Monday, June 28, 2010

He thinks my tractor's sexy....

It's official.  I put in my first hour of raking hay today.  I know.  Just one hour.  It's really no big deal, but I love doing it.  My job in haying is to spell the others when needed or fill in when someone is gone.  This is the tractor we use to rake hay.  It's a John Deere 2520 and I think it was purchased brand new back in 1972.  It has really been a terrific little iron mule for us.  I like it that there is no cab on it so when you drive it, you are totally open to the elements -- the sun and wind and bugs --  and you feel the heat of the engine blow back in your face as you drive along.  I like the heat so it doesn't bother me much as long as I have lots of water on board.

Looking out over the raked hay to the bales that are already made.

On the other side of me, you can see one bale way over to the left and then there's a tiny speck that is the swather cutting more hay.   (click pic to enlarge for a closer look)   All this hay needs to be raked before it is baled up and....."we've only just begun..." (Do you hear Karen Carpenter singing in the background?) 

 Here's my front view from the tractor seat.  A. just put a new muffler on the tractor and it makes such a big difference in the amount of noise it makes and now the pipe is taller so the exhaust doesn't hit me in the face, even when I stand up while driving.

Here's the rear view as I watch the wheels spin the hay into the middle to make one big windrow.  Sorry this picture is a little crooked, I was in motion while taking it.

Just me and my shadow...and the lark buntings and the hawks and the deer flies.  The boys wear their iPods while raking since this is a mindless job, but I don't.  I'd rather listen to my GodPod or pray or sing or think my own thoughts.  Can you see why I love this job?

One more thing before I sign off.  I just had to share this easy and delicious caramel roll recipe with you.  I think it's kind of an old recipe, but it's new to me and it's so good!  I made these for Sunday breakfast this past weekend and they were a hit!  I think if you make these on Sunday, the calories don't count.

Sticky Caramel Rolls

1 large package of butterscotch or caramel pudding mix (cook & serve)
1 c. pecans (or nuts of your choice or no nuts)
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 bag frozen Rhodes dinner rolls *

Before you go to bed..... grease a large baking pan.  Mix butter and brown sugar together.  Place frozen rolls in the greased pan.  Sprinkle dry pudding mix over the rolls and then sprinkle brown sugar mixture and pecans over the rolls.  Let them sit over night on the counter top to rise.  Bake in the morning at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until golden.  When the rolls are done baking, I turn them out onto a large platter to serve.  Be careful, the caramel is super-HOT!

*I don't use a whole bag of rolls, but just enough to fit in my large baking pan in a single layer.

16 comments:

  1. Wow! Fantastic photos, Jody. Yum! The caramel rolls look delicious.
    I'm sending your book tomorrow. I ran out of time today. Shocker!
    love love love

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  2. I love that recipe, it is always a big hit in my home too. You are a real farm woman...good for you! I used to be too. Hope it doesn't get too hot! :D

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  3. You go girl! Love that you get to take a turn on the machinery. Dear would love to have a little bobcat around here...

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  4. Hey -- it's my Baby Deere's Daddy! It looks like heaven to me -- I'd love that job. Like you, I'd rather not have the ipod -- just me and my thoughts and the prairie!

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  5. That tractor looks like fun! I have never had the chance to drive one. It looks a little intimidating! Thanks for the SWEET recipe, definitely going to try that one! HAPPY RAKING & BAKING!!

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  6. I love everything about this post!

    I think that your job on that old, but faithful, tractor looks wonderful. I too like to listen to Godpod, or sing or even talk to myself when I am walking. I don't want an I-pod during that time, I just want the quiet. Now when I'm driving, that's another story...

    The recipe looks great, can't wait to try it,
    Joyce

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  7. Love the song Mom :) Ahhh raking...brings back memories. Not that I miss it!

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  8. Yum, Jody, I am so trying that recipe! Love your pictures, too, especially the shadow one. I heard this song on the radio today while driving around taking care of errands. I always think of you! :)

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  9. We make these sticky buns every year for Christmas morning...yum :)

    I love driving the tractor too!

    Have a wonderful day
    Niki

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  10. Oh How I miss driving a tractor....yes it is true. I was a farmers daughter before I became a cowboys wife.

    I grew up driving a 4020 John Deere, plowing over wheat land. Daddy bought be a new shade every year and one day he brought home a radio! It bolted on the fender and worked as long as you went the right direction to get the signal. But I am like you, I don't mind "quite", if ya know what I mean.

    ~M~

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  11. Such wonderful pictures. I do imagine that it must be a great feeling to be driving a tractor on those vast fields.
    Warm wishes, Tonya

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  12. You are too funny, Jody!
    Great photos! You are a good help-mate!
    I posted about a children's book with gorgeous paintings. The little girl on the cover reminded me of HP when she was younger...take a peek. The book is precious and a good addition to your children's library for HP:)
    Happy Ranch Days!
    Joanne

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  13. Hi there, thank you for visiting my blog recently. I thought I'd come over and visit you...what a great place this is...I love your way of writing, it's like we're having a conversation...I'm off to read more! :)

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  14. I may never forgive you for posting that recipe. Oh, my goodness! Those rolls look amazing.

    I loved the mowing pictures--especially the one with your shadow in it. Next time take a picture of your hat!

    frances

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  15. You do have a way with words Jody :) I was there with you:)
    Your tractor is a magnificant piece of machinery, I would be proud to have him standing in one of the farmers fields near us. No harvesting near us this year, I think the farmer's leaving it for a year. However there is a mountain of manure waiting to be fed into the soil, which we have to walk past when going to the footpaths for a walk. You can imagine the smell with the sun being out:(
    I want to come rake with you one year :)
    Ann x

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  16. I must confess I have REALLY liked that song ever since the first time I heard it on a local country radio station. My family was surprised that I knew the words to the chorus. I almost felt like a bad girl for knowing the words...almost *smile*. The song is fun though and speaks to the country in my soul! :)

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