tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61630135885518680092024-03-12T20:01:24.547-05:00Morning Joy FarmWhat's new? What's fresh? What's for supper?
This is place to find out what is happening on the farm and in the kitchen!Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-73033338116892851312013-03-03T16:22:00.002-06:002013-03-03T16:22:43.322-06:00We've moved!The website is built and live! You can find it here:<br />
<a href="http://www.morningjoyfarm.com/" target="_blank">www.morningjoyfarm.com</a><br />
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The blog has been migrated to the website. It has a new look as well.<br />
You can find it here:<br />
<a href="http://www.morningjoyfarm.com/blog" target="_blank">www.morningjoyfarm.com/blog</a><br />
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I won't be updating this page anymore, so please change your blogroll or bookmarks or whatever...<br />
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See you over at the new site!Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-17680801248299738982013-02-25T12:06:00.000-06:002013-02-25T12:06:36.934-06:00Just a Note...to say that the blog is going to be quiet this week as I am working very hard to get our farm website up and running and migrating this blog. I can only do one techie thing at a time and, truth be told, I'm depending heavily on my friends to help me with this one. So, until next week....Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-13728301121422248002013-02-22T19:56:00.000-06:002013-02-22T19:56:30.529-06:00Top 10 Things I Learned At the Moses Organic ConferenceDay One of the MOSES conference is in the books. And, folks, it was a great one! I'd like to share the Top 10 Things I Learned At the Moses Organic Conference:<br />
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1. Diverse is how I would describe the attendees. Where else would you see an elderly Amish woman sitting next to a pink haired young man with giant washers in his ears and they are both there to learn how to raise dairy cows without grain??<br />
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2. Organic and sustainable farming is NOT taking farming into the 1800's. You would not believe the technical research, tools and management that are available. It is inspiring and amazing!<br />
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3. I had the greatest conversation with a hoophouse salesman and he pointed me to a solution at another booth. Where else would THAT happen?<br />
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4. As a non-coffee drinker, it is rare to be at a meeting or conference and have alternative beverages available. But, here at MOSES, there are organic milks, juices, teas, coffees, and water.<br />
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5. The bookstore is nothing short of amazing. I was very careful with my purchases and spent about $50 for four books: <br />
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<li>Root Cellaring by Mike and Nancy Bubel</li>
<li>The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier</li>
<li>The Herbal Home Remedy Book by Joyce A. Wardell</li>
<li>The Economics of Happiness by Mark Anielski</li>
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6. Listening to other farmers talk about their operations, their successes and challenges is the most amazing part of this conference. The solutions for common problems are elegant in their simplicity. Let's not over think it!</div>
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7. One of my favorite fellow woman farmers is from Maine. Abby and I farm in similar ways and face similar challenges. We spent our first two sessions together and shared our responses...to be able to share and have someone know EXACTLY how you feel and been there themselves is so empowering and comforting.</div>
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8. My friend Lori got to meet one of her hoophouse heroes and visited for almost an hour with him. And although I didn't know who he was, for her it was like spending an hour with Uncle Joel would be for me.</div>
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9. It is completely and utterly impossible NOT to be inspired to grow something, ANYTHING when you are here.</div>
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10. The food is great. The workshops are great. The people are great. What's not to love??</div>
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-27727732732176346312013-02-21T20:04:00.000-06:002013-02-21T20:05:52.194-06:00Thankfully there wasn't a spoon handyI have spent the past day and a half in meetings. Painful meetings. The organization that I work for is a member of a collaborative group of like-minded organizations who all provide a particular training course. We meet as a group twice a year and are currently going through a strategic planning phase. <br />
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Just typing the words "strategic plan" makes me twitch.<br />
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I've done strategic planning for other organizations and groups. And it has never, NEVER been as painful as this process has been. I had to take an extended lunch break just so that I could decompress and regroup. <br />
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"What's the problem?", you ask.<br />
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Well, you see, I'm a doer. I do things. I like to do things. I don't like to sit and discuss things until there is absolutely nothing left to discuss and then discuss the fact that there is nothing left to discuss. It makes my head hurt and my blood pressure rise. As an introvert, I detest small talk. Get to point and move on. This strategic planning session was all SMALL TALK. I just about couldn't take it, I was looking for a way out. There weren't any spoons handy or I would have gouged my own eyes out.<br />
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But...that torture has ceased and it's on to the MOSES Organic Conference tomorrow and I. CANNOT. WAIT!!! Lots to see, do, and learn. People to meet and re-meet. Books and literature to buy. Organic food to eat. Just soak it in and be inspired.<br />
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Ahhhhhhhhh, I can feel sustainable agriculture seeping into my very pores and it feels so good!<br />
<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-23807670685860781652013-02-18T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-18T07:00:06.728-06:00House Tour: The Laundry Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
**We moved in November and we just starting to get situated and unpacking all of the stuff we brought with us. Not just unpacking, but making it our home. Here's a virtual tour:</div>
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In our former home, the laundry was in an alcove just off the kitchen and visible to all. My sewing room and our office shared a room. In our new (to us) home, things are a little different! Hubby and I share an office that doubles as a schoolroom for the kiddos. As Hubby says, "This is where we work and learn. We don't play in here!" (This is to avoid an influx of legos, potato heads, and cowboys.)</div>
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It excites me to no end to have a room I can close the door on the laundry and a room where I can create! Welcome to my room...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y3EQYL3EI8bSXeh-VrFGwtTk3iUgukNlliHvk-7oW4Hxx97EzmJef3vFtY-Cjag220xUzMsvOQYQvimnUhG25F0wpi3QiWM5yrB-ERaq9qt4D_3Un9vLRo3gSyJ7jjxoD0peZcqQmso/s1600/DSC00471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y3EQYL3EI8bSXeh-VrFGwtTk3iUgukNlliHvk-7oW4Hxx97EzmJef3vFtY-Cjag220xUzMsvOQYQvimnUhG25F0wpi3QiWM5yrB-ERaq9qt4D_3Un9vLRo3gSyJ7jjxoD0peZcqQmso/s320/DSC00471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought this jelly cabinet at an auction for a dollar. Original milk paint and finish. It stores my fabric stash organized by color families.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8wrKNzmSKIw16bDn1nR-Tvir2igtRN355AAoetxxXoQ9lm362AiDvwzlarkvxad4LYayQlFBdx7-tjgWUDOFfyOF7TakukGrmWDiK2uWwSSju-vVpo3wBgpIhSlgm2o-Uhi-708rKg0/s1600/DSC00472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8wrKNzmSKIw16bDn1nR-Tvir2igtRN355AAoetxxXoQ9lm362AiDvwzlarkvxad4LYayQlFBdx7-tjgWUDOFfyOF7TakukGrmWDiK2uWwSSju-vVpo3wBgpIhSlgm2o-Uhi-708rKg0/s320/DSC00472.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This lamp is without a shade. It was made by my dear friend Doris, who had a custom made lampshade to match her bedroom. I was helping her at her rummage sale when a woman bought her bedroom bedding. I tried to talk her into buying the matching lamps. She argued that she already had lamps but did like the shades. I told her if she wanted the shades, I would split the cost with her and I'd take the bases. I got two of these awesome lamps for $5!! Now, to make a shade...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinMPnuUA131g0hk5cqTKVZQhTJuF2JS0uPb8nfSzr2jxH56TNUMl-cbSMl9phD9BzYoP8ozYAlbndpyRMCJYITyXl-kh1MzN_yRJuVZZfIpHN3BjCadCOwY2TLyQvcET54LBaPXmhl9o/s1600/DSC00473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinMPnuUA131g0hk5cqTKVZQhTJuF2JS0uPb8nfSzr2jxH56TNUMl-cbSMl9phD9BzYoP8ozYAlbndpyRMCJYITyXl-kh1MzN_yRJuVZZfIpHN3BjCadCOwY2TLyQvcET54LBaPXmhl9o/s320/DSC00473.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the laundry section. I was using the washer as an ironing station. (Yes, I know there's an ironing board right there, but I was doing small projects and didn't want to set that big thing up.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5YYsW-rLMlMCHxCtPi1RAiZYGfcqkTJ2yrUSNQM_KzynxraDnI1IEmQ8gGwLT2nIfn2WOWwwl2fXH90yuyd3FG0dktyRLfxfGjKdc5tQeSmulXz3CgkfFy_1XFy1cTmIUH3OVy5nt0s/s1600/DSC00474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5YYsW-rLMlMCHxCtPi1RAiZYGfcqkTJ2yrUSNQM_KzynxraDnI1IEmQ8gGwLT2nIfn2WOWwwl2fXH90yuyd3FG0dktyRLfxfGjKdc5tQeSmulXz3CgkfFy_1XFy1cTmIUH3OVy5nt0s/s320/DSC00474.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A large storage unit for supplies, books and patterns. Also, my scrap baskets (one for strips and one for misc. scraps), my yarn stash, stamps and paper goods.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh8g5F7frsGvZaoFWnuMTnE66JxQr6NJVAtzeM73k_yfYYkSA2UCtYSkS8l8WPW9Zqxb4oQhzCvvD45m2pkpi3gFefL34Fk0bFiyU99CSA4qUC-1cUDhLEMbd7aeXOfG5HSBOtgn8cFY/s1600/DSC00475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh8g5F7frsGvZaoFWnuMTnE66JxQr6NJVAtzeM73k_yfYYkSA2UCtYSkS8l8WPW9Zqxb4oQhzCvvD45m2pkpi3gFefL34Fk0bFiyU99CSA4qUC-1cUDhLEMbd7aeXOfG5HSBOtgn8cFY/s320/DSC00475.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Usually my sewing machine is stored in the cabinet which folds up, but I'm sewing late into the nights these days so I'm leaving it open. (Current project on the chair...)</div>
