Griggs Dakota

May Farmer Fred Award-Not 12 Years Old

2012-01-27T05:17:00.004-06:00

The plow is synonymous with farming on the Great Plains. It changed the prairie grassland into farmland. However, farming continues to evolve.

The May Farmer Fred Award Runner-up is

About the Plow

Which you can read by clicking on the title.

We have no children anymore. The kids have grown into adults.

The rules have changed and it catches us off guard.

The Farmer Fred Award for May is awarded to

Not 12 years Old

I once was care free, I suppose,
And yet I cannot recall those days.
I once had only myself and the garden to take care of,

but it seems there have always been at least brothers and kittens to take care of, besides the garden.
After I learned to tie my own shoes, I quickly moved on to tying the shoes of those around me. I learned to be vigilant, perhaps because I was small and near the ground, and would jump to tie an untied shoelace when I noticed one.
And so it began.
A lifetime of taking care of others.
It is a common role among women in my family.
There is so much to take care of.
Especially, the children.

I had taken care of children long before I became a mother and that was a good thing.
Motherhood, at least the taking care of the baby part, did not intimidate me. I knew what I was in for when motherhood arrived.
With help and encouragement from women in the family, it continued.
As a Mother, I took care of the babies, the toddlers,
and the teenagers for years.

And then, suddenly, it seemed, they stepped away.
And wanted
independence.
It surprised me.
I wanted to tell them to stop.
Since I didn't really believe they had all the answers, I have perfected a line that I would like to share:
"Excuse me for forgetting that you are not 12 years old." or "Okay, Okay, I forgot that you are no longer 12 years old." There are many variations, but you understand the premise.
Because, they don't mind remembering that they they were once 12 years old and they recall that I was there taking care of them, it works. They also are occasionally brought up short by the realization that they were in fact behaving as if they were 12 years old. That is no longer my responsibility, but who can blame me for reacting with concern? These lines allow me to continue to speak my mind.
Motherhood is a lifetime commitment. Only my children don't understand that.
But they will.
Just wait, they will.

April Farmer Fred Award-April's Fools in GriggsDakota

2012-01-26T05:54:00.004-06:00

Common sense would tell you that there are many lessons to learn on a farm. However, life is full of opportunities and many lessons are learned in more formal settings.

The April Farmer Fred Award Runner-up is

Lessons Learned While Wearing A Tie

Click on the title to visit the post.

Our family experienced a life changing event fifteen years ago. The Flooding in 1997 changed Farmer Fred's life forever. We moved permanently to GriggsDakota. All these years later it is clear we are stronger than we ever could have been without the experience.

The April Farmer Fred Award is presented to:

April's Fools in GriggsDakota

originally published April 1, 2011

April seems to have made fools of us this year.

We are stuck in Winter. April Fools one and all!

We have piles of snow and more forecast for the weekend. This will be followed by our infamous season of mud or possibly, a flood. April Fools!

We have been scarred by April, so it is difficult to laugh.

We watched helplessly while April brought a flood to us in 1997. There were endless sandbags. The water and mud were freezing cold. Transfer pumps plugged with ice and melting snow. Eventually the power went out. We were worn out and could not fight with April any longer.

We were not alone and our friends did not die, but the schools were destroyed and the people we knew scattered. April turned us into fools.

We had to go and leave everything behind.

When we returned, it was still April. There was a mess to clean up.

We can smell that April flood sometimes: A mix of fuel oil, sewage, and mud.

It is very dark and quiet when there is no electricity in an entire town. And very cold.

Things we thought were safe, were not. April fooled us.

Places that we thought were ours, were destroyed and left for April to use.

And we were not alone. There were so many who lost so much in April's flood that year.

Friends, family, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and others came to our rescue.

Kindness and generosity, impossible to adequately repay, but never forgotten.

Our lives were never the same.

Thanks to April, we are no longer town people who farm.

We are farmers who live on our land.

No fooling with April, we know that we are not invincible. But April did not destroy us.

We have fooled April by rebuilding our happy life.

We are resolved not be brought down by April.

The Sweet Peas are up. Does April feel fooled?

There are Bells of Ireland growing and Poppies as well. No fooling, April.

We will have flowers after April is gone.

We're starting vegetable seeds. April, are we the fools?

Perhaps, but we now know April's foolishness.

We know what April is capable of.

And we know what April will bring.

We'll get by even when April Fools us again, in GriggsDakota.

March Farmer Fred Award-Farm Dogs

2012-01-25T05:02:00.041-06:00

Although there is a panel of only one expert, Farmer Fred, choosing the Farmer Fred Awards, the farm in GriggsDakota takes a legion of experts plus a large support team to run effectively. The second place post in March reminds us of that fact.

The March Farmer Fred Award Runner-up is

Complete On Farm Service

Click on the title to visit the post.

There is an animal on farms that is often taken for granted. The dog is there to notify, patrol, watch children, keep varmints away, and love us. He may be a pedigreed hunter, a cattle chaser, or a sheep herder. Often the dog is just an unwanted mongrel with a good heart chosen from a pen outside the clinic of the area veterinarian. Every farm dog is useful, but they are not pampered. It's an age old game, we never want our dog to know how much we care. Our dogs love even the crabbiest farmers, they are beloved on farms everywhere, but don't tell our dogs. Like everyone else here, they are expected to work. In GriggsDakota it goes against tradition to acknowledge our appreciation aloud. Perhaps that's why...

The March Farmer Fred Award is presented to:

Farm Dogs

Originally posted on March 31, 2011

For many reasons, farms need dogs.

Sometimes Butler seems to express my feelings better than I can.

When faced with the choice of whether to laugh or cry, he makes it easier to laugh.

Dogs don't always understand the game.

In GriggsDakota, through the years they have been on guard for us.

And been our pets.

We dressed them fashionably before it was fashionable.

They repaid us with unconditional love.

