“Now, just so you know, the reason Dad (and I) farm is: to make money.

Well, that doesn’t always seem to be the case. The idea is to make money. You can’t farm if you don’t have money. So, the whole idea of farming is to make money.

Just like people who go to work for someone else…to make money.”

Mom put me up on her shoulder and petted me, while we walked toward the house.

“So, you see, TLC Cai-Cai, (Mom calls me by my full name all the time,

Dad calls me things like CLT, LTC, TLC—he makes stuff up all the time, sometimes he calls me a GIRL!!!!  It’s okay I still come to him no matter what he calls me. 😊 )

It is very important that a farm makes money, for without money there is no canned cat food or dry cereal to munch on…it takes money to buy your groceries.”

Farming is a risky type of business.  It’s not like a regular job, where every two weeks or once a month you get a paycheck.  Paycheck time is whenever the crops come in, which can be only once a year, depending on the crop.”

Mom and I sat down on the sofa where I can stretch way out while Mom pets on me.

“For us, You, Me, and Dad, the paychecks come in each time we sell hay.  Hay is a big deal around here.  It brings in money three times a summer.

Then in the fall and early winter, Dad will get out the corn combine and combine the corn, haul it to the Elevator by which, around Christmas time we will get the most money.  This is the money we live on.  It buys everyday living, all the spring requirements: seed, fertilizer, fuel, it holds us together.”

I am purring so loud; I’m starting to get tired.  Just a little bit tired, like maybe just rest my eyes tired.

“And you know what, TLC Cai-Cai?  Farmers can’t control the weather or the price you get paid, ever.  That’s just how it is—the reason farming is such a risky business.”

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

“Hum, I guess you feel safe and warm and fed, Little One. And THAT is a very good thing.”

Mom got up very slowly leaving me there on the sofa to dream on.

TLC Cai-Cai