My sunday school class is working it's way through Ecclesiastes this semester and it has been a fun journey. Our discussions have centered around where we look for meaning in life, and how that never seems to fill us unless we get our meaning from God. Yet if we do put God in the center, and work to remind ourselves that He belongs there and our wants/needs belong elsewhere than center, He is faithful to remind us of his love through life's many enjoyments. And we can begin to truly enjoy God's gifts of food, homes, jobs, children, sports, family, etc.
My "meaning of life" moment came about a week ago as I was making a much needed trip to Marion's Tractor Supply Co. I had been putting off buying a new pair of work boots this year, hoping to make it through the season but alas an inch long hole and a few days of poorly timed rain and cold, drove me to misery, and thus to Tractor Supply Co. Starbucks happens to be right on the way to Marion, and although I am not a fan of Starbucks coffee in general I do love their Pumpkin Spice Lattes that magically appear on their menus in the month of October. It was a quick decision to pull through the drive-through, a quick decision to buy a "grande" size, and in no time at all I was continuing my journey to TSC. A spontaneous call to mom to tell her about a frustrating experience earlier in the week and a few sips later I was pulling into the rain soaked parking lot in Marion.
Mmmm. "This is the best drink in the world!" escaped my lips before I knew what I was saying and I grabbed my money, keys, much-cherished fall drink and headed for the doors and the new boots that awaited inside. Literally four steps from my car and a split-second later I found myself juggling my favorite drink in the world and watching it crash onto the pavement at my feet. My initial reaction was to stomp around and kick the empty cup halfway to the entrance of Tractor Supply, grieving over the loss of $4 and "the best drink in the world". But in the back of my head, I could hear my sunday school teacher asking, "where do you find the meaning of life?" So instead of getting angry (which I wanted to do quite badly), I began laughing out loud. Consciously noting that God was most effectively teaching me a lesson about my foolhardy attempts at getting meaning from life.
Have you had a "meaning of life" moment lately? Don't forget that the little things are really just little things, and God is most definitely still God. He is the meaning. Rest in that.
Tuesday, October 20
Monday, October 12
Sunday, October 11
a shattering reality
Pretty much my entire adult life I've gotten away with people imagining that I'm actually younger than what I really am. I attribute this to various facts: the fact that I'm single, nomadic, not career obsessed, silly (some might argue immature). But whatever the reason, people are usually shocked when I confess my age, since they were guessing that I was 5-8 years younger.
I know that this trend is only temporary, and eventually I will hit the tipping point. And though I know my day of reckoning is coming...eventually, I don't think about this too often. Well, eventually happened a few weeks ago and I am still laughing at the scenario. It goes something like this...
I attended a high school football game with a college friend a few weekends ago. It was rainy, cold and I was starving. The lines at the concession stand were long, and I didn't want to wait for marginal food in the pouring rain. So at 10:00 pm that night after the game was over I made my way to the closest Subway to procure a $5 foot long that could serve as my dinner and lunch the next day.
I was the only patron at that time and per usual I was chatting it up with the young (eighteen or something) sandwich maker. I shared with her about my night at the football game, we talked high school football and homecoming nonsense for a bit. And then I found myself picking out two oatmeal cookies before paying for my long awaited supper. As she rang up my order, she asked one last question that shattered my wishful imagery of my youthful self. And I quote,
"So, does your kid play for the Madison-Grant football team?"
Wha...What? I'm sure I flashed her an "are you serious?" look before answering with an emphatic, "No". As I made my way out of subway and to the confines of my vehicle, I had to laugh at myself. And at the pieces of my youthfulness that just eroded away with that one question. Wow? Do I really look like I would have a high school age child? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, it was a startling reality that I am getting older and maybe I finally look like it too.
Ah well. Sometimes the future is all of a sudden the present. Kills me.
I know that this trend is only temporary, and eventually I will hit the tipping point. And though I know my day of reckoning is coming...eventually, I don't think about this too often. Well, eventually happened a few weeks ago and I am still laughing at the scenario. It goes something like this...
I attended a high school football game with a college friend a few weekends ago. It was rainy, cold and I was starving. The lines at the concession stand were long, and I didn't want to wait for marginal food in the pouring rain. So at 10:00 pm that night after the game was over I made my way to the closest Subway to procure a $5 foot long that could serve as my dinner and lunch the next day.
I was the only patron at that time and per usual I was chatting it up with the young (eighteen or something) sandwich maker. I shared with her about my night at the football game, we talked high school football and homecoming nonsense for a bit. And then I found myself picking out two oatmeal cookies before paying for my long awaited supper. As she rang up my order, she asked one last question that shattered my wishful imagery of my youthful self. And I quote,
"So, does your kid play for the Madison-Grant football team?"
Wha...What? I'm sure I flashed her an "are you serious?" look before answering with an emphatic, "No". As I made my way out of subway and to the confines of my vehicle, I had to laugh at myself. And at the pieces of my youthfulness that just eroded away with that one question. Wow? Do I really look like I would have a high school age child? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, it was a startling reality that I am getting older and maybe I finally look like it too.
