I "Loved" Panera Bread.....

I love the Panera Bread Company restaurants!  Or, should I say “loved them” until just recently.  My mom, my sister, and I enjoy them almost every time we go out shopping and the food is always so delicious.  But, I came across this blog post and it left me with a horrible taste in my mouth and I guarantee if this marketing continues you won’t find me in a Panera restaurant!

No- my family doesn’t raise chickens, but as an advocate for agriculture we all stick together and what Panera is trying to do with this marketing is truly upsetting!

Please take some time to read this blog post:

http://dairycarrie.com/2013/07/23/dear-panera-bread-company/

Field Snapshot: Corn

Take a look at this picture of corn I took yesterday.  This corn was planted in May and is growing along nicely. 

But, can you tell what the corn is trying to tell us?  

 

This corn is in need of some rain! 

Take a closer look at the tips of the leaves….see how the leaves are starting to get twisted up?  That means that the corn is thirsty and in need of some moisture. 

Typically corn does not have the “twisted” look; the leaves are relaxed with tips pointing to the ground.  Next time you are out for a drive take a look at the corn and you will notice the difference.

Even though we could use the moisture we still have some wheat harvesting to finish up so you won’t find me out doing a rain dance just yet J

Good Times, Great Friends!

Usually we don’t do anything special for the 4^th of July because we are harvesting wheat.  But, this year the wheat matured a little later than most years so we decided to get out of town!  We headed to the Upper Peninsula to spend some quality time with a great group of friends. 

Brad has had the same group of friends since elementary school.  I think it is remarkable that they have remained so close after all these years.  There are even a few of the guys who live out of state now and they still make an effort to get together whenever possible.  As we get older and have more responsibilities and families it gets harder and harder to make time, but somehow they manage.  And when the guys all get together it’s like no time has passed at all.  They are really great to be around!

While we were up north we saw some amazing scenery and got to enjoy some true peace and quiet.  No running water, no electricity, no cell phone service, and no other people for at least a 15 minute truck ride.  But, it’s just what we needed!  Time to really see the stars again rather than the glow of city lights.   Time to enjoy company of great people without the distraction of the TV, internet or cell phones.  And, time to just catch up laughing about the small stuff.

I find myself constantly being reminded that the small things in life are some of the most important.  And spending quiet time with this great group of people is just another example of that.  Brad and I returned home refreshed, missing Claire, and thankful for great people in our lives.