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This is a closet for smaller supplies: paint, brushes, sewing notions, tools, buttons, batting, stuffing, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYprOHe5hhq1xnPJrR4zEaWkrqo84zq2b7UoS28NwsP5mEtCo63O8VhmUGYs9-ds0LyMngwbiIpWgKlqP3njyyf42uDwGbDCSbtkstPRg0xEW6w2qlpymu1YbXQa7OpMbn0K6XnP8GRj8/s1600/DSC00476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYprOHe5hhq1xnPJrR4zEaWkrqo84zq2b7UoS28NwsP5mEtCo63O8VhmUGYs9-ds0LyMngwbiIpWgKlqP3njyyf42uDwGbDCSbtkstPRg0xEW6w2qlpymu1YbXQa7OpMbn0K6XnP8GRj8/s320/DSC00476.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is my crafting table/folding laundry table. There is room underneath for laundry baskets to fold into. </div>
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The space above is filled with small wooden paintings from the first artist I ever knew. She was an older neighbor lady who loved to paint the things in her life. My mom bought all of these and kept them wrapped away in a box. When I was cleaning out this house, I found this treasure!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zL4XgcchYLd3nGZxVuPPEYBaFeg9qFtpwUaFbqgFcY7WycNJjwkKCJAy63Zn6ozpSmcGDZ6DAMG1Nq194awx-pJohLve2LM5oGRD_0e4tupNQPcSZ6KJskXlsN40uLX19ZAbPavSAmI/s1600/DSC00478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zL4XgcchYLd3nGZxVuPPEYBaFeg9qFtpwUaFbqgFcY7WycNJjwkKCJAy63Zn6ozpSmcGDZ6DAMG1Nq194awx-pJohLve2LM5oGRD_0e4tupNQPcSZ6KJskXlsN40uLX19ZAbPavSAmI/s320/DSC00478.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Simple things like a lilac painted on a piece of lilac wood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIf5Z-Redy-e93Quvhau538p72SGs2A3UDUykEICmhlLpqsl5tShmxoQoyg08DsWsYOXkK26kCo1NkAquTz0HO43iCxYDgN7nZAk26bRdynoYAKHPh4g2ocCmmXWAlGcpphNptMTnUMY/s1600/DSC00479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIf5Z-Redy-e93Quvhau538p72SGs2A3UDUykEICmhlLpqsl5tShmxoQoyg08DsWsYOXkK26kCo1NkAquTz0HO43iCxYDgN7nZAk26bRdynoYAKHPh4g2ocCmmXWAlGcpphNptMTnUMY/s320/DSC00479.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A meadowlark on a piece of old fencepost (where you will most often find meadowlarks, perched on fenceposts).</div>
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Her mailbox and her cat, looking at a butterfly.</div>
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I love these pieces! They inspire me to create from the world around me.</div>
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My mom is a professional crafter and I sold the vast majority of her stuff because there is no way I could keep it all, nor do something with all of it. My rule was: If I don't have a plan to use it in the next five years, I didn't keep it.</div>
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Here's something I did keep, baby blanket flannel. When we were pregnant with Kiddo1, we took a class called "Happiest Baby on the Block" that absolutely saved us as parents. One aspect of that is to swaddle your baby. But the swaddle blankets sold in stores are too small once your baby is about a month old. You need bigger ones to swaddle bigger babies! So I made a stack of fourteen swaddle blankets from my mom's stash that we will donate to the class. To help other parents (who may not be able to sew their own swaddle blankets) have peaceful and happy babies!</div>
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Speaking of stash...this is my UFO stash. My UnFinished Objects stash. It's an entire laundry basket! And that's after I went through it to weed out the stuff that I don't want to finish and never want to see again (which was three small things). That black quilt is my nemesis. I've called it naughty names. It's beautiful, which is why I don't just burn it in frustration. I'm going to ask a friend of mine with a long arm quilter if she will finish it for me and save me from myself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaZa89WqhuXY8qggx-2UQPx10sFymYHRyeYf05HWQUslTQbztRv3dfg-prYTohDfx9gVWHSUB0xLpZf0kiExMZWr201aFm_TvlypVdkexEqrCIJOKNzAVwJ1ZRbPgLmQoVKSio7d68og/s1600/DSC00483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaZa89WqhuXY8qggx-2UQPx10sFymYHRyeYf05HWQUslTQbztRv3dfg-prYTohDfx9gVWHSUB0xLpZf0kiExMZWr201aFm_TvlypVdkexEqrCIJOKNzAVwJ1ZRbPgLmQoVKSio7d68og/s320/DSC00483.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other items are table runners I just need to add borders to and quilt. A paper-pieced wall quilt that will be stunning. Some embroidery projects that need framing. A series of monthly snowman wall quilts that I'm working on right now.</div>
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Then there's my mom's stash! Again, I only kept the projects that I knew I would do in the next five years. This basket is AFTER I sewed up all that flannel!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY96Ax45v1zX9xVWyECu1x3WxlVGruJdtBNPlz02yLqKrwwPUY4PyWgcmddjsj9stEJ9H0PdQr4hOAfFr92zEIJIpRN4o4mn2zwS8JcIrnR17wWAv1wTVvYnv2LgMZnyXvZsrDSG1Qcm4/s1600/DSC00484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY96Ax45v1zX9xVWyECu1x3WxlVGruJdtBNPlz02yLqKrwwPUY4PyWgcmddjsj9stEJ9H0PdQr4hOAfFr92zEIJIpRN4o4mn2zwS8JcIrnR17wWAv1wTVvYnv2LgMZnyXvZsrDSG1Qcm4/s320/DSC00484.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've decided I need to do some stash-busting if I want to do any new projects before spring hits. So each night I'm working from 9:30ish until 1am on sewing down that stash.</div>
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Here's what I did last night!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdQ4i8IXGsglZMMw3zLcnQ0BAY5YJ3NPIwgtWPYdjy_bBHa25Ngo1TFdgwWd-6gx4Ymst_5QkOck0n7xGqftg_Y1xaBoSRs1gpzTmTPKRIP9Qb0Uk66siV3Llke6ks1jXMnp5UDU40Ng/s1600/DSC00482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdQ4i8IXGsglZMMw3zLcnQ0BAY5YJ3NPIwgtWPYdjy_bBHa25Ngo1TFdgwWd-6gx4Ymst_5QkOck0n7xGqftg_Y1xaBoSRs1gpzTmTPKRIP9Qb0Uk66siV3Llke6ks1jXMnp5UDU40Ng/s320/DSC00482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Kiddo3's baby quilt. Doesn't it just make you happy? It's totally her. Hubby asked, "Is this the quilt she'll never sleep with?" Yes. Yes, it is. I did an heirloom quilt for Kiddo1 that I hand appliqued and hand embroidered. Kiddo2's quilt is hand pieced (and not done, about halfway). I would hand or machine quilt these, but Hubby has four wonderful aunts who handquilt. I love that my kids will each have a piece made by their mom and handquilted by their great-aunts!</div>
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Do you have a "space" that allows you to create??</div>
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<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-10423546040262047212013-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-15T07:00:09.092-06:00When in winter...<div style="text-align: center;">
We're raising farm kids. On the prairie. In North Dakota. We're tough. A little snow doesn't bother us, it gets us excited!</div>
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My kids' favorite activity this past week is to take their sleds and go sledding down a little hill across from our house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpjG2Av8ZT0dHW3FkxVYW6unCgQewLvoDN39YKKn4i9sZdH0jHYkbQjeoax8IVmOmTY9OXZq-CKclCJ2Pl9MMpKyuP9LpPJs7XlyFgX3tWTehbxG7oDlr8uc4zhiKDyFma5EqOvjtwb0/s1600/DSC00457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpjG2Av8ZT0dHW3FkxVYW6unCgQewLvoDN39YKKn4i9sZdH0jHYkbQjeoax8IVmOmTY9OXZq-CKclCJ2Pl9MMpKyuP9LpPJs7XlyFgX3tWTehbxG7oDlr8uc4zhiKDyFma5EqOvjtwb0/s320/DSC00457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dad helped them get started and showed them the ropes.</div>
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And then they were off!</div>
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And there were some tumbles!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed1pYAZGynsCuJ09sBZSE2pMvjqpY-C1YllcIX4ONiu0-KEUnezw-YamVkW7cwcg0IrUNe2bCeI2euqPQpgd2DxEKLyTwHH2yq3J-9I2lqx_8_o22aJLNCTVkrm9GIHfxl7aG75Uks5k/s1600/DSC00463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed1pYAZGynsCuJ09sBZSE2pMvjqpY-C1YllcIX4ONiu0-KEUnezw-YamVkW7cwcg0IrUNe2bCeI2euqPQpgd2DxEKLyTwHH2yq3J-9I2lqx_8_o22aJLNCTVkrm9GIHfxl7aG75Uks5k/s320/DSC00463.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
(Yes, I know my youngest child was not wearing mittens. The rule is if she takes her mittens off, she has to go inside. She went inside with me after this ride. She left them on the next day, however.)<br />
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Sledding really tires out the kiddos. Kiddo3 fell asleep between the office and the kitchen!</div>
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What are you doing outside this winter??<br />
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<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-5983542318180861992013-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-14T07:00:07.832-06:00House Tour: The Larder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
**We moved in November and we are just now starting to get situated and unpacking all of the stuff we brought with us. Not just unpacking, but making it our home. Here's a virtual tour:</div>
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We have a room in our house we call the "larder" or the "fruit room". I'm trying to call it the larder because it contains so much more than fruit. </div>
