Monday, May 20, 2013

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.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...
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New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning,
I hope you enjoyed Martha's post. We do want your opinion here, so please let us know what you think of the posts question. Beautiful here today. Suppose to hit 80.

Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

It's nice to hear that you're able to use a tractor to plow your fields. The Amish in my area only use horses, and I think of how hard it must be for the younger generation to see their neighbors plow in a much shorter time with a tractor, and they have to use a horse. Also plowing in general, especially in dry ground is really hard on the horses.

I think that Jean posting for three Mondays and Martha, Olive, or Bridget posting on the fourth is a great idea.

I'm looking forward to the Cobblestone Homes post and hearing the Great News that Jean will tell about. (Of course I always like hearing from Pierre too.)

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Doreen,
Martha said the only thing you get out of a gas tractor is speed. A horse drawn does a much better job than a gas tractor does.

Also, thank you for the vote. We appreciate it. Glad you are looking forward to those coming.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Hi Martha and Marilyn, Hoping you get some rain this week. I think taking turns posting is a good idea. It'll give everyone a little break and may also increase the amount of news everyone has for each posting. As always the blog is full of interesting info, from the families as well as the workings of farm and home. Thank you so much for sharing! In Christ, Carol

Veronica said...

Good morning Marilyn. Thank you Martha for sharing with us a day in your life. It is always such a blessing to read. I think sharing the writing is a wonderful idea. I know for me personally I am praying for all of you daily. I think this way we will continue to know how things are going for you all. Readers feel a connection to you all and your families. Thanks again Marilyn for your hard work and may blessings continue to come your way. God Bless Veronica

Anonymous said...

Hearing about all the work you get done around your place inspires me to get a move on myself. Thanks for opening a window on your lives to the rest of us. May you have a wonderful Spring!

Vickie said...

I think that sounds like a perfect plan. So dry by you. Expecting rain here all week. It will be in the 90's today.

sheila said...

I think this is a great idea, Martha. I enjoy reading all of your posts and Jean's also.

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you all. So far everyone thinks we should have Jean for three weeks a month and then either Martha or Olive on the fourth Monday. We are trying to get Bridget but she is nervous. So was Jean, Martha and Olive when they first came on-so we are working on her.

Marilyn

dynnamae said...

Good Evening Marilyn. I had gotten quite behind in reading your blog. So many demands on time that I just had to catch up on the past 2 weeks. I'm so sorry about your towns' fire. Very thankful no one was lost or hurt in the fire. Loved Pierres' post and his girl friend Lily. Copied a couple of Marthas' recipes to try. I just so enjoy everything I read and see here. I look forward to Jean coming back, but rest assured, I love reading Martha or Olives' posts also. If Bridget writes too, I know I will enjoy that. Thank you for sharing your mom with us all. That was very interesting to read also. Happy Memorial Day to all and God bless.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Evening dynnamae,
Thank you so much for the compliments. I really appreciate them and I am sure Jean and Martha will too. Was so kind of you to take the time to stop.

Happy Memorial Day and God Bless You,
arilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

I can't even spell my name right.
Marilyn

Wendy said...

Hello,

I enjoy reading all the Blogs by all three of the ladies
That is a great idea

Happy Menorial Day in the US

I am from Canada

Blessings

Wendy

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you, Wendy, that is so kind of you.

Blessing to you and yours,
Marilyn