You know you’re a farmer if….

You know you’re a farmer if…. * You know all the words to Big Green Tractor and International Harvester. * The weather forecast determines how your day will go. * Getting dressed in anything but farm clothes is painful. * Shopping for fun means a couple hours at Tractor Supply. * The people that know you best work at the local feed store. * Being without a truck for a week like missing your shoes and working barefoot. * You have subscriptions to Goat Rancher, Dairy Goat Journal and Llama Life (or livestock of your choice). * A good mail day is getting one of the above. * You hang out in the livestock barns at the county fair. * Your work pants (in my case, overalls) weigh about 30 lbs. by the end of the day or week because they’re filled with baling twine, hoof trimmers, screws and nails, screwdrivers, etc. * You have to leave your work boots on the porch. * A “roll in the hay” means you slept in the barn because you have a sick animal. * A jeweler looks at you with disgust when you bring your rings in for cleaning. * Someone arrives for a farm visit wearing high heels and white pants and you look at them like they’re from Mars. * Kids think you’re cool. * Your emergency phone number list consists of veterinarians. * Your cupboards and a shelf in your fridge are full of syringes, wormers, and other livestock medicines and treatments. * Your sinks need to be cleaned of hay daily. * Breakfast is the most incredible meal of the day. * The words mucking and fecals are used often. * You plan your life around feeding times. * You know you will never be a hand model. * You have Bag Balm for your animals and your hands. * You are late or cannot attend events because of chores. * You’ve canceled a dentist or doctor’s appointment because of a sick or birthing animal and the receptionist sucks in her breath with that “you can’t be serious” sound. * You’ve been outside in every temperature and every kind of weather, and thoughts of Toto from the Wizard of Oz have popped up more than any other. * Seeing old farmland replaced by development makes you physically hurt. * Doing your hair means picking hay out of it.

Gift of the Old One

GIFT OF THE OLD ONE By Eunice Day, Washington ME The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of goats. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their goats, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a little milk, and a few kids each year, and the goats were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end. Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had either kids or milk from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love." Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smouldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One". In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved goats. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared." And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the truck of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the goats through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The kids were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The milkers pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift-Because of love. Only Because of love.

Rudolph's Night Off

Rudolph's Night Off by Baxter Black 'Twas the night before Christmas and Rudolph was lame. The vet from the North Pole said, "Hoof rot's to blame. I'll give him some sulfa. It's the best I can do, but stall rest is needed the next week or two". "Great Scott", cried old Santy. He turned with a jerk. "I won't get outta here if my headlights don't work. On Interstate 40 I'll surely get fined, and lost in Montana if I'm flyin' blind. No cop in his right mind would give any clout to a geezer who claimed that his reindeer went out." He gathered the others, Old Donner & Blitzen. Were there any among 'em whose nose was transmittzen? They grunted and strained and sure made a mess, but no noses glowed brightly or ears luminesed. "It's bad luck in bunches", cried Santy distressed, "but we'll fly Continental, the Red Eye express. I'll look at the schedule". He put on his glasses. When up walked Old Billy, the goat from Lampasses. He shivered and shook like a mouse on the Ark, but his horns were a beacon, they glowed in the dark. Santy went crazy. He asked, "Why?" with a smile. "I just ate a watch with a radium dial. Where I come from in Texas we don't have thick hide. My skin is so thin it shines thru from inside". "If that's true then let's feed him', cried Santy with glee. "Gather everything burning and bring it to me. So Billy ate flash bulbs & solar collectors, electrical eels & roadside reflectors, firecrackers, sparklers, a Lady Shick Shaver and life savers, all of 'em wintergreen flavor, and jelly from phosphorescelous fish, a dayglow pizza and a glittering dish, fireflies and candles and stuff that ignites, then had him a big bowl of northering lights. He danced on the rug and petted the cat, then after he'd fainished and done all of that, to store up the static electricity better they forced him to eat 2 balloons and a sweater. When he opened his mouth light fell on the floor like the fridge light comes on when you open the door. His Halloween smile couldn't be better drawn, when he burped accidentally his high beams kicked on. "Hitch him up", cried Old Santy and they went on their way. I remember that Christmas to this very day. The sky was ablaze with the stars shining bright. They were shooting and falling all thru the night. And I realize now, (tho my fingers are crossed), what I really was seein' was Old Billy's exhaust.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas From Our Farm to You!

Santa's Elves

Santa's elves have been stopping by the farm already to pick up guinea pigs for good little boys and girls--and even a good adult or two!

We're excited that lots of stockings will have Buffalo Gal's Soap in them!

If you've not finished your shopping yet, we'll be available daily until Christmas--give us a call or email and we'll be glad to help!

Exciting news!

Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery's
Farm Store is OPEN!!

Hours will be Mon - Sat 9-6 and Sun 1-6.

Stop by and check out our goat's milk soap, pasture raised whole frozen hens, local country ham, jams, jellies, candy and honey. Goat items - toys, necklaces, ornaments, windchimes and more!

Our friends/neighbors, Fantasy Photography, stopped by today to make pictures of the store.  We'll be sharing those on our Facebook page soon.  Our new website is also in progress by our web-nanny.

Lots going on here on the farm, hope to see you soon!

Reminder...
The barn's new address is:
Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery, LLC
3241 Buffalo Creek Farm Road
Germanton, NC 27019
336.969.5698
Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com

Please note that not all of the online map tools (or GPS units in your car) recognize our new address, so you may need to use our old address (6749 S. Germanton Road, Germanton, NC 27019) for a little while longer.

You May Be A Farmer's Wife If . . .

You may be a farmer's wife if: * You call the implement dealer and he recognizes your voice. * The vet's number is on the speed dial of your phone. * Your second vehicle is still a pickup. * Your husband has ever used field equipment to maintain your lawn. * A night out involves the local 4-H club. * You've ever washed the kids or the dishes with a pressure washer. * Picking rock is considered a chance to get out of the house. * Taking lunch to the field is as close as you get to a picnic. * You can mend a pair of pants and the fence that ripped them. * The shopping list in your purse includes the sizes of filters, tires, overalls, chains, belts, lights, cables, spark plugs or shotgun shells. * You ever went on a date to the rodeo. * The directions to your house include the words miles, silos, last, or gravel road. * Lacey or Frilly is a farm animal but not your nightgown. * Being taken out to dinner has ever included a talk by a seed corn dealer. * Your farm equipment has the latest global positioning technology and you still can't find your husband. * You plan your vacations around farm shows. * Eva Gabor is on your list of Most Admired Persons. * Quality time with your hubby means you'll have a flashlight in one hand and a wrench in the other. * Sharing a cab has nothing to do with a taxi and everything to do with getting across the field. * No one, not even a stranger or farm editor, leaves your house without eating something. * You're equally adept at helping with your children's math homework or the complicated spreadsheets that detail every item bought, sold or misplaced on the farm for the past 10 years. * You have the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the tenacity of a bulldog, and the good nature of Mother Teresa. * You can deliver a calf, drive a combine, cook dinner for a half-dozen hired hands and still make time to pick the kids up from soccer practice. * You're equally at home at a PTA meeting or in session with a commodity association committee. * On Thanksgiving Day, you have to decide which pet to eat.

Local Happenings - Rural Hall

Here are some Local Happenings for the Rural Hall area from Rural Hall Messenger

On Monday nights: A knitting club meets at the Rural Hall Library at 7 pm. A facilitator is on-site to help beginners and to share tips and techniques with more advanced knitters. Take a project and join the group for inspiration and and good conversation. Call 703-2970 for more information.

Every Monday and Friday: Chair Exercise, a program of exercise designed to increase strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health is held at 10am at the Rural Hall Library, led by a staff member of the Forsyth County Health Department. To learn more, call 703-2970.

First Monday of each month: The Lifespan Center holds its regular board meetings from 5 pm until 6:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information, contact Mrs. Zelner Miller at 969-5104.

Every fourth Monday: The "Garden Spot of the World" Club meets in the basement of Rural Hall Moravian Church at 7 pm. Approximately 30 members including men, women, and families who love any type of gardening and want to beautify RH through the use of plants. Guest speakers and refreshments are offered. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

On Tuesdays: The Living Well, Rural Hall Center for Lifelong Learning will be open every Tuesday morning from 9am until 12 noon for fellowship, fun and a cup of coffee or cold drink. Make new friends and meet the old friends.

First Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Senior Citizens Club meets at 11:30 am the first Tuesday of every month for a pot luck lunch, fellowship and a program. Everyone over the age of 55 is invited to attend. Contact Dot Patterson at 969-6156 for more information.

First Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Book Club meets at the Rural Hall Library at 7 pm for lively discussions of favorite books. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call 703-2970 for more information.

First Tuesday of each month: Everyone is welcome to the tatting workshop for beginners held at the Rural Hall Library at 3pm. Sue Miller, a lifelong tatter and a member of the NC Regional Lacers Association will present the workshop. All supplies will be provided. For more information, call 703-2970.

Third Tuesday of each month: The Rural Hall Area Business Association meets at the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant at 12:30 pm. Each meeting consists of an organized program and/or speaker. Cost is $10 for non-members and free for members! First-time business visitors eat free. A great way to get your business involved with your community, colleagues, and local government.

Third Tuesday of the month: Join the Rural Hall It's Sew Fun Sewing Club from 6pm until 8pm at the Rural Hall Library. Bring your sewing machine and a project you need help with or come to share ideas with other creative sewers. Beginners and more advanced sewers are welcome.

Third Tuesday of the month: Club 66, a community senior citizen group, meets at 10:30 am the third Tuesday of each month at Providence Moravian Church. The meeting also includes a potluck meal and entertainment. For more information, contact Frances McGee at 767-3724.

On Wednesdays: Enjoy the company of other quilters and share ideas at the Rural Hall Library from 10am until 1pm during the Quilting Club time. Everyone is welcome.

On Thursdays: The Rural Hall Branch Library presents a preschool story time from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. Kids ages 18 months to 5 years are invited to the library for stories, songs, crafts, and fun!

Tuesday, December 13: A program, "Choosing and Caring for Trees" will be held at 6pm at the Visitor Center at Historic Bethabara Park.

Tuesday, December 13: Come "Celebrate Christmas" with The Living Well from 9am until 12noon. Meet old friends or make new ones during this time of fun and fellowship. The Living Well is located in the lower level of First Baptist Church of Rural.

Tuesday, December 13: Santa will be visiting the Rural Hall Library! The party kicks off with food and fun at 6pm, and Santa will be coming around 7pm. So bring the kiddies and your cameras, and join us for a jolly old time.

Thursday, December 15: Join the Rural Hall Library as they make holiday ornaments out of KUDZU beginning at 3pm! Add something a little different to your Holiday tree this year. Registration is required. Please call 703-2970 to register.

Friday, December 16: Help decorate the sanctuary of Nazareth Lutheran Church beginning at 6pm. There is plenty to do and many hands make light work! When the work is done, play Christmas Cookie Bingo. Bring several dozen cookies wrapped in small batches of 4 to 6, depending on size. The cookies will be the Bingo prizes.

Saturday, December 17: Rural Hall Moravian Church will host its 2nd Annual Angel Breakfast from 8:30am until 10am. Church members, family, neighbors and friends with children between the ages of 3 years old up to the 5th grade please register by calling 283-0614, or for more information, call Myra Perryman at 969-6541.

Sunday, December 18: Truman Capote's much-loved story, A Christmas Memory, is performed by Robin Voiers in an original adaptation. The play, a heartwarming view of the holidays in simpler times, will mark its 25th anniversary at Reynolda House this year at 3pm. Members/students $8, non-members $12.

Tuesday, December 20: The Living Well, Rural Hall Center for Lifelong Learning will host caroling and refreshments from 9am until 12 noon. The Living Well is located in the lower level of First Baptist Church Rural Hall located on Broad Street next to the library.

Wednesday, December 21: Meet at Nazareth Lutheran Church at 5:15pm to go Christmas Caroling to the church's shut ins.

Saturday, December 24: Nazareth Lutheran Church will hold its Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship at 7pm. The church is located at 460 Bethania-Rural Hall Road.

Sunday, December 25: There will be no Sunday school, but Worship will be held at 10am at Nazareth Lutheran Church located on Bethania-Rural Hall Road at the intersection of Tobaccoville Road.

Tuesday, December 27: Bingo will be held at The Living Well on Broad Street from 9:30am until 11:30am.

Sunday, January 1: A pot luck breakfast will be held at nazareth Lutheran Church beginning at 9:30am. Worship will begin at 11am.

Hangng Rock Park Adventures

Hanging Rock State Park
Sat, December 17, 2011
CCC History Hike
Join a park ranger for a short hike to the lake bathhouse and learn about how Hanging Rock State Park was founded in the 1930s. Meet in front of the Visitor's Center at 2:00.

Hanging Rock State Park
Sun, December 18, 2011
Owls of the park.
Did you know that there are three species of owl found in the park? Come learn some interesting facts about these nocturnal hunters debunk some myths and see some mounted examples of each species. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium at 2:00

Local Events

Walnut Cove Old Fashion ChristmasWalnut Cove Main Street Merchants will host "Old Fashion Christmas" -- December 2nd, 9th and 16th. Merchants will extend shop hours (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) on these dates. The first Friday of December, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Music, street vendors and pictures with Santa will be available to the public.
There will be music, street vendors and pictures with Santa. There will be a food drive and toy drive with a minimum of three non-perishable food items or one new toy. Patrons will receive one picture with Santa in lieu of the donation of food items or new toy. You may also have your picture taken with Santa for a donation of $5. (All three Fridays will be hosting the food/toy drive).

Special Christmas Shopping Event in King
The King Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with many stores in King is offering you an opportunity to complete your shopping for the holidays away from the maddening crowds. On December 9th you can stroll the streets of King, listening to the sounds of music provided by carolers and let the stress roll away. If you have items that you would like to offer for sale, there are some slots available through the King Chamber of Commerce. Call them at 336-983-9308 for more details.

19th Annual Southeast Invitiational Miniature Art Show
Over 60 artist will be participating including: Scott Burdick, John Seery-Lester, Smith, Heiner Hertling and move wisit Germanton Gallery's website for a complete list of artists and more details

Drive-Thru Christmas Story
Drive-Thru Christmas Story at Jefferson Church of Christ, 8200 Jefferson Church Rd. Rural Hall, NC. 7-9 pm Thursday and Friday nights, and 6:30-9 pm on Sat. and Sun. nights. 7 live scenes with real people and live animals, 7 scenes from the warmth of your own car. Can't beat that. We are sharing the Good News, the story of Jesus from His birth to His resurrection.

Moving Right Along

We're making a lot of progress on our farm store, which will be opening this winter!

This week we got our Meat and Poultry Handler's License.

This weekend we continued to move displays into the store, and even started stocking them with our goat's milk soap!

Until the store officially opens, remember that our soaps are available at several local stores, the farm and online too! 

Some of the new types of soap that we've busy making include:

Blackberry Pomegranate

Chamomile

Cherry Almond

Fig

Funky Monkey

Grape

Honey Oatmeal

Lemon Basil

Lemon Eucalyptus

Lemon Sage

Mint Lemon

Orange Eucalyptus

Orange Fig

Orange Cranberry

Peppermint

Pomegranate Fig

Raspberry

Spearmint

Sweet Pea

Woodslands (Dirt Scent)

These soaps are not available on our website yet, but if you're interested in ordering them please email or call (336.969.5698) and we'll be glad to add it to your order.

You Know You're A Dairy Farmer If . . .

You know that you're a dairy farmer if: * your favorite mixed drink includes Yoo-Hoo. * that billboard that says, 'Say No To Crack' reminds you to pull up your jeans. * your local newspaper has a front-page feature called 'Cow of the Week.' * you own a trophy that includes the words 'cow chip toss' on it. * you practice your cow chip throwing techniques while they're still fresh. * your kids hide the Easter eggs under cow patties. * directions to your house include 'turn off the paved road.' * you have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say Cool Whip on the side. * no matter how you clean your hands, the dirt under your nails won't come off. * people come to your door mistakenly thinking you have an auto salvage business. * your favorite song is -- Old McDonald! * your sewage system consists of a pipe down a hillside. * you wake up in the morning already dressed for work. * taking your wife on a cruise means circling the Dairy Queen. * your idea of high-quality entertainment is a six-pack and a bug-zapper. * you think a manicure is some kind of French doctor. * three-fourths of all the clothes you own have logos on them. * your mailbox holds up one end of your clothesline. * you've ever given livestock as a wedding present. * the Marlboro man is your idol. * you've ever had a conversation about truck tires that lasted more than an hour. * you call your wife 'ma' and want her to call you 'pa.' * you have two pairs of jeans and six pairs of boots. * your front yard has any broken appliances in it. * you watch Jerry Springer to see if any of your relatives are on the show today. * your daddy's last words were 'Hey ya'll look what I can do!' * your lawn furniture was in your house last summer. * your car uses more oil than gas. * your gene pool doesn't have a 'deep end.'