tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58045213786407795162024-03-14T06:18:02.869+01:00Roots In SwedenWe are a happy family living together on a working dairy farm in northern Sweden. Here on our blog we love to share our favorite things about life on the farm, everyday tasks, friends, family, photos and a few recipes. Välkomnan!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-72238182888428134572017-11-12T18:31:00.000+01:002017-11-12T18:44:55.469+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-large;"><i> "Chalk" Value!</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is Elisa, our Diminutive Dynamo from Germany </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">who was interning with us last year at this time on our farm. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She is modelling a haute couture chalk-drenched coverall, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in front of the Pump House, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">just before going in to strip down and change.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This post will take you through the process that got her there,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and will introduce you to yet another miraculous event,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(and there were a lot of them on the farm that year)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that we have experienced.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This particular one pertains to </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"The Wonderful World of Chalking"</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and it's...</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>All good news!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Past years have found us every June striving to get:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>all the new calves that were born in March, April and May</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>weaned, bottle trained, grain/hay fed, and </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>out into the front field safely to graze for the Summer and Fall, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the eco Kitchen Garden tilled, dunged, planned, planted,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and covered with fiberduk, which is that white webb-y stuff you have to </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>use in northern Sweden so that the seeds will actually germinate </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>when the soil is still pretty cold, </i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><i>the Small Animal barn emptied of baby calves one group at a time, power-washed, along with the main barn, from ceiling-to walls-to floors in preparation for the chalking.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i>and finally, </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>ALL the milk cows who have been wintering in the main barn, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>fully recovered from their calf-bearing, with their udders stabilized </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and their milk production consistent,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>going out every morning to the fields after milking, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and not coming in until the early evening for milking again. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>That meant we could have about 8-10 hours </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>during the day to do the...</i></b></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> D</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>-r-e-a-d-e-d C-</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">h-a-l-k-i-n-g.</span></i></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Even with all the cows out and the power-washing completed, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> it felt like a daunting task to do by hand. Add to that the problem of the consistency of your chalk mixture. If you had it too thick when it dried it fell off the walls again in clumps and sheeted layers, if you had it too thin, it didn't cover properly. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not good.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5IKmV3eZZM/WBuN6U7n14I/AAAAAAAAHao/M3iKiwKueook4r0J1ApAqx45IpUER81tgCLcB/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5IKmV3eZZM/WBuN6U7n14I/AAAAAAAAHao/M3iKiwKueook4r0J1ApAqx45IpUER81tgCLcB/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma65guPlYlg/WBuNw2m91HI/AAAAAAAAHak/2Rnlb72_O1QCzVHnUt4zRnx7HkMWhPryACLcB/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma65guPlYlg/WBuNw2m91HI/AAAAAAAAHak/2Rnlb72_O1QCzVHnUt4zRnx7HkMWhPryACLcB/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Working on the lower walls you could carry your bucket of liquid chalk with you. Working on the upper walls it was a larger bucket and a step ladder,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>or if you were tall enough, you could sometimes do it from ceiling to floor</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>in one pass. </i></b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>But no matter how you did it, the chalk mixture eventually made your nose itch - at the best of times - and sting - if you were particularly sensitive.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Witness "The Painting Mask Trio" pictured here.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>An arduous task to say the least, and it usually took a full week , with a fair number of "drink breaks"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>for the teams to accomplish it all.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>But last year.....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Pappa looked again at an item he had seen several times before in one of the farm implement magazines. Made in Austria, it purported to be a </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Chalk Sprayer"</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>promising quick and even coverage, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>with a <u><span style="font-size: large;">minimum</span></u> of mess/cleanup </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>and </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>a <u><span style="font-size: large;">maximum</span></u> of speed/efficiency.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was a bit pricey,</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and more importantly, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>unfamiliar to farmers in this area, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>most of whom no longer chalk their barns. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>That is because we are one of the few surviving "Family Farms"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>in this region who milk 16-24 cows each day, use a bull instead of A.I.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and have their cows calf once a year in the Spring.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The great advantage of chalking the barns is that </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>it discourages insect pests, </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>both flying and burrowing,</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>making it much more comfortable for the animals throughout the year. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We decided to give it a try, ordered it up, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and it arrived on the truck a few days later.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enter the "FAB FOUR".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Left to right - Elisa - Germany, Melayne - USA, Shushy - Canada,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and Gibb - USA.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6poUPQaOGyI/WBzqoVAsJdI/AAAAAAAAHck/aPVhlT8oRWMYQPu5uHjjvqtY9JyWZAW4gCLcB/s1600/P1000018%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6poUPQaOGyI/WBzqoVAsJdI/AAAAAAAAHck/aPVhlT8oRWMYQPu5uHjjvqtY9JyWZAW4gCLcB/s640/P1000018%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Here were their qualifications:</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Elisa:</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#1 - Spoke German so she could actually <span style="font-size: large;">read </span>the instructions.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#2 - Incredibly cheerful and intelligent, so she could <span style="font-size: large;">understand</span> the instructions.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#3 - Had a work ethic and a<span style="font-size: large;"> "can-do" mentality</span> that would make Steve Jobs proud.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Melayne:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#1 - Ready and willing to do <span style="font-size: large;">anything</span>, even if it was new. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#2 -<span style="font-size: large;"> S</span><span style="font-size: large;">trong enough</span> to mix up the ensuing batches of chalk .</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#3 -<span style="font-size: large;"> D</span><span style="font-size: large;">etail oriented</span> so she could check pressure, do walls, and mask. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Shushy: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#1 - <span style="font-size: large;">To</span><span style="font-size: large;">tally tall,</span> and could reach places no one else could reach . </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#2 - <span style="font-size: large;">To</span><span style="font-size: large;">ns of fun</span> in any situation or challenge.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#3 - <span style="font-size: large;">N</span><span style="font-size: large;">ever gave up</span> no matter what.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Gibb: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#1 - <span style="font-size: large;">Sm</span><span style="font-size: large;">art as a whip</span> so he could figure out better ways of doing the job efficiently.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#2 - A champion at power-washing - <span style="font-size: large;">fast and accurate</span>.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>#3 - <span style="font-size: large;">A </span><span style="font-size: large;"> joy to be around and work with</span> with his sparkling personality.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was a win, win, win, win team.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQG0iAQR-bs/WBuOrjHj3QI/AAAAAAAAHa8/iIpjFvDGXbEe14XUt5cQSWoxg_-lgLOcwCLcB/s1600/P1000099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQG0iAQR-bs/WBuOrjHj3QI/AAAAAAAAHa8/iIpjFvDGXbEe14XUt5cQSWoxg_-lgLOcwCLcB/s400/P1000099.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>With the four of them pitching in, the power-washing and wall prep work in the small animal barn were finished super fast .</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Next was the masking, </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the most time-consuming part</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> as the ceiling is very high. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the picture above you can see some of it on the walls.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Then Pappa stirred up the first batch of the chalk mixture, showing an example and making sure it was correct, </i></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>and filling the big, blue barrel. </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wX-DKFHmdhQ/WBuOti3a93I/AAAAAAAAHbI/3-SqCjXhhJwJjmtmbOOT1vfKvF_IOscigCLcB/s1600/P1000108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wX-DKFHmdhQ/WBuOti3a93I/AAAAAAAAHbI/3-SqCjXhhJwJjmtmbOOT1vfKvF_IOscigCLcB/s200/P1000108.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ZDjYgmqoI/WBuOriQgeaI/AAAAAAAAHbE/tal__2l2MngFwTWG6AuJ9S8uqLzVUNuuwCLcB/s1600/P1000102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72ZDjYgmqoI/WBuOriQgeaI/AAAAAAAAHbE/tal__2l2MngFwTWG6AuJ9S8uqLzVUNuuwCLcB/s200/P1000102.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Once that was ready, Elisa started with the spraying of the ceiling</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> ('always do the worst first'), </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>then moved on to the upper walls, then down to the lower walls.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH8nATV1LhM/WBuOrvkZSEI/AAAAAAAAHbA/qAH0m11D_LQotkVRL4hs6wAjn1VktcfLQCLcB/s1600/P1000100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH8nATV1LhM/WBuOrvkZSEI/AAAAAAAAHbA/qAH0m11D_LQotkVRL4hs6wAjn1VktcfLQCLcB/s320/P1000100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Both Gibb and Shushy had to leave the farm before the spraying part was finished. He went home with his Dad to the U.S.A. and she went on to the next leg of her Swedish trip with her relatives.</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iypRGlfuDUA/WBzo76Qj2GI/AAAAAAAAHcU/lnNk8V91pqweIouHzD6zs8tqimhyNnffwCLcB/s1600/P1000123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iypRGlfuDUA/WBzo76Qj2GI/AAAAAAAAHcU/lnNk8V91pqweIouHzD6zs8tqimhyNnffwCLcB/s400/P1000123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>That left Melayne and Elisa plowing on together and look at the result!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOwVMvzq5X0/WBzik-XZuuI/AAAAAAAAHbg/XsT9b2cTy90i2chHlAa5j7wx1YPQI7yLQCLcB/s1600/P1000116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOwVMvzq5X0/WBzik-XZuuI/AAAAAAAAHbg/XsT9b2cTy90i2chHlAa5j7wx1YPQI7yLQCLcB/s400/P1000116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A work to be proud of !</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6Q4pr7KWHs/WBznUhM3vPI/AAAAAAAAHcA/VdFbqBwXnnc_8pzESCk85glc3CjxtBDTgCLcB/s1600/P1000134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6Q4pr7KWHs/WBznUhM3vPI/AAAAAAAAHcA/VdFbqBwXnnc_8pzESCk85glc3CjxtBDTgCLcB/s320/P1000134.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Going from a main-barn interior that looked like this.....</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPeP_-m93Cs/WBz2jCJ3UJI/AAAAAAAAHc0/vIe9N2iH9as7gJXErqgH44jbPdg6Vd8MQCLcB/s1600/P1000154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPeP_-m93Cs/WBz2jCJ3UJI/AAAAAAAAHc0/vIe9N2iH9as7gJXErqgH44jbPdg6Vd8MQCLcB/s320/P1000154.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>to one that looked like this seemed almost like a miracle! And truly it was....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>But in the end result, we happily </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Chalked" it up </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>to a job...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>VERY WELL DONE!</i></b></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-54134635564617260522015-11-21T19:27:00.000+01:002015-11-21T19:27:59.963+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Politically Correct"</i></b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUEUoB6SjK4/Vk2mnXZdfwI/AAAAAAAAHRo/KwOOo1n6VRw/s1600/Church%2BSteps%2Bw%2BCorrected%2BFinger.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUEUoB6SjK4/Vk2mnXZdfwI/AAAAAAAAHRo/KwOOo1n6VRw/s640/Church%2BSteps%2Bw%2BCorrected%2BFinger.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Robert Louis Stevenson and Isobel Steel Bannatyne,<br />1st May 1943,<br />on the front steps of Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, <br />Belfast, Northern Ireland</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>This was my parents' wedding day.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>He was a 24 year old American from Chicago </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>who was working </i></b></span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>in the war effort </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>for Lockheed Aircraft overseas. </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">S</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">he was an 18 year old Scottish girl whose family had come to Belfast</span></i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for her father's work when she was a child.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> She was working in the accounting office of a tobacco company.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>They met at a church service that was held up the stairs, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>on the second floor, above a</i></b></span><b><i> fish and chips shop. </i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was during the darkest days of World War II.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Amidst air raid sirens, Luftwaffe bombings,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>food rationing, and Vera Lynn war ballads,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>they fell in love.</i></b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0z8kGIhw67M/VlBrOoThzxI/AAAAAAAAHTk/9pPmiCklvnw/s1600/Wedding%2BCake%2BBMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0z8kGIhw67M/VlBrOoThzxI/AAAAAAAAHTk/9pPmiCklvnw/s400/Wedding%2BCake%2BBMP.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Cutting the wedding cake at the reception</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The second youngest of eight siblings, </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 of whom were girls, </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">she was the first to be married.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Her widowed mother, (my grandmother) </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>was determined, </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>despite the wartime restrictions, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>to make the wedding not only as GRAND, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>but as </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>"politically correct" as possible.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>When there was no appropriate cake mold available </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>for the</i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i> top of the wedding cake,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> a tubular propeller housing was found that was exactly the right size.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>They used it to bake the final layer you see the happy couple cutting into,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and they called it good.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Fast forward 63 years...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yONojie6EHo/Vk2m0Csj8RI/AAAAAAAAHSA/9pOcLYd08CI/s1600/one%2Bweek%2Blater%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yONojie6EHo/Vk2m0Csj8RI/AAAAAAAAHSA/9pOcLYd08CI/s400/one%2Bweek%2Blater%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Hans Göran Karlsson and Lorayne Gay Stevenson</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">30th December 2006</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">by the front door of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Örnsköldsvik, Sweden</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">(one week after their wedding)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He was a semi-retired surgeon who owned a dairy farm just a few hours from the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden.<br />I was a school teacher from Cache Valley in northern Utah.<br />Between us we had 17 children and 25 grandchildren.</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBouNSIo_Os/Vk2mxDLQRQI/AAAAAAAAHR4/ZaiZb59dhzs/s1600/wedding%2Bday%2B2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBouNSIo_Os/Vk2mxDLQRQI/AAAAAAAAHR4/ZaiZb59dhzs/s640/wedding%2Bday%2B2006.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Greeting guests after the post-Sacrament service ceremony<br />in the church meeting room,<br />(that shared the building with a Yoga parlor)<br />Christmas Eve, 24th December 2006</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Both of us were determined, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>despite the swiftness of the decision to be married,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>(I had only been in Sweden for five days),</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> and the distance involved from my home and beloved family in the U.S.,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> to make the occasion as Grand, and as "politically correct" as possible.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>When there was no appropriate wedding dress available, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> we borrowed a</i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i> "folkdräkt" (traditional costume) of Junsele </i></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from a woman in the village, he put on his best suit </span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and a Swedish blue tie, </span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the "Swedish sisters" his daughters, baked a cake and made</span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"hjortronsylt" topping with whipped cream for refreshments, </span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">and we called it good.</span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sounds pretty romantic right?</span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Well, it really was. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Bob and Isobel had checked with all the requirements to be married legally and reside in Northern Ireland until his commitment with Lockheed came to an end, after which he returned to the U.S. and Isobel followed a little while later with their first child, a girl, who had been born in Belfast.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">If only it could have been that easy for us.</span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>We were good on the romantic part.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>It was a wonderful time with so many new and exciting adventures </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>to share together. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>There were still children at home on the farm to be raised, and a lot to learn for a "city slicker" who had never even touched a cow before.</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>We were confident we had done it all legally </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>by checking with the </i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>government agency,</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Skatteverket,</span> </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>about an hour away in the kommun of Sollefteå, </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>before we got married. </i></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhJY6n9Syh4/VlB3QjiekbI/AAAAAAAAHTw/J8V-Ea1GTSs/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhJY6n9Syh4/VlB3QjiekbI/AAAAAAAAHTw/J8V-Ea1GTSs/s640/imgres.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They were kind and helpful.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They assured us that because Hans </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>was born in Sweden and a Swedish citizen, his marriage to me </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>gave me "automatic" residency.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>If only it were true.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BcWZCWJlaI/VlB8oV0NbbI/AAAAAAAAHUA/5Nxbba_Atgc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BcWZCWJlaI/VlB8oV0NbbI/AAAAAAAAHUA/5Nxbba_Atgc/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Arriving at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm after a visit back to the U.S.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I was stopped at the immigration desk and asked to prove I was married. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>My passport was in my maiden name. I hadn't changed my driver's license yet, still in my maiden name. I didn't have a copy of our marriage document with me.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The officer was pleasant but firm as he explained that the law had changed and I was required to "register" as a resident of Sweden. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Furthermore, if I had nothing to prove I was actually married,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I would not be allowed to enter the country. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>My mind moved instantly into resolution mode. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>What did I have that was in my married name that could prove what I was saying was true? </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>1. Flip open wallet</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>2. Scan cards on one flap of wallet - Dang! (All U.S.)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>3. Scan cards on next flap of wallet - spot something Swedish - HOORAY!</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1elGSkMLTmQ/VlCD6HiJ-7I/AAAAAAAAHUY/mX0HdRId2uE/s1600/DQ4UJtWlig0u6Q7zEBXX%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1elGSkMLTmQ/VlCD6HiJ-7I/AAAAAAAAHUY/mX0HdRId2uE/s320/DQ4UJtWlig0u6Q7zEBXX%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>My Coop-Konsum Swedish grocery store rewards card </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>in the name of "Lorayne G. Karlsson",</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and with that...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>They let me through!</i></b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-10060493201180957242015-11-14T18:47:00.003+01:002015-11-19T11:37:00.951+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Mighty Joe Banks"</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and his </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Beautiful Assistant" </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Part III)</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">WATER and WINTER:</span></i></b></b></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">
