Cows in the Shade at Kelley's Brown Swiss Dairy

When I went to gather the cows there were several resting beneath this shade tree in the middle of the field .  I could not resist this photo and I remember how when I was a lad of 13 and just starting to drive tractor and helping with the hay chores how my great-grandmother, Ola Kelley, would bring a complete hot meal to the hayfield for the hands.  There would be fresh fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, radishes, carrots, homemade bread, salad, a choice of homemade desserts and lots of fresh iced tea.  She would spread all this out on a huge blanket on the ground and we would stop to eat under the very tree providing the shade in this photo.  I really loved putting up hay on her and my great-grandfather's place.  When we put up hay  for my grandfather Ike, he would show up with one can of vienna sausages, one small pack of crackers, an onion and water for me and the other hand to share and then to top that off sometimes he would join us. A small can of vienna sausages doesn't go far among three people.
BTW, as you may have guessed, I still farm the same ground and still enjoy putting up hay.
Cheerily
IJK

Comments (3) Permalink September 22, 2007