This weekend we did something very rare – we spent a full day away from the farm.

A few months ago we got an invite from our great friends the Pinkstons to stay at their family’s lake house for Memorial Day. Steve and Emilie live in Indiana (a 9 hr drive), so we really didn’t want to miss the chance to see them while they were 3.5 hours from us. Leaving for just a day and a half takes a lot of planning, but the stars aligned, and we made it happen.

Dave is the only one who knows the ration and mixes feed, so he mixed an extra load Saturday afternoon. It’s not ideal to let the mixed feed sit that long, but it’s workable on occasion.  We also made sure that our part time help would be there for every milking while we were gone to assist David’s dad who has been struggling with a shoulder injury. We fed and watered all the calves and the dog before heading out Saturday evening, and we left instructions on how to feed each group or animal for the next 3 feedings.

We made it to the lake a little after 9 pm on Saturday and stayed until Monday morning. Sunday was the first day David hadn’t milked a cow since we visited my family in Illinois for Christmas. After a night and day by the water relaxing, we were sunburnt and a little tired, but it was nice to visit with friends and not worry about the farm, even if just for the day. 

We owe a big Thank You to the Pinkstons for being such amazing hosts.  They have a beautiful lake home, and we had a GREAT time. We also appreciate David’s dad, Jerry, and our employee, Tyler, for making it possible for us to get away. Thanks, all!