The Farmer Takes A Wife

As a child, I often played "The Farmer In the Dell." We all stood in a circle, sang the song, and anxiously waited to see who would be chosen as the wife, child, dog, cat, and on and on. This past weekend I witnessed the real-life "Farmer In The Dell" as Aaren (the farmer) chose Dena (my niece) as his wife. But although fun and games were included, this was serious business, as the farm boy from southern Minnesota married the city (o.k.- the town) girl.

Photo by Sheree

I'm thrilled that this farmer took this wife! At the reception Aaren shared a humorous story about when he knew Dena would make his perfect mate. It seems Aaren was fixing a barn door, dropped a screw in the manure, and without hesitation, Dena, the town girl, swooped down to pick it up. Ah, yes, true love will make you do almost anything, even things we may not have even considered before. But isn't that what marriage is all about- diving in, without hesitation, to make someone else happy, while making yourself just as happy? 

 

A farmer and his pick-up are rarely parted.

My advice to Dena, from one farm wife to another- 

• Be patient. Remember when you want "date night", he has no control over when animals give birth.
• Be understanding, even when he is late to meals. I'm guessing a piece of machinery broke down.
• Be forgiving. Weather that is not conducive to farming can lead to a husband that says things he may not otherwise say, to you or aforementioned machinery.
• Be gentle, when you nudge him awake after he dozes off on the sofa from a long, hard day of doing what he loves...farming, which provides both of you with the best life you can live. Welcome to farm life!

Special thanks to Larry, Dena's new father-in-law, who was seen promoting my blog by handing out my business cards at the wedding reception. 

 He's another proud farmer!

Hitched Without A Hitch

When everything goes well, it's said to go off "without a hitch," meaning things went well, as planned, without problems. Yesterday was one of those "without a hitch" days. My niece and Godchild, Nikki, married Robbie. Yes, they got hitched in a quaint rural setting, on a hilltop over-looking the barn where the reception would be held. Nikki grew up on a farm and now lives in a big city in California, so I guess this venue proves that you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.

What really touched my heart about this wedding, was the family involvement.

 Family painted signs.

 Family sewed the brides dress.

Family baked cakes.

Family made decorations, and arranged flowers, and helped with set-up, and kept the bride calm, because that's what family does...helps, in the name of love.

Welcome to the family Robbie...with love.

What Happens In Wisconsin...

I like the size of the cheese, but not the mouse!

What can be more perfect than visiting "Wisconsin-America's Dairyland" during June Dairy Month? John and Michael promised they would do just fine on the farm without us, so Sara and I hopped in the van and dashed for the border. We were off to see Matt and Heidie tie-the-knot. I invite you to join us on our journey.

In typical farmer fashion, our inner alarm clocks didn't let us sleep late, so we were one of the first guests to enjoy the continental breakfasts each morning at our motels. It was also hard to remember that we didn't have to "rush home to milk cows" each day. Old habits die hard.

Heidie and Matt's wedding was held in a traditional country church, surrounded by cornfields. The service was beautiful. The dinner was delicious, complete with cheese sauce on the chicken. Go dairy! And, we danced like crazy. "YMCA!"

The National Mustard Museum. Did you know there is one?

Jelly Belly Factory Tour. Yes, there are jelly beans in the bags.

 Three outlet malls in one day! Lots of bags in the car. We stayed until closing.

 I won 20 cents at the Casino. I didn't bother cashing in the voucher.

Sara with an orange moose? We're not sure why it was there.

Three Antique Malls and no purchases. Sad face!