RicelandMeadows

A couple of cute heifers!

June 17, 2011

 

     The young ladies in the photo just arrived here. They will be bred to a beef bull before too long. They will start a new venture here that involves grass-fed ground beef. They will be part of the foundation stock.

 

     The last of our brood, my youngest son, has brought home his girl. We have met a few before, but this one is a keeper. They are to be wed in September. They have worked out most of the kinks and have chosen each other for life mates.

 

     It is a crazy thing bringing home your girl to meet the folks. Everyone is off keel a bit. It’s usually dad who breaks the ice and gets the conversation started. I have had the pleasure to do this on quite a few occasions. My wife’s last two nestlings were boys. I had the privilege of helping to get them to manhood. Then came my oldest and now , my youngest.

 

     The newest addition to our family has roots in West Virginia. They come from the east side near Elkins and Davis. Our family came from the White Sulphur Springs area. I guess that makes us hillbillies to some, but to me it means good, honest folks. We work hard, play hard and don’t take much crap from anybody. We are easy-going, helpful folks who work the land, like nature and hold family dear.

 

     Our family grows bigger each year. We have grand babies, new spouses and even a few who just show up for the food. We welcome them all with a full plate, a smile and a heart full of love. Life is way to short for anything else.

 

     Soon our cattle herd will grow as we enter the next phase of our quest to make the farm profitable. Our family continues to expand as well. This farm provides a haven for babies both 4 legged and 2 legged alike. I watch over them all. I guide, ride herd, punish and praise, each one with a gentle heart and hand. The result is a group of beings who count on me. It’s a big job that I gladly accept.

 

     The best part, is the respect that comes with such a job. Sometimes I don’t feel like I deserve it, like when I am too honest or share my opinion or perhaps even tell them exactly what to do. It’s not always my business, but I react as if it is. I don’t mean to be pushy, mean or hurtful. I do mean to be strong and honest,  even to a fault. Thankfully, they all know me, they still ask my advice, listen to it, then make their own decision. I am pleased to have been asked … and every now and then, I give them a nugget that they can use 😮

 

     Bringing home the girls has gone on for generations. In fact there would be no generations if we didn’t bring them home. It’s a ritual, a rite of passage and in some cases an honor. I know for me, it is exactly that. I am honored that our kids and grandkids care enough about us to meet their friends and soon to be family. It is great that they want our approval, seek our advice and care enough to ask for it. It is just one more of the many blessings that we share.

 

     Welcome to our crazy family Heather. Take good care of her Jake. She will be the foundation stock for my next round of farm hands, as your children join the others … helping Pa-Pa.      No rush..but …  we did buy a square baler you know 😮