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This is the view from the door. The freezer contains our personal meat/frozen food supply.</div>
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I'll give you a tour of the larder, but late winter is the wrong time to show it. We've been eating a lot of this food over the winter!! So, this is the inventory as of the middle of February....</div>
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This is our jelly/jam shelf. There's chokecherry, plum, peach, blueberry, jalapeno, strawberry.</div>
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It's also the syrup shelf: plum and blueberry -- both excellent on pancakes and waffles. </div>
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I will probably make syrup this year, but no more jelly/jam (unless the chokecherries bear well, then we ALWAYS make more chokecherry jelly).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygdor_ZPQyfekvLU-Fmnn2dsSK-_XUD3yWNpmlrThqvv5IRtkygPuy0W37HtyjRdXEx8hXB7KuFKKUeD6ZnofZTU5NYezGurUyfe2YtBmm5tKbzEmwpwtGxdVh3UQmnC9gccTUIkLaA/s1600/DSC00445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygdor_ZPQyfekvLU-Fmnn2dsSK-_XUD3yWNpmlrThqvv5IRtkygPuy0W37HtyjRdXEx8hXB7KuFKKUeD6ZnofZTU5NYezGurUyfe2YtBmm5tKbzEmwpwtGxdVh3UQmnC9gccTUIkLaA/s320/DSC00445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pickled good are on top of this shelf. Cucumber pickles, relishes, bread and butter pickles, pickled beets. My dear Hubby does not like my pickled beets. He likes his mother's recipe. I didn't know this when I pickled bushels of beets two year ago. Therefore, I eat a lot of pickled beets. (He also doesn't like bread and butter pickles...oh well, more for me!) The empty shelf will be canned beans, it's on my list to do!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F0WxAMav6gPvzbjFRRWxVrU7SP6ZcarvknZygKtGzoXHUIpjf5iWJCz2MfTcIQRvwpFUwwg7fg87s2w69NQOzFz2mDJsL4fpdK0OFL2g6Ee-n8MlK-W82SgvQ4b4tMn6lzPjj_3jfuI/s1600/DSC00446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F0WxAMav6gPvzbjFRRWxVrU7SP6ZcarvknZygKtGzoXHUIpjf5iWJCz2MfTcIQRvwpFUwwg7fg87s2w69NQOzFz2mDJsL4fpdK0OFL2g6Ee-n8MlK-W82SgvQ4b4tMn6lzPjj_3jfuI/s320/DSC00446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a tomato shelf. On the top left is quarts of ketchup, then yellow salsa, red salsa and BBQ sauce on the right. The second shelf is quarts of tomato sauce on the left and spaghetti sauce on the right. I obviously did not make enough spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce...I'm out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy6YRHdVwOKHsTHZ8YiwRjgHHuJyryNfcnmnhGjwsA7cmyc1s0mY6mFOoaEjjwnIWz-9REtH0zW65MUXnUxlyi-kcOg7BbBTJ72sFnQo_iC9NkbUc81ORkKLxAmsII9ZFLDrqoSEq5nM/s1600/DSC00447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy6YRHdVwOKHsTHZ8YiwRjgHHuJyryNfcnmnhGjwsA7cmyc1s0mY6mFOoaEjjwnIWz-9REtH0zW65MUXnUxlyi-kcOg7BbBTJ72sFnQo_iC9NkbUc81ORkKLxAmsII9ZFLDrqoSEq5nM/s320/DSC00447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fruit on the top shelf: Applesauce on the left (We thought we were out of applesauce so finding these jars when we unpacked was a pleasant surprise. All of our kids loved applesauce as a baby food, especially mixed with other foods, so we used a lot of it. Usually I'm gifted with pails and pails of apples in the fall, but this years crop did not do well so NO APPLES and no applesauce for this house in 2012.), sliced peaches in the middle and pitted cherries on the right.</div>
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The bottom shelf is canned veggies: sauerkraut on the left and peas next door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnbpgz4a2SgF1dltdMEPw5Qx2uFEdZZtz09N5sPWjhZvobeYvjRBa-X2vbSBAT1lsaMIonvZgoM4sDRK_n04T5duSSxb6K2ZIFiRsV55714ZmBq1clHgeMmWAJKHWrPGGwCB6qauS1Xo/s1600/DSC00448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnbpgz4a2SgF1dltdMEPw5Qx2uFEdZZtz09N5sPWjhZvobeYvjRBa-X2vbSBAT1lsaMIonvZgoM4sDRK_n04T5duSSxb6K2ZIFiRsV55714ZmBq1clHgeMmWAJKHWrPGGwCB6qauS1Xo/s320/DSC00448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This shelf is meat and meals-in-jar: on top is some pints of ham and a lone quart of chicken broth. I usually can meat in March and April, cleaning out the freezer for new meat coming in the summer and fall. Plus, that's when I have time to do it. It's also the time I can a lot of meals in a jar to have ready for the summer months. Right now, the second shelf holds soups: split pea, white chicken chili, bean with ham, vegetable and tomato. Great for a quick, hot winter lunch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzfDgRBx889K3TH9q5HYrfXcKguArl1mnyjM8kglbRxJAWQrJnYiGxTmK-ZbPqXK-sPPhsUjLstqsRDcKr8gKg_NOunINGUUrEHvnrb9RCtTN0af9j4YwPlaXMMAukXp20NOOBsCnJ7A/s1600/DSC00449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzfDgRBx889K3TH9q5HYrfXcKguArl1mnyjM8kglbRxJAWQrJnYiGxTmK-ZbPqXK-sPPhsUjLstqsRDcKr8gKg_NOunINGUUrEHvnrb9RCtTN0af9j4YwPlaXMMAukXp20NOOBsCnJ7A/s320/DSC00449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(The shelf behind this one contains some tools and such from Hubby's repair work and our honey supply.)</div>
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This is my purchased items storage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJmAk7IoYieSFMac19e1C_zJX0SVBql8RD7GN2hUqhGoaJj92P85Ef1tCXrmri7y8KorO33MYGSQ-gX2PlqzkqUpkUeXIFlUr9vfu0vYFI1ASZ6h-MYhnpTj3WqXIFzthwQdgEKwj46w/s1600/DSC00451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJmAk7IoYieSFMac19e1C_zJX0SVBql8RD7GN2hUqhGoaJj92P85Ef1tCXrmri7y8KorO33MYGSQ-gX2PlqzkqUpkUeXIFlUr9vfu0vYFI1ASZ6h-MYhnpTj3WqXIFzthwQdgEKwj46w/s320/DSC00451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I bless my dad for adding this little door when he built this basement in the late '80s. This gem opens to a root cellar where we can store potatoes, onions, garlic, squashes, cabbages, etc. It needs to be swept out and then we'll be ready for the fall.</div>
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The lower shelves of each unit contain empty jars.</div>
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During the spring, summer and fall they will be filled with good food for my family to eat.</div>
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That concludes our tour of the larder!</div>
<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-27221387504904222672013-02-13T09:36:00.001-06:002013-02-13T09:36:39.776-06:00We're Swimming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may recall that last weekend we took the kids for an <a href="http://morningjoyfarm.blogspot.com/2013/02/if-youre-wanting.html" target="_blank">overnight at a hotel in the big city.</a></div>
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Compared to our last swimming experience, the kids have dramatically increased their swimming skills!</div>
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Kiddo2 is normally afraid of anything but bath water. Forget showers, he HATES them. But he did so well in the pool, even swimming short distances ON HIS OWN between Hubby and me.</div>
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Kiddo3 does everything her big brother and sister do, so our challenge was making sure she didn't just dive into the deep end or the hot tub.</div>
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They played so well together in the kiddie pool.</div>
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Kiddo1 loved the water slide! She's going down with Dad here, but soon learned she could go by herself. (Dad was at the bottom of the slide to catch her.)</div>
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Kiddo3 had to have her turn!</div>
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All this swimming certainly wore them out.</div>
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Everybody was alseep, with their buddies, before we left town.</div>
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<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-9787375745680326202013-02-11T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-11T07:00:04.379-06:00No Blizzard HereI know I'm tempting fate here, but...well...I live in ND, tempting weather fate doesn't make much of a difference.<br />
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The northeast was hit with the storm "Nemo" that dumped 3 feet (give or take) of snow on populations who probably won't see that much snow again in their lifetime. That's a normal winter here on the great plains.<br />
{Aside: Why have we started naming storms now? When did we lose the magic of "The Winter of '63"? Or the "Summer of '88"? If Bryan Adams were to sing these days, would he really be singing about a winter storm named Nemo? I dearly hope not...}<br />
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As we were driving to church this morning with our 4-5 inches of dusted snow, (Yes, I said "inches". That's all we've got as of today.) Hubby asked me what we would do with 3 feet of snow and where the snow drifts on the road. I dialed back my memory to my high school years where we had feet and feet of snow. We actually had to string electric fence on top of the corral posts to keep the cattle from walking over the top of the fences. That's a LOT of snow!<br />
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During my sophomore year of college, Fargo set a snowfall record. If there ever was a point in my life that I was sick of snow, that was it. As a residence life employee, we had to shovel on the weekends as there were no maintenance staff scheduled. And shovel we did! I may have perfected my grain shoveling skills on the farm, but I became a snow-shoveling professional at college.<br />
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Just four years ago, my brother <a href="http://morningjoyfarm.blogspot.com/2012/04/sin-of-omission.html" target="_blank">wrote a book</a> and came home with his wife to do some book signings. They had to stay in a hotel in Bismarck the first night because both I and my parents were snowed in at our respective farms until the next day. We have a picture of my brother standing on the corner corral post and it looks just 6 inches high!<br />
