Spring Has Sprung!

That groundhog really blew it this year.  Not only did spring not come early this year (as he predicted), it arrived about six weeks later than normal!  But it's mid-May now, and the waited for season has finally arrived.

"Barn in Wild Turnips"

"Old Allis"

These photographs were taken in Hartsburg, just north of Peace Church.  The owner of the barn had commented to me last winter that I didn't have any images of his barn among my work, and invited me to take some anytime I wanted.  It's such a charming little barn, nestled against the bluffs, that I couldn't resist!  The old Allis-Chalmers WD45 sits nearby, resting up.  This field was planted in turnips last fall, and they went to seed -- which provided a sea of tiny yellow blooms in the spring.

Hay Haulers

Loading the hay wagon for the last trip to the barn. Notice the bale in mid-air over the trailer? Our nephew, JP, is back there stacking the bales after the other boys "buck" them onto the trailer. And by the way, according to the meterologist, the heat index was 110 degrees fahrenheit (43 degrees celsius). Lots of cold water and sports drinks were required!   

Discing Cheavens' Field

Jake & Bruce were ready to get started planting corn, as soon as the fields were dry enough to disc. This photo shows Jake taking over the discing, so that Bruce can start the planting.