MARTHA'S-FARMING BEGINS

This will be my last post every week. Jean will be coming back on June 3rd.  She came up with the idea of her doing three Mondays and either Olive or myself or maybe we can get Bridget doing the fourth Monday. That way we can all have our say here and gives Jean a break.  If neither Olive, Bridget or myself have anything to say on a Monday, she will do it.  What do you folks think?

The picture is of either Edward or Michael running the tractor across the field that Jean and David gave them to farm this year.  You can see how dry it is.  We hope it rains soon.  Michael and Edward had one of David and Jean's tractors and one of ours to break up the soil.  They will plow it again before planting.

When farming begins we get up early.  The cows are milked, then I have breakfast on the table for Joseph and they boys after which they go out plowing our fields.  They usually plow the land twice before they plant.  Right now they are planting vegetables that frost won't kill on part of the land.

Likewise in our house garden we are doing the same.  I had the men plow the garden for me.  Now the girls and I are planting vegetables also that won't be killed in frost.  In a couple more weeks, we should be able to plant the rest of the crops both the men in the fields and us in the garden.

When planting starts in the field they work from breakfast until mid-morning when they either come in or I take out coffee, cold tea or water plus some cookies, or donuts or alike for them to munch on.  After a short break they start in again until lunch.  After lunch they go back out  to start planting again.  Again, either they come in or I take out a something to drink and snack on.  They work until milking time.  After milking we have dinner and then, many times, the men go work the fields until dark.

Joseph and our sons go help others that might need help in their fields.  Like they are plowing Kevin and Bridget's  land because they don't have a tractor yet.  Kevin and Joseph are going to an auction to see if they can buy one for Kevin.  We are keeping our eyes on Michael and Edward to make sure everything is going well on their land.  Any farmer we hear that needs help, we will be there as they would to us if we needed help.

While the  men (Joseph and our sons) work the fields, the girls and I work the garden, cook the meals, keep the house, keep washing clothes and more.  With the dust and dirt in the fields we are working to make sure the men have clean clothes.  At times, the girls and I milk the cows so the men can work in the fields longer.

Once the planting is done gives us a little break during which we do any painting or repairs on the fences, barns or house.  Also, we make sure all the equipment is in the best of order for the fields.  We are also check and pull the weeds.  Sometimes we go to auctions, Joseph and the boys fishing, we ladies to rummage or garage sales, etc.  We also like to have picnics, visit our relatives and friends.  Also the lawn is mowed and the flowers planted.

It seems we are busy all the time except on Sunday, the Lord's Day.  That day we do only what we have to do milk the cows, and feed the animals.  That is our day or worship and rest.  Sometimes we will have a picnic, visit friends, and alike.  We try to get us rested up for the work of week.

I hope this tells you of what life is on the farm.

As I said it is my last one.  I enjoyed doing this and enjoyed your comments and questions.  Let us know what you think of Jean's plan of her doing three Mondays and either Olive or I doing the fourth.

God is With Us,
Martha


PIERRE ON TUESDAY ABOUT PET CARE IN SUMMER MONTHS. ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE THE RECIPE.  THURSDAY WILL BE A SPECIAL ON MUSHROOMS AND FRIDAY WILL BE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND POST.  NO JEAN OR MARTHA POST ON THE 27TH.  WEDNESDAY WILL BE RECIPE, FRIDAY ON COBBLESTONE HOMES AND SATURDAY WILL BE GOOD BY NEWARK DINER.  JEAN WILL BE ON JUNE 3rd WITH GREAT NEWS.