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For all of you who were in the "dump zones", do some stretches, keep hydrated and relaxed as you shovel yourself out. Stay safe and warm...it'll be our turn soon enough!!<br />
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-63224585025158049352013-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-08T07:00:06.304-06:00My Big DayI don't consider myself a political person. In our state, we don't have to register to vote so I've never really declared a party. I prefer to vote on people and issues and not a party line. I have never campaigned actively for a candidate or given money to a political party. But I've never missed a chance to vote. Ever.<br />
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<a href="http://morningjoyfarm.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-right-to-vote.html" target="_blank">My parents were wonderful role models when it came to the political process.</a> There were only two reasons my dad would sign us out from school. The first day of the State Class B basketball tournament, which in ND is a religion. And to spend a day at the legislature every other year. (Yes, our legislature meets every other year and only for 80 days.) He made sure we sat on the floor with our legislators, went to committee hearings, and understood the legislative process. By the time I went as a senior in high school, it was old hat.<br />
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Even with all that legislative experience, I'd never testified in a legislative committee hearing...UNTIL YESTERDAY! I was excited and nervous and may have wiggled my back foot just a bit (my nervous tic) until I told myself to "Suck it up and Get on with it!" Then, of course, I calmed right down.<br />
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It went well. The committee had lots of questions. I have some homework to do. All in all, a great experience.<br />
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And if you'd like to know just what I said to the Senate Agriculture Committee today, here's my testimony! (minus the tables that I can't post on the blog)<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>SB 2324 – Testimony<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>Annie Carlson<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>Morning Joy Farm – Mercer, ND<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>My husband and I own and operate Morning Joy Farm near
Mercer, ND.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same farm my
grandparents bought in 1941.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our three
young children are the fourth generation to live and work on this land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our grass-based farm raises pastured broiler
chickens, eggs, turkeys, pork and grass-fed lamb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while our pastured pork and grass-fed
lamb products are very popular, it is our poultry that is our main enterprise.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>All of our farm products are marketed direct to the
consumer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not sell to restaurants
or grocery stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not sell at a
farmer’s market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also do not
advertise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our customers order our
products in the spring of the year via a newsletter with an order blank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past two years, we have tripled and
doubled our production and continue to sell out long before the last batch of
chicks ever arrives in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
customers vary widely in age, family size, occupation and socio-economic
status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have elderly ladies who order
just two chickens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have large
families that order 80.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even have one
customer who orders a chicken for each of her children for Christmas, as she
told us, “They have every thing else, but they don’t have a good farm chicken!”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Why do we raise
poultry?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pastured
poultry production is seasonal</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
raise broilers from chicks to full-grown in 8-9 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turkeys take 16 weeks to reach slaughter
weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first batch of broiler
chicks arrives the second week of May and we harvest the last batch by the
middle of September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, raising
poultry and processing it yourself is hard work, but it’s only hard work for 4
months of the year.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pastured
poultry requires very little infrastructure</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brood our birds in a grain bin with an
Ohio brooder that I built from wood on our lumber pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birds are moved daily to fresh pasture
with portable shelters, that we have built, for the broilers or electric fence
for the turkeys.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We can
process poultry on our farm</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This dramatically
reduces animal stress before slaughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also allows my husband and I to visually inspect each and every bird
before it is packaged and sold to a customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any birds that do not meet my rigorous standard are marked with a large
“C” on the package and placed in our personal freezer for my family’s
consumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would not have this same
level of quality control if we were to take our birds to a processing facility.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Why don’t we take our
birds to a processing facility?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The state
of North Dakota has no public state or federally inspected poultry processing
plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closest USDA inspected
facility is 295 miles away in Ashby, MN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why do we need
SB2324?</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This bill
allows ND producers to follow the federal USDA regulations for poultry
processing, specifically the exemption made for producer/growers who process
less than 20,000 birds.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
exemption is found in P.L. 90-492.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">As the
state currently interprets this law, we would be required to have a facility,
sanitation and record keeping inspection if we raise and slaughter more than
1000 birds in a calendar year.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Keep
in mind, this applies to all birds:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>turkeys, broiler chickens, spent laying hens, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With these requirements, the only difference
between our family farm operation and a federally inspected facility is that we
wouldn’t have an inspector physically present to do a bird-by-bird inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, we would be required to have the
same type and grade of facilities as a federally inspected plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Building
a facility that would meet the facility and sanitation requirements that the
state currently requires would cost our farm a minimum of $40,000 to $80,000.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order for such an investment in
infrastructure, that facility would have to run every day, year-round to cash
flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given our seasonal production
model, that is not possible.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
freedom to raise and process up to 20,000 chickens would allow more farmers to
add poultry production to their operations.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As with most facets of agriculture, poultry production functions on an
economy of scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same killing
cones, scalder, plucker, evisceration table, and chill tanks are used whether
you are slaughtering 50, 500 or 5000 chickens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of us start small, try it out, see if we can raise chickens, see if
we even like chickens…and butchering chickens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our first year, we raised 112.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They sold like hotcakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
year we did 360 and were sold out again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last year, we processed 700 birds and had a waiting list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to share our financial plan for this
year to demonstrate the profitability of poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See attached tables.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>As you can see, poultry production
with on-farm slaughter exempt from inspection can be a viable enterprise for a
farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be the avenue that brings
back a son or daughter to the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
could be the job for a farmwife who tires of working off-farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be the college payment plan for
children.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is there a market for
poultry?</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>According
to the National Chicken Council, in 2011 the average American consumed 82.9lbs
of chicken.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Population of Bismarck in
