The sun lingers longer and longer
The two alfalfa fields are brimming with the color green
The air is heavy with the scent of warmth, the sound of birds, and
Terry and I are brimming with enthusiastic energy.
Supposed to be 80* today— I AM READY!
Sophrosyne (n.) A healthy state of mind, characterized by self-control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one’s true self, and resulting in true happiness
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
I love shadows!
But you know that about me already.
They are so deep and cool and mysterious.
They offer shade for the weary
And beauty (with a squirrel) for the soul!
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
Terry went out to check the plowed fields and guess what?!
It was time to roll them down.
Let this set a day or two, depending on what the soil tells him, and it will be time to level the fields.
Spring work. This are lots of steps in it.
But they are all happy steps!
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
Spring is here now
Bringing to us a different type of day
On a daily basis.
Sometimes the morning feels like we are still in Winter
Then after a long day of Spring-time work
Our bodies feel like we’ve joined a gym
A gym that requires you to move at top speed
Gradually, gradually the last bit of winter is leaving
The plowing is now finished
The rolling, the leveling done
Terry and I cleaned ditches yesterday
Then while he worked on the land
I raked and cleaned in my yard
So, the work will hitch up another notch
When we start the water on the land.
Soon, probably Monday or Tuesday, depending on how much we get done.
Our simple life…but well treasured.
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
The new farmer and his brother-in-law came and started working up the land. There are four families farming counting the main brother who is the head of the clan. They all grew up as farmers and have taken over their Dad’s land and started renting other properties—-it takes approximately 1,000 acres per family to make a living farming nowadays.
Since we have kept all the pastures, hills, meadows, and flatlands, that makes us responsible for the water on the place. (Not the irrigation of the big farmed fields but getting the water to the place, onto all the fields and into the pastures.)
The cows damaged the gated pipe over the winter so yesterday, Terry and I went out and removed the two damaged sticks
Replacing them with new gated pipe
Done!
After which we put together a load of trash to go to the dump….we are cleaning up all sorts of places and spots and areas we have put off for years.
Today Terry will make all the ditches on the place…that will help out the farmer and get the water to the places where we are farming.
So even though the major part of the farm is rented out…farming and upkeep for Terry and I has just changed—and Terry stated last night at supper he really likes this new type of farming for him.
And THAT My Friends (as you all have said) Is A Very Good Thing!
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
In need of a wee break, Terry and I decided to head up to Ouray and relax for a couple of hours in that marvelous hot spring pool.
We changed the water in the dazzling rays of early morning
Then headed up to where the snow still veiled the mountains, and wind ruffled freezing fingers into your hair.
Once in the water all the cares and worries died to a murmur, while others in the pool laughed softly among themselves.
The snow laid heavily on the amazing peaks…sometime reflecting into millions of diamonds. Once in awhile we could see rock climbers braving the face on the rugged cliffs, warmed by the afternoon sun.
Back home we came, just in time for sunset and the last change of water.
Rested…
And ready to continue our daily lives on a western Colorado farm,
Your friend,
Linda
We started work on the cement ditches. Picking up the stacked tubes and placing them in every furrow, cleaning the ditches of trash and mud, and building the dams. Later on this morning we will start water. It will be a jumble of rushed minutes to stay ahead of the rushing, gurgling, bubbling, water—-crazy minutes to get the syphon tubes started and to make sure the water doesn’t run over the sides to ruin the farm ground.
In first light there was a peaceful little star, shining forth so bright I had to take a photo
While at the very same time that gorgeous April Moon was swiftly descending in the deep azure sky.
The trees were just coming to life with the sound of birds…
The sky in the east burning was off, as the setting silvered moon light splashed peacefully on our on the farm, striping the ground with a drifting dust of white glitter.
From my world to your heart,
Linda
Way back when…9 years ago… I was at a place in my life where I wanted to start something new, but I didn’t know just what. At that point in my life I was working with a wonderful friend (still is a wonderful friend) who said to me–“Start a blog.”
The beginnings of my blog were rather bleak, I had so much to learn. But blogging combined several things I enjoyed doing —photography and working on our farm. I’m sure it was tremendously boring for others to read, but for me it was exhilarating.
As time moved on blogging became a tool to improve myself in my writing, the photos and my ability to express myself so each of my readers could see and feel what I see and feel every day.
The comments left by each of you are cherished— as an exchange about knowledge, understanding and connection. For a long-time I personally sent an email to each individual who commented. Today I answer on the blog, so everyone can see and participate and even get to know someone of interest who is a fellow commenter.
This little blog of mine has given to me friends from all over the world, people I get to meet in a daily way every day by my blog.
Although, I have never had a blog post reprinted in a magazine, or a post go super viral,or even viral :), I have had the absolute fun of writing– I write about farming, rainbows, the land and my love of it, every aspect of the sky and— ‘stories’ about the dogs who live on our farm.
As long as I can remember I wrote stories, stories in the first grade, stories in Jr. High, stories in high school and college, stories and poetry after I started raising children. Writing stories on the blog is a huge delight to me.
This is MY conversation with you. And it’s an honest conversation…I like writing TO You. I like Sharing WITH you. I like Showing you, without an agenda, our life on a western Colorado farm.
And I delight in your conversations with me.
Now having said all that I just want to say Thank you for your friendship! It’s a wonderful journey.
From my heart to yours!
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 