Variety is the Spice of Life

July 2025 vol. 1

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Independence Day! As the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life,” and this past week certainly reminded us of that truth. We took a short break from the ranch to visit family, and the change of scenery brought a refreshing dose of joy and perspective.

Our travels first took us to Tennessee, where we spent precious time with our son Jacob’s family, including meeting our newest granddaughter. From there, we made a quick trip to Pittsburgh to celebrate the Fourth with most of John’s family. These opportunities are a welcome contrast to our daily routines and remind us how much we value our family and friends.

Of course, while we were away, the ranch didn’t take a vacation. Nature kept things interesting, as always. We received a fair amount of rain—thankfully not as much as our neighbors to the south. It’s reassuring to see that our past efforts in erosion control and water conservation are paying off, allowing us to weather these changes with confidence.

The theme of variety continued at the barnyard. While we were gone, two litters of piglets -seventeen in all – made their debut. Judging by their eclectic colors and patterns, it seems a feral hog may have paid our sows a visit. It sure makes for an eclectic sounding. The chaotic colors add to the frolicking frenzy as they scurry about bumping into one another and rolling in the grass.

Watching these piglets tumble and play, each one unique, is a daily reminder that life is far more interesting when it’s full of surprises.

This will be our last group of piglets from our old stock, as we’re transitioning our herd to the Duroc breed I’ve written about recently. The young Durocs are growing quickly and living up to their reputation, but it will be nearly a year before we welcome our first litter from them. Until then, we’ll continue to enjoy the vibrant mix of colors in our current piglet crew.

As we settle back into our routines, we’re grateful for the spice that variety brings to our lives, both on the ranch and off. Whether it’s time with family, changes in the weather, or a new generation of piglets, it’s these differences that keep life interesting and meaningful.

Wishing you all a week filled with your own moments of variety and joy!