</b>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The day after the first hard frost was rainy and cold</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>with an icy glaze on the roof of each farm building.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Despite the rainbow, it was a red-flag alert to us that we needed to do </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>something right away about the water issues that were still pending.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQhjT7VHuK8/VkXM3nMw6WI/AAAAAAAAHNY/LjVFMdESRhw/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQhjT7VHuK8/VkXM3nMw6WI/AAAAAAAAHNY/LjVFMdESRhw/s320/IMG_0716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Of course it is always a concern if a cow misses a milking, </i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>mastitis can be just a step away, </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>and that is serious business,</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>especially when the weather is turning colder.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>On the top of the "water issue" list was that we understood </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>we had to do something about </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the water </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>(or lack of it) in the front field </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>where the animals love to stay, </i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>even long after the freezing begins. </i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As long as they have food, shelter, and water, they love to be out.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The small green water cup that Mr. W. and Lydia are drinking from on that wooden post is not freeze-proof and in the past, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>when the temperature started to dip</i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>it was replaced by a large green plastic tub that had to be filled at least once a day and sometimes more often, by hand, with a bucket.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>NOT FUN.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Worse than having to fill it every morning and afternoon was trying to break the thick layer of ice that formed on it throughout the day and during the night.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>There had to be a better way.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAhpb89PHA0/VkXMTpOfgHI/AAAAAAAAHNE/Uw-a_Pl151c/s1600/IMG_2464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAhpb89PHA0/VkXMTpOfgHI/AAAAAAAAHNE/Uw-a_Pl151c/s200/IMG_2464.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrpVNhh0A20/VkYtl2GmbEI/AAAAAAAAHOk/6gHZ9_Zk0c0/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrpVNhh0A20/VkYtl2GmbEI/AAAAAAAAHOk/6gHZ9_Zk0c0/s200/IMG_3197.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Much earlier in the season Pappa had replaced the culverts on the fägata which is </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>the main pathway that heads up to the forest along the edge of the farm where the Spring and Autumn run-off flows. So we knew there would be no stoppage along that water line with the enlarged culverts. An early fall of snow caught us by surprise but didn't stay long, and didn't deter Pappa and the digger from also making a new bridge of large cement culverts over the back water ditch so the cows could go over it and out to the fields without being afraid of the ice.</i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The front field was a different kettle of fish.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Look closely at the first picture below and you can see that Joe had begun a continuation of a water ditch that runs toward the main house, along the side of the garden plot.</i></b></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uWdgHxQp1o/VkY3MAU4XII/AAAAAAAAHP0/zHY1EYGvofg/s1600/030sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uWdgHxQp1o/VkY3MAU4XII/AAAAAAAAHP0/zHY1EYGvofg/s200/030sm.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9c191219W0/VkY3PvwKf_I/AAAAAAAAHP8/xxMNp_eiB44/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9c191219W0/VkY3PvwKf_I/AAAAAAAAHP8/xxMNp_eiB44/s200/020.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlN0J2eAUIs/VkY3CAKoNxI/AAAAAAAAHPc/2_rIYOvbu_U/s1600/036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlN0J2eAUIs/VkY3CAKoNxI/AAAAAAAAHPc/2_rIYOvbu_U/s200/036.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-x339AQkOY/VkY_baClPsI/AAAAAAAAHQU/uPLwQMCF2pw/s1600/033sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-x339AQkOY/VkY_baClPsI/AAAAAAAAHQU/uPLwQMCF2pw/s200/033sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>He started it on his own while Sara was baking a beautiful carrot cake inside, but it soon became clear that this was not a one-man job, so she put the cake to rest and came out to help. He was pretty discouraged at first - that's him sitting in the ditch - but her good humor was contagious, Joe perked up and they dug in together to un-earth a pile of massive rocks and boulders and move the ditch farther and farther along. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>And when the initial enthusiasm began to wane, even for Sara, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Pappa left his cheese-making in the dairy to come out </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and offer some good advice and a much-needed pep-talk.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIS3WBulPD4/VkY3Jkn_nJI/AAAAAAAAHPs/mO8xLSyOjRQ/s1600/035%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIS3WBulPD4/VkY3Jkn_nJI/AAAAAAAAHPs/mO8xLSyOjRQ/s400/035%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>That was all it took.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btYC8Hp7vnk/VkY3S02HOtI/AAAAAAAAHQE/6Aba2wHu6VM/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btYC8Hp7vnk/VkY3S02HOtI/AAAAAAAAHQE/6Aba2wHu6VM/s200/006.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkZi0Y4g6W8/VkY28WbPXjI/AAAAAAAAHPM/XHmi7S0udGo/s1600/002%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkZi0Y4g6W8/VkY28WbPXjI/AAAAAAAAHPM/XHmi7S0udGo/s200/002%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Even the coldest and wettest days didn't stop them in their quest. Undaunted after Sara had to board the bus to go home to Gothenburg, the two shovels became one and Joe braved it through alone to the very end.</i></b></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">We were so proud of his determination...</span></i></b></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGLA5YXqpBA/VkY2-05n4gI/AAAAAAAAHPU/y7h43EJNsOI/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGLA5YXqpBA/VkY2-05n4gI/AAAAAAAAHPU/y7h43EJNsOI/s640/002.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and <span style="font-size: large;">loved </span>this picture of him </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>when he finally made it <span style="font-size: large;">all the way to the fence-line </span>of the front field.</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> His work enabled us to supply water to the animals who were there, </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>even when it was minus degrees outside,</i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>using the black water line you see there lying in the newly dug ditch. </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Pappa always refers to this good young man as </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Beloved Joe".</span></i></b></span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It is an apt description.</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> From Cornwall, England, Joe had had a challenging life growing up</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> and had faced many difficulties.</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>He credited a loving and supportive family,</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and a strong faith in God as the key elements in his successes thus far.</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When a little three-year-old granddaughter we had never even had a chance to meet was diagnosed with leukemia and was half a world away, </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I was crying quietly at the kitchen sink. </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Joe came over and put his arm around me tenderly and said, </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"Nainy, sometimes in life there is nothing you can do but pray",</i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and he was right. </i></b></span></i></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nz08sUIsyWw/VkdnQdnGYII/AAAAAAAAHQw/HToWudZH5lU/s1600/TS439x246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nz08sUIsyWw/VkdnQdnGYII/AAAAAAAAHQw/HToWudZH5lU/s640/TS439x246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Leaving us as winter approached, he headed East </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and hopped on the Trans-Siberian Railway, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>took it across Russia into China, saw the Great Wall, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>travelled on to Viet Nam, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and that was where we lost track of him.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Just a few months ago we contacted his parents in England </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and asked about him.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>His father e-mailed us back right away and assured us that Joe was well and happy and getting ready to be married in the coming weeks.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>One of his comments about Joe's time with us on the farm </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>gave us the greatest joy of all....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"We often have said, we have rarely seen him </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">so</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">happy</span><span style="font-size: large;">, </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">he loves hard graft (work) and being outdoors". </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">WINTER:</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Joe's efforts were not only tireless, but highly effective.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>He had only been gone a few short days when winter hit with all it's fury.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXlXDnGvWnY/VkdyP0GrYyI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/MEgt9CE77AI/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXlXDnGvWnY/VkdyP0GrYyI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/MEgt9CE77AI/s400/026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Did WE worry? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>NO we didn't.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1c77BGT1wM/VkdyYkriuvI/AAAAAAAAHRM/raZXkuHyM0I/s1600/035%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1c77BGT1wM/VkdyYkriuvI/AAAAAAAAHRM/raZXkuHyM0I/s200/035%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Our animals had food, they had shelter, and they had WATER!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our three W's:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>WEATHER,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>WATER,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>WINTER,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>WERE ALL TAKEN CARE OF!</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-1222171678286889542015-11-12T16:06:00.000+01:002015-11-13T13:11:56.068+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Chick Flicks to the Rescue"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We have a new bull. </i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Here he is.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(We don't use artificial insemination so </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>we have to rotate/replace our bulls every two years</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> when their heifer/daughters reach the age for a first pregnancy.)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdvbQ2vBw44/Ua-XGscnaaI/AAAAAAAAESk/wWWvFhIatPw/s1600/IMG_3461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdvbQ2vBw44/Ua-XGscnaaI/AAAAAAAAESk/wWWvFhIatPw/s400/IMG_3461.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As bulls go, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>he is considered </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">downright gorgeous!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Check out the muscular body - broad face - nice eyes...)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>For the first few days we had him stay in a roomy pen</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> in the Young Animal barn,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> so he could have a chance to settle down </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> and get used to his new surroundings. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(He seemed pretty aggressive but that was to be expected in a new bull. )</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We didn't have a name for him yet,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> and we still had a few cows in the herd who were also nameless, but other issues were crowding in at the time so we put that one on hold.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> When the cold, wet days of Autumn begin</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> it is fairly straightforward</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> to bring in the cows for milking.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ful9toSdgs0/Ua-du2g-qmI/AAAAAAAAETM/WlxlrXe9E78/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ful9toSdgs0/Ua-du2g-qmI/AAAAAAAAETM/WlxlrXe9E78/s400/IMG_3050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They actually come from the field themselves</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and wait at the gate for us to unhook it.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Then they gallop through, </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>anxious to be into the warm barn,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>where they know </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>the grain feeders are full,</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bqfTtt5bp8/Ua-iyW50PSI/AAAAAAAAETk/mpfUThMFOx4/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bqfTtt5bp8/Ua-iyW50PSI/AAAAAAAAETk/mpfUThMFOx4/s400/taking+out+the+cows+012.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>and the fresh hay is on the feeding table.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>But two days ago...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIw5RrQAGy8/Ua-XGgCDVHI/AAAAAAAAESo/zzVhG3RXp2I/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIw5RrQAGy8/Ua-XGgCDVHI/AAAAAAAAESo/zzVhG3RXp2I/s400/IMG_3460.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the new guy in town was let out into the field for the first time </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>and </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>had his chance to meet some of the</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"prettiest girls in Sweden,"</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(...that would be our milk cows.)</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The response was every young <strike>man's</strike> bull's dream:</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">they loved him!</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JevCk_1bkVQ/VkOvqIC2OEI/AAAAAAAAHMg/MZ-lVba-IA8/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JevCk_1bkVQ/VkOvqIC2OEI/AAAAAAAAHMg/MZ-lVba-IA8/s400/IMG_0716.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Every cow wanted her chance to be near him, hunk that he was,</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">especially at the water cup where a girl could really get </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">up close and personal.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>But when it came time for the cows to come in to be milked, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">this young cow refused!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>There were several of us there, the leaves were falling from the trees, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the icy wind was blowing,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> and the dampness was chilling, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>so I went to the fence to talk to both of them...</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUt0nkDHrPI/VkOvmiIiDjI/AAAAAAAAHMY/OWJsTVgTjw8/s1600/IMG_0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUt0nkDHrPI/VkOvmiIiDjI/AAAAAAAAHMY/OWJsTVgTjw8/s400/IMG_0715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> <span style="font-size: large;">I tried to reason with the cow first, </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>reminding her that it was time to come into the warm barn, </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and how uncomfortable she would be if she missed her milking.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>She looked at me squarely, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>considered what I had said for a moment, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and then, to the astonishment of all present, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>she shook her head NO! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(See the blurring there with her head shaking?)</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXSoNmQ7oA/VkOvzR3IQPI/AAAAAAAAHMo/_mVXtDXONsk/s1600/IMG_0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXSoNmQ7oA/VkOvzR3IQPI/AAAAAAAAHMo/_mVXtDXONsk/s400/IMG_0717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Amazed, but spurred on by the unlikely , (but seemingly apparent) comprehension of the two, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I appealed next to the bull. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Reminding him that - #1. he was in our employ, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and #2. he could go onto the </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"S" list</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>( the "S" stands for "Slaughter")</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>at any time for erratic behavior.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> I encouraged him to give the cow a nudge toward the barn.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The response was identical. He looked at all of us head on ,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and shook his head NO!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Note the blurring of the bull this time.)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They stayed out in the field together</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the entire night.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The next morning it occurred to those of us who </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>had a penchant for all Jane Austen videos,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>but <span style="font-size: large;">"Pride and Prejudice" </span>in particular ,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>that this scenario was dangerously close to providing </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the perfect name for the new bull </i></b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>and also for that particular cow....</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxUUtfzc5-U/VkRAl34_tJI/AAAAAAAAHM0/2lfvpY5peXY/s1600/Lydia-and-Wickham-pride-and-prejudice-1995-6153331-500-510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxUUtfzc5-U/VkRAl34_tJI/AAAAAAAAHM0/2lfvpY5peXY/s320/Lydia-and-Wickham-pride-and-prejudice-1995-6153331-500-510.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"Mr. Wickham and Lydia".</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>quoting from the video ALMOST verbatim and describing the determined, and disobedient eloping lovers of the tale,</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> we said, </i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>in our best Mr. Bennett voice:</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"....Mr. Wickham and Lydia have been discovered in London and</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>she will not leave him..."</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The name problem was solved!</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-72825217424467122092014-01-04T21:26:00.000+01:002015-11-12T17:02:56.018+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.671875px; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Mighty Joe Banks" </i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.671875px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">and his</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.671875px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Beautiful Assistant"</i></b></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.671875px;"><i>(PART II)</i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.671875px; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4S9YJG5FEe4/Uscfhv4R-GI/AAAAAAAAFKI/eLYtCOOlwZ0/s1600/004sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4S9YJG5FEe4/Uscfhv4R-GI/AAAAAAAAFKI/eLYtCOOlwZ0/s640/004sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Pappa and Joe moving the super heavy threshing machine.</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>First, let's talk about the threshing barn and the threshing barn:</i></b></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The original threshing barn (shown above) on the farm was filled with machines, odd equipment, pieces of wood, old furniture the onion racks and the remnants of a skateboarding ramp that the boys had built years ago. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We knew that we had to get it cleaned out and organized so that it could hold the amount of straw we would need for the animals when the cold weather hit. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The straw chopper is housed in one corner of that threshing barn and works with an ingenious vacuum system that blows the chopped straw through pipes and into the straw room in the small animal barn. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>From there we can basket it up and spread it in the stalls in both barns to keep the animals warm and clean.</i></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFZQssfSFU8/UsW43EMT-7I/AAAAAAAAFIE/laJ7D__ORaM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFZQssfSFU8/UsW43EMT-7I/AAAAAAAAFIE/laJ7D__ORaM/s200/030.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The road to Ericsson's.</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHDt3VgpmP8/UsW45RuQB2I/AAAAAAAAFIw/ZJb3hjgmV2M/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHDt3VgpmP8/UsW45RuQB2I/AAAAAAAAFIw/ZJb3hjgmV2M/s200/026.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Loading the bales on the trailer.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And with the threshing barn cleared it would mean fewer trips to Arne Ericsson's farm on the other side of Junsele where we get our straw. </i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Fewer trips = less gas = less expense. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz6az2CralI/UsW43bFYbGI/AAAAAAAAFIM/nVbcmHuXXHg/s1600/031+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz6az2CralI/UsW43bFYbGI/AAAAAAAAFIM/nVbcmHuXXHg/s320/031+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Heading home with the load.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>In Sweden gas is about $10.00 per gallon and hauling a trailer loaded with bales of straw sucks up the gas </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">fast!</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Joe was a whirlwind and between he and Pappa they cleaned the entire thing out. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Terrific!</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The newly emptied threshing barn meant room for a winter's supply of straw. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>A winter's supply of straw meant the chopping could begin. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I had been working in the house and glanced out the window to see them unloading all the new straw bales through the big black double doors . </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The next thing I heard was the straw chopper starting up.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMgFHoFEtFw/UsW9-uFsLKI/AAAAAAAAFJU/arC4Jz-NQjs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMgFHoFEtFw/UsW9-uFsLKI/AAAAAAAAFJU/arC4Jz-NQjs/s400/010.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>A half hour later Joe sent Pappa to get me with the camera and this is what I saw...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Joe had filled the room full and was reclining...straw covered from head to toe, on the top layer. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>So fun!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTSBqLZprk/UsW46zJQ8YI/AAAAAAAAFJI/vN7OI1e70sA/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkTSBqLZprk/UsW46zJQ8YI/AAAAAAAAFJI/vN7OI1e70sA/s400/IMG_0923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Months later when it was time for the calfing to begin we still had plenty of clean fresh straw to get all the pens ready for the new babies.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Spurred on by their success in bringing the original threshing barn up to snuff, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Pappa, Gustav and Joe decided to tackle the building of the new/old threshing barn that we had moved onto our farm the year before</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> ( You can read about it in a former post called "Lincoln Logs"). </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>This is the barn that was taken down log by marked log from another village and was to be used as a storage facility and parking garage for our cars. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf_Q1FHIJE4/UscZqU_Z47I/AAAAAAAAFJs/OL2QUtSSaoE/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf_Q1FHIJE4/UscZqU_Z47I/AAAAAAAAFJs/OL2QUtSSaoE/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The previous winter we had covered the logs to protect them out in the field.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Here Gustav and one of our dear missionaries who had come with his companion offering a "service day" on the farm, laid the large metal sheets on the piles so the logs wouldn't rot.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YlKoAw3LR4/UsWjuKU9x7I/AAAAAAAAE-I/EMbp69opJmQ/s1600/013+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YlKoAw3LR4/UsWjuKU9x7I/AAAAAAAAE-I/EMbp69opJmQ/s200/013+(2).JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnK_fbguHmQ/UsWjtjqojRI/AAAAAAAAE-E/XGk3AhoDe6U/s1600/011+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnK_fbguHmQ/UsWjtjqojRI/AAAAAAAAE-E/XGk3AhoDe6U/s200/011+(2).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In northern Sweden there is a great emphasis on wasting nothing. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I had seen the big pile of rocks out behind the hay barn for years, but until the boys started erecting the new threshing barn I had no idea what the purpose was for all those boulders. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>These were large rocks that had once been foundation stones for other buildings on the farm and when the buildings were moved or the lumber used for other things the rocks were put in one place for future use. </i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Hans and Gustav took the tractor out and the loading began.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFdVM25O_3U/UsWjxuCpEEI/AAAAAAAAE-8/nFLyCuVOOYc/s1600/026+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFdVM25O_3U/UsWjxuCpEEI/AAAAAAAAE-8/nFLyCuVOOYc/s320/026+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Earlier they had measured and marked and staked out the perimeter with Joe.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>One by one the stones were roped and hauled to the building site.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Holes were dug according to the measurements that had been taken and the foundation stones were sunk and laid.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEm2bohI_vg/UsWjvnXA0OI/AAAAAAAAE-g/oleLL0tXdiA/s1600/018+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEm2bohI_vg/UsWjvnXA0OI/AAAAAAAAE-g/oleLL0tXdiA/s200/018+(7).JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Positioning the next stone.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owrgaMke_6s/UsWj3r8gJjI/AAAAAAAAFAg/ZbcacJ1urVc/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owrgaMke_6s/UsWj3r8gJjI/AAAAAAAAFAg/ZbcacJ1urVc/s200/044.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The corners were laid and leveled.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span id="goog_2100553256"></span><span id="goog_2100553257"></span>And then came the logs and floors and roof and trusses that had been out in the front field waiting for this time.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The assembly began in earnest.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>
