A long weekend, even though it’s only three days, throws routine all out of whack! I like this because it reminds me that it is the little things that really matter and routine can be put aside for a time without the world coming to an end. With all of the rain we’ve had, and are thankful for, getting ready for a family reunion had to happen in a very short period of time because everything was so wet. The mowing got done and the house was clean and the Quonset was swept out, emptied of tractors and thrash machines, and set up with tables and chairs, and all in plenty of time for everyone to gather on Sunday. It was a gorgeous day, but more than that, it was just wonderful to have that side of the family together in one place where we could relax and catch up and the kids could run around like maniacs outside and not get into too much trouble. The food was good and plentiful and the day seemed gone before it ever started because the company was rich-of course everyone left with “we should do this more often.”

Monday felt like a Sunday and we drove our route to leave simple red roses at the graves of those who came before us and who we remember with love and appreciation for who they were to us and the path they forged for us. Coming home to delicious leftovers, especially the homemade ice-cream, and then back to the work of the farm: checking cattle and fences, watering trees and the garden, and mowing the out-of-control cheat grass in the pastures under a brilliant blue sky filled with bright white cotton candy clouds.