I grew up near streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers. I learned about oceans in school, but I never really knew about the ocean.
Currently, I live on an island. This island is bordered all around by the Atlantic Ocean. If I want to get to the city of Boston, I must take a boat. If I want to buy food or other supplies, I also must take a boat. If you miss the boat, you don't get to leave the island until the next boat.
Its a funny thing, this being surrounded by the ocean.
Oh, and oceans have tides. High tide. Low tide. Before now, I never thought of tides, but they can be so crucial to know about depending on where you live or what kind of work you do. Here on the atlantic, tides come in and out about every six hours. However, the really crazy thing about tides is that they don't actually happen the same time everyday. Yesterday high tide was around 11:00 AM and low tide was approxiametly 5:45 PM. Today? High tide: 12:15 PM Low tide: 6:30 PM
The wonderful things one can learn! And about the ocean no less!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Around New England
Before August 30th, I had never been to New England. This area of our country is filled with rich history, quaint towns, and beautiful scenery. Over the past month, I have been able to enjoy so much of Massachusetts, just one of the states that make up wonderful New England.
One weekend I was able to take a solo drive to new places in MA I hadn't visited yet. I stopped at Middlesex Fells, a reservation with loads of hiking trails and outdoor scenery. Middlesex Fells is only about five to eight miles north of Boston, but offers a great woodsy setting.
Along my solo drive, I meandered through many small towns such as Arlington, Lexington, and Concord. A major difference between Wisconsin and Massachusetts is the location of the towns. At home we have so much farm land and space. It always seems to take at least seven to ten minutes to get to a different town, passing fields, pastures, and tree covered hillsides. Here in the northeast, I drove continually from one town to the next without realizing I'd entered a new one! The whole state isn't completely covered in towns, however, they do all seem to be interconnected in some way.
I stopped at Concord, MA to visit the Minute Man National Park. Being one of the major sites of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and along the Battle Road, Concord is a well known historical place. At the visitors center of the national park, I learned all about the happenings of 19. April, 1775 when British and American soldiers came head to head starting the fight for independence. Not only is Concord important because of war history, it is home to author, Louise May Alcott. I drove right past the home of the Alcott's as I made my way through town.
Wachusett Mountain State Park is another wonderful place I've visited. Just a little ways off of the major HWY 2, Wachusett Mountain is a peaceful refuge of trails and elevated views of the beauty around. I only took a small walk up the mountain, but enjoyed it just as much as a day long trek. There were streams along the trail, lots of trees, and a wonderful lake to view at from above.
Even if I didn't have a special destination, driving around the middle of Massachusetts is as good as stopping somewhere. The roads weave in and out of massive trees shadowing the way as well as continually going up and down large hills and valleys. I can't wait for the colors to change, it will be completely breathtaking all around the northeast.
Although driving around is great, I usually do have specific destinations and I ended up in the center of Mass in Amherst. Over the past few years, my little sister has kept in contact with friends, A and W, she met through a 4-H trip out here. I also know these friends of hers and they both go to school at UMass-Amherst.
Amherst is this crazy little town. It is really small. But its got people everywhere! Like so many towns out here, Amherst has a thriving downtown with many shops, cafes, restaurants, and local businesses. A and I got ice cream, so tasty! We also visited nearby Northhampton. This town is filled with interesting folks and was so neat to walk around and check everything out. They even had an Art's Night Out happening that we enjoyed! After chilling with A, I met up with W and we headed out to get a taste of the nightlife. Not much different than any other college town...chilling with friends, some dancing, late night pizza, and head back home!
The center of the state was super, but then I headed southwest to Granville, MA. This more rural area is home to no other than The Scoop. W's family is the owners of this super tasty ice cream shop. I got to enjoy the great ice cream, had some roasted pork, played with baby puppies, and chilled all afternoon. It was a great time in southwest MA with delicious grub and fun folks to chill with!
Returning to Boston, I was able to enjoy many more pretty views and sites along the road as I drove. In one town I saw a lady riding her horse down the sidewalk towards downtown. That was interesting for sure!
Massachusetts is such a small state but seems to be filled almost to breaking point with fantastic place to go, things to see, and people to learn about! I can't wait to see more!