<i></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTdq_NzciKY/UsWjy6QT4TI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/WTe4pDNCUIU/s1600/037+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTdq_NzciKY/UsWjy6QT4TI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/WTe4pDNCUIU/s320/037+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>
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</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>With the tractor and forklift they hoisted each log and swung it over into place.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STbvEy62vF8/UsWjzwbCjDI/AAAAAAAAE_g/DuSUlweCC_k/s1600/041+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STbvEy62vF8/UsWjzwbCjDI/AAAAAAAAE_g/DuSUlweCC_k/s320/041+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Joe directed, Gustav acted as the counterweight, and the progression was steady.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxRGSqZar3U/UscZf-wiNKI/AAAAAAAAFJk/YY-Ux_wxe3g/s1600/005altered+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxRGSqZar3U/UscZf-wiNKI/AAAAAAAAFJk/YY-Ux_wxe3g/s320/005altered+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Again, two of our missionaries volunteered for a day on the farm and moved more and more of the seemingly endless pile,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Lhc_-zfGUU/UsWdbCQjGKI/AAAAAAAAE4s/OpNUnmNsItw/s1600/006+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Lhc_-zfGUU/UsWdbCQjGKI/AAAAAAAAE4s/OpNUnmNsItw/s640/006+(10).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
<br />and on this beautiful Autumn day, Pappa checked the joints at every corner, and we called it done for that season. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We felt so good about what we had been able to complete on such a big project.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We were moving along.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Second, </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>let's talk about the upper floor of the källarboden</i></b></u><br />
<u><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> (root cellar building):</i></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCLx3xqRbec/Usce4J8rq8I/AAAAAAAAFKA/fclWj03pGEY/s320/035+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">1. The chaos on the upper floor of the källarboden with household articles piled everywhere.</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKkWxSu4-HU/Usch24VWyQI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/hMwolgYppnw/s1600/036sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKkWxSu4-HU/Usch24VWyQI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/hMwolgYppnw/s320/036sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">2. The cinder blocks and boards Joe and Gustav brought over and put up for me.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><b><i></i></b></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX4wltZnNXs/UsW44Ioq_gI/AAAAAAAAFIY/y7f7B5VRCZo/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX4wltZnNXs/UsW44Ioq_gI/AAAAAAAAFIY/y7f7B5VRCZo/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">3. Everything organized on the shelves according to composition:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> wood, iron, copper, etc.</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzRB4pR2gDE/UsW43iYdq7I/AAAAAAAAFIg/___0h6NJ0yc/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzRB4pR2gDE/UsW43iYdq7I/AAAAAAAAFIg/___0h6NJ0yc/s400/031.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>4. The floor swept and the only things left over in one corner - </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>the canning supplies to be used the next Autumn.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hooray!!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>No more trekking over to the frozen källarboden in the dead of winter trying to find something I needed for the kitchen before hypothermia set in!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><u>Third, let's talk about calf boxes:</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>See these three gated boxes? </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They are invaluable come late winter/early spring when all the babies start to be born. Each week-old baby is put into a box to learn to drink from a bottle when he/she is separated from the mother.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>But we had a problem:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The cement workers who made the pad the boxes stand on poured them too short from front to back so the entire year before we could only get two of the small boxes in that space and they had to be turned sideways with the gates facing each other. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Can I just say that when you were standing in the middle space between the two boxes feeding a bottle to a calf in one box, another calf in the box behind you was biting your back and other unmentionable parts of your body by putting his/her head through the bars in the gate?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not good.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When the babies are born it is still super cold outside so there is nowhere else to put them safely except in these boxes. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We are in a remote part of Sweden so there was little chance that we could get a qualified workman back again to correct the cement pad problem in a timely manner.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">It was Gustav, in his brilliance,</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> who found the solution,</span> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(and it was so simple that we wondered why in the world we hadn't thought of it before).</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Can you guess how he did it? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>After taking a closer look, he saw that the metal strips would allow him to dismantle the boxes one by one and cut down the wooden sideboards and the wooden floor slats by enough - it only took about 20 cm - to make them fit in the space we had,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>facing front!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Not only did they fit front to back with the stability we needed on the cement pad,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> we were able to put all three in there side by side, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>ready for calfing.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>With that solved, we could turn our attention to: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Water!</i></b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-65763413278987026682013-10-29T15:31:00.000+01:002015-11-12T08:10:30.514+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Mighty Joe Banks" </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">and his</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Beautiful Assistant"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Get some cookies and a drink...this is a LONG post)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUh2ltwbFc8/UmLLIiayNDI/AAAAAAAAEno/kGGzTF0IZMM/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUh2ltwbFc8/UmLLIiayNDI/AAAAAAAAEno/kGGzTF0IZMM/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Joe Banks from Cornwall, England and Sara Rivera-Olsson from Göteburg, Sweden</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When we are into October on the farm there are three<span style="font-size: large;">"W's"</span> that always cause concern.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They are:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> 1. WEATHER </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>2. WATER</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>3. WINTER</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>WEATHER:</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGX9YkTLIHw/UmLLNJzXbkI/AAAAAAAAEow/-n0Yjo8QTJc/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGX9YkTLIHw/UmLLNJzXbkI/AAAAAAAAEow/-n0Yjo8QTJc/s400/IMG_1188.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>During the day the temperature will generally hover around zero but at night it is almost always in the minus department. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfevTLvmxp4/UmLLKNsCaMI/AAAAAAAAEoA/bWzy7gVgf2E/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfevTLvmxp4/UmLLKNsCaMI/AAAAAAAAEoA/bWzy7gVgf2E/s200/017.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Hauling a load of bottled saft to the root cellar.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F79qiMeJ3Z8/UmLLLLVUxqI/AAAAAAAAEoI/za1l-qHAZjc/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F79qiMeJ3Z8/UmLLLLVUxqI/AAAAAAAAEoI/za1l-qHAZjc/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Nainy and Sara with the last of the beets!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The good news about that is that we must have lower temperatures in order to get the root cellar down below 5 degrees. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>That way no mold can grow in there.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>In late Autumn we are emptying the last of the root vegetables out of the garden. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>These are the ones that only need to be bagged, braided, or crated such as potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, beets that are not going to be pickled, etc. </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPptOyP9ha0/UmLTbxV0SCI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/i9aGDpf392E/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPptOyP9ha0/UmLTbxV0SCI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/i9aGDpf392E/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>On the day we harvested the potatoes it was cold but clear and the "bumper crop" continued as we filled bag after bag. </i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMY8Sl6gneE/UmLTtINbbxI/AAAAAAAAEpw/N88yJJFoXo0/s1600/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMY8Sl6gneE/UmLTtINbbxI/AAAAAAAAEpw/N88yJJFoXo0/s200/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+3.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Double the normal amount of potatoes!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wZv7Eq63VE/UmLTmpB9WEI/AAAAAAAAEpo/eIoY4HyNV0Q/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wZv7Eq63VE/UmLTmpB9WEI/AAAAAAAAEpo/eIoY4HyNV0Q/s200/033.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Parsnips and Carrots in their crates.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The parsnips were beautiful and bountiful as were the carrots - this picture shows only a small fraction of the total yield.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and I say "bountiful" remembering Joe pulling armfuls of them out of the ground. </i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Dubbed by the kids, "The Conglomerate Carrot".</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Ruby beets destined for the Borscht pot.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and then there were the onions...</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umKS2WvcRL8/UmUBSKTn4xI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/NryLLzwVCWw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umKS2WvcRL8/UmUBSKTn4xI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/NryLLzwVCWw/s320/010.JPG" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We decided to try a new plan and set up the onion drying racks in the small animal barn since it wasn't time yet to bring the heifers and calves in </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>for the winter. You can see the racks on the left side of this picture - there were five layers and we had three different varieties of onions - white, yellow and red. The plan was to dry them all on the racks and then braid them down and hang them in the tank room (which wasn't finished yet and consequently had no tanks taking up the space) to see if it would be the right environment for them.</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Sara braided the reds,</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When they had all dried we chose a rainy day - perfect for the indoor work - got the twine that would be woven in to stabilize each bunch, moved in a work table, and started in:</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Joe worked on the whites.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>I attacked the yellows,</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">We had tried so many different places on the farm in the past and couldn't seem to hit the ideal location for the onions. The root cellar was too damp, other places were either too cold or too warm or too light.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7go86vdzcw/UmUNa5N5doI/AAAAAAAAEss/GghUqNJah_k/s1600/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7go86vdzcw/UmUNa5N5doI/AAAAAAAAEss/GghUqNJah_k/s320/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As we finished each bunch we hung them from the metal gates all over the barn until we could transport them to a hanging bar in the tank room.</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>This was Joe and Sara at the end of day #1 and they were still smiling!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It took us two full days and another evening, but in the end we got all of them braided and ready to hang.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We ended up with</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> a total of just under </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">300 lbs.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">of onions</span> </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>for the year!</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-74606484089248928052013-10-18T17:42:00.000+02:002015-11-12T08:10:10.560+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Garden Knome"*</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHN9Ihaq9I/Ul1KBkHmkFI/AAAAAAAAEcU/7xpg9o_HSYA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHN9Ihaq9I/Ul1KBkHmkFI/AAAAAAAAEcU/7xpg9o_HSYA/s400/015.JPG" width="300" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>*We've all seen them. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Elf-like statuettes. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Constructed of material that can be out in all kinds of weather</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">and still look cute.</span> </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Seemingly indestructible.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Able to evoke a smile wherever they appear.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>That is the perfect description of the above wwoofer, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Giovanna G.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When everyone else had gone home and the harvest was at our doors, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>we got a request from this diminutive, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>second year medical student from Germany, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>asking if she could come to the farm for a month and "maybe longer".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We had no idea what was coming, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and we really didn't know that much about her, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>but we felt it was right to say, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"yes"</span>.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(A very good decision on our part.)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvO9R4sAq6I/Ul1J6ZYa0MI/AAAAAAAAEbk/_CtAF_u4KhA/s1600/008+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvO9R4sAq6I/Ul1J6ZYa0MI/AAAAAAAAEbk/_CtAF_u4KhA/s320/008+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>She hadn't been with us even one day when she said, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"Do you have any ironing? I love to iron".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Excuse me?)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I led her to the ironing basket at the speed of light.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>But that was only the beginning......</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0BRfjwvw8I/Ul1J1RhmzeI/AAAAAAAAEac/C3U-pzZWBU8/s1600/003+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0BRfjwvw8I/Ul1J1RhmzeI/AAAAAAAAEac/C3U-pzZWBU8/s400/003+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The garden that Nathan and the gang had weeded so beautifully turned out to be the most prolific in decades. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We weren't sure if it was because we had tried something new the previous Autumn and dunged it before the winter came so that the manure had the entire cold season to be in the ground, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>or if it was just a great year for gardens.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We didn't know why, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>but we did know that we had garden produce </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">coming out our ears!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmWQDqLpj1M/Ul1KF_-3c2I/AAAAAAAAEdE/w69o4VIm7qc/s1600/019+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmWQDqLpj1M/Ul1KF_-3c2I/AAAAAAAAEdE/w69o4VIm7qc/s320/019+%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q95eiWWkcVU/Ul1KNOZRTJI/AAAAAAAAEds/YVdcLq9hHak/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q95eiWWkcVU/Ul1KNOZRTJI/AAAAAAAAEds/YVdcLq9hHak/s200/069.JPG" width="150" /><b><i></i></b></a></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We had multiple rows of fresh herbs, sweet green pea vines covered with blooms, trellised bean plants (both green and yellow varieties) with white flowers all over them, letting us know that there was quite a bean crop coming, (something that is almost unheard of in our part of Sweden), </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74NhKSHIlKs/Ul1KHF3z63I/AAAAAAAAEdY/O7l2obunZG4/s1600/021+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74NhKSHIlKs/Ul1KHF3z63I/AAAAAAAAEdY/O7l2obunZG4/s320/021+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbages, all huge, and all seemingly </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>more than enough </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>to feed Mainland China.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Dill plants that waved in the wind, beets, kale, spinach, onions, parsnips, turnips, carrots, and swiss chard. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>And that was not to mention the multitudes of berries from the fields and forests that were picked and needed to be cleaned </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and turned into fruit jams, jellies and syrups.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(We're talking blueberries, wild raspberries, lingon, strawberries, and 31 plants of rhubarb!)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLP2bhqweAk/Ul1jLJgrgVI/AAAAAAAAEew/WrwUyBhJBWI/s1600/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLP2bhqweAk/Ul1jLJgrgVI/AAAAAAAAEew/WrwUyBhJBWI/s400/%0A%09%09%09%09%09+3.JPG" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Giovanna cleaning and sorting the fresh blueberries at the kitchen table.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Need I go on?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Even the red sunflowers we had tried for the first time in our short </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>but light- drenched growing season, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(24 hour a day sunlight for week after week)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>grew as high as the eaves of the pump house. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cjk9ld2znU/Ul1KJjYtO-I/AAAAAAAAEdg/opvU9WD_o1M/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cjk9ld2znU/Ul1KJjYtO-I/AAAAAAAAEdg/opvU9WD_o1M/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It just never quit.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQicByNvEsA/Ul1J8MEf_bI/AAAAAAAAEcM/GkPb4tMCEw4/s1600/009+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMA8GdBng90/Ul1J1--fe4I/AAAAAAAAEaM/te7Pp5IIchM/s1600/003+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMA8GdBng90/Ul1J1--fe4I/AAAAAAAAEaM/te7Pp5IIchM/s200/003+%25284%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQicByNvEsA/Ul1J8MEf_bI/AAAAAAAAEcM/GkPb4tMCEw4/s200/009+%25287%2529.JPG" width="200" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></b></div>
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<b><i><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We harvested and processed, and shelled, and scrubbed, and trimmed, and sliced, and pickled, and boiled, and bottled, </span></i></b></i></b></div>
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<b><i><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and chopped,</span></i></b></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAClSh7i1CA/Ul1JzNxV06I/AAAAAAAAEZo/XWxj3RSffB0/s1600/001+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAClSh7i1CA/Ul1JzNxV06I/AAAAAAAAEZo/XWxj3RSffB0/s200/001+%252810%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMHrj2I8D50/Ul1J3MdS8II/AAAAAAAAEao/40J1uSFwuJQ/s1600/004+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMHrj2I8D50/Ul1J3MdS8II/AAAAAAAAEao/40J1uSFwuJQ/s200/004+%25284%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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... <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and sorted, and blanched, and mixed, and packaged, and vacuum-sealed, and...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the two </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> us just kept going together</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> until it was all done!</span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(We watched every Jane Austen video we owned </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>while we shelled all the peas...)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WiutxcpSqU/Ul5TXlqNcyI/AAAAAAAAEjs/KrNqXUl0JLE/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WiutxcpSqU/Ul5TXlqNcyI/AAAAAAAAEjs/KrNqXUl0JLE/s200/IMG_1174.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMognHOx3LE/Ul5TtLv1mjI/AAAAAAAAElQ/4qcHg0Jzh_Q/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMognHOx3LE/Ul5TtLv1mjI/AAAAAAAAElQ/4qcHg0Jzh_Q/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It was such a demanding time, but before we knew it we had a beautiful root cellar totally full, brimming freezers, and a </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>great friendship!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We worked inside the house...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>cleaning, baking breads and cakes,</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>An oven full of farm bread</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFSd6KFXGb8/Ul1jVR3seuI/AAAAAAAAEhI/gKFbnnPlhQM/s1600/078sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFSd6KFXGb8/Ul1jVR3seuI/AAAAAAAAEhI/gKFbnnPlhQM/s200/078sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Tosca Tårta</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and making treats for the men.</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR35fabCMSM/UmGLcUMIGNI/AAAAAAAAEl8/N9uedUakFHE/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IR35fabCMSM/UmGLcUMIGNI/AAAAAAAAEl8/N9uedUakFHE/s200/IMG_0674.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Lemon Bliss Cake in an antique mold from 1702</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyrlmGE94uM/Ul1jMohnjcI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/JZsq5oJwO8w/s1600/001+(8)+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyrlmGE94uM/Ul1jMohnjcI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/JZsq5oJwO8w/s200/001+(8)+3.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Fluff-top Chocolate Cupcakes</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V9N-KjPIWc/Ul1jTidEtcI/AAAAAAAAEg4/oyGrQ09D0wk/s1600/0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V9N-KjPIWc/Ul1jTidEtcI/AAAAAAAAEg4/oyGrQ09D0wk/s400/0421.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Steamy Kalops - Swedish comfort food</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>And when the Autumn days began to turn cold, we filled an eight liter cast iron casserole with Kalops, a traditional Swedish dish of meat chunks, carrots, onions and bay leaves, swimming in a rich "kryddpeppar" gravy. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We knew we would turn around and be into the slaughtering and butchering when there would be no time to cook, so we packaged up the leftovers and put them away in the freezer.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>She and Pappa worked together making cheeses in the dairy.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> She brought in the cows from the field in the brisk mornings and cool evenings all by herself, and we worked together doing milking and mucking in the barn.</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We needed her German attention to exactness and detail when we had to move the heavy cheese-waxing machine into a small space in the tank room.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>After that exercise, she asked Pappa for a special favor:</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>...and she DID!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>She had always wanted to drive a tractor</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Pappa gave her the tutorial, showing her the gears and the various pedals. We wondered if she could even reach them!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It was such a glorious Autumn that year, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>with unprecedented beauty in the changing colors .</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>There had been so much happiness as Pappa, Gustav, Giovanna and I spent each day side by side on the farm.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The night we took her to the bus to head home to Germany and back to medical school was an emotional experience for all of us.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> She held on to Pappa's hand for just a moment and then boarded the bus and was gone. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>At the breakfast table the next morning no one was saying much. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Then Pappa got up quietly from his seat, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>walked to the bottom of the stairs that led to where she had slept</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and called out: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Giovannnnnnnna...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> Come Back! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We Miss you!"</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>...and just as we said at the start of this post...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the thought of her and the mere mention of her name </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>had the power to evoke a smile</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> in all of us!</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-21836847988070174042013-10-15T15:25:00.002+02:002015-11-12T08:07:40.197+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>(Summer 2011 - Part IV)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"H and GB!"</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>(Hi! and Good Bye...)</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>(We said "Hi" again to Maxie, shown here with one of the new kittens for a snuggle.)