Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Vacationing Farmer



Virgil gets Lacy ready




Vacations are rare here.

Usually what happens is we combine a farm related task with a trip thus "justifying" the time away and the hiring of someone to do the chores. Last month for example we went to Missouri to buy more Red Wattle feeder hogs. We combined that trip with a visit to see Keith's older brother, Virgil who lives another 100 miles father south of Nutty Pig farm where we were purchasing the new pigs. Keith, by the way, is the youngest of seven.

And thus a "vacation" was born!

Granted the stay was brief, just overnight, but not only did we get to catch up with Virgil and his girlfriend Janet, we were also treated to a buggy ride.

Well, it was a treat for me as I love all things horse. Keith's treat was making it back to Virgil's house in one piece. He doesn't exactly enjoy being so close to a horse hide end for some reason and yet he'll stick his head under numerous cows twice a day, something I avoid at all costs. Thus the reason he milks and I ride. To each his own. Different strokes for different folks. A match made in heaven. Etc...etc...

Fortunately we both enjoy pig tending.

Virgil and Janets horse was just recently trained to drive by an Amish farmer who kept her for several weeks. She had the basics down but did spook a bit at larger traffic. As does Keith. Older brother had his steed well controlled and I knew we'd make it home safe even though there was a bit of prancing exhibited as the semi's roared past on a nearby highway, and when the neighbors mower got a bit close. I could've stayed in that sturdy homemade cart rushing past the countryside all day.

Virgil and Janet in front of their home.


Keith however was relieved to get back to the ranch, mumbling something about how only slow moving oxen should be allowed to pull carts.

8 comments:

  1. When i lived in PA, my neighbour on the corner got a little sulky for her donkey, Patches. Patches is company for Copper, who looks similar to your photos of Lacy. My neighbour wanted to give Patches something to do because when he got bored, he'd unlock his gate and go prancing all over the neighbourhood. Copper would go on the rambles, too, and a couple times, they happily trotted behind the police car who escorted them home.

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    1. Patches and Copper. Sounds like another great Disney Film

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  2. My own childhood horse was really a 'trap pony', She would instantly throw me from her back, but was wonderful when strapped in front of the old two wheeled trap. I have great memories of taking the trap around our small village; and no licence required!

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    1. I am now ready to get my own nag trained to pull as she seems to be getting taller as I get shorter and riding is giving me nosebleeds.

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  3. Looks fabulously romantic too. I am envious of your working vacations. I've been asked to speak at a conference in the UK and am trying to see if the family can come with me even if it is just for a couple of nights. Here's hoping!

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    1. Some times Lorna, we can't get anyone else to do chores so Keith goes and I stay. Like this weekend I will attend a Literary Fest on my own in Chicago, but then again I love the city so staying home seems like the better deal to my farmer husband. Good luck with making your family vacation a reality!

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  4. what a gorgeous horse. I am with you---staying in that buggy all day. Men!

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    1. See todays blog where I carry the horse "theme" one prancing step further. :)

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