Wisconsin Farm Scenes

Central Wisconsin boasts of some of the best farmland in the area, but sad to say, a lot of the old big farms have gone by the wayside. The original older farmers who have had the land in the families ever since their ancestors came over from “the old country” have since passed on, leaving the land to be divided up and sold or just left to lie in waste, as the younger ones moved to the cities to find their fortunes. Few and far between are the family farms still in operation. Farming is now a big business, compared to many years ago. A few old barns still exist, dotting the countryside and reminding us of days gone by. “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 28:8

A modern  Wisconsin farm

An old fashioned farm barnyard

A common site in WI - the local cheese factory - fresh Wisconsin cheese at a crazy cheap price.

This area is also abounding with Amish farmers. While looking for raw, local honey (a teaspoon a day of this is a great allergy remedy – it really works, too), we came upon a very young Amish wife working in her garden, barefoot, with a young child sitting on the ground beside her. The huge clothesline was filled with a plethora of Amish clothing, linens, and beautiful quilts. We inquired if the small store on the property had any honey, and she answered, “Of course we do. Just go on in, my husband is in there”.  The store was small but so very homey, featuring homemade bakery, made by the young wife, bulk goods, and many sundry items useful on an Amish farm. As we were making our purchases, my fingers itched to take pictures of the 5 barefoot stair step children peeking around the doorway at us “Englishers” talking to their very young father! (Yes, FIVE more children in addition to the other infant outside with Mama.) But in keeping with the Amish tradition and belief that pictures of their faces is considered being vain and generally forbidden in their religion, I respected their beliefs. I did get a picture of an Amish buggy in the nearby town though. It was a wonderful day for just driving around the countryside, reminiscing on whose farms this was, or whatever happened to so-and-so, marveling at the changes in the past 50 years and wondering what would this look like in 50 more years. God has given us a wonderful body, with a brain to search back into its memory bank and smile at the pictures we form of the past. Such memories are funny at times, bittersweet at others, but always kept close to our hearts. Remember and pray for those who have diseases that steal their past memories from them, and be patient with them, love them, and lean on God’s protection and grace for them.

Amish buggy - often seen in the area.

A simple cooking hint - 1 cup of salt - add 1 Tablespoon black pepper. This is the exact proportion for seasoning. Keep it near your stove in a covered container - add a pinch or more for cooking.  Or 1/2 Cup salt and 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper for a smaller amount.