From the very first Pokey, then through a couple more Pokeys,

On to Sandy, Kandee, Beau, a couple of Bucks, plus the cattle dogs which is another story for another day, and more, our dogs have been our faithful companions, retrievers, game players, and unfailing friends. A farm is a place where a dog can be a dog. He doesn't need to learn very many manners to be a valuable asset.

Our dogs haven't always come when we called,

But are here when we need them in GriggsDakota.

February Farmer Fred Award-Can She Bake A Cherry Pie?

2012-01-24T05:38:00.007-06:00

The generational perspective presented in our February runner-up hit Farmer Fred between the eyes. He has a grandson that is very much like himself.
The February Farmer Fred Award Runner-up is

What is Important?

You can visit this post by clicking on the title.

The month of February is full of questions: Will the groundhog see his shadow? Is it love? Who is the greatest President? And if the question "Can she bake a cherry pie?' is asked in GriggsDakota, the answer is an emphatic "Yes, she can!"

The February Farmer Fred Award is presented to:

Can She Bake a Cherry Pie?

originally posted on February 16, 2011

Did you ever learn the old song Billy Boy? Some of the words are:

Oh Where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy?

Oh Where have you been Charming Billy?

I have been to seek a wife, she's the joy of my life.

She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother.

Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?

Can she bake a cherry pie charming Billy?

She can bake a cherry pie

Quick as cat can blink her eye.

She's a young thing (I love that part) and cannot leave her mother.

(My mother lives just down the road.)

And now a word about pies:

Beginners should start with basic two crust fruit pies or a pumpkin pie.

Choose simple tested recipes (like those found in a Betty Crocker Cookbook). The recipe found on Libby's Canned Pumpkin is delicious. Practice until you are satisfied.

I make up batches of pie crust and keep it in the GriggsDakota freezer.

So all I do is measure out the mix, add ice water,

And stir the two together with a fork.

If crust intimidates you, buy refrigerated or frozen crust.

Follow the recipe precisely using good quality ingredients. I mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl,

Then pour it over the prepared fruit, in this case, apples. Then mix it,

before turning it into a prepared crust and topping it off.

A pie takes about an hour to bake. I often brush the top crust with cream and then sprinkle it with sugar.

In the hour it takes to bake, the crust edge becomes too brown. Always use a collar on your pie crust. If you don't have one, you can make one out of aluminum foil strips. Cut 2 inch strips and fold them around the edge of the crust.

Remove the collar during the last ten minutes of baking. Mrs. Anderson's pie crust shields are available on Amazon.com.

Relax. It's really not that hard, but it does take practice. Homemade pie is worth the effort for the cooks in GriggsDakota.

Remember: The best pie bakers are the ones that bake pie.

This is most certainly true!

And please, leave your mother. Even Billy Boy knows that's a lame excuse.

January Farmer Fred Award-GriggsDakota 2011

2012-01-23T05:09:00.007-06:00

Perhaps it is because we are unable to snowmobile at all this winter that Farmer Fred chose

The Farm Inspector Snowmobiles

as the January Farmer Fred Award Runner-up. We are enjoying our snow free weather, but there are things we love about a more typical GriggsDakota Winter. This month's winner is also about the weather. It serves as a reminder of what last Winter really brought to GriggsDakota.

The January Farmer Fred Award is presented to:

GriggsDakota 2011
Originally published on January 4, 2011

The New Year began in a bluster and then turned cold.

Some winters turn cold and are less snowy. So far this winter has been snowy.

Some winters are full of snow, but not as cold. So far this year is cold.

When January begins with bluster, eventually the snow in the blow lands on the ground.

The shelter belt has been doing a great job of holding the snow, but of course it can't handle it all.

We expect this snow to be with us for a few months and so we spend time scraping it into neat piles

that are out of our way. When moving snow into piles we have to consider where the water will flow when it melts. It is worth the time it takes to pile it away from our buildings and yard.

Sheyenne watched from her shed which protects her from the biting wind.

During the holidays we happily watched as visiting family members took turns in the tractor cab.

The tractor slowly scrapes the snow with the rear mounted blade on our Case IH 8950.

Butler decided to stand in the path and see if the tractor would stop.

Maybe not such a good idea.

The snow moving continues through the afternoon.

The Farm Inspector knows that if you dress for the weather, the outdoors are a great place to work and play in GriggsDakota.

Announcing The Farmer Fred Awards - 2011

2012-01-20T05:41:00.004-06:00

Farmer Fred has been busy evaluating the blog posts of 2011 from GriggsDakota and is ready to make his announcement of monthly winners. The prestigious Farmer Fred Awards will be announced on GriggsDakota during the coming days. Click Here to visit the exciting announcement from 2010.

The Farm Inspector has looked things over.

The Ag Analyst has done all the analysis.

Hunter has given his stamp of approval to the opinion of our panel of one expert: Farmer Fred.

Farmer Fred reviewed all of the 257 posts from 2010 and chose two from each month as winners. The runner up will be honored by allowing readers to click into its contents. The top prize winning post from each month will be republished.

Be sure to let us know what you think. We welcome comments and suggestions about the awards. Butler and I do not agree with all of the choices, but we respect the panel's expertise.

This is a Farm Blog, after all. Farmer Fred is a farmer. I hope you will join us as we present a warm bouquet of GriggsDakota sunshine to the winners of

The Farmer Fred Awards for 2011.

Guard Dog On Duty

2012-01-19T05:13:00.007-06:00

Being the guard dog of GriggsDakota keeps Butler very busy. He is responsible for guarding the garbage cans as we drive to the dumpster. Since these photos were taken, the weather has turned into Winter. Last week we basked near 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoons and drove home, one night in the rain. No ice, just rain. Now we are forecast to be 25 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. We've been expecting the change and hoping that there is enough snow on the Winter Wheat to keep it from being damaged.

The cattle are by the road. Some are munching pinto beans.

Most of the cows are on the corn stubble which is a great treat for mid-January.
They will be huddled in shelter for a few days as Winter will bite harder than if it had come more gradually. However, the forecast for snow is not too threatening, so we'll have to see if the fields stay open.

