January 14, 2025
VET VISIT
Because the vet was coming, I set the alarm to ensure we were up and finished milking and morning chores before she arrived at 8:30
am. Icy roads caused our appointment
last week to be canceled. This week's situation was worse than last, the driveway to the barn a solid sheet of packed
ice. Hailey, our vet, parked below and I
helped her carry her supplies. Today’s
to-do list included pregnancy, tuberculosis & brucellosis testing on a cow
we are selling, and the dehorning of two calves. (The TB and Brucellosis tests
are standard for dairy cows.)
We usually have the vet once or twice yearly for
routine procedures. Hailey takes the farm calls and her dad handles
the patients at the clinic. They also
own Guernsey and Brown Swiss cows. I love that Hailey doesn’t just have
clinical knowledge but understands the nature of cattle. I feel very
fortunate to have the expertise of someone like Hailey who treats my girls with
respect and kindness and seems to enjoy being around them.
PERSPECTIVE
A friend texted and said she wouldn’t keep our scheduled visit because the snowplows hadn’t touched her road. I knew if she could get a quarter of a mile to the intersection, she would find the roads plowed and safe for travel. With my encouragement, she decided the short stretch from her road to the main road was a minimal risk. She arrived safely at our house and we had a wonderful visit.
This incident reminded me that sometimes I get very
short-sighted. I can let my anxiety and fears keep me from moving forward. It’s helpful when I have friends who
say, “I’ve already been down that road, and if you can just get to the
intersection, you will see that things aren’t nearly as bad as they seem from
your current perspective.”
Each one of us sometimes needs to be encouraged but at other times, we are in a position to be
the encourager.
January 15, 2025
ON THE ROAD TO SEVIERVILLE
My brother, who owns a tractor business in Rome, Georgia reached out to see if we could pick up a tractor in our area needing warranty work, and meet his driver halfway in Sevierville, TN. Mike was thrilled to have a mission. He loves pulling a trailer and hauling things. I, on the other hand, didn’t want to spend all day riding in the truck. However, when Mike’s friend couldn’t go along, I offered to ride with him. The trip was flawless except that our lunch at Perkins was less than desirable. After eight hours in the truck, I was ready to get out and stretch when we arrived home. Per my request, Mike left me at the driveway while he parked the trailer so that I could start on the evening chores.
BIDEN’S SPEECH
President Biden’s farewell address was given tonight. I am experiencing so much sadness right now with the bitter battles between Democrats and Republicans. The anger that boils under the surface, the taunting, name-calling, and lack of respect in our nation that trickles from the top down causes me great distress. I am tight-lipped with my political opinions on social media.
Even in person, I am very cautious about discussing politics with someone unless I know them well. While we need to be able to share our opinions and have conversations with those who believe differently from us, there’s not much tolerance for those kinds of conversations anymore.
I
am very thankful for the few friends who will have civil conversations even when they have different political or religious leanings. It’s healthy to come together and discuss
important ideas, hear each other out, and love each other even though we don’t
always agree.
I remind myself that we are most aware of the loudest voices. There are, however, quiet voices loving their neighbor despite the differences between us.
January 16, 2025
CATCH UP DAY
I need quiet days.
Routines are important to me. I would rather be at home than anywhere
else in the world. I enjoy days like
today when I can milk the cows, walk the dog, clean the house, do the laundry, and
create home-cooked meals without feeling like other things are demanding my
attention.
January 17, 2025
VET CHECK
Hailey came by this morning as we were milking. Tuberculosis tests are administered under the
tail head and must be checked 72 hours later by the vet. All went
well and Hailey was on her way in a flash.
SUNSHINE AND WARMER WEATHER
With the arctic cold in the forecast for next week and a
wintery mix possible over the weekend, I wanted to take advantage of the sunshine
and slightly warmer temperatures today.
We have been keeping our curtains closed to block out some of the cold,
but today I pulled them back and relished the bright rays of the sun coming through
the windows. I took my time walking the
dog, enjoying the warm sun on my face, and relishing the freedom of not having to wear so
many layers of clothing.
January 18, 2025
EXCEPT FOR FOOTBALL
A day of grace: It's what I call these days between cold snaps, when the temperature is above freezing, and the sun is shining bright.
I took advantage of the day and
extended my walk. Buddy also enjoyed it, stopping occasionally to roll in the yet un-melted and drifted snow.
Our day was routine and quiet except that Mike’s favorite professional,
football team was in the playoffs and he watched the game. He has been a Washington (Commanders) fan since I met him. His loyalty to the team has never faltered, even when they were at their worst. He sure is excited to see them play well this year. Mikey (Mike’s son
living in Thailand) is also a fan. It
was fun for them to watch the game with a distance of thousands of miles between them and discuss the plays over the phone.
January 19, 2025
A SIMPLE SUNDAY
Another cold, wintry day. Aside from spending time with our church community, we spent the day at home. As I always do on Sunday, I called my parents to visit with them for a while.