Monday, March 30, 2009

from the Farm Belles Library


The last time my sisters & I took the kids to see Grandma, my daughter told us "When I grow up I'm gonna have a farm all to myself". Living there her whole life, my Grandma knows a bit about living on the farm. We all cracked-up laughing when my Grandma's advice was "Honey, you gotta have a man to scoop the poop" So, when I discovered the book "How to Shovel Manure and Other Life Lessons for the Country Woman", by Gwen Petersen, at our local library, I had to grab it for my daughter. Unfortunately, she hasn't had a chance to read it yet, because I can't put it down!
"How to Shovel Manure" is a great little book every country girl will enjoy. It's packed full of practical advice we Farm Belles need to survive life in the country. Unlike other how-to books, this one includes as much humor as advice, which makes it so easy to read. Gwen writes about farm life through the seasons & how to handle all that life throws at her. How to plant, harvest, dress (floppy hat, muddy chore boots, husband's cozy sweatshirt), raise animals and children, even how to deal with city visitors and Mrs. Super Rancher.
Sneaking a glass of medicinal bourbon seems to help all of the above chores run a little more smoothly. Of course, the best tip I learned from this book was "Occasionally you will meet a truly mean chicken - usually a rooster. The treatment of choice is to plan stewed rooster for Sunday dinner"
As if all that advice & humor weren't enough to interest you, Gwen throws in some wonderful poems, the "Country Hick Dictionary" and yummy country recipes.
For those who live there, you know women in the country can sometimes feel a bit isolated. "How to Shovel Manure" is like sitting down with a good friend to swap stories and have a few laughs - even when the snow is 2' deep and road travel is impossible. (As I write, it is snowing AGAIN!)
So, grab the book here, pour yourself a bit of your favorite medicinal bourbon and take a break from the chores. If Hubby finds you sitting on your butt, not "working" just tell him you are studying how to be a better farmhand, and the more you read, the better you'll be.