Farmers Save Lives

While I sit here on my porch and watch the heat dry up the Earth, which in turn dries up the various crops we have planted I can't help but feel sad.  As I have stated before, we live in a very rural area in Nebraska.  Most people in our area have some sort of agriculture background if they are not currently living the glorious lifestyle of being a farmer.  If they don't have a background in agriculture, you can about guarantee they have a family member or friend close by that farming is their livelihood, they are employed by an ag driven business, or the like.  It is the lifestyle in this area.  

As I sit here and reflect on what kind of production we will have....or sadly, not have... I can't help but feel a bit nervous.  But, being a farmer, it is a risk we take.  We can't control input costs, the markets, and what seems to be our big deal currently...the weather.  Mother Nature has not be kind to us.  In many parts of the United States, other farmers are having to deal with quite the opposite....they are getting too much rain.  Therefore, they can't get their crops in the ground.  Or, if they have been lucky enough to snag some dry days to plant, they have been hit with torrential rain again that has washed away their seeds....leaving them no choice, but to double their input cost and replant.  I don't know why Mother Nature can't drop a nice even inch of rain once a week across the fields....would that be too much to ask!  Ha!!!!

As I think about our lack of moisture, and other farmers plethora of rain I can't help but realize this could be a problem.  This would not be a problem most would be thinking about, but for us individuals in the agricultural world....we do!  What if there were no crops here in the U.S?!?!  Yes, we import.  Since the entire country is not going to lose its crops, it won't be a problem.  There could be a shortage, but there will be another year, hopefully some rain, and with any luck.... a bountiful harvest.  

My hubs has always said, and I 100% agree, "that farming is the backbone of this country!"  Think about it, I can live without my obsession of beautiful designer purses, but I CANNOT live without food!!!  Therefore, as I sit here on my porch watching the heat beam down, and listening to my sprinkler run on my struggling grass I have come to the conclusion that FARMERS SAVE LIVES......3 SQUARES A DAY!  

{{{HUGS}}}

Generic Post...Brain Fried...{a vacation would help}

I have had a little too much going on lately... at least it feels that way.  Summer is in full swing and I seem to pick one kid up at camp to drop another one off the next day.  Then, while I am off on a camp adventure I still have a kid or two with something like swimming lessons going on at home.  Throw in a couple other stops for parts and dinner too.  Needless to say, if I'm not coming....then I am going.  From all directions {kiddos and hubs} I hear... could you... would you... I need you to.... and even....gulp....you WILL.  Who can relate?   I used to think I would figure out a way to balance it all, but I have long give up on that.  I don't have the energy so I just try... and I do mean TRY  to go with the flow.  My brain is on overload.... so much that I couldn't decide what to title this post! Ha!

I think what I need is a little vacation.  I mentioned this trip to my hubs, but he didn't seem as interested in going as I am!  Plus, it's a year away and I think I need a vacation sooner rather than later.  Then again, maybe I just need a maid to keep up with my house that is lacking attention...which drives me crazy.  Heck, I need BOTH!!!  

I guess between now and my vacation {which is non-existent at this moment} I will just.....

PS:  If anyone is interested in booking me a spot on the above for mentioned vacation, I am NOT OPPOSED...just let me know and I will pack my bags!!  Haha!

{{{HUGS}}}

3-2-1 Cucumber Salad

3 Cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, and a couple other ingredients and you have yourself a delicious summertime salad.  I can't wait to make this with my fresh produce...once my garden starts producing!!!

This is one of my Hubs favorites.  It is also a salad that I deliver to the field often.  It has a nice creamy sauce topping the refreshing veggies and accompanies most meals.  

3 cucumbers, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
1 Cup Mayo
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Dill Weed
Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients.  Chill before serving.

{{{HUGS}}} 

Peanut Butter Protein Shake

I have mentioned on The Farmer's Wife Facebook page that I joined a boot camp!  I can't believe that I am in LOVE with exercise!  Okay, that might be going a little too far!  I do look forward to my class and I am bummed my class is already over.  There will be another one offered in July and you can bet the farm on it that I will attend.  Exercise makes me feel good...mentally, it gives me some social time with my friends that attend, and my body is defiantly benefiting from it!!

I shared my new breakfast go-to shake over at Her View From Home.  Please click here for the recipe.

{{{HUGS}}}

It Finally Happened......

Do you all remember the last family photo I posted here on The Farmer's Wife?  Well, if not please read this post here.  That was over TWO years ago!!

Last weekend we attended a wedding of one of our hired hands.  Our son was asked to be RING SECURITY, so I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to finally get a "real" family photo.  We would all be in the same place at the same time AND we all would be spiffed up as well....especially my son in his cute little tux!!!!  The reception was held at the bride's parents home which was gorgeous and there were plenty of scenic choices to for us to finally get that overdue family photo!

Typical photo sessions with my kids usually go like this....

Or.... a couple of them try to hard at achieving the perfect smile.... {I still like this picture though}

And then we sometimes luck out and get a nice shot!

That is me and my clan....LOVE THEM!!!

A special thanks to our friend Calvin for taking our family picture {I know these people, and they are not the easiest family to work with...haha}.

You can check out my latest adventure here.  Yes, I branched out with yet another job to add to my resume.  It's a little something I have a passion for and truly enjoy.  If you like me work, please like my page.

{{{HUGS}}}