continued story -- at last

just a note . . . the first part of this story is back in May 2009

Krysta and I took supper over to the guys at barn #2. The guys were sorting pigs - getting ready to load them the next morning at some unearthly hour. They worked up quite a sweat inside their navy blue coveralls and rubber boots. Fortunately the curtains were down and the breeze could blow in on all sides. Who would ever have dreamed of all the changes in hog units over the last twenty years. Now they have curtains for walls instead of a normal wall. These curtains open and shut depending on the temperature. All with automatic sensors of course. The walls are equipped with bird netting to keep birds from flying inside when the curtain is down.

We had a real tailgate party. While Krysta was walking along the barn screeching at the pigs I threw a table cloth down and arranged our supper. Sloppy jo and buns, pickles and potato chips. Sugar free kool aid to drink. (times have changed!) Ellis used to say he would never drink that sugar free *slop.* Deanne baked some bars for us. Applesauce made from our very own apple trees finished the feast.

By that time Ellis, Jeremy, Evan and Jorgan were ready to eat. As they chowed down we listened to the first spring peepers in the swamp. The leaves on the trees were that wonderful shade of green you find only in spring. A soft breeze carried the scent of black earth. A new moon sailed high in the sky.

I couldn't help thinking of farm families all across this land taking supper to their men, spreading red checked cloths on the ground and eating at the edge of fields. Faintly I remembered another picnic: a family of four girls headed west on a trip to visit relatives in British Colombia.

Mom raised chickens and butchered them. Before we left on our trip she got up early and fried chicken for our lunch. I hate to think of how early. She packed a wide mouth thermos full of hot, fried chicken. When our stomachs started to growl Dad pulled off on a prairie trail. We stood around the car and ate our fill. That was so far beyond any food from a fast food restaurant today.

Or how about the time Trenda and I made huge pizzas and hauled them to Hayfield, the small neighboring town where Jerry and Ellis were building a new house. They wanted to work as late as possible while the sun shone. The pizza was scrumptious.

This past week we met with our church family for a picnic in Rochester.
We had a potato bar. Everyone brought two toppings for potatoes and one topping for ice cream. It was a chance to sit around and relax after a full day of all the things we do to fill our days. Everyone agreed we should do this again -- soon.

Since we are no longer taking care of hog barns #1, #2 and #3 it is easier to do spur of the moment things like drive to Rochester for a picnic or drive to WI for a birthday party. Thanks again for the invitation!