The best way to avoid housework is to live outside.

Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day.  While women have excelled in so many arenas I find myself thinking especially about women involved in agriculture & farming.  Just a few generations ago, when family farms were more prevalent women were very involved in growing & putting up food, and the day-to-day farm operations.  According to the latest USDA census 30% of U S farms are operated by women and the trend seems to be increasing.

Here in our little valley there is a family farm known as the ‘Cron Stand’.  Jo & Jerry are twin sisters that along with their husbands have been farming since before I was born. Paul & I grew up here & summer just wouldn’t be summer without a trip to their farm stand for some sweet ‘cron’.  I admire these farmers so much.  Many times we’ve driven by either early in the morning or late in the evening & have seen them out on their tractors still plowing, or baling hale.  Jo & Jerry told me once that when their kids were little they’d put them in a playpen in the field & each would plow in opposite directions so they could keep an eye on them.

I know that when our sons were small at times I would be so overwhelmed.  I felt I looked ‘unprofessional’ making deliveries with a kid in a car seat, or apologizing when a toddler would answer a business call. When you farm for a living, your family life and your farm life are all mixed up together.  Looking back I realize no matter what any one thought or what ‘big account’ we didn’t get it was the right thing for our family.  I know Jo & Jerry would agree.

Besides…. the best way to avoid house work is to live outside!