will travel with which rooster? And wouldn't you know, the lone pullet is not a pullet after all. Reality TV is yesterday's news at Pine Ridge Farm. "Swapping Hens" has hit the air. Stay tuned.

Where Time Has Gone! Fall 2016-Winter 2017

2017-03-27T09:26:00.001-07:00

The beginning of harvest is always an exciting time. There's a lot to get ready...and it looks like the beginning of a parade. Actually, it IS the beginning of a parade!

Not only was Matthew around for harvest, but David had a couple of other drivers and that made for an efficient, productive couple of months.

For the first time in a couple of years, we also harvested grapes.

We finished harvest (with few pictures--it was a busy time!), shortly before the snow came.

After many early mornings and late suppers, David ended the hunting season successfully! Sydney especially likes venison, so she was just as happy as he was.

...with a little help from his friend(s).

When he wasn't working outside or making plans for the coming year, our farmer found himself working on Matthew's truck. The two of them spent many hours problem solving and working together. It was a good weekend(++) project.

Thanksgiving found us in the Wisconsin Dells for a few days with the grandparents from Wyoming. Our visit ended with a treat from Grandpa Ken--giant cinnamon rolls at a local diner.

It wasn't long before Christmas when we found an afternoon to put up the tree. Apparently it's quite exhausting.

In January David made arrangements to make keepsakes for the children from the cedar tree we cut down in the front of the house. Now Pine Ridge Farm can go with them as they make their way hither and yon.

We see Matthew and Grace less and less, but we are grateful for the times and experiences the Lord allows us to share.

And spring is almost here.... We've found a lot of leaves and sticks now that the snow is melting. Who knows what else is just around the corner?

Coming...and Going...and Coming...

2016-09-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

This summer Pine Ridge Farm had a revolving door. It looked like this:

Matthew left to work at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp.

Grace came home from her year in Montana.

And left a day later for an internship at Hitchcock Nature Center near Omaha.

The farmer and the Mrs.checked soybeans on the 4-wheeler. Most were doing well. A few had to be replanted.

Even if the beans were struggling, Mrs. Hawley's flowers were beautiful. This bouquet made it up the country road and back to Pine Ridge Farm.

We started repairs on the smokehouse and outhouse,

attended a wedding on the other side of the state,

regrouped, and traveled to Missouri to pour concrete at Missionary Acres.

After arriving home, we caught up, packed up Grammy and the kitchen sink and headed to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp as a family.

After a stint at camp, this rogue teenager "borrowed" my phone at the laundromat...

Some of us made it back for the county fair parade,

and were joined by the full-time staff from IRBC the next weekend for a hot dog roast, trailer races, shooting skeet and touring the grain bin facility.

The next day everyone left except Gram and the farmer's wife--who drove the mower to take care of things at Mrs. Hawley's. It was a gorgeous night, even if Highway 6 is a little risky on a riding mower.

After the farmer's return we checked soybeans--and tried not to get lost!

Our motto when we moved to Iowa eighteen years ago was, "Things grow here."
Looks like they still do.

To celebrate their wedding anniversary, the farmer and Mrs. got their hands on an RV and traveled west.

A covered bridge in Madison County, IA.

Grace was ready to pack up and leave, so we got her things before visiting the zoo in Omaha. From there Mr. Farmer and Grace went to Oklahoma for a graduation at Ft. Hood and the Mrs. drove the RV home. That was another adventure--glad the other drivers made it home safely....

At the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha with Grace after packing her up after her summer adventure.

Once home the girls crashed.

We celebrated a couple of birthdays.

Started school...and are preparing for harvest. Whew. We made it.

...And We're Off!

2016-05-28T11:39:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful, productive spring at Pine Ridge Farm.

The princesses stopped in for pictures before prom.

And we got to celebrate with the birthday girl who came home from Missoula, Montana.

Due to some changes by John Deere, we decided to install our own GPS receiver here at home.

Flowers broke out along the river,

and sticks covered Mrs. Hawley's yard, so we called reinforcements to help with stick patrol.

Our farmer has been a busy, busy guy. He sprayed for weeds, then planted

and made a few repairs and adjustments along the way.

Afterward he made another complete round with go-go juice. When weather's unpredictable, you work when you can.

On the home front, Miss Laura rewarded us with homemade spaghetti and meatballs as part of her Family Consumer Science class.