One weekend I was able to take a solo drive to new places in MA I hadn't visited yet. I stopped at Middlesex Fells, a reservation with loads of hiking trails and outdoor scenery. Middlesex Fells is only about five to eight miles north of Boston, but offers a great woodsy setting.
Along my solo drive, I meandered through many small towns such as Arlington, Lexington, and Concord. A major difference between Wisconsin and Massachusetts is the location of the towns. At home we have so much farm land and space. It always seems to take at least seven to ten minutes to get to a different town, passing fields, pastures, and tree covered hillsides. Here in the northeast, I drove continually from one town to the next without realizing I'd entered a new one! The whole state isn't completely covered in towns, however, they do all seem to be interconnected in some way.
I stopped at Concord, MA to visit the Minute Man National Park. Being one of the major sites of the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and along the Battle Road, Concord is a well known historical place. At the visitors center of the national park, I learned all about the happenings of 19. April, 1775 when British and American soldiers came head to head starting the fight for independence. Not only is Concord important because of war history, it is home to author, Louise May Alcott. I drove right past the home of the Alcott's as I made my way through town.
Wachusett Mountain State Park is another wonderful place I've visited. Just a little ways off of the major HWY 2, Wachusett Mountain is a peaceful refuge of trails and elevated views of the beauty around. I only took a small walk up the mountain, but enjoyed it just as much as a day long trek. There were streams along the trail, lots of trees, and a wonderful lake to view at from above.
Even if I didn't have a special destination, driving around the middle of Massachusetts is as good as stopping somewhere. The roads weave in and out of massive trees shadowing the way as well as continually going up and down large hills and valleys. I can't wait for the colors to change, it will be completely breathtaking all around the northeast.
Although driving around is great, I usually do have specific destinations and I ended up in the center of Mass in Amherst. Over the past few years, my little sister has kept in contact with friends, A and W, she met through a 4-H trip out here. I also know these friends of hers and they both go to school at UMass-Amherst.
Amherst is this crazy little town. It is really small. But its got people everywhere! Like so many towns out here, Amherst has a thriving downtown with many shops, cafes, restaurants, and local businesses. A and I got ice cream, so tasty! We also visited nearby Northhampton. This town is filled with interesting folks and was so neat to walk around and check everything out. They even had an Art's Night Out happening that we enjoyed! After chilling with A, I met up with W and we headed out to get a taste of the nightlife. Not much different than any other college town...chilling with friends, some dancing, late night pizza, and head back home!
The center of the state was super, but then I headed southwest to Granville, MA. This more rural area is home to no other than The Scoop. W's family is the owners of this super tasty ice cream shop. I got to enjoy the great ice cream, had some roasted pork, played with baby puppies, and chilled all afternoon. It was a great time in southwest MA with delicious grub and fun folks to chill with!
Returning to Boston, I was able to enjoy many more pretty views and sites along the road as I drove. In one town I saw a lady riding her horse down the sidewalk towards downtown. That was interesting for sure!
Massachusetts is such a small state but seems to be filled almost to breaking point with fantastic place to go, things to see, and people to learn about! I can't wait to see more!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Best Cow Ever
After a year abroad in Austria, I came back home to my family's farm in May 2008 and fell in love with one beautiful Jersey gal. This one perfect animal had her first calf in December 2007 and had freeze damage to her teats. Because of the damage to her teats, this first calf heifer was not the friendliest to milk in our 62-stall stanchion barn.
The story continues as my Brother and Dad used all of their energy each morning and night to milk this new girl and care for her precious damaged teats. This gal also had loads of personality and made every milking an experience for everyone involved.
After many months of caring for and putting up with this difficult to handle beauty, she eventually mellowed out. By the time I arrived back home in May, she was the friendliest, sweetest, funniest, most beautiful Jersey on the farm. This was of course not the opinion of everyone at home.
Time went by and my new favorite cow continued to by the sweetest in the bunch. She would always look up when I called her name. She would also stand still and endure my overbearing hugging and petting of her. She'd patiently lie there or stand wherever as I wrapped my arms around her large middle behind her front legs and over her back to squeeze her tight.