We have had intermittent precipitation which can leave a surprise icy spot on the corners. When it gets extremely cold, the ice is less slippery. There are a few benefits to cold weather.

Farmer Fred is in charge of dumping the cans into the dumpster.

And we begin the drive back to the farm.

Now that the cans are empty Butler can sneak a peek at the cattle. No matter how cold it gets, Butler will never fail to jump in the back of a familiar pickup and go for a ride.

This is a Winter of happy cows, dogs and people in GriggsDakota.

The Barefoot Boy of GriggsDakota

2012-01-18T05:54:00.036-06:00

The Barefoot Boy

by John Greanleaf Whittier

Blessings on thee, little man,
Barefoot boy, with cheek of tan!
With thy turned-up pantaloons,
And thy merry whistled tunes;
With thy red lip, redder still
Kissed by strawberries on the hill;
With the sunshine on thy face,
Through thy torn brim’s jaunty grace;
From my heart I give thee joy,—
I was once a barefoot boy!
Prince thou art,—the grown-up man
Only is republican.
Let the million-dollared ride!
Barefoot, trudging at his side,
Thou hast more than he can buy
In the reach of ear and eye,—
Outward sunshine, inward joy:
Blessings on thee, barefoot boy!

Oh for boyhood’s painless play,

Sleep that wakes in laughing day,

Health that mocks the doctor’s rules,

Knowledge never learned of schools,

Of the wild bee’s morning chase,

Of the wild-flower’s time and place,

Flight of fowl and habitude

Of the tenants of the wood;

How the tortoise bears his shell,

How the woodchuck digs his cell,

And the ground-mole sinks his well;

How the robin feeds her young,

How the oriole’s nest is hung;

Where the whitest lilies blow,

Where the freshest berries grow,

Where the ground-nut trails its vine,

Where the wood-grape’s clusters shine;

Of the black wasp’s cunning way,

Mason of his walls of clay,

And the architectural plans

Of gray hornet artisans!

For, eschewing books and tasks,

Nature answers all he asks;

Hand in hand with her he walks,

Oh for boyhood’s time of June,

Crowding years in one brief moon,

When all things I heard or saw,

Me, their master, waited for.

I was rich in flowers and trees,

Humming-birds and honey-bees;

For my sport the squirrel played,

Plied the snouted mole his spade;

For my taste the blackberry cone

Purpled over hedge and stone;

Laughed the brook for my delight

Through the day and through the night,

Whispering at the garden wall,

Talked with me from fall to fall;

Mine the sand-rimmed pickerel pond,

Mine the walnut slopes beyond,

Mine, on bending orchard trees,

Apples of Hesperides!

Still as my horizon grew,

Larger grew my riches too;

All the world I saw or knew

Seemed a complex Chinese toy,

Fashioned for a barefoot boy!

Oh for festal dainties spread,

Like my bowl of milk and bread;

Pewter spoon and bowl of wood,

On the door-stone, gray and rude!

O’er me, like a regal tent,

Cloudy-ribbed, the sunset bent,

Purple-curtained, fringed with gold,

Looped in many a wind-swung fold;

While for music came the play

Of the pied frogs’ orchestra;

And, to light the noisy choir,

Lit the fly his lamp of fire.

I was monarch: pomp and joy

Waited on the barefoot boy!

Cheerily, then, my little man,

Live and laugh, as boyhood can!

Though the flinty slopes be hard,

Stubble-speared the new-mown sward,

Every morn shall lead thee through

Fresh baptisms of the dew;

Every evening from thy feet

Shall the cool wind kiss the heat:

All too soon these feet must hide

In the prison cells of pride,

Lose the freedom of the sod,

Like a colt’s for work be shod,

Made to tread the mills of toil,

Up and down in ceaseless moil:

Happy if their track be found

Never on forbidden ground;

Happy if they sink not in

Quick and treacherous sands of sin.

Ah! that thou couldst know thy joy,

Ere it passes, barefoot boy!

Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the times you recited The Barefoot Boy.

Easy Recycling

2012-01-17T05:14:00.003-06:00

I have read that between 50% and 80% of aluminum cans are recycled. I hope it is closer to the top number.

Of course, a few cans are recycled into Christmas tree ornaments or other ingenious uses without traveling through a recycling center.

But real recycling takes a system and commitment.

The system is a trailer where we can bring our used cans. There is a volunteer who crushes them. When the trailer is full, it is pulled to a recycling center where all proceeds are donated to our City Park.

The Park is the venue for our annual Turkey Barbecue on the third Saturday in June each year.

The Park is a cause that inspires commitment.

And the circle continues in GriggsDakota.

Adequate?

2012-01-16T05:51:00.004-06:00

The state no longer allows you to keep an expired license. But this is an old one that was kept before there was such a rule.

There is only one restriction on this license:

Adequate Eye Lenses.

I think the lenses are adequate.

Selling Steer Calves

2012-01-13T05:12:00.010-06:00

We're lucky to get a trucker with a fine rig to haul our calves to the stockyard auction.

Jeremy was right on time and backed the truck into the loading ramp on the first try. I'm glad that isn't my job. Quiet voices and a calm demeanor are the order of the day.

Truckers are in big demand in GreaterDakota. We have an oil boom going on out west. There is a shortage of workers in nearly every skill. Luckily for us, some guys like both ranching and driving a truck. The trailer is a two story luxury transport. The only thing missing was a Vistadome. But there are plenty of windows for air circulation and peeking at the passing countryside.

As we started the process, the barn cats decided to leave the area and hunt somewhere else for dinner.

The weather has been mild, but the cold is moving in.

Feed costs are rising rapidly, and the market is up. Time to sell the calves.

First on the trailer means a spot with a view. The trailer is divided into pens for animal comfort and safety. Jeremy goes in and out organizing the trailer. Cattleman Jim is in the barn and the pen sorting, counting, and sending the steers up the ramp.