Matthew graduated from Iowa State University...

And celebrated in true Iowa style.

We welcomed four new babies

and got them tucked in....

but not without suffering a loss or two.

The rain came. And...well, we're off!

Winter to Spring, the Fun Never Ends

2016-03-14T06:12:00.002-07:00

Lest you think it's been quiet at Pine Ridge Farm over the winter, here's a look at what's been happening. Gram joined this year's traditional Christmas-break poker night. We couldn't get her wound up on Mountain Dew. Maybe next year...

For the second year in a row, David ordered farm chemicals from China--snake oil we call "Ancient Chinese Secret,"One thing he did differently this year was to rent a telescopic forklift.

Gram helped unwrap the bags of goodies.

I hauled away the wraps and ties with one hand and drug the Kerbinator with my other (good thing our men have long legs--I braid their worn out jeans to help Kerby floss his teeth).

David put the Ancient Chinese Secret into the Terra-gator and went directly to the field. By God's grace he got it all on before the spring rain.

We only have a few young sheep this year so we decided to wait until next year to breed them. There weren't enough to hire a sheep shearer, so David took it on for the first time ever. I don't know many people who could/would share pictures of their first shearing venture. He did very well.

One "before" and one "after"

Breakfast in the barn.

Matthew was home for a day--and the weather was beautiful--so he and David pruned the fruit trees. It sure helps to have a buddy!

Now that the snow is gone the chickens have found the pile under the bird feeder. It was fun to hear their hicks and maws as they cleaned up the place.

There might be a dull moment at Pine Ridge Farm, but it doesn't last long. Spring is a comin'!

Fall 2015, Part 2

2015-11-26T08:10:00.001-08:00

With harvest done, we had time to do a few other things. Our friend, Mary, stopped by for a visit and found Laura playing baseball with fallen apples. Not one to pass up a good time, Mary picked up a handful and started pitching. Needless to say, Laura was a mess by the time they got done!

She's not the only one. Mr. Farmer thought he'd get some dirt work done before the ground froze, but 3/4" of rain was enough to slow him down.

Stuck.

Unstuck!

I drove the tractor home a few miles--and was thankful not to fight traffic. This farm wife is a little skittish about driving big equipment on busy roads.

We also picked up leaves and dumped them just inside the pasture gate. What was once a 10'-wide berm has grown into a monstrous leaf pile that builds up year after year!

A couple of weeks later a large wind storm tore through the area and collapsed a hollow tree.

Laura went to investigate and ran back to the house, excited about what was inside it. She grabbed a 5-gallon bucket, which earned us a parade of corn-chasers. We whooped, clapped, hollered, and swung the empty bucket, then turned it upside down and climbed up to take a peek.

This is what we found....

Raccoon remains, perhaps?

And, as I was cleaning out the refrigerator the other day I realized we haven't shared the bane of Pine Ridge Farm: the chicken pile. Since it's the most un-favorite house chore, and I'd never ask you, our guests, to help, I thought a digital introduction might be best. What is it? A simple 6x6' patch that's set aside for organic waste: egg shells, vegetable peelings, the remains of canning, gardening, etc.

It was here, just like this, when we moved in 18 years ago (almost to the day) and hasn't changed--other than the animals that make their way in and out. Long live the chicken pile!

And, now, on to basketball, Thanksgiving dinner, slow, cold days and hauling grain--each one an opportunity to be thankful and live in gratitude as the good Lord purposes and provides.

Blessings to you and your families from Pine Ridge Farm, Iowa!

Fall I

2015-11-15T06:21:00.001-08:00

Harvest was finished in good time this Fall, thanks to help from our friends Larry, Ross and Brad. This farmer's wife filled in a few hours here and there, kept our farmer fed and watered and the household running.

On the family front we enjoyed marching band and cross-country.

The cross-country team runs the football from the opposing school and presents it to the refs the night of the Homecoming Game.

Our Homecoming friends

Our Resident Pirate Co-Drum Major

With harvest cleaned up, we were ready to move into winter preparation.

Washing the combine

Mixing and loading fertilizer

But Fall was not without its challenges. Early on the grain bin that stores soybeans failed to empty properly. Apparently the center drain filled with pods. Our farmer began by running a 20-some-foot metal pole in from the top of the bin.

