Saturday, January 25, 2014

Cold Weather Chores

2014 01 25 Cold Weather ChoresWhile a lot of my blogging friends have written about the cold weather, AJ and I were able to take a break with some great friends down in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. When we left Des Moines, it was a whopping -14 degrees (that does not include wind-chill!).

We got to Punta Cana at 4:30 pm that day (Punta Cana time) and it was 89 degrees ABOVE ZERO! Yea, it was awesome. We had a great time. Besides getting sick, it was a beautiful trip. I had hoped to see some of the Dominican Republic agriculture, but didn't quite make it. Maybe next time!

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This week I am switching places with AJ, and I am doing chores (he had a small surgery and has some stitches to care for). I've done chores before and I used to help outside on the farm. But that was before we had kids. Now, my main chore on our farm is our kids. :) I am excited for our switch, but we also have some cold weather to deal with!

My experience so far has been more challenging that I had imagined. Friday was my first full day of doing chores by myself. Of course, the water tanks were frozen up, and we had a calf die (ironically, On The Banks of Squaw Creek wrote about "sentiment" and "sentimentality" on the farm that day.  Read it, I agree with her!). Friday, I started chores at 8 am and finally finished up at noon. I was exhausted! This morning I went out to do chores at 8 and was back in by 10 (I even had to load the feed truck!). By the end of this, I will be a pro :)

Here are some things that I am learning:

  • I need better gloves, stocking hats, socks, and long underwear. It is cold outside.
  • I need to lift more weights in the 'off season.' Going in and out of the loader, trying to load a 150 pound calf in the loader bucket, scooping out feed bunks, and crawling over gates has taught me that I'm more out of shape than I thought!
  • I need a handkerchief. You can only wipe your nose with your hand and wipe it on your jeans so long before your nose gets sore.
  • I need to remember my Bluetooth for questions (and to charge my phone up). This morning I had my Bluetooth and phone charged so when I called AJ with questions I had both hands handy! :)
  • I need a better attitude at times. When I was having trouble yesterday, I was getting mad. I'm pretty sure I waste more energy when I get mad. I need to just move on.
  • When the weather is windy and cold, chores will take a little longer.

Some cool things about chores:

  • The beautiful winter mornings.
  • The equipment that I get to use. 
  • The calves and pigs :)
  • Felfies (Farmer Selfie).  They are the cool thing to do!

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4 comments:

  1. Keep up the good work! (Chores and blogging)

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    1. Thank you, Joe! I'd like to see your felfie now! :)

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  2. I do not envy you! But way to step up and do what has to be done, farm wife style!

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    1. I know you'd do the same, Katie :) Thank you!

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