Ah well. Sometimes the future is all of a sudden the present. Kills me.
Tuesday, October 6
from the farmers almanac
I picked up a 2009 farmers almanac the other day just for fun. And oh, has it been fun. There is some crazy stuff in there:
- astronomical glossary
- configurations of Sun, Moon and Planets
- Gardening by the Zodiac and the Moon's Phases
- gestation table
- strange headlines
- general weather forecasts
- sunrise and sunset times
- hints for your health
- frost date chart
- planting tables
- natural pest control
- crossword puzzle
- "Storks - the ultimate social security model"
- "News to Amuse"
- Facts and Fancies
- Cookery Corner
These three little pigs found their way to Victory Acres about a month ago. Their time here will be short, though they are making the best of it. They have successfully rooted through our compost pile, working the new matter in, and turning it for us. Those little noses are big deals. Their last day on the farm is at the end of this month. I keep hinting to management that I wouldn't mind a Christmas bonus in the form of half a hog. I don't think anyone is taking notice of my memos.
Wednesday, September 30
30 days has september...
Last year at this time I was enjoying the last few days of my month long vacation in September. Some of you won't remember, but September was a stellar month for me. I spent a week hiking in the Northern Cascades, a week in the Olympic Mountains, a week in Bozeman visiting Montana Conservation Corps friends, and a week back in Indiana for Lana's wedding. I sure jammed some killer trips into that thirty day period. It was so worth it.
This September was slightly different than the last. Instead of hiking up to glaciers, spotting a dozen black bear, and rock climbing with friends, I've been focused on harvesting fruits and vegetables that just keep coming. Their will to live and thrive is inspiring. A few weeks ago a light bulb clicked on in my thick head and I was reminded that, though the harvest is plentiful now, it won't be long til I'll be begging for some fresh vegies from the fields. So in answer to the longing, I decided to spend some quality time preparing for the barren months of winter.
Mom graciously skipped bible study to teach me how to can tomatoes and beans a few weeks ago. A day and a half later we were looking at a table full of 34 quarts of tomatoes, tomato juice, and green beans, as well as, 10 pints of beans. I promptly came back to Upland and started dehydrating garlic so that I can make my own garlic powder. And in between work, bible study, watching football and playing catch with Jasper, I've frozen red raspberries, jalapenos, green bell peppers and carrots.
I'm not sure where I will be this winter, exactly. But whether here or there, I know one thing is for sure. I will be eating well!!
This September was slightly different than the last. Instead of hiking up to glaciers, spotting a dozen black bear, and rock climbing with friends, I've been focused on harvesting fruits and vegetables that just keep coming. Their will to live and thrive is inspiring. A few weeks ago a light bulb clicked on in my thick head and I was reminded that, though the harvest is plentiful now, it won't be long til I'll be begging for some fresh vegies from the fields. So in answer to the longing, I decided to spend some quality time preparing for the barren months of winter.
Mom graciously skipped bible study to teach me how to can tomatoes and beans a few weeks ago. A day and a half later we were looking at a table full of 34 quarts of tomatoes, tomato juice, and green beans, as well as, 10 pints of beans. I promptly came back to Upland and started dehydrating garlic so that I can make my own garlic powder. And in between work, bible study, watching football and playing catch with Jasper, I've frozen red raspberries, jalapenos, green bell peppers and carrots.
I'm not sure where I will be this winter, exactly. But whether here or there, I know one thing is for sure. I will be eating well!!
Monday, August 31
Fall Treats
Candy Corn:
- How can something be so good, yet make you so sick?
- Those little corn kernels and the happy little pumpkins.
- I love them.
Pumpkin Goodies:
- Anything pumpkin flavored, bring it on!
- Especially with ice cream.
- Baked goods - scones, muffins, breads, cheesecake
- coffee and creamers
Eggnog:
- Not quite time yet, but I'm anticipating
Butternut & Acorn Squash:
- casseroles
- soups
- breads
Sunday, August 23
before it is gone
Before the summer is gone I better show you'all what I've been up to. July kind of whooshed by me in a warm summer breeze. I don't even know what went on that month. But starting in August I have a better grasp as to what has been happening.
The summer vegetables have been coming on full force. We spend 8 or 9 hours each work day harvesting, washing and counting the produce for distribution to Muncie, Fishers, Indy and Upland/Marion. The picture above is Geoff and Frank digging potatoes with an old potato digger chained behind the ATV. So glad for that digger. Would have been using garden forks and pitchforks, otherwise.
An amazing discovery the other day in the tomato rows - a tomato horn worm (nemesis of the tomato plant) covered in parasitic wasp eggs. Since we don't use any spray on the farm, this evidence of natural pest control is an exciting thing to witness. The wasp larvae will hatch from their eggs and devour the horn worm. How cool is that? Organic farmers actually purchase parasitic wasps to release on their farms if the horn worm is a big problem.
Our fall broccoli, and red and green cabbage are looking great. A few more weeks and these babies will be cut, washed, and distributed.
Lana, Kyle and I spent our vacation week with the Edwards family in South Carolina and North Carolina. Great weather, good eats, and lots of laughing. I caught up with teacher friends, Concord buddies, and happened on to some of my old students as well. My best visit since leaving for the Appalachian Trail.
And I don't want to forget the newest additions to Victory Acres Farm. The day I left for vacation, Terry picked up and delivered two calves to the farm. One is a Brown Swiss/Jersey mix, the other is a Jersey/Holstein mix. Both are males, so we aren't going to get any milk from them, and I'm not entirely sure of the overall vision of getting two male milk cows. The calf pictured above is the Swiss/Jersey mix. He is about 4 months. This one doesn't have a name yet, so if you want to weigh in, we are looking for a good one.
The summer vegetables have been coming on full force. We spend 8 or 9 hours each work day harvesting, washing and counting the produce for distribution to Muncie, Fishers, Indy and Upland/Marion. The picture above is Geoff and Frank digging potatoes with an old potato digger chained behind the ATV. So glad for that digger. Would have been using garden forks and pitchforks, otherwise.
An amazing discovery the other day in the tomato rows - a tomato horn worm (nemesis of the tomato plant) covered in parasitic wasp eggs. Since we don't use any spray on the farm, this evidence of natural pest control is an exciting thing to witness. The wasp larvae will hatch from their eggs and devour the horn worm. How cool is that? Organic farmers actually purchase parasitic wasps to release on their farms if the horn worm is a big problem.
Our fall broccoli, and red and green cabbage are looking great. A few more weeks and these babies will be cut, washed, and distributed.
Lana, Kyle and I spent our vacation week with the Edwards family in South Carolina and North Carolina. Great weather, good eats, and lots of laughing. I caught up with teacher friends, Concord buddies, and happened on to some of my old students as well. My best visit since leaving for the Appalachian Trail.
And I don't want to forget the newest additions to Victory Acres Farm. The day I left for vacation, Terry picked up and delivered two calves to the farm. One is a Brown Swiss/Jersey mix, the other is a Jersey/Holstein mix. Both are males, so we aren't going to get any milk from them, and I'm not entirely sure of the overall vision of getting two male milk cows. The calf pictured above is the Swiss/Jersey mix. He is about 4 months. This one doesn't have a name yet, so if you want to weigh in, we are looking for a good one.
Monday, July 27
life in a list
It seems whenever I get the rare opportunity to be "online", I am without inspiration (in the blogging realm, that is). I'm not saying that life on the farm is boring, for it is not that, at all. Or that nothing interesting or exciting happens over here, for that is not true either. But I just don't know what little life tidbit to share. And even if I have decided on a topic for posting, it never magically works itself out in words, sentences and paragraphs. Seems it takes more effort than in the past.
So in short, since I am struggling to be creative, here is what has been going on.
So in short, since I am struggling to be creative, here is what has been going on.
- blueberry picking with Emily, Lana, Mom, Madeline and Katie (50 lbs in 2 hrs)
- harvesting squash, green beans, swiss chard, blackberries, raspberries, onions, garlic, kohlrabi, cucumbers, scallions, basil, parsley
- catching up with Megan, Tara and Jake on Lake Michigan
- witnessing a Jasper- baby mink fight (sidenote: baby mink was winning, so I had to step in and give it a wallop with the shovel. Nasty little creature.)
- visiting college friends at IWU (visiting from Ohio, New York, North Carolina and Michigan)
- various bonfires with friends and family
- baking breads and muffins, making fresh basil pesto
- Indianapolis Indians baseball game with Kyle and Lana
- playing slow pitch softball every Monday night (and winning every game, our team rocks)
- being chased and attacked by mean rooster when collecting eggs
Monday, July 13
Life and death are so very present here on the farm. We experience the effects of living creatures daily through pollinators, pests, laying hens, puppies, visitors to the farm. Death is so very real, as well. Mink and owls sneak around at night or early in the morning waiting for a chance to steal the life of our chickens. Cars fly by on the road. Drivers oblivious of the carefree puppy that dashes out into oncoming traffic when he is "on the scent" of something or other. Even microscopic organisms in our soil, water and air can be killers too.
Last week we lost our dear goat, Annabelle, to a microscopic organism that causes tetanus. Unexpected and horrible. She became sick on Tuesday morning and didn't make it 24 hours. We are very sad to see her go and all miss her very much. Even Jasper was very sweet to the sick goat, licking her face when she couldn't stand and lying next to her while we tried to help her fight for her life.
Last week we lost our dear goat, Annabelle, to a microscopic organism that causes tetanus. Unexpected and horrible. She became sick on Tuesday morning and didn't make it 24 hours. We are very sad to see her go and all miss her very much. Even Jasper was very sweet to the sick goat, licking her face when she couldn't stand and lying next to her while we tried to help her fight for her life.
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