</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ri9SzugSl4/UaOwM8kECEI/AAAAAAAAEQE/zho9fWSvTt0/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ri9SzugSl4/UaOwM8kECEI/AAAAAAAAEQE/zho9fWSvTt0/s200/037.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIg6Vu9H81k/UaOwNxg77-I/AAAAAAAAEQU/0xNu-UlIlfo/s1600/049sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIg6Vu9H81k/UaOwNxg77-I/AAAAAAAAEQU/0xNu-UlIlfo/s200/049sm.jpg" width="200" /></a> <b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>During the summer we said "Hi" to a total of fourteen new kittens from our two barn cats, Strima and Missan-Bindi (so named for the orange dot in the middle of her forehead). One had a litter of four, another had a litter of six at the beginning of June, then disappeared and came back pregnant again and had four more.</i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>They cuddled up with Maxie, they slept in the straw baskets and they frisked all over the farmyard.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It was really fun!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We said "Hi" to Gustav's friend Josefin, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(a bonafide "City Slicker")</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>who came to visit and was a great favorite with everyone.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>She was such a good sport with her winning smile and "go for it" attitude.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Not only did she jump right in to feeding the baby calves their bottles in the field, </i></b></span> </div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>but she and Gustav put their backs into it and cut out a flower bed by the cement stairs to the basement. </i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>By the end of the summer the bedding plants had spread and filled in the entire bed, softening the whole area.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We said "Hi" to our daughter Sophia who had a last minute chance to cross the Atlantic for a few weeks and arrived in time to do some of the field work with Gustav. </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I was working upstairs in the main house and heard the tractor. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When I looked out the window and saw them, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I grabbed my camera to take this picture.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sophia was so natural riding along behind the tractor at the end of the day.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It was wonderful to see and I thought instantly that</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>the old saying is true:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"You can take the girl out of the country, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but you can never take the country out of the girl".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(and thank heavens that you can't...it is such a valuable part of a person.)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>When Pappa's children were young and growing up on the farm each one of the older children had the responsibility of being a "Nanny" to one of the younger ones. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sophia was Nanny to Gustav and there is a bond between them </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>that still remains strong.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The two of them were a great team chalking the main barn.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We said "Hi" to our daughter Louise and her friend Nathan. They stayed for three solid weeks and made it possible for Pappa and I to go to the southern part of Sweden on farm and family business for five days.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>During the haying season, which is always intense, they worked with the others tirelessly, pitching in load after load, sometimes for 16-18 hours at a time.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It is backbreaking work but it has to be done to provide the winter feed for the animals. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> And it has to be done in conjunction with dry, sunny days. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Living on the farm with dairy cows you come to understand why the adage: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Make hay while the sun shines" exists...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>because that is exactly what you must do.</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>As kind as they were and as hard-working, maybe what we will remember the most happened in the garden....</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The first weeding when you take off the fiberduk is </i></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>the most critical. If you don't get it done well and done fast you literally never catch up again and your yields are greatly affected.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>While Pappa and I were away, Nathan spearheaded the effort, and in company with Louise, Gustav, Marien, Blanca, Romain and Maxie,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">they weeded the entire plot!</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">No wonder they were tired!</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As it always does, the summer flew by and before we knew it we had to say <span style="font-size: large;">"Goodbye" </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>to all who had come to offer us summer help. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Maxie had to leave earlier than usual because his relatives from the Ukraine came for a visit.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> (He called them "the fishing family" </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>because they were fishing their way across Europe). </i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Pappa and Louise in Junsele just before she left.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sophia, Louise and Nathan had to return school and work in the U.S.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Josefin headed back to apartment living in Stockholm, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Marien donned his "leathers", hopped on his motorcycle and headed for Norway to meet up with his girlfriend there before heading back to France. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Blanca had a tender farewell moment with the baby calves she had taken care of so lovingly, then boarded the bus in Junsele to start her journey back to Spain and her ornithology exams.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Last to leave was Romain, our 'Corsican Cavalier'. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>He was on his way back to his classroom full of French six-year-olds and another year of teaching.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>They were a great group, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> and it was a </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">GREAT</span><span style="font-size: large;"> summer.</span></i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-39953495343556304562013-05-25T22:12:00.001+02:002013-05-25T22:12:56.976+02:00<div align="center">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">(Summer 2011 - Part III) </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">"Down Time"</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our days are SO full during the summer on the farm that our time for relaxing can often seem like it is almost nil.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But we understand that everyone needs some "down time" </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and we try to watch for opportunities, small or great, to provide them</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> for those who come to work with us. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are so willing and give so much of themselves</span>.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last summer, one of the activities they loved was to cook.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We have a world of cookbooks to be scanned providing no end of options for the potential gourmet.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maxie loved to lay on the kitchen sofa, looking at the </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"All Sweden Comfort Food Cookbook" </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(a heavy favorite with everyone),</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and choose what we should try that night for our evening meal.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the picture above it was a cold salmon salad plate with fresh pasta and greens. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We made it together and </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">it was delicious!</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> Not only did Gustav fry his eggs swimming in pure butter, he also felt the need to fry the bread in even more butter as well,</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and Blanca did herself proud with cinnamon twists that melted the minute they hit your tongue.</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UGGU-WTacA/UGs-Y8bz_4I/AAAAAAAAEIA/2uYQTBt-CBA/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UGGU-WTacA/UGs-Y8bz_4I/AAAAAAAAEIA/2uYQTBt-CBA/s200/080.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHd3yie3WE/UGs-hamv2kI/AAAAAAAAEII/xSrCUChUZtc/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHd3yie3WE/UGs-hamv2kI/AAAAAAAAEII/xSrCUChUZtc/s200/082.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black;"></span><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Marien made us a three generation favorite from his French family. His grandfather, his father, and now Marien himself, always cooked for the family on Saturdays and they always made the same menu: </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The rarest steak we ever saw, fried in butter until it was barely warm inside</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(we said "they just carried it by the stove"),</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> topped with a 50-50 </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">bleu cheese/crème fraiche sauce,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and a side of seasoned cubed potatoes, (also fried in butter). </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lastly, an apple tart with flaky leaf pastry and we added a scoop of our own homemade ice cream from the dairy on the farm.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So great!</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>On his night Romain made succulent ribeye steaks and a</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> "crunch-a-riffic" salad</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> to die for,</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>then the next night, he kindly assumed the role of "sous-chef" for Blanca when she made her citrus-laced salmon filet topped with pesto potatoes. Served with asparagus spears and thick slices of oven-baked herb bread, it was superb.</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How good does THAT look?</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We all agreed with Romain.....</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">10 Thumbs UP!!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ6NyPmXhsA/UGtJThvyZ3I/AAAAAAAAEKg/nDpfTQimqYg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ6NyPmXhsA/UGtJThvyZ3I/AAAAAAAAEKg/nDpfTQimqYg/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AyGahwKFrw/UGtJCuDh3eI/AAAAAAAAEKM/Oy3HES3iDao/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AyGahwKFrw/UGtJCuDh3eI/AAAAAAAAEKM/Oy3HES3iDao/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pappa made us a barbeque out of on old oil drum and Marien did the honors building the fire, putting on the potatoes,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and the steaks of course.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was chilly that day and even rained a bit, but that didn't stop anyone.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here's Romain carrying in the finished product.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But, it wasn't only about food.....</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We went on several day-trips,</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> this time to the Myckelgensjö Historical Farm</span></em></strong></span></em></strong></span></em></strong></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">which has been maintained in it's original 1600's style so that all the </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">aspects of daily life and farming methods from that time period will be preserved.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Notice that the buildings aren't painted?)</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>And another day Maxie, Blanca and I went to the ancient stone carvings at Näsåker where our english-speaking guide was from Northern Ireland (his father had sought political asylum in Sweden during the IRA trouble-times in Belfast in the 60's). </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>And rain or no rain...</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we all went to the </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Junsele Market/Fair.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I love these pictures....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Blanca with her bird textbook...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Marien on the picnic bench...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> Gustav and Romain stretched out on the grass.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>This was a scene repeated many times that summer. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>It always came following the late afternoon meal,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>while Pappa and I cleaned up the dishes inside.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>It was a time of peace, contentment, and rest, after the day's main work.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>When we were finished with the kitchen, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> we would come out and wake them</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i> and all of us would go to the evening barn chores and milking.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>We gave them down times, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but with their great goodness and their hard work, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>...they lifted US up.</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-15976764295650739302012-09-08T23:18:00.004+02:002012-09-09T21:08:14.493+02:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">(Summer 2011 - Part II)</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"Three to Get Ready"</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">From left to right: </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Gustav, Marien, Romain</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Working separately or together, these three made it possible for us to complete projects on the farm that we had been trying to do for years. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We</span> <span style="font-size: large;">needed</span> a temporary storage room near the pack room</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> for paper supplies, plastic bags, food items, saft bottles, etc. These are all things that we use on a regular basis but we didn't have a convenient place to store them. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">We</span> <span style="font-size: large;">needed</span> to solve a problem upstairs in the main barn</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> where the pump for the milking machines is located. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the cold winter months it would sometimes freeze interfering with the milking of the dairy cows. We needed a room up there with an insulated enclosure to prevent it from freezing. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">We needed</span> to clear the land where we graze our "mellankalvar" (teenager heifers) to protect the pasture against encroaching growth from birch trees and thick brush and bushes.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When we saw the capabilities of Marien and the willingness of Romain, we coupled them with the experience of Gustav and had a winning combination. </span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhANkbpxqU/UEub7VGv4aI/AAAAAAAAEAs/yqKPn9bc8ts/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBhANkbpxqU/UEub7VGv4aI/AAAAAAAAEAs/yqKPn9bc8ts/s200/011.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PT1bjonxTdE/UEucAj2walI/AAAAAAAAEA0/lPIlaqIhNWo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PT1bjonxTdE/UEucAj2walI/AAAAAAAAEA0/lPIlaqIhNWo/s200/014.JPG" width="150" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the first project, Marien and Romain sectioned off an area in the old machine hall where we park our cars, with a common wall to the pack room. They measured it all out then built a base for a floor and framed up studs for the walls. Their work was precise and in just a few days the room took shape. It was large enough for the storage we needed but still left us enough room to park the cars. </span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjc9JY4zKVo/UEud9l2wcxI/AAAAAAAAEBE/bp2-Y4g0Dkk/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjc9JY4zKVo/UEud9l2wcxI/AAAAAAAAEBE/bp2-Y4g0Dkk/s200/053.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8FMQBrqbno/UEudzmRWDMI/AAAAAAAAEA8/WdAVCWae8Ws/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8FMQBrqbno/UEudzmRWDMI/AAAAAAAAEA8/WdAVCWae8Ws/s200/055.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When they finished it on one side, Gustav measured on the other side and he and Pappa cut a doorway through from the pack room. It worked perfectly and has been such a convenience for us. No more running from one storage building to another for various items. Everything is in one place and close to hand when we need it.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next on the agenda was the freeze-proof enclosure that housed the machinery for the pumping mechanism in the main barn. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The trick here was that the location of that pump is </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">WAY UP HIGH</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in the "nosebleed section" of the hay barn.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The picture above is of Gustav's feet standing on one of the rafters at the height where the building was to take place. </span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GePO8I4NzGE/UEuhO7j6JsI/AAAAAAAAEBw/cYCARFDp7C8/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GePO8I4NzGE/UEuhO7j6JsI/AAAAAAAAEBw/cYCARFDp7C8/s200/037.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-440OCK4Wkug/UEug__woD1I/AAAAAAAAEBY/V24MADoBDRs/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-440OCK4Wkug/UEug__woD1I/AAAAAAAAEBY/V24MADoBDRs/s200/020.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Again, they did it and they did it well. Marien was impressive, doing the honors in cutting the boards to make the facing walls with a cavity for insulation. A doorway was constructed, a small "room" created and the wiring put in place.</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LNVZuHjwb8/UEuhVCmAUII/AAAAAAAAEB4/C1vsOP4k65c/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LNVZuHjwb8/UEuhVCmAUII/AAAAAAAAEB4/C1vsOP4k65c/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was a formidable undertaking to say the least, and we loved this picture of Romain in a rare moment of just sitting and thinking, contemplating the next step and what would be the best way to accomplish the goal.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">HERE IT IS!</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">An insulated enclosure around the pump within an insulated room.</span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've been through an icy, sub-zero winter since then and never had even one incident of the pump freezing. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It is total heaven.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And what was next?</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Clearing the pasture where the mellankalvar were grazing.</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBMg34c-xHE/UEupxtzBM9I/AAAAAAAAECw/WdSKEK_KJdc/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBMg34c-xHE/UEupxtzBM9I/AAAAAAAAECw/WdSKEK_KJdc/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The three of them took the tractor out there and surveyed the situation. </span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8qpcXCHLuk/UEuqGMLKXfI/AAAAAAAAEDE/-2vj4Ic-yDs/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8qpcXCHLuk/UEuqGMLKXfI/AAAAAAAAEDE/-2vj4Ic-yDs/s200/025.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVPHRow7-4/UEuprDBfcvI/AAAAAAAAECo/8R_TxXqUlig/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVPHRow7-4/UEuprDBfcvI/AAAAAAAAECo/8R_TxXqUlig/s200/021.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Heading deep into the underbrush they had a system where Marien cut, Romain dragged and Gustav hauled off.</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It worked beautifully and soon a pile of debris began to emerge. If you look closely at the right hand picture you can see the heifers all lying there keeping the workers company!</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And what a result...acres cleared, ready to be gathered up and put in the burn pile for the Autumn cleanup.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This shot of Marien heading home with the chain saw, walking past the stumps of what used to be birch trees and bushes, says it all.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yes, they did other things....everyday things around the farm:</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lN7ptSIfqk/UEuwAYtvYII/AAAAAAAAED0/j0pQzImQY14/s1600/urinepit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lN7ptSIfqk/UEuwAYtvYII/AAAAAAAAED0/j0pQzImQY14/s200/urinepit.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUjPOI4rUx4/UEuwmA2CciI/AAAAAAAAEEM/MWGIBSZMRug/s1600/064+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUjPOI4rUx4/UEuwmA2CciI/AAAAAAAAEEM/MWGIBSZMRug/s200/064+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">they emptied the urine pit with Gustav, they worked in the garden with Blanca and Maxie, and after days of picking and picking in the surrounding forests outside the village of Eden,</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0HxIErTGqM/UEuwRFc_dJI/AAAAAAAAED8/hdonYnQB-3k/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0HxIErTGqM/UEuwRFc_dJI/AAAAAAAAED8/hdonYnQB-3k/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNMsgvqyaCE/UEuxki7IT9I/AAAAAAAAEEU/hkE0NyKgWdg/s1600/039a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNMsgvqyaCE/UEuxki7IT9I/AAAAAAAAEEU/hkE0NyKgWdg/s200/039a.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">they worked tirelessly cleaning and packaging blueberries. And with all that, Gustav spent hours organizing small hardware in the new wall system Pappa had installed in the workshop.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They helped us so much. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Because of their efforts </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">they made us </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">"READY"</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the cold months that were ahead</span> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in a way we had never been before.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">And we loved them!</span></em></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-70251493677098607732012-09-05T21:11:00.001+02:002013-05-25T22:29:18.977+02:00<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">(Summer 2011 - Part I)</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"The </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">'FAB FOUR' </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and a few more!" </span></em></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEwZScly_LI/T_SgE1adIUI/AAAAAAAAD10/AYqruivTMTs/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEwZScly_LI/T_SgE1adIUI/AAAAAAAAD10/AYqruivTMTs/s400/063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">From front left clockwise around the table:</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Maxie, Marien, Romain, Blanca, Gustav</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We could never have known what lay in store for us last summer when we got these four to help us. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gustav was the in-house leader for the farm work </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and the others pulled their weight above and beyond the call of duty. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They brought with them such a happy and cooperative spirit that </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">every day was fun, even though the work load was great.</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEpGWQh-2JE/T_ia6sz9T0I/AAAAAAAAD3Q/rp7TIqSrLO0/s1600/maxie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEpGWQh-2JE/T_ia6sz9T0I/AAAAAAAAD3Q/rp7TIqSrLO0/s200/maxie.jpg" width="182" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maxie was back for another summer and we were so happy to have this boy that we have come to love like he was our own son. Each year he learned more and more about farm life and each year it seemed like when he was with us he had always been here. He had to leave a little early to meet with some of his relatives from Eastern Europe who had come to visit but while he was on the farm he was one busy guy! He and Blanca were always together, working on one assignment after another, and talking and laughing it up the whole time.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The day Marien arrived we were not home. We drove in and all we saw was a huge motocycle with various pieces of clothing, boots, a helmet and other paraphernalia attached. He had driven it all the way from his home in France. When we found him down by the barn it only took a few minutes and we felt that this young man, with his quiet but incredibly self-assured manner, was going to make a huge difference in what we got accomplished during the summer. We were right. </span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haPYJ17Ttj8/T_ia999woPI/AAAAAAAAD3g/9sgKpnGixX8/s1600/romain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haPYJ17Ttj8/T_ia999woPI/AAAAAAAAD3g/9sgKpnGixX8/s1600/romain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haPYJ17Ttj8/T_ia999woPI/AAAAAAAAD3g/9sgKpnGixX8/s200/romain.jpg" width="187" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If energy and enthusiasm could be bottled and sold Romain would be a billionaire. An elementary school teacher originally from Corsica, he was ready and willing to try anything. We joked that if Napoleon could have had Romain with him there would have been a vastly different outcome at Waterloo. Before he left the farm he had made no end of wood projects in his spare time, (even with all the work that was done in the regular farm schedule), not the least of which was a hanging mobile that included various Christmas motifs and small moose heads. And he LOVED making "buttoor spuns" (butter spoons). He was a ton of fun from start to finish.