Women's Ag Day

The invitation first arrived in the mail in the form of a flier. Faulkton was having a Women's Ag Day on June 10. I had too much agriculture in my life already, I thought, and into the trash it went. The next week there was a front page story in the newspaper. I decided to pass it by again. Besides, I didn't want to get a babysitter for a whole day. The next day my phone rang. It was my cousin-in-law Nikki asking me if I wanted to go to the Women's Ag Day. I still resisted until she told me what had piqued her curiosity--lunch and wine tasting. After that brief conversation, it didn't take long for me to find a babysitter and commit to the day-long affair. I can endure pretty much anything if there will be lunch served at some point. And free wine? Bring on absolutely anything.
I am so glad I went. The speakers were informative, entertaining, or both. The vendors (local photography, Stampin' Up!, the Quilt Shop, the Purse Closet, etc.) were fun to browse through. The lunch was FANTASTIC and the wine was yummy. Two bottles of wine from ChrisaMari Vineyards near Pierre were my purchase for the day--one grape blush and one pumpkin.
There was a time when I resented the label "farm wife" or "housewife." They still aren't my favorite words, but I learn at events like yesterday's that those labels can look very different depending on the person. Some farm wives work alongside their husbands outside. They love to tag calves and till the land. To them I say, "You go girl."
Others, like Nikki and myself, hold down the fort inside for the most part and keep the meals coming--a half hour early or two hours late, of course. We all share some of the same frustrations. Interpreting our husbands' confusing hand signals as they drive by and putting up with their seasonal moods fall into this category.
I hope the Women's Ag Day will be held again. It is nice to have the camaraderie with farm wives of all types. They might not even have to tempt me with lunch or wine next time.
But it wouldn't hurt.

June 9, 2001

It doesn't seem like David & I have been married for 8 years already until I look around at all we have accomplished. All in all, our marriage has been hard work, but also fun. These early years have been filled with many changes--on our farm, in our home, and with our family.
We have smoothed some of the wrinkles from our early years, learning slowly what is--and what is not--worth arguing about. What I think we both have learned is that a married relationship is always moving. It takes constant communication and effort to make sure that we do not move apart. We are not always successful in that, but always manage to pull it back together again.
We have been blessed with tremendous faith, family, and friends who have been an integral part of our married adventure. Thanks to God and all of you for your support and encouragement throughout these first 8 years!

Monday

I see I haven't posted since last Tuesday. I guess I was busier than I thought getting ready to go on our Melius couples' vacation to Valleyfair & the Cities. The weekend was so great, although sometimes I wonder if I have anything in common with my crazy inlaws and husband who love the roller coasters. They can plummet from Wild Thing & Steel Venom, but cringe when I even mention my favorite--the Tilt a Whirl. David rode on it with me once and it about did him in. If I ever had a sense of adventure when it came to amusement park rides, and it never was much, it is completely gone now. Any amount of height above the ground about put me in near hyperventilation. I had fun watching everyone else, though, and marveling at their courage.
Saturday we girls went to my type of thrill ride--a huge outlet mall. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when we arrived in Albertville, and then we turned the corner and saw another huge building. We all had so much fun and found great bargains. After meeting up with the husbands and David's cousin & wife, we went to a wonderful dinner at Ciao Bella.
The entire weekend was a breath of fresh air . . . and one I think we all needed. The only problem is now my parents and sister need a similar vacation after spending it with my little Melius miracles!

Sneaky Snacker

Nathan loves snacks. He asks for snacks from sun up until sun down every day--in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. He has even asked for a snack as I was clearing the table after a meal. His snack of choice? Candy.
Thanks to Landen's being in school this year, we had a steady supply of candy from the Homecoming parade until Easter Sunday. The kids get to eat their candy (whatever Mom & Dad don't take first), but we ration it out. They might get one or two things for their afternoon snack if they ask for it. This obviously was not enough sugar for Nathan.
For awhile, he was getting into the candy cupboard in the morning before David or I got up. Landen became the candy police and Nathan got his snacks taken away for each day we caught him chocolate-handed. With that not working anymore, I had to do something else. Sleeping in the kitchen was not an option. Neither was electric fencing. (Too close to the sink.) I happened to have an extra child safety lock, so I put that on the cupboard door to deter him.
A few weeks, maybe months, passed and he obviously hadn't been able to sneak any Fruities or chocolate baseballs. I thought he wouldn't notice if I took the lock off. That little guy is more sneaky than even I give him credit for.
I started occasionally finding candy wrappers under his bed. The next time I vacuumed, I found several more wrappers behind David's recliner. Most recently, Teresa told on him without saying a word as she brought out three granola bars from behind the rocking elephant in the living room. A look behind produced more Tootsie Pop wrappers and sticks.
The lock is now back on.
Where would my sweet little boy come up with such devious behavior?
I will have to ask the man who, may years ago, hid cookies under living room chairs to save them for Saturday morning cartoons.

Golden Peach Pork Chops

It's recipe time again! I had bought some pork chops on sale last month and came across them in my freezer this morning. I decided to make them, but didn't quite know what I wanted to do. I went to my favorite recipe site--www.allrecipes.com--and found this great recipe. We give it 6 thumbs up so far. Nathan didn't like it (but he doesn't like much) and David hasn't been in to eat yet. I lost count how many times Teresa wanted me to refill her tray. Trust me. It's very good!

1 can (15 oz) peach halves or slices, drained
5 bone-in pork loin chops (1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
DIRECTIONS
Drain peaches, reserving 1/4 cup juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use); set fruit and juice aside. In a large skillet, brown pork chops on both sides in oil; transfer to a slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves; mix well. Add the tomato sauce, vinegar and reserved peach juice. Pour over the chops. Arrange peach halves on top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.

*I did not brown the pork chops first. Also, I baked them in a 300 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours instead of the slow cooker.