Relative Something

Cyndie and I snuck away for an overnight at our friends George and Anneliese’s new location in Foley, MN, on Saturday afternoon. That evening, they received a good rain shower, while the rain gauges at home barely got wet. Missed us again.

It was great to reacquaint ourselves with their three canines, tour their new property, house, & outbuildings, catch up on life stories, share a couple of fine meals, and do battle in multiple card games. There is an extra level of connection that happens when a visit is extended to include an overnight stay and all that comes with leisurely meals, long conversations, bedtime and sleepy morning routines, and the deeper levels of multiple conversations that evolve.

After breakfast yesterday, they led us to a couple of the locations where they lease space for their cattle business.

It was a thrill to learn about the virtual fencing and pasture management system they are using. We watched as they used a cell phone to “move” a fence line to open up a fresh section of grazing to the herd. A short time later, we drove out to see that space in person.

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The cows were congregated around the water trough, and we could hear flowing water, which revealed something was amiss with the shutoff float.

Repairs would involve a little more than a quick fix, but they had a plan. The herd didn’t think it was much of a problem to have a growing puddle in which to stand.

In discussing our interest in improving the quality of our hay field, we identified some things to try that we can start implementing with relative ease. One way would be to put a herd of cattle on it for a short time, but we are opting for something more within our immediate reach. I can easily spread more composted manure around on the highest ground. There’s no shortage of manure being produced around here.

We hope to keep mowing that field to help the grasses thrive and the weeds diminish, instead of the other way around. In the image above, you can see one of the hemp dogbane weeds that was probably pressed down by the tractor wheels and thus didn’t get cut by the brush cutter blade. After I took that picture, I pulled it out by hand while hurling expletives at it.

When it comes to caring for the land and our animals, there will never be a lack of things that we can work to improve. Watching the progress is an ongoing joy to behold.

So is staying in touch with precious friends. What a special blessing it was for us to have the weekend time with George and Anneliese. ❤️

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