Because NO ONE should EVER go into a grain bin without proper help and preparation, I got to sit on the platform as the lookout. It was a hard, arduous job--for our farmer, not me. I simply sat on my mittens, watched, prayed, and encouraged.

Inside the top of the grain bin with harness, rope, ladder and equipment.

My view (smile)

After working with a vacuum, drain pig, and lots of prayer, it gave way 5 days later!

It's been an eventful Fall. See part II for a more recent update (coming soon to a farm in Iowa).

Summer's End

2015-09-04T16:55:00.001-07:00

Our summer ended with a BANG! (Spoiler alert: our data entry person--this mom--couldn't figure out how to get pictures in the right order.)

School has started. That must mean summer's over. Here are a few updates and pictures of life here in Iowa.

The soybeans look amazing--chest-high on the girls, which is an incredible height, even by Midwest standards. Since money's in the pod (not the plant), size doesn't count. Our farmer drives from field to field pulling and counting both corn and soybeans.

August. When August came, there was no way to put off packing for college. Miss Grace had plenty of help.

Instead of adding to it, I stayed out of the way and and took pictures instead.

Our growing brood

A lazy day

The gang's all here

By the middle of the month, we were on our way!

Almost.

We stopped in Wyoming for fun and games with Grandma and Grandpa--all of us!

Fishing with Grandpa

Climbing Heart Mountain

And ended with a BANG! Coming next, harvest....

A Slice of Summer

2015-06-30T17:21:00.003-07:00

It's been awhile since the last update from Pine Ridge Farm, so I grabbed the camera and went out for a tour. Here's are pictures of life in Iowa today.

It must be summer because...

The apples are a comin'.

I see reminders of summers past.

The kids' dream canvas...

We have new baby chicks and appropriately-aggressive Mamas.

Kirby is my constant companion.

My busy, busy buddy.

The garden has knee-high weeds.

The hobby garden in rehab.

Grandma Frieda's double-burgundy hollyhocks have made an appearance.

The cats found a lazy moment to relax.

Frisco and the three little kittens...who have no mittens.

Laura is enjoying a new litter of kittens in an upstairs granary.

Laura and the three little kittens who's mama washes theirs.

The fire pit is loaded and ready for the next party. The sprayer tank is on its way back to the shop.

The last of the summer spraying...and the fire pit--ready to go!

Flowers bloom in last year's Mother's Day gift.

The Mama-Baby bike duo back for year two.

The sheep are getting harder and harder to find. Did I mention chickens?

Finding sheep in the tall grass is like playing "Where's Waldo?"

The shop is open and empty.

The farmer's to-do list is short and diminishing.

It's time to paint and repair this side of the house.

Time for summer upkeep on the house and paint job.

In the busy quiet of summer, we're excited to see our older kids grow, learn and serve away from home but boy, is it different when they come to visit instead of coming to stay! They say it's just me and... I'm getting older.
Finally, it must be summer because I rang the triangle on the back porch to call in the troop(s) for supper.

Whew! We Made It

2015-04-08T09:16:00.001-07:00

Spring is finally here--and we made it! Instead of spouting off unnecessary words, here are a few pictures of spring for you to enjoy from Pine Ridge Farm.

Life's not so good when you get separated from mom.... on your way to supper!

Over spring and Easter breaks, some of us enjoyed time with friends.

Some had too much puppy!

One of us sold a motorcycle.

And others started prepping the garden...

Bring out the big guns!

It's About Time!

2014-12-24T04:08:00.001-08:00

Harvest was unusual this year and although the equipment has been washed, repaired and tucked in for winter, it's taken awhile to post pictures.

The Mr. started early--so early it was still a little green--just to make sure all systems were "go."

Getting ready to run as a team

All systems, "Go!"

Getting full--why's the wagon driver taking pictures?!

It was good we started early because of hitches in the get along. After making repairs and waiting for the grain to dry, we moved from one field to another.

We had worked together for a few days when The Mr. made a phone call and hired a new driver, creating some angst for the Mrs. "What did I do wrong?"

"If you're out here, who's taking care of everything else?" The Mr. asked. Matthew drove home from school twice a week to help. Larry, the new driver--both retired and expert--came faithfully through the end. And our new friend, Whit, came out on evenings and weekends. It was a long, productive harvest--all tucked in and making its way to nearby elevators.

