Everyone complained about how cool April was and then how fast the hot weather came in May. Well, here we are in June, expected to be hot and humid, and everything is dry. Perfect weather for cutting and baling hay.
We started the hay season yesterday and continued today. I wondered, at age 70, if I could make it through that season, and here I am at 77, still in control of my senses and physically able to drive the tractor and rake the hay for the farmer.
You never know exactly what to expect when doing farm work. Take today for instance: I was raking the last of the hay when I noticed something on the right front tire. Assuming it to be a stick I decided it needed to be removed, so I put the tractor in neutral, set the park brake and got out to see what it was. Surprise of all surprises! This is what it was!
A deer shed! Deer antlers grow in the spring, mature in the summer, then are shed in the winter. They are rarely found in nature because they are eaten by rodents since they are rich in calcium and other nutrients. Anyway, a rodent didn't find this one, I did! I had sense enough not to pull it out of the tire and when the farmer caught up with me, he took a small saw from his tool box and cut it off, leaving a "plug" in the tire.
I watched the tire carefully all the way home to make sure it wasn't going flat. The farmer took it off and has taken it to town to have the tire repaired.
Another incident to record in our journal of farm happenings.
Stay cool,
Charlotte
Wow, that's amazing. I've never seen anything like this but I guess it's like you said, they're not found in nature. Hay baling is very hard and hot work. My brothers used to do it every summer helping other farmers. You all take care in this hot weather. We've been blessed with rain and lots of it but we're finally having a nice week. Don't work to hard and have a good week.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, farming at 77.
ReplyDeleteThis has been unusual weather, so cool in April.
We had rain rain rain all day today. And that’s fine with me as I don’t have hay drying in the field. Hope your crop is OK and I’m glad your tire was no worse than it was,
How Cool! Could hang that deer antler in the barn--just for fun. Hay baling season is hot, but it always seems like wheat harvest time was worse, or maybe just more dust sticking to my sweaty body.
ReplyDeleteYou're a hard worker, Charlotte! I just got back from the farm over in W FL; they've got the corn planted, and I watched as they mixed some already stored with hay. I couldn't do what you do, that's a fact. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Be glad it wasn't one of the rear tires! I'll bet the farmer thinks your tractor is sexy!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! And you were out driving that big tractor raking the last of the hay. I'll have to show that to my husband.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise to find the deer shed! I'm glad you were able to get home without the tire going flat. You do hard work. I wouldn't be able to do all that you do. Hope you have a nice weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteWow I am so glad that you are still healthy and able to help the farmer do hay. I helped my farmer for the first time this year with the hay. I got to drive the tractor with the trailer while the farmer loaded it with the bales. Then took it to the barn to be unloaded. I enjoyed it. Love the deer horn.
ReplyDeleteWell that is certainly a first for me....I would have never guessed a deer antler !
ReplyDeleteYou are a lucky lady to still be driving a tractor at your young age, I can barely drive a lawn mower...lol.
Thank you for the visit.
Hugs,
~Jo
I'm in awe of your energy and your ability to manage your time to do farm work, housework and crafts. Your quilting and sewing are magnificent. You're an amazing lady. The deer antler was a surprise and an interesting find. I hope the tire gets fixed soon and you can make hay while the sun shines.
ReplyDeleteI smile....
ReplyDelete