</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Td4TNR7PrbI/T_ia_wtE3cI/AAAAAAAAD3o/QL84IDRA4kc/s1600/blanca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Td4TNR7PrbI/T_ia_wtE3cI/AAAAAAAAD3o/QL84IDRA4kc/s200/blanca.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blanca was and always will be " Our Ray of Spanish Sunshine". Everyone's unqualified favorite with a happy disposition and an unflagging work ethic. She told us that the day she was born in Madrid it snowed. It was so unusual to have that happen that her parents named her Blanca (Spanish for 'white') in honor of the event. She was studying to be an ornothologist and memorized 273 "beard" (bird) calls during the time she was with us in preparation for the exam she would take when she went home to Spain. She wrote later to tell us she had passed with flying colors. Not a surprise.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We loved them all!</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maxie and Blanca were seldom apart:</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kjHa9iE9TA/UDvZh-DPQTI/AAAAAAAAD4M/l6RMJNPwKZ0/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kjHa9iE9TA/UDvZh-DPQTI/AAAAAAAAD4M/l6RMJNPwKZ0/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kjHa9iE9TA/UDvZh-DPQTI/AAAAAAAAD4M/l6RMJNPwKZ0/s320/IMG_0512.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the day the two little piglets were due to arrive, M & B headed on down the road that leads to the grassy field where the porkers stay for the summer. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But first they filled a galvanized bucket with a warm, soapy, water solution and grabbed their brushes so they could scrub out the stone feeder and have everything in order for "Henry and Wilbur"</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tiE_e3y3Jc/UDvZGzaANVI/AAAAAAAAD38/LbSfX8X87wE/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tiE_e3y3Jc/UDvZGzaANVI/AAAAAAAAD38/LbSfX8X87wE/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These two were really into it, upending the trough that would hold the vasle (whey left over from the cheesemaking that the pigs absolutely love to slurp up), and sparkling it to the moon and back!</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No piggies ever had it any better.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And were Henry and Wilbur appreciative as well as cute? </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They sure were!!</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufTFLGJXdUk/UDvbqP7QzhI/AAAAAAAAD5U/lEoA1TzpykI/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufTFLGJXdUk/UDvbqP7QzhI/AAAAAAAAD5U/lEoA1TzpykI/s200/043.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While Blanca mucked out in the barn here at home, Maxie's new-found skills were plied turning hay with the tractor at Östansjö, a small village nearby where the mellankalvar (young heifers who graze with the young bull and will get pregnant for the first time during the summer) are kept for the season.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each morning they manned the water wagon together, traversing the farm and watering all the flowering window boxes and planters,</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBhcOCklRpo/UDvawWLKW4I/AAAAAAAAD4o/LCPXmdh45l4/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBhcOCklRpo/UDvawWLKW4I/AAAAAAAAD4o/LCPXmdh45l4/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and twice a day they took turns feeding "Independence" a little heifer calf that was born on the 4th of July and whose mother died shortly afterward. This baby calf had to be bottle fed for two full months and needed the rich milk a mother gives immediately after birth. Fortunately, we had saved some from the other milk cows who had given birth earlier and we had it in the freezer for an emergency. It was only to thaw it and heat it to the right temperature slowly and then Blanca and Maxie would take it out to her. One little sidenote that gave us so much pleasure throughout the summer was that we only had to go to the fence and call, "Baa...by, Baa...by", and no matter where Independence was, she would come running from the farthest corner of the field for her bottle. You can see her in the above picture in the field following Maxie, looking for a little playtime after she had drained her two liter meal.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They took out the cows after milking....</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">they picked strawberries together at the village of Åsmon,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">they threw up their hands with joy after weeding the ENTIRE potato field,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and they scrubbed and painted the cooling rooms in the dairy in preparation for the cheesemaking.</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnaPLYjBQqc/UDvanGn34XI/AAAAAAAAD4g/g8BKZ2GdwyY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnaPLYjBQqc/UDvanGn34XI/AAAAAAAAD4g/g8BKZ2GdwyY/s200/013.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6tti2A0jAs/UDvdY0EYVnI/AAAAAAAAD6E/1CnkM6qV6sg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6tti2A0jAs/UDvdY0EYVnI/AAAAAAAAD6E/1CnkM6qV6sg/s200/013.JPG" width="200" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Both were interested in history so we took them on an afternoon trip to the ancient stone carvings in Näsåker, a half hour away, where our Belfast-born Irish/Swedish guide regaled us in English with all the facts about the past inhabitants of that area and their hunting practices. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was so fascinating.</span> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And rain or no rain, Maxie and Blanca went with Gustav for a fun day at the Junsele Market, complete with all it's outdoor booths and displays.</span></em></strong> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umYfdxoprOM/UEdFDQ-WH2I/AAAAAAAAD8A/33BLmknf1q4/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-umYfdxoprOM/UEdFDQ-WH2I/AAAAAAAAD8A/33BLmknf1q4/s200/033.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ZRhbv0xRA/UEdDrhT1u7I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/c4WgAc_GdhA/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ZRhbv0xRA/UEdDrhT1u7I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/c4WgAc_GdhA/s200/036.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maxie loved to cuddle and pet the new kittens from Strima, the black cat - </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">she had TEN!! </span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">(Remember the former post where she was laying in the main aisle of the barn so hugely pregnant in the Spring?)</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And Blanca was <span style="font-size: large;">incredible</span> one day </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">on the narrow stairway of the källarboden (root cellar building)</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> where there was a frightened bird trapped. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She caught it <span style="font-size: large;">barehanded in flight</span> and was able to gently take it out to safety unharmed.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While Maxie was tractoring it up in the fields, Blanca was helping Gustav with the rototilling in the kitchen garden, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">or making cheeses with Pappa in the dairy.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether they were working together or playing together, </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">they were a... </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">"Terrific Twosome" </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">in every respect, </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"> and we loved them!</span></em></strong> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-36527769995448020122012-09-05T10:01:00.002+02:002012-09-05T21:21:45.403+02:00<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"Princess Summerfall Winterspring"</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Judy Tyler as Princess Summerfall Winterspring</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Growing up on the East Coast of the U.S. in the 50's, my little brother, Mark, loved to sit in his small blue and yellow webbed beach chair and watch...</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">'The Howdy Doody Show'.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">EVERY...SINGLE...DAY. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A mixture of marionettes and actual humans made up the cast of characters. Among others there was Howdy Doody himself dangling from the puppeteer's strings,</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and Buffalo Bob - a living, breathing, </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">'30-something' guy</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> in a cowboy suit. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> They were joined intermittently according to the situation by:</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Phineas T. Bluster - the mayor of Doodyville, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Flubadub (a composite of 8 different animals), </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dilly Dally, and</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Clarabelle the Clown.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There were others, but none important enough for me to remember now,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">more than a half a century later.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">While laying in bed one night, wondering how in the world I could find the time to chronicle the events I wanted to in this blog,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> (I am woefully behind and there is no sign of a let-up in my farm chores...),</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the memory of those days when I would walk by</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and only casually glance </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">at the round-screened console TV in our living room, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">came flooding back.</span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And suddenly, the impression that was the strongest</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> was that of me standing behind that small beach chair,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> with my pre-teen ponytail and thick white bobby sox,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> discovering the most beautiful character of all...</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Princess Summerfall Winterspring.</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>(pay close attention to her name...)</em></strong></span> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">So....</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I think this may be the answer.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">Let's see if it works!</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(read on.....)</span></em></strong></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-66977034633990066922012-07-04T21:51:00.001+02:002015-11-12T08:02:41.231+01:00<div align="center">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">"Then and Now"</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv3oL0zS2iE/T_SbiXDVHAI/AAAAAAAAD1o/jwq-55FFr3s/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv3oL0zS2iE/T_SbiXDVHAI/AAAAAAAAD1o/jwq-55FFr3s/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Maxie and Cécile chalking the small animal barn.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Anthony left, Cécile came. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Also French and fulfilling a school internship,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> she was a darling girl and very sweet natured.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">She smiled and tried to understand our English and laughed when she couldn't make out what in the world we were talking about.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">This is the only picture we have of her when she didn't have her oversized earrings on, even in the barn.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">(We told her they would pick up the barn smell, ruining them for future wearings, but she didn't care....).</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We looked forward to a happy month having her with us </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">but a sudden and severe illness put her mother in the hospital back in France.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">As the oldest of three children Cécile was needed back home immediately. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">She was nervous when she came to tell us about the call from her father. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We said, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">"Family First"</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">and sent her on her way.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We wondered what we would do for the help we needed. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We needn't have worried....</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>...unbeknownst to us,</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The "FAB FOUR" were soon to arrive!</i></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-47972697239848108382012-07-04T21:35:00.000+02:002012-07-04T21:35:09.051+02:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>This home...</em></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UpSjFRHfCrM/SuoQmzuo7sI/AAAAAAAAAG0/UMKFTW0ejpw/s1600-h/1400516154_ecb845af0c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UpSjFRHfCrM/SuoQmzuo7sI/AAAAAAAAAG0/UMKFTW0ejpw/s400/1400516154_ecb845af0c%5B1%5D.jpg" vr="true" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">329 Temple Boulevard, Logan, Utah 84321</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br /> </div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> <span style="color: black;"> This is the home where my children and I lived for eighteen years in Logan, Utah. </span></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;"> It isn't very large and certainly not flashy. </span></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">You might even say it looks ordinary, almost common. </span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">But the things that happened in this home were anything but common. </span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> Four of my six children were married from this home. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Three of my daughters left to go on missions for our Church from this home - one to France, one to Argentina, one to Nebraska...</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and they all came home to this home.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>We were living in this home when Grandpa Stevenson passed away.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> We were living in this home when 18 out of 26 grandchildren were born. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Behind the second story window above the front porch was one of two extra-wide window seats that were built,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> (one on the north end and one on the south end)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> so that when the little ones came they could sleep </em></strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>on</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> "Granny's window bed" </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and look out at the temple on the north or over all of Cache Valley on the south.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> It was magic.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> We had numerous pets that lived and died and brought us happiness and comfort in this home.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> We had wonderful family dinners in the dining room, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and countless songfests at the baby grand piano in the living room. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> We all squeezed into a tiny TV room that was called </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>the "smoochie room"</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> and watched our favorite videos </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and drank hot chocolate </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and basked in the glow of the lights from the Temple.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Families of children and grandchildren came at Christmas, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>in the summers, and even to stay for months at a time</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> in the large upstairs bedroom.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> There was only one bathroom and no one ever seemed to mind.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> The first time we saw this home</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> a realtor was putting up a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>We stopped and asked if we could go through it. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>When we walked in the front door my daughter Emilie said, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>"This is it Mother...can you feel the wonderful feeling here? </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Let's buy it." </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>And we did. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>We loved the neighbors, we loved the Ward (LDS congregation), </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>we loved the wide open front porch, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>we even loved the squeaky, screechy back door.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> The last time we were in this home was several years ago. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>One beautiful, clear, winter day during that visit, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>while walking up the front walk,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> I stopped to look at this home </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and had an encompassing feeling of gratitude for all that had occurred while my children and I lived there. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> At the same time I had an unexpected but reassuring feeling that it had done all that it needed to do for me and for my posterity. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>It was not only time to move forward, it was right to move forward.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> Two years ago this home was sold.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> I don't live there anymore and neither does my family. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> I live on a beautiful dairy farm in northern Sweden</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and my children and their families live in various parts of the world.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> I feel overwhelmed at the blessing of finding a loving and tender husband who is perfect for me in every way, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>even more children and grandchildren to love,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> and the richness of my life.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> It is not ordinary or common,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> it is miraculous,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> and it holds the promise of memories to be made</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> that are as dear to me as those of the past.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> When the sale of this home was completed</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> we were not able to be there. </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>My brother went into the kitchen to leave a set of keys for the new owner.</em></strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>This home that had been filled with so much life</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> for so many years</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> was empty.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> He stopped for a moment, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and as he stood by the kitchen sink, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>he realized that that same wonderful feeling from so long ago, </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>that had been with us throughout all the years,</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> was still present there. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> I would like to think that it always will be. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-51448199464122529392012-05-28T00:17:00.001+02:002015-11-12T07:59:52.941+01:00<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;"> <strong>"Au Revoir Notre Ami!" </strong></span></em><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span></em></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcxJUHMzWk/T8I5GqT1XvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/UxNIGa2VdM8/s1600/06-13-2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFcxJUHMzWk/T8I5GqT1XvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/UxNIGa2VdM8/s400/06-13-2011+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Anthony looking out over the interior of the barn at Lundgren's</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong> from the fika room/office in the loft above.</strong></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> <strong>Before Anthony left our farm, there were some other things </strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><strong>we wanted him to see. </strong></span></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> We arranged a visit to the dairy farm of Håkan and Monica Lundgren,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> dear friends who lived in the small village of Långvattnet on the other side of Junsele, about a half hour away. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> I met Monica when I first came to Sweden. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> She had volunteered to teach a Swedish language course and I enrolled</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> in company with a couple from the U.K. and a German girl. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> "I was an innocent child in those days,"</span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">as my Auntie Ellice used to say. </span></em></strong></span></em></strong></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">
</span></em></strong>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">I had no idea about the demands of daily farm life and it wasn't long until I had to relinguish my teaching sessions at Monica's kitchen table so that I could get up to speed with what was required of me </span></em></strong></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">at home</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;"> and in the barn.</span></em></strong></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">But the friendship we forged at that time has remained strong.</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JALQ-a-xcVQ/T8I8Vfag0LI/AAAAAAAAD0g/zYXiW3BIUbc/s1600/06-13-2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JALQ-a-xcVQ/T8I8Vfag0LI/AAAAAAAAD0g/zYXiW3BIUbc/s320/06-13-2011+001.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">When I called Monica she not only invited us to come, but she took the time to give Anthony the grand tour, explaining their "state of the art" dairying equipment in detail. With the automatic feeding system, rotating brushes that cleaned the cows as they walked by, and even the "touchless" manure removal (no hand shoveling!), it was all a marvel!</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8c5Gwg33EQ/T8I8a308NjI/AAAAAAAAD0o/kD4yyrTQKMg/s1600/06-13-2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8c5Gwg33EQ/T8I8a308NjI/AAAAAAAAD0o/kD4yyrTQKMg/s320/06-13-2011+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Anthony surveyed their electrical and piping setup and was especially interested in the computerized system they had installed where each cow wore a transponder around her neck. The wireless transponder would send such information as how much she was eating, what her volume of milk output was, etc., to the computer adjacent to the milking parlor.</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyIyNGuzlN8/T8I8gTft2OI/AAAAAAAAD0w/yrM5aY-xsaA/s1600/06-13-2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyIyNGuzlN8/T8I8gTft2OI/AAAAAAAAD0w/yrM5aY-xsaA/s320/06-13-2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">This good young man who had been such a help to us was raised on a large commercial dairy farm in France. His time with us gave him an entirely different perspective of a smaller and more intimate family farm where between 16 and 24 cows were milked. Visiting the Lundgren's was a terrific mid-point experience for him with about 40 to 50 cows, but much more sophisticated equipment. Also, Lundgren's sell their milk to a large commercial dairy, where we make cheeses on site with our milk. And that difference alone affects so many aspects of how things are done on the respective farms. </span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">It was a wealth of information and a</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"> valuable experience for him.</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">Another great day was spent "on town" in Örnsköldsvik when Gustav, his friend Erik, and Anthony took in their skateboards and "cruised Övik", then spent a few hours at the ever-popular Paradisbadet waterslide. </span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghjcIt3QDLA/T8Kcgm1BxjI/AAAAAAAAD1A/aFQLg8gn7mk/s1600/06-19-2011+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghjcIt3QDLA/T8Kcgm1BxjI/AAAAAAAAD1A/aFQLg8gn7mk/s400/06-19-2011+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Here the three of them are looking dapper in a boy pose at the start of the day...</em></strong></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_J1OI4Cf6g/T8Kde9uG2SI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/_O4AIhKvpsA/s1600/06-19-2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_J1OI4Cf6g/T8Kde9uG2SI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/_O4AIhKvpsA/s400/06-19-2011+013.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">...and here they are again several hours later after all the hilarion was accomplished and they were ready for the ride home.</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59vHrD635YM/T8KdPyqzaJI/AAAAAAAAD1I/MFaJb7WpbPU/s1600/06-19-2011+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59vHrD635YM/T8KdPyqzaJI/AAAAAAAAD1I/MFaJb7WpbPU/s320/06-19-2011+033.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Anthony was with us for nearly a month. He came on an internship through his school in France. It seemed like he had always been with us and then we turned around and it was time for him to go. We felt so grateful for all he had done. We loved his gentle nature with its unexpected spark of fun. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Taking him to the bus station at Örnsköldsvik and sending him off was bitter sweet to say the least.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">We hoped he had enjoyed his stay with us as much as we had enjoyed having him.</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">Only a few days later we received an e-mail from him. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: small;">It said in part....</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: SV; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: SV;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>"It is realy strange because I miss you and your
