Good Morning from the sunny Knolltop! It’s pretty, but cold, like 12 degrees cold.

We had a very nice evening at home last night. I sat on the loveseat in front of the cornstove eating my caramel corn, reading Farmworld while Sarah chatted away about a story she was writing in english. It was so nice to just sit and listen to her, face to face, listening to all her silliness. Listening about the events in her life and the emotion that goes with it. It’s also fun to play dumb so she tells me more…I love that. As I listen to this young lady, I can’t help but remember my awkward self at that age. She is a carbon copy of me at 12 years old, only she has cute dimples that I never had but always wanted. I said silly stuff, thought silly stuff and tomorrow was something I just never worried about. Come to think of it, that sounds like me today!

Now, about this book that I want to write….I’ve had all positive feedback except for one. So with that I want to say thank you and I will forge ahead with this project…as soon as my mom gets done vacuuming. Yes, that’s right, I have to wait for my mom to get done cleaning her house. She has every column I’ve ever written all stored in her file cabinet. She told me the other day that she was going to start sorting through what she thought would be good ones for the book, as soon as she got done cleaning up a bit because she knew that when she started sorting she would be there for a long time….reading and sorting and sorting and reading.

So, when she gets done with her housework I’ll let you know.

It’s on to basketball today with games at 10 am and 2pm and Luke plays at 4,6 and 8 pm.

It’s an overcast morning here, but a nice 25 out! The twin girls are doing well this morning as I reported to inquiring Jake. He and I are the caretakers of the babies, so we report to each other when things aren’t quite right. I told him these two little girls will need extra attention…glad to see he’s taking it seriously.

JW’s team won last night and Dub played a lot. He had 6 points, 5 offensive rebounds and 4 fouls. The last two came within 30 seconds of each other….I think they had their eye on him…he is an easy mark.

Luke didn’t get to the game, he had practice, he starts his second basketball season tomorrow with a tournament in Midland. That’s up near the thumb, so if any of us go, it will only be Bobby. Luke’s excited…he got his uniform…boy they are nice. They have home and away jersey’s, warm ups and practice jerseys….all with their last name on the back. That’s impressive to a youngster!

Well, I’ve got to finish up some articles today and then do the laundry. This morning I had two kids needing jeans and three kids needing socks…that’s always a good indication that the laundry pile is getting a bit too big.

It’s a Red Shirt Friday….what color are you wearing?

It’s a sunny morning here on the Knolltop. Happy Valentines Day to everyone!

Jake had to make some valentines last night because I forgot to buy any. I told him homemade valentines are way better than store bought, but he didn’t believe me. Oh, well, those kids just look at them and throw them in a bag and then the moms chuck them when they get home, so why waste the money?

Anyway, Sarah and I stamped some cool stamps on them while he addressed them. Of course being a boy what did he write? “Happy V-Day.” Typical boy. And then Sarah decided that wasn’t good enough so she started writing in the whole word “Valentine” until Jake threw a fit and demanded that she stop. She did. So then this morning I received a call from the school, it was Jake, he forgot his valentines so I had to run them in and then run to the barn for chores….all that to say this….I’m late in posting today!

Yesterday a cow started to calve while we were finishing up for the morning. By the afternoon she delivered a cute little heifer. By chore time she was delivering another little heifer. And by the time we were shutting the lights out for the night she had cleaned. Now that’s a cow worth having around!

Lots of writing to do today…better get to it, now that half the day is gone. JW has a game tonight in Camden, I’m sure they’ll win!

It’s a beautiful sunny morning here on the Knolltop. And it’s supposed to warm up! Yesterday we had a lot of snow and it was just plain cold out…I was so glad to get in by the corn stove last night after all the running of the day.

JW and Luke pulled it off yesterday at the district FFA competition. Luke thought his team was awful and wouldn’t make it out of districts. Much to his surprise they placed first! Which means they will advance to regional competition in Sand Creek next week.

As for JW, well, he told me he thought he did well, but didn’t have the time to write his speech because they had mix up in the order. He told me he only had half the time and had to just make it up as he went along. Like I said, he’s good under pressure and placed 2nd, so he will go to regional competition as well.

If they both place at regionals, they will go on to the state convention and compete there. I’m so proud of them! And thanks for all of you who prayed for them…obviously your prayers were answered!

While I was at Springport, I visited with one of the four FFA advisors there and he took JW, Mr. Everett and me on a tour of their livestock and green house facilities. Boy, was I amazed at how much they do. They have a flock of sheep who are lambing right now, they have a greenhouse where they will grow vegetables for their school and to sell at the local farm market and they also have a place in the barn where it is heated for future chicken and swine projects. It was an amazing place and I’ve decided to do a story on it. So you may read more about it, depending on where you live.

While visiting with Dallas Burton one day, I was also introduced to an FFA teacher in Georgia, Dr. Ron Thomas, who apparently is doing a wonderful job, so he’s on my story list too, just not sure right now where that story will appear…I don’t have any contacts with any southern ag newspapers. Anyone got any ideas?

Speaking of Dallas Burton of the famed Burton and Fellers Sales, they are having the Butlerview Parade of Perfection sale on March 1st in Wisconsin. I’ve been told by a reliable source this will be a history making sale in the Holstein industry. So, I think I might have to do a story on this too, just not sure how I’ll get to Wisconsin for it…I might have to do this by phone. Although if this great sales team would have internet streaming so we could all watch the sale on line…we could all get in on the history making event of the year!

