December 2010

I thought I was going to be able to write about how quiet December was on the farm - our livestock numbers are down quite a bit. We're down to just cattle (Kurt would argue that it's not "just cattle"), two pigs and our layers. However, December has kept us hopping between a trip to Indianapolis, Christmas preparations, pork pick-up, family visits and of course, the beginning of the birthday season.

Kurt and I spent 4 days in Indianapolis at the ACRES conference. We had a great time. This was the first time we had flown in a long time and except for the threat of being snow bound and only 15 minutes to change planes in Cleveland, everything went very smoothly - even carrying our bags on. We were able to find our "bus" from the airport to Downtown Indy and walked everywhere - except one frigid evening we caved and hired a cab. Kurt and I talked this week and tried to think of a highlight to share and there were several. I think the best part of the week was having our thinking challenged by people who are doing the same type of things as we are. The diversity of the conference attendees was vast and while there was a great variance in religious/political beliefs, sizes of operations, experiences, geographies. . . there was a sense that everyone there was interested in doing agriculture smarter, healthier, safer and raising good food to nourish people.

One of the highlights for me was getting to hear Shannon Hayes speak - twice! She has written 2 cookbooks and Radical Homemakers. Very thought provoking sessions and I have her keynote session on CD if anyone is interested in listening.

Because we flew, we weren't able to pack any of our own food - many attendees did - and ended up eating most of our meals out. We missed our kitchen! One evening we went to the Weber Grill Restaurant. This was our ONE nice meal out. To give a bit of history, Kurt has owned a Weber kettle-style grill for almost 20 years - he can give the actual date of purchase - and loves it dearly. When we camp, the grill goes with us because the camp site grills don't measure up. And, rather than replace it, Kurt has welded handles back on and made other repairs over the years. When a small tornado took down a tree in our back yard - the Weber remained standing - with ashes still in the pan. Kurt estimates (yes, he really did the calculations) that he's cooked around 1000 meals on the grill. Sorry to rattle on - just needed to set up the love affair Kurt has with Weber grills and why it was so cool to eat there. The grills used in the kitchen were about 4-5 feet in diameter and grill lids were used as part of the decor throughout the restaurant. Kurt ordered a hamburger and I tried pizza on the grill. While both were good meals, they didn't hold a candle to the food Kurt prepares on our old Weber - I think it's a combination of ingredients and cooks.

One of Kurt's favorite sessions was led by Cody Holmes, a rancher in Missouri. Cody spoke about mob grazing and has a new book out called Ranching on Three Hours a Day. The idea being that a good deal of your work should be spent reading, learning, planning and not necessarily working hard for 12-15 hours a day.

While Kurt and I had a great trip, life was a little rockier on the home front. This was the longest Kurt and I had been away from the girls - EVER. We divied up child care duties while we were gone. My mom stayed with the girls 2 nights - one of which Anna had the flu. The next 2 nights the girls stayed with Kurt's folks and Allison and Natalie got sick - it's hard to be sick when you're not at home and your momma's gone! We may never get to leave the state again! We were so grateful to have grandparents who took such good care of the girls. Thankfully, Kurt's folks never got sick. My mom, Kurt and I were not so lucky.

Our trip to Indianapolis gently nudged us to finally make some big changes. As of now, we are no longer in the hay grinding business are slowly moving out of the hay business. We (really Kurt) will use the cattle to graze more forage and hire out one cutting of hay per year. So far, Kurt has sold a tub grinder and a hay rake - there's no turning back now. Interested in a John Deere 4850 tractor (that's read forty-eight fifty for you tractor neophytes - years ago, I would have called it a four thousand, eight hundred fifty. Let me tell you, Kurt hee hawed for weeks over that) or a baler? Let me know and I can set you up.

Our beef stores are a little lower but we are well stocked up on pork - chops, hams, roasts, bacon (it's amazing - we have to ration ours) and various sausages. We have two more hogs to take to the processor in February and we're going to try some beer brats, zesty breakfast sausage and German sausage. We'll also be taking two beeves in February to restock our all beef brats and jerky supply. We're also going to have some beef sticks made.

We are now out of whole chickens. There are still cut up chickens and wings, thighs, breasts and drumsticks left. I also have three bags of carcasses that would make the most excellent broth - perfect for a soup base this winter.

Oh, one more story from Indianapolis I almost forgot. Kurt talked to Mrs. Holmes about a milk cow! We're not ready to get one yet - Kurt has been adamant about not wanting to milk and I'm not sure if I'm brave enough yet. But the fact that he started a milk cow conversation with someone (while I was not present) is a huge breakthrough. I'll keep you posted.

Once again, we desperately need moisture - the forecasters keep teasing us with the possibility. Nothing yet though.

Christmas on the farm was good - all three girls got new-to-them bikes. At first, I was uneasy about giving them "previously owned" bikes. Kurt found out about some program that cleans up abandoned or confiscated bikes and gives them away. No reservations now. The girls have been outside move in the last 5 days than the last month! Allison is gaining confidence and Natalie is about to be an independent rider with training wheels.

The highlight of my Christmas dinner was the turkey - Kurt's was the gravy! Next year we'll raise a few more turkeys for us to savor throughout the year. We were able to enjoy Christmas dinner with Kurt's parents, four of his brothers/sisters and their families and my mom - I think there around 20 at the table.

Next week my kitchen should be back to normal and we'll be done doing dishes by hand - I'm counting the days!

Today begins the birthday season at our house - 3 birthdays in 3 weeks! Natalie is sure her birthday is first and will argue with anyone - hers is first after Christmas but not first in the calendar year. This morning, Natalie woke up and began issuing edicts in third person: "The Birthday Girl would like pancakes for breakfast." "The Birthday Girl is ready to open presents." "The Birthday Girl would like some milk." You get the picture. A couple of days ago, "The Birthday Girl" took a few friends roller skating - oh my. Kurt and I worked hard trying to keep everyone on their feet!

Anna will turn 3 in two weeks and assures me she's not little any more - hopefully 3-year-olds are big enough to move their training potties into the bathroom!

In 3 weeks, Allison will be 10 - double digits! She started basketball practice this week and is excited about the pee wee season.

Hope this newsletter finds you healthy. Many blessings in the New Year!