From the Pastures: Cultivating gratitude

I like Thanksgiving because I like the USA. I like all the opportunities we have only in this great country and nowhere else in the world.

I’ve been struggling with walking since Aug. 1. My left hip needs replaced and it’s gotten so bad I’m using two canes to walk outside and a walker inside the house. I can’t do any lifting, so bookwork is all I can do — and I hate bookwork! I was seriously considering selling the sheep because I just can’t do the work. But when one door closes a window usually opens up.

One of my farmettes recently sold to a young couple with two young boys. They were leaving the craziness in Portland, Oregon, for central Illinois normalcy and to be closer to family. He was giving up a construction management job that paid six figures, but kept him on the road two to three days per week and away from his 2-year-old and 4-year-old sons and his wife. He was not willing to sacrifice the family time. He wants to grow his own food and is genuinely interested in my grazing operation — so much so that he went to Greg Judy’s Beginning Grazer School for three days this past September in Clark, Missouri.

My hip was getting worse and I needed help and he wanted to learn, so I hired him part time Sept. 8. He’s a town kid that does not know anything and he’ll tell you that. So, I’m teaching him — livestock husbandry basics, grazing basics and tools and what they are used for, plus he’s learning what it’s like to work outside. David has a college degree, but not much hands-on experience.

Bud is the second guy that started the beginning of November after harvest was over. He’s on the opposite end of the educational spectrum. School isn’t for him, but he can fix about anything. He knows most of the things that David doesn’t, so they complement each other. Bud works for a farmer, so he has the winter off and can help me whenever I need him. And that’s a lot right now because I have to get ready for winter. David’s other job only allows him to help me two and a half days per week.

I’ve had two operation dates set for this hip, but had to cancel them due to health problems. I have the third date set for Dec. 8 and really want to get it fixed then. It will be four months of hobbling around by then.

I’m thankful for all the help I’ve received from my family, friends and hired help. I could not have done it without you. Hopefully, you can find something to be thankful for also.