Well, this year is quickly passing by, harvesting
cattle is an annual event that happens right smack dab in the middle of the
year, and we just had it. Last week our customers visited the farm to pick up
their beef. Each year as the time approaches, I envision meeting our new
customers and embracing our old friends (not "old" but, well-acquainted
friends). Unfortunately, it never works out like I imagine.
In my mind, I see The Farmer and I greeting our
customers and leading them over to their nicely packaged frozen beef. Telling
them the history of their calf, showing them the grazing fields, and letting
them enjoy the serenity of the farm.
But in reality, The Farmer and I get up early to
make a mad dash to the processor's. Finding all of our orders, the workers
bring the frozen meat outside (in 75 degree weather), and The Farmer and I frantically
throw the beef (over 2,000 pounds this year) into all different sizes of boxes.
As The Farmer quickly loads the boxes, I'm busy checking off all of the orders
and making sure everyone has everything expected.
We jump into the truck, and rush back to the farm,
taking all the shortcuts we can, over crooked, curvy back roads. Approaching
the farm, we see everyone eagerly awaiting our (their beef's) arrival.
I get out to greet everyone (and collect money), The
Farmer begins to unload boxes, and in a whirlwind of activity, smiling faces,
and joyous farewells, I find myself standing on the porch waving goodbye to a
late-coming customer, and watching The Farmer take off to do another chore.
Not quite the "Rockwell" moment I had
envisioned.