farm, and I realy will try to come again with you.</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: SV; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: SV;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> I had a great training on
your home,</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: SV; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: SV;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong> and that was maybe the greatest experience of my life!"</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: SV; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: SV;"><strong><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>The feeling was mutual.</em></span></strong></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-43543394794876120192012-04-13T22:46:00.008+02:002012-04-15T21:59:51.428+02:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">the</span></i></b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-large;"><i>"BOVINE BILTMORE!"</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>(Sorry, </i></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>NO VACANCY!)</i></b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW-eg400Ejg/T3cT_jSUuJI/AAAAAAAADxY/VnaetaeTA14/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW-eg400Ejg/T3cT_jSUuJI/AAAAAAAADxY/VnaetaeTA14/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">We are in the middle of </span></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Calfing Season!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>This year has been like no other...</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>instead of the calves being born one at a time over a period</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> of from four to five weeks,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL3yzTVu4f0/T3dOdpGXSBI/AAAAAAAADxk/IFJpS6Mfm6g/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL3yzTVu4f0/T3dOdpGXSBI/AAAAAAAADxk/IFJpS6Mfm6g/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>this year we got...</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">12</span> (out of a total of 19) IN <span style="font-size: x-large;">11</span> DAYS!!</i></b><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And several times we got <span style="font-size: x-large;">2</span> in one day!</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Since this picture was taken, another arrived on the 29th</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> and that made 13 in 12 days which means that </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>we only have 6 more left to go.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Everywhere you look, there are: </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1g71VfXMbU/T3dSB_0XnRI/AAAAAAAADyY/Q7_VjC8eICs/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1g71VfXMbU/T3dSB_0XnRI/AAAAAAAADyY/Q7_VjC8eICs/s200/021.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NITGuaUT3w0/T3dSLMYy2dI/AAAAAAAADyg/03uKTwcCiLE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NITGuaUT3w0/T3dSLMYy2dI/AAAAAAAADyg/03uKTwcCiLE/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>ladies in waiting, </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>both standing up and lying down,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GH0nRjruvSE/T4h3j2GsjvI/AAAAAAAADyo/7YlvX_HBWd0/s1600/013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GH0nRjruvSE/T4h3j2GsjvI/AAAAAAAADyo/7YlvX_HBWd0/s320/013a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">mothers licking up their newborn calves just after birth, </span><br />
</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i></i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOA1WDXHe5I/T4h6DEJEjvI/AAAAAAAADy0/1NsSmx1yOJg/s1600/028ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOA1WDXHe5I/T4h6DEJEjvI/AAAAAAAADy0/1NsSmx1yOJg/s400/028ab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
not to mention moo-triarchs like these two who have agreed to <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"double occupancy"</span> <br />
in the maternity ward, <br />
sharing happily with each other and their two baby girls!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDvxLU7ZmE/T4h9Cs7CfqI/AAAAAAAADy8/5CgdJAKuSmA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDvxLU7ZmE/T4h9Cs7CfqI/AAAAAAAADy8/5CgdJAKuSmA/s200/018.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxs9oiJoTbE/T4h9Kbu8eWI/AAAAAAAADzE/7f9nIAb9C24/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxs9oiJoTbE/T4h9Kbu8eWI/AAAAAAAADzE/7f9nIAb9C24/s200/021.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because the calves were coming so thick and fast,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> we made the decision to move last year's heifers </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> from inside the barn to a sheltered outdoor pen.</span><br />
We needed even more room in the barn for the mothers who were calving to be able to have their babies in a safe environment.<br />
<br />
We were so glad to have cousin Andrew with us this year and he and Gustav got busy putting the pen together and filling it with a<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">deep</span> <span style="font-size: large;">straw bed</span> <br />
for warmth and comfort.<br />
(That would be the Plaza Suite in the annex...pretty cushy.)<br />
<br />
Then it was only to move the heifers out...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lycka till!</span><br />
("Good luck" in Swedish)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7HioBLKfZ8/T4iD_iLr4UI/AAAAAAAADzM/2xQMUg07J1o/s1600/012a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7HioBLKfZ8/T4iD_iLr4UI/AAAAAAAADzM/2xQMUg07J1o/s200/012a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m_8JRLz33Y/T4iEHTz7ZnI/AAAAAAAADzU/E4Y0nN2Lr4w/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--m_8JRLz33Y/T4iEHTz7ZnI/AAAAAAAADzU/E4Y0nN2Lr4w/s200/014.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Gustav and Andy surveyed the situation then Pappa and Gustav worked on getting the first heifer haltered up,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7nMQQqkgf0/T4iEOIBOoII/AAAAAAAADzc/4yX87qTKfGk/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7nMQQqkgf0/T4iEOIBOoII/AAAAAAAADzc/4yX87qTKfGk/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
but did she want to go?<br />
Not on your life.<br />
(Check out Gustav hauling with all his might while Andy and Pappa push).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npasDptn6aw/T4iGmdllAaI/AAAAAAAADzo/ASk00mIllo4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npasDptn6aw/T4iGmdllAaI/AAAAAAAADzo/ASk00mIllo4/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then there was this one who actually allowed herself to be coaxed into following the tractor out to the pen....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZxTFu1IgDc/T4iHJdqdtzI/AAAAAAAADzw/3DqzBT8oddA/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZxTFu1IgDc/T4iHJdqdtzI/AAAAAAAADzw/3DqzBT8oddA/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
unlike her half sister who fought it tooth and nail <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">all the way.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3R34shdII8/T4iHnaYCNFI/AAAAAAAADz4/KTeU1HyxqDc/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3R34shdII8/T4iHnaYCNFI/AAAAAAAADz4/KTeU1HyxqDc/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But finally with a lot of pushing and pulling<br />
they managed it, <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVqL35ceg2g/T4iHpqUvurI/AAAAAAAAD0A/XAKCHVkdumI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVqL35ceg2g/T4iHpqUvurI/AAAAAAAAD0A/XAKCHVkdumI/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and all were safely in!<br />
<br />
Our Grandpa Stevenson always loved to travel,<br />
and he absolutely <span style="font-size: large;">loved</span> hotels.<br />
He used to say that one of the biggest factors in the success of any hotel was it's dining room. <br />
He felt that anyone could offer a clean bed and a shower, but the hotel that offered extraordinary cuisine would always get the customers.<br />
<br />
With that premise in mind,<br />
no description of calving season would be complete,<br />
without telling you about<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">kalvdans.</span><br />
<br />
When a new calf is born<br />
the first feeding of the mother's milk always goes to the calf.<br />
After that it drinks freely from it's mother but no calf could ever consume all that is available in the post-partum udder.<br />
So when the second milking after the birth produces a colostrum-rich liquid called <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">råmjölk</span> <br />
(in Swedish)<br />
it is collected in a milking can.<br />
Even with the new baby all fed, a mother can give six to seven liters of råmjölk.<br />
<br />
Mixed only with a tiny bit of sugar, a small stick of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt,<br />
it is baked in a bain-marie,<br />
giving a pudding that is rich and smooth and delicious.<br />
It jiggles when you move the baking dish, something like a little calf dancing, hence the name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOQnEip5Q2w/T4iIurwllAI/AAAAAAAAD0I/H40RgN_sYBY/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOQnEip5Q2w/T4iIurwllAI/AAAAAAAAD0I/H40RgN_sYBY/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have come to believe that the calfing experience is like that beautiful pudding. <br />
There are moments of sweetness and moments of spice/sadness.<br />
You love to see the miracle of birth and the love of the mothers for their young, but sometimes you have the sting of losing a mother or a baby in the process.<br />
<br />
When it is all accomplished however, and all the babies have been born, <br />
there is a feeling of contentment and fulfillment,<br />
much like the taste of the kalvdans.<br />
<br />
We aren't done yet, but we are close.<br />
As of this writing two more have come<br />
meaning there are only four more to be born now.<br />
Soon our "Bovine Biltmore" will be full for another year,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> and so will our hearts.</span></i></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-5433525997344763662012-03-25T17:53:00.005+02:002012-03-25T18:22:05.775+02:00<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">"Down for the Count" </span></em></strong></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>(the final episode of taking out the calves - Summer 2011)</em></strong></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pinv_XGU_OY/T28r-QqQfAI/AAAAAAAADw4/jZb7rji2leA/s1600/083a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pinv_XGU_OY/T28r-QqQfAI/AAAAAAAADw4/jZb7rji2leA/s400/083a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Anthony and Gustav opening the gate of the training pen </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>for the next two calves</em></strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em> to be brought out and down to the field</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>...the calm before the storm!</em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It turned out that the first two calves were in fact</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> the ONLY two</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> of the entire bunch that went into the field</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in a somewhat straightforward manner.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">All the rest gave the boys a run for their money, up and down and all around in a chase </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">that would have made any rodeo manager proud. </span></em></strong> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTL1NCyN3mE/T2zFAmv8j7I/AAAAAAAADvQ/y92i7gG7oJ8/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTL1NCyN3mE/T2zFAmv8j7I/AAAAAAAADvQ/y92i7gG7oJ8/s200/032.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8cqsjltzks/T2zFKYEbedI/AAAAAAAADvc/iE_ByK3mtNg/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8cqsjltzks/T2zFKYEbedI/AAAAAAAADvc/iE_ByK3mtNg/s200/033.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got there just a few seconds too late to get a picture of this rascal dragging Gustav and Elder Monson down on their knees through the wet and muddy ditch trying to hang on. Look at the hindquarters of the calf and the pants of the coveralls on the boys...</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Twinners.</span> </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> When Gustav finally got it out of the mud he tried to coax it along but it was a fight all the way. </span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>And THIS ornery beast slipped out of it's lead with one jerk of the head and ran into the neighbor's field with Gustav and Elder Lopp in hot pursuit until they finally caught it.</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmLjTB_H_TE/T2zGk1lSAdI/AAAAAAAADvk/UztL-7KUqsY/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmLjTB_H_TE/T2zGk1lSAdI/AAAAAAAADvk/UztL-7KUqsY/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It took them nearly forty five minutes to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>run it down and get the lead rope back on, and even then....</span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebH3VCmzPBo/T2zGu37gXtI/AAAAAAAADvs/3rxjIxDEWFY/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebH3VCmzPBo/T2zGu37gXtI/AAAAAAAADvs/3rxjIxDEWFY/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>at this moment it looked like Gustav was pleading to Heaven to "PLEEEEEASE" send down a little divine intervention </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>so they could get it to it's final destination.</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0P5Ek3ED1RA/T2zKAyc7hwI/AAAAAAAADv4/KZ9YGCjzwoU/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0P5Ek3ED1RA/T2zKAyc7hwI/AAAAAAAADv4/KZ9YGCjzwoU/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the end, our two good-natured missionaries sat down </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">on the steps of the playhouse and baby sat to protect our investment,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(a calf in the hand is worth two in the field),</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> while the others worked on bringing in the stragglers.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It had been quite an afternoon and we had some hungry men to feed!</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-srOmOzueQ/T2zNQxp1cTI/AAAAAAAADwA/wCSwJ9oygkE/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-srOmOzueQ/T2zNQxp1cTI/AAAAAAAADwA/wCSwJ9oygkE/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-srOmOzueQ/T2zNQxp1cTI/AAAAAAAADwA/wCSwJ9oygkE/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> The main meal of the day on the farm happens around 3:00-3:30 P.M. Knowing it would be a challenging day, I had mixed up the filling and cooked and mashed the potatoes in advance for individual shepherd's pies that could be left to bake in the oven.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is one of our favorite things to make a hearty and delicious meal and to sit down to it knowing that every single thing in it came from our own labors on the farm...</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BXBTAYz-K8/T2zNaFjZfNI/AAAAAAAADwI/xT-Xv9rwzyk/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BXBTAYz-K8/T2zNaFjZfNI/AAAAAAAADwI/xT-Xv9rwzyk/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>The beef is from our own cows and so is the broth to make the gravy, rendered from the bounty of bones each year at slaughter time in early Winter. Carrots and peas and onions go into the filling, all grown in our kitchen garden, then dug and stored in the root cellar (carrots), picked, shelled, blanched, packaged and preserved in the freezers (peas), or braided and hung in a cool, dry place to winter over (onions). The potatoes are planted each Spring in a large field of their own, carefully tended, weeded, then harvested and bagged in the Autumn to be stored in the root cellar until the new crop comes the next Autumn. It is an amazing feeling to be sitting down to a meal produced from your own animals and land, from your own efforts and labor and with everything natural.</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGGz6iKTg4U/T2zNivL9-2I/AAAAAAAADwU/pQDv1E2Vwqg/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGGz6iKTg4U/T2zNivL9-2I/AAAAAAAADwU/pQDv1E2Vwqg/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> Here are the casseroles loaded up, waiting for the fluffy topper....</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gf9Tga3zmA/T2zNp-j2B9I/AAAAAAAADwc/NjViOGWY8Yc/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gf9Tga3zmA/T2zNp-j2B9I/AAAAAAAADwc/NjViOGWY8Yc/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>and "Oven Ready"!</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(this is the part where I love myself for doing it all ahead of time...)</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Everyone came in, washed up and tidied themselves and we sat down to eat. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With homemade sourdough bread, our own cheese, a salad from the very first lettuce that had come up early in the garden, and berry saft (fruit drink from our beries) or water,</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> we felt revived again and after a little break to sit and chat at the table,</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> we headed out. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ev021Uww5HU/T28u2FQLLSI/AAAAAAAADxA/nLGAL5rANpc/s1600/053a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ev021Uww5HU/T28u2FQLLSI/AAAAAAAADxA/nLGAL5rANpc/s320/053a.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Anthony finished up the plowing in Bo and Ebba's big field,</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge9GbIEnsak/T28jNEh0LfI/AAAAAAAADwk/e9qrDEiR590/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ge9GbIEnsak/T28jNEh0LfI/AAAAAAAADwk/e9qrDEiR590/s400/089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">then brought in the cows for the afternoon milking.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Look closely at Anthony's hands in this picture...he did something that was so unique and we were so fascinated by it....</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">whenever he brought in or took out the cows, if they were stubborn, or wouldn't come along as he wanted, he would raise his hands up and </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">"thip"</span> his fingers,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> making a clicking noise.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He never said a word, he never prodded them on the back end,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> he just </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">"thipped",</span> </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and it worked every time.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The cows would prick up their ears and follow him instantly.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Yes, the rest of us all tried to do it too,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and the cows just looked at us like we were nuts).</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STYFF-T0SmM/T28xU9Ok2cI/AAAAAAAADxI/s1u-DWrR_kc/s1600/061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STYFF-T0SmM/T28xU9Ok2cI/AAAAAAAADxI/s1u-DWrR_kc/s640/061a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">While Pappa and I cleaned up in the kitchen and helped in the barn,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Gustav and the missionaries continued on with the moving of the calves,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and by later in the evening this was the scene in the front field</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> by the water cup.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Over by the feeder was another group and farther over in the soft grass</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> a few more. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> The exodus from training pen to summer field of all seventeen calves</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> was complete.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> They were all there in the field where they should be and they were all </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">lying down.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(playing innocent after their naughtiness...)</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last of all, after a work-filled day on the farm, is the evening tradition of kräm.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And again,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> it is always the same.</span></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nDsVikEMZo/T283YuxBrTI/AAAAAAAADxQ/CeOLblumhZ0/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nDsVikEMZo/T283YuxBrTI/AAAAAAAADxQ/CeOLblumhZ0/s320/IMG_2296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>The recipe is so simple to remember: </em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>1 liter of water (vatten)</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>2 liters of fruit (this is strawberry/rhubarb, (jordgubbe/rabarber) - l liter of each, but you can use whatever fruits you like - we also love bluebery/raspberry (blåbar/hallon or "drottning")</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>3 dl of sugar</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>4 tablespoons (matsked in Swedish) of potato flour (potatismjöl)</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a large pot, add the fruits and stir to mix, cook for a few minutes to soften the fruit if necessary and bring up the temperature, mix the potato flour with a little cold water so it is liquid, and stir it into the hot fruit mixture. Return to the boil and it thickens up. Take it off the heat and pour it into a crock and set it in the fridge to cool completely.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It is always served chilled and ladled into bowls with milk poured over it, and here it is always eaten with a cheese sandwich,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(open faced if you are in Sweden), </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and it is delicious.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We had a lot of jokes about that day. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> It was one of frustration and accomplishment. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> It was one of working together and getting it done.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was one of counting on our friends and having them come through</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">with flying colors when we needed them.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> One of our daughters called from the States that night and asked:</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">"What's goin'</span> <span style="font-size: large;">down?"</span></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> And the answer was:</em></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>EVERYTHING GOOD!</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-52649930221478052212012-03-23T19:23:00.012+01:002015-11-12T07:58:40.793+01:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>"Round Two"</em></strong></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMSNWgip6w/T2xqRC88OUI/AAAAAAAADsc/PBXYnGfWR2k/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjMSNWgip6w/T2xqRC88OUI/AAAAAAAADsc/PBXYnGfWR2k/s400/062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: small;">The summer breakfast table on the farm.</span> </em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ten days later we woke to a bright and beautiful summer morning, </span></em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the perfect time for moving the calves </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to the field in front of the storstuga. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">They had done so well in the training pen that they were ready</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> for the big field</span></em></strong> <strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> where they would spend the summer and fall seasons. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> The missionaries, Elder Lopp and Elder Monson, were on their way to give us another service day and </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">would arrive in good time for the</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"> typical summer breakfast on the farm. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">It's always the same....</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Homemade soft breads, crisp knäcke and tunnbröd (crisp and thin breads), sliced cold meat (in this case it was our homemade corned beef), fresh vegetables, saft (fruit drink made from our berries last Fall and preserved in the root cellar), fizzie water with lemon and lime slices, ranch and thousand island dressings for the sandwiches, cheeses from our dairy,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">and the mainstay of it all.... <span style="font-size: large;">långfil.</span></span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux6QfLfBov8/T2x4tmmyeII/AAAAAAAADus/0Vt9S6J1z6E/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux6QfLfBov8/T2x4tmmyeII/AAAAAAAADus/0Vt9S6J1z6E/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Långfil is a cultured milk product that is something like stringy, thick yogurt until you hit it with the big whisk...then it turns into a liquid that is SO velvety and </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">SO satisfying that even after you are full, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">you still kind of want to eat...</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;"> another bowl of långfil!</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GdDhrreElc/T2x5RuEQSDI/AAAAAAAADu0/LiRrQHscbZw/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GdDhrreElc/T2x5RuEQSDI/AAAAAAAADu0/LiRrQHscbZw/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Smothered with cornflakes or muesli</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and topped with sliced strawberries from our garden,</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> it can "only be good". </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> There is something so very basic about it that it is universally appealing. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We make it in 30 liter batches, stored in large stainless steel canisters in the dairy cooler, refilling a 5 liter stainless steel hod as needed </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in the inside fridge.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">It is truly wonderful.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With that substantial breakfast under our belt we were ready for the day.</span></em></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong><em>It seemed at first it would be pretty easy. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong><em> Anthony brought out a calf and it was trotting along just fine down the driveway towards the field.</em></strong></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeVNyj2pg9o/T2xtbLs0tiI/AAAAAAAADuA/6S1lkVx6vTs/s1600/06-19-2011+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeVNyj2pg9o/T2xtbLs0tiI/AAAAAAAADuA/6S1lkVx6vTs/s200/06-19-2011+018.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fMg-YmMbmXU/T2xtOiMsLGI/AAAAAAAADt4/vgtauOEdWP8/s1600/06-19-2011+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fMg-YmMbmXU/T2xtOiMsLGI/AAAAAAAADt4/vgtauOEdWP8/s200/06-19-2011+017.