Dunroamin

The first several late Mays and/or early Junes of our marriage saw John helping his father cut hay on their land, Dunroamin Farms. This process usually took a couple weeks, depending on the weather. They would each be on a tractor and cut at the same time usually, I believe, in different fields. After the hay was cut it was left to dry out on the ground for a day or two. Then when it was ready one man would rake and one would round-bale. I know that at one time they did some square-baling too but I think this had stopped by the late 80's or very early 90's, as I don't remember it.

This schedule would go on from morning 'til dark until the farm was completely cut, raked, baled, and transported to holding areas where it would be covered in large rolls of black plastic to protect it from the elements. Square bales, of course, were stacked in one of the three barns.

For the past several years - up to this one - the farm was leased out. Prior to his death, John's father's health kept him from tending to it like he had done for years and my John was not in a position due to other commitments to do it. Therefore, some other men paid to run cattle on it.

This is the first year in a hundred years that cattle have not been on the farm. But John is trying to rebuild the hay fields from some overgrazing. His goal is to start out small and, hopefully, rebuild the farm into what it once was.

John and John-Heath in front of a newly rolled bale of hay. John didn't actually do any of the cutting or baling this year. Two other men took care of it this year.

Isn't he sweet? He loves the farm and never tires of walking over it with John. He is a true-blooded little farm boy.

Overall, Ren is more of an indoor kinda girl but she does like getting out and going for walks on the farm. As long as no manual labor is involved she's good to go.

This was such a nice, breezy night as you can tell by the hair in Ren's face.

Ever ready to pose for a picture.