Beef day 2017

TODAY was beef day – something that has been a tradition in our family for most of the last 25 years.  My uncle (and now his grandson) raise beef cattle, and every fall we put our heads together to organize a day that the already-butchered cow can be cut, trimmed, wrapped, and / or ground into hamburger.

I really didn’t take any pictures this year – except for the over-flowing freezer full of Nate’s portion (middle and bottom) and my portion (top).  This photo is from last year. Looks like a Flintstone’s steak for their backyard Bar-B-Que! 

Our dearest Aunt was in the hospital, recovering from a recent illness, and my uncle was in there visiting her.  But Jason (grandson) stepped in to save the day and help Nate and Dave make the major cuts and trim off the steaks and roasts.  We call worked at trimming the meat for grinding – until I stepped away to handle lunch.  Feeding seven hard-working beefers is a big deal!  We had all pitched in and spread a feast of lasagna, broccoli-chicken cassarole, Italian bread, salad, and chocolate pudding cake.  Yum! 

Having a freezer full of home-fed, well-raised beef is a great opportunity, but the conversation, hard work, and ‘bonding’ are the best parts of the experience.  We were blessed that by the time Jason had to leave, Uncle Clifford had arrived to finish out the day’s work.  We all pitched in to get the work space, tables, saws, and grinder all scrubbed and cleaned, ready to be tucked away until next season’s butchering.

As we prepared to leave, Uncle Clifford talked about what they had gone through in the past three weeks with my aunt’s illness, and how God had carried them all through these past very rough times.  We formed a prayer circle, held hand, and prayed together, a blessing that few realize in this world today.  I am indeed blessed with this loving family – and close friends (Sarah and Lynn) who are exactly like family – and it was a precious day with an even more precious end.  The 90 minute drive home had Kathy and I reflecting on the day’s events, and how a day spent with family is indeed more precious than silver or gold – or even a freezer full of beef!

And we are already talking about next year!  Love to all, and a huge thank you!!!