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Thursday, August 15, 2013

The old fashioned way



Last week I was driving home when I came across something that isn't seen often around here.  I live in an area where there are lots of farmers, and I grew up on a farm myself.  I see lots of tractors and big equipment being used to take care of hay.  Often it's put into huge rolls that can be left in the fields.
What I saw this day was an older man out in this field with a rake.  The hay had been cut and left to dry, and he was raking it into these mounds.  
It reminded me of how much physical labor people used to do in their day to day life.  I can't imagine how long it would take to do a whole field like this.  Since this man looked elderly, I'm glad this field wasn't too big!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I think the old farmer has a better grasp of life than some do. Sometimes the hard work is what we need to get motivated and to breathe again. I have missed you, my friend!

Jennifer Hays said...

I've always thought that even though farming seems like very hard work, it must be a really satisfying lifestyle when one is successful with it.

LL Cool Joe said...

Wow yeah that must be a lot of hard work, but satisfying when it's done. Sometimes the old ways are still the best.

Anonymous said...

I imagine he enjoys the old fashioned way and I'm glad the area is not too big. Pretty photo. Have a nice weekend.

Susan said...

That is special and I'm sure it means everything to him.

Hootin Anni said...

I'm a farmer's daughter!! I remember the 'good ol' days' of hard labor. Today, it seems that the farmers and ranchers have it so easy. Even an air conditioned cab on the columbines! Along with CD players, etc. Those of today have no inkling of the work and long hours it took to run a farm of yesterday.

Beautiful, down home, image you've shared. I like it.

Unknown said...

Machines have put lots of men out of jobs down thru the ages. This man must have literally been from the old school, where, if you want it, you work for it. Thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

Wow! In agreeance with your other comments. Thanks for sharing. Blessings

Beth said...

This past spring I listened to the audio versions of the Little House on the Prairie series. I was amazed at how they did things matter of factly and then moved and started over again. The house building and haymaking were very educational.
I imagine this elderly man is in much better shape than a lot of us.

Sandra said...

I've always wanted to have my own farm, I know it's a lot of work but I think when you get in there with your own hands, you appreciate it more.

Terri D said...

I imagine he was enjoying the physical labor, and it certainly looks like he knew what he was doing (had done it many times before). Thanks for sharing the photo!!

Jenny said...

I think he's a lucky guy, especially if he was out there real early in the morning. Such a beautiful time of day. Rake hay into mounds; go back to the house for bacon and eggs; sit on the porch with a second cup of coffee. That's how I'd do it. Followed by a nap. :~)

Beth Cotell said...

We definitely take all of our modern conveniences for granted...at least I do anyway. I wonder how long that took him!?

Cheri said...

Wow- that is so cool. I've never seen that before. I'll have to ask you where that was so I can go check it out too!

Nancy said...

WOW..it's been forever since I have seen hay done this way...I do hope he had some help....

Just Mom said...

I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that around here -- and we have a ton of farms where I live. Amazing!

Unknown said...

I agree with Simone! I'd like to see us go back to some of the good old ways of the good old days; but please don't take my air conditioning away! lol

Brooke said...

i'm sure raking the fields is part of what keeps him active and young!