Today when I went outside to start the suburban to warm it up to take the kids to school at 7:45am the thermometer on the rearview mirror said -8! It was that moment I was once again rudely reminded that yes, for a few months of the year here in Minnesota it is cold.
When I married my handsome man of the north 15 years ago, I knew that I was moving to the arctic and I knew it would be an adjustment. What I did not count on, was the reality that for all Minnesotans the first subzero temp of every year is an adjustment. I am not alone. I am only too grateful for the warmth of a fire during the day and the opportunity to develop a wardrobe made up of coats for all seasons. So many little oddities have I noticed about the people of Minnesota. And make no mistake, I plan to share them with you as they come to me. That being said, I am proud to be a Minnesotan and more importantly, the wife of a cattlemen.
As he stepped out the door today after an icy morning of chores he reminded me of my duty for the day. "Now that calf is in the shop on the work bench, don't forget to check on her." On the work bench won't she fall off. "No," he said. "She is blocked in like a play pen right under the heater so she will stay warm til I get home." I set the timer for an hour so I won't forget her and then thought about my husband and the essence of who he is and why I love him so much.
This calf was born right after Christmas and she is just not doing as well as everybody else born at that time. Bryan (my cattleman) has been up day and night feeding her and checking on her in hopes of getting her healthy. Her mother is present but seems to be low on milk for some reason ( she is an older cow). Now, at -8 degrees she has checked into the shop motel for the day. I will keep you posted. My cattleman is committed to all he does, thank goodness, as that includes his wife as well.
I am looking forward to sharing the events of life here in Minnesota as the year progresses. I will introduce you to my children and the passions I share with them day in and day out in hope of conveying a bright message of love and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a wife and mother in this mixed upworld we are living in. I have made it my life goal to raise and equip my children for the future, through their faith, family and farm. I ask you to journey with me and share your thoughts and dreams.
