Dishing Up the Dirt

Confessions Of A Farmer During A Heat Wave

August 12, 2014

be beer hoeing

1. We drink enough water during the day that our “after 5 o’clock” farm chores require beers and flip flops.

2. When we need supplies at the hardware store during a heat wave I volunteer to make the field trip. I always take the long way home so I can sit in the air conditioned truck for a few extra minutes. I tell Taylor there was traffic but he knows better.

3. The only reason I don’t farm naked is because I wouldn’t have a good place to put my pocket knife.

4. Peeing outside during a heatwave is a little more difficult because jeans stick to your body like glue. #farmersproblems

5. Sometimes I pretend I’m on the TV show Survivor. I trick myself into thinking if I make it through the day there will be a million dollar reward. I settle for an ice cold beer (which is priceless!)

6. I always thought farming would toughen me up (it has physically) however, I have fallen so head-over-heels in love with Tumbleweed Farm that I feel more vulnerable than I’ve ever felt in my life.  I would do anything for this place-even on the toughest of days.

7. Sometimes I sneak off to lay in the shade with Henry while Taylor still works. Shhh!

8. If I didn’t love Tumbleweed Farm so much I would spend these hot days swimming, eating ice cream and drinking margaritas.

9. If we won the lottery I wouldn’t change a thing.

10. Number 9 is actually a lie. If we won the lottery we’d buy more tractor implements so we wouldn’t have to do so much work by hand and we’d probably hire some extra farmhands. But that’s it!

If you’re experiencing a heatwave where you live share your confessions in the comments. Oh yeah, and cool off with one of these tasty cocktails. Cucumber-Lime Vodka Coolers. Cheers.

cucumber cooler3



Leave a Reply

15 thoughts on “Confessions Of A Farmer During A Heat Wave

  1. I can totally agree with pretending you’re on Survivor, I do that occasionally too…haha. Thanks for sharing some insight into farming in a heatwave!

  2. # 9 is a sign of true happiness. Love it!!

  3. betsy says:

    I love #6 the most. love and honor what you do

  4. After a hot day farming you definitely deserve both a cocktail and a million dollar reward. Feeling vulnerable and exposed is the truest sign that you are working on your heart’s desire.

  5. I love #9 – that’s how you know you’re truly happy! Hope there’s plenty of beer to keep you sane until the heat subsides. 🙂

  6. Lesley says:

    I teach homesteading and traditional skills outdoors year round in Sandy Oregon and so here a few my confessions:

    Sometimes it is an important lesson to kids to just wade in the water.

    Making ice cream and sitting in the shade to eat it is also an important life skill.

    When I get home I lay in the only air conditioned room in my house for hours with an ice cold beer!

    1. Andrea says:

      I love your confessions Lesley! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  7. Lauren C says:

    Aww, #6 is what life is all about! Happy for you! And I’m sure Henry will keep your secrets in #7 🙂

  8. I love #6. Tumbleweed is your baby! And I think with all of the incredible meals you whip up that you deserve to lay in the shade with Henry now and then.
    I think with time you will be able to afford those tractor implements and a few helping hands. You’ve got a good thing going and it’s only going to get better!

  9. Francesca says:

    We don’t have airconditioning and live in an apartment. All my neighbors have seen me laying naked on the floor trying to cool off.
    There!

    1. Andrea says:

      haha! Love it! Thanks for sharing your confession lady!

  10. Melly says:

    It’s a constant heat wave here in Florida lately! I am a “new farmer” just starting up my blueberry farm with hubby 🙂 and yes, I have to agree with #2-4 for sure!! And #10! My indulgence right now is soaking in my old claw foot tub on the patio at the end of the day (with lots of ebsom salts) or standing gloriously under a cool shower for as long as I can…ahhh…..oh, and chocolate and kombucha for my evening treat 🙂

    1. Andrea says:

      Thank you for your lovely comment and confessions! Cheers from Oregon!

  11. AmberS says:

    Just found you toda on facebook. I love your recipes and your writing!

  12. Jlo says:

    Naked naps…

Order Today!

New cookbook!

Local Dirt

I'm super excited about my new book full of farm fresh recipes and stories straight from the farm. There's a little something for everyone inside. You can order a copy today! Please order from my local bookstore, they have signed copies for a limited time and they'll ship anywhere worldwide!

Order From My Local Book Store