Meanwhile, at home, the new scaredy chickens roosted in the trees on the porch.

(Tree Before--thank you, chickens!)

(Tree After--thank you, Matthew, forestry-student!)

And we enjoyed another marching band season, "Go, Rachael!"

Actually, in looking back, so many things happened this Fall, it's no wonder we're late!
Below are just a few of those things. Thanks for stopping by.

Back to School Church Picnic

Can you say, "Trouble?!"

Squirrel Hunters

Goodbye, Friends; Hello, Freezer

Budding Actress and Dad after "And Then There Were None"

Dropping off the Ram

Late Summer: You Win Some, You Lose Some

2014-09-13T19:28:00.002-07:00

It's the end of summer, and things are changing at Pine Ridge Farm--coming, going--yep, changing.

Laura added three calves to the Millage Menagerie.

The Welcoming Committee

Hello

Getting to Know You

Not only did we add to the pasture and barn, we added a new driver and car as well (to the insurance roster as well as the garage).

We lost another child to college somewhere along the way...

But the wonderful thing about children is they're much like boomerangs...and they come back every so often (and bring friends).

When they do, it's PARTY time!

And learning time...

Some of our new additions are quite cute and cuddly....

Our friend, Fredrick, with a new bunny capture

Mary, Fredrick's wife, Laura and Kirby after a rousing game of tag in the barn.

Then there are the not-so-cuddly creatures. The ones that, as The Farmer says, are "follicle-challenged."

Life on the farm. You win some. You lose some. You learn some. You learn that you didn't know what you thought you did. And you try again.
Coming soon to an Iowa farm near you: Harvest!

The Farmer's pre-harvest to-do list

Summertime...and the Livin is Easy

2014-07-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Summer arrived--a bit late, a bit cold, but it's here!
For Mother's Day, Grace put together a couple of pieces of hardware she found trolling the riverbed behind Mrs. Hawley's:

The Mommy and Baby Bike Duo Planter

The week after school was out, this Iowa farm family took a trip to California. We visited the ocean and glass beach:

the Redwoods:

and Golden Gate Bridge:

The following week, the older girls, a friend and I traveled to Florida to compete in the National Talents for Christ competition. This is what happens when Iowa farm girls see geckos:

And pose for a trip to the beach:

Since arriving back in Iowa, the Farmer has cleaned, repaired and stored equipment. Now it's on to outdoor maintenance and keeping up appearances.

We've also added a few kittens (9 as of this writing--the highway has a way of changing things) and a puppy:

Our puppy remains unnamed--although Mr. Farmer is pulling for Kirby. Scrap-eaters and vacuum cleaners have a lot in common....so they say.

Spring--We Thought it Would Never Come

2014-05-31T09:13:00.003-07:00

It's here! It came. Some of us thought we were going to live in perpetual winter, but here's proof it didn't pass us by:

It's coming....

Touches of Spring

Babies--did you say babies? Bunnies, and chickens and lambs, oh my!

True love

On the crop-front, our farmer has been hard at work--days, nights, days, weekends... no, we do not get a kick back for promoting Mountain Dew, although we should.

Easter made itself at home somewhere in middle of our comings and goings. We celebrated our risen Savior with worship, fellowship, relaxation and family fun.

Making ice cream with Janine, our Austrian friend

Really, Easter Bunny? In the grill?

Throw in a spring play, mother-daughter activities, birthdays, high school graduation and prom. Spring has arrived... or gone. We're not sure which.

The Heart of Pine Ridge Farm Part II

2014-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

The last post had pictures of our early years at Pine Ridge Farm--but wait, there's more. It's just too hard to choose...

Who says carpentry isn't glamorous?

Digging for worm-friends

Roadside bake stand

The Heart of Pine Ridge Farm Part I

2014-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

This winter, our kitchen has a new look--and room for a wall collage. We've leafed through pictures and made a pile of favorites. To qualify, each photo had to represent Pine Ridge Farm and be smile-worthy!

If you'd like to join us, get comfy, sit back and enjoy.

They're so soft!

Friends

Best Friends!

Catch that chicken!

One child, halfway up a ladder, said to these fellas, "I've got a Mom and I'm not afraid to use her!"

Birthday party!

Feeding time

A boy's outing--complete with bum lamb and collie pup.

