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Don R's avatar

Hello Brian,

An uplifting article to help us "weather the storm" we find ourselves in. You mention needed repairs to the sow shed. My Dad would comment, "Everything depreciates, remember that." As I get older I have to agree.

Up here, halfway to the North Pole, there are episodes of Spring followed by ugly reminders that it is still, for the most part, Winter. The snow machines got their week of fun in and are hoping for one more. Not a good investment, I'm afraid. LOL

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Brian Miller's avatar

Thanks, Don. The end is nigh (winter, I mean).

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Bowtied Farmer's avatar

You’re such a great writer. But I like reading you more because of how well I relate to your stories. Real recognizes real. For real

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Brian Miller's avatar

Too kind. And, yes, anyone who has experience farming or homesteading, like you, knows the drill, it has to get done. So, you might as well embrace it, mostly.

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Magpie Hollow Farm's avatar

Thanks for the illustration of how hard it can be - when certain things just have to be done no matter the weather or what's going on. We had some cold spells this winter when farm chores were extra tough and we were both down with the flu. It just sucks when you feel terrible to have to go out and do chores and unfreeze water tanks in subfreezing conditions. But there's no not doing it. There are certain things where you just can't call in sick. Being able to call in sick is really a blessing, though it sure doesn't feel like it when you have to do it. Farm chores and the survival of livestock are just something else there's just no exceptions for flu or fever when it comes to animal husbandry...

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Brian Miller's avatar

The flu really is the worse, when you have a farm. Because all you want to do is curl up and die. I guess the plus side, and it is minor, is that it takes you out of your misery enough to care for others. If only for the time it takes to complete chores.

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