The scents of summer hold memories
“The Salinas Valley is in Northern California. It is a long narrow swale between two ranges of mountains, and the Salinas River winds and...
Farming: Take the good with the bad
Has farming ever been more exciting and more nerve-wracking at the same time?
I had the opportunity to talk with a life-long farmer who...
Nothing wrong with tree hugging
One magical element of a farm childhood includes the thrill of tree climbing. When mountain climbers have been asked, “What makes you do this?”...
Grads: Now education really begins
“Go the way the wind blows, but be sure to always hold on to your hat.”
— Bill Cosby
This is the season for...
No time for idle hands on dairy farms
“Idleness is a sign of weakness. Let no dust settle before sunset.”
— Anonymous
I grew up knowing that there would be no allowances...
It’s a great time to live on a farm
I can think of nothing better than living the farm life, and it becomes especially clear during the month of May. This morning's walk...
There are all kinds and sizes of farms
What makes a farm a farm?
Now, I’m not talking “official” terms, like what the Agricultural Census Bureau would say. I’m talking about what the...
Not sure where politicians are leading us
Harry Truman once said, “No man should be allowed to be president who doesn’t understand hogs.”
I chuckled when I read that quote, knowing...
Calling ‘Bossie’ stands the test of time
“Many the morn when the mist covers the valley as I softly call, ‘Come, Boss, come, Boss,’ and the day begins with a shining...
Aunt Barbie: Forever missed, but never forgotten
There are losses of loved ones in our lives which time does not diminish. The pain of loss remains sharp; the joy of a...
