The County Fair

County Fair time across the country is upon us! Last week when I visited home was our fair, Allegany County.  While it is a small Maryland fair, I thoroughly enjoy it and this year there was a display about the history of our fair and fairgrounds which I found to be very interesting.

County fairs are a cherished time of year for folks all across the country - a time to visit with folks who you rarely get to see throughout the year, display the best of your livestock, fruits, vegetables, crafts, and quilts.  It's a time of festivities and laughter and reminiscing of years past.

While fairs across the country put a warm feeling in our soul, it is undeniable things are changing.  The livestock barns are no longer as full, the fair-goers no longer come to see the agriculture events, and 4-H and FFA are no longer the center of festivities.  Counties are pulling together to have a multi-county fair, as numbers of exhibitors are decreasing as agriculture in our lifestyle becomes a thing of the past.

While it is undeniable the numbers of farmers and ranchers across the country are declining and the rural lifestyle is becoming a thing of the past, take some time today to think about your favorite memories of past fairs, livestock shows, and festivals.  These are one of the greatest American traditions - let's not let it die.

Feet of Leather

It's been a while since I've posted on here.  I spent last week in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland at my home.  There is absolutely nothing like falling asleep in your childhood bed.

I am a firm believer that nothing cleanses the soul like a walk through the pasture.  Whether it be to check cows, move cows, or just for a leisurely stroll.

Me, being the no-shoe-wearer that I am, took a walk nearly every day with my mom and dogs... in my flip flops.  Now, there is one thing that I think is common to every farm girl as she grows up - she has feet tough as nails.  Heck, I used to be able to run and play on gravel and in the middle of a hay field mowed 2 weeks ago in my bare feet!  But somewhere down the line, I got a job, moved away, and shoes are now included in my everyday lifestyle.

Long story short, I don't have feet of leather anymore.

As we were walking down a steep hill, my ankle twisted, and POP! My flipflop broke! And we were at least a half a mile from the house in the middle of a pasture of mature, lignified, cool season grasses - just to give you some idea of how uncomfortable my next hour was about to be.

I quickly learned that sometimes moving off the farm does more to us than causes us to be homesick - it makes our feet sore!

About halfway back to the house and lagging way behind my walking partners, my mom graciously offered me her shoes and walked the entire way back to our home barefoot just as well as she was walking in her shoes.

Lesson learned.

Wordless Wednesday

Interesting Finds

I love to read - whether it be magazines, books, blogs, journals - and I'm always searching for new fun things to read.  The other day I was fumbling around on Amazon and I found my new prospects:

I will let you know how they go!

Another publication I've recently became fascinated with are The Farmer's Wife cookbooks.  They are recipes taken from a magazine that was published in the 30's and 40's and I vote should come back into publication! 

Not only are there some good recipes in them, but they also provide some much-needed entertainment.  Pick up a Farmer's Wife Cookbook - you'll quickly see what I mean.

A cover off an old Farmer's Wife magazine: