When things go wrong in the wood lot it's always best to stay calm and assertive.

Like most of us, I've made the mistake of rewarding an animal at the wrong time – not with snacks, but with kind words. A cow is scared of a rock, so I decide, wrongly, to reward her by crooning, "It's alright. I'm here to protect you from that rock."

Bad experiences bring useful lessons. This year confirmed and expanded my belief that local is better. Of course, I've learned that other local products also deserve our support and help when the supply-chain becomes unstable again.

Some of you have lived on a farm, some have not, but I bet most of you have a pet. Pets are one way many of us connect to our "farmer-selves." Raising a dog and raising a cow have similarities. For instance, a dog needs to express his "doggie-ness" just as a cow must express her "cow-ness."

Bleu found the perfect post.

There's something about harnessing and commanding the might of 3,000 pounds of muscle and bone that is gratifying. It makes imposing my will upon my 160-pound husband hardly worth the effort.