Glow

I drove to the dairy in the deep fog.

I could barely see the road as I pulled in and sleepy eyed trudged to the office.

A few of the girls had slept in this morning and needed a little nudge to remind them to go and milk.

I'm glad they don't put up as much of a fight as me to get out of bed.

Several of them were milling around already nibbling on a bit of breakfast.

A bit of blue sky began to show above the fog as the door screeched open and the feed truck made another grand entrance. 

As the fog continued to lift, it revealed an ever glorious sight of dew dripping grass and cows slumbering on the hillside.

I don't think I'll ever forget how warm the sun felt this fall morning.

Every day since, the sun has shone a few minutes fewer, and the air has become a little bit chillier.

But I'll always appreciate Autumns delicate decent this year.

It has crept in slowly but surely.

I feel more prepared for the bite it will surely deliver in the days to come.

But for now, I gladly dress in layers and go where the day takes me.

Lately, I"ve been big into the wooly worm saving business.

They seem to get themselves into some sticky situations.

Don't worry, all have been re- homed to the great outdoors upon discovery.

I know, I can't believe I took those photos either ;)

I have gotten into a few sticky situations myself.

 I sure am glad to see Miss 1968 back in the milking barn every morning.

And her wee bitty girl is proving to have a personality just like her mama.

I'm making some new friends, however they prefer for me to be on their level for the best conversation.

A few days have been long of course.

But there's always a reason to party.

And put on some dancin' shoes.

And selfie with you sis of course!

Oh what's that?

1611 says hi.

But even with all the beautiful fall sunshine, 

there are always a few shadows lurking around.

One of the hardest things about being a dairy farmer is often 

watching those sweet girls start to show their age.

Or find out that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you can't save them.

But I guess like the autumn trees know so well, 

sometimes you have to shed what you cannot keep so there is room for the new.

So I'll raise a glass to the seasons bounty

and watch the glow once more.

Harvest 2015- Farm Wife Version

When it's day 13 of corn harvest and someone asks what I'm thinking about...

Winter, I'm thinking about winter.

Just kidding, I really love this time of year, I usually just forget quite how busy it can feel until I'm knee deep. I guess I must have been distracted by thinking of all the yummy pumpkin spice things I could buy (insert evil laugh).

As I looked through my pictures to share with you over the past few weeks, it looks like most of them are of Bandit and those big black and white ladies.

Probably because that's who I've spent the majority of my time with since we started  chopping corn 2 weeks ago.

But even if I've had to work a little harder, all in all it hasn't been too bad.

There have been some really beautiful skies to look upon.

This one is actually taken facing east with the sun behind me.

And this one is a shot from the barn at night.

I was working late and had the moon to keep me company.

We've had several new cutie pies born.

And this cutie, or maybe I should say beauty, is now a senior in high school.

There have been some moments.

Here is Junie helpfully demonstrating one such moment.

The collar she is wearing as a headband should actually be around her neck.

It helps us track each cows behavior and monitor them to make sure everyone is feeling A-okay.

It does not work in diva-headband position.

And sometimes I try to carry too many eggs in one basket. Literally.

Shhh don't tell the chickens.

But eating usually helps.

A few of my favorites are dry right now.

I'm excited for them to be back in the barn soon.

Sadly, not all the girls have gotten the best news.

Sweet 2040 has a leg injury that will make her unable to ever fully recover.

But don't worry, she has her own comfortable pen.

I've been guzzling iced coffee. 

And cutting down weeds.

Or helping cover the silo.

And if I'm not at the farm, I'm probably in Blacksburg.

Or petting Bandit.

Counting all the blessings.

And smelling the roses.

And with the majority of the corn silage harvested I think it's safe to say...

If you need me I'll be taking a nap!