Monday, September 23, 2024

There are few things in life more difficult than saying that final goodbye. When my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly in 1997, my husband said the suddenness of his passing was difficult to grasp, and yet a blessing in its quickness.

Last week, we talked about trends that shouldn't surprise anyone: the generation gap, agriculture beyond food and fiber, and learning to "be human.

Under the pile of wrapping paper left from the holidays and newspapers left from 2005 lurks some not-so-fun, 2006 items for the nation, farmers and ranchers.

Every time I hear those opening lyrics, "the hills are alive with the sound of music" I feel compelled to stop what I am doing and sing along.

Adapt. Flex, Experience. Create. Focus. Partner. Shift. Imagine. Start. Enjoy. These are futurist Jim Carroll's 10 "great words for 2006," and they're a good fit for January's new beginnings.

Generally, I shun technology. Fear it, even. I am still using a circa 1997 computer because, quite frankly, I'm scared to death of having to approach some 17-year-old employee at the equivalent of a "Techno Toys "R" Us" and showcase my pathetic ignorance.

Flip. Waddle. Flop. Splash. I'd probably see black and white birds in my sleep. I stretched back to relieve my stiffness.

Up to now, I have resisted physical activity in the form of "working out" the way fish, say, resist learning to ride a bicycle.

Our Christmas gifts told the tale. My daughters have outgrown toys. Now, they are caught up in the micro-packaged world of encapsulated entertainment.

The Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum is a national educational program for livestock producers designed to help them understand and manage the nutrient balance of their farming operations.