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Thursday, July 16, 2020

July on the Farm



They are wearing pink this year!


It has been a hot summer so far, one of uncertainty and dread. The cruel COVID-19 has gripped the country, indeed the entire world, and turned us upside down. We have been told to wear masks in public, maintain social distancing and wash our hands repeatedly. My hands have never been so chapped! As a family, we have gotten together for our usual special meals and have been able to avoid acquiring this horrible pandemic.

The farm doesn’t run itself and the Blalock’s have all had their usual yearly chores that must be done. From ear-tagging the cows, planting a garden, gathering ears of sweet corn, new potatoes, and zucchini, to mowing, raking and baling hay.







Bob and I are not much help around here because of our age and physical problems that age has brought on. Bob grew up helping his Grandpa Davis on the dairy farm in Maryville, Tennessee, so he has difficulty accepting his limitations. He has spent numerous hours on a tractor and knew every milk cow by name, operated machinery that put field corn in the silo, and mucked stalls on many a day! Now he diligently keeps this yard and Lois’ mowed and cleared of debris and weed-eats around the two houses. It is a large place, too!



He and I watch the pesky squirrels, blackbirds, and deer strip the sweet Seckel pears from the tree before they have a chance to get large enough to gather. Do you remember my posts about making Grandma Mildred’s pear honey the first few years after we moved back here? We haven’t had enough pears or pecans to even make a pie the last three or four years!

Everyone is always busy.


4 comments:

Angie Pruett said...

Always love reading your blog❤️

Judith Richards Shubert said...

Thank you, baby sister! I always look forward to your comments.

Len Holmes said...

Yes! What excellent journalism Cousin Judy, You recall my childhood of long ago Summer days cooled by cold watermelons chilled in a spring, sweet apples from an ancient tree, and my grandmother's apron full of beans to shell for a meal that delighted all the senses, and strolls through flower gardens that reflected all the hues of nature and we knew that God was in Heaven and all was right with the world.

Judith Richards Shubert said...

Len, what a lovely memory! Yes, I remember those things.

Add baby chicks warmed in the barn by light bulbs while they made loud noises visiting one another. I wonder if most of them stayed awake all night? Then Grandma on a Sunday morning getting ready to fry chicken for our Sunday meal ~ no, she didn't choose the mama of those chicks. She was swift and merciful finally bringing the hen to the table. She made the BEST fried chicken! So many other summer memories, this is not the place for me relay them all. But you are right, Len, we Knew that God was in His Heaven and all was right with the world.

Thank you for reading and commenting!

Gratitude

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.

--Chief Tecumseh

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