A calf is a once a year commodity and we want as little stress as possible. A safe, easy trip is very important to Cattleman Jim. The better the calves look at the stockyard auction, the better our chances of a fair pay off for a year of costs and work.

So one by one they load onto the truck.

Jeremy checks, closes and locks the trailer before pulling expertly away from the loading chute.

He points the truck toward the stockyard where the calves will be sold to feedlots. They will be fattened and resold when they are ready for slaughter as meat.

Another season of work completed on the warmest January day since yesterday in GriggsDakota.

On the Hoof - Raising Live Calves

2012-01-12T05:41:00.023-06:00

Cattleman Jim has been sorting the calves into pens of steers and pens of heifers. The heifer calves will be sold later as replacements in other herds or retained to expand our own herd. The steers will be sold at auction to a feedlot. Although we raise beef cattle in GriggsDakota, we are not in the business of selling beef cattle for meat.

We are in the live cattle business. It is a business that few people outside the industry understand. Our goal is to raise live calves.
I am not trying to hide the fact that eventually our cattle will be meat. They are bred and born for beef. We carefully choose genetics to develope the best beef possible.

I have explained the live cattle business in a former post:

Black Bull/White Face/Red Momma which you can read by clicking on the link.

We pay attention to the exterior characteristics that are marks of fine meat, such as size, length of the hind quarter and firmness of muscle. We observe the hide or exterior coloration of the calves. Hide standards are an indicator of breed in live cattle. Many of our steers are cross bred to meet the hide standards of Certified Angus or Certified Hereford breeds. The calves that meet both hide standards can be fed and sold for meat as either Certified Beef Product, Angus or Hereford. Our job is to raise calves with the potential for growth that will produce the highest quality beef. Genetics of cattle, bulls which are male,and cows which are female, are carefully studied to achieve the quality goals.

The meat or carcass standards that apply to each certification are not the direct concern of Cattleman Jim. Those standards are applied to the fat cattle market which are cattle that have been fed, fattened and are ready for marketing as meat.

We are in the live cattle business. Complicated to explain, but as simple as that.

The steer calves, which are castrated bull calves, are sold at auction.

Remember, the selling price of anything sold at auction is determined by how many people desire to take the item home.

That is true for antique furniture.

It is true for machinery.

It is true for cattle. We raise calves and we sell calves.

From the Black Bull that fathered them, the steers have hides that are well over 51% black. Their Red Momma's bring in a White Face. The feeding of the steers will become the responsibility of the feedlot that wins the auction at the livestock yard. The result is meat, specifically beef.

I am willing to certify that either way, there is fine beef on the hoof leaving GriggsDakota.

Wisdom from Theodore Roosevelt

2012-01-11T05:42:00.001-06:00

How can life on the farm be kept on that level, and where it is not already on that level, be so improved, dignified, and brightened as to awaken and keep alive the pride and loyalty

of the farmer's boys and girls,

and of the farmer's wife,

and of the farmer himself?

It is especially important that whatever will prepare country children for life on the farm,

and whatever will brighten home life in the country

and make it richer and more attractive for the mothers, wives and daughters of the farmers should be done promptly, thoroughly, and gladly.

There is no more important person, measured in great influence, than the farmer's wife,

no more important home than the country home,

and it is of national importance to do the best we can for both.

Theodore Roosevelt

In a letter to Prof. L. H. Bailey

August 10, 1908

No Frost On A January Morning

2012-01-10T05:30:00.003-06:00

Yesterday morning the moon was setting and it was not quite daylight as I stopped to take this photo. There was not frost on my windshield or anywhere on the ground. It was above freezing on a January morning. I was not wearing a coat. A sweater and a light weight vest made me feel like Spring was here.

In the dim light, I could imagine green fields.

I could smell grain in the air.

I longed for a slow easy twilight stretching into tomorrow morning.

We have never really finished Fall. It seemed to be hiding in the darkness.

The sun was trying to peek over the horizon and I was wondering if there has ever been a January in GriggsDakota where the morning temperatures did not bring frost.

The sky was getting brighter and the moon would soon be gone. The forecast indicates that this weather will be gone in a day or two. We are in for a reality check.

No one can take away this day which was a golden treasure. Whatever comes next, Winter will be short in GriggsDakota.

Wind Towers

2012-01-09T05:45:00.012-06:00

Wind Towers are a common sight in GreaterDakota.

Whenever I notice them by the side of the road as I drive our highways, my first thought is that I'm glad I don't live on the nearest farmstead. I'm glad we haven't had to deal directly with that issue.

In theory, wind power is the answer to many problems.

If the evergreen trees would grow up, they would camouflage the stark structures. In truth, the trees must not block the wind to the blades or attract too many birds.

In theory, the wind is always blowing out here.

In truth, the blades were not turning in the wind today.

No power was being generated.

Above the corn stubble, all was still and quiet.

I drove down the section line, between the fields on which the wind towers stand.

Every tower has an access road that makes farming the land beneath the towers tedious, but not impossible. Farmers lease land to power companies that build the towers and maintain them.

The warnings are clear and I didn't venture any closer. I have read wind power needs a battery storage system which despite the best effort of the industry, has not been discovered. Because of that, it is very inefficient and extremely expensive. Fine, if you can afford it, but not a real solution to energy problems at the present time.

The wind towers turn like giant pin wheels on a windy day and are lit with red flashing lights which can be seen for fifty miles or more at night. As you may have guessed, construction and maintenance is very expensive. I am not convinced that these towers are the key to a powerful future.

Many believe the industry holds promise and are invested in wind power as a green energy option. It is tolerated and sometimes encouraged by land owners because it provides a stable income to farming's unstable cash flow. It does take land out of production and long term consequences to land productivity are still unknown.

Wind farms are thought to hold power for the future and I hope they will. If we can invent a storage system that would allow the power generated to be wholly captured, transported, and applied, there is a chance it could be useful.

