Little Dog, Big Hay

This is a very big hay bale. It weighs about 2000 lbs, or one ton, and it is alfalfa. I placed Addie's dog, Camper, atop the bale for perspective. Camper is about 10 inches tall. Hay out here is baled in 60-80 pound square bales....actually rectangular, but called "square," and in these huge bales. The huge bales are most common from what we have seen thus far. They are easy to move via forklift and truck/trailer, and then there are some really neat custom hay wagons and trucks. We bought two of these one ton bales to feed Ernie and Lucy for now. They are quite awkward when it comes to using the hay. We have so much to learn here!!! But Ernie and Lucy like alfalfa hay any way it is served!

Tonight we attended the local FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) chapter's slave auction. The youth in the FFA program are auctioned off to people and farms in the community for one 8 hour day of work. In return, the FFA chapter keeps the money to help fund its programs. We bid on a few slave kids, but they were going for lots of cash!! Some kids went for close to $300.00!! The FFA chapter also auctioned off some nice items donated by individuals and business in town. It was fun to be back at an FFA function. In a past life, I was heavily involved with FFA for years, and I hope we can volunteer here if they need us. Oh, they also auctioned of some beautiful produce including peaches, apples, onions and potatoes by the case and bags!! They also had local honey, cheeses and breads and jalapeno ketchup. YUM!!

This evening we had out new friends over for burgers. Then Addie and Ainslee went to their home just down the street to hang out while we took Garrett to the auction. Garrett and I left the auction for a while to go to the park across the street from the high school. He liked the park but asked to go back to the auction when he grew tired. He is full speed out here all the time!! He is running lots more, staying outdoors so much, and is happier. It is a noticeable difference! PRAISE GOD!!!! Now, when December and January roll around, I fully expect some frustration with the cold and all the bundling-up required, but then if he is like the girls or me, he won't need to bundle too much. He is the only one in the house who doesn't have ski clothes, so we have to work on that for sure!! I can't wait to take him tubing!! And I hope he will tolerate the boots and skis enough to go down the bunny slopes between my skis. Ainslee loves that!!

Well, that's all except that I can say that there are rocks growing in our yard. I am sure of it. I have picked up about 500 pounds of rocks in the past week, and I am most certain they are multiplying, and I am also completely certain God is laughing!!!

Godspeed,
CL