Playing Indian maidens

Mud works

"Ready or not, here we come!"

Apple-pickin' time

We're cleaning the BARN!

Little friends

Four children, two dogs, and work to do.

One more--then you'll have to check back for the next installment:

First driving lesson.

Wonderful moments = wonderful memories = humble hearts of gratitude for undeserved blessings....

Christmas?

2013-12-22T14:20:00.001-08:00

It really is beginning to look--and feel--like Christmas! Here are some dead giveaways Christmas is coming to Pine Ridge Farm:

Around Thanksgiving, The Mr. starts to panic. He is afraid of stuff--not stuff in particular, but stuff in large quantities. His eyes dart from room to room, corner to corner, as his respiration, heart rate and perspiration increase, anticipating a new-stuff invasion. To put his mind at ease, The Mrs. fills large bags marked "Goodwill" and place them in the garage to The Mr.'s relief. The picture above is Laura's attic-doll-compound in the throws of stuff-removal. Ah, The Mr. has perfected performance management!

Once the attic is rearranged, The Mrs. asks The Mr. to transport Christmas decorations downstairs.

Little by little Christmas has entered our home, eking and limping, but making its way. Matthew has a real job this year. Thankful for employment, he's discovered that responsibility dampens Christmas break.

Real life happens. You'll be thankful I failed to get pictures of stomach flu that kept us up from dark-thirty until morning and kept some of us home for days in a row.
Later this week the lazy-Susan cabinet stuck. Laura was kind enough to climb in and pull out wayward items, which, for now, are underfoot.

Also lacking are pictures of lemonade falling from the top shelf of the refrigerator, our 6:00 a.m. stranded motorist, and bickers that rose to the surface as personal desires were frustrated. Harumph!

We woke this morning to our first decent snow of winter. The rest of the world may change, but we still have old-fashioned snow storms in the American Midwest. The Mr., cheerful as always, cleared the drive and brought order to our world.

As I write, dough is rising. Cinnamon rolls are nearly ready to shape, raise and bake.

Merry Christmas!*

*For thoughts on how to translate, "Christmas," follow this link.

The Apple Plague of 2013

2013-11-02T17:29:00.003-07:00

A few weeks ago you saw pictures of Grace and Company processing apples. We're still trying to figure out what to do with them all. Last month, Grace canned
- 17 quarts of apple pie filling
- 13 quarts of apple cobbler
- 73 quarts of applesauce
- 48 pints of apple jam and jelly

And that was from apples within reasonable reach. Last week I set up six-feet of scaffolding and harvested these buckets plus one more that made its way through the juicer:

Today, with David's help, we added another layer of scaffolding.

And in two-hour's time, this was the bounty from 1 (one) tree:

We're about appled out. We're running out of ideas, jars, freezer space, sugar... and the trees still look like this:

Tree One (yellow delicious?)

Tree Two (red, crisp apples)

Seriously. That's what's still left after all this time. The ground below doesn't look much better.

We've lost count of bucket after buckets we've fed the sheep and chickens and cow, oh my. There's a tote of apples in the back of the vehicle to take to church tomorrow, but many of our neighbors suffer the same fate.

As someone said, if you don't have apples this year you don't have enough friends. Need apples? Find a friend. Need a friend? Ask for apples. You never know how many fruity folks you'll find. Could lead to a doctor shortage? Hmmm....

October in Iowa!

2013-10-17T06:37:00.001-07:00

If October means costumes, we're on the right track.
I drove a full load of corn from the combine to the semi-truck, but didn't recognize the driver. If you know Jacob, he's a fun-loving guy who helps his mom with props and costumes for local drama productions. This is one he threw together just for us! Of course he found it more interesting to change halfway through the morning. David and I both took a second--and third--look before we figured out what was going on. I laughed aloud. David shook his head. I'm not sure what the insurance agents thought when they showed up unannounced.

My harvesting co-workers

Rachael dressed up for marching band.

The Homecoming Parade

Grace dressed up for powder puff football and the homecoming celebration.

It's been an incredible year for apples! We've lost count of the 5-gallon buckets we've filled: rotted ones for the sheep and cow, beautiful ones for apple pie filling, others for applesauce, and plenty for immediate eating.

It's a canning party!