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><strong><em>For a moment it started to run the other way,</em></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0As8PLZNTxc/T2xtu-yx8EI/AAAAAAAADuQ/mj3Cejgen7Y/s1600/06-19-2011+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0As8PLZNTxc/T2xtu-yx8EI/AAAAAAAADuQ/mj3Cejgen7Y/s200/06-19-2011+022.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWCJryvJ9Hg/T2xtkffAp3I/AAAAAAAADuI/PhkdddZ9rm8/s1600/06-19-2011+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWCJryvJ9Hg/T2xtkffAp3I/AAAAAAAADuI/PhkdddZ9rm8/s200/06-19-2011+021.JPG" width="200" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">but soon enough he had it headed toward the path and safely into the field,</span></em></strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRBpUqGUCZ0/T2x_ZvByN7I/AAAAAAAADvA/y2FJfL-1QeY/s1600/06-19-2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRBpUqGUCZ0/T2x_ZvByN7I/AAAAAAAADvA/y2FJfL-1QeY/s320/06-19-2011+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where Gustav was waiting with his furry friend.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Good job...going smoothly...everyone looks happy, right?</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">Wrong.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">(Stay tuned for the next installment!)</span></em></strong></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-57608815695029265152012-02-05T18:15:00.004+01:002012-03-25T16:18:37.219+02:00<div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">(and now back to last summer...)</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"Perfect Timing"</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReKolRKEmqg/Tyxtx68Em0I/AAAAAAAADqk/NojaVmkYS30/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReKolRKEmqg/Tyxtx68Em0I/AAAAAAAADqk/NojaVmkYS30/s400/taking+out+the+cows+046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With the baby calves safely into their training pen, Pappa, Gustav and Anthony started in on the pressing tasks at hand.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There was plenty to do in that precious ten day period of time. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One part of the threshing barn that had been moved the previous September still had to be dismantled and taken back to our farm.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68XwU5emC74/TyxlYkPW7PI/AAAAAAAADpk/XBi3dAMYfSI/s1600/06-06-2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68XwU5emC74/TyxlYkPW7PI/AAAAAAAADpk/XBi3dAMYfSI/s400/06-06-2011+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We had experimented last Fall with dunging the kitchen garden and plowing it in at the end of the season instead of at the beginning. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> So this Spring it only had to be harrowed before planting. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Gustav did the honors with some pointers from Pappa.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxoIn5o4HxU/Tym7v71QDTI/AAAAAAAADng/dEaMVMSHSEk/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxoIn5o4HxU/Tym7v71QDTI/AAAAAAAADng/dEaMVMSHSEk/s200/taking+out+the+cows+048.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtSrwm3ks0/Tym79JOeGqI/AAAAAAAADns/I4o0ZadcnaE/s200/06-06-2011+004.JPG" width="200" /></span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We saw right away that Anthony was very quick to learn so he was trained by Gustav and took on washing the cheeses in the cooling rooms without a break in the schedule. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Spring is also when the Advent tree has to be stripped of it's lights and taken down, cut up, and hauled off into the forest.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Raising up the bucket on the tractor is the best method for doing that so the men had it down in a flash.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor;"><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8Vc5S4u2eE/TyxoERerPlI/AAAAAAAADps/QK_94r7RLfY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8Vc5S4u2eE/TyxoERerPlI/AAAAAAAADps/QK_94r7RLfY/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The three of them picked a bright, crisp day when the ground had warmed just enough and went out to plant the seed potatoes.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Pappa drove the tractor and the two boys rode in the back, </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">row after row, dropping the potatoes through the slots</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> of the rotating seeder </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to be deposited deep in the soft earth.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3MX6k_SCNk/TyxoXUUclMI/AAAAAAAADp4/qrXirwSbcJE/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3MX6k_SCNk/TyxoXUUclMI/AAAAAAAADp4/qrXirwSbcJE/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de48KQS5dEk/Tyxofo_emnI/AAAAAAAADqA/nXCAvdh5iq4/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de48KQS5dEk/Tyxofo_emnI/AAAAAAAADqA/nXCAvdh5iq4/s200/023.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gustav provided the tutorial and Anthony followed suit,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> shearing up all the sheep, ready to be moved out to the fields for the season.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnjd8DxqUp0/Tyxo-6jeUAI/AAAAAAAADqI/vlxuOm2HPqI/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnjd8DxqUp0/Tyxo-6jeUAI/AAAAAAAADqI/vlxuOm2HPqI/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But perhaps the greatest moment of all came very unexpectedly. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't know why it hadn't occurred to us before since we knew </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anthony had been raised on a very large dairy farm in France. </span></em></strong><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Maybe it was the stress of having so much to do in a short space of time, worrying that we would fall behind, or that Pappa and Gustav would be stretched too thin with all they had on their plates already.</span></em></strong><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Early one morning, as Pappa was ready to go out</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> and start the Spring plowing, </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(possibly the most demanding of all the Spring responsibilities),</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anthony appeared in his calm and quiet way and said simply, </span></em></strong><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"I can do thees".</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We stared at each other...</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HGMd7Hrzh0/TyxpHP5stuI/AAAAAAAADqU/AIbA5cMitvg/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HGMd7Hrzh0/TyxpHP5stuI/AAAAAAAADqU/AIbA5cMitvg/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He knew how to plow!</span></em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N12jB7Z1Ocw/TyxwFucae4I/AAAAAAAADqw/U3f_SEQWOuE/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N12jB7Z1Ocw/TyxwFucae4I/AAAAAAAADqw/U3f_SEQWOuE/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And could he really do it? </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">You bet!</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Look at that field.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Day after day, up and down, up and down, </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">until it was finished.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This was a gift from Heaven that made all the difference to us. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With Anthony on board there were four of us and we were able </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">to finish up</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> not only every bit of the plowing,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">but eventually ALL the Spring work. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> As the days passed we realized we were even a little ahead of schedule. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4I4WtSu4Gk/Tym6nRjVZEI/AAAAAAAADnE/j3bm_tQ1HOY/s200/taking+out+the+cows+065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Mucking out.</em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0V1m9QFVDw/Tym7IbsXG1I/AAAAAAAADnQ/ojA3s-7iqIY/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0V1m9QFVDw/Tym7IbsXG1I/AAAAAAAADnQ/ojA3s-7iqIY/s200/taking+out+the+cows+060.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Feeding hay.</em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As if the added momentum wasn't enough of a blessing, Anthony was also right at home with a shovel, pitchfork and squeegee so the barn work was second nature to him as well.</span></em></strong></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CE55nWahcJs/Tym6gHh7AzI/AAAAAAAADm8/0f4Zk4fJDtc/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CE55nWahcJs/Tym6gHh7AzI/AAAAAAAADm8/0f4Zk4fJDtc/s320/taking+out+the+cows+055.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Squeegee-ing the milk room floor.</em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border: currentColor;"></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It could not have been more perfect. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were beginning to get the vision of what this could mean to us</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for the coming season. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">With Manny away we had worried about being able to keep up. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> That worry was fading fast. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I72KOdmth14/Ty6ue8iOqgI/AAAAAAAADsM/kyU1xK7_cZw/s1600/t-shirthead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I72KOdmth14/Ty6ue8iOqgI/AAAAAAAADsM/kyU1xK7_cZw/s320/t-shirthead.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>With his shy smile and a hat he had fashioned from an old t-shirt,</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>to shade him from the sun,</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Anthony was:</em></strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>The right man,</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em> in the right place, </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">at the right time!</span></em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4I4WtSu4Gk/Tym6nRjVZEI/AAAAAAAADnE/j3bm_tQ1HOY/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtSrwm3ks0/Tym79JOeGqI/AAAAAAAADns/I4o0ZadcnaE/s1600/06-06-2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-22413265992366758322012-02-05T17:22:00.000+01:002012-02-05T17:22:20.588+01:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">"I.Q.F..."*</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-voDJkBNs/Ty6rXZuKFhI/AAAAAAAADsE/zoBuyJIRf0o/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-voDJkBNs/Ty6rXZuKFhI/AAAAAAAADsE/zoBuyJIRf0o/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Look closely, it's a little blurry...)</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">That would be a description of me and Gustav running to the barn early this morning. </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(And you thought it was only about vegetables!) </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">*I</span>ndividually <span style="font-size: x-large;">Q</span>uick <span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>rozen</span></em></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-4737303711417498072012-02-03T23:34:00.002+01:002012-02-04T23:34:04.114+01:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"Dear Phil..."</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYEIpJIS8Q0WLRDVtIPyfx6O3xFCX56wICDLDNBlva0xCVzBJwcw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYEIpJIS8Q0WLRDVtIPyfx6O3xFCX56wICDLDNBlva0xCVzBJwcw" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We heard that you peeked out of your Punxatawny groundhog hole yesterday, sniffed the air, looked around, and announced:</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"There will be six more weeks of winter!"</span></em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That was very kind of you.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> But.....</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">when Gustav and I got up this morning it was </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">-30 degrees Celsius.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpI8hHKERLA/TyxV-iYWv0I/AAAAAAAADpI/FIOvuYVscTM/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpI8hHKERLA/TyxV-iYWv0I/AAAAAAAADpI/FIOvuYVscTM/s200/IMG_0413.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJGH6aOxZZo/TyxV0ftjrkI/AAAAAAAADpA/fE7EnB48RLU/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJGH6aOxZZo/TyxV0ftjrkI/AAAAAAAADpA/fE7EnB48RLU/s200/IMG_0410.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We quickly lit the fire in the woodstove in the kitchen,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">waited to make sure it was really going strong,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHW5pvrI6TI/TyxXEO-XdPI/AAAAAAAADpU/h-qUmIY79ts/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHW5pvrI6TI/TyxXEO-XdPI/AAAAAAAADpU/h-qUmIY79ts/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> put on the pot of hot water to boil, set the kettles to heat,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and headed outside.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*We each had on:</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> two pairs of long underwear,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> thick woollen socks, </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">wool lined boots with wool insoles,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">heavy winter jackets,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">thick wool gloves,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and wool hats.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oivOr2Dsjxw/TyxTeBOUG2I/AAAAAAAADoo/Gq6-_QaGDZM/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oivOr2Dsjxw/TyxTeBOUG2I/AAAAAAAADoo/Gq6-_QaGDZM/s400/IMG_0127.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First it was "Big Red", the furnace out in the pannrum that fires the hot water system throughout the farm. Gustav built the fire in there.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Good, good.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9n2sv1_lcPU/TyxLERj_e7I/AAAAAAAADoI/szJXYttj0FI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9n2sv1_lcPU/TyxLERj_e7I/AAAAAAAADoI/szJXYttj0FI/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Next to the icicle-laden pump house where the barn clothes are kept. Even with the floor heat on it barely</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">took the chill off!</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Finally, winter coveralls fastened over the above-mentioned clothing items*,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> we rushed to the barn where we hoped that </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the body heat from all the cows would make it toasty warm in there. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">No chance.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFQtYe8Tw4I/TyxLNmbwEZI/AAAAAAAADoY/1DCJRIcBW7U/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFQtYe8Tw4I/TyxLNmbwEZI/AAAAAAAADoY/1DCJRIcBW7U/s200/013.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3uEBI3sKRA/TyxLSl-mVfI/AAAAAAAADog/x82pM_EGN3A/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3uEBI3sKRA/TyxLSl-mVfI/AAAAAAAADog/x82pM_EGN3A/s200/012.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was the <span style="font-size: large;">INSIDE</span> of the barn door covered with ice.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This was the <span style="font-size: large;">INSIDE</span> of the milk room window covered with ice.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klpynkXlsmY/TyxLIhunkxI/AAAAAAAADoQ/r23ZH-6LTA8/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klpynkXlsmY/TyxLIhunkxI/AAAAAAAADoQ/r23ZH-6LTA8/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And this was the <span style="font-size: large;">INSIDE</span> of the entry door covered with ice.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was <span style="font-size: large;">FREEZING</span> in there for everyone but the cows.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They had their wonderful, warm, furry, skins to protect them and mountains of fresh, crunchy, hay to feed <u>their</u> internal heating systems while <u>we</u> flew through our barn chores as fast as we could.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-0OoFPZW2A/Tyxdlri6LaI/AAAAAAAADpc/gfAYtI3-TEw/s1600/0204a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-0OoFPZW2A/Tyxdlri6LaI/AAAAAAAADpc/gfAYtI3-TEw/s400/0204a.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Lucky bugs!)</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So Phil...</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">now that we're safely back in the storstuga, </span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">huddled by the warmth of the woodstove, </span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">we wanted to say,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> "Thanks a lot for telling us </span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">that we still have a fair amount of winter left to face this year".</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But it's official...</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">here on the farm in northern Sweden...</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUQ5qbjAkHA/TyxU3UzjeFI/AAAAAAAADo4/iwxMcChPDxQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUQ5qbjAkHA/TyxU3UzjeFI/AAAAAAAADo4/iwxMcChPDxQ/s640/IMG_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">...we already knew.</span></em></strong></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-91431494160546773242012-01-25T11:58:00.008+01:002012-03-25T16:18:05.810+02:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"How Do We Get Them from:</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">HERE.......</span></em></strong><br />
<div style="border: currentColor;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwbp0F8vrxA/Tx-xGD60LaI/AAAAAAAADjs/KV12r1zOF4s/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwbp0F8vrxA/Tx-xGD60LaI/AAAAAAAADjs/KV12r1zOF4s/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">.......to THERE?"</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C55l06wCM0E/Tx-sEPrVhSI/AAAAAAAADjI/Ebf6czfX7GU/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C55l06wCM0E/Tx-sEPrVhSI/AAAAAAAADjI/Ebf6czfX7GU/s400/087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border: currentColor;"><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the early weeks of June the weather had warmed enough that we could start to </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">"take out the cows".</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We wanted to have it all accomplished before the haying season started at the end of the month. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The older cows were kind of "seasoned" professionals. They could feel the change in the air and after a long winter of being in the barn,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> (warm and cozy as it is),</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> we only had to unhook them, open the doors and gates, lead them out,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEtzShShW8I/Tx-tGF4Ac6I/AAAAAAAADjk/yrfa2_FtLGg/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEtzShShW8I/Tx-tGF4Ac6I/AAAAAAAADjk/yrfa2_FtLGg/s400/057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and they were ready to roll!</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The young calves, however, were a different matter.</span></em></strong></div></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIx5zxVgcGo/Tx-okM1PPtI/AAAAAAAADjA/aY6kbQ6vSC0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIx5zxVgcGo/Tx-okM1PPtI/AAAAAAAADjA/aY6kbQ6vSC0/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They had been born indoors. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Their experience bank to that point had consisted of:</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Being inside their mother (safe and warm),</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Being in the birthing stall with their mother (also safe and warm), </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. Being in the secure calf box where two large bottles of warm milk were delivered to their tummies each morning and night along with no end of soft talk and</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> petting (continuing the 'safe and warm' mode),</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4. Being in Play Group with all their buddies to frisk with when they wanted to and snuggle with when they needed to (safe and warm AND fun).</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now suddenly they were haltered for the first time, however gently, and led out into the sometimes still-brisk early morning air,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> on their way to-- </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">who knows where or what!</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(It was a total rodeo!)</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RU3SxNYI5xY/Tx-9fGUPj5I/AAAAAAAADj4/j72aIwGoHso/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RU3SxNYI5xY/Tx-9fGUPj5I/AAAAAAAADj4/j72aIwGoHso/s320/066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the late Spring we had been contacted by a </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> French high school student,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Anthony Louvel.</span> </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> He was looking for a five week internship on a Swedish ecological farm to fulfill his school requirements. We filled out all the legal forms e-mailed to us by his Headmaster and sent them back. We wondered how he would do, being young and having somewhat limited English. He had been raised on a very large dairy farm, so that was a plus and we hoped it would be a factor in having him feel at home and comfortable with us. When he arrived he seemed quite shy and a little homesick. </span></em></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N39Z8twQuIM/Tx-9zx4NkTI/AAAAAAAADkI/ZTJS9HW4BV8/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N39Z8twQuIM/Tx-9zx4NkTI/AAAAAAAADkI/ZTJS9HW4BV8/s200/069.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vtYEGpiCM4/Tx-9qoVkISI/AAAAAAAADkA/0o2msXMXy-I/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vtYEGpiCM4/Tx-9qoVkISI/AAAAAAAADkA/0o2msXMXy-I/s200/068.JPG" width="200" /></a> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first task at hand the next morning was taking out the calves, (t</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">alk about being thrown in at the deep end....), but at the beginning it felt like maybe it would be OK. The baby calves seemed like they were going to co-operate....</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urgvEv71f0M/Tx_EFA1bIdI/AAAAAAAADkc/10mDumUv43Q/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urgvEv71f0M/Tx_EFA1bIdI/AAAAAAAADkc/10mDumUv43Q/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">not a chance.....</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The minute they were out the barn door those beasts headed in every possible direction but the right one.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Take a look at Gustav on the left side of the picture...he was barely keeping his balance with the calf at the end of the rope yanking him</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> back and forth.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">And then an amazing thing happened.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> With all hesitation falling victim to the inborn need of every male of the species to COMPETE, </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anthony yelled in his French accent:</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">"We see who get there first!"</span></em></strong> </div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>And the race was on....</em></strong></span></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTrjRVd3ZCM/Tx_FJ50WmpI/AAAAAAAADkk/WAkxS9fzJBU/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTrjRVd3ZCM/Tx_FJ50WmpI/AAAAAAAADkk/WAkxS9fzJBU/s200/074.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JE_W1QRvM6M/Tx_FTD7yc3I/AAAAAAAADkw/wynaOhR7inQ/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JE_W1QRvM6M/Tx_FTD7yc3I/AAAAAAAADkw/wynaOhR7inQ/s200/076.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Anthony looked like he had it in the bag (or in the field) but suddenly his calf took a hard turn to the left and he had to fight to get it back on track.</em></strong></span> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3emAfieG0_k/Tx_FlGcr27I/AAAAAAAADlA/Zu_kwgR-S-0/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3emAfieG0_k/Tx_FlGcr27I/AAAAAAAADlA/Zu_kwgR-S-0/s200/080.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYvdkV7jWcg/Tx_FcV9DSiI/AAAAAAAADk4/pW1mZMMDujs/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYvdkV7jWcg/Tx_FcV9DSiI/AAAAAAAADk4/pW1mZMMDujs/s200/078.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meantime, Gustav and his calf had charged into the lead and made it through the first gate only to have the calf break free and run through to points unknown, leaving Gustav scurrying from one end of the small field to the other in a vain attempt to catch it. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> That allowed Anthony to leap into the breach with his savage after which he very magnanimously went over to help Gustav corral his and get it back where it was supposed to be.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the end, both of them were laughing, breathing very hard, and </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">calling it,</span></span></span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a draw</span>.</span></em></strong></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJZoKh1pWoo/Tx_M1YMKKdI/AAAAAAAADlU/u8mRj1KfILw/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJZoKh1pWoo/Tx_M1YMKKdI/AAAAAAAADlU/u8mRj1KfILw/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Finishing up the gates for the new training field.</em></strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is so often said that one of the most valuable things about living the farm life, and there are many valuable things about it, is that you are always facing a new challenge. There is always a way to try and do it better.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For these small calves we wanted to try and do it better this year in providing them with an added step in the transition from being in the barn to being outside. We understood that it is a big change for them spatially as well as in their diet. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When they were in the confined area of the barn, after they had been weaned off the milk bottles, they had hay from the past year's crop, buckets of grain, and fresh water every day. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But when it was time to take them outside they would be in a very large field with the lush green grasses of Summer all around. They were only eight weeks old and that could be an adjustment for them in their surroundings as well as in their still young and sensitive stomachs.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We had learned that from previous years with the new calves.</span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before we took them out we made a much smaller "training field" with a finer gauge fence for increased safety and a stationary feeder that could hold a bale of hay. We wanted to see if they would settle down better in a space that was a reduced size and 'self-police' with their eating so that their new-grass intake would be in better proportion.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It worked beautifully.</span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rD4Xsfiq-gs/Tx-sSUZfynI/AAAAAAAADjU/JuvERauVim0/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rD4Xsfiq-gs/Tx-sSUZfynI/AAAAAAAADjU/JuvERauVim0/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We left them there for a week or so until they were more accustomed to being out.</span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em></strong> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That first day with Anthony was one to always be remembered. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It confirmed once again that there is no language or cultural barrier that cannot be removed by working together side by side.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnV6tLbJDOM/Tx_L56kAZfI/AAAAAAAADlM/kpUvuk8Wmtc/s1600/06-19-2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnV6tLbJDOM/Tx_L56kAZfI/AAAAAAAADlM/kpUvuk8Wmtc/s400/06-19-2011+032.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With the calves safely into their new training pen, the boys were ready for a hot shower, an evening snack and a bowl of homemade ice cream from our dairy. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One thing we had learned for sure...</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Anthony was a gem.</span></em></strong> </span></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But even after that day, as successful as it was, we could not have known how far-reaching the effect would be that this young man would have on our family and our farm.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> For the busy summer season that was unfolding he would make a major difference. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We grew to love and appreciate this French farm boy who came to us at exactly the right time to move not only our baby calves, but us as well, </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">from here to there!</span></em></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-79596040864084320842012-01-19T22:22:00.012+01:002012-03-25T16:17:21.283+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"War and Peace"</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(with apologies to Mr. Tolstoy) </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYFHOpXEAvw/Txc5-gU812I/AAAAAAAADhI/A2nsqE5-_j8/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYFHOpXEAvw/Txc5-gU812I/AAAAAAAADhI/A2nsqE5-_j8/s400/taking+out+the+cows+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>(Goofing on the kitchen sofa with Gustav)</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The time that Lauren was with us was the shortest of any of the wwoofers we have ever had....</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">just two weeks.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But eleven of those fourteen days were the vital period between the blooming of the hägg tree and the blooming of the lilac (syren) bushes.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In northern Sweden everyone understands the incredible pressure that exists "Between the Hägg and the Syren".</span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The earth is awakening for another season of growing, the lambs and the calves are being born, preparations for the the critical haying time are being made, gardens must be tilled and fields readied for plowing. </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">No battle field could compare to it for sheer chaos if you aren't focused and efficient.</span></em></strong><br />