I’ve got loads of writing to do….better get it done!

Well, the kids had a day off yesterday due to the cold weather and blowing and drifting snow. But they will go back today…it’s just cold out there this morning.

Last Thursday, JW and Luke were supposed to have their FFA contest, but it was rescheduled because the host school didn’t have school that day because of the snow storm. It was rescheduled for yesterday, but was postponed again because of no school. So today is the finally the big day for the FFA contest and it will go rain or shine, blizzard or not. So…..you know what that means….pray for JW today! (Thank you!)

Sarah spent the weekend at Grandma’s house getting totally spoiled. Between eating out and going to the outlet mall, they hardly had a chance to catch their breath! But I’m not complaining because I was the recipient of some outlet mall purchases….is there anything better than new clothes?

Well, I’ve got some writing to do today….and some phone calls to make….and some thinking I need to do about writing a book. After spending the weekend with a self published author, I think I can do that….I just have to formulate a plan. And that’s where you come in. I want to know what you think about a book that is a collection of my columns over the past 10 years. Yes, tell me honestly….hate the idea? Love the idea? Think it’s a waste of time? Would you be the first in line for an autographed copy? Is there a place for a collection of farmwife stories? You guys are the reading professionals….let’s hear it!

Better get the pancakes on the table!

It’s 0 degrees out this morning and thank goodness the wind has died down because it was brutal all day yesterday. When we went to the barn to milk last night, the milk house was frozen. This morning was much better, but the skidsteer doesn’t feel like running too well…it’s just too cold!

I had a great time at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. When I left Thursday morning, I left 2 inches of snow to drive into 2 feet of snow. A two hour trip took three and a half. And on the way, I did Rural Route Radio with Trent Loos so that slowed me down…I actually sat in a McDonalds parking lot and did the show and then went the rest of the way to the conference. Trent dogged me about not being able to get there on time….but what doesn’t he dog me about?

Thursday evening I returned the favor when I introduced him. I said he had come up with a new clothing line for pets called the Loos Wear pet clothing line made from his red shirts….believe it or not, there were a couple of people who came up to me the next day wanting more information on this new pet clothing. Yes, I set them straight.

Trent did a fabulous job with his talk and even got a standing ovation….I wonder how often that happens? Friday was a great day with the Partners Program. Rebecca Long Chaney was our main speaker and she did a great job. But I have to say the highlight of the day was when we learned how to salsa dance. It could’ve been the combination of funny farmwives learning how to dance while starring at a very nice looking dance instructor, but whatever the reason, I nearly fell over with laughter as the group of us danced around to latin music. The great thing is we got it all one tape! One other note was a surprise visit with one of my good friends from college…Ernie Birchmier. He and I had a chance to catch up on life and then I asked him to come speak to our group about the threat of HSUS to animal agriculture. He wasn’t prepared for that, but did a great job…he’s great under pressure.

2008 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference….pictures, words later!

Well, it’s icy here on the Knolltop…a real trick walking over to the barn. School in in session and the kids were bummed about that. The only day they really want to go is Friday and that’s because it’s winter homecoming. JW is singing during half time with the jazz band and one of Luke’s best buddies, Brad, is on the homecoming court as the 8th grade representative. I guess he’s less than thrilled at having to wear a tux and walk out in front of everyone with a beautiful girl on his arm. Give it a few years…that will change.

JW’s team beat Tekonsha last evening, JW only had 2 fouls….they came pretty quickly. The varsity lost. Tomorrow night JW and Luke will compete in the FFA District leadership contest. Luke is on a conduct of meetings team, he went to state last year with the team, but this year he said they’ll be lucky to make it out of districts. JW will compete in the extemporanious speaking contest. They pick a topic when they get there and then have 30 minutes to write a speech. That is right down his ally, back up against the wall and having to perform….he’s a clutch guy all the way. Since I can’t be there, I told him he had to make it to regionals so I could hear him there. I’m sure he’ll do well, but those of you inclined to pray…please pray for both boys…JW is tired this week and a little stressed and could use a prayer.

Better get…lots to do!

The kids are at home on the Knolltop….the work list has been given out and they are all heading outside for to complete their jobs. It’s so nice to have free labor!

It’s very foggy here and very warm, in fact I didn’t even wear a sock hat to milk this morning…that’s how warm it is.

Lots to do today…JW still has a game tonight….and I’ve got some writing to do before I head for Frankenmuth on Thursday. And meals to fix, laundry to do and buy a few groceries.

Well, I’ll never get any of it done sitting here!

It’s an icy morning here on the Knolltop…but the kids still have school. The trees have ice, and there is a crust on the road, but it’s not that bad.

Did you watch the superbowl last night? Wasn’t that a great game? Yes, we sat in the livingroom eating our pizza and hotwings…compliments of our neighbor, she gave us a gift certificate after Jake and Bobby plowed her driveway and shoveled her steps last Friday. So we used it and had a great time eating and watching Eli and company take the wind right out of Tom Brady’s sails.

You see, Tom Brady is a U of M grad and Plexico Burress is an MSU grad so you now know why we wanted the Giants to win. Plus what mother wouldn’t want to see two brothers go to the superbowl in consecutive years and win? It was a great game and we enjoyed every bit of it….yes, especially the commericals.

On Saturday, Jake won his game, he had 16 points and Sarah’s team lost their game, she had 2 points….they only scored 4. They need a little practice.

Water’s boiling for oatmeal…better get. They get a treat this morning…toast from homemade bread!