Laura caught a white bunny with black spots a month or two ago because it was so different from the others. Lo and behold, we now have a nest full of spotted babies--and flea bites, too.

The 2014 harvest is done. We're praising God for safety and bins full of grain. It's a once-a-year shot, and we have been blessed with abundance!

May you enjoy the abundant blessings of fall--the activities, bounty and change of color before the cold, quiet days of winter.

Note

2013-09-15T05:51:00.003-07:00

Due to a scare from porno sites following this blog, names were changed. Please bear with me as we continue to make necessary changes.

Must be Fall

2013-09-13T08:20:00.001-07:00

Fall has arrived! Temperatures remain high, moisture is absent, but other indicators point to a change.

"Babe" the wonder truck loaded down with a new, as yet unnamed, motorcycle (!).

Matthew loaded up and moved out for another year of college. He's studying forestry and living in an apartment for the first time. Thanks to our "u-shaped" driveway, he made three complete victory loops before heading to the interstate, much to Hoover's delight (and his parents').

Marching band and cross country are in full swing.

Rachael front and center for her first year of marching band.

Grace, ready to run!

And, as family life moves, so does farm life. Grace came in the house after school last week very excited to have found a new kitten in a back granary of the barn. Laura was disappointed and a little envious--until two days later when Grace discovered another to share.

"The Mr.," as Jacob says, dove into the corn to fill a contract for the third week of September, which meant his harvest crew of Jacob, the boyfriend/all-around-can-do-man, and yours truly was up and running this week.

Digging in!

My set of wheels.

For the person driving the tractor and grain cart, here is View 1, getting ready to accept a load;

View 2, driving forward, looking backward as grain fills the cart;

and View 3, unloading grain into the back of the semi.

You would guess that a harvest doesn't happen without an oopsy-daisy. Here's the one I'm willing to share (as David willingly cleaned up my mess). There have been others, and will be more, but the Lord has graciously spared us from more than slight inconveniences.

Each day wraps up with meetings, family life, laundry and activities but the moon keeps its own time, reminding us that hours never go backward, only forward.

Life in a Circus Tent...and the Unbaling!

2013-07-07T20:33:00.003-07:00

Life at Pine Ridge Farm happily clicks away. The Big Guy scouts and care for crops. Matthew provides steady assistance for the Agricultural Services and Products in town. Grace, Rachael and Laura have been busy here at home, at church and in the community.

One rainy day David decided to look for the source of our dripping kitchen ceiling...

And now, to quote Laura, "We're living in a circus tent!"

Although David's all over it, we've each taken a turn hauling shingles, unloading plywood and 2'x4's, even working overtime on fly patrol.

In wildlife and livestock news, half of the bunnies sold and we've adopted five gifted hunter-cats--which accounts for our decline in rabbit acquisition.

This little fellow, flight impeded, was cleverly camouflaged against the cedar near our mailbox.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. I hear bated breath... Yes, (drum roll, please) it's time for the un-baling! We observed, discussed, and came up with differing opinions. Take a look...it's not a raccoon. It's not an opossum. It's not a cat. It's a... ??

Fox? Coyote? Probably.
The young men, ahem, were having such a fine time befriending the pelt that I left the party early. On my way to the house I was reminded of a wonderful evening sharing laughter and s'mores, throwing the end of too-long hot dog buns to Hoover and creating new memories the evening of Independence Day.

May your summer, home and everyday mysteries be filled with knowledge of their Giver. Thanks for stopping by!

Garden Invasion

2013-06-14T15:00:00.002-07:00

It began when Grace found her pepper and tomato plants eaten to the ground--$20 of nubbins. And, in the tradition of Mr. MacGregor, she threw the nearest garden implement with great gusto. The second offense was a little more aggressive. Thus began the Great Bunny Chase.

Under the horse trailer, in and out of bunny tunnels.

Around the silo, through the downstairs granary, and into another tunnel.

Becca, easily caught, is in the trap and waiting for a friend.

Almost!

Rabbits in hand--or two in the bush--Grace moved on to more productive ventures.

Outside, the chase went on:

Victory achieved--one more rabbit caught under the mower.

Phase 2-the slingshot... To put you at ease, be assured that no bunnies were harmed in the making of this blog.

Fortunately for Grace and MacGregor, the Big Guy picked up poultry fencing and secured her garden spot. Stay tuned as rabbits continue to multiply....