Yesterday we had a bit of snow. More snow on the drive was done by the severe north winds over night. I suited up several different times today with my snow pusher and the drive is clear. While I was at the snow removal I thought about how frivolous having a clear drive was when my babies were small. Then the importance for me was clearing a path to the livestock barns while Orlin was getting the morning milking done. Once the milkers were going there was no stopping the process to get the entire herd milked. The cows knew what the line up was and if there was a brake in the routine, the shuffling of the hoves would begin. Creatures of habit are all.
For me, I could get back into the house often to check on Carrie and Kevin and Snoopy. It had been easier before Kevin could walk and he would stay put in the play pen while Carrie would entertain him. It was a tidy little group. Once Kevin figured out how to climb out of the play pen, mobility was the game. It’s amazing how soon little kids learn to navigate steps whether up or down. I never knew where I would find the trio. I say trio because Snoopy could easily be tempted to leave his nest in the entryway and be right in the mix of the activity.
No one ever got hurt while left alone. Today, I would most likely be written up for leaving the kids alone for any amount of time . . . or they could’ve been put in foster care. Farming, farm kids and farm schedules had a prescribed way of living. Nothing was ever left out that could have put the kids in harms way. What am I saying? Enough kettles stacked upside down on top of a kitchen stool made the top of the refrigerator their Mount Everest.
The good Lord gave us a pass. Those cold winter days when Carrie and Kevin were left on their own in between the times I needed be be outside to be a farmer’s wife turned out fine. Generally it was a matter of picking up what had been pulled out to play with. The yard sticks that had been wedged into the drawer pulls or kitchen cupboard doors must have not been on their radar. In hind site, the can of Garden Guard left on the back entry shelf, tucked behind jackets, should have been not there. It was not all that easy to clean up and checking Snoopy’s mouth, I knew he had not been fed any. On the upside . . . we weren’t bothered with Crickets daring to cross the thresh hold for summer seasons to come.
So, in today’s world I suit up and keep the drive clear of snow and enjoy the fresh air and get the much needed exercise. It doesn’t hold a candle to farm days but we do what feels good.