This blogger is a city girl … but I think I’m a country girl at heart. I absolutely love to see this …
become this …
and then this …
A couple of weeks ago, I watched for the longest time as two local farmers baled hay.
It always fascinates me when that round bale rolls out. Sssshh … Don’t tell my hubby I’m THAT easy to please!
It’s 21st century farming, but I think it’s still so peaceful … Pastoral.
So you cannot imagine my delight a few days ago when Renaissance Man called to say I should drive by the field where we’ve seen the draft horses and check out the happenings. He knew I had my camera with me … and that I was already in the vicinity.
In fact, he was a few minutes ahead of me and had just driven past this partially cut field …
and seen this …
So much for 21st century farming!
Who needs it?
Obviously this old gentleman doesn’t!
And so I waited for a very uncomfortable few minutes in the midday sun (Told you I’m a city girl!) while the farmer and his work team disappeared from view … down into the valley and around the far end of the field. Finally, I saw them coming toward me. Just a glimpse at first …
And then a little more …
until he was close enough to wave … but he didn’t. He seemed to be in his own little world. The only sound I heard was a commanding but gentle “Whoa” at the corners when it was time to turn.
I would say, How cool is this! except it was so darn hot, so I’ll just say I LOVE THIS! The old man. The strength of the horses. Practical. Picturesque.
Provision. Why get one of those new-fangled pieces of equipment when you have all you need already?
It sort of caused me to slow down and step back … and remember that I’ve already been provided for too — many times over! How about you?
Praise the Lord!
He spreads clouds over the sky;
he provides rain for the earth
and makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives animals their food
and feeds the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in strong horses,
nor his delight in brave soldiers;
but he takes pleasure in those who honor him,
in those who trust in his constant love.
He spreads clouds over the sky;
he provides rain for the earth
and makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives animals their food
and feeds the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in strong horses,
nor his delight in brave soldiers;
but he takes pleasure in those who honor him,
in those who trust in his constant love.
Psalm 147:8-11
I’m joining Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper, Spiritual Sunday at Blogger Spirit and Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.
I love horses, these are great photos, you’ve captured a piece of Americana and the beauty of Mother Nature xo
I love the scent of the hay in a field that is being worked. There are many farming opportunities for you to observe in your area.
You are such a good and dedicated blogger to wait in the heat to capture those photos for us to enjoy! Think of all the work for that farmer–after he finishes cutting the hay he must tend to the horses too! Have a nice weekend. I really enjoyed your post. Linda
Nice post. The parties you are linking to sound really neat, especially Spiritually Sunday. There is so much out here in blog land and so much to explore..
Praise God…He is so good to us. Wonderful post, Susan. Thank you!
What a wonderful post, Susan! I grew up on a farm and absolutely loved/hated haying time. Loved the scent of the new mown hay, loved the feeling of being in the field. That was back when bales were smaller and all handled by hand. I HATED being stuck up in the hay mow and having to handle and stack all the bales into the recesses of the barn. It was hot, sticky work. xo Diana
Great pictures! Love them! Liz
What a wonderful capture of the farmer and draft horses! There is something so soothing and bucolic about seeing hay bales and acres of farmland. Perfect pairing with the Psalm 🙂
I love the round bales ~ I consider them field art! When my husband and I lived in Virginia, there were many of them behind our house. The farmers here in Idaho stack square bales which are not nearly so attractive. Love the draft horses. What a great photo opportunity and thank you for sharing these with us!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Love the pictures and the gentle reminder that God provides for us daily, what more can we possibly need.
SO enjoyed this colorful post. Made me wonder if the horses were in training. Oh! I miss America!
And here I am pining to go to Kansas and see the mega commercial wheat harvest. Your pictures made me realize the beauty of small moments. Just incredible to see man and beast working together. Thanks for posting. Dianne
Love that fellow working with his team of horses… so much of our lives whizzes by we hardly have time to appreciate anything… he’s traveling slow enough to appreciate the place, time and job he’s doing../
Such a beautiful post. Wonderful photos. Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
What a wonderful sight to enjoy. I’m a city girl, too. I enjoy visiting the country, but I don’t think I’m cut out for country living.
Beautiful photos, and I’m so glad you captured the man with his little team of horses. Praise the Lord! laurie
Oh, I’m with YOU! We regularly see Amish farmers in their fields with a similar get-up. And we can’t even take their pictures! Hmph. 😉
Hi, Susan,
I am a city girl, too, but I loved seeing your beautiful countryside scenes! Everything was so calm and soothing. Just what we need in the hectic paced world in which we live. Yes, I have been provided for time and time again. Thank you for sharing the scripture with me and for the reminder of His constant care. Also, thank you for stopping by Bunny Cottage for a visit. Have a terrific week ahead~Vicki
That’s such a wonderful picture. There just had to be a peace about the whole thing, too. No whirring engine, just the sight and sound of man and horse. I had seen something on TV about a year or so ago about farms that were returning to literal horse power to combat the high energy costs. I’ve always thought that my BIL who loves horses would love this and can picture him doing that. He always wears a big straw hat like that instead of a cap or cowboy hat, too. It’s what his father wore so it’s what he wears. There’s a generational beauty in farm families.
I love how God spoke to you through it about provision being there all along. Sometimes, we don’t need to look forward for it; we need to look backward.
I’m going to do a lot of thinking because of this post today.
(Sorry to be such a lame blog visitor. I’m still using all available extra time to delete, purge, and organize photos. Yes, I have THAT many…)
I love your post and the beautiful fields, just breathtaking and you are blessed to be around it:) Hugs Marilou
What fantastic pictures. I’m a city girl but I lived on a farm when until I was about 2 years old. I had relatives who farmed and I enjoyed visiting them when I was younger. It really is a hard but wonderful life.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
This is great…and I can so relate to the city girl with a country heart, well I just posted on that. These pictures are wonderful..just viewing them brings peace…we were made to learn how to slow down!