Country Roads

It was an unusual 76 degree day Monday and my hubby and I decided to head to the farmstead I grew up on. My cousin had called me earlier in the day and said we needed to come to the home pasture to see the new calves and the first calf heifers when we had the time. I was eager to go. That is one of the things I miss doing since my hubby retired from farming. We used to go out at least once a week to the pastures to check on the cattle. It was extra fun in the fall when the calves would arrive. I enjoyed those cattle and calves checking times. So it wasn’t long into the day that we loaded up in the pick up and headed for the home pasture.

We drove through the farmstead and on down to the pasture gate. Then it was out into the pasture where I spent many special times of my youth. Many adventure walks were taken into this pasture, fishing, making mud pies behind the pond dams and even riding horses over the pathways. Through the years, home pasture changes were noted. Two ponds were removed and another pond was constructed. The ditches were leveled out.

We spotted the cattle and calves next to the pond. They looked at us approaching with their questioning eyes as all heads turned our way. Then we stopped the pick up and the cattle and calves did not move a muscle staying put. The calves were cute as they began to walk toward us in wonder. I rolled down the window and began talking to them in country girl talk. They began to relax and continued towards the pick up, and then the new mamas joined in with curiosity. You could tell they were used to a pick up visiting them.

The grass was beginning to green and the black cattle and calves stood out against the colors of the blue skies and green grass. It was picture perfect. I drew out my phone to take photos so I could remember this special time. My models looked right at my phone camera as if they were posing. All too soon it was time to leave this perfect farm scene.

As we headed for the gate, the cattle and calves began to follow us. We bid our goodbyes and drove out of the pasture. Then as my hubby got out of the pick up to close the gate, my eyes looked westward towards the farm house that I grew up in. Memories flooded in. We moved on out onto the driveway and as I looked over towards the house with the enclosed porch, I imagined seeing my parents as they used to stand there as their children and grandchildren would pull out in their vehicles after a visit, waving their goodbyes.

How I loved this perfect afternoon visit at the old home farmstead and home pasture. Hopefully, more visits can be made again soon.