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</div></div><div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><div style="border: currentColor;"><div style="border: currentColor;"><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxwOoKrn_J4/Txc8WJw6lZI/AAAAAAAADik/w-KZZcAen1w/s1600/IMG_3828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxwOoKrn_J4/Txc8WJw6lZI/AAAAAAAADik/w-KZZcAen1w/s320/IMG_3828.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR31OWt7OO0/Txc7eKbrNsI/AAAAAAAADiI/-VGJl_KdrWQ/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR31OWt7OO0/Txc7eKbrNsI/AAAAAAAADiI/-VGJl_KdrWQ/s320/IMG_3827.JPG" width="240" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong></div><div style="border: currentColor;"></div><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was Gustav (arguably the most experienced),</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Lauren (ready, willing and able),</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and Me.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As soon as the cows were milked in the main barn, there were bottles to fill and carry to the small animal barn for the morning and evening feeding of the calves...</span></em></strong></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: currentColor;"></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35h1C6o6f2g/Txc7yggDv2I/AAAAAAAADiU/8a8Kjfn4n5A/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35h1C6o6f2g/Txc7yggDv2I/AAAAAAAADiU/8a8Kjfn4n5A/s320/IMG_3832.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and here she was with "the savages" as they were called because they</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> RACED </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">up to the bars every time, </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">slurping up the warm milk, pushing and shoving and butting each other out of the way. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For the record..you couldn't do this job without simultaneously laughing and gently scolding the calves during each and every session. It was such a zoo.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMTFL1mrbag/Txh5trwIU1I/AAAAAAAADi0/bBrkFhVj31I/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMTFL1mrbag/Txh5trwIU1I/AAAAAAAADi0/bBrkFhVj31I/s200/IMG_3830.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ8I1f7nMHw/Txh5mjiyBsI/AAAAAAAADis/NHCMM0AlWGQ/s1600/IMG_3829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ8I1f7nMHw/Txh5mjiyBsI/AAAAAAAADis/NHCMM0AlWGQ/s200/IMG_3829.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the grain room between the large and small animal barn, in an area called the</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> höladsporten,</span></span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> the barley had to be crushed and bucketed out to all the animals. While I was milking and tending to the new mothers, Lauren was holding the fort in the "kornkammare" and doing a terrific job of both crushing and cleaning up.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-j2gTeqZqs/Txc6ZKQifMI/AAAAAAAADhc/KNQNcfvp00o/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-j2gTeqZqs/Txc6ZKQifMI/AAAAAAAADhc/KNQNcfvp00o/s200/taking+out+the+cows+031.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uECLvnbe8/Txc6PTyEfcI/AAAAAAAADhU/EJ2pyWe5t4s/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1uECLvnbe8/Txc6PTyEfcI/AAAAAAAADhU/EJ2pyWe5t4s/s200/taking+out+the+cows+029.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And as if there wasn't enough going on......the trucker with an entire year's worth of chopped wood, </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">arrived and had to have help with the unloading from the main road. So Lauren hitched a ride on the tractor and if you look very closely you can see her out there helping with the transport back and forth.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynZU_6alruA/Txc6k4LpaQI/AAAAAAAADhk/JDruI_6sIEY/s1600/Lauren2+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynZU_6alruA/Txc6k4LpaQI/AAAAAAAADhk/JDruI_6sIEY/s320/Lauren2+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Did we mention the indoor duties? It just never ends!</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Feeling tired yet? </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Take heart.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uU8rGyCBrg0/Txc5DGcc6iI/AAAAAAAADgo/gPIoCzYFiFg/s1600/Lauren2+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uU8rGyCBrg0/Txc5DGcc6iI/AAAAAAAADgo/gPIoCzYFiFg/s200/Lauren2+008.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2sA8cWJKA0/Txc5M342V1I/AAAAAAAADgw/uJVDGU87_o8/s1600/Lauren2+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2sA8cWJKA0/Txc5M342V1I/AAAAAAAADgw/uJVDGU87_o8/s200/Lauren2+007.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the most unexpected things about life on the farm is that there are moments of deep peace that come even during the most demanding of times.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It is a peace that seems to instantly satisfy every need or longing in your soul and it appears just when you think there could not BE any peace with all that is required of you.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">These four pictures (two above and two below) are an example of that experience.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUekGfFcHgM/Txc4r3ObsUI/AAAAAAAADgc/yCINCMhNCow/s1600/Lauren+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUekGfFcHgM/Txc4r3ObsUI/AAAAAAAADgc/yCINCMhNCow/s200/Lauren+006.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KNSI8ihrB8/Txc4aiS7U2I/AAAAAAAADgU/wPKAk40ezT0/s1600/Lauren+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KNSI8ihrB8/Txc4aiS7U2I/AAAAAAAADgU/wPKAk40ezT0/s200/Lauren+003.JPG" width="150" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I asked Lauren one day if she could get us some flowers for the kitchen table and she went out to the hägg tree, cut an armfull and brought them in the house. It was still quite cold and the air was really nippy. When she came in with them t</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">heir scent filled every corner of the kitchen and drifted through the entire home. Later there was a quiet tranquility as she worked with and cuddled the animals in the barn. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gustav says that there are times when he just dreads going to the barn, but once he gets there he always feels good. It is so true, because that same peace seems to come as you enter the barn even when there is a lot to do. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maybe it's because you are working with the animals and that in and of itself has a very calming effect. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> I'm not sure what it is in total, but I do know how it feels. </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The great Russian author, Leo Tolstoy, is described not as one who wrote</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> "a novel"</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> but, more importantly, as one who wrote </span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"a piece of life".</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyh2SJaA_Qg/Txc5u5R-IsI/AAAAAAAADg4/cEQoPLSQfwU/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyh2SJaA_Qg/Txc5u5R-IsI/AAAAAAAADg4/cEQoPLSQfwU/s320/taking+out+the+cows+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>The day Lauren left we talked about how much she had affected our family in such a short space of time.</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She worked hard, she participated with us in every kind of dinner table discussion, she had a great sense of humor and a loving heart.</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeAwf8osvE/Txc52gfk2-I/AAAAAAAADhA/P6q18pYIEQc/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeAwf8osvE/Txc52gfk2-I/AAAAAAAADhA/P6q18pYIEQc/s400/taking+out+the+cows+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In just fourteen days, she became a very real</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"> piece of our lives.</span></em></strong></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-20830404701654364022012-01-18T21:54:00.005+01:002012-03-25T16:16:43.425+02:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> "Track Record"</i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMciLJ6f5t0/Tw8fZsa4q8I/AAAAAAAADfI/YgPlLrShv2o/s1600/3477a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMciLJ6f5t0/Tw8fZsa4q8I/AAAAAAAADfI/YgPlLrShv2o/s400/3477a.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Calving time is always intense.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjnTJR-Qrns/Tw8a0IxqIjI/AAAAAAAADfA/lM5mPJ3oanw/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjnTJR-Qrns/Tw8a0IxqIjI/AAAAAAAADfA/lM5mPJ3oanw/s200/IMG_3268.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr7fr8Fj65s/Tw8ah_1hiXI/AAAAAAAADe4/cxBNec1PLdA/s1600/IMG_3271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr7fr8Fj65s/Tw8ah_1hiXI/AAAAAAAADe4/cxBNec1PLdA/s200/IMG_3271.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>By the middle of March, when the worst bite of winter has passed, the bulls and the female "mellankalvar" (heifers that were born the previous year), have to be moved out of their winter stalls in the small animal barn,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7urwfZF8kRs/Tw8ZUaT-EnI/AAAAAAAADec/duWhBLAwLsk/s1600/IMG_3374_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7urwfZF8kRs/Tw8ZUaT-EnI/AAAAAAAADec/duWhBLAwLsk/s320/IMG_3374_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>to the "gated community" out in the open air </i></b></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>of the new doorless hay barn.</i></b></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>There they have enough shelter and deep, fresh, straw in their pens to give them warmth and protection that is more than adequate in the still brisk Spring air.</i></b></span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GCJ31QRMpQ/Tw8aHSkXY5I/AAAAAAAADes/UlSgoVcKkXY/s1600/IMG_3376_1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GCJ31QRMpQ/Tw8aHSkXY5I/AAAAAAAADes/UlSgoVcKkXY/s320/IMG_3376_1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ysGUQ8F8Zg/Tw8Znqrr-bI/AAAAAAAADek/EbVAW63samw/s1600/IMG_3370_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ysGUQ8F8Zg/Tw8Znqrr-bI/AAAAAAAADek/EbVAW63samw/s200/IMG_3370_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Their departure to the great outdoors makes it possible for us to power wash that area of the barn and scrub up all the necessary facilities to make room for the mothers who will be having their babies within a few weeks. </i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>This year we had done everything we could think of to be prepared but we got hit with an<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">unexpected glitch</span> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>that we never could have foreseen.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Normally the process goes like this: </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZBYi63UIKI/TxceioZY50I/AAAAAAAADfU/VqbHaO2OEOg/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZBYi63UIKI/TxceioZY50I/AAAAAAAADfU/VqbHaO2OEOg/s320/IMG_1142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>The mother has her baby in the soft, clean straw in the birthing stall and the two of them stay together by themselves for five days. During that time the mother feeds her baby and takes care of it. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mjpBbCzi-k/TxcgUnZ9LoI/AAAAAAAADfw/KsCBeG6Y65s/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mjpBbCzi-k/TxcgUnZ9LoI/AAAAAAAADfw/KsCBeG6Y65s/s200/IMG_1275.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnqnGjCfaq4/Txcf1cDfPPI/AAAAAAAADfo/HYTCq0T27Pw/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnqnGjCfaq4/Txcf1cDfPPI/AAAAAAAADfo/HYTCq0T27Pw/s200/IMG_1213.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Then it's time for the baby to be outfitted with an identification eartag.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>(SUPER IMPORTANT!)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> The ear tags are the system that allows us to keep track of which calf has come from which mother. That birth record must be submitted to the government since we have pure-bred animals.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> Once it is safely tagged, the baby is taken into a calf box where it is taught to drink milk from a bottle. For the next five days it will be fed it's mother's milk from the bottle, and have access to fresh water and hay.</i></b></span> </div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwuV6JMeons/Tw8RfOw4alI/AAAAAAAADdM/SuRoJlgyonk/s1600/Lauren+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwuV6JMeons/Tw8RfOw4alI/AAAAAAAADdM/SuRoJlgyonk/s320/Lauren+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Finally, when it can drink from the bottle well enough it goes to a larger pen with the other new baby calves who have also graduated through the calf-box training process. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>We call that larger pen "Play Group",</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> where the calves will continue for eight more weeks to be bottle fed until it is time to go out into the field for the summer.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXcvgYQkSo0/TxcfsbnxbzI/AAAAAAAADfg/qezt_5BFvck/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXcvgYQkSo0/TxcfsbnxbzI/AAAAAAAADfg/qezt_5BFvck/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>When the baby goes to the calf box, the mother goes back to the main barn and into the milking line. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>We have learned that "5" is the magic number for both mother and baby. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> If they are separated earlier than that the mother cries and so does her calf, but if they stay together for five full days, they both seem to make the transition just fine.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>This year, with the calving in full swing, we discovered that the stash of government-issued ear tags that we had in the drawer of the big storage cabinet of the ladugårdsporten (entry to the barn), were...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>SHEEP TAGS!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>This was very bad news....</i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>After #119, we ran out of CALF TAGS completely. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> When we called to get the next numbered sequence of tags from the government control office they said,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Sure...we can have them to you in about three weeks"!</i></b></div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mehoxtLBEo0/Tw8QuoFmt6I/AAAAAAAADcw/Kvj9RsKZcrM/s1600/Lauren+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mehoxtLBEo0/Tw8QuoFmt6I/AAAAAAAADcw/Kvj9RsKZcrM/s320/Lauren+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>We made a desperate attempt to keep track on the chalkboard in the milkroom.....not working.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwYjnyUBNwI/Txcj7cjIHgI/AAAAAAAADf4/WZYXaSfnnC0/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwYjnyUBNwI/Txcj7cjIHgI/AAAAAAAADf4/WZYXaSfnnC0/s320/IMG_3758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Meantime, the untagged calves were adding up in Play Group at an alarming rate and we were beginning to panic.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>We tried giving them descriptive names like "Full-Dip" (see the one that looks like it's entire ear was dipped in ink?) or "Half-Dip" (front and center), or even "Bambi" (that would be the one in the back that is brown and white). </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">But there were just</span> </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">too many</span>!</i></b></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCKFBTD-A8/Tw8Q2x4LueI/AAAAAAAADc4/gG9riGToNMg/s1600/Lauren+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCKFBTD-A8/Tw8Q2x4LueI/AAAAAAAADc4/gG9riGToNMg/s320/Lauren+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Pappa's good idea in action.<br />
</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>It was Pappa who came up with the idea of taking a close-up picture of each one of them and writing the date of birth, mother's identification number, gender, etc. on the back. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Brilliant. </i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiC3paSm8kM/TxctDcJA3CI/AAAAAAAADgE/mksPMrrnP3g/s1600/Lauren+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiC3paSm8kM/TxctDcJA3CI/AAAAAAAADgE/mksPMrrnP3g/s200/Lauren+007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_hC4H0RH9A/Tw8Sn11pV0I/AAAAAAAADdc/dFacmze-ZEE/s1600/Lauren+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_hC4H0RH9A/Tw8Sn11pV0I/AAAAAAAADdc/dFacmze-ZEE/s200/Lauren+008.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>When the tags finally arrived Gustav and Lauren went to work and while she was feeding bottles to one group, Gustav was tagging the others.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>It was such a blessing that we had the pictures with all the information.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> We never would have been able to remember without them.</i></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAK84iAqOx8/TxcujdReDMI/AAAAAAAADgM/MtcB9lZ0urY/s1600/Lauren+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAK84iAqOx8/TxcujdReDMI/AAAAAAAADgM/MtcB9lZ0urY/s400/Lauren+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Maxie always says, </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"There is no problem on the farm that can't be solved",</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>and maybe this proves that he's right.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Look closely at the tag numbers on those fluffy calf ears and you'll see they are.. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>All Done!</i></b></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5804521378640779516.post-46361899814832908172012-01-11T21:20:00.001+01:002012-03-25T16:15:04.907+02:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Pouring </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strike>SALT</strike>,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">(Oh wait! - I mean..) </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">SUGAR, </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">on the Wounds"</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdtxQcdzXqA/Tw3eyJe4XBI/AAAAAAAADa8/esChJ_EFViE/s1600/war+wounds+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdtxQcdzXqA/Tw3eyJe4XBI/AAAAAAAADa8/esChJ_EFViE/s320/war+wounds+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right around the time that Lauren came, Gustav, to his great delight, became the proud owner of a new</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">l-o-n-g-b-o-a-r-d</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.! </span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsSMZWJgaRI/Tw3fMsimJQI/AAAAAAAADbE/v3lT6KOZfTU/s1600/war+wounds+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsSMZWJgaRI/Tw3fMsimJQI/AAAAAAAADbE/v3lT6KOZfTU/s200/war+wounds+2.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBUVLppPRI4/Tw3i6hauzkI/AAAAAAAADcM/l3sOooVsfWY/s1600/bumpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBUVLppPRI4/Tw3i6hauzkI/AAAAAAAADcM/l3sOooVsfWY/s320/bumpic.jpg" width="221" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>We tried to snap pictures of him speeding along with the wind plastering his hair back from the sheer force generated by riding this new and wonderful item,</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> but no......</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>the only shots we could ever manage were of the multiple wounds he inflicted on himself in his attempts to master the instrument.</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>The amount of cream, rubs, gauze bandages, saunas, and sympathy was reaching epic proportions, but somehow it didn't seem to be enough. After a while we weren't sure how to comfort him anymore - each day seemed to bring a new scrape or graze or bruise.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>But Lauren knew how.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>With her kind heart and deep belief in the old adage</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>"the way to a banged-up teenage boy's heart is through his stomach",</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjhqayBeps0/Tw3fzUiQcgI/AAAAAAAADbM/6D1RXvxCgis/s1600/Lauren2+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjhqayBeps0/Tw3fzUiQcgI/AAAAAAAADbM/6D1RXvxCgis/s320/Lauren2+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>she baked and cooked up a storm on Gustav's (and the rest of the family's) behalf. </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>And she was a formidable force herself in that respect!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Pictured above is a Princesstårta, one of the classics of Swedish baking.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHTPOUCno2M/Tw3f-LW36oI/AAAAAAAADbY/4_XQtmx8eAg/s1600/Lauren2+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHTPOUCno2M/Tw3f-LW36oI/AAAAAAAADbY/4_XQtmx8eAg/s320/Lauren2+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Not only did she make the "from scratch" cake with it's rounded top draped in bright green marzipan, but she hand-fashioned the pink marzipan flowers that decorated it.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>It was deluxe! </i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHwFBGfkizI/Tw3gCaqBevI/AAAAAAAADbg/I0hYi93VV_o/s1600/princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHwFBGfkizI/Tw3gCaqBevI/AAAAAAAADbg/I0hYi93VV_o/s320/princess.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>And guess who was first in line to dig in?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>You got it....(notice vestiges of wounds on lower forearm).</i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOEzxxJa1Fg/Tw3geDdCYkI/AAAAAAAADbw/tZtW4c-N5jk/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOEzxxJa1Fg/Tw3geDdCYkI/AAAAAAAADbw/tZtW4c-N5jk/s200/taking+out+the+cows+007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avDKk9sRnzY/Tw3itagZIMI/AAAAAAAADcE/L8Gl_UZp500/s1600/taking+out+the+cows+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avDKk9sRnzY/Tw3itagZIMI/AAAAAAAADcE/L8Gl_UZp500/s200/taking+out+the+cows+026.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>She made cream-filled, fruity masterpieces, she made super frothy smoothies,</i></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVxD8DDXTVg/Tw3jkeVM6CI/AAAAAAAADcc/cUD-aV-RbZ0/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVxD8DDXTVg/Tw3jkeVM6CI/AAAAAAAADcc/cUD-aV-RbZ0/s320/IMG_3823.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>but her pièce de résistance was unquestionably,</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Swedish Pinocchio Cake.</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>She made so many of them we lost count and every single one was vacuumed up by the family in record time.</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuvNyrci9yQ/Tw3jrj3dSBI/AAAAAAAADck/55HGCg29_ac/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuvNyrci9yQ/Tw3jrj3dSBI/AAAAAAAADck/55HGCg29_ac/s320/IMG_3825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>A light meringue-y top and bottom housed a luscious billow of sweetened whipped cream in the middle and toasted almonds crunched up the top. </i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Flake-A-Riffic!</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>We loved it all, but even more we loved her kindness and sweetness as she worked away on the treats every day, even with all the other responsibilities she shouldered with us on the farm. </i></b></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It is still such a happy memory.</i></b></span></div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0