Farming on the Farm

Usually our trips to the Farm consists of reading books, laying on the couch, watching the Discovery HD channel on the Pioneer plasma tv.  But not this time.  I decided to pull my own weight and help out.  Ray, my brother in law, thought my first task should be moving some pigs from the hog house to a pen.  Not an easy task. Not only are pigs not interested in anything but eating, they are stubborn.  Ray had a special tool for encouraging them to walk, a mild little buzzer.  Of course I wasn't allowed to use it, instead I got an old-fashioned tool, a board. 

After that was done, it was time for me to jump into the skid loader and scrap all the poop out of the pen.  The trick is to think of the poop as dirt and you will be just fine.   

 

Eddie decided that he wanted to help.  He barrelled into the work truck, and we drove down the road to do some chores.  He loves to be a work dog, and to help out.  It's amazing how well he listens and stays right with you.  You can tell he wants nothing more than to do a good job.

 

While Eddie was with me, Shelby hung out with Tara and enjoyed a little off the leash time.

It was a great weekend.  We are lucky to have a family farm to visit as really gives you a chance to experience a completely different life... even if just for a day or two.  Sitting at a computer, attending meetings, analzying financial data might pay really well, but nothing will make you more contentedly tired and really give you a sense of accomplishment for the day like working on a farm.

It was a nice little break for all of us.  The dogs thoroughly enjoyed their freedom and the wide open space.  And Tara commented on how relaxed and happy I was after my farmer-for-a-day stint.  I will definitely be heading out to help when we go back to the farm for our next visit.