From the Barns: Time for a change

As a new year begins I realize that time is not waiting for me. Where did 24 years of this century go? I certainly can name milestone events during those 24 years, but the rest of the time, the majority, I seem to have little recollection. What is the lesson there? Did I waste all that time outside of the big events? Or, was the schedule so packed that many days just ended in tasks accomplished with little thought as to their importance?

We should all keep a journal to prove what we accomplished each day. No one has to read it, but it sure could tell us a lot about how we lived each day. With that evidence, we could make some changes as we go. A more productive life could be the result. And that may not mean doing more, but instead doing more quality and having time to enjoy along the way.

I regrettably do not have that journal, but I am still going to make some changes for 2025. Yes, change is sometimes very difficult, but I am determined: eat better and savor that more with smell and taste; rest better, including my noon nap; exercise more regularly; spend more downtime with loved ones; make a bucket list of things I have always wanted to accomplish, but have not, then take time to do those or at least a good many of them; spend less time online and more time with the printed words that have almost disappeared from my agenda; and take an ATV ride in the morning and enjoy River Oak much more than I have taken time for lately.

Thankfully, the ground is frozen this morning and man and beast can move much easier. Winter grazing is nearly complete. I am happy with the work Carson and his cows have completed, leaving little fescue to compete with early germination of frost-seeded clover and some bare spots where that can happen.

Calving has begun about two weeks early for some of the cows. A group along the township road resulted in a newborn sliding under the electric wire and then crossing over into the neighboring field, but thankfully spotted by a passing motorist and reported. I wrestled the very big one-day-old down the bank, across the road and back under the wire, where momma took over and moved away.

I was happy that turned out well and no one was a witness and it was before dark, but not so happy with my muddy jeans and stocking cap where I slid down the road ditch and onto my head with the little escapee still in tow.

As we begin 2025, we surely know that the transitions ahead will present challenges. Good luck as each of you make those transitions and stay safe and sane.