August 10, 2011
August 8, 2011
FFTF meeting
If you have no idea what the letters in the title of this post stand for, that's okay. It stands for Foundation for the Future (FFTF), a dairy policy change proposal. There are many components to it, all of which I do not understand. For more info check out http://www.futurefordairy.com/. It was introduced by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), of which Land O' Lakes is a member.
Then we attended a "Grassroots Meeting" about FFTF. This was about the 3rd time that Josiah and I have been to a meeting about FFTF, so the informational part was nothing new to us, but the Q&A session was very good. People have a lot of questions and doubts about what this policy means and what it will change. It certainly isn't a perfect proposal, and we don't agree with every part of it, but it is a step toward some sort of change. Of course, no one will know how it will turn out until we get there, but isn't trying to improve a broken system better than just sticking with the old way that put a lot of farms out of business and made a way of life so difficult for so many farmers?
This is such a personal issue for many people. This is what we do, what we love. But what it really comes down to is not some policy passed down from DC. We're taking care of the land and the animals that God has given us. He is the one who has been sustaining us through the hard times, he's been providing, and providing, and providing. It may not always meet my expectations, but we're still here, and we still love doing what we do.
Josiah and I had the privilege to meet with several Land O' Lakes employees along with Representative Holden from PA this morning at the Central PA Food Bank for a short update meeting on what is happening with dairy policy in DC. The answer, not much. It sounds like DC can be a very slow-moving place when it comes to policy change and legislation.
Then we attended a "Grassroots Meeting" about FFTF. This was about the 3rd time that Josiah and I have been to a meeting about FFTF, so the informational part was nothing new to us, but the Q&A session was very good. People have a lot of questions and doubts about what this policy means and what it will change. It certainly isn't a perfect proposal, and we don't agree with every part of it, but it is a step toward some sort of change. Of course, no one will know how it will turn out until we get there, but isn't trying to improve a broken system better than just sticking with the old way that put a lot of farms out of business and made a way of life so difficult for so many farmers?
This is such a personal issue for many people. This is what we do, what we love. But what it really comes down to is not some policy passed down from DC. We're taking care of the land and the animals that God has given us. He is the one who has been sustaining us through the hard times, he's been providing, and providing, and providing. It may not always meet my expectations, but we're still here, and we still love doing what we do.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
The world and all its people belong to him.
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
Psalm 24: 1-2
August 6, 2011
Sunny days
My sunflower garden.
"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees."
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees."
Isaiah 35:1-3
August 5, 2011
Cow
Here is a poem that Josiah learned in 6th grade, it's so cute! The author's name is Valerie, but it was not written by me.
COW
The cow
Coming
Across the grass
Moves
Like a mountain
Toward us;
Her hipbones
Jut
Like sharp
Peaks
Of stone,
Her hoofs
Thump
Like dropped
Rocks:
Almost
Too late
She stops.
Sitting on the dock of the bay
A few weeks ago Josiah and I took some time off the farm to get some rest, at least we tried to get some rest. It's tough work relaxing as you can see below. I took over 300 pictures, but I will try to just pick out my favorites.
 |
| The shore-dwellers |
 |
| Brother and sister trying to spray each other, I wonder who won that one? |
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| Josiah is out there somewhere |
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| My dad backwards on the trick skis |
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| Splat! |
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| A good jump (she didn't fall) |
 |
| Can you tell where this one is going, just look at her expression. |
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| Peaceful |
 |
| My mom can even one-ski |
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| Brother-in-laws |
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| The flying squirrel |
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| Back dive |
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| The handstand |
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| Sunrise over smooth water |
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| Charter Hall |
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| You don't see this every day. |
Couples' ski:
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| Josiah and I |
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| Paul and Michelle |
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| Derek and Cassie sharing a romantic sunset ski |
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| Don't try this at home |
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| Josiah tried it... |
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| this time he got it, just long enough for me to snap a photo. |
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| I looks like we're at a water-skiing show |
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| Big Red and Old Blue |
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| Saying goodbye to the sunflowers and Charter Hall |
We had a great time, even though we came home more tired than when we began the week. It is nice to get away from work and responsibilities once in a while.
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