The Farm-chick goes to the Big City

A visit to Boise to see Miss Kaitlyn and my niece, Miss Sarah was just what the doctor ordered. Kaitlyn had lined up fun things to do once I invaded the big city (thank heavens for GPS…. for this directionaly challenged farm-chick!!).  I’ll just say having no sense of direction makes navigating an adventure in my life.   What I learned is everyone in the Boise area identifies where they live by the “cross roads” closest to them.  It makes sense when you think about it.  Unlike us country folk who used to use landmark items such as garbage dumpsters to help direct people where to go for a rural residence……”just go past 2 dumpsters on Old Highway 95 and turn right at the dumpster by the telephone pole, then my house is 2 miles…. Lol – you get the picture.  Once the county removed dumpsters, geez I had to find  a whole new way to direct people to my house or sometimes try to help strangers when they showed up lost.  I had to learn road names and not say things like, “go past the old Smith barn”….. But still with GPS people can still get directed strange ways to their destination, so now I don’t feel so bad with my hodge podge directions.  =)

The 3 crazy artists- good thing we all have day jobs or we would be starving artists!

Kaitlyn showed her momma a grand time and we went a place that was sort of like an automated wine bar where you could get a taste or a glass with  an over-whelming selection to choose from.  We also went to a painting class where again you sip wine while painting your masterpiece. (see above)

We ate scrumptious food, we ate junk food like ice cream that looks like “potatoes”, then ordered a side of French fries….  We also just hung out in Sarah’s back yard and chatted/read and enjoyed soaking up some sun.  Going to a new city is enjoyable, new sights and things to do that aren’t available here does two things for me, I get to enjoy new things all the while knowing I love my simple and quiet rural life. I think it’s the quiet and peacefulness that helps keep me centered and happy.  So while driving home, I started thinking about my “cross-roads” of where I come from and decided my life will always be at the corner of  “loving life” and “being happy”.  Sort of makes you think, doesn’t it?  And if I may ask, what are your cross-roads? 

Clothes on the line, chickens roaming and quiet evenings

My little piece of heaven all in bloom

As for the crop report, while sitting at my new “summer spot” to write....

My summer writing spot

I watched Farmer Jay spraying the peas for weeds and other than the crop duster overhead, those were the only noises this country girl heard in her quiet oasis.  The weather forecast says it looks like it is going to get really warm this week-end and the crops should be in pretty good shape.  It is fortunate that the peas have not started blooming yet, so the heat won’t shut the flowering process down. We’ve had  good moisture and with the warm temps you will almost, if you listen careful enough, be able to hear those plants grow!

Series of 3 pictures: The sprayer folds up compactly for transport. Once in the field, it starts to unfold

The beginning of unfolding the sprayer, one side at a time

The sprayer being fully unfolded

Oh and had to share one more thing…. My farm had a chicken tragedy, I checked on the chicken girls Thursday night, shut up their coop, but the next morning, I found Miss One-eyed Bertha dead.  She was old in chicken standards – so she got to live a good life.  I have two new ones coming and are being personally raised by the grand-angels.  One of which I’m told has crazy hair, just like grandma….. hmmm.

With that, I”ll close for now and hope your week is a great one.  I truly love our time together, so hope you stop by again.  As always, feel free to email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com.    

All my best, Gayle

PS.  I had a first that has never ever happened to me and I had to share.  While having breakfast one morning at a small café, the male manager/waiter asked for my phone number.  And yes I did question Kaitlyn if she had paid him to do that, she swears she didn’t and she loved having it happen in front of her, then said “you go girl”!  It made my day, literally.