In and about the fall of 1962, my father-in-law, Alvin, realized that I needed a working cow dog. Horses were not able to work in the heavy brush that was on the farm/ranch I operated on a shoestring.... Read more >>

I’ve mentioned before that we’re back-roads people. A good part of our getting anywhere involves paved county roads. Usually they create a shorter, more scenic, less-traveled path than the... Read more >>

Since moving from Denver to the Indiana countryside, I have started writing about all I am learning about living the country life that so many folks desire. This is a recent excerpt from those... Read more >>

When we lived in the ’burbs, the weirdest things I ever found in the washing machine were earrings, car keys, and the occasional cell phone. Oh, and money. Once I found a hundred dollar bill.... Read more >>

Local and sustainable foods are becoming a highly touted mantra in America, with much of this interest coming from metropolitan centers—where 80 percent of the U.S. population lives. Urbanites... Read more >>

I like my Grande Caffè Lattes as much as the next girl, but whenever I crave a real Java jolt, I take a pass on the daily grind and jump a plane for Costa Rica. Ticos (as locals are known) have... Read more >>

Marie-Ann buzzed down the windows and Theresa could smell dampness. She said in surprise, “Are we near a river?” And Claude said, “You have zee nose of a... Read more >>

Farmers Steve and Bernadette Howard, along with their ten-year-old daughter Isis, are represented as three oxen that give this farm its name. Their family farm is based on the fundamental philosophy... Read more >>

“Friday came too soon. While I have realized for some time Friday was coming ... still Friday came too soon.” These words written by our veterinarian to our daughter after the death of our... Read more >>

Most people would think that if you live in Iowa you would be awoken by the sound of a rooster cock-a-doodle-dooing at sunrise.   Perhaps, if you lived on a farm.   This morning I was... Read more >>