I’m not sure what this calico kitten is seeing that has her licking her chops but I’m glad she isn’t looking at me that way.
Calico Kitten
The milkweeds are blossoming and some people eat the blossoms when they are small. The shoots and pods are also eaten but I think I will leave the milkweeds for the Monarch Butterflies to enjoy. Native Americans employed the stalk fibers for making string and rope as well as using it as a food source.
Milkweed Blossoms
It is hard to estimate the age of this barn, but it hasn’t aged as well as yesterday’s round barn. Even the tin covering the original wooden shingles has been battered by the elements. I wonder how many loads of loose hay would have been lifted up through the loft door on the hay-forks. I’m sure there would have been some kids playing in that hay loft and maybe day dreaming out the door watching the clouds go by.
Battered Barn
Round barns don’t have to be completely round to be classified as a round barn, as in this octagon barn in southwest Wisconsin. And it is hard to believe that this barn was built in 1893. It looks in great shape for 120 years old but it reflects the care of the farmers past and present who lived on this farm.
Octagon Barn
This faded red barn must have had its doors open most of the time as the less weathered boards are where the open doors would have protected them. And I wonder what sign would have grace the barn above the doors; was it a family farm sign with the names of parents and children and the type of livestock raised or was an advertising implement sign?
Faded Red
Yesterday I posted a barn door, so I thought today I should post the full barn with all of its doors where the farmer has gone in and out for years. And I wonder how many critters have escaped through unlatched doors.
Barn Doors
Old Barn Door
Farmer passes through old barn doors
On his way to start morning chores.
Herd of cows are munching their hay
And from the corner comes a neigh.
A birthing might cause a delay
And a lost calf brings much dismay.
From the straw a kitten starts to explore
As litters had done for years before.
The barn has gone from white to dark grey
Weathering years makes it tough to stay.
Through the cracks comes a bright sunny ray
To announce the start of a new day.
The laboring work and stress he ignores
Farmer is living the life he adores.
Sheri Erickson 7-28-13
Old Barn Door