Not only was this cow such a great friend to me, but she was a great asset to the herd as well. Contrary to what my Brother and Dad may say, she always pulled her weight. She bred back every year within months of calving and would calve the next fall between September and November. She would average above 60 lbs of milk/day right up until the end of the lactation. She was a great mom, a super milker, and she even scored in the upper 80's as well-this beauty had it all!
When we moved into our new freestall and parlor in 2008, my favorite baby took it all in stride. She was still up to her way or no way and continued to have a special spot in the parlor where she wanted to be milked. It usually didn't matter if she got milked at the beginning of her pen or at the end, but she more times than not was the first girl in on one of the sides. If she didn't want to get milked at the beginning of her pen, she'd just hang out by the gate and watch the other cows go through until she decided it was time to get milked and she'd start her side out first.
Never wanting to be last in line or the bottom of the totem pole, this fantastic lady kept everyone on her toes. From fooling around in the stall barn to always deciding to calve on holidays or important dates, this girl was always there!
If you haven't guess it yet, you don't know me very well. The best cow ever is no other than NIMBLE! Beautiful, sweet, and such a great cow, Nimble will always be my favorite.
It is still hard to come to terms, but after calving last Wednesday, Nimble endured some complications and is no longer with us. Her beautiful and feisty new baby, Nantucket, will continue to grow and become another part of the herd-always to be known as a part of Nimble.
Nimble. You are the best cow ever.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wet and Dreary
After a week of continuous beautiful weather, the East coast has turned a little gray. The clouds have moved in, the rain keeps coming down, and everywhere you go its wet.
In order to turn a more positive or at least interesting light on the dreariness outside, I figured I'd check out some funny facts about rain!
First of all, I'm super happy that the wetness that is currently falling is not in the solid form. However, all precipitation starts as ice or snow crystals at cloud level. We can thank the ground temperature for our rain, not snow!
Size doesn't matter, but it does change! Raindrops vary in size from 0.02 inch to about .031 inch in diameter.
Also, I'm super thankful to be here in Massachusetts and not Louisiana. With 56 inches of annual rainfall, the Pelican State is the wettest in the United States.
And lastly, in order to keep dry from the pouring rain, grab an umbrella! However, it is to be noted that this tool used to keep ourselves comfortable from rainfall was originally intended for shade from the hot Egyptian sun.
I hope everyone is getting ready for the Fall season to begin. The cooler weather is moving in and I'm excited for the leaves to start changing on all the trees!
If you're looking for more interesting facts about rain, you can read more here: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_interesting_facts_about_rain#ixzz1XJ08ONgi
In order to turn a more positive or at least interesting light on the dreariness outside, I figured I'd check out some funny facts about rain!
First of all, I'm super happy that the wetness that is currently falling is not in the solid form. However, all precipitation starts as ice or snow crystals at cloud level. We can thank the ground temperature for our rain, not snow!
Size doesn't matter, but it does change! Raindrops vary in size from 0.02 inch to about .031 inch in diameter.
Also, I'm super thankful to be here in Massachusetts and not Louisiana. With 56 inches of annual rainfall, the Pelican State is the wettest in the United States.
And lastly, in order to keep dry from the pouring rain, grab an umbrella! However, it is to be noted that this tool used to keep ourselves comfortable from rainfall was originally intended for shade from the hot Egyptian sun.
I hope everyone is getting ready for the Fall season to begin. The cooler weather is moving in and I'm excited for the leaves to start changing on all the trees!
If you're looking for more interesting facts about rain, you can read more here: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_interesting_facts_about_rain#ixzz1XJ08ONgi
Monday, September 5, 2011
To Lexington
Biking is my most favorite sport ever. Especially when I get to do it with an amazing biking companion, Brooke!
Today we set out with our bikes on the T (train/subway of Boston) to Alewife Station. From there we were able to find a really nice trail that headed north from the city. As we entered the historic town of Lexington, we found the Common, or Battle Green, where the Battle of Lexington occurred in 1775.
After a short break on the Common and a tasty treat of ice cream from a local shop, Rancatore's Ice Cream and Yogurt, B and I decided to take an alternate route back home. We didn't want to just jump back on the trail, so we headed down the road. We were going just fine when the signs pointed to the interstate! We stopped to determine our next move. Luckily, we came across two nice gentlemen who allowed us to follow them and direct us on our way back into Cambridge on the local highways.
