Basketball Season is Over, What Next?

Like most parents of basketball players, especially those with multiple players, the winter months become a blur of gyms, games and more games. Beth has finished her season and Adam’s last game will be Monday night.

Both kids have done well. Their skills have improved and they’ve gained a greater understanding of the game. As Beth’s coach I’ve had the privilege to coach these girls since 3^rd grade and have watched them improve. I’m excited for them next year as they move into Junior high basketball where they will get more practice and more playing time. It will be fun to see how they do.

I must admit that not having somewhere to be on a Saturday morning is a bit odd. We’re so used to running around that it feels strange to stay home and actually focus on things that need to be done around the farm. Some projects we’re working on include:

1. Finishing the chicken coop- this will house our chicks this spring and Brett’s rabbits when they have babies in a month
2. Watching our 4-H pigs as they progress though the farrowing barn and nursery. Beth, who is pictured here, is quite excited about the pigs that we’re looking forward to taking to the fair this July.

What’s next? Track season will start March 12 and then we’ll be going to meets and watching kids run. Dale will be running the Boston Marathon is April 16 and I’ll be doing the 5K on the 15^th.

I’m excited for Boston since the pork producers will have a booth at the Health Expo. What a great opportunity to share the good news about Pork Power with thousands of health conscious runners. Stay tuned; we’ll share more as the time gets closer.

I’ve Been Adopted…. By Provider Pals®

Okay, so I may be a little older than what most people think of for adoption but in this case the adoption means I’ve been chosen by the Worthington Middle School students through Provider Pals. This program is a cultural exchange between those in agriculture and inner-city students.

Provider Pals was started by Bruce Vincent, a logger from Montana as a way for urban and rural students to exchange information and gain a better understanding of their common ground and their differences. For more information on Provider Pals you can visit their website at www.providerpals.com

The MN Pork Board has sponsored 4 pork producers to be part of this program, of which I and my daughter Beth are fortunate enough to be able to participate. Over the next few months we’ll be exchanging information on ourselves and the activities that happen on our farm with these students. I am looking forward to the students’ questions and helping them learn more about life on a hog and grain farm. It will be important not just to show them what’s different, but what we have in co

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education

As farmer’s many of our daily tasks require hard work and some ingenuity to get the job done. In many cases we “make do” with what we have. But when it comes to educating our kids, we shouldn’t have to settle. After all, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders.

Hat’s off to Monsanto for recognizing the financial need that many rural schools have, especially when it comes to math and science programs. Our school district, USC in Wells MN was fortunate enough to secure a $25,000 grant from Monsanto as part of their America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program. This money was used to buy microscopes and other supplies that are important to our children’s education.

Monsanto’s business is built on farmers and they recognized the need to contribute back to those customers, especially when it comes to educating youth. I’d like to thank Monsanto for their generosity and for recognizing the needs we have in rural America. It’s easy to get caught up in all that’s wrong with today’s youth. It’s even more important to recognize what’s right with today’s youth and provide the resources they need to become future leaders.

For more specific information on Monsanto’s program visit their website at www.americasfarmers.com/growruraleducation/winners/stories.aspx.  The second video highlights the USC school district.

As farmers we know that growth of plants, animal or kids doesn’t just happen. It requires work, cultivation and nourishment. Fortunately there are others who recognize the value of what we do and are willing to help.

Time for a Relief Pitcher?

Lori has been doing some heavy lifting on this blog for a while, so I thought I would step in.

At this time last year, I was feeling pretty good about my running accomplishments. I had completed a big year for mileage (1500.5) and had a Boston qualifying run at Grandma’s, which was the first running event sponsored by the Minnesota Pork Board.

Fast forward to closing out 2011. I raced a half marathon in St Paul with a good enough time to get a nomination for MN Runner of the Year (I happened to Google my name). I raced Grandma’s 25 minutes faster than 2010, and was within 1:30 of my lifetime PR for 26.2 miles. I must have reached my running goals on that race, because it was tough to get inspired to train hard the rest of the summer.

Qualifying for Boston again was a true highlight, and I was able to register for the race on the first day. I also had lined up our flights and hotel rooms early, so we won’t scramble trying to get those nailed down. The only thing left to do was train.

Looking for a different challenge, I signed up for the Master Run Coach program, which follows training principles set down by Arthur Lydiard. Without going into details, a runner needs to have a large aerobic training base to add speed to as he gets closer to the race. I am finishing my base training this week, putting in about 70 miles. Wow.

One last thing. I ran 1785 miles in 2011, nearly 20% more. Most of that occurred in the months of November and December, when Boston training kicked in, and snow and ice were not problems like 2010.

Reflecting on the Holidays

As the kids start their first day of Christmas vacation, I realize what I’m looking forward most to during this time is just spending time with them. Between two kids playing basketball, school activities and having a Jr. in High School, there are days when we only see each other briefly in the morning and again at night.

Note to the older wiser parents who warned me this would happen you were right. When they were young and under my feet and testing my patience, I wished for them to be not quite so close. When they couldn’t stop chattering and I needed just a moment of silence, now I have to find them to ask questions about how their day went and what’s happening.

