Illinois Farm Girl

a mother's perspective on farm life & farm kids

Watching the Weather

I’ve often wondered if everyone is tuned into the ebbs and flows of Mother Nature as much as a farmer.  I’m sure people are, but through my life experience lens knowing weather signs without the aid of a computer, cell phone or weather radio was and is vital.  Country living doesn’t lend itself to reliable early warnings. ...

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Popping Up Memories

30 Days of Farm Girl Memories rolls on after a bit of a break this weekend.  The break was necessary.   After posting "The Popcorn Stand" Friday along with the kids' order form for their popcorn, our home turned into a working popcorn palace.  A big thank you goes to all the generous folks who indulged the kids' entrepreneurial spirit. ...

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The Popcorn Stand

Although Rural Route 2 saw its share of traffic, our attempts at opening a successful lemonade stand were thwarted by lack of customers. Our grandparents drove out from town to support their entrepreneurial grandkids.  Dad and Grandpa Ray stopped on the way in and out of the farm during the day.  Mom walked over from the garden to check our progress. My sister and I didn’t even pour an entire ...

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Baling

Baling hay was my favorite farm job.  My first time at it, I was driving the baler and less than one round in, Grandpa Ray said, "Off! You can't keep the tractor straight." He gave me his gloves and I hopped on the rack with Dad.  And that's where I stayed. ...

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Eggs in A Nest

A crash jolted me from bed this morning.  I took a moment to get my barings, having arrived home late last night from a short trip to Kansas City.  Then I heard my farm princess’ twittering giggle float up through the heating duct.  Kids were up and in the kitchen. I found them perched on the counter sandwiched by the pancake griddle and the waffle iron.  In between them sat a red mixing bowl. ...

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