Walking in the Furrow
The month of February has only 28 days, with the exception of 29 days on a leap year. While it may be the shortest month of the year, it also tends to be a gloomy one, too. The second day of February spotlighted the gifted Punxsutawney Phil with his winter weather prediction in the early morning hours of Groundhog's Day. Phil mustered up the strength and ventured out from his burrow after being cooped up underground, and celebrated with awaiting spectators—that he did indeed, see his shadow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for warmer, spring-like temperatures, even if it means wading through deep mud the next couple months and swatting at swarms of nagging insects. It is encouraging to note, the daylight hours have begun gradually increasing in length, but the sunny days are still far and few between as we enter the third week of February.
I oftentimes find comfort on the couch after dinner is over on the weekends while the sun is baking through the large picture window on the south side of the farmhouse. This is a great place to partake in a midday nap. My nephew has informed me the bright, sunny area that blankets a small portion of the carpeted living room is referred to as "sunny puddle." That is usually the area where the black labs sprawl out and quickly become overheated and awakened in a state of panic. Whether it is a "sunny puddle" in the house or a "muddy puddle" outside, I can usually find my nephew and the dog sharing the puddles together.
Did you receive or give the perfect gift for Valentine's Day for you and your significant other? A dozen red roses, a box of heart-shaped chocolates and a sappy Valentine's Day card will only buy you time, and it may not be the total answer to your gift-giving abilities. Hopefully you managed to reserve a five-star hotel with an all-expense paid, romantic getaway with some marvelous fine-dining in downtown Louisville. And hopefully you still have plenty of bankroll remaining to invest in some of the innovative advances of modern farm equipment technology at the National Farm Machinery Show for you and your valentine. The best way to succeed this Valentine's Day is to buy him or her a new tractor, combine or self-propelled sprayer at the farm show. There will be an added bonus if you have your name taped to the sold sign inside the cab window. This will send a direct message to not only your significant other, but other show attendees that you have invested deeply into the love of your life and the future of agriculture.
Here is another gift idea that doesn't necessarily need to disrupt your cash flow following this past Valentine's Day, and this could be your last chance to redeem any points you desperately need with your spouse. Invite your significant other to the Marshall County FFA farm toy show and expo on Feb. 26 at Plymouth High School. The Marshall County FFA chapters will conclude this event with a silent auction and the live auction of donated items from area merchants.