The First Step of the First Step is clean the canal.
Then clean all the ditches.
After that Dad goes out and makes the big ditches
Then he goes back out and makes the waste ditches (smaller ditches)
Then before he plants, he marks out the fields
And then he and Mom BEGIN!
That means they start the water on the farm.
Step One!
TLC Cai-Cai
There is something wonderful about this life we live
I really don’t know how to put into words what it is
I think for me—it’s being at one with the land
Being part of the constant shift and care the farm requires
Being a part of those winged creatures who fill our skies
Yes, even the bugs.
The windswept experience —-dirt in the teeth, eyes, and ears
The predators,
The sparks of a bazillion stars
The whole parcel, which makes up our days,
And then there is that moment, of a wild heartbeat, when the glowing setting sun spreads across the heavens.
I know Terry and I are blessed.
From my world to your heart,
Linda
Although, this isn’t a photo of the Barn Swallows
THEY ARE BACK! Warmer weather is on its way!
And today….TODAY THERE IS NO OVER-ENTHUSIASTIC WIND!!! YAY!
Although yesterday was a tad bit warmer, it was still cold, but now at this moment it’s warm enough I have two windows on the east side of the house open!
The air is more vibrant the shadows seem gentle, a softening that only warmer weather can bring
Not only are the Barn Swallows back so are the HUMMINGBIRDS and those Boldly colored Bullock’s orioles and the Hooded Orioles!
O! That Wonderous delight of a newly rich Spring day leading on toward warm summer evenings scented by flowers and roses.
From my world to your heart,
Linda
I finally finished this HUGE project. It took me months to complete!
Whew!
Love,
Linda
Last night as Terry and I were working on the last set of the irrigation last night. The storm clouds were whipping around us, pushed by the wind—the air so cold it felt like January again. 
The night was starting to rise around us, bring with it a glaze of cold and a promise of more killing frost.
As we loaded up to head up to check the weed catchers and the head gate at the Upper End I notice a starburst of light shimmering over our farm
The light was stunning, the sunshine breaking through the western clouds shadowing the farm in a gold that seem enchanted even though already blue shadows were forming along the rises and furrows of the irrigation rows.
A rainbow! A beautiful rainbow…I followed it from one field, to the next, to the next, clear to the Head Gate.
A rainbow saying anything is possible. All is safe!
Heading home I felt a deep contentment with the company we call the sky!
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
Wishing you joy and love from now and forever!
Your friend,
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 