Back in familiar territory, we went along the water on trails and made our way home.
It was such a super ride along the trail, through the very sweet and wonderful towns of Arlington, Lexington, and Belmont, and back through the city to the apartment. It appears that we traveled anywhere between 22 and 25 miles! Such a successful delightful day!
Today we set out with our bikes on the T (train/subway of Boston) to Alewife Station. From there we were able to find a really nice trail that headed north from the city. As we entered the historic town of Lexington, we found the Common, or Battle Green, where the Battle of Lexington occurred in 1775.
After a short break on the Common and a tasty treat of ice cream from a local shop, Rancatore's Ice Cream and Yogurt, B and I decided to take an alternate route back home. We didn't want to just jump back on the trail, so we headed down the road. We were going just fine when the signs pointed to the interstate! We stopped to determine our next move. Luckily, we came across two nice gentlemen who allowed us to follow them and direct us on our way back into Cambridge on the local highways.
Back in familiar territory, we went along the water on trails and made our way home.
It was such a super ride along the trail, through the very sweet and wonderful towns of Arlington, Lexington, and Belmont, and back through the city to the apartment. It appears that we traveled anywhere between 22 and 25 miles! Such a successful delightful day!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
What Else?
In my life there is one simple pleasure that I love to enjoy to make my world right (even when it is not wrong).
It only takes about five minutes to start reaping the major benefits of this satisfying treat.
There are only a few integral parts that make this simplicity so wonderful.
So, what could possibly be this amazing piece of goodness that can brighten my day at any hour?
It only takes about five minutes to start reaping the major benefits of this satisfying treat.
There are only a few integral parts that make this simplicity so wonderful.
So, what could possibly be this amazing piece of goodness that can brighten my day at any hour?
A cup of tea! What else?
After filling my cup with hot, boiling water, letting some PG Tips seep, and pouring in a small dollop of whole milk, my life can be fully restored or made even better!
Such a simple pleasure in life, but the hearty aroma and deep, creamy flavor swell my soul and keep my heart happy!
A City With History
Growing up in the Midwest, at school we learn all about the history of our country. We have drilled into our minds the year that Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Early in grade school we organize our own Thanksgivings just like the pilgrims and eat dark brown rice with shells. We study the Civil War and learn the names of the famous generals. We are told about the Revolutionary War and other details are filled in along the way.
Over the years I have come to appreciate all the minor events and happenings that make up the big-picture history of a city, state or country. The more intricate the stories of history, the more exciting they are to me! What really makes history exciting is to be able to feel as though you are a part of it. To stand somewhere that is recognized by millions of people as an important location. To hear about an event and see all around where it took place.
Boston is one of those cities that is the location of so many events that has directed our country's path to where it is today.
Present day Boston is just as lively as I believe it was centuries ago. Ships have brought hundreds of people from Europe and abroad to this city, traders used the Boston Harbor Islands to carry out business, and politicians were ever so abundant to steer our country to Independence. Today there are markets, vendors, and street performers that line the streets that are flooded with people from near and afar.
Walking through the streets of this historic city this morning, I enjoyed viewing the colorful fruits and vegetables of the Haymarket, or weaving in and out of the crowds on my way through North Quincy Market, and finding the well known Freedom Trail that leads to over sixteen significant buildings and sites of Boston's history.
Although my city adventuring today did not include visiting all the major sites, I am so excited to learn more of with how our country went from several small colonies to one huge united nation.
Boston is a beautiful city. It's doors are open at the ocean with welcoming arms at the threshold. There are a multitude of walking and bike paths. The beaches are clean and whenever the sun is shining, there are loads of people enjoying a swim, lying on the beach, or playing a game of sand volleyball. And wherever you are in the city you will notice the diversity of people who call this place home.
It was just so wondrous to head out on my bicycle this morning with my amazing tour guide, Brooke, and cycle around the city. We were also able to drop our bikes off and venture on foot. On or off the bike, Boston is a superb city. I am thoroughly looking forward to my upcoming city adventures! Make sure you come along for the ride!
