Assumptions

With the calving season winding down, and planting season gearing up, there's a difference in the way our farm, and thus, our family is getting along these days. Although the unpredictability of calving is over, we Webels still cannot be considered a "regularly scheduled family." I have come to realize that farming is not only unpredictable, but there are some assumptions that a farm wife during a busy season should NEVER make.

Assumption #1: Never assume that because a Saturday worked the way you needed it to, the following Saturday could be scheduled the same way. Since calving is nearly complete, Joe's Saturday chores are a lot more flexible, thus, Joe is available to help with the kids so I can have some time to do a Saturday long run. However, this picture perfect Saturday plan I had in mind did not include that Joe was working on the Turbo Chopper 3000, trying to be ready to go out for a birthday dinner (for me) that night.

Which leads me to Assumption #2: Do not make plans, and assume that your farmer can a) commit to come a week--strike that a day-- in advance and b) would be okay with you going ahead and going without him. Seriously, I cannot win in this situation. I was born, lucky me, during planting season, and although I want to go to a nice dinner with friends tonight, because it's been hot, dry, and windy, all signs point to working day and night in the field.

Which leads me to Assumption #3: Don't assume that because the conditions seem perfect that all of the new equipment will work properly. As I write this, I see legs and a few ball caps buzzing around the new planter, as the farmers try to figure out why the fertilizer is not coming out the way it should. Did I mention it's Saturday, when a lot of things are not as readily available as on a week day. Thank goodness we helped fund the new Kliene's building in Brimfield with our equipment purchases. . . they're on the scene.

My final assumption, #4, is to not believe that the harried expressions, short conversations, and lack of details mean that the farmers are upset with what's going on at the homestead. Farming is a crapshoot- no assumptions there- and I am trying not to take personally that even though my girls are desperate for their dad's attention, and he breezes in, kisses them good night and falls asleep on the couch, doesn't mean he doesn't love them. He's preoccupied. This is the beginning of a growing season. The promise of a plentiful harvest means the opportunity to save money for the new truck Joe dreams of, or Josie's preschool tuition for next year or the purchasing of our own ground.

My psyche is at peace when my schedule is easy. My hope is that I can learn to go with the flow better. . .and maybe get a birthday dinner out of the deal!