I took advantage of the warmer temps lately to “stroll” two farms:  both my family’s farm where I grew up, and my husband’s family farm, where we’ve lived for the past 30 years.

I guess I was destined to live on a farm.  I grew up on a dairy farm in a neighboring town, and of course as a child, didn’t appreciate the vast, open spaces, as we had all kind of chores to do, including “minding cows.”  What’s that you say?  Well, even my husband, who grew up on a dairy farm the next town over, had never heard of such a thing.  We kids (siblings, cousins, and me) had the important job of “acting like a fence” while the cows were grazing, which meant we had to keep them in a certain lot and away from vegetable gardens, etc.  What a summer job!  My husband’s family just used a movable fence for this job, of course!

There are still lots of wide open spaces on the farm I grew up on, but no dairy cows.  With  the passing of both my Dad and my uncle, the next generation has turned it into a farm hosting beefers, horses, and Christmas trees.

My 80-something-year-old mother, who had been feeling the effects of “cabin fever” lately due to all the treacherous ice around, enjoyed walking the fields with me during this thaw.  I enjoyed reliving childhood memories and great conversation!

Back at home, my trusty Sheepdog campanion, was awaiting a walk of his own.

On our farm, the thick layer of snow on the pond had melted, creating a glassy surface.  When it freezes up again, we should have perfect skating!

A veritable current of water was running through the apple orchard from all the melted snow.

The river is running higher from all the added “liquid” snow and ice.

What a lovely day for a stroll in near 50 degree temperatures–and with the occasional sun peeking through.

To see who else is strolling today, visit the Quiet Country House.

Eddie, our Old English Sheepdog, and Duke, our Golden Retriever, enjoy water from the workhorses’ tub.

Still raining, transforming everything into a lush, greenness . . .

Raindrops cling to the tall grass; time to mow again!

The corn has had a nice, long drink. (The long blades are NOT sticking up, which my farmer Dad always said was a sign of lack of water.)

The pumpkins are thriving in all stages: blossom,

green,

then orange!

One of my FEW, perfect hydrangeas. . .

. . . along with the Rose of Sharon blooms . . .

. . . and the Hybiscus, all enjoy the juicy wetness.

The pool is close to over-full . . .

 . . . even the Mermaid seems to approve of all this water!

The only one who doesn't seem to relish all this rain--and the rumbling thunder--is Eddie the Sheepdog!

To see who else was strolling this Sunday, visit: http://quietcountryhouse.blogspot.com/