I was country, when country wasn't cool

It is kind of funny.  In my family, there is this water and oil emersion.  I have three younger sisters.  Each of us is very different but also very alike.  I have two sisters who live in and around somewhat major metropolitian areas.  They are 10 minutes from Wal-Mart, Target, Victoria Secret etc.  My other sister is stuck in a large town because she is going to school but dreams of becoming a hermit in a line shack or in an outfitters tent.

*M* one of the two sisters who live in town, has come to visit me once.  She was dismayed that we didn't have any shopping within two hours.  She was scared about my lack of cell phone service and completely terrified that I do not have cable or satellite TV.  *J* the other sister who lives in town- is totally metropolitian but loves to come out because there is no cell phone service.  She is facinated by the local "boutiques" and appreciates the fact I will take her son fishing and even touch the fish and worms.

*D* is just D.  She is as rough and tumble as they come.  Spending most of her time outdoors tinkering with something.  Whether it is the garden, a colt, or a piece of machinery she just wants to be away from walls and ceilings.

Then there is me.  I do my thing.  Try to live in my world.  The funny thing is when we all get together it just meshes.  We talk about clothes, colts, and kids.  We laugh about me living in the sticks and having to internet shop.  But this is the life I have chosen.  It was the life I grew up in and come to appreciate more with age.

So, to the point, when I found this blog- Rural women rock.  I laughed.  What is the definition of rural?  When did we become so cool that people want to blog about us?  But a lady is doing it and flourishing.  Go check out Kasse's blog.  It is an inspiration and a treat.

http://ruralwomenrock.blogspot.com/

Sharing

I love sharing my lifestyle with other people whether they want it or not. I am not pusy or anything... Maybe a tad assertive but definitely not agressive. Hence, the reason I write a monthly column for a local liberal newspaper. They are not liberal in the sense of San Fransico liberal but for this area they are definitely more liberal than the other two publications.

I write on all types of subjects but they all seem to go back to agriculture. Maybe that is why I have such a problem making small talk. Weather- check. Kids- Check. Then what... Cows, horses, grass. Some people just don't understand.

Back to the subject. The point of this post is if I can do it. Anyone can. Write about what you live and it is much easier.

Ag in the Classroom

Headed for Ag in the Classroom this morning. We are expecting over 300 little darlings from around the area. There will be information on all types of agriculture from Beef by-products to goats.

It is exciting to have a new presenter this year. A retired BLM employee is going to do a short demonstration on feral horses and the need for gathers. Hopefully, this will start a new line of thinking in our younger generation. From what I understand, it is a modified game of tag. Some kids are horses, some are food and water. Horses must go and secure food and water, those who cannot are either "gathered" or "die".

Wish me patience. This is alot of Kindergarteners through third graders but well worth the time.

Proud to be part of the Ag Industry

As I do some last minute internet shopping I was amazed by the amount of giving agriculture does. Wrangler has its patriotic line and its tough enough to wear pink line. Cydectin a wormer for cattle gives money to support troops. The deal in the midwest where they have fed out over 80,000 steaks to troops and their families. Then, you get to looking even more locally. When a lady was bucked off her horse and sustained major head injuries, the little community she belonged to pulled together and held a spaghetti feed to help with medical bills- over 200 people attended, not bad when the entire valley has less than 500 people. The area I live in, the economy is based in agriculture. It used to have a logging component but that went with the spotted owl. Now, the main factor is cow-calf production and hay. The same people get hit up for booster club, 4-H, FFA, Sober Grad, Fair, and a myriad of other organizations. I have yet to hear about a good project being turned down. Go Ag!