On this windless day on the windswept prairie in GreaterDakota, it is an expensive experiment of grand proportion.

Happy Twelfth Day of Christmas to Katie

2012-01-06T05:47:00.003-06:00

Just when we thought we were done celebrating for the season, you arrive at the party!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Dear Katie

Happy Birthday To You!

Enjoy the Celebration! With love from the gang in GriggsDakota

Has Snow Covered the Winter Wheat?

2012-01-05T05:29:00.029-06:00

As I wandered out this morning, I could tell the days are longer. The sun is up in the sky sooner, but not early. I have not paid much attention, lately, except to confirm that the weather has been lovely.

I tend to fret about the Winter Wheat this time of year. Is its snow blanket warm enough to provide the protection it needs? January and February are often brutally cold in GriggsDakota and a warm blanket is absolutely crucial for every living creature that hopes to survive until Spring.

Our temperatures have only plunged slightly below zero on a couple of mornings so far this Winter. A welcome and delightful phenomenon. The Winter Wheat can survive that without much snow cover.

But we expect real cold to arrive any time the wind shifts to the Northwest. Tolerance to the cold is what allows the crop to survive. The Wheat can survive as long as the ground temperature surrounding the plant roots in the field remains above Zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Snow cover is crucial.

Winter Wheat makes me nervous. It's easy to believe that only weeds survive out in the elements. Thanks to diligent research, there are now cold hardy genetics in Winter Wheat. It is still not raised commonly in our area.

I noticed a pickup with a yellow flasher on top. I have always wished I had one of those flashing yellow lights for my pickup. People involved in temporary construction projects tend to clamp a light on top of their truck and drive like a rocket. I would like that privilege, as well. Is my business really less important than theirs? But I digress...

Following this pickup was a semi trailer load of Grain Bin Hopper Bottoms. The wide load requires an escort in front and back of the truck. Okay, maybe I don't need a yellow light for my pickup.

Back to the snow cover. There is more snow out here than I imagined. It is thick enough so that I doubt it will all melt in January's weak sunshine, but our temperatures will melt some of it. It appears to be adequate to protect the roots from damage, even if our temperatures plummet.

The rain and warm temperatures have crusted the snow, but is not a solid layer of ice. This is good as the roots of the Winter Wheat need to breath. Air travels through snow, not through ice.

I use my boot to chop down to the ground. I see some green, even above the ground.

There are deer tracks here and there in the field. They walk on top of the snow cover, breaking through just a little with their delicate hooves.

The trees provide protection from the wind and there is plenty of food for the deer.

So far, all is well with the Winter Wheat in GriggsDakota.

Taking Over

2012-01-04T05:50:00.009-06:00

The Farm Inspector and the Ag Analyst have been practicing taking over my responsibilities in GriggsDakota.

First, they took some beautiful

and meaningful photos.

Then, they clipped their hair up in back and went to my office.

The Farm Inspector found my glasses.

Although I'm not too sure the glasses improved her vision.

The Ag Analyst took responsibility for telling Field Man Joe what to do. That is one of my biggest responsibilities and he appreciates it so much!

The Ag Analyst had to use an old pair of Farmer Fred's glasses.

They were still packed with field dirt, but that was fine with the Ag Analyst. She has never been afraid of a little dirt.

"Now I really have to get to work!"

What this blog needs is one more sunset picture in GriggsDakota.

Happy Wednesday!

The Gift of Music and Dreams

2012-01-03T05:39:00.054-06:00

The presents under the tree have all been opened and 2011 is just a memory. No one is more surprised to see the dawn of 2012 than Iris, who is 106 years old. The daily realities of modern life amaze her.

Hunter came to visit her on New Year's Day. She met us in the lobby of her apartment complex where he opened the baby grand piano and played three numbers for her.

There are two kinds of pianists:

The ones that play concerts and the ones that are useful.

There are a lucky few who are both soloists and accompanists, and I hope Hunter can be both. I hope he learns to sight read hymns and to listen to vocalists as he plays the piano. His music will help the singer be a Star. The singing Star could not shine as brightly without the shadow of accompaniment. A useful pianist needs a kind heart and a humble spirit.

A concert pianist needs to be precise, well practiced, and confident. At least once in a while, I hope Hunter finds an appreciative audience and lifts the spirits of those who quietly listen to him play the piano.

He did that on New Year's Day.

We gathered, when he was finished, in Iris's apartment, where we watched the Minnesota Vikings lose to the Chicago Bears. We were watching Jim Kleinsasser play his last professional football game. He retired from the Minnesota Vikings after 13 seasons. We first met Jim as a teenage boy who threw the shot put at area track meets.

Our daughter, Katie was a thrower at some of the track meets. We knew Jim Kleinsasser was special, even then. Hunter has been a Kleinsasser fan his entire life. We followed Jim's career though college at our alma mater, the University of North Dakota. We have kept our eye on the Vikings #40 for thirteen seasons. Everyone here in GriggsDakota is very proud of this farm boy from Greater Dakota, and we will miss him.

There are big dreams in our boy, as he watches Jim Kleinsasser play his first game in 2012 and his last game as a Minnesota Viking.

The New Year is full of promise for Jim Kleinsasser, for Hunter,

for anyone who pursues a dream in 2012.

Wintery

2012-01-02T05:38:00.008-06:00

The year end brought us a wintery weather mix. It makes the world brighter and clean.

Snow, rain, more snow and below freezing temperatures brought a crusted snow cover to GriggsDakota.

It was a pleasure to be out enjoying the snow and rain.

The trees turned into sparkling fairy land.

Butler was romping around like a puppy as he sniffed the snow covered ground.

It makes finding his favorite sticks more challenging.

The snowflakes were big and wet. They turned to water drops on my camera lens, but it still was able to capture the magic moment.

The wind came up, but the wet snow had settled and the cold temperatures crusted the top.

No BS, I mean blowing snow.

Although the wind did take the frosting off the trees.

