Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Candlemas Day


"As the light grows longer

The cold grows stronger

If Candlemas be fair and bright

Winter will have another flight

If Candlemas be cloud and rain

Winter will be gone and not come again

A farmer should on Candlemas day

Have half his corn and half his hay

On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop

You can be sure of a good pea crop"



Candlemas is a day of taking inventory of your farm.
The days are getting longer and they sure are getting colder!
This date in February is the halfway mark for winter.

A farmer should have half of his hay, grain and wood to make it the rest of the way through the winter.





This storm, that we are currently experiencing, really brings the need of checking your farm inventory to the forefront of your priorities.




As I struggled to unbury my truck from the deep snows and drive to the farm to water the cows this morning, I heard the radio announcing all the schools, businesses, meetings and events that were being cancelled.  The rural roads that I drive to the farm were slippery and empty of vehicles, except mine.



It was then that I realized that
Farmers don't get "snow days."  They must get to their livestock to feed, water and check on them.  Every. Single. Day.



Certain cows look forward to my frequent visits.....






Hope you are all staying snug and warm and planning for spring.


10 comments:

  1. I am snug and warm. The weather however is terrible. Spring is just a dream right now.

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  2. Hi Janis, thanks for stopping over at my blog! You're cows are wonderful! I love the shot of the snow on the cow's backs. Awesome! I think most of New England and certainly the ones of us who deal with farms in any capacity are ready for spring! Peace to you, ~Vonnie, NH (aka, Peacemom)

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  3. Lot's of beautiful photo's Janis. The groundhog says early Spring is coming.

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  4. Great post. I liked the folk saying also...but not that we are half way through winter. I want to be DONE with winter!

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

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  5. I bet they were glad to see you! I know you all are sooo tired of snow there. Spring will be here before you know it. Hope you stay safe while out driving on those roads.

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  6. I loved your poem. That is so great, I knew the first part but I never heard all of it. Thanks.
    Did you ever read Farmer Boy? Remember how his dad would have to get up in the night to chase the cows that were outside so they wouldn't freeze? I was thinking about that last night, if you had to do that.

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  7. I like the 3rd picture...one cow sticking her tongue out at the other! Happy Candlemas Day to you!

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  8. With all the snow on the ground, spring doesn't seem close at all. But at least we are able to get out of the house now!

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  9. brrr...so glad we are buried. never heard of candlemas day. thanks for sharing!

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  10. Thanks for the info on Candlemas. I never knew what it meant before.

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