2011**<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>62,665<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>5,194,928.5 lbs of chicken<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>1,298,732.1 chickens<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><i>*4lb average<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>65 farmers<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><i>*20,000 bird limit<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Population of North Dakota
in 2011**<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>684,740<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>56,764,946 lbs of chicken<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>14,191,236 chickens<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><i>*4lb average<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.45in;" valign="top" width="104">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>710 farmers<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><i>*20,000 bird limit<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>**Figures
from the US Census Bureau.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What about food
safety?</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
direct-market producers, we have to provide a safe, quality product each and
every time to each and every customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our customer base grows solely on word-of-mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our customers have to have a great product or
they won’t tell their friends about us and they won’t buy our product
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>Our birds are raised entirely by us
from their third day of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
a wonderful life, and one bad day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
bird is inspected by both my husband, and myself, to make sure it is healthy before
it is slaughtered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once on the
eviscerating table, I visually inspect the exterior of the bird for any
abnormalities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the evisceration
process, I inspect the organs for any abnormalities indicating disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, as the birds are packaged, both of
us again inspect the birds to make absolutely sure our customers are getting
the best possible product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our farm is
neither state nor federally inspected; instead, we are customer inspected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our customers are welcome to visit our farm
at any time, including on processing days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have taught a number of people how to butcher chickens:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some were potential growers, others were our
customers who wanted to know just how their chicken got from the field to their
fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our customers come to the
farm to pick up their chicken, this allows them to see for themselves how their
food is raised and processed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your
affirmative recommendation on SB2324 will open the doors for farmers in this
state to add or expand a viable enterprise to their operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will allow consumers increased access to
fresh-from-the-farm, local food that they are asking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>North Dakota should not have more onerous
requirements than the federal USDA guidelines outlined in P.L. 90-492.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thank you.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-88875220218898061332013-02-06T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-06T07:00:15.343-06:00When It's Cold OutsideThe past couple of weeks have given us here in the northern plains a taste of real winter. No blizzards, but icy cold temps. -10 degrees F (that's for my favorite Canadians!) was routine there for a few days as a HIGH temperature. And while those of us natives are used to such winter weather, it still limits what activities the kiddos can do outside. My rule for our little ones is: If the ambient air temperature is zero or above, they will go out to play. If it's colder, they may go outside with a parent to do chores. But only if they ask.<br />
<br />
So, what do three kiddos do who are used to going outside for at least a little bit each day?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do some box yoga.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShFD9LGe8TM10yl8-aX4-e1ccQTou3zRaGWYsscjWy0KndBpvAStha8BHHqnwGYN31x9jyziZdbFPsmfEWzVisn12xZ824UihLsdSSakbVG6n_TJfO6vfD1Nwgub61EckyA-gew_3n4g/s1600/DSC00412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShFD9LGe8TM10yl8-aX4-e1ccQTou3zRaGWYsscjWy0KndBpvAStha8BHHqnwGYN31x9jyziZdbFPsmfEWzVisn12xZ824UihLsdSSakbVG6n_TJfO6vfD1Nwgub61EckyA-gew_3n4g/s320/DSC00412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We learn to peel carrots while wearing our princess dress.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We help each other juice oranges for breakfast.</div>
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(Did you know a bag of oranges yields a quart and a half of juice and was MUCH cheaper than bottled OJ?)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had meetings with our dolls.</div>
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And we played so hard with our cowboy that we fell asleep before supper.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What have you been doing when it's so cold out?</div>
<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-87349690464872250432013-02-05T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-05T07:00:04.265-06:00Life Is Like the MoviesAs you know, we have a cowboy in our house. And our cowboys's favorite cowboy is Cowboy Woody from Toy Story. His favorite toy, hands down, is his stuffed Woody doll. Woody does everything but go in the bathtub.<br />
<br />
If you watched Toy Story 2, you know that Woody get his arm torn and is considered broken.<br />
<br />
In a moment of rough play....<br />
<br />
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Woody's arm was torn! The very same arm as in the movie.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was crying and whimpering and begging Mama to fix him.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got out my trusty needle and thread and started sewing.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kiddo2 held Woody's hand and looked on in intense concentration.</div>
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<br />
And when it was over, my cowboy was VERY happy to have his cowboy back!<br />
<br />
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Who says life isn't like the movies???</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-89503212582870253832013-02-04T15:19:00.005-06:002013-02-04T15:19:56.388-06:00If You're Wanting...Now that we're smack-dab into the month of February, we may have some needs or wants that we feel we must have. And, because I strive to help in any way I can, here's how you can get what you want:<br />
<br />
<b>1. If you're wanting to have an entire swimming pool complex to yourself.</b><br />
Take your family during the Super Bowl. Guaranteed to allow your family the run and fun of a multi-million dollar complex. We went to the Big City to celebrate Kiddo3's birthday (two weeks after the fact, but that was fitting as she had turned two) and stay in a hotel and have pizza delivered. Did you know they brought pizza to you??? I hadn't seen such a thing since 1999. I'm happy to report that all three kiddos have grown by leaps and bounds in their willingness and their swimming skills. <br />
<br />
<b>2. If you're wanting to not sleep at all in a hotel.</b><br />
Ask your kids, who all sleep alone, to all share a pull-out bed. It did not go well. AT ALL. There was rolling into and onto siblings. There was touching. There was pillow stealing. There was stuffed toys dropping off of the bed. At midnight, all three of them were awake and asked to watch TV. Fine, I figured they would get drowsy and fall asleep. But the thing about your kids watching very little TV is that it captivates them. Thirty minutes later they were all still awake. I was nodding off, but they were awake. Finally, at 2:30, I gave up and brought Kiddo3 into our king-sized bed. Which defeated the whole purpose of getting a suite-style room! {sigh} I told him, "Next time we're just bringing their sleeping bags and leaving the couch as a couch!" He gave me a look that said there probably won't be a next time.<br />
<br />
<b>3. If you're wanting to clean your house.</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Take a week off of your blog and focus your attention on getting your office/school room set up. </span></b><br />
<br />
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This is my side. You can tell by the organization.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM0xqlpYUdKbm7l-9hsbtHP7-kSzblh3wfy-vTd4U-g0MHAVu5zyekaC9tcl6Kxkl1MHuojXNksGuPFrkBnaqjllmEMjTnpOfgZRqkAmeZjuNRlLl8gb4_t8Oh7-JdwegxRWj_Sy99pg/s1600/DSC00423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM0xqlpYUdKbm7l-9hsbtHP7-kSzblh3wfy-vTd4U-g0MHAVu5zyekaC9tcl6Kxkl1MHuojXNksGuPFrkBnaqjllmEMjTnpOfgZRqkAmeZjuNRlLl8gb4_t8Oh7-JdwegxRWj_Sy99pg/s320/DSC00423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Hubby's side. We have some more work to do here. And Grandma has some desks for the kiddos that will be over here.</div>
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<b>4. If you want to impress your kids.</b></div>
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Take them to a hotel and then order pizza. Kiddo2 was shocked that they brought pizza to our room. I was as well when I was his age. Ahhh, the simple life leads to simple memories.</div>
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That's what I've been wanting. What are you wanting??</div>