Over the years I have come to appreciate all the minor events and happenings that make up the big-picture history of a city, state or country. The more intricate the stories of history, the more exciting they are to me! What really makes history exciting is to be able to feel as though you are a part of it. To stand somewhere that is recognized by millions of people as an important location. To hear about an event and see all around where it took place.
Boston is one of those cities that is the location of so many events that has directed our country's path to where it is today.
Present day Boston is just as lively as I believe it was centuries ago. Ships have brought hundreds of people from Europe and abroad to this city, traders used the Boston Harbor Islands to carry out business, and politicians were ever so abundant to steer our country to Independence. Today there are markets, vendors, and street performers that line the streets that are flooded with people from near and afar.
Walking through the streets of this historic city this morning, I enjoyed viewing the colorful fruits and vegetables of the Haymarket, or weaving in and out of the crowds on my way through North Quincy Market, and finding the well known Freedom Trail that leads to over sixteen significant buildings and sites of Boston's history.
Although my city adventuring today did not include visiting all the major sites, I am so excited to learn more of with how our country went from several small colonies to one huge united nation.
Boston is a beautiful city. It's doors are open at the ocean with welcoming arms at the threshold. There are a multitude of walking and bike paths. The beaches are clean and whenever the sun is shining, there are loads of people enjoying a swim, lying on the beach, or playing a game of sand volleyball. And wherever you are in the city you will notice the diversity of people who call this place home.
It was just so wondrous to head out on my bicycle this morning with my amazing tour guide, Brooke, and cycle around the city. We were also able to drop our bikes off and venture on foot. On or off the bike, Boston is a superb city. I am thoroughly looking forward to my upcoming city adventures! Make sure you come along for the ride!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Sailing
It was just on Wednesday that I was telling some friends that I had never been sailing before. Who knew that just yesterday I would go out on my first experience?
It was such a beautiful day with the sun shining and the breeze blowing across the water. Not only was the weather perfect, but knowing someone who goes to MIT and who can sail proves to be quite nice!
My coupled friends, B & M, love the outdoors so we headed to the MIT boating house, got a boat ready and M steered us out into the water. We spent a lovely hour or so out on the water.
Being my first time out on a sailboat, I have to say it was a super one! It was peaceful and relaxing with the most perfect weather.
It was such a beautiful day with the sun shining and the breeze blowing across the water. Not only was the weather perfect, but knowing someone who goes to MIT and who can sail proves to be quite nice!
My coupled friends, B & M, love the outdoors so we headed to the MIT boating house, got a boat ready and M steered us out into the water. We spent a lovely hour or so out on the water.
Being my first time out on a sailboat, I have to say it was a super one! It was peaceful and relaxing with the most perfect weather.
Thompson Island
There are so many different jobs and opportunities that are available here in the U.S. Most of my background and experience is in the agriculture field and working with animals. However, I have found many other jobs not directly in Ag and have come to love them as well.
My experience here in Boston will not be any different than my other crazy adventures. It'll be new, exciting, and completely off-the-wall!
One of closest friends has been the doorway to moving out to Boston for a few months. It is her experience with Outward Bound that has lead me to also seek a position on Thompson Island. For the next two months I will be working with youth of all ages helping them build leadership skills, trust among a team, and an appreciation for the environment. TIOB will be my place of new, exciting and challenging work until the end of October!
I am looking forward to this new opportunity to work in an area not completely parallel will my past experiences. 4-H camp and outdoor activities have always been fun for me, but this will be even more adventurous. And guess what? I'll be living on an Island! How neat is that?
My experience here in Boston will not be any different than my other crazy adventures. It'll be new, exciting, and completely off-the-wall!
One of closest friends has been the doorway to moving out to Boston for a few months. It is her experience with Outward Bound that has lead me to also seek a position on Thompson Island. For the next two months I will be working with youth of all ages helping them build leadership skills, trust among a team, and an appreciation for the environment. TIOB will be my place of new, exciting and challenging work until the end of October!
I am looking forward to this new opportunity to work in an area not completely parallel will my past experiences. 4-H camp and outdoor activities have always been fun for me, but this will be even more adventurous. And guess what? I'll be living on an Island! How neat is that?
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