Monday, December 28, 2009

A Christmas to Remember

This Christmas was one to remember. We got somewhere between 8 and 10 inches of snow with 40 t0 50 mile an hour winds. In short, we missed Christmas Eve services and our family dinner on Christmas Day. It was one of the worst storms I ever remember.

In spite of the weather we had one of the best Christmas Days ever. We opened presents and had a lunch together and watched Christmas movies. It was relaxed and low-key, one that I am sure we will never forget. But that is not what this blog is about.

Christmas morning dawned with gale force winds and lots of snow. Most were snuggled in their beds, unwrapping Christmas presents and generally enjoying a leisurely day. My family enjoyed the presents but our day was far from leisurely. In fact, we worked harder this Christmas than ever before.

Livestock know no holidays. The fact that it is Christmas means nothing to my cows, horses and sheep. They still need fed, watered and looked after. The wind, snow and cold temperatures just made it more difficult. So as most people lounged in their Christmas pjs, we put on our coveralls, winter coats and hats and braved the storm.

Why did we do this? Because we put our livestock first and no matter the day, or the conditions they need to be taken care of. This is what the men and women of our family farms and ranches do every day (holiday or not) to bring you the food on your holiday table. So the next time you sit down to a meal (holiday or not) remember the family farmers and ranchers who brought it to you taking care of their livestock in all types of weather, everyday.

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