Harvest

Fall is by far my favorite season. I have always loved the crisp, cool mornings and warm days. I enjoy watching the leaves and other foliage change colors as we progress through September into October and November. This year, fall has seemed to evade us, as up until this past weekend we have experienced temperatures in the high 80's and 90's. In my opinion, this is too hot for fall, especially when you work in a building without air conditioning! This weekend, we were able to enjoy fall-like temperatures in the 70's and 80's.

Although I love the weather, there are many other reasons fall is my favorite time of year. I believe my adoration for fall stems from all of the events that occur during the season. First, I love watching football! Professional, college, high school, it doesn't matter. Football is a true sign of fall. Hunting is another indication that fall has arrived. Deer, elk, pheasant, chukar, and quail hunting are also trademarks of fall. Of course, I also enjoy this season because my birthday is in October! Fall can also be a reminder that the holidays are just around the corner.

As a farming family, a necessity in fall is harvest. Primarily this consists of chopping corn, hauling it to the silage pit, and packing it so it will store for winter feed for our cattle. Chopping corn is a collaborative effort which requires the help of many people. But, as with other activities, the more people that are involved, the more enjoyable and memorable the event can be. This was the case this weekend, as we chopped our fields of corn with the help of friends and family. The beautiful fall weather combined with harvest made for such an enjoyable weekend!

Tex, William, and I climbed the hill to take some pictures.

William playing in the dirt.

A view of part of the field from the top of the hill.

Matthew and Peter helping upload trucks.

Peter rode with Bob McElroy in the truck most of the weekend.

Gary McElroy packing the silage into the silage pit.

William looking longingly at the corn chopper.

Here they come!

Toby and Matthew running the corn chopper.

A view from the captain's chair. William and I rode in the chopper for a short time.

Matthew, Peter, and Fidel unloading a truck.

Watch out!

Feeding a hungry crew takes a lot of food.

Today's menu consisted of pork loin, mashed potatoes,
marinated tomato and herb salad, watermelon, and pumpkin pie for dessert.