The Vacationing Farmer

Vacations are rare here.

Usually what happens is we combine a farm related task with a trip thus “justifying” the time away and the hiring of someone to do the chores. Last month for example we went to Missouri to buy more Red Wattle feeder hogs. We combined that trip with a visit to see Keith’s older brother, Virgil who lives another 100 miles father south of Nutty Pig farm where we were purchasing the new pigs. Keith, by the way, is the youngest of seven.

And thus a “vacation” was born!

Granted the stay was brief, just overnight, but not only did we get to catch up with Virgil and his girlfriend Janet, we were also treated to a buggy ride.

Well, it was a treat for me as I love all things horse. Keith’s treat was making it back to Virgil’s house in one piece. He doesn’t exactly enjoy being so close to a horse hide end for some reason and yet he’ll stick his head under numerous cows twice a day, something I avoid at all costs. Thus the reason he milks and I ride. To each his own. Different strokes for different folks. A match made in heaven. Etc…etc…

Fortunately we both enjoy pig tending.

Virgil and Janets horse was just recently trained to drive by an Amish farmer who kept her for several weeks. She had the basics down but did spook a bit at larger traffic. As does Keith. Older brother had his steed well controlled and I knew we’d make it home safe even though there was a bit of prancing exhibited as the semi’s roared past on a nearby highway, and when the neighbors mower got a bit close. I could’ve stayed in that sturdy homemade cart rushing past the countryside all day.

Keith however was relieved to get back to the ranch, mumbling something about how only slow moving oxen should be allowed to pull carts.