OxfordPress.com

Putting up hay in the heat

It is hay-making time again.

Last night, we put 243 bales of second-cutting hay up in our haymow. It was a very hot day with the temperature still more than 100 degrees at 9 p.m. It sure was hot up in the haymow. We don't have an elevator so it helped to have two guys throwing the bales up in the haymow while us girls stacked it. My husband, Joe, was out in the field stacking the bales on the wagon. Everyone washed up to cool off before we ate supper. We made a haystack supper and sweet corn.

The temperature this forenoon is already 90, but with a better breeze than yesterday. Rain would be welcome, which might help to cool things off.

We finished our first patch of sweet corn, which was "early sunglow." We really liked that kind. Now my next patch of "Seneca sweet corn" is ready. I also have a patch of 95-day corn called "tender treat" out for later use. I've never tried this variety so we'll find out if we like it. I like to try different varieties to see which we like

better.

So far we haven't had a problem with raccoons getting the corn. We have two rat terriers that help keep them away. The dogs have caught quite a few moles for us in the garden and yard. Our female rat terrier is going to have her first litter of puppies, so the children are really excited. We've had her for two years now.

I have hot peppers, pickles, green beans and red beets that should be put up this week yet. We pulled the stalks from the first batch of corn and fed them to the horse. Now we have a few spaces that should be tilled. My tomatoes are really starting in, so once I get enough, I'd like to make salsa. We have watermelon out so hopefully that will make it before the growing season is over with.

School doesn't start until Sept. 5 this year. That will be after Labor Day, so the children have another month at home yet. I will really miss their help once they go back to school. We need to mow some more today. We mowed some yesterday. Elizabeth and I took turns so that we wouldn't overheat. I overheated once when I was younger and it still bothers me to work in the hot sun too long.

Try this delicious casserole

recipe:

Meatloaf casserole

2 lb. hamburger

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 egg, beaten

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup tomato juice

3 quarts of seasoned mashed potatoes

Cheddar cheese slices

Mix all together, except potatoes and cheese. Bake in a casserole dish for 1 hour at 350. Spread potatoes on top, then cover with cheese slices and bake until cheese is melted.