We have been expecting this weather to arrive, but things didn't get as bad as predicted, once again. We hope the weather will cooperate for the Lake Region RoundUp which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, January 3 and 4, 2012. Click on the link to see the schedule.

The first sunset of 2012 in GriggsDakota.

For Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-30T05:05:00.003-06:00

For the Sake of the Old Times,

For the Memories of our Old Friends,

For the Hope of the Future

Here, and Around the World.

May Food Find your Plate

And Abundance Fill your Life

With Love and Laughter.

Click on the link to hear

Auld Lang Syne

and see the words to this Robert Burns poem made famous by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra.

Happy New Year!

from Farmer Fred and the gang in GriggsDakota

Trouble with Roads

2011-12-29T05:26:00.026-06:00

December has been lovely and we have especially enjoyed the open roads. This year has not been easy to travel until we were nearing the finish line.

Butler remembers 2011 as the year when the roads were difficult.

They were covered with snow all winter.

More snow seemed to fall every night.

And every day.

It made for a long cold road.

Because moving snow and keeping roads open is work.

As April arrived, the sun grew stronger.

But the snow was relentless.

It melted to slush.

And then began flooding.

Greater Dakota endured record flooding. Please visit Roads To Nowhere to see the flooding around Devils Lake.

In GriggsDakota it was a bother.

But not a record.

We endured.

We tried not to mind the muddy roads, because we knew others were suffering in every direction.

We expected things would dry out any day and we would again need rain.

Even August gave us too much rain.

The roads continued to flood.

Until deep into Fall

When the water receded and the land dried up.

Our roads became firmer and drier as harvest progressed. If this were Summertime, we would be thirsty in GriggsDakota. This time of year, the ground, lakes, sloughs, and streams are frozen. The moisture content is pretty stable. Every road is open. The snow plows are idle. The shovels are standing at attention in the garage. For as long as it lasts, we intend to enjoy it. In GriggsDakota we appreciate an open road.

Assessment and Adjustment

2011-12-28T05:46:00.002-06:00

The farming season is over and the equipment is put away, but as I was perusing the photos from this year I came across these and had to share...

Farmer Fred spends time assessing the situation.

Then more time making adjustments.

More Assessment.

Followed by more Adjustment.

Then out to the field where there is more assesment.

And a final adjustment.

Using Farmer Fred's favorite Adjuster, duct tape. So it is in GriggsDakota.

How To: Paint a Santa Egg that Keeps Watching

2011-12-27T05:48:00.009-06:00

Santa has made his run to GriggsDakota and the year is fading fast. We have had fun with these little guys over the years. Santa painted onto wooden eggs. The technique is easy. If you decide to try these, be sure to buy eggs that have a flat surface on one end so it can stand upright. If your egg won't stand, file it flat on one end or glue on a washer that will allow the egg to stand. Paint the bottom 3/8 red, the middle half flesh colored and the top 1/8 red for the hat. After the base coat has dried, add the details. White paint for beard and fur. I like to break a round toothpick in half for the round eyes and holly berries. I have used broken toothpicks to do quite a bit of detail painting. They hold just the right amount of paint for tiny marks and are easy to control. Santa's nose was painted with the tip of a toothpick.

Paint will achieve the most professional look, but if these are just for fun, try making some of the details with a permanent marker like a Sharpie. Notice that the hand is really just an N painted on with flesh color paint. Technique painting is easy.

Holly leaves and berries are optional and can be added with markers if you prefer.

Holly has a very simple line and imperfection is part of the normal leaf structure. Relax!

Occasionally throughout the year, or perhaps starting on Thanksgiving Day, you may find Santa Claus in the egg carton.

Or hidden among the spices in the cupboard

Santa's work is done for this year, but we never know when we will need a little Christmas.

Singing for Joy

2011-12-26T05:38:00.004-06:00

Christmas Present

Becomes Christmas Past

In the blink of an Eye.

I took out a Christmas card that we received last year. It was one of those cards that plays a tune when opened. Only this time, it didn't stop playing. I set it out on the deck where it could be ignored.

The wind blew it down onto the ground where five days later, it is still playing.

"We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Good Tidings to you and all of your kin, Good Tidings of Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

May the Joy of the Season endure through the Season.

From your Friends in GriggsDakota

Christmas Came About...

2011-12-23T05:57:00.003-06:00

Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was with child.

And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the Highest, And on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

And it came about that when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds went back, glorifying, and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2 : 1 - 20

The Darkest Week

2011-12-22T05:37:00.002-06:00

The water in the photo above is frozen solid, but the air is so pleasant that I can feel Springtime.

If it were Springtime, the sun would join us before midmorning and would shine into the evening.

It's a brown December in GriggsDakota.

It is the first time we have had no snow for Christmas in over fifty years.

It gives us another reason to rejoice.

I know some people are longing for snow.

During the very short days of December, we are used to the reflection of snow to provide light in the darkness.

Moon light, starlight, yard light, or flash light is enough light to see in a snow covered world.

This year, the ground is dark long before the sky.

Over the river and over the woods to anyone's land they go.

With no snow on the ground, the road conditions are never in question. Travel plans are definite and easy.

No snow to move saves hours of time every day. The grain hauling is nearly done.

Taking care of cattle is simple. This gal was spending her afternoon looking for a hole in the fence. It's hard to believe that our record low temperatures are seventy degrees fahrenheit colder than it is today.

So it's easy to count our blessings in GriggsDakota, even in the dark.

As easy as walking on water in dark December.

Celebrating Together

2011-12-21T05:46:00.017-06:00

The residents around GriggsDakota take Christmas very seriously. We want our town to shine with the true Spirit of Christmas. The local Homemakers Club, of which I am a member, organized a Christmas Day in our city auditorium. All money raised would be put into the

City Christmas Decoration Fund.

The term city is used loosely here. The city's population is around 300.

Local businesses and generous individuals brought their own items to display. One very ambitious woman made all of the quilts that you will see in the photos. It is an impressive number of quilts and I cannot imagine how much time she has spent on them, over the years.

