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By: Jim Fitzpatrick |
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Local Farmer in Polkton Township writes for the Coopersville Observer. |
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Along Brandy Creek By Jim Fitzpatrick
The Coopersville Observer – December 30, 2002 |
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Lights in the dairy barn show up well before daylight this time of year. Over at the western edge of the township, two men, father and son, have left the warmth of their beds in the old two-story brick house not far from that barn. They will soon be off to “ready” the 30-cow herd for milking. How many times they and the grandfather and great-grandfather of the youngest man have crossed the yard to do the milking over the past hundred years, could not be counted.
The barn stands tall against the dark, cloud filled sky. A low soft moan can be heard as the wind passes over the domed silo top. The land all around is dormant now, snow covered and wind swept at this early morning hour. The hayloft bulges with the growth of the previous summer’s alfalfa cuttings harvested from that land.
It is Christmas morning but the cattle must be tended to. The wind bites into the farmers’ faces as they lean into their approach to the milkhouse door. They will make quick work of their chores, this morning, with thoughts in their heads of the holiday meal and family all coming together for the day.
The cattle rattle their tie chains as the men enter the barn, familiar sights and smells are taken for granted as they go about their work. In the kitchen back at the house, bacon and eggs will soon be on the stove waiting for their return to the comfort of that old reddish orange brick house. It is a fine place to be, especially on Christmas Day! |
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Email: jim@nunica.com |