I’m not the only one looking forward to a little peace, quiet and relaxation over the holidays. The kids are too. I know that they get tired of late nights, early mornings and running around.

So we’ll take advantage of our time together and make fudge, caramels and other Christmas goodies. We’ll gather around the TV and watch our favorite movies. We may even play Monopoly and let Brett beat us again for the umpteenth time. No matter, we’re together and that’s what counts.

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

Next project – Chicken Coop and Bunny Barn

Dale had barely put his tools away from the nursery barn project when the kids descended upon him with the next project, a chicken coop. For the last few years we’ve been discussing (joking around) about getting some laying hens to free range around the yard. The challenge is we don’t have a warm spot to keep them during the winter and we also have a Boxer who most likely doesn’t like the idea of chickens roaming around her yard.

The joking turned to reality as Adam became involved in FFA and needed a SAE project. I know; lots of letters but basically he needs a self-directed educational project. Suddenly the idea of fresh eggs gathered every day by the kids was becoming a reality. Dale, ever the practical farmer, decided that the chicken coop should be large enough to house a couple of mother rabbits when they have their babies during the winter. He’s tired of sharing his shop with them and I don’t blame him.

As you can see by this picture the inside of the feeding shed has been cleaned out and a small chicken coop has been framed up. For those of you wondering what do chickens and rabbits have to do with Pork Power, well in this case it’s not the power of pork but rather the power of a parent and his kids working together. Anytime you give a group of people the opportunity to think, work and make decisions together, that’s a powerful experience. Stay tuned.

The End……of the Nursery Remodeling Project

 

Bin Pad

The remodeling project of turning an old finisher into a nursery barn has finally been completed. Dale worked long hours and late nights that last week to finish installing bulk bins, feeding equipment and other necessary items. Then it was time to pick up the tools and power wash the barn to make it ready for the pigs. The early reports were favorable as pigs were comfortably spread out; not too hot and not too cold.

This picture shows the cement pad that the bulk bins sit on with the initials of Beth and Dale written into it. All farm projects that involve cement will have someone’s initials and date scratched into them. It’s a way to record history. Machine sheds, barns and any other significant structures are “branded”. This allows farmers to casually walk around their yard reminiscing about each project and the year it was completed.

It’s funny how a date etched in cement can bring back a flood of memories. I’m sure Dale and Beth will experience the same thing every time they look at this piece of cement.

Racing the Daylight Hours

Fall is my favorite time of year, but it creates a challenge for exercising, at least during the week. The days get shorter, the temperatures cooler and the kids after-school activities more frequent, which leaves less time for biking or running.

Yesterday I left work a little early. The temperature was right, the winds negligible and the sunlight still beaming. I hopped on my bike and took off down the road. My muscles complained a bit with the unfamiliar movement since I’d been doing more running and less biking lately.

The right combination of layers and windproof gloves kept me warm, except for my ears, which were uncovered. Gradually I found my rhythm and even though it wasn’t my usual speed, it still felt good. I checked my watch and the sky. The sun was starting
to lower itself on the horizon. My bright pink vests increases visibility, but I still didn’t want to get caught in the dark.

I made the turn for home and increased my pace. So did the sun. It was a race, who would reach their destination first?  I made it
home as the shadows grew longer and the air cooler but still a bit of light in the sky.

Today, I beat the daylight but soon it will be no match. Even though I plan to run outside during the winter, the shorter days and challenging winter weather means much of my exercise time will be spent inside.

Creating the Right Air Space

The nursery remodeling project took on a new look as Dale removed the siding from the attic end of the barn to create a smaller airspace for the building. Since the new nursery is only a small portion of the larger building, it would work best to create a smaller attic space to draw the air from into the room. If we didn’t, then we’d be drawing hot or cold air from the whole building into the nursery.

So Dale removed the siding and then put a wall in the attic to downsize the area. As the weekend drew to a close, the urgency to close the building back up increased, so Dale and the boys worked extra hard to get the siding back in place.

As you can see by the picture, the gating and pens are in place. We are waiting for the cement guy to come and pour the pads for the bulk bins, which will then allow us to put in the feed lines. If pigs need to go into this building before that’s completed, Dale can always hand feed the pigs.

It’s been interesting to watch this project progress but I know that Dale is anxious to have it completed. Harvest has been taking up a large portion of his time and before we know it, winter will be here.

I am Iron Girl

This Sunday I will compete in the Iron Girl Duathlon which will be held at Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington MN. The race starts with a 2 mile run, followed by a 22 mile bike ride then finishes with another 2 mile run.

I signed up for this race on June 20, after watching the boys run the Gary Bjorkland ½ Marathon in Duluth. Their determination and desire to take on a challenge inspired me to do the same. I’ve spent the summer running and biking, putting on more miles
than I ever have in the past. I realize I’m not doing as many as some other may be, but it’s still an increase for me. Mentally it has been a great experience to take on challenges, set goals and accomplish them.

I have to admit I’m starting to get nervous, or perhaps excited would be a better word. After focusing on this race all summer, it’s only a few short days away. From all I hear, it’s a great event. Since I haven’t done this before, I don’t have any specific times in mind. My only goal is to compete as well as I can and to have fun. My kids call me Iron Mom and I can’t wait to be one after the race on Sunday.