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-31262259344151019462013-01-28T09:44:00.001-06:002013-01-28T09:44:13.862-06:00HousekeepingFourteen of the last 20 days, I've been gone. First, at my Rural Leadership seminar. Then to visit my beloved southern family (my mom, brother, sista (my affectionate name for my sister-in-law, even though they live in the south, they are not related), and nephew. And finally, to attend the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society's annual Winter Conference.<br />
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And although Hubby may be many wonderful things, a housekeeper he is not.<br />
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I'll spare you the graphic details, but I'll just say that I need to so some housecleaning. Deep down, little-boy-bathroom housecleaning. Deep down, husband-cooking-kitchen housecleaning. I think you get my drift...<br />
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So, today I'm cleaning.<br />
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But I'll be back with news from the conference, ode to a crockpot, website information, and a rant about being a lunatic.<br />
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See? So much to look forward to!<br />
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Until then, I'll be scrubbing...Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-66083982919847010292013-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-24T07:00:11.103-06:00A New Year, A New Quiet Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year I had read Ann Voskamp's <u>One Thousand Gifts</u> and journaled my gifts during my quiet time. I also read Eugene Peterson's <u>The Daily Message</u> each day.</div>
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This year Hubby bought me a five year journal and Joyce Meyer's <u>Love Out Loud</u> devotional.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPscW_pNyS7gdSYgDpd4Zsbl5K1AcVWEUHxeprgcF17tz60oDNdnvLX2dOjNsWO2GMgdU_cBCgb9Zexi-cYWM-5H6SFr8yIlhCJb5uCdL2v_3cowpW7OqSfiuOzJIpvcyOpLZrNyldXU/s1600/DSC00372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPscW_pNyS7gdSYgDpd4Zsbl5K1AcVWEUHxeprgcF17tz60oDNdnvLX2dOjNsWO2GMgdU_cBCgb9Zexi-cYWM-5H6SFr8yIlhCJb5uCdL2v_3cowpW7OqSfiuOzJIpvcyOpLZrNyldXU/s320/DSC00372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My focus this year is LOVE, to love better, deeper and more "felt". Does that make sense? Probably not. I want those I love to FEEL loved. Part of this is due to the fact that my husband and I have <a href="http://morningjoyfarm.blogspot.com/2012/12/love-languages.html" target="_blank">completely opposite love languages</a>. What would completely knock my socks off in love and adoration means next to nothing to my husband. And I need to remember that.</div>
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Also, I need to love God. Not just in word, but in deed. And I need to feel His love. To know the many, many ways He loves me.</div>
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What are you working on for 2013?</div>
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Love each other.</div>
<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-50073746142841174782013-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-23T11:45:55.642-06:00The Thrill of Organization!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place.</div>
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But I married a "I can't find it if I can't see it" kind of guy.</div>
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We struggle with this daily.</div>
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One of the biggest areas of struggle was the kids' coats, shoes, hats and mittens.</div>
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Enter the Fix-It Farmwife and her trusty drill, some coat hooks and crates. This closet used to have coats on hangers. I don't even like to hang a coat on a hanger, so my kiddos weren't about to start. And besides, it was five feet in the air.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_I-L6Y_a8yJiMebdIwtMBnnXykgbMOwOuJqmvnB05d-vE93e20pXQ45Xyyr6OuCLoolzjaM0itbXteWCxeYV5OHqhTt9uxlO0SzR6LSlmkPd05UWD4hCLRG8iCv6nJDTc_wpjnP7B2Y/s1600/DSC00371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_I-L6Y_a8yJiMebdIwtMBnnXykgbMOwOuJqmvnB05d-vE93e20pXQ45Xyyr6OuCLoolzjaM0itbXteWCxeYV5OHqhTt9uxlO0SzR6LSlmkPd05UWD4hCLRG8iCv6nJDTc_wpjnP7B2Y/s320/DSC00371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now we have a place for everything!!</div>
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(We're working on the "everything in its place" part.)</div>
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I may be just a little bit excited about this.</div>
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But so is Kiddo2...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyVeyxQpVn7OKbZv0HG4eaD5MkG1eUMgqa8P6V8XKqhvU9Q1VQV6_2gs36-z5OuR8YIrl-exKpO0dH9_P9uW22ZZxHyRmhp3zHj_jj0qG5ls03v3kH_3ywVt_fvNtEXt9a36G1RMg2Ww/s1600/DSC00378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyVeyxQpVn7OKbZv0HG4eaD5MkG1eUMgqa8P6V8XKqhvU9Q1VQV6_2gs36-z5OuR8YIrl-exKpO0dH9_P9uW22ZZxHyRmhp3zHj_jj0qG5ls03v3kH_3ywVt_fvNtEXt9a36G1RMg2Ww/s320/DSC00378.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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just look at that smile! It says "Wow Mama, now I finally have a hook for my coat! My life is complete."</div>
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Or, maybe it just says, "I've been playing with potato heads"...</div>
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-4917277038213681512013-01-22T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-22T07:00:04.271-06:00Doing the ImpossibleToday I'm at our state's capitol doing the impossible. Or, rather, what is impossible for me. I'm going to propose legislation that impacts the future of our farm. And I'm going to battle with a friend. Someone I've known all my life. Someone who sits behind me in church. Someone who is a pillar of our church and our community. <br />
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And that someone is also a state senator who took this almost-bill and is helping me get my ducks in a row.<br />
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So, some prayers sent my way today would be greatly appreciated. Prayer that I am coherent, compelling, convincing and courageous. <br />
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When I'd rather just be in the corner knitting...but that doesn't start with C.Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-65750334414332574752013-01-21T10:35:00.002-06:002013-01-21T10:35:43.738-06:00She's 2!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday we celebrated Kiddo3's birthday. She's 2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8WzS5kiTox5Qok7H-7wRTys5Gtg7wxbawH5UrpjnTuJxez7uciOzcjhdezNpJKJESeI7RjByu-9Fin1cahwbif5Bc0NsBarTv_KJ-farQPL_szSAH8cnPp5S9SqlcVOAI1S-vLUThtI/s1600/DSC00382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8WzS5kiTox5Qok7H-7wRTys5Gtg7wxbawH5UrpjnTuJxez7uciOzcjhdezNpJKJESeI7RjByu-9Fin1cahwbif5Bc0NsBarTv_KJ-farQPL_szSAH8cnPp5S9SqlcVOAI1S-vLUThtI/s320/DSC00382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She had homegrown ham, smoked gouda scalloped potatoes and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for her birthday.</div>
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She found her presents and opened one early. I only found out because she came out to the kitchen to throw away the wrapping paper.</div>
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Two years ago it was this cold, but we had much, MUCH more snow. And the day we were supposed to come home from the hospital it was blowing so bad that Hubby and the other kids couldn't come get us. We spent an extra night with our friends on the OB floor.</div>
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In the past two years this girl has brought an amazing dimension to our family. She is our MOST child. She is the most loud, most happy, most active, most messy, most destructive, most smiley, most loving person in our family. </div>
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She is an early riser, almost always the first one out of bed. She doesn't talk much (I think it's because she's waiting to get a word in between the talk of cowboys) but when she does, it amazes us. She knows FAR more than what she lets on. (We can't believe she knows the word "heavy" when trying to lift mom's computer bag.)</div>
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Happy Birthday, Note!</div>
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-17004452054107367502013-01-18T12:00:00.000-06:002013-01-21T23:01:23.709-06:00Ask Annie Volume IIIAs is tradition, we've got some great questions to answer this week:<br />
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<b>1. Do chickens have a "scheduled" laying time. We haven't figured out ours yet. I have the kids running out there 3 times a day to try and get the eggs before they freeze! I often have cracked, frozen eggs.</b><br />
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Hubby is in charge of all chicken management and right now he's ice fishing so I'll have to pinch hit for him. He will correct me in the comments, if necessary. So, here it goes.<br />
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The winter chore schedule is very different than the summer chore schedule. Hubby goes out to "chore" around 10am. This gives the morning hens a chance to lay some eggs. He waters and feeds the hens and Patsy. Then he waters the flerd and then comes in. Probably about a half hour, if he's slow. He does evening chores around 4:30 so that everyone can drink before the water freezes. And Patsy and the chickens go to bed early so we want to give them time to eat as well. He gathers the majority of the eggs at this time. We don't have a problem with eggs freezing (usually) because our hoophouse is so warm during the day.<br />
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Frozen eggs are still edible. If we have frozen eggs, we keep them for ourselves and in a separate kind of egg carton. And we put them in there right away, while they are still frozen. Sometimes the crack will come back together and be practically invisible and then you can't tell them apart from the un-frozen eggs.<br />
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<b>2. How do you find time to garden with small children?</b><br />
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Well, the first step is to be realistic. Your garden will never look like Martha Stewart's. Your plants will be stepped on, pulled up, nibbled on, and "loved" to death. But we're not just growing vegetables, we're growing garden-loving kids. And a large measure of grace is to be given to mamas and kiddos. Grace to ourselves as mamas that there will be weeds and crooked rows and mistakes. Grace to our kiddos as they learn about the garden, what they can and can not eat, what they can and can not pull up. You'll learn together and soon they will love the garden just as much as you do. My two older kids can help harvest vegetables and know the different kinds. Kiddo3 is still a bit of a terror in the garden, but the great thing is that the older two are teaching her. Kiddo1 helped me transplant all of our tomatoes and peppers. She loves to help plant other seeds. Kiddo2 is good at harvest, not such a fan of planting. The best part is all the eating that goes on in the garden! And in just a few short years, the little ones are big enough to be a real help...until then, grace to us all!<br />
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<b>3. What animals would you recommend for a family with small children, a need of further farm education, and plenty of space?</b><br />
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My advice, and this is completely my opinion so take it for whatever it's worth, start SMALL. So many people start farming or move to the country and buy 50 llamas and 10 geese. And then they sit and look at each other because there is no market for llamas and the geese eat all the flowers and poop on the porch. Read, read and read. Talk to people. Go to small farm workshops and classes (I highly recommend Farm Beginnings). Find a mentor that you can ask for help when your goat goes through the barb wire fence and you're not sure if she needs stitches or not.<br />
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And then there's what NOT to do:<br />
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Do NOT, under any circumstances, start with pets. And by pets, I mean bottle lambs or calves. They are expensive, time consuming and rapidly go from pet to pest. If you want sheep, buy three or four bred ewes (mama sheep who are pregnant). Or better yet, ask around if you can "rent" some for a summer to see if you like them. Same thing with all other livestock. Start with a few and see how it goes.<br />
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Do NOT, under any circumstances, buy something expensive just because you have livestock. For pete's sake, don't buy a pickup and a trailer for $65,000 to haul your three cows. Those are the most expensive cows in the country, if you do that. Which you won't, right? Don't build a new barn. There are plenty of small buildings sitting on farmsteads that can be moved or torn down for next to nothing.<br />
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Do NOT buy poultry from a farm store or livestock from an auction barn. Order your poultry from a reputable hatchery (we love Hoovers Hatchery in Rudd, IA) and buy livestock from an experienced farmer. You do not need registered breeding stock or even purebred, you want something that will do well for you. <br />
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After all of that, what animals should you get? My personal favorites are sheep and goats. (Again, NO PETS.) Buy from a reputable breeder who will support you after you bring them home. Sheep and goats are small enough to be handled without large equipment. Remember, sheep and goats are herding animals and must have a herd to live with...or they will live in your herd. I would say minimum of three. One sheep and two goats doesn't cut it. Ducks and chickens are good for kids to handle. Geese and turkeys can be aggressive. Although our turkeys have never chased our kids and they help to feed them, older turkeys (especially toms) can chase children. We had geese a few times growing up and they are (generally) loud and destructive and messy. Poop messy. Everywhere. <br />
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I wouldn't recommend pigs for families with small children either. Even though we have pigs and now breeding pigs, our kids are not allowed in the pig pen. Not because Patsy is aggressive, she's very calm and gentle. But because pigs are so strong and low to the ground, she would easily knock over my kiddos. And not all pigs are as great as Patsy (which is why she isn't in the freezer right now!) so we keep a close eye on our kids and our pigs. And that goes for ANY animal. You ABSOLUTELY do not want an animal that you can't turn your back on. For example, we had a rooster two years ago that was aggressive and attacked me one day as I gathered eggs. Left bruises on my leg with his spurs (toes on the side of his legs). I came in and told Hubby "He goes in the stewpot...NOW!" We have a goat in our freezer who was a horror to milk and a bully. I have ZERO tolerance for aggressive animals.<br />
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I think that was our best "Ask Annie" yet!! <br />
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Any other questions for next time??<br />
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<b><br /></b>Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-20392955567342596002013-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-17T07:00:12.063-06:00What I Can't Live Without<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back in my wild single day during my teaching years, I had summers off. And in my summers I worked for a dear friend of mine as a gardener. One day a week or so, we would declare war on a part of her extensive flower gardens. Rogue trees were dug out, waist high weeds were pulled out, landscaping was installed, mulch was laid. You get the picture.</div>
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Cindy taught me 95% of what I know about gardening, especially flowers. You never learn so much about a person as when you are working side by side with them. And Cindy knows me well.</div>
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So well that she gave me this plaque for my "new" home for Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5kpNoU2YI4AmyYKIFlV-SRl6asv0JcN3lwChpLNtCidr99cWC7d6GS3hTcZ0cPeIca5VFJNazLruVKXu2WY9W96ekguVbFrgqluMrUKXOVcviD_ulq2wuuuCrfx-zuRfC4QIEZLW9r0/s1600/DSC00289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5kpNoU2YI4AmyYKIFlV-SRl6asv0JcN3lwChpLNtCidr99cWC7d6GS3hTcZ0cPeIca5VFJNazLruVKXu2WY9W96ekguVbFrgqluMrUKXOVcviD_ulq2wuuuCrfx-zuRfC4QIEZLW9r0/s320/DSC00289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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No where on this plaque does it say "iPhone" or "HDTV" or "new car" or "yearly vacations". Which are a lot of things that my generation, in particular, believe that they cannot live without. </div>
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Because I'm visiting my mom, I'm exposed to things like news networks. The big news on Tuesday was the possibility of the solar flares disrupting satellite performance, and in turn all of our satellite-dependent electronic devices. </div>
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Let's think about this for a minute. Could you live without satellite service a day? Some people I know would get the shakes and violent head twitches. Could you live without it for a week? We may soon find out.</div>
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What are the things we think we can't live without? </div>
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(For me, I would add to the plaque above "and a goat", because I like meat and milk.)</div>
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What's yours?</div>
Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-20132200790710367702013-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-16T07:00:11.870-06:00School Lunch Soapbox - They Might As Well Move In{Fair warning: There is no sugar coating in this post. My blood pressure is up and my soapbox is mounted.}<br />
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Back in April, <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/04/09/150278735/schools-fill-hungry-kids-bellies-with-breakfast-lunch-and-now-dinner" target="_blank">NPR did a story</a> that flew under my radar. Not that my radar is all-encompassing, but I didn't see or hear about it until this fall when the non-profit that I work for held a webinar with a presenter from Vermont discussing the Farm to School program. In his presentation, he highlighted that a number of schools he works with in Vermont now have supper programs for students.<br />
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Supper programs? What are supper programs?<br />
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Feeding programs, in schools, to feed kids supper before they go home.<br />
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YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.<br />
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I couldn't believe it. So I looked it up. And in the aforementioned NPR article, it states that there are supper programs in all 50 states. I don't know which school(s) have supper programs in North Dakota, but apparently we have some somewhere. I'd love to visit with the administrators of this school.<br />
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To say that I am incredulous would be an understatement...What's next? Going home with each kid to make sure they do their homework and tuck them into bed at night? Where is parental responsibility? Why have we as parents abdicated ALL our rights and responsibilities to the <strike>schools</strike> government?<br />
