Bundled Up For The Winter

 

As December and the cold months of winter approach, the barn doors are closed and the equipment is put back in its original place. The last of the tobacco has been hauled to Clarksville and our migrant workers return to their families back in Mexico. Winter chores consist of chopping wood, feeding livestock and catching up on some paperwork. I use much of my downtime quilting, baking, playing music, and making plans for the coming spring. This December we took a trip to North Carolina for a strawberry expo. where we met other growers and learned about the various tasks that must be done throughout the winter. One of those tasks is placing row covers over the strawberries to protect against the harsh temperatures to come. These row covers will stay on until late February unless we have a heat wave that would promote growth underneath the plastic. Much of my free time is spent over at the "PALMER FARM" with my boyfriend Logan. He runs a small dairy and keeps busy with his herd of Jerseys cows. He milks twice a day, cold, rain or sleet and I often join him for the afternoon milking. Sometimes if I have an abundance of free time, I'll take home some fresh milk and make butter or cheese which is always a treat! The winter months provide us with a good break from the summer work, and give us time to plan and come up with new ideas for the year to come.

Harris Family Traditions

As a young girl, I cherish the times dad and a bunch of us kids would bundle up on those cold December mornings, pull the old four-wheeler out of the garage, pile on and begin our search for the perfect Christmas tree. We would begin our scout on our farm, riding alongside the many meadows, woods and fence lines. We’d come across a couple but after studying them, we’d vote to hold out, hoping that perfect tree was still out there. We’d then head down to Soldier creek, driving in the creek bed and on some of our leased ground. Riding behind my dad, I’d tap his shoulder and ask “Dad, is that a good one?” pointing towards a good sturdy group of cedar trees in the distance. As we advanced closer, he’d reply “I think it might be Jordie.” For those of you who don’t chop your own tree, there are some special things to take into consideration when choosing one. First it has to have the perfect, strong, distinct smell. Secondly it has to have a dark rich green color, none of that brown stuff will do. Thirdly(and most importantly) it must fit in the living room. For some reason, tree’s always look smaller outside then they do indoors. Many a tree that has entered our front door has had to experience a major haircut. When we’d arrive back home with our prize tree, my mamma and a couple of my younger sisters would always have the lights out and ready. Walking in the door, the Christmas music would be turned up and a strong aroma of soup would fill your sniffer. Usually some hot cocoa would be waiting for us too. My mom would bring a wrapped up bag and sit down beside the tree. One by one, she’d carefully pull out the eight new ornaments she‘d collected over the previous months. Each one was different and unique, matching the many diverse personalities in our family. Some of them were farm related, others a cowboy boot or fishin‘ pole, there’d also be an assortment of sparkling fairies and ballerinas. As we decorated the tree, my mom would pull out ornaments from previous years, each one having someone’s name or some kind of special significance. After our tree was lit and complete, we’d gather around, each with a full tummy and a mug of eggnog. We’d listen to dad as he read Jotham’s Journey, a family favorite that we would read throughout the month of December, a very special part of our advent. It’s the story of a young Jewish boy that was separated from his family and then his adventure of being reunited with them, which happens in a little town called Bethlehem. His family is not the only thing he finds there… (we all know the rest of this story). Christmas is a very special time for our family. A time when we’re all together and treasured memories are made. It is also a time when we reflect on the greatest treasure of all, the birth of Christ. Merry Christmas! -From The Harris Family