I’m pretty sure the corn grew at least a foot while we were gone.

It all looks so pretty and green now but we’re well aware of what can happen in July and August when there is no rain. Yes, we do have irrigation but it’s no substitute – it’s just helps is all. And we worry about our friends who have no irrigation – can y’all imagine putting all that time, sweat, money and fuel into a crop only to sit back and watch it burn up? The frustration is indescribable.

Farmers become obsessed with watching the sky and the weather forcasts in the summer. It’s just how it is – you watch and you pray.

You know you’re in a farming family when your kids have friends over and from the kitchen you hear them yell, “Hush up! Can’t you see the weather is on?!?”

In the past nine days, I’ve been to Texas and back (let me tell you – if you’re driving 24 hours one way to Texas, you’d better darn well LIKE your husband!)… then to the beach for a vacation. But like any mom knows, taking your children on vacation is more work than simply staying at home.

I have bunches of photos to share and all the crops are doing well so as soon as I catch my breath, I’ll let you all know what’s happening around these parts.

A year ago today I took this photograph of my late father-in-law. When I took it we knew he was going into the hospital for a triple-bypass but we all thought he was going to come home – better than ever. He fought bravely but in the end, it wasn’t meant for him to come home – and he didn’t want to if he couldn’t work.

In the past year, we’ve been to no less than three funerals for farmers.

Keith and I were talking about our soon-to-be-born son last night and wondering if he’d farm like his father, grandfather and great-grandfathers before him. It’s a hard, unpredictable life and there aren’t that many young people following in their ancestor’s farming footsteps.

Family farms are quickly fading. I for one, think farmer’s stories need to be heard and their photographs taken more often. One day we’ll wish we had them. The above photograph of Marvin was taken completely spontaneously and without any thought whatsoever… I wouldn’t take anything for it.