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It is bad enough that the majority of schools have breakfast programs because somehow many parents cannot get it together to put a healthy breakfast on the table before school. But now we are asking the schools to feed them supper as well.<br />
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Back in the early days of public school, the schools were only asked to teach. That's it. Just teach children how to read, write and do mathematics, understand the natural world, appreciate music and art. Trust me, as a former teacher, it would be wonderful if that's all the school system had to do today.<br />
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Instead, we are teaching character traits, moral ethics, sex education, anti-bullying tactics, drug and alcohol education, and self-esteem...just to name a few. All of these things were taught at home, by parents to their children utilizing their religious (or not) value system. And let's not forget all the things that we lost along the way, like many art, music, home economics and physical education courses.<br />
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And, until 1946, there was no national school feeding program. <br />
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We've wondered what has happened in American education that we have fallen so far compared to previous times in our nation's history and compared to other nations. And we've begged and pleaded that more money be spent on education. We've promised that more money will solve the problems that have plagued our educational system. Have we seen the results of that tactic?<br />
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Perhaps school systems need to do less and parents need to do more. <br />
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{I'll let that previous statement sink in for a minute...}<br />
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Perhaps school systems need to do less and parents need to do more. More parenting. More talking about sex, drugs, alcohol, character, morals, bullies, courage, compassion, love. More teaching of life skills. More modeling of lives well-lived.<br />
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Maybe if parents did more parenting, the schools could do more teaching.<br />
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And if they don't want to do that, then those students might as well just move in because the only role some parents are willing to assume is that of procreation.<br />
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<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-86041944986248046772013-01-15T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-15T07:00:06.998-06:00It's Time!I haven't done an "Ask Annie" post in quite some time. So, my friends, get your questions together. Scrounge under your van seats to find the receipt that you scrawled that burning question on. Your options are here on the blog (feel free to post as anonymous), on Facebook or via email.<br />
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We've had such fun in the past.<br />
I'd love to make it last.<br />
No question too big or small.<br />
You know I'll answer them all.<br />
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(But I promise not to answer in cheesy rhymes...)<br />
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<br />Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-70180450412849956572013-01-14T13:53:00.003-06:002013-01-14T13:53:43.946-06:00A Classic Case of ND GuiltAs I told you last week, I was in our state's capitol for my Rural Leadership program. And while I was there, a storm was brewing and forecasted to hit early Friday morning with freezing rain and then the afternoon with at least 7 inches of snow. <br />
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This wouldn't have been such a big deal if I was just going home on Friday afternoon. Because once I was home, I could just snuggle in with Hubby and wait out the storm. But Kiddo1 and I had an appointment to meet an airplane that left at 5am on Saturday morning. The original plan was to come home on Friday, go to bed early and then leave at 3am on Saturday (we live an hour from the airport). But with the Snow-pocalypse upon us, we knew we had to change plans.<br />
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I went home on Thursday night after our legislative social to fetch Kiddo1, her clothes, my clothes, and a suitcase of meat. That's right. I just said "a suitcase of meat". <br />
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I come from a family of meat producers, meat cookers and meat eaters. We're pretty picky about our meat. My brother and mother live in the south where they swear they can't get good meat. So I brought some chickens, hot dogs, summer sausage and gizzards. As well as a big jar of our local honey. I used to have to bring a suitcase of sausage, but then my brother bought a smoker and started making his own with our great uncle's recipe. Like I said, my family is serious about our meat!<br />
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We had deliberately not told Kiddo1 that she was going to visit Grandma because we wanted her to sleep before the trip. So when I arrived home on Thursday night and we told her, there was much excitement for a four year old. I told her to pack some toys in her backpack. And, true to her nature, she packed the most random and unrelated assortment of her toys. Mama did have to go through it and edit the toys to a few that actually made sense. Because she would have taken a doll shoe, three legos, two wooden blocks, a birthday hat and half a bun.<br />
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So we re-packed the backpack and headed back to the Big City to spend the night. During the night, the freezing rain began. Kiddo1 came along to my Rural Leadership activities on Friday morning. We stopped at the grocery store to pick up a light lunch and some travel snacks and headed back to our hotel. I had a little girl who was VERY excited to go to the pool. <br />
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We swam for about an hour while the freezing rain turned to snow. We finished with 10 minutes in the hot tub....ahhhhhhhh! A nap was next on the agenda, for Kiddo1 and Mama. Then it was back to the pool for another hour of fun before we ordered in a pizza. It was Friday night after all!<br />
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It was a wonderful day spent with my favorite traveler!<br />
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Morning came early as we caught a shuttle from our hotel to the airport at 3:30am. I'd like you to try and convince a four year old to take her beloved cowboy boots off and (even worse) put her beloved rabbit in a plastic box and send it into a dark hole. And that's how going through security went at 4:15am. Once we got on the plane, she went to sleep. We made it through all three flights to get to Knoxville 20 minutes early!<br />
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Uncle Skip and Grandma were there to pick us up. As Kiddo1 walked through the airport doors, she said "Mama, it's so WARM here!" And then she rolled up her sleeves. When we left North Dakota, the temperature was -12, we arrived to 68 degrees in Tennessee. <br />
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And as I shed my jeans and sweater for my capri pants and light t-shirt, I was guilty. Oh-so-guilty. I should be home fighting the cold, finding extra layers, cooking soup and knitting socks. But instead, I'm enjoying some R&R at my mother's house. She's cooking up a storm and I'm doing my part in eating it all. I've got guilt, a classic case of ND guilt...Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-47220962403217285872013-01-10T23:57:00.002-06:002013-01-10T23:57:47.628-06:00Snow-nami or Snow-pocalypse?I am usually never one to let the weather scare me, but with a 5am flight on Saturday morning with Kiddo1...well, I don't want to spend my money on plane tickets that will never be used. So we're holed up here at the hotel. I have another morning of my leadership seminar, with a four year old tag-a-long. <br />
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More tomorrow and snow-nami or snow-pocalypse update!Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6163013588551868009.post-22381981860695830622013-01-09T22:57:00.001-06:002013-01-09T22:57:11.982-06:00Into the FutureIt's planning season here on the farm. Which means I have BIG dreams and plans...and Hubby has reality.<br />
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I tend to think anything is possible. He refers to it as my "eternal optimism". Hubby knows that anything could go wrong. I refer to him as the "voice of reason". <br />
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And when Eternal Optimism meets Voice of Reason, that's where we find a farm plan.<br />
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For example, I think we should do 50 turkeys next year. Hubby says 30. Which means that it will probably be 30. (Unless I can convince him that the hatchery made a mistake and sent 50...)<br />
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The problem with moving is that the post office doesn't forward seed catalogs so I've had to go on each companies website and request new catalogs. As of today, only one has shown up. So at a time when I've had my seed lists done and orders made, I still don't have a clue of what I'm doing for seed.<br />
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We're waiting on a boar for Patsy Swine. He's an Old Spot boar and we're pretty thrilled to farrow our own pigs this year. There's also a couple of Berkshire and Hampshire gilts available that we are talking about.<br />
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Anyone else doing planning for 2013?Annie, Morning Joy Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416418852195090178noreply@blogger.com1