Easter Break at the Farm

The beautiful exhibit we visited last Wednesday just in time for Easter Triduum "The Glory of Ukraine" amazing treasures that are a testament to what human kind can accomplish and how difficult a road Christianity had to travel.

The art and significance of the artifacts included in the exhibit are amazing, the workmanship and detail of the works from clay and iron to gold and semi precious stones. Humans can endure so much! Humans can produce amazing works! Some of the works from a few years after the time of the coming of Christ and when Christians were considered as "revolutionaries", troublemakers. Until Emperor Constantine Declared Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire with the edict of Milan. The very fact that by 390 Christianity had become Rome's official religion is an Amazing accomplishment!

Agriculture has had an amazing development from the times of Christ to our modern times. We are so blessed with modern methods, practices and technology they all make our lives so much better. Each farmer feeds so many more people than in the times of Christ! The tools we have now were almost absolutely inconceivable in the times of Christ! We are so very blessed with everything we do, the tools we have to do it and the fantastic freedom to celebrate our Religious Holidays! Happy Easter!

Family time & sharing talents in Rural Areas

What a blessing we have to live in the farm. Nevertheless it has its challenges. We dedicate our Sunday to prepare for Mass, help out in church reading or with music services that our kiddos prepare. Our instrument of choice has been violin and Viola, our house is very small so they're easy to store. Yesterday we were fortunate to have the opportunity to take them (and that they were accepted) to a program of violin/viola seminar at one of the Universities a couple of hours away.
Helping our children develop their talents into the service of God and others is one of our most important family priorities. Moms were able to be present at the class and learn techniques to help the players as well. Playing an instrument is a skill that is not easy as we get older. It is also a skill that keeps our minds fresh.

My head was sure spinning with so much information yesterday! It was so worth it to have a change of pace. At the same time I could not help but reflect in the tough economic times and how many art and music programs in the different Universities are being cut. We love how the 4H program through the Extension division of the University promotes a talent show where rural kids can also have an event where they can share their work with others. 4H programs are very beneficial for Rural Communities.

Waiting for Planting2011

The Midwest is a unique area of the world to live in. Needless to say, I admire the patience of farmers in this area waiting for the correct soil temperature, the correct moisture in the soil, the ideal weather conditions. I grew up in an area where the temperature oscillates between 55F and 85F so Mother Nature's surprises in this area always amaze me. I am a city import and admire the generations of farmers' patience with the challenges all these conditions present for planting2011.
Tonight, I could not help but reflect on these aspects since the weather conditions it hardly seem possible to be so close to planting. Tornado warnings, wind advisory, blizzard conditions...

Agriculture is definitely a challenging profession, all the science and investment that goes into the production is many times unimaginable for many. I know I learn about agriculture every day.