In the centre of Parkplace farm was a mound of dirt; a virtual mountain for the two young boys and their 2 sisters, who climbed it. From the top of that hill they stood, then sat surveying their organic kingdom. To the south, open to the road they observed a large harvester making its way westward as the driver gave a hearty wave and a tip of the hat. Clockwise they surveyed the 2 row of ancient pines – a forest in their eyes. Beyond the pines were 2 long barns for thousands of turkeys & chickens, along which recirculating fans blew at full strength on black-faced sheep who savoured the rush of wind on their ample wooly coats. Seeing the four, the sheep gazed cautiously with gentle bleats. Looking north the equipment shed, water pumping hut, the tractors & implements, all sat awaiting usage. Next to the tractors the bunker silo steamed, full of fermenting corn silage & a mound of potatoes – the cows’ favorite meal. The tall cement silo with domed top, and old tractor shed eclipsed the classic barn covered in silver steel. The 5 families of pigs oinked and pushed the mud in the barnyard with saucer-shaped noses. Dandy, the delicate horse looked on with disdain for the swine penchant for dirt. Out in the pasture the cattle chomped on grass while round haybales sat for dining pleasure. Looking northeast the four siblings saw the old buggy shed and the vast cistern. In the distance the east pasture held 2 Shetland ponies standing idly while kicking & swishing tails at flies. The two sisters and brothers rounded their panoramic scan to view the red brick house – home; its cool front porch cool, beckoning them back. Another row of pines along the lawn & garden completed their 360 degree view.
The 2 boys sighed and lay down to stare at the clouds. The 2 sisters laughed at the sheep, their lambs playing and jumping in the grass. Life was good! The day was young, adventure in every direction awaited. Which animal friend would they visit? Where would other family members be working? What interesting tool, machine or hideout would capture their interest? It was all so palpable, so ready, so exciting. The following is their stories.
Cathy, Stevie, Kenny & Patti-Jo
Farming Faith 