Most of the tables had a theme and the name of the sponsor.

The sponsors or owners were responsible to set up and take down their own treasures.

The homemakers members kept a close eye on guests to be sure that there was no touching.

This tree caught my eye. I couldn't believe with how cute it was.

It was put up by the Lutheran Ladies and featured the products used in school kits that are assembled and sent to Lutheran World Relief each year.

It was a nice reminder of what a big difference a few simple supplies can make to a child in need.

From a distance, the glowing tree fit right in with the others.

Someone brought in several manger scenes to display. Each one was different.

Another local church reminded us that church goers are thrilled with the freedom to worship and celebrate Christmas. God Bless America!

In the basement, we were collecting donations, registering for door prizes, and selling lunch.

The city band gathered to play a few Christmas Carols.

It didn't take long for us to lose our breath, so some poetry was read while we took a breather between numbers.

Farmer Fred came in and bought a box full of cookies. We sold lots of cookies and baking. We also assembled plates of assorted cookies to give to area shut ins and others who might not otherwise have Christmas goodies to enjoy.

The kids came to share some of their Christmas Program songs.

Old Faithful was on the piano, of course. Did you notice that she was also playing the trumpet in the band?

It was gratifying for me to see the paper sheets that I had hand lettered many years ago were still on my old flip chart as the children sang. Some of you remember those days.

I have heard that the Christmas Season tends to magnify the feelings in your heart.

That is why so many people who have sadness, struggle through December. If that is the case for you, dear reader, I sympathize. I, too, have experienced sadness during this season. Walking though the days is sometimes difficult for me. Participating and contributing makes a big difference, I have found. I don't think that there is a complete resolution for the emotions of the season.

Just keep walking through the days and never lose hope.

The support of friends, family, church, and community are all important.

I hope your heart finds joy and love this Christmas. I pray that you find the baby in the manger.

Many are working to make it a

Happy Christmas For All

in GriggsDakota.

How To: Trim a Tree with a Cup of Christmas Tea Theme

2011-12-20T05:04:00.004-06:00

Inspired by the book, A Cup of Christmas Tea, I made some tree decorations from tea time items.

These old teaspoons are pierced and made it easy to run a wire and a bit of trim through the end in order to hang it on the tree. I love silver spoons on a lit Christmas tree. They twinkle.

If your spoons are not pierced, I recommend using the mini Command hooks on the back of the spoon. I have good experiences with these. Be sure the spoon back is clean and dry. mount it upside down so it becomes the hook and not the holder.

The pierced spoons allow me to use wire and a few artificial berries along with a ribbon on each spoon.

I found these cute cans of tea at TJ Maxx in a pack of three tins. I used hot glue, a crafter's best friend, to attach a bit of Christmas cheer and a wire to the back of each can.

The cans of tea are depictions of the buses in London.

The sight of them brings a smile, which is what I like to find on a casual tree.

I filled in with tea bag packets that were also purchased at TJ Maxx. The deep color of the paper is pretty elegant for a packet of tea. I poked a hole through the top.

Then pushed a wire with ribbon and berries attached through the hole to assemble the decoration.

There are teaspoons

And cute little canisters plus red balls to shine in the lights.

The tea bags fill in the bare spots and actually catch a bit of light themselves on GriggsDakota's

A Cup of Christmas Tea

Christmas Tree.

Happy Birthday Mom 2011

2011-12-19T05:11:00.001-06:00

Here again is my perennial birthday card to Mom.

Today is my Mom's birthday.

She is the baby pictured with her sister.

In 1993 I was asked to write a poem for a Mother-Daughter Banquet at our church. It was a big congregation and quite an honor to be asked to be on that program. My friends had learned that my heart could sing in an iambic pentameter of sorts when I was the Mistress of Ceremonies at the birthday party for our pastor's wife.

We dressed up in clothes and hats of a bygone era.

Every line I spoke that day as Mistress was written in rhyme. So later, I was challenged to write a poem for our mother-daughter banquet and didn't dare refuse.

I was raised in GriggsDakota, with a kind and patient mother. It was from that perspective I wrote the following poem all those years ago. Of course, I dedicated it to Mom and invited her to attend the banquet with me and my daughters. The introduction that evening was the same one I have written here. And Mom, I hope we laugh as hard today as we did that night in 1993.

Happy Birthday!

"Mom, for all the times I've embarrassed you in the past, I just want you to know...I am about to do it again."

Thoughts on the MD Relationship

"On Mothers and Daughters they've asked me to speak,

And I have been thinking for nearly a week

Of what I could say that would catch your attention

And what parts of this topic I should now mention.

My mother's a mother, her mother is, too.

And I am a mother, and so, most of you.

And we are all daughters of mothers of course,

So really, all women could be a source

Of info and topics for this evenings rhyme.

But to interview all would take too much time.

You know how it is for a mother these days,

We're so pressed for time, life goes by in a haze.

But, as I considered this particular task

I decided to simply pull off the mask

And give my impressions, though silly or straight,

For daughters and mothers and grandmas turned great.

So, back in my memory I started to travel

To find recollections and let stories unravel.

Of mother-relationships, generation to next.

Before long, I began writing this text.

When I was a little girl, long before teens,

My mother did house work in her blue jeans.

" Mom, while you're cleaning the house, I'd like to see

You wearing a dress, like the Moms on TV!"

My mom is a pleaser: The next day I was greeted

By Mom in a dress, with a skirt, long and pleated.

I pretended that I was the star of a show,

With Mom looking gorgeous, till what do you know?

The floor need washing and as she cleaned up the trail

The skirt of her dress wound up in the pail.

She wrung out the skirt, the end of my dream.

I never discussed it for fear she would scream.

Being a teen girl is sometimes a pain,

With hormones and heartaches and monthly weight gain

When I was that age any little anecdote

Could put me on a real panic note.

Teen troubles kept me going round in a tizzy!

Hair, clothes, important stuff, kept me so busy!

But Mom was there, stable and strong,

She just calmly urged, pushed, or pulled me along.

When you are little, you never guess,

The love in Mom's heart, she can't always express.

But teen years convinced me about mother-love.

Of strength and endurance sent from above.

Then I grew up, how quickly time passes!

Soon I was taking parenting classes.

Natural childbirth now was the rage,

My daughter arrived and we turned the page.

I now was the mother of a daughter so small,

It all started over, and as I recall

Us together and wondering where time had gone.

It flies by so quickly, life doesn't last long.

I'm looking forward to Grandma-hood, someday.

I'll bake cookies, make doll clothes and take time to play.

When you are a mother you must be a constable,

But, Grandma has fun without being responsible

For all of the practical matters of life

That complicate mother-daughter days and add strife.

Her patience is longer, her duty list, short.

She never has anything bad to report.

Now, my final thoughts and contemplation

To share with you, this congregation:

You must remember, part of a mother's charm

Is that if her daughter has need of it, Mom cuts off her arm!

As a result, the relationship's built

On compassion and love, and a lifetime of guilt!

But as you get older, perspective to gain,

You realize, for mother, this isn't a pain.

It's simply a joy God puts in our heart,

So, from Mother's love, we never need part.

Listen girls, even if Mom continues to bug you,

You can be your own person and still let her hug you!"

Grandpa's Granary

2011-12-16T05:47:00.003-06:00

It had gotten to be a bit of an eye sore.

The old granary is filled with history and we couldn't watch it fall. It felt as if we would lose a bit of ourselves.

The story was that it had been in GriggsDakota since the beginning of the farm.

It needed some historic restoration, help of some kind.

So we decided to start with a new roof and add few new touches here and there.

We don't need it to store grain anymore. But we can't seem to make up our minds to live without it.

A jack, some rocks and blocks of wood helped square it with the world.

The lean-to was too far gone to worry about. It was not an original part of the building.

The carpenter reported it is actually two smaller buildings put together.

He believes it is certainly one of the oldest structures in the area.

So it has a new roof, with new boards and shingles. We added some new metal pieces to help protect the old boards. It's ready to stand for a long time into the future. I hope it is preserved for as long as there is farming to do and people to feed in the world.
The humble building Grandpa Sonny calls,
"My Grandpa's Granary."

What Is "No Snow" in December?

2011-12-15T05:36:00.003-06:00

We claim to have no snow in GriggsDakota.

The cattle are grazing on the corn ground unimpeded by the white stuff.

Snow cover is relative. There is a little snow on our cold ground.

In GriggsDakota, this is snow.

And this is no snow.

Snow.

No snow.

Some call it a Nebraska Winter, mostly sunny and pleasant.

Some folks call it and open winter, where all the ground remains accessible into snow season.

The cattle don't care what we call it, it's clear to see how they enjoy it.

The ragged old shelter belts offer a bit of protection from wind.

The grass around the trees make a pleasant place to bed down.

So, call it whatever you want. We are enjoying the Winter in GriggsDakota.

Durango Boots Arrived in GriggsDakota

2011-12-14T05:08:00.012-06:00

When I was contacted by Country Outfitter I was very skeptical.

The email in my box said that they wanted to send me a pair of Durango Boots at no cost to me. Well, free is my favorite price. I replied that if the boots actually arrived in my mailbox, no one would be more surprised than I would be. I sent my size and a few preferences in the reply.

Before long the box arrived containing Durango Western Boots in a color that is called mushroom arrived in GriggsDakota. This is one of their most popular boot styles and colors. I quickly learned why that is true. Follow the links to check them out. I noticed that Country Outfitter accepts Paypal as a method of payment, along with major credit cards.

Brand new and comfortable from the first wearing. I could hardly believe my good fortune.

I was asked to do a review and to be totally honest. Easy enough for me, I am known to be opinionated. I have worn the boots most of the time for a couple of weeks. They have been to school and a few basketball games. I wore them to a concert and to church. They have walked through a couple of shopping malls and into a couple of corn fields. I wore them around the house and farm. I purposely scuffed the bottoms to be sure they were not too slippery, but they can still slide through a two-step. This job is easy, the boots are comfortable. The color "mushroom" is more brown than gray, but just enough gray to look good with black. That is important to me. I found the color matches the neutral tones of buttons and trim on some of my jackets and vests. So, I wore the boots on the outside of my skinny jeans and inside my old corduroys.

What is inside a Durango Boot? These have a leather lined shaft and a comfortable insole.

The boots contained cardboard boot trees with information on how to register and possibly win more boots. That sounds like fun.

After a couple of weeks of daily wear my boots are a bit scuffed, which is what I would expect considering the places they've been and the things they have walked through. Easy to shine, these leather boots will last for years. I can honestly say that even if I had paid full price for this pair of Durango Boots, I would happily give them a permanent spot in my wardrobe.

Welcome to GriggsDakota.

From Your Fans In GriggsDakota

2011-12-13T05:59:00.007-06:00

We have missed our favorite tractor driver. If you would like to know what Robbie has been up to read

He Had Me At.... by Naomi Dunavan.

Naomi writes a blog and column called "In the Spirit" and published an update on Robbie in her December 9, 2011 posting. The link here seems a little unsure so if you can't click in, go to: The Grand Forks Herald website, click into Blogs from the homepage and then "In the Spirit." There is a smiling photo of him there that makes his GriggsDakota fans so proud.

Robbie is the inventor of the "automatic lawn mower" which he designed by pulling the lawnmower in the above picture backwards with his pedal tractor. He then came up with an "automatic rake" which was a regular hand rake tied behind his Big Wheel. He was always full of ideas, but playing the guitar and singing has always been one of his best ideas. Now he can add placing in a talent contest to his list of accomplishments. As his mother I can confirm that he loved music even before he was born. He certainly was dancing when I attended concerts while he was in production.

Congratulations Robbie, from your fans in GriggsDakota.