That day is today. I love kayaking. I love being in the water watching the wildlife listening to the running river with fresh air. But more importantly I cherish our waterways for what they provide for our farm: the tools to grow our crops.
Water quality is a huge topic in Ohio. From the algae blooms in our lakes and the issues with the contamination of the Toledo water supply, everyone is looking for answers. Unfortunately, the media has been pointing their fingers at Ohio’s farmers. While we aren’t totally innocent I think it is important for people to realize our love of water and concern for its quality as well. Most of us are being proactive in what we do. At our farm we truly believe that for our land to be sustainable we have to take care of our soil and our water. Our farm sits on both the Lake Erie watershed and the Mississippi River watershed. So what we do on our farm is not only important for our future but for those who rely on those bodies of water.
As stewards of our land it is important we share our story as to how we care for our water. I’m so proud of my husband and that we have almost 20 years of no-till on our farm and are recognized for conservation practices we employ on the farm. We can be sustainable and productive on the farm.
This post was something I meant to do a while ago…but better late than never. I try to be crafty when I can. It gives my mind a break from the daily grind of the university and the farm. So when Harlie started cribbing (chewing on her crib) I knew I needed to get creative! So I made my own cover. So this is what I did.
1. I measured my crib length taking close notes of what was the space between each post and the length of the posts. I then marked my felt ( I just got a few yards of felt cloth) and cut the slits.
2. Once I had the slits made I went to the crib and tied them on to it. I double knotted it so I knew she couldn’t get it undone. Then I trimmed the ends. Below is my final shot. I did this a few months ago and it has stayed great!
I always said I didn’t need kids of my own because I had amazing ones I work with everyday at work. At the end of each school year I am reminded why I love my job so much. Getting to see my “kids” succeed and enter the world I know they are ready to conquer. Every hour away from my family, every late night and early morning, every email while on vacation or while sick is worth it to me if I can make a difference. We don’t teach to get accolades, but when the end of the year rolls around and my seniors say thank you it makes me so happy. I know that I have helped them, but am also happy because they in their own ways have helped me have an amazing life. This year I got several thank you notes from my seniors, and my club I advise nominated me for an advising award I received from the university. I hope some day Harlie knows that while I hate not being by her side 24-7, I love my “kids” at work and am making a difference.