A summer in the city and a sweet goodbye

Well Summer is finally here! My favorite season is in full swing and I'm looking forward to picnics, camping, flip flops, and of course my birthday. This summer will be different. I'll be living in Lincoln, and keeping banking in the family as I work as a part-time teller. I'll be away from the farm, and experiencing a city-style summer.

In April, my parents asked me to make a decision. They wanted me to decide whether or not I would be showing cattle for this last summer of eligibility. After careful consideration, I decided that I would not be in the show ring this summer. The past years have been a blast, and showing cattle has been a huge influence in my life. In addition to the basics of hard work and responsibility, showing calves brought me closer to my brothers and parents, and taught me to value the moments of life in victories and defeat. The best part about showing were the people. Yup, cattle folks know how the have fun, laugh, and get stuff done. It's the friends I only get to see at the shows that I will miss the most.

So I'm mooooving on. I love our cattle, and will be driving home when I just can't handle the urban jungle anymore. Thanks to my parents for introducing me to the show ring, and the beef industry and encouraging me along the way. I may be done showing heifers, but I'm definitely not done with cows!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Why isn't it summer yet?

Sharing a meal with friends is one of my favorite summer activities!

Summer is my favorite season. It's the time of year that shorts and boots become my staple at home, and my friends and I have time again for shenanigans. Our adventures have included everything from a nerf war, a World's of Fun Trip, and endless games of pitch. More than just social time, I enjoy summer as an opportunity to explore the job world. My summer jobs have included Nursing home dietary aide, bank teller, and most recently a summer ag communications intern at a Nebraska Co-Op. Currently this summer holds no positions yet, but I'm sure the right position is around the corner, although the uncertainty is killing me, God has a plan for this summer just like every other one.

That's the way life is. One second you have it all planned, and the next it all seems to have fallen apart. Then when all hope is lost, you discover something wonderful among the wreckage. It's like that in agriculture. One second the markets are great, the calf crop looks amazing, and the sun in shining. The next it's pouring rain, you have a dead calf, and you have no idea how you're going to pay this month's bills. Everybody hates uncertainty, but it is among the uncertainty that miracles truly happen. Even though I may be down and weary of job hunting, I still am so grateful for the blessings I have in a loving family, good friends, and an amazing life.

Look for a blog soon to come about what my summer job will be, and in the meantime enjoy some sun wherever you are! Happy Summer!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie