Ignorance is Bliss

It doesn't matter what part of farming you are involved with there is always a "busy season".  I think we may be in the middle of ours.  I only say this, because I am starting to get grouchy.  Jake's long days start to wear on me and the girls.  I often think that if I didn't understand all the work and long days then I would be able to complain to Jake and make him feel bad. However I do understand the labor that must be put in. So that leaves me with a feeling of wanting to complain and grumble, but the want to keep my mouth shut on his behalf.  This is why I believe there should be a support group for farm wives.  

This leads me to two thoughts for tonight's blog.

The first is this old magazine article that was The Good Wife's Guide of the 1950's.  I put this in because it seems like something that is prehistoric.  To think you may have known someone or still do that follow these guidelines.  Unfortunately for Jake it's not me.

The Good Wife's Guide

From Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955.

• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
• Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
• During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
• Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
• Be happy to see him.
• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
• Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
• Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
• Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
• A good wife always knows her place.

The second thought is to all the farm families that are entering, ending or in the middle of their "busy season" - I send prayer, good luck and positive thoughts your way.  

While I feel all of the advice above is wonderful (enter sarcasm), if you feel it does not seem realistic to your 2012 lifestyle. Then please do eat too many fast food hamburgers in the fields with your family, let your kids watch extra television to keep your sanity, and find a good farm friend